Megan grew up in Central Indiana and moved to Starke County in 2015. After overcoming her own battle with substance abuse and addiction, Megan decided to dedicate her life to those struggling in similar ways. In her professional life, Megan has worked in various settings helping those experiencing substance use and mental health disorders. In 2024, Megan earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work and has since become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor Associate and Certified Peer Support Professional. Megan currently works as an Outpatient Therapist and Assessor at Porter-Starke Services, Inc. in Knox, IN. Megan has a heart to see the most hurting people healed, and the most broken people set free. In her free time, Megan loves to sew, craft, and spend time with her friends and family. She lives in North Judson, IN with her husband Jesse, their daughter Frances, and their four cats.

Charissa has been a lifelong resident of Starke County. She graduated from North Judson-San Pierre High School and went on to earn degrees in Marketing and Management from Taylor University. After graduating, she returned to North Judson with a desire to make a positive difference in her community. She started her experience working in behavioral health as a Court Liaison Case Manager for Porter-Starke Services, where she developed a deeper passion for helping individuals struggling with addiction. She currently serves as the Coordinator for the Pulaski County Drug Treatment Court and Veterans Treatment Court, working alongside community partners to help individuals overcome barriers, access resources, and build healthier futures. Charissa is excited to be part of Hope Restored Recovery Home and is passionate about creating a supportive environment where individuals can find hope, build connections, and work toward lasting recovery. 

Gretchen Gearhart was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and met her husband, Tim, while attending Grace College. She now lives in Winamac with her husband, a substance abuse counselor, and enjoys spending time with their three adult children and mini-aussie.

Gretchen spent 22 years working as a special education teacher before becoming an Education Consultant for the Indiana Department of Child Services. Through her career, she gained experience working with individuals facing mental health challenges and substance abuse, giving her a unique perspective and knowledge of resources that she brings to the Hope Restored board.

Gretchen’s faith is central to her life and is what draws her to the Hope Restored mission. Seeing her husband’s work in the recovery community helped her recognize the need for supportive relationships and resources for those struggling with addiction. She desires to follow Christ’s example by loving those who are hurting and building a community where everyone feels welcomed and supported. Gretchen believes there should be a place at the table for everyone. She is especially passionate about surrounding residents with positive peers and mentors who will continue to invest in them even after they leave Hope Restored.

Outside of work, Gretchen enjoys spending time outdoors, caring for plants, reading, and cooking. She even hiked 100 miles across Scotland! But really, as long as she’s with her people, she doesn’t particularly care what she’s doing.

Jesse has lived in Starke County for the past 25 years. He graduated from Knox High School and then went on to get a Bachelor’s degree in education from Bethel College. He worked at Knox High School for two years, and then taught for three years at an alternative high school in Knox called The Crossing. While there, he was exposed first hand to some of the serious issues Starke County faces such as poverty, broken homes, and substance abuse. He was impacted in a major way and is determined to be a part of restoring hope and healing to this community. Jesse currently works for Bowen Health as a Skills Coach. He lives with his wife Megan and their beautiful daughter Frances.

Global Business Manager and Hemostasis/Thrombosis Product Manager, Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, TX. Mr. Pearman has been involved in medical diagnostics worldwide for 34 years from the Research Lab (Notre Dame) to Sales/Marketing/Business Development and continues to actively participate in numerous professional education activities. A graduate of Indiana of University in Biology and Chemistry, Mr. Pearman was also CEO/CFO of 3D Biomedical which was a successful medical consulting firm founded by him and the late Dr. David Carville. Mr. Pearman is regularly involved in outreach with students of all ages, and was a volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder for 24 years, still teaching and leading local emergency planning and management. He is serving his 4th term as Starke County Councilman (running unopposed this year 5 th term). He has been involved in extensive volunteer activities including the planning and execution of the Indiana Bicentennial for Starke County. He has served on numerous boards over the years; currently serving on Starke County Economic Development, Hope Restored and HealthLinc boards. He is also a Free Mason (Indiana Lodge #639). Dave’s main passion in life is promoting health and wellness, especially mental health which is fueled by the efforts and impact on mental health by his late mother Carmen Pearman who dedicated her life focusing on patient recovery.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpearman

Dan was born and raised in Northwest Indiana and made Starke County his home in 2025. He currently works as a Project Coordinator for M.J. Electric and has a strong heart for his community and for those whose lives have been affected by substance use and addiction. Dan’s passion for recovery has been shaped by several close friendships with individuals who have walked the difficult road of recovery, as well as the loss of two friends to addiction. Through these experiences, he has seen firsthand the challenges of overcoming addiction and the importance of having a strong support system and access to the right resources. Dan joined the board of Hope Restored after seeing the need for greater resources and support for individuals working toward recovery. He hopes to use his skills and experience to help further Hope Restored’s mission while giving back to the Starke County community he now calls home. Outside of work and serving his community, Dan enjoys football, gaming, hiking with his dogs, spending time with family and friends, and date nights with his wife.