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Sheri Rodriguez, LMSW
If you are looking for someone to talk to who will listen without judgment, and help you work toward your goals and become your true self, you've come to the right place. I have experience working with people dealing with various issues, and I will take the time to understand you, challenge you, and work together toward positive growth and change.
I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques carefully selected based on the needs of the individual and the issues presented in therapy. I don't use a "one size fits all" technique since everyone is unique, and treatment is tailored to an individual's particular situation.
I look forward to hearing from you as you take this step toward change and growth.
I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques carefully selected based on the needs of the individual and the issues presented in therapy. I don't use a "one size fits all" technique since everyone is unique, and treatment is tailored to an individual's particular situation.
I look forward to hearing from you as you take this step toward change and growth.
Sara Soehnel, LLMSW
Education: MSW, Michigan State University.
Experience: Sara is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, ADHD, grief or loss, challenging life transitions, or trauma. She utilizes evidence-based practices while incorporating each client’s interests to provide opportunities for learning and practicing new skills within a safe and supportive environment.
Sara's therapy approach focuses on overcoming obstacles to improve overall well-being, gaining skills to handle difficult circumstances, and building confidence. Her client-centered and strengths-based method ensures that each session is tailored to support the individual needs and goals of her clients.
Recognizing that mental health challenges are common, Sara emphasizes the importance of seeking support to improve one's quality of life. If you would like to explore how therapy can help, please feel free to call or send an email to set up a consultation call.
Experience: Sara is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, ADHD, grief or loss, challenging life transitions, or trauma. She utilizes evidence-based practices while incorporating each client’s interests to provide opportunities for learning and practicing new skills within a safe and supportive environment.
Sara's therapy approach focuses on overcoming obstacles to improve overall well-being, gaining skills to handle difficult circumstances, and building confidence. Her client-centered and strengths-based method ensures that each session is tailored to support the individual needs and goals of her clients.
Recognizing that mental health challenges are common, Sara emphasizes the importance of seeking support to improve one's quality of life. If you would like to explore how therapy can help, please feel free to call or send an email to set up a consultation call.
Phil Koole, LLMSW
Education: BA, Calvin College, Theatre and Netherlandic Studies, 2006
BPS, Niagara University, Education, 2010
MSW, Grand Valley State University, 2023
Experience: As a therapist, Phil operates from a client-centered approach and excels at building rapport. He strives to create an environment of trust and safety where clients can navigate and grow through challenging periods.
Phil brings years of diverse practical experience to his therapy practice, including conducting mental health assessments and managing a client caseload. Before pursuing his MSW, Phil followed his passion for physical theatre and spent ten years as a professional therapeutic clown, working with elders and children in various healthcare settings in Toronto, Canada. This unique background, combined with extensive customer service experience, has honed his exceptional rapport-building skills.
Outside of therapy sessions, Phil enjoys writing songs, spending time with family and friends, and gardening.
BPS, Niagara University, Education, 2010
MSW, Grand Valley State University, 2023
Experience: As a therapist, Phil operates from a client-centered approach and excels at building rapport. He strives to create an environment of trust and safety where clients can navigate and grow through challenging periods.
Phil brings years of diverse practical experience to his therapy practice, including conducting mental health assessments and managing a client caseload. Before pursuing his MSW, Phil followed his passion for physical theatre and spent ten years as a professional therapeutic clown, working with elders and children in various healthcare settings in Toronto, Canada. This unique background, combined with extensive customer service experience, has honed his exceptional rapport-building skills.
Outside of therapy sessions, Phil enjoys writing songs, spending time with family and friends, and gardening.
Amee Paparella, LCSW
Education: MSW, Michigan State University.
Experience: Amee is a licensed clinical social worker and an ordained elder (pastor) in the United Methodist Church. She specializes in treating depression and anxiety, employing a variety of evidence-based practices. Amee also supports individuals who have been hurt by or within the institution of the Christian church. She enjoys taking walks in nature and lives in the countryside outside Kalamazoo, MI, with her spouse and their three dogs, Charlie, Tucker, and Bennie.
Experience: Amee is a licensed clinical social worker and an ordained elder (pastor) in the United Methodist Church. She specializes in treating depression and anxiety, employing a variety of evidence-based practices. Amee also supports individuals who have been hurt by or within the institution of the Christian church. She enjoys taking walks in nature and lives in the countryside outside Kalamazoo, MI, with her spouse and their three dogs, Charlie, Tucker, and Bennie.
Lissa Schwander, LMSW
Education: BA, Rutgers University Sociology, 1988
MSW, Rutgers University, Social Work, 1997
PhD, Michigan State University,
Experience: I have been a social work practitioner and educator for over twenty years. I am a Licensed Masters Level Social Worker with extensive experience in educational and medical settings, as well as in supporting individuals and families facing housing crises. My background includes administrative, educational, and clinical roles in diverse environments such as homeless shelters, housing organizations, college campuses, and hospitals. Throughout my career, I have primarily worked with young adults and have had the privilege of serving people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.
MSW, Rutgers University, Social Work, 1997
PhD, Michigan State University,
Experience: I have been a social work practitioner and educator for over twenty years. I am a Licensed Masters Level Social Worker with extensive experience in educational and medical settings, as well as in supporting individuals and families facing housing crises. My background includes administrative, educational, and clinical roles in diverse environments such as homeless shelters, housing organizations, college campuses, and hospitals. Throughout my career, I have primarily worked with young adults and have had the privilege of serving people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.
Brie Walter-Rooks, LMSW, CAADC
Education: BA- Calvin University, Psychology/Recreation
MSW- Grand Valley State University
Experience: Brie Walter-Rooks is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor (CAAC). She holds a BA in Psychology from Calvin College and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University.
Brie's recent practice has centered on the impact of trauma on individuals with substance use disorders and various mental health issues, including personality disorders. Her previous experience includes working within the foster care system and with juveniles and adults in the criminal justice system.
Her areas of expertise encompass the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, codependency, and sexuality issues. Brie practices individual, couple, family, and group therapy and is dedicated to helping individuals and families find strength and healing.
MSW- Grand Valley State University
Experience: Brie Walter-Rooks is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor (CAAC). She holds a BA in Psychology from Calvin College and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University.
Brie's recent practice has centered on the impact of trauma on individuals with substance use disorders and various mental health issues, including personality disorders. Her previous experience includes working within the foster care system and with juveniles and adults in the criminal justice system.
Her areas of expertise encompass the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, codependency, and sexuality issues. Brie practices individual, couple, family, and group therapy and is dedicated to helping individuals and families find strength and healing.
Sara Van Grouw
Sara is a master's-level social worker with a passion for helping others. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work from Calvin University and her master’s in clinical social work from Florida State University.
Sara specializes in working with women ages 18+ who are experiencing relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image issues, managing stress, or other personal issues. Client-centered approaches are used to collaboratively address problems and find the best solutions for the individual.
Life can be challenging, and sometimes we need a safe, comfortable, nonjudgemental support system to help us cope with our daily struggles. Evidence-based practices are utilized to work through past and present challenges to develop life-changing coping mechanisms.
Personal growth is a journey, not an event. I am here to partner with you on your journey!
Sara specializes in working with women ages 18+ who are experiencing relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image issues, managing stress, or other personal issues. Client-centered approaches are used to collaboratively address problems and find the best solutions for the individual.
Life can be challenging, and sometimes we need a safe, comfortable, nonjudgemental support system to help us cope with our daily struggles. Evidence-based practices are utilized to work through past and present challenges to develop life-changing coping mechanisms.
Personal growth is a journey, not an event. I am here to partner with you on your journey!
Cynthia Moon, MA, LLPC
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing/Poetry - Western MI University
Master of Arts in Counseling - Spring Arbor University
Experience: My experience includes the provision of counseling services to individuals, couples, and groups across a wide range of issues, including sexual abuse and trauma, anxiety, depression, dissociation, grief and loss, relationship problems, addiction, and spiritual concerns.
I am passionate about helping others heal, grow, and access their strengths and inner wisdom throughout the therapeutic process. My training includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR, Level Two trained), and Gottman Couples Therapy for relationship work (completed level one training). These methods, along with various other targeted trainings and experiences, have equipped me as a person-centered therapist to offer interventions that will support meaningful, lasting change.
You are such a unique person! This is why, as we both seek to understand what's going on inside of you, we will work together to discover along the way what will be most helpful for you in your own unique therapy. Therapy can be vulnerable and challenging at times, but it can also be very fulfilling and empowering. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help. I am here to offer warm and non-judgmental support. You are not alone.
In my spare time, I write as a published poet, love movie and game nights with family and friends, and snuggle with my dog, Johnny.
Master of Arts in Counseling - Spring Arbor University
Experience: My experience includes the provision of counseling services to individuals, couples, and groups across a wide range of issues, including sexual abuse and trauma, anxiety, depression, dissociation, grief and loss, relationship problems, addiction, and spiritual concerns.
I am passionate about helping others heal, grow, and access their strengths and inner wisdom throughout the therapeutic process. My training includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR, Level Two trained), and Gottman Couples Therapy for relationship work (completed level one training). These methods, along with various other targeted trainings and experiences, have equipped me as a person-centered therapist to offer interventions that will support meaningful, lasting change.
You are such a unique person! This is why, as we both seek to understand what's going on inside of you, we will work together to discover along the way what will be most helpful for you in your own unique therapy. Therapy can be vulnerable and challenging at times, but it can also be very fulfilling and empowering. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help. I am here to offer warm and non-judgmental support. You are not alone.
In my spare time, I write as a published poet, love movie and game nights with family and friends, and snuggle with my dog, Johnny.
Katie Brower, LMSW
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Gender Studies, Calvin College
MSW, Western Michigan University
My Belief:
I believe that each of us are the experts in our own lives. We are all doing our best to get through life with connection and meaning, but inevitably get stuck in habits that keep us from becoming our full selves. True growth requires learning from our different parts and experiences so that we can integrate them in honest and healthy ways into our story. Doing this with the support, guidance, and insight of a therapist can be extremely helpful in creating lasting change.
My Experience:
In my practice, I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, disordered eating, and more. I utilize a person-centered approach primarily drawing from the tenants of Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked for almost 18 years in non-profit and education organizations: I developed arts programs for people with disabilities, led volunteers at an affordable housing organization, and connected parents of 0-5 year-olds to community resources. These experiences gave me skills in attentive listening, honoring the dignity of each person, and understanding how to empower collective care.
Outside of work:
Outside of work, I love spending time with my spouse and 4-year-old son going to parks and spending time in nature, hanging out with friends, going for walks, taking naps, reading, and going out to eat.
MSW, Western Michigan University
My Belief:
I believe that each of us are the experts in our own lives. We are all doing our best to get through life with connection and meaning, but inevitably get stuck in habits that keep us from becoming our full selves. True growth requires learning from our different parts and experiences so that we can integrate them in honest and healthy ways into our story. Doing this with the support, guidance, and insight of a therapist can be extremely helpful in creating lasting change.
My Experience:
In my practice, I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, disordered eating, and more. I utilize a person-centered approach primarily drawing from the tenants of Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked for almost 18 years in non-profit and education organizations: I developed arts programs for people with disabilities, led volunteers at an affordable housing organization, and connected parents of 0-5 year-olds to community resources. These experiences gave me skills in attentive listening, honoring the dignity of each person, and understanding how to empower collective care.
Outside of work:
Outside of work, I love spending time with my spouse and 4-year-old son going to parks and spending time in nature, hanging out with friends, going for walks, taking naps, reading, and going out to eat.
Jaylyn Gough, LLMSW
Education: Master of Social Work - University of New Mexico
As a dedicated therapist and social worker, I am deeply passionate about guiding individuals through life’s myriad challenges while fostering their personal growth and resilience. With a Master’s degree in Social Work and an extensive 18 years of experience in both counseling and community outreach, I specialize in providing compassionate support for issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in a client-centered and strengths-based philosophy, emphasizing the creation of a safe, empathetic environment where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions and develop effective coping strategies. I firmly believe in the innate power of resilience and am wholeheartedly committed to empowering each person I work with to realize their goals and instigate meaningful change in their lives. I come from a background of medical social work, clinical social work, homeless shelter, school social work, and policy and advocacy. I also currently work as a professor at Calvin University.
Hailing from the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo Nation in Gallup, NM, I bring a unique perspective that honors the diverse backgrounds of my clients, allowing for a deeper connection and understanding in our work together.
As a dedicated therapist and social worker, I am deeply passionate about guiding individuals through life’s myriad challenges while fostering their personal growth and resilience. With a Master’s degree in Social Work and an extensive 18 years of experience in both counseling and community outreach, I specialize in providing compassionate support for issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in a client-centered and strengths-based philosophy, emphasizing the creation of a safe, empathetic environment where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions and develop effective coping strategies. I firmly believe in the innate power of resilience and am wholeheartedly committed to empowering each person I work with to realize their goals and instigate meaningful change in their lives. I come from a background of medical social work, clinical social work, homeless shelter, school social work, and policy and advocacy. I also currently work as a professor at Calvin University.
Hailing from the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo Nation in Gallup, NM, I bring a unique perspective that honors the diverse backgrounds of my clients, allowing for a deeper connection and understanding in our work together.
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