Meet our staff

I view therapy as a collaborative process in which individuals have an opportunity to establish goals and develop realistic ways to achieve their goals. As a therapist, I strive to create a comfortable atmosphere where individuals feel safe to explore their concerns and encouraged to build upon their strengths. I feel honored in the role of helping individuals work through difficult times and adjust to life's transitions as well as improve their life satisfaction and relationships with others.  I provide therapy services to clients of all ages dealing with issues of depression, anxiety, communication, strained relationships, anger, behavior, parenting, autism spectrum disorders, and life's transitions. As clinical director of Growth Mindset Counseling, my goal is to find the right fit for you and your family.

Jeff has been married for 18 years and has 2 daughters. He enjoys spending time with family, camping, listening to music, playing with his 2 dogs, poker, and trying new things. 

Patti is a Clinical Social Worker, speaker and author with over 30 years of clinical experience. Patti is a recognized expert in the area of anxiety, relationships aggression and self esteem. Her work includes over 30 years of providing individual and family therapy to girls and their parents as well as working  with adult women. Additionally, she was an instructor in the WMU School of Social Work teaching graduate courses in clinical treatment for over 15 years. She has written numerous award winning nonfiction books related to helping girls grow up strong and healthy serving as an author, editor and consultant to the American Girl company for over 20 years. 

Patti states that she is a strong advocate for “finding your voice” and learning crucial relationship skills early. She has a strengths based perspective and has trained in and taught all the major treatment models with a goal of finding out what works best for each person.  

“I’ve learned some big truths over the years and perhaps the most important is that growing up is hard—for everyone—and having the ability to walk with someone through the storms and watch them come out the other side stronger and more confident has left me inspired and immensely grateful to do this work.”

Through my own journey trying to figure out who I was, I started my schooling in criminal justice, looking for a way to change the justice system for people who look like me and those who don’t. I know what it’s like to feel like you don’t have a chance when dealing with the system and no one to listen, let alone advocate for you. But deep down I continued to feel like I wasn’t doing what made me happy or what I felt was my purpose in this life. On a whim, I 
thought “Maybe I’ll get my Master's in social work,” and I did just that. I’ve worked in many capacities including corrections, child welfare, health care, case management, and more. The complexities of substance abuse, sexual trauma, dysfunction within a family, and mental health are some of the many issues that individuals I’ve worked alongside have faced. Through those different journeys, I found I deeply enjoy helping people! Going through some of the darkest times of your life shouldn’t be spent alone. I love providing a safe space, one without judgment or worry, to others while guiding them with evidence-based practices.

I am an African American LGBTQIA+ therapist. I’ve experienced feeling counted out or misunderstood for years. Living in that space for long periods became overwhelming, and thankfully I was able to overcome it. I hope to share with you many of the techniques I learned
throughout my own therapeutic journey through the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Strength Based, Family Systems, Person-Centered, and Motivational Interviewing. Allow me to learn with you, guide you, and grow with you while we work toward personal goals and become familiar with your emotions and how to regulate them. My areas of expertise are depression, anxiety, trauma, teen issues, sexual trauma, LGBTQIA+, racial trauma, and life changes. I am able to provide individual therapy to both adolescents and adults.

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2014 and my Master’s in Social Work in 2021, both from Western Michigan University. I’m excited to meet you and ready to begin this life-changing journey alongside you.

For over 10 years, I've had the privilege of helping individuals overcome obstacles, discover their strengths, and create meaningful change. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University and have worked with clients in a variety of settings, giving me experience supporting people through some of life's most difficult moments.

I specialize in treating trauma, eating disorders, and substance use disorders, while also helping individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and self-esteem. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs because I believe there is no one-size-fits-all path to healing.

My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you can show up exactly as you are. Together, we'll explore the experiences that have shaped you, develop practical tools for navigating life's challenges, and work toward a life that feels more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling.

Healing isn't about becoming someone different—it's about reconnecting with who you are beneath the pain. No matter where you are in your journey, you don't have to face it alone. I look forward to supporting you every step of the way.

Life can become overwhelming and unmanageable at times. I believe I am here to help people on their positive journey to manage stress and find peace. I graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor's degree in behavioral psychology. I obtained my Master's degree in counseling psychology in 1996 and have been a practicing therapist for over 25 years. In addition, I am also an internationally certified hypnotherapist. I combine my years of experience and knowledge to provide the best care. Some specialties include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, mood disorders, PTSD, family issues, and relationship issues. 

I work with individuals starting at 4 years old through adulthood. It would be a pleasure to speak with you and schedule an appointment.

Therapy is both my passion and my profession, but if you had met nine-year-old me, you would’ve heard a very different career plan: therapist by day… rockstar princess by night. I never did master an instrument (and trust me, the world is better for it), and despite thorough checking, there isn’t a hint of royal blood in my DNA.

But the desire to help people?

That never went away.

If anything, it’s only grown stronger.

Moving through life and this career, I’ve learned how deeply people crave a place where they can be real — not perfect, not polished, just real. That’s the space I’ve devoted my life to creating.

I care about getting to know you — not the “should be” version of you, not the version you feel pressured to present, but the human one. The one who has lived, loved, broken, rebuilt, and kept going. My approach is simple:

You set the path. I walk alongside you.

You choose the goals, and I’m there with support, honesty, and a little humor when you need it most.

As a mom of two energetic little boys, a wife, and an Army Reserve Veteran, I understand how complex and demanding life can be. I’ve sat with families, couples, and individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, heartbreak, major transitions, and the kind of life changes that leave you wondering who you are now — and who you still want to become. 

Today I specialize in working with adults who are untangling big emotions, healing from past hurts, or simply wanting to grow into a healthier, calmer, more empowered version of themselves. I also provide couples therapy for partners who want to communicate better, reconnect, or rebuild.

If you’re looking for a therapist who brings compassion, honesty, humor, and genuine partnership to the process, it would be my honor to walk this part of your journey with you.

Feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, stuck or burned out? Or don’t know where to start? You don’t have to navigate it alone. I specialize in supporting individuals who are facing anxiety, life transitions, stress, and self-esteem challenges in today’s fast-paced world.

I strive to create a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can show up exactly as you are. Whether you’re working through people-pleasing, boundaries, relationship stress, or feeling disconnected from yourself, we’ll work together to understand what’s holding you back and build the tools needed for healing and growth. 

Hablo español—conéctate conmigo si sientes que conectamos. I offer therapy in English and Spanish. As a first-generation, multicultural therapist, I understand balancing cultures and identity.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 13 years of experience as a middle and high school counselor. I work with teenagers every day on a wide range of issues, from academic planning to mental health support. I enjoy this age group immensely and am passionate about helping teens improve communication with both parents and school staff to enhance their relationships and promote harmony at home and at school. 

I’m also well-versed in postsecondary planning and the transitions young people face as they move towards adulthood. I am committed to helping young adults navigate everything from course selections and career pathways to college applications and financial aid. I love helping others create and achieve their goals!

I use a solution-focused approach to help get through many of life’s struggles related to issues like depression, anxiety, self esteem, relationships, and parenting. I use mindfulness strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy to create awareness and enhance coping skills. I firmly believe that once we can identify and regulate emotions it becomes much easier to manage behaviors, build confidence, and make positive changes in life. 

In addition to my professional training I have garnered a lot of personal experience as a mother of three college-aged sons. My oldest son is on the autism spectrum and over the last 20 years I have advocated tirelessly for him. This has given me valuable insight into the world of special education; viewing it as both a parent and educator and into community services as both a mom and a counselor. I also understand the unique challenges of living with a child who has a disability and especially love working with parents and siblings of people who are on the autism spectrum; wherever they may be on their journey. 

At Growth Mindset Counseling, Pete is our good boy.