Meet the Staff
Our purpose is to provide quality comprehensive professional counseling services for individuals and families that promote healing and health for families and communities.
Kylie Bader, MSW, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
Specialties:
Children/Teens Behavioral Issues
Trauma/Post-Traumatic Stress Anxiety
Depression Grief/Loss
Families/Relationships Self-Esteem Stress Management Social Skills
Foster Care/Adoption Behavioral Issues
Personal Statement: I consider it a privilege to sit with each child, teen, and adult I meet as they navigate the challenges they are facing. My goal is to provide hope, healing, motivation and guidance through the use of client-centered, strengths-based, and evidence-based interventions. When desired, I also may use prayer and Biblical principles to provide encouragement and a clear foundation on which to stand in sessions. I am nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and teens 3-18. I specialized in Trauma Across the Lifespan for adults during my Master’s Program at Western Michigan University. I look forward to meeting you and finding ways to make lasting life changes that are effective and helpful.
EJ Bast, MA, LPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ANXIETY DEPRESSION
COUPLES MENS ISSUES
ABUSE SPIRITUAL ISSUES
EMDR
Personal Statement: Working as a therapist is my dream job! It is my mission to help people discover and develop their God-given strengths and abilities so they can cope more effectively with life’s challenges. Through trauma-informed, solution focused practices, my goal is to help my clients navigate through their stormy seasons with increased grace and confidence.
Cassandra Bates, MA, LPC, NCC, CAADC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ANXIETY ADDICTIONS DEPRESSION SUBSTANCE ABUSE GRIEF/TRAUMA COUPLES EMDR
Personal Statement: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”( James 1:12) I believe that every person has experienced challenges in their lives and I feel that it is in these times of stress that we have the potential to affect the change required to resolve issues which cause personal distress. Although the counseling process requires tremendous courage and determination, I believe that facing challenges leads to discovery of one’s own inner strength and creation of meaning. As a counselor it is my role to assist in the process of self-discovery and to tap into inner ability through facilitating the process which allows for individuals to accept personal responsibility and take action in order to achieve resolution.
Ray Brandon, MA, MTS
Pastoral Counselor
Specialties:
Anxiety Depression
Grief Anger
Relationship Problems Trauma
Personal Statement: I believe that the counseling relationship is one of the safest places in the world to explore identity, relationships, and life struggles. I work with couples to reengage their marital relationship and increase intimacy as they face parenting challenges. My sessions can look like helping parents understand the influence of their role as husband, wife, dad, and mom to increase their family identity. This can reduce negative influences on children and teens in the home. I am experienced in helping husbands understand and compassionately support their wives with perinatal and other mood disorders. My work with younger and older clients recovering from trauma has proven to be successful. Some of my specialties are working with individuals who experience grief, loneliness, anger issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, spiritual issues, anxiety, social anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and men’s issues. My treatment modalities are theologically informed from a Christian worldview and include cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy the Gottman method, family systems, motivational therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Barry Brigham, MA, LLP, LPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ADHD ANXIETY
CHILDREN’S ISSUES DEPRESSION
DIVORCE RECOVERY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
EMDR FAMILY CONFLICT
MARITAL CONFLICT PLAY THERAPY
PTSD SEXUAL ABUSE
SEXUAL ADDICTION SPIRITUAL ISSUES
STRESS MANAGEMENT TRAUMA RECOVERY
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
Personal Statement: It is my belief that people need truth to be emotionally and spiritually healthy. The Bible is the primary source of truth and directs the counseling services that I provide. My hope is that the loving compassion of Christ is evident in my counsel, whether I am visiting with a troubled married couple or a young child who has been the victim of abuse. The identified desire of the client is the target of the counseling sessions and my goal to help each individual, couple or family experience freedom.
Jerry Brown, MA, LPC, NCC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ABUSE GRIEF/LOSS
ADDICTIONS SPIRITUALITY
ANXIETY COUPLES
SHAME TRAUMA/PTSD
DEPRESSION PREMARITAL/MARRIAGE
ANGER MANAGEMENT SUBSTANCE/RECOVERY
Personal Statement: The counseling relationship begins with and focuses on addressing the client’s immediate and long-term concerns. Real, lasting change involves growth and change in our whole self—thinking, feelings, behaviors, relationships, and spirituality. But there really is hope. Jesus tells us that freedom comes by knowing the truth while we are growing in relationship with Him. It is my desire that clients experience the compassion and grace of Jesus while we pursue truth, change, growth, and freedom together.
Melanie Bugnaski, MA, LLPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ADHD ANXIETY
DEPRESSION CHILD
COPING SKILLS DIVORCE
FAMILY CONFLICT GRIEF
SCHOOL ISSUES SELF ESTEEM
STRESS TEEN
LIFE COACHING MARITAL/PREMARITAL
BEHAVORIAL ISSUES CAREER COUNSELING
PEER RELATIONSHIPS WOMEN'S ISSUES
PRENATAL, PREGNANCY, POSTPARTUM
Personal Statement:
My passion in counseling is helping clients understand who they are, to gain skills that help them meet their goals, and to provide educational opportunities for growth. Together WE define your goals and set obtainable objectives to meet those goals... you are the expert of you! I currently serve all ages from pre-school children through empty nesters! I use empirically validated solution focused and cognitive behavioral techniques while integrating play, art, exercise and music. I also utilize client-centered techniques, family systems, and psychodynamic approaches which provide tools to customize your needs. My goal is to build trust in the therapeutic relationship, to allow a space for healing.
Rob Cook, MA, LPC, CFLE, ACS
Professional Therapist
Specialties:
ANXIETY DEPRESSION
CONFLICT RESOLUTION COUPLES
ABUSE/TRAUMA EMDR
PARENTING RELATIONSHIPS
SPIRITUAL ISSUES
Personal Statement: A fundamental objective of the therapeutic process is maturity. Maturity both personally and rationally. For me, the counseling process is viewed from a holistic and comprehensive perspective. Holistic meaning physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Comprehensive means we utilize a multidisciplinary partnership when appropriate, to facilitate your goals and objectives throughout the change process.
Dianna Crawford, MSW, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
Specialties:
CHILD/ADOLESCENT SOCIAL SKILLS ANXIETY DEPRESSION CONFLICT TRAUMA
RELATIONSHIPS FAMILY
Personal Statement: Working as a therapist is my dream job! It is my mission to help people discover and develop their God-given strengths and abilities so they can cope more effectively with life’s challenges. Through trauma-informed, solution focused practices, my goal is to help my clients navigate through their stormy seasons with increased grace and confidence.
Hannah Cummings, MSW, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
Specialties:
18+ TELETHERAPY
COUPLES ANXIETY
STRESS MANAGEMENT DEPRESSION
CRISIS INTERVENTION CASE MANAGEMENT
GRIEF AND LOSS TRAUMA
Personal Statement: “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created Esther 4:14.” My name is Hannah Cummings. I am a Clinically Licensed Social Worker. I believe that God has called me to help others going through life’s challenges as they navigate their journey towards health and healing. It is my desire to walk beside my clients as they take steps towards discovering who they are called to be, guiding them along the way. My passion is working with couples and adults. I have experience working with various populations from children to older adults in crisis, case management, and medical social work. I also have experience in forensic social work.
Lisa DeKryger, LLPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ANXIETY MINISTRY CONFLICTS
DEPRESSION RELATIONSHIP CONFLICTS
FAMILY/PARENTING COUPLES
GRIEF/LOSS TRAUMA
SELF ESTEEM LIFE EVENTS & TRANSITION
Personal Statement: My approach to counseling is integrative, using both counseling theories and biblical principles (when desired) together to bring about growth, healing, and positive change. Clients will be met with acceptance, genuineness, and positive regard as we look to assess their needs. Treatment will be planned according to individual needs.
Teah Doyle, MA, LPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ANXIETY PARENTING/FAMILY
TRAUMA ADOPTION
EMDR DEPRESSION ADHD BLENDED FAMILY ISSUES
SPIRITUAL ISSUES MARRIAGE/REL. CONFLICT
Personal Statement: I love being a counselor and find such honor in being able to walk with clients through their difficult times and battling their deepest fears. I feel strongly that Jesus has set me apart for this work. I believe in the healing power of Jesus and feel He is the author of lasting change. I believe the primary source of God’s truth is the Bible and so look to it as the authority in the services I provide. (John 17:17) My prayer is that He will work through me to help others experience healing from life’s difficulties, pursue more authentic relationships with one another and live life to its fullest. (John 10:10) I'm a big believer in using animals in the healing process, so I do use my therapy dog in select sessions.
Diane Finch, MA, LPC, BCC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
16 & OLDER RELATIONSHIPS
ANXIETY BLENDED FAMILIES DEPRESSION COLLEGE/CAREER MARRIAGE CONFLICT SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Personal Statement: My name is Diane Finch and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has also worked as a career and life coach. I received my education from Spring Arbor University. As a Christian, I enter into each relationship knowing that every person is a highly valued creation of God. My goal is to create a place that is warm, caring and safe where you can find hope and healing for yourself and your relationships. Over the past 15 years I’ve worked with individuals and couples in helping them achieve their career and relationship goals. I’ve done this both in ministry, working at a college, and private practice.
Diane and Dan, Licensed Professional Counselor and Life Coach
Specialties:
SYMBIS - PREMARITAL COUNSELING FACILITATOR
GOTTMAN COUPLES TRAINING
Personal Statement: My husband Dan and I enjoy working with couples helping them identify destructive patterns of behavior and giving them tools to promote change. We all have a pain cycle based on how we have experienced love and safety in relationships. These primary feelings along with negative ways of operating stay with us into adulthood unless we take the time to become aware and address these destructive patterns. Dan and I have worked through our own marriage struggles, and now feel blessed to help others bring healing to their relationships.
Dennis Goodrich, MA, LPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
MENTAL HEALTH MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Personal Statement: My mission is to bring healing grace to real people with real problems for restoration, reconciliation and change.
Lara M. Jacobs, MA, LLPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ANXIETY DEPRESSION
ANGER MANAGEMENT MINDFULNESS TRAUMA SOCIAL SKILLS BEHAVIORAL ISSUES ADHD GRIEF
DIVORCE SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS
Personal Statement: It is my passion to work with children. I believe every child is a gift from God and has been given personal strengths. Along with being a child comes many challenges and many emotions. I will be here to help guide your child in learning appropriate expression of feelings and enhance their self-esteem so they can be the best they can be. I will incorporate a loving, Godly approach to ensure your child feels comfortable during our sessions together.
Jennifer Mulder, MSW, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
Specialties:
GRIEF & LOSS ANXIETY
CHILDREN & TEENS TRUAMA
FAMILY SYSTEMS PARENTING
RELATIONSHIPS DEPRESSION
CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOR/DEVELOPMENT
COPING SKILLS/MINDFULNESS
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Personal Statement: Life is full of seasons of change and growth, some we move through easily while others are more challenging to navigate. I believe that each person, a unique creation of God deserves to feel heard and experience authentic connection. When this happens in a safe environment anyone- no matter their age can be empowered to make positive changes and understand their strengths. Even in the midst of pain, loss, and difficult transitions the opportunity for hope and transformation exists. As a counselor I operate from a Biblical foundation using evidence based therapies to provide individualized and holistic care. I hope to create a space where we will work together to process anything from daily life to traumatic events.
Debbie Pawell, MA, LLP, LPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ABUSE/NEGLECT DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE ADHD FAMILY ISSUES ANGER MANAGEMENT GRIEF/LOSS ANXIETY PLAY THERAPY ATTACHMENT ISSUES SCHOOL PROBLEM CHILDREN OF DIVORCE SELF-ESTEEM DEPRESSION TRAUMA PREMARITAL/MARRIAGE CHILDREN PARENTING
Personal Statement: I believe that God gives each of us gifts, and it is my desire to use the gifts God has given me to help young people in times of need. I believe that God desires us to know His tremendous love for us and I strive for my clients to know this as well. I believe in the importance of seeking out God for guidance in our lives. When we draw upon Him for strength, we can cope with struggles in life more effectively. It is my desire to provide support and guidance to children, adolescents, and adults to promote personal growth, hope, and healing. I enjoy building relationships with people by demonstrating grace and compassion while walking alongside them through difficult issues in their lives to help move them towards peace and emotional health.
Esteban Rivera, MA, LPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
EMDR TRAUMA
FIRST RESPONDERS
Personal Statement:
I served my Country.
I served my Community.
And now, serving those who served.
Ivonne Snider, MA, LPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
WOMEN’S STRUGGLES STRESS MANAGEMENT
ANXIETY RELATIONSHIPS
DEPRESSION ADOLESCENT - ADULT WOMEN
Personal Statement: John 10:10 “ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus is the giver of an abundant life regardless of the challenges that come. It is a pleasure for me to walk alongside you as you discover the abundant life that Jesus has to offer.
Danielle W. Standish, PHD, LP
Licensed Psychologist
Specialties:
ANXIETY SPIRITUAL ISSUES
DEPRESSION RELATIONSHIPS
TRAUMA MINDFULNESS/MEDITATION
GRIEF/LOSS SUPERVISION
MULTICULTURAL/RACIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT
TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION ISSUES
Personal Statement: I am Dr. Danielle W. Standish. I am a fully licensed psychologist. I have over 25 years of clinical mental health experience. It is my desire to help clients gain and maintain optimal mental health. I believe in creating a safe space to explore and learn about one’s feelings, thoughts and behaviors. I use talk therapy as well as meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing and overall body awareness to help get to the root of the issues. I’m honored to help clients in their movement toward better mental wellness.
Emma Trobeck, MA, LLPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ANXIETY COLLEGE STUDENT TRANSITIONS 10 & OLDER COPING SKILLS/MINDFULNESS ADULT ATTACHMENT SPIRITUALITY
SELF ESTEEM SOCIAL SKILLS WOMEN'S ISSUES DEPRESSION
GRIEF & LOSS IDENTITY
PRENATAL/PREGNANCY/POSTPARTUM
Personal Statement: I believe in the importance of understanding how our past experiences impact our present functioning to better care for our future selves. This process requires a whole person approach to counseling and in my practice, you will find that to address mental health symptoms and concerns, I also will address your physical, emotional, spiritual and social health. We were designed as unique, intricate people and I hope you’ll find it healing to give space to process through all parts of yourself. I believe people can and do heal when given the right tools, support and resources. My desire is that through our therapeutic relationship and working together, you will better know what it means to have hope, healing and peace, regardless of whether you are in a season of drought or growth (Jeremiah 18:7-8).
Stacey Veenstra, MSW, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
Specialties:
CHILD/ADOLESCENT/ADULT EMDR
ANXIETY TRAUMA
DEPRESSION MARRIAGE
Personal Statement: My heart has always been bent towards helping others find their way through their pain. I feel God has given me a gift and has called me to be a therapist. I feel privileged to be invited into the middle of people’s darkest storms to be an anchor while they learn more about themselves and God. I focus on treating the mind, body, and soul. I believe that all 3 components impact mental health and growth in thought patterns, physical health, and relationship with God can reduce symptoms and bring healing. I also use evidenced based strategies as I find that researched methods line up with the Bible, since God is the creator of all things. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important aspects of therapy and my hope is to provide a space where you would feel comfortable not only to cry but to laugh too. My goal is to be comforting while also being the person that will push you to do the hard work of healing and growth.
Marcy Wujkowski, MA, LLP, LPC
Professional Counselor
Specialties:
ADULTS TEENS
FAMILIES MARRIAGES DEPRESSION ANXIETY
TRAUMA ANGER MANAGEMENT IDENTITY ISSUES SPIRITUAL FORMATION THERAPEUTIC PRAYER SPECIAL NEEDS ISSUES RECOVERY/ PTSD GRIEF AND LOSS
Personal Statement: I strive to help people reach their full potential through a counseling approach that facilitates awareness and understanding of one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I focus on changing faulty belief systems, healing of emotions, and developing healthier ways of responding to life’s circumstances. I integrate a process of applying God’s love and truth to issues of emotional, physical, and mental health for those desiring a faith perspective. It is my hope to see people restored in their whole being and loving a life of joy and freedom!
Front Office Staff
Amy DeGraaf
Administrative Specialist
Volunteer work:
CUB SCOUT DEN MOM ALLIGATOR SANCTUARY
RUN CAMP TEAM LEADER
CHURCH NURSERY - WORKER
Personal Statement: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) Some activities I enjoy partaking in are drinking coffee, spending quality time with family, hiking, being outdoors, and meditating in Gods word.
Sue Balkema
Personal Statement: Striving to serve individuals with love, compassion and understanding, seeking His will and guidance in every situation. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Prov. 19:21