( Founder )
HR | RSP | Addiction
Specialist | Trainer of Trainers
(Colombo Plan – PEERS)
Michael Adu Sackey is the visionary Founder of Novadu Group Foundation. As a dedicated addiction professional and active member of ISSUP (International Society of Substance Use Professionals), he bridges leadership, lived experience, and evidence-based practice to help people heal and thrive.
Currently he serves as Deputy Manager at Iris Place Rehabilitation Center and Director of Spring of Renewal Rehabilitation Center, where he leads with compassion and rigor crafting, refining, and implementing recovery programs grounded in research and experience.
Michael is also a certified Trainer of Trainers for the URC-PEERS Curriculum under the Colombo Plan’s Drug Advisory Programme (DAP), a credentialed Recovery Support Professional, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Ghana. He blends his organizational acumen with a personal journey of recovery, which gives him rare insight, empathy, and a powerful commitment to helping others reclaim their lives.
Outside institutional settings, Michael is deeply involved in community outreach, working with juveniles in correctional facilities, engaging young people in schools and tertiary institutions, and advocating for prevention, mentorship, and hopeful alternatives to addiction. His approach is holistic: not just treating symptoms, but restoring dignity, purpose, and promise.
( Head of Mental health -USA
& Co-Founder)
MSW, QMHP, Counseling Site Coordinator |
| Mental Health Skill Building |
Crisis Interventionist |
Intensive In-Home Counseling
Ms. Georgia Bello is a compassionate and dedicated mental health professional with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Virginia Union University. With extensive experience as a Site Coordinator, specializing in mental health skill-building, crisis management, and intensive in-home counseling, Ms. Bello is committed to providing holistic support to individuals and families navigating mental health and substance use challenges.
As a qualified mental health professional (QMHP) and crisis interventionist, Ms. Bello has successfully led teams in crisis situations, offering immediate intervention and long-term therapeutic solutions that empower clients to regain control of their lives. She combines expertise in trauma-informed care with a deep understanding of mental health dynamics to create tailored interventions that foster resilience, healing, and recovery.
With a mission that aligns deeply with the values of Novadu Group Foundation, Ms. Bello strives to create a compassionate, safe environment where individuals and families are not only supported but also equipped with the tools, education, and community they need to thrive. Through personalized care and lasting transformation, Ms. Bello helps restore dignity and rebuild lives, ensuring that families and communities are strengthened for a brighter future.
( Co-Founder )
Ph.D., LMSW
Dr. Johnetta Guishard is a highly respected professional in the field of social work, holding a Ph.D. and licensure as a Master Social Worker (LMSW). She specializes in substance abuse counseling and mental health counseling, where her work reflects a deep passion for helping individuals navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges. With extensive experience in crisis intervention, program management, and advocacy, Dr. Guishard has become a trusted leader who combines academic knowledge with hands-on practice to bring about real and lasting change.
Her approach to counseling and community engagement is built on the belief that learning and teaching extend throughout one’s lifetime. She sees every interaction as an opportunity to guide, empower, and inspire others. Collaboration is at the heart of her philosophy; she values working alongside individuals, families, and organizations to create solutions that foster healing, stability, and growth.
In addition to her direct practice, Dr. Guishard has been actively involved in developing programs, leading advocacy initiatives, and supporting policy changes that address the root causes of mental health and substance use struggles. Her commitment to advocacy ensures that underserved populations have access to resources and opportunities for wellness.
Her views and values are closely aligned with the Novadu Group Foundation, where she continues to advance the mission of building stronger communities through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. Whether in the counseling room, the classroom, or the community, Dr. Guishard remains a dedicated advocate for holistic well-being and effective, collaborative outcomes.
( Head of Rehabilitation Services)
Allan Mends is a passionate Ghanaian addiction recovery advocate who has transformed his personal journey into a mission of hope and healing. He serves as the resident counselor and house manager at Iris Place, a rehabilitation facility in Accra, Ghana, devoted to providing a safe, nurturing, and supervised space for individuals who voluntarily seek to recover, rediscover purpose, and rebuild their lives.
Beyond his work at Iris Place, Allan is an active voice in Recovery Talk Africa, where he shares his experience and leadership to inspire broader conversations about addiction recovery across Ghana and the African continent. His dedication to advocacy continues to shine a light on the importance of empathy, community support, and long-term recovery.
Under his leadership, Iris Place has strengthened community partnerships and gained recognition from media outlets and organizations committed to social impact. In April 2025, Citi FM and Channel One TV extended their support to Iris Place with donations of funds and relief items a gesture that underscored both the cost and profound significance of recovery work, and was received with deep gratitude.
Allan’s remarkable journey “From Addiction to Advocacy” has been featured in various Ghanaian media platforms. Through his openness and insight, he continues to inspire countless others, showing that recovery is not just possible, but powerful and that every story of healing has the potential to transform lives and communities.
( Addictions Nurse)
(Resident, GCNM)
(Head of Mental Health) Ghana
Aziz Alhassan is a dedicated and compassionate nursing professional with over 10 years of experience in nursing and healthcare practice. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Valley View University and a qualification in Mental Health Nursing from the Psychiatric Nurses Training College, Ankaful. Currently, he is pursuing an MPhil in Nursing at Wisconsin International University and serving as an Addictions Resident with the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, further deepening his expertise in mental health and addiction care.
Throughout his career, Aziz has been committed to providing patient-centered, holistic care that goes beyond clinical treatment to address the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals. His goal is to deliver care without biases or boundaries, ensuring inclusivity and dignity for every patient. With his strong background in mental health and general nursing, he brings both professional competence and a genuine passion for advancing healthcare standards.
