Forensic Services Team
Shane Beal
Director, IFS
I identify first and foremost as a person in long term recovery. I’ve overcome the grip of substance use disorder in my own life after spending several years in and out of jails and prison. Prior to my release, I was an attorney for nearly twenty years. Given my professional experience and lived experience in the justice system, I feel uniquely positioned to advocate for those struggling with substance use disorder and to walk with them as they face the tough decisions of starting or continuing their own recovery journey.
I am now a living example of how – with the right resources, support, and willingness to change – an individual is able to not only get their own life back on track, but to help others do the same. I am committed both my career and personal life and my passion for recovery, be it through coaching individuals through his recovery home, Agape, in Marion, IN, as well as working at the judicial level to advocate for change within the justice system. With my passion for helping people find their own way, I am a firm believer that we are all just walking each other home.
Shane Ehrhart
Deputy Director
I am a person in long-term recovery from substance abuse. I have worked in the recovery field in some capacity for over four years. I have multiple peer support and supervisory credentials. I have been a part of IRACS and IFS since the initial launch in July 2022. I moved up from my original position as a forensic peer and became the program director in Delaware County for almost two years. I can utilize all that experience today as Deputy Director of IRACS.
I have a passion for helping those who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. I am the board president at Get Sober Stay Sober, a grassroots organization founded by my brother dedicated to helping those struggling within our community. I attend Indiana Wesleyan University, pursuing my Bachelor’s in Social Work. I will graduate with that degree in 2025 and begin working on my Master’s degree.
I am a proud father of two children. A 22-year gap between them makes for some fun and exciting times. I am dedicated to being a good father and providing our son with a positive role model that he can look up to. I am engaged to a wonderful, beautiful woman and will be married soon.
Outside of recovery, I love to watch all kinds of sports. I am an Indiana Hoosier nut and have been an Indianapolis Colts fan since they moved here. I love all sports, but football and college basketball are at the top of my list. I enjoy spending time with my family and the peace and serenity of life today.
Jeff Coomer
Transitional Healthcare Manager
I have an incredible, supportive wife and a six-year-old daughter. I’ve worked in Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health focused roles for the past 15 years. I started my career as Correctional Officer for IDOC in 2007 and was promoted to Sergeant within my first 2 years. I became involved in various training roles which is where my program creation and implementation journey began. I spent approximately 5 years with IDOC before transitioning to county focused work at Johnson County Juvenile Justice Center.
After leaving Corrections I moved over to the Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder treatment space, with a primary focus on reentry and community reintegration utilizing a peer support model. I am wrapping up my bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in Addiction Counseling. I am extremely passionate about treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues, specifically working alongside the criminal justice system for the purpose of improving the community at large.
Devon Rush
Special Populations Manager
I am the definition of a person with lived experience if there is one. Most of my childhood was in a single parent home with a hard-working mother trapped below the poverty line. As a teen I rebelled, and I experimented with substances and due to involvement with drugs I was waved to adult court. I have been to prison twice and have spent over 11 years incarcerated away from my children and family.
During my last incarceration a switch was hit, and I realized I needed to do something different. Once I had arrived at a place of true peace all I could see was pain in the people around me. I became determined to help them heal and grow. That started the most fulfilling chapter of my life. I became a mentor and had the opportunity to help develop and facilitate multiple courses. My favorite being “A Legacy Renewed”, a fatherhood course for men locked up away from their children.
Once I was released from prison, I participated in reentry court. And not only did I complete the reentry program, but I also gained custody of my children back from DCS. I am blessed and elated to be apart the Forensic Services pillar of MHAI, this space allows me to give the best part of me and serve those that will benefit from my insights the most.
Sean McDonough
Data/Quality Support Manager
Sean joined Mental Health America of Indiana (MHAI) in 2020 and spent four years working at the Indiana Recovery Network program. Sean started at MHAI as a Project Coordinator and most recently has served as the Operations Manager and IRN Hub Peer Supervisor. Sean began his career spending ten years in various roles on Wall Street in New York City. Prior to joining MHAI, Sean was a Peer Recovery Coach at Aspire in Noblesville, IN. Before that, he worked as a Behavioral Health Technician and Peer Recovery Coach at Hickory House treatment center in Greenfield, IN. Sean is a Certified Peer Recovery Supervisor (CSPR-PR) and Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC). He holds an undergraduate business degree from Indiana University and an MBA from New York University. Sean’s hobbies and interests include everything music and sports.