Founder and Executive Director
Rick Minard is the Founder and Executive Director of New Hope Alliance. He also serves as a chaplain with Broken Chains and Motorcycle Missionary, and as a leader within Rock Point Church’s Care Ministry. Rick has a deep passion for guiding individuals and families toward healing and restoration, particularly those impacted by addiction. After losing his brother-in-law to heroin in 1999, Rick became committed to ensuring that the resources unavailable to his family at that time are readily accessible to others today. His leadership is rooted in faith, recovery, and a strong desire to build supportive, life-giving communities.
Treasurer
Shrrene Minard serves as the Treasurer for New Hope Alliance, overseeing the organization's financial operations with dedication and precision. Her role is vital in ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency, supporting the mission of connecting individuals and families to recovery resources.
Medical Advisor
Jeri Bjarko, FNP-C, APRN, serves as the medical director of New Hope Alliance. Jeri’s love for medicine began in her youth, inspired by her pediatrician. She became certified as a Medical Assistant and joined Honor Health Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, where she held various positions over 17 years. Jeri graduated from Grand Canyon University with a master’s degree as a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner Certified, and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. "Working in primary care, I have the opportunity to encourage our community to live life to the fullest by educating them on disease prevention and maintaining good health habits," said Jeri. "Life can be hard enough, so taking care of yourself should be easy and accessible." With empathy and passion, she is honored to be part of New Hope Alliance. Jeri holds the topic of addiction close to her heart, believing that addiction does not discriminate. She serves with her team to answer any questions regarding how addiction affects physical and emotional health. She looks forward to meeting you, offering encouragement, and being part of your journey to sobriety and "Living the good life, it really does get better."
Board Advisor
Vanessa Marr serves as an advisor to New Hope Alliance. As a recovered heroin addict, she shares education and awareness through her personal experience with opioid addiction. She is a leader in Celebrate Recovery and is committed to walking alongside those seeking guidance and accountability. With a heart for those lost in addiction, she is dedicated to providing support and hope to individuals and families affected by it.
Vice President
William John Brandon serves as the Vice President of New Hope Alliance, providing critical leadership and strategic oversight. His experience and dedication to the mission of New Hope Alliance ensure that the organization remains focused on its goal of connecting families and individuals with the recovery resources they need. William’s leadership strengthens the foundation’s ability to make a lasting impact in the fight against addiction.
Secretary
Victor Cardenas plays a key role in the leadership of New Hope Alliance as the Secretary, ensuring smooth administrative operations and effective communication within the organization. With a heart for service, Victor is deeply committed to supporting the foundation’s mission to provide individuals and families affected by addiction with access to recovery resources. His dedication to helping others, combined with his organizational skills, makes him an integral part of the New Hope Alliance team.
Board Advisor
Lisa Caudron is a master’s-level addiction counseling graduate with experience in intensive outpatient and inpatient treatment, individual therapy, and recovery-focused group facilitation. She completed her clinical training at New Freedom in Phoenix, a re-entry program where she worked directly with individuals released from prison, utilizing evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care. Lisa currently serves as a Therapist at Copper Springs East, further expanding her clinical skills in behavioral health while supporting individuals through a variety of mental health and substance use challenges. In addition to her clinical work, Lisa has been deeply involved in Christian recovery and service ministries, including Celebrate Recovery, 180 PSM for children with incarcerated parents, Embrace Grace, Angel Tree, and several roles at Rock Point Church. Also having personal experience with opiate addiction, her heart for service and her belief in Christ-centered healing shape the way she walks alongside individuals in their recovery. Lisa is grateful to serve as a Therapist with New Hope Alliance, where she is devoted to providing encouragement, accountability, and hope to those seeking restoration and freedom.