Rooted
in Care.
Powered by
Collaborartion.
Care.
Collaborartion.
Rooted in Care.
Powered by
Collaboration
.
Care.
Collaboration
Helping Families &
Providers Navigate
Coordinated Care for
Serious Mental Illness
Helping Families & Providers
Navigate Coordinated Care for
Serious Mental Illness
We know how confusing and isolating it can be to navigate care for serious mental illness. Care Coalition brings families, providers, and advocates together — turning fragmented care into a clear, compassionate path forward.
I've Been There — And I Know We Can Do Better
For more than 25 years, I’ve worked at the crossroads of law and healthcare — serving as a guardian, advocate, and connector across a complex web of systems. From mental health services and the court system to hospitals, nonprofits, and state agencies, my mission has always been the same: to bridge the gaps and build coordinated care systems that actually work for the people they’re meant to serve.
I’ve seen firsthand how families are often left to navigate the mental health system alone — confused, overwhelmed, and without a roadmap. I’ve also seen dedicated mental health professionals struggle to coordinate care effectively, lacking the clear tools and training they need in a system that doesn’t set them up for success.
Care Coalition was created in response to that reality.
READ MY
BOOK!
For more than 25 years, I’ve worked at the crossroads of law and healthcare — serving as a guardian, advocate, and connector across a complex web of systems. From mental health services and the court system to hospitals, nonprofits, and state agencies, my mission has always been the same: to bridge the gaps and build coordinated care systems that actually work for the people they’re meant to serve.
I’ve seen firsthand how families are often left to navigate the mental health system alone — confused, overwhelmed, and without a roadmap. I’ve also seen dedicated mental health professionals struggle to coordinate care effectively, lacking the clear tools and training they need in a system that doesn’t set them up for success.
Care Coalition was created in response to that reality.
This isn’t just a place to find support. It’s a movement to transform how mental health care is coordinated — by equipping families and providers with the structure, mindset, and Guardian Model training they need to navigate the system with confidence. Because real change doesn’t come from managing one case at a time. It happens when the system itself becomes more responsive, more connected, and more human.
This isn’t just a place to find support. It’s a movement to transform how mental health care is coordinated — by equipping families and providers with the structure, mindset, and Guardian Model training they need to navigate the system with confidence. Because real change doesn’t come from managing one case at a time. It happens when the system itself becomes more responsive, more connected, and more human.
JD, Attorney, Care Coordinator, Quality Improvement Expert
A Trusted Framework
Created by Care Coalition founder Michael Mackniak, The Guardian Model™ is a practical, proven approach to mental health care coordination — designed to support individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) through clarity, compassion, and collaboration.
To achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes for individuals with SMI, the model first redefines how families, care providers, and professionals collaborate in care coordination.
Originally developed to support Melissa’s Project — a key program of Guardian Ad Litem Services led by Michael Mackniak — Care Coalition was established to expand the reach of this approach into a nationally recognized framework for improving integrated care strategies for people with SMI.
Through hands-on Guardian Model training and family-friendly resources, the work continues — helping community mental health teams, caregivers, and advocates build a more responsive, connected, sustainable, and human support system.
Created by Care Coalition founder Michael Mackniak, The Guardian Model™ is a practical, proven approach to mental health care coordination — designed to support individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) through clarity, compassion, and collaboration.
To achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes for individuals with SMI, the model first redefines how families, care providers, and professionals collaborate in care coordination.
Stronger, more
aligned care teams
Fewer gaps in care, communication, and accountability
families
Improved outcomes for individuals with SMI
51%
reduction in the use of jails, prisons, hospital inpatient beds, and emergency rooms
Originally developed to support Melissa’s Project — a key program of Guardian Ad Litem Services led by Michael Mackniak — Care Coalition was established to expand the reach of this approach into a nationally recognized framework for improving integrated care strategies for people with SMI.
Through hands-on Guardian Model training and family-friendly resources, the work continues — helping community mental health teams, caregivers, and advocates build a more responsive, connected, sustainable, and human support system.
Stronger, more
aligned care teams
and accountability
families
Improved
outcomes for individuals with SMI
51%
Stronger, more
aligned care teams
Fewer gaps in care, communication, and accountability
families
outcomes for individuals with SMI
reduction in the use of jails, prisons, hospital inpatient beds, and emergency rooms
Awards Mike has received from his programs using the Guardian Model™
Eli Lilly
Welcome Back Award
NAMI
Hero Award
National College of Probate Judges
Isabella Award
National Association of Social Workers
Public Citizen of the Year
Changing the System Starts With Seeing the Whole Picture
Providers
The ones who can drive systemic change — if they have the right tools. From mental health professionals to case managers, who are working within fragmented systems every day.
Access practical trainings, integrated care strategies, and coordination tools designed to support serious mental illness (SMI) care.
For Families Caught in the Chaos of Care
Parents, siblings, partners, or caregivers often find themselves managing a loved one’s serious mental illness alone — without clear support or a roadmap.
Find compassionate guidance and helpful resources to navigate the mental health system and advocate for your loved one.
Inspired by our approach? We’re always open to new partnerships and support.
Care Coalition strengthens the systems of support around people living with serious mental illness (SMI). Through The Guardian Model™, we equip providers and families with the tools, training, and guidance they need to navigate care more effectively and collaboratively across complex systems.
Copyright Guardian Ac Litem Services, Inc. 2025
Website created by Parker Marketing & Management