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 17 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. 

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.

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.

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.