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Kyle has been at the helm of Next Steps Today since 2019, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for transformative recovery programs. With a professional career spanning 25 years in hospitality management, 9 years as a volunteer counselor for a local recovery ministry, and 6 years in sales, Kyle combines diverse skills and a deep commitment to helping others.
As the operating partner of PF Changs, Kyle demonstrated exceptional leadership, and during a 5-year tenure with Legacy Decks, achieved over $9 million in sales. Under Kyle's guidance, Next Steps Today has flourished, being voted Best Nonprofit in Simpsonville in 2023 and successfully opening 7 houses since its inception.
Inspired by the urgent need for aftercare and practical life skills in recovery, Kyle founded Next Steps Today to break the traditional mold of recovery programs dating back to the 1940s. The organization is dedicated to providing innovative teaching methods that foster consistent movement, momentum, and mobility for individuals overcoming addiction.
Kyle holds six certifications from the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), underscoring a commitment to professional and ethical standards in counseling.
Outside of professional endeavors, Kyle cherishes spending days on the beach with a lovely wife and daughter and enjoys the tranquility of fishing on the boat.
As the Program Director of Next Steps Today for over two years, Shawn is deeply committed to The Next Steps Today mission of empowering individuals to break the chains of addiction. With a professional background that includes owning and operating several small businesses, Shawn brings a unique blend of leadership and practical experience to our nonprofit.
Shawn’s inspiration for joining Next Steps Today stems from a profound desire to provide hope and direction to those in need. Shawn is passionate about helping men discover their value and become individuals they can be proud of.
Shawn is soon be marry an amazing woman. Together, they have two wonderful children and recently purchased a house where they love spending time as a family. Shawn’s favorite moments are spent at the beach or in the mountains, enjoying the beauty of nature and creating lasting memories with his loved ones.
Michelle has been the Operations/ Finance Director at Next Steps Today for the past two years, leveraging over 20 years of experience as an accounting manager in corporate America. Her expertise in accounting and organizational skills has been instrumental in allowing the founders and program directors of Next Steps Today to concentrate on their primary mission: guiding individuals through their recovery journey with compassion, support, and a community-driven approach.
In 2022, Michelle launched Number Woman Bookkeeping, a thriving bookkeeping and tax preparation business. This entrepreneurial venture underscores her commitment to excellence and innovation in financial management. At Next Steps Today, Michelle's contributions have been pivotal in streamlining operations and ensuring financial stability, thus enhancing the nonprofit's ability to serve its clients effectively.
Inspired by a lifelong desire to contribute to the nonprofit sector, Michelle finds her role at Next Steps Today both fulfilling and inspiring. She is passionate about setting a positive example for her daughter, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys watching her daughter excel in karate, kickboxing, and jujitsu. Family time often includes kayaking adventures with her husband and daughter or cozy movie nights at home.
Michelle's dedication to both her professional and personal life reflects her commitment to making a positive impact, both within the nonprofit sector and her community.
Cody Curtis has been a dedicated staff member at Next Steps Today for the past six months. As an Intake Specialist, Cody plays a crucial role in welcoming new clients and guiding them through their first steps in recovery. With one year of experience as a 90 coach, as well as extensive experience as a blackout coach and a 45 coach, Cody brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to our team, ensuring each individual receives the support and guidance they need to embark on their journey to recovery and life.
Pete Rathbun is the retired General Counsel of American Bible Society and a former President of the Christian Legal Society. A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Mr. Rathbun counseled nonprofit religious organizations for almost 30 years in private practice and in-house and has served on several non-profit boards. Prior to law school, he spent 15 years in corporate IT management. Mr. Rathbun and his wife Peggy reside in Greenville, South Carolina and are members of Holly Ridge Baptist Church.
Dr. Bender was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, where he received both his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees.
Upon graduation from pharmacy school, Dr. Bender accepted a position as the Assistant Director of Pharmacy for the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Boston, MA. He then became Director of Pharmacy for Saint Vincent Health System, Erie, PA, where he remained for 30 years. In 2004, he became the system Executive Director/Chief Pharmacy Officer for the Greenville Hospital System Pharmacy division (now Prisma Health system), Greenville, SC, until his transition to part time in 2017. He continues to work as a consultant pharmacist for Prisma Health currently.
Dr. Bender enjoyed a very successful and productive professional career. He was very active with state and national pharmacy professional organizations. He served as President of both the Pennsylvania and South Carolina Societies of Health System Pharmacists. He also received the “Pharmacist of the Year Award” from these two state societies for outstanding organizational service. Dr. Bender also served as the Associate Regional Dean of the South Carolina College of Pharmacy/Greenville campus for several years. He was on faculty for Gannon University, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, and the South Carolina College of Pharmacy. He also received numerous professional awards and recognitions, including the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy “Distinguished Alumni Award” in 1994. He contributed to pharmacy scholarship through numerous published articles and presentations at state and national professional symposia.
Dr. Bender and his wife, Marty, live in Simpsonville, SC. They are members of Renovation Church. Bender has served on the Board of Directors for Next Steps Today since 2018.
Nathan Gamble is a seasoned professional with a passion for serving others. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit sector, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as a board member at Next Steps Today (NST). Nathan's journey in service began long ago, marked by a commitment to making a positive impact in his community.
Currently serving as the Director of Business Development and Marketing at Weichert, Realtors - Shaun & Shari Group, Nathan wears multiple hats as a business growth advisor and real estate acquisition expert. His strategic insights and knack for identifying opportunities have been instrumental in driving success for both his company and the organizations he supports.
Nathan's involvement with NST runs deep; he played a pivotal role in its inception, collaborating closely with Kyle Marsh to bring the organization's vision to life. From the early stages, Nathan's contributions extended beyond mere ideation; he played a vital role in shaping NST's branding, marketing, and strategic growth initiatives.
Driven by a genuine desire to serve others, Nathan utilizes his natural gift of leadership to expand NST's reach and amplify its impact on the community. His dedication to the organization's mission is evident in his unwavering commitment to fostering positive change and empowering those in need.
Anne Cooper is an Independent Registered Financial Planner and President of a Health and Life Insurance agency. Her passion, using a Biblical approach to money, is to help people become good stewards of God’s gifts. Originally from the Buffalo, NY , Anne and her husband moved to South Carolina in 2017. Members of Renovation Church in Simpsonville they both enjoy serving, learning and teaching Godly principals while sharing the Gospel with everyone they meet.
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