Board of Directors

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE, INC. board is made up of individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, who are passionate about contributing to making the world a better place. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop. Our staff is helping individuals move on to become productive, self-sufficient, and happy citizens of the world. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.

Karen Houston, BSN, RN, LSW

President

Karen received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She received an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Karen also received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. She is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and a Registered Nurse (RN). Karen would like to show clients another perspective on life.

She is a seasoned nursing professional with a varied background in nursing and social work, and expertise in working with patients/clients who have complex medical-behavioral health issues. Karen has amassed over 27 years of experience in psychiatric, substance, and alcohol use disorders and over 14 years of nursing experience, and is comfortable working with patients/clients who have a variety of different conditions.

Derek Houston, Sr.

Vice President

Derek is a Graduate of Trotwood-Madison High School in Trotwood, Ohio. He worked with both children and adults in a variety of jobs. Derek held several positions as a Security Officer, Shift Supervisor at Electronic Data Systems (EDS), Center Duty Officer (Senior Security Officer) at Dayton Job Corps Center, and Residential Advisor/ Security at Volunteers of America (VOA). He would like for people to know that everyone deserves a second chance at becoming productive citizens.

Robin Perkins, LPN

Secretary

Robin is a mother of 3 and has over 32 years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She brings to the table many years of experience and knowledge working with the elderly, mental health, and patients with Dementia. Having a parent with mental illness and Dementia, Robin can see firsthand how easily a person could slip through the cracks. She is looking to bring awareness about mental health and Dementia through education and sharing of her knowledge.

Carmen Harris

Director

Carmen received a certificate of completion from the First Cook Program at Roosevelt Center in Dayton, Ohio. She received an Associate's Degree in Medical Coding from the National College of Business in Dayton, Ohio. Carmen has over 33 years of experience as a State Tested Nurse Assistant (STNA). She would like people to know that addiction (substances or behaviors) comes in a variety of forms not only drugs and alcohol but also gambling, sex, video games, food, or other compulsive behaviors. Carmen also would like people to be aware of addiction transference (cross-addiction) where they later develop another addiction to something else.

Regina Smith

Director

Regina is a mother of 5 and has over 23 years of experience in factory work as a Production Associate. Her life was impacted by family members with substance and alcohol use disorders. Regina grew up with both of her parents having a dependency on substances and alcohol and in turn, were not able to care for their children. She and her seven siblings ended up in the foster care system from the age of 12. Regina would like to help others to know they can have a life worth living without substance and alcohol. She believes through the recovery process and supportive services they will be able to stand on their own.

Kandas Robinson, BSN, RN

Director

Kandas is a mother of a daughter and has over 19 years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and as a Registered Nurse (RN). She received an Associate of Science in Mental Health from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Kettering College of Medical Arts in Dayton, Ohio, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. Kandas has experience in Intensive Case Management working with mental health and substance abuse (Dual Diagnosis) clients. She currently works as a Dialysis Clinical Educator. Kandas would like to help the clients live up to their purpose in life. She wants to help rebuild their lives so that they can become a productive citizen. Kandas believes everyone deserves a second chance in life after making bad decisions.