Gryphon Place in Kalamazoo has its first new executive director in nearly 30 years. The agency that runs the Kalamazoo 211 suicide prevention help line says Maricela Alcala will take over February 3rd. She replaces long-time Gryphon Place executive director William Pell.
Alcala comes to Kalamazoo from the United Way in Toledo, Ohio, where she was in charge of that area's 211 crisis line. She began her professional career in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Gryphon Place also offers conflict resolution and "restorative justice" programs. Its suicide prevention efforts include the Gatekeeper program in area schools.
