Meet the ANEW Team
Michaelene Colestock MA, LPCC, LADC she/her/hers
Owner, Founder & CEO
Michaelene Colestock-Spence is the founder of ANEW Chemical Health Services and Spence Specialties LLC. Michaelene has been working in the SUD Treatment and Recovery field since 2001. After completing her Master's level internship at Wayside House she found she had a genuine passion for serving women and children. Michaelene's vision included providing sober housing to women and women with children, Outpatient treatment services, and in 2021 included Residential treatment services. Michaelene is well connected to many other professionals in the treatment community and has served hundreds of clients and their families throughout the years. Michaelene is a firm believer in the power of thought and that everything happens for a reason. We must "trust the path" that is laid before us as it is the path to start ANEW.
Elizabeth Volkman MA, LADC, LPCC she/her/hers
Director of Clinical Services
ANEW Chemical Health Services
Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Therapy with a minor in Psychology in the early 90s. After graduation, she spent nearly 25 years in creative and marketing roles but always felt a calling to return to her original goal of working in behavioral health. She returned to school, earning a master’s degree in counseling Psychotherapy and a Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and is pursuing her PhD in General Psychology at Capella University. Elizabeth has worked in multiple roles as a therapist, initially with women at Wayside Recovery Center Women’s Outpatient Treatment. And most recently with People Incorporated Mental Health Services as Program Manager in a Crisis/IRTS residential program.
Elizabeth believes that understanding, accepting, and committing to our values is an integral part of recovery and creating a meaningful life. Using a mindfulness and acceptance-based therapeutic approach to understand the unique perspectives and experiences of each individual, Elizabeth works to empower her clients towards change in a safe, welcoming environment.
In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys traveling, time with family and friends, her cat (Kitten) and puppy (Nugget). She loves decorating her home with original artwork, spending time in her yard and trying to perfect a sourdough bread recipe.
Wendy Waddell PhD, RN she/her/hers
Director of Business Operations
Wendy started her healthcare career as a Registered Nurse, working in inpatient Mental Health facilities in Canada, where she was born and raised, and then in Texas. During her career, she obtained her Masters degree in nursing with a specialty in Mental Health nursing, and her doctorate in Health Care administration. She moved to Minnesota in 2005 to be closer to her family in Canada. Wendy’s career has been focused in Mental/Chemical Health leadership, as a nurse manager in several locations and as Director of Psychiatry at Regions Hospital in St. Paul for 14 years. Her most recent role, from which she retired in January 2025, was as Chief Operating Officer of People Incorporated Mental Health Services.
Although loving retirement, Wendy felt a strong pull to work part -time with ANEW, due to a previous working relationship with Michaelene from the days of ADAP/Regions Hospital, as well as her continued strong need to help people with Mental/Chemical Health issues. When not working, Wendy loves time in her yard, with her partner and dogs, and upcycling/crafting.
Samantha Jacobson she/her/hers
Financial Controller
ANEW
Samantha joined ANEW in 2025 as Controller, bringing over a decade of experience in nonprofit financial leadership, operations, and human resources management. She oversees the financial operations across ANEW’s programs, ensuring fiscal integrity, compliance with GAAP and nonprofit standards, and the overall financial wellbeing of the organization.
Before joining ANEW, Samantha served as Director of Finance and Human Resources at Salvo Soccer Club and as Chief Financial Officer at Breaking Free, where she guided complex grant management, implemented internal control systems, and led organizations through periods of growth and transformation. Her earlier work with Family Pathways strengthened her passion for building strong, mission-driven teams that serve their communities with transparency, compassion, and care.
Samantha is deeply committed to advancing mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting the health and vitality of women. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Human Resource Management from Metropolitan State University and remains an active volunteer within the nonprofit community, serving on boards and participating in fellowships that promote equity and empowerment.
Outside of work, Samantha is a proud mom of three active kids who keep her busy with sports and activities. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, solving puzzles, and exploring new food experiences as a self-proclaimed foodie.
Samantha Eichman she/her/hers
Childcare Center Director
ANEW Childcare Center
Samantha has been with the ANEW Childcare Center since Spring 2025, bringing over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Her mission is to create a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally rich learning environment where every child feels safe, valued, seen, and inspired to grow. She leads with empathy, integrity, and vision, empowering educators, supporting families, and fostering a community rooted in respect, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
A strong advocate for best practices in early childhood education, she is dedicated to ensuring each child’s experience begins with a solid foundation for future learning success.
She considers it an honor to be part of such an inspiring team of women who uplift and empower one another. Being part of the story of the children and families served by ANEW is, to her, a true gift.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. Together, they love exploring the outdoors through camping, hiking, and fishing.
Sam Krebsbach MS, LADC she/her/hers
Clinical Supervisor
ANEW Chemical Health Services
Samantha (Sam) graduated from North Dakota State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She went on to earn her Master's degree in Counseling from the University of Mary in Fargo, ND, completing the program in 2016. While in her Master's program, she was accepted into the North Dakota Addiction Counselor consortium to complete her 9-month long internship in addiction counseling. Here, she gained experience in assessment, motivational interviewing skills, working with adolescents and families, adult men and women, as well as working in the state's local human service center where a "treatment mall" approach was utilized.
Sam moved to Minnesota in 2016 and obtained her LADC, initially working with women at Wayside Recovery Center Women's Residential Treatment as a counselor. She also gained experience in the Outpatient level of care, working as an Outpatient counselor at Wayside's Wellness Center prior to accepting a position at Anew. Sam values a positive relational, client-centered and client-driven approach to care, specializing in work with women and meeting clients where they're at in their personal recovery process. In her free time, Sam enjoys getting creative and leaning into the simple joys of life by knitting, painting with watercolors, collecting agates, hiking in nature, or spending time with her two cats. This year, Sam took on the challenge of completing a year-long scarf project, knitting a row each day that corresponds to the daily temperature.
Emily Tietz CPRS she/her/hers
Supportive Housing and CPRS Supervisor
ANEW
Emily’s journey in the recovery field is both inspiring and transformative. She began her path to helping others as a client in ANEW's outpatient program, where she personally experienced the power of recovery and support. Motivated by her own journey, Emily pursued her passion for helping others and became a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) through Bold North Recovery and the state of Minnesota.
After several years of experience as a CPRS, Emily’s dedication to her work led her to further growth within the field. She met the qualifications to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist-Reciprocal (CPRSR) and eventually earned her CPRS Supervisor certification. Emily's expanded expertise allowed her to take on leadership roles, and she now serves as the Supportive Housing/CPRS Supervisor at ANEW, where she continues to empower individuals in their recovery journeys.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Emily’s greatest gifts in life are her four children and her husband, who provide her with strength, love, and inspiration every day.
Jodi Holzemer LADC she/her/hers
Recovery Services Supervisor
ANEW
Mackenzie Zobel she/her/hers
Human Resources Supervisor
ANEW
Mackenzie joined ANEW in 2024 with a background of Human Resource Leadership in a variety of different settings - from Retail, to Construction, and Mental Health. For the past 9 years, Mackenzie has had a passion for Human Resources and helping others. She believes that everybody has value and a voice to be heard in the workplace, and truly prides herself on being able to be that support to those around her. In 2018, her HR career introduced her to the world of Operations, when she oversaw the new build out of a local department store. During that time, not only did Mackenzie gain skills and knowledge of the day to day operations and maintenance needs of a business, but now can confidently walk you through how to turn the water off in your sink or toilet if ever needed!
Outside of work - Mackenzie is hanging out with her “zoo”. She has 2 cats - Floyd & Wilbur, 2 dogs - Kobe & Maisie, and 2 adorable Irish twin babies - Raelyn and Owen (Rae rae & Ozzy). She loves going Up North to the Cabin (with a quick pit stop at Fitgers in Duluth for their Wild Rice Burger!), chatting about anything Bravo and Housewives related, listening to her True Crime podcasts, Beating Men in Fantasy Football with her annual team name “Beat by a Girl”, and trying to find who has the best Nachos in the Twin Cities.
Olivia Baxter BIS
she/her/hers
Executive Administrative Supervisor
ANEW
Olivia graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Youth Studies, & Social Justice Theater. She has experience working in previous Executive Assistant roles, teaching, and childcare. Olivia is passionate about breaking down stigmas and barriers to accessing mental health care and strives to create a safe and nurturing environment for women to explore their challenges and discover their inner strength.
In her free time, Olivia enjoys playing roller derby with Minnesota Roller Derby, finding "good rocks", and hanging out with her husband and two crazy little dogs, Piglet & Frank!