Our Leadership
Ted St. John.
Chief Executive of Hope Town, Inc.
Ted St. John is a dedicated leader and lifelong resident of Portage County, Ohio, with a multifaceted background and a passion for community service. Since 2012, he has immersed himself in various facets of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, holding pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as Glenbeigh Hospital, First Step Recovery, and New Day Recovery.
Throughout his career, Ted has been instrumental in ensuring agencies meet necessary licensing and accreditation standards, while also spearheading the establishment and operation of several local recovery houses. Prior to his work in SUD treatment, Ted enjoyed a diverse career path that included many years as a personal trainer, national-level bodybuilder, health club owner, and successful steel sales professional.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Ted remains actively engaged in community service, serving on committees such as the Portage County Drug Task Force and the Trumbull County ASAP Coalition. Currently, Ted holds pivotal roles in organizations such as the Portage County Substance Abuse Coalition, the Advisory Board for Portage County Specialty Dockets (Drug Courts), and Board of Directors for Ohio Recovery Housing.
Additionally, Ted sits on the Board of Directors for the state’s OneOhio Recovery Foundation, leveraging his expertise to advocate for those in need of support.
Ted’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional and advocacy roles, as evidenced by his honorable service in the U.S. Air Force as a Military Police officer. Furthermore, Ted has contributed to education and youth development as a member of the Windham School Board since 2020. With a rich tapestry of experiences and a steadfast dedication to making a difference, Ted St. John continues to be a driving force for positive change in his community and beyond.
Adam Ciganik
Program Director
Adam, our dedicated Program Director at Hope Town, oversees all our initiatives with passion and empathy. As a certified Peer Recovery Supporter, his lived experience in overcoming alcoholism and addiction uniquely qualifies him to guide others on their recovery journeys.
Born and raised in Portage County, Adam grew up with his single mother, a Sergeant Correctional Officer at the Portage County Jail, who instilled in him the importance of serving others. These early lessons in empathy and service have been the foundation of Adam’s work, even as he faced his challenges.
Adam’s journey was not without its struggles. Starting at age 15, he battled addiction for over 20 years, which led to significant hardships, including depression, isolation, and homelessness. However, on June 6, 2019, driven by desperation and a desire for change, Adam admitted himself into residential treatment, determined to build a better future.
Initially, Adam continued working in the construction trade while focusing on his recovery. However, his true calling became evident as he realized the profound impact he could have on others. From 2021 to 2023, Adam worked at Hope Village as a certified Peer Recovery Supporter. His dedication and leadership skills quickly led him to the roles of Jail Reentry Supervisor and Linkage and navigation Coordinator. In these roles, he and his team successfully bridged gaps and navigated obstacles for high-risk individuals with urgent needs.
When Adam joined Hope Town in the spring of 2023, he brought his experience and programs with him. He further developed our initiatives and provided invaluable support to our staff. His commitment to serving others shines through in everything he does.
Outside of his professional life, Adam enjoys spending time with his wonderful girlfriend, Lisa, and his children, Brynlee and Zaxton. He is also a Master Mason of the Ebenezer Lodge in Wooster, Ohio, and a recognized DeMolay International advisor of Ohio At Large.
Adam’s mission is deeply personal. Having experienced the pain addiction can cause families, he is dedicated to aiding and assisting individuals struggling with addiction. He firmly believes that recovery is a journey best undertaken with the support of loved ones. Adam’s story is a testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and the impact one person can have on a community.
Matthew L. Thomas
Operations Manager
Matthew Thomas brings over 15 years of expertise in mechanics and various skilled trades as Operations Manager at Hope Town. A University of Northwestern Ohio graduate, he holds an associate degree in diesel mechanics specializing in diesel engines and electronic controls. His impressive credentials include a master certified international truck certification, ASE certifications, and certifications in Cummins diesel engines, Allison transmissions, Pierce fire trucks, Waterous pumps, and MACS.
In his role at Hope Town, Matthew oversees all maintenance operations for the properties and manages the fleet of 12 vehicles for the Hope on Wheels program. After moving from Rhode Island in 2002, his journey in skilled trades began in Ohio, and he has since honed his skills and knowledge through years of dedicated work.
Matthew is a proud father of two children, whom he adores. His work at Hope Town has allowed him to embrace his identity and purpose fully. Through the 12 steps of recovery, Matthew has found meaning in his life and is committed to passing on the gift of recovery to others. His dedication to his work and journey makes him an invaluable member of the Hope Town team, inspiring those around him with his resilience and commitment to helping others find their path to recovery.
Alicia Coil
Transportation Supervisor
Alicia Coil lives with her fiancé and three children in Diamond, Ohio. They enjoy spending family time outdoors, camping, fishing, and swimming in the lake.
Growing up, Alicia was inspired by her older brother, who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at 11 years old. His strength, courage, and positive outlook on life motivated her to help him as his condition progressed, sparking her natural love for helping others.
Alicia pursued her education at Maplewood Career Center, specializing in Business Management. She spent 12 years in retail management, excelling in training struggling managers alongside her district manager, providing them with the tools to succeed. Seeking a new challenge, Alicia transitioned to an entry-level dispatcher role at a tow truck company in Akron, Ohio. Her quick problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment propelled her to the position of General Manager.
