3rdchair

Who We Are

 

 
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At 3rdchair, we pride ourselves on finding beautifully flawed people to help keep the dream going.


Life isn’t always easy.  The answers to our problems are elusive and blurry at best and only with the calming and encouraging voices of our wisest friends can we move forward.  Life is messy, difficult and confusing and we too have known struggle, pain, depression and shame.  The only reason we can support others is because, we ourselves, are being supported.  Without our friends, relatives, teachers, professors, mentors and donors cheering us on, we couldn’t do this.  Therefore, with this support in place, we’ve devoted our lives to helping those who might not have the support.   So let this model of being blessed and blessing others ring true for you as well.  We’ve been served, so in turn, let us serve you as well.  This is our charge and mission and we embrace it.  We wouldn’t have it any other way.  The youth of West Michigan deserve it.

 

Meet Our Team


Scott McKnight, Founding Director, LMSW Clinical Practice, MBA

Scott founded 3rdchair to meet the needs of young adults of Grand Rapids. 

He has made it a full-time endeavor to counsel, mentor, and speak to schools, colleges, churches, seminaries, and other groups regarding the challenges and mental health concerns facing today's youth.

Scott works in groups or one-on-one and is gifted in dealing with sexual abuse, addictions, self-injury (cutting), eating disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship struggles. He makes it easy for young people to communicate how they really feel and gives them the tools to articulate their thoughts. He works with people so they can build constructive relationships with others by being aware of the needs around them.  

Scott received his Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Western Michigan University as well as further training through Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He also received a Master in Business Administration in International Finance from Old Dominion University.  

Outside of 3rdchair, Scott has coached soccer for the past eight years and worked summer camps for Harbor Hospice and Ele's Place. Additionally, he has walked alongside youth who have experienced the death of a family member; facilitated groups for high school students who are experiencing anticipatory grief; volunteered for Junior Achievement – Project Business, teaching students about building a business; and has volunteered with Binder Park Zoo and the Humane Society.

Kristen Rogers, LPC, Counselor

Kristen Rogers is a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where she earned a Master of Arts in Counseling. While pursuing interdisciplinary studies, she was able to focus her coursework on women's issues and child and adolescent development. Kristen's studies increased her desire to walk with women through abuse, anxiety, depression, and self-worth and assist them towards healing and healthy living goals.

While studying at Cornerstone University, Kristen was a resident assistant and had the privilege of helping young women through the personal, social, and transitional challenges of college life. After graduating, she received the Faculty Counseling Award for excellence in counseling. Her invaluable service at 3rdchair also includes working with young adults and couples. In her spare time, she enjoys the company of her husband and energetic son as well as reading, traveling, music, art projects, and serving at her church.

Cameron Sabon, LLPC, Counselor

Cameron is a Grand Rapids Theological Seminary graduate with a Master of Arts in Counseling. Her focus was on interdisciplinary studies, which allowed her to get a wide range of skills revolving around marriage/family, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Before her graduate studies, she received a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and Nonprofit Leadership from Clemson University in South Carolina (where she is from).

Cameron knows that high school years, college years, and early 20s can be difficult. It is a time of transition and exploring more of who you are. She has a passion for teens and twenty-something women to know that they are seen, valued, and cherished. Cameron's greatest desire is that when you come to counseling, you can put the stress of the day aside and be able to focus on yourself safely and what is going on in your life. She understands that sharing hard things with people is challenging, and she strives to create a warm, safe space that you feel comfortable sharing. She sees counseling as a collaborative process of healing and finding skills to work through life's obstacles.

In addition to Counseling, Cameron enjoys being with her family. She is enjoying the adventure of being a new mom and learning something new about herself and her little one every day. She can also be found volunteering at her local church, hanging out with her husband, enjoying coffee with friends, spending time with her small group, or exploring the outdoors.

 Stephanie Bergman, LPC, Counselor

Stephanie is a graduate from Spring Arbor University with a Master of Arts degree in counseling. Prior, she graduated from Kuyper College with a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Youth Ministry and Bible/Theology and minors in Worship Studies and Communication Arts.

Stephanie's unique background and experiences, combined with her education, have prepared her well to work with young adults and college-aged students. She has spent the past seven years working on college campuses in Career & Counseling, Student Life, and Admissions departments. Outside of the college campus environment, Stephanie has also been a middle and high school student youth leader in her church for over ten years.

These combined experiences have afforded her the opportunity to walk with young adults as they experience all of the joys and sorrows involved in growing up and discovering the person they are meant to be. She has experience working with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, and self-worth. Her passion for walking with young adults comes out of her own experiences and her belief that joy and healing are possible with time and effort.

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys reading, being outdoors, exploring Grand Rapids, drinking coffee, crafting, digging through thrift stores, and spending time with her awesome husband, two super cute kids, and crazy dog.

Hillary Marker, LPC, Counselor

Hillary is a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary where she received a Master of Arts in Counseling with an interdisciplinary focus and received a Counseling Award for excellence in counseling. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Family Studies at Cornerstone University, where she earned the Family Studies Award for her work in that division.

Hillary’s passion for counseling resulted from hard experiences in her own life, especially in high school and college. During those difficult moments, she began to understand the value of intentional community and mentorship in the healing process. Hillary is passionate about walking alongside teens and college-aged students in counseling, acting as an aide and a guide in the self-discovery and healing process.

Through her previous experiences in child and adolescent residential treatment programs and intensive outpatient programs (IOP), Hillary has worked with children and teens that have experienced abuse and trauma, as well as those who have struggled with mood instability and behavioral problems, suicidal ideation and self-injury, and substance abuse.

Hillary is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). She uses an eclectic approach, integrating theories and techniques from numerous schools of thought, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is most passionate and practiced in working with personality disorders, anxiety, depression, self-identity, and interpersonal relationships covering communication, boundaries, and self-care. She is also certified as a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator for couples and premarital counseling.

In addition to walking alongside clients, Hillary adjuncts at Cornerstone University, teaches psychology and counseling students, and serves as a small group co-leader for female college students at her church.

In her spare time, Hillary enjoys traveling to different countries and learning about new cultures, hanging out with friends, reading Dune, listening to movie scores and musicals, and watching Star Wars and Marvel movies.

Elizabeth Ghekiere, LPC, Client Relations Coordinator

Elizabeth is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is also a graduate of Spring Arbor University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Elizabeth has a passion for people and strives to share her interest in people through her work and hobbies. Elizabeth is particularly drawn to young people and issues such as trauma, identity, and anxiety. Having spent three weeks learning and experiencing Cambodia during her undergraduate work, she has become passionate about and finds herself continually learning about societal issues such as poverty, inequality, and human trafficking.

Besides her time with 3rdchair, she creates hand-drawn planners and stickers and cares for her collection of houseplants. Running an online business keeps Elizabeth busy; however, you can also find her playing with her two orange rescue cats and exploring the city.

Maegan Parker, LPC, Counselor

Maegan is a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Counseling, with an emphasis on trauma. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Grand Valley State University. Maegan is also an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and is a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.

Maegan has experience working with high school students and young adults. She has experience working with individuals who have struggled with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, relational difficulties, and trauma. Maegan is passionate about utilizing a holistic approach in practice where lifestyle tools are utilized to optimize functioning in physical, emotional, spiritual, and social areas of well-being. She desires to help individuals see the beauty within their uniqueness and walk alongside them as they face the challenging parts of their story to find healing and growth. Maegan hopes that she will create a space where individuals feel supported and are encouraged to continue moving toward their goals!

When Maegan is not working, she enjoys spending time with the people she loves, including her two dogs, Rumler and Maya. Some of her favorite things include a good cup of coffee, taking her dogs on walks, brunching with friends, hiking, spending time with family (especially her nieces and nephew), and watching some football with her husband!

Kelly Crabb, LMSW, Counselor

Kelly Jo received her Masters of Social Work from Baylor University in Waco, TX where she specialized in Clinical Practice. For undergrad, she attended Kuyper College where she earned dual degrees --a Bachelor in Bible & Theology and a Bachelor of Social Work. 

Kelly Jo has a passion for journeying with others through the mountains and valleys of life. Through navigating her own journey as well as her professional experiences of working with individuals who experience physical and mental health challenges, she has seen that healing and hope are always possible. Kelly Jo has experience in working with mood disorders, anxiety and depression, postpartum depression, trauma, addictions, and self-harm. 

Kelly Jo’s goal is to create a safe space for her clients so that healing and hope can flourish and each client’s story can be treated with the dignity and respect it deserves. 

Aside from counseling at The Third Chair, Kelly Jo works at Paws With A Cause with her other passion, Assistance Dogs. Kelly Jo enjoys painting, getting lost in a good book, cheering on the Michigan Wolverines, and most importantly enjoys spending time with her husband, four kiddos, two dogs, and two cats. 

April Wilson, B.A., Client Relations Coordinator

April graduated from Ferris State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Spanish. She has worked for the past few years doing psychological testing for all ages at local psychiatric clinics. April is also a Resident Assistant for Homes Giving Hope, where she lives alongside four young women with unique abilities and assists them in mastering independent living skills. Whether they are chatting about their day or having a karaoke party, she loves spending time with her residents and their emotional support dog, Ryder. 

April enjoys any kind of creative outlet outside of work but mainly enjoys painting, sewing, and cooking. She also loves yoga, outdoor activities, and trying new things, preferably accompanied by one of her dogs or a friend.

Alissa Boerman, LLMSW, Counselor

After years of volunteering and working in the foster care system, Alissa felt moved to pursue a Master's in Social Work to better meet the need of the young adults she comes alongside. Alissa graduated from Cornerstone University, where she completed a bachelor's degree in Science of Psychology, and Spring Arbor University, where she completed a Master's degree in Social Work.

Alissa is passionate about young people and believes every story has value and deserves to be heard. Alissa believes that providing young people with a safe place where they can acknowledge, explore, and process feelings, emotions, and trauma is key to helping them heal and move forward in their journey. Alissa has experience working with young people in foster care, school settings, and church organizations.

There is nothing better to Alissa than adventuring in new places with her favorite people and four-legged fluffs.

Jasmine Fullenwider, LLMSW, Counselor

Jasmine graduated from Bowling Green State University, receiving her Master of Social Work. Prior to this, Jasmine received a Bachelor's in Social Work from Spring Arbor University. Throughout her time at SAU, Jasmine developed a passion for working with adolescents as they navigate through life. 

Since her time in the social work field, Jasmine has served in numerous roles throughout Child Welfare, including foster care and residential treatment. Jasmine has been able to increase her knowledge base on the effects of childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, Jasmine has worked with parents and adolescents on addressing behavioral concerns. When meeting with clients, Jasmine hopes to walk alongside them to empower them to be the best versions of themselves while allowing them space to feel safe, welcome, and validated. 

Aside from serving at 3rd Chair, Jasmine works full-time as a Medical Social Worker at the Kent County Health Department. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys sunsets and sunrises, baseball, being an avid concert-goer, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Sam Campbell, LLMSW, Counselor

Samantha (Sam) is a graduate of Michigan State University, where she received her Master’s in Social Work degree. She is also a graduate of Cornerstone University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.

Sam is experienced working with youth and families in residential, foster care, and school settings. Sam has a passion for creating a space where adolescents and young adults feel seen, heard, and valued. Her passion stems from her personal challenges during high school and college. At her core, her desire is to create a space of belonging for youth and young adults.

In addition to working at 3rdChair, Sam works with young moms and their children to create a space of community where moms are supported as they reach their full potential.

In her spare time, Sam enjoys exploring local coffee shops, reading, crafting, being outside, and watching college basketball with her cat, Ferguson. One of her favorite summer activities is attending auto shows, as she enjoys learning about cars, specifically Corvettes.

 Mallory Verkaik, LMSW, Counselor

Mallory is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where she received a Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice with a specialization in trauma across the lifespan. As an undergrad, she attended Hope College, where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work.

Mallory has over seven years of experience working with individuals who have an intellectual disability. Throughout this time, Mallory had the opportunity to work on college campuses and witness the triumphs and challenges associated with being a young adult. In addition to working with individuals, Mallory has been honored to work with families and support systems. She has walked alongside young adults as they navigate anxiety, depression, identity, and self-worth. Mallory is passionate about inclusion and strives to create a place of belonging and community within the counseling experience.

She enjoys camping and hiking throughout Michigan with her daughter and husband or being curling up with a good book and cup of coffee!

Melissa PhebusLPC, Manager of Clinical Excellence for 3rdchair, Counselor

Melissa is a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Counseling. Her focus was on interdisciplinary studies that allowed her to take classes focusing on the struggles and triumphs of women and a general overview of the philosophy of addiction counseling. Upon graduating, Melissa received the Faculty Counseling Award for excellence in counseling.

Before getting her MA, Melissa attended Cedarville University, where she majored in Philosophy and had two minors, one in History and one in Bible. She also played for Cedarville's Volleyball team, where she learned much about discipline, teamwork, and setting and achieving goals. Though she enjoyed her study in Philosophy, it is not an area that opens up a lot of one-on-one contact with others. Desiring to spend meaningful time with people, Melissa shifted her focus to counseling where she could help others enjoy who they were and take charge of shaping who they wanted to become.

In addition to working at 3rdchair, Melissa also volunteers as a youth leader in her local church, where she walks alongside high school women as they journey through school and learn about life. Melissa also enjoys reading, painting, camping, and hiking and is always up for good conversations in a local coffee shop. 

Tyler Mink, LPC, Counselor

 Tyler hails from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where he received a Master of Arts in Counseling degree. His focus was on interdisciplinary studies with a cognate in addictions. This has equipped him to provide insightful and practical skills in dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship stress, behavioral addictions, and other mental and behavioral health obstacles. Walking with others in their paths towards wholeness and integrity is one of his passions. 

Tyler has experience working with a wide range of young adults and teens. He completed his internship with the Third Chair during his time in graduate school, where his skills in working with young adults grew immensely. He also served in multiple leadership roles in undergraduate school and volunteers with Kids Hope USA. He has also worked as a crisis counselor, enabling him to provide immediate support for individuals with a broad range of struggles. 

Tyler is also experienced in and driven to provide a biopsychosocial emphasis on wellbeing with those he serves. He is adamant about strong mental health as he is a believer in healing, growth, and achieving one's goals in all areas of life. He considers it a privilege to witness those elements in those he serves and believes those strengths are with everyone. 

When not in the office, Tyler finds joy in being an avid trail-hiker, an athlete of many sports, a book-worm, and a lover of music. He is currently learning Spanish and speaks Chinese, loves to make beats on his computer, and can be found spending time with his friends or girlfriend at any local restaurant (Mexican preferred) or in a local West Michigan park. 

Stephanie ChoiLPC, Counselor

Stephanie is a graduate of Spring Arbor University with a Master of Arts in Counseling Degree and of Calvin College with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Stephanie is trained in EMDR, a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. She is also certified as a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator for couples and premarital counseling. 

Stephanie has chosen to focus her time and energy working with teens and young adults because she understands that these years are filled with difficult transitions and knows that everyone needs a little help figuring out who they are and where they want to go. 

Stephanie has prior experience working and providing home-based family intervention, life skills education, and supportive services. Working with home-based family systems has provided Stephanie with specific insight into how mental health issues affect more than just the individual. 

In her free time, Stephanie can be found spending time with family and friends. She likes to maintain a healthy lifestyle and has found social dancing—particularly swing and salsa dancing—to be a great way to stay active.

Kelli Hoffman, LPC, Counselor 

Kelli is a graduate of Grace College and Theological Seminary, where she received a Master's in Mental Health Counseling. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Counseling and Criminal Justice and is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults. 

Kelli's desire to help others was shaped by her own life experiences, where support and compassion were crucial to her wellbeing. She possesses a strong desire to help others through difficult life transitions to rediscover the qualities, values, and interests that make them unique. Through her experience working at Pine Rest Christian Hospital, she has gained skills in crisis management and interpersonal relationships. She is experienced in working with individuals with depression, anxiety, self-injury, grief, various forms of addiction, and self-worth. 

Kelli strongly believes that people need other people and works to provide a safe space for her clients to process, heal, and positively rewrite their stories. She recognizes that thoughts and feelings influence our actions and believes that there is always hope for change and a better tomorrow.  

You will find Kelli spending most of her spare time in coffee shops or enjoying quality time with friends. She also enjoys time spent outside or taking walks with her dog, a Dachshund named Olly. A few of her passions include Christmas, wintertime, iced coffees, and all things Taylor Swift.

Amanda StowittsLPC, CHAIS, Counselor

Amanda is a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where she received a Master's in counseling with an interdisciplinary focus. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Worship with a vocal emphasis at Cornerstone University and leads worship at her church. In the spring of 2021, Amanda completed a certificate in Animal Assisted Interventions (CHAIS) through Oakland University.

After watching family members and friends wrestle through grief and anxiety, Amanda chose to become a counselor to companion and care for those who are hurting. She previously shared her time at 3rdchair with Ele's Place, working with children struggling with the bereavement of a special person. Amanda feels that every person should have the opportunity to feel heard and appreciated as the unique individual they are. She believes the first step to healing and becoming the best version of yourself is realizing you are worth the time and effort it takes to push forward.

Outside of counseling at 3rdchair, Amanda loves spending time with her family and her golden-doodle Henry, going for walks in nature with friends, singing, reading, horseback riding, and discussing movies and tv, especially anything to do with Star Wars, superheroes, and musicals.

Henry, Animal Interventionist, Counselor Pawtner

With the help of Amanda, Henry is excited to be a “counseling pawtner” at 3rdchair! He will join us as an animal interventionist, trained to help and manage the client's emotional response to stress and anxiety during the session. Amanda has done many hours of training through Oakland University and Henry has been through several obedience-training classes and is finishing his requirements to become an AKC Canine Good Citizen and a Pet Partner.

Henry will be one of the first trained animal interventionists at a counseling center in West Michigan!!

Henry is passionate about making people feel safe and accepted. He is always willing to offer his paw to make someone who is sad feel better and has been known to initiate cuddles to reduce feelings of anxiety. Henry is a wonderful listener and only interrupts with an occasional squeak of a toy to add some “comic relief” in a tense situation.

When Henry is not helping clients at 3rdchair, he loves going on walks, taking naps, playing tug, chasing birds, and wrestling with his friends. There is no such thing as too many belly rubs and he is happy to show off his favorite tricks (especially if treats are involved).

Joni Cook, BSW, Manager of Client and Community Relations

Joni is a graduate of Kuyper College, where she earned a Bachelor's in Social Work. Soon after graduating, she spent two years serving the community through AmeriCorps at a local community health center. During her years of service, she journeyed with people from all walks and stages of life. For the past 11 years, she has worked with pregnant women and their babies, providing education, support, and referrals to support healthy birth outcomes and healthy babies. 

Since its inception, Joni has been associated with 3rdChair. She has been involved in the brainstorming and dreaming days and has served on the Board of Directors as it grew from one counselor to a whole team. She is excited to come on board and support the mission of the 3rdChair.Outside of 3rdchair, Joni has volunteered with church youth groups for many years. Joni's passion is holistic wellness--the integration of body, mind, soul, and spirit. She loves good coffee, local food, and time in nature. Most of her time is spent with her husband, kids, and connecting with friends.

Shawna Biggs, LLPC, Counselor

Shawna is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where she received her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with additional study on marriage and family systems. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Grand Valley State University.

Shawna believes every person is on their own unique journey and she is dedicated to walking with others as they find their way. She strives to help teens and young adults reach their fullest potential through personal growth and healing.

Life can be hard, but we don’t have to figure it out alone. From her own experience, Shawna understands the importance of having support when you need it most. Shawna looks forward to getting to know you for who you are and helping you on your journey towards who you are becoming.

Shawna has experience working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and self-worth. As a counselor, Shawna works to empower others to achieve their personal goals and face life’s challenges in a healthy way.

In addition to working at 3rdchair, Shawna serves in the youth ministry at her church and leads a young marrieds small group with her husband. Shawna also enjoys traveling, interior design, snuggling her cat, going on adventures with her husband, and reading.

Kayla Welch, LPC, Counselor

Kayla is a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where she earned a Master of Arts in Counseling focusing on addictions. She has also earned a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Psychology from Cornerstone University.

Kayla has a passion for serving and helping others. Her passion for counseling came from her various experiences working with people in crisis. She spent two years working directly with families by providing home-based services. During this time, she learned interventions and techniques of counseling and decided to pursue the career further. Kayla has experience working with substance use and developmental disabilities. She spent three years working directly with individuals with developmental disorders and 2 years with adults in a rehabilitation center.

Kayla has a passion for working with young people. Alongside her time spent with 3rdChair. she serves as a youth development manager and has worked with youth through the Salvation Army for over 15 years. Kayla believes that everyone has value and deserves to have a safe place to be heard.

Outside of her time at 3rdChair, Kayla enjoys playing soccer and playing with her dog at the dog park. She also enjoys traveling to new locations where she can be out in nature and explore a new culture. Kayla is passionate about Marvel comics, playing music, Cheez-its, and Professional football.

Ana Robey, LLMSW, Counselor

Ana is a graduate of Spring Arbor University, where she received her Master of Social Work, and of Central Michigan University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. After obtaining her bachelor’s, Ana took time off from her education to work both at a women’s health center and as a ballet teacher, where she fostered a passion for supporting young women as they navigated life’s challenges and discovered their own identity, belonging, and purpose. She approaches the therapeutic process with curiosity, seeking to create a safe space for individuals to discover a deeper understanding of their own thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and move forward in health.

In addition to her time at 3rd Chair, Ana works with youth in foster care who are experiencing emotional and relational challenges as a result of trauma to develop coping skills and maintain healthy relationships in their community. In her spare time, Ana can be found exploring local restaurants and walking trails, painting, tending her wide array of houseplants, and spending time with her friends and family. On a weekend, you may find her at a music festival or venue with her fiddle-playing husband.

Luke Wolthuis, LLPC, Counselor

Luke is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in sports management. He felt led to pursue his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which he is currently working on at Huntington University.

Luke’s passion for listening to other people’s stories, particularly adolescents and young adults, stemmed from his own experiences throughout high school and college. He has a strong desire to be present while challenging situations with peers and family. He loves delving into each individual’s unique story as they discover more about themselves, process the world around them, and learn how the two can best interact with each other.

Luke has previous experience working with adolescents undergoing treatment for substance abuse. He also spent a summer interning at a ballpark and loves to use sports to relate to people to help them feel comfortable.

Luke loves spending time with his family, friends, and puppies outside of counseling and school! He can also be found watching the show Friends, at a ball game, shooting hoops at a park, or doing projects around the house.

Jessica Marvin, LLMSW, Counselor

Jessica graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, earning her Master's in Social Work. Previously, she earned a Bachelor's in Social Work at Kuyper College along with a Bachelor’s in Applied Science through Davenport University, where she also played volleyball for four years.

Jessica previously volunteered through a local church as a youth leader and has coached volleyball for a local club and school for nine years. Throughout these experiences, Jessica discovered her passion for high school and college-aged students. Jessica enjoys working with them as they navigate life's changes and challenges. Jessica believes it is essential to support individuals how they wish to be supported and highlight the beauty of what makes them unique. She understands that every person has their own story and therefore is excited to be able to walk alongside them on their journey of healing and growth.

Jessica has worked in child welfare for four years. This experience has increased her ability to work with people with various mental health concerns or who have a history of abuse or trauma. Jessica decided to pursue counseling after seeing many individuals with different life experiences who are in need of a safe space to process their feelings and emotions.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys playing and watching volleyball, taking her dog for a walk, playing card games, and doing water sports. Jessica loves the summer and enjoys trying new types of food or recipes.

So let this model of being blessed and blessing others ring true for you as well. We’ve been served, so in turn, let us serve you as well. This is our charge and mission and we embrace it. We wouldn’t have it any other way. The youth of West Michigan deserve it.