We are proud to introduce our two brand new Branch Directors!

Kristan Crain, LCSW has been with us for 8 years at our Malvern branch. She started out as a paraprofessional back in 2014 and has worked her way up through the ranks from working evening shifts, to shift supervisor, then Recovery Advocate (case manager), and then she took on the role of Primary Therapist once she earned her Master’s in Social Work in 2015 from OLLU. In 2019, she earned her LCSW licensure, and has proven herself time and again as an integral part of not just the Malvern team, but Team Birch Tree as a whole. This year, when the Director of Branch Operations position for Benton Town/Hope House was vacated, Kristan was selected to fill that role, and we know that great things are in store for both of those branches. Kristan is married and has two children that she says, “consumes most of her time.” As far as a hobby goes, Kristan says she just loves listening to music. 

Michael Godfrey, LCSW is brand new to our organization, but we are excited that he has joined us as the new Director of Branch Operations for the Conway and Clinton branches. Michael says, “I feel like I have been slowly making my way to Birch since I finished my Master’s at UALR in 2019.” Before coming to Birch Tree, Michael served as Clinical Director for a local drug rehabilitation facility, and has a real passion for recovery- in all shapes and sizes. “Two things stand out to me just 4 days into my time at Birch Tree, “The staff works hard and cares about our members. And Advocacy is at the heart of what we do in this field, and especially here at Birch Tree,” says Godfrey. His girlfriend, Stephanie, works at UAMS, and they have a cat named Fiona and a Golden Retriever named Macie. Michael says in his spare time you’re likely to find him camping and/or playing disc golf.

Again, we are excited for these two incredible folks to join our Leadership Team. Great things truly are happening at Birch Tree Communities, Inc. and it’s people like this that make us #BirchTreeStrong!