"[My therapist] was very helpful – exactly what
I needed!"
JERRY KWAS, MA, LPC, LMSW, CAADC, CSS
Clinical Services Supervisor at Livonia Counseling Center
I have been supervising counselors and therapists for 36 of my 39-year professional career, and for the most part, right here in Livonia. I am a member of the Northville Kiwanis Club, the Livonia Save our Youth Coalition and have a personal commitment to improving our community. My formal training includes a Master's Degree from Wayne State University and two years of Post Graduate Training in Psychotherapy from the University of Detroit/Mercy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor.
TONI M. BESS, MSW, LMSW, ED.S.
Toni has been working with children, adolescents and families for 30 years. She has worked with children in residential treatment, foster care and adoption services and has extensive experience working in the juvenile court system. For the past 12 years, Toni has been employed as a clinical school social worker and administrator. She works with children and adolescents who present with ADD/ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, attachment disorders, depression and adjustment disorders.
STEPHANIE BIGELOW, MA, LPC
Stephanie holds Master's Degrees in both education and counseling. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults and families. Stephanie comes with over 14 years of experience working with adolescents and families within a school setting. She utilizes a cognitive-behavioral and reality therapy approach to treatment. Her interests include anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, adjustment disorders, eating and mood disorders.
SALLY BORDEN, MSW, LMSW, CAADC
Sally has a Master’s Degree in clinical social work and has been working as a social worker, primarily in the fields of mental health and substance abuse, for over 35 years. She has experience providing individual and group therapy in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency settings. Therapy work is done in a non-judgmental manner, with the emphasis on practical steps that can be taken by each person.
ANDREA CERNEY, MA, LLP. CAADC
Andrea holds a Master’s Degree in counseling psychology from Western Michigan University. Her caseload consists of adults with a primary substance abuse or mental health diagnosis. Andrea believes that the core of successful treatment is based on the therapeutic relationship between her and her client. She feels that achieving progress as a team will always surpass the progress made alone. Her areas of interest include substance abuse, adjustment disorders, depression and anxiety and relationship problems.
DEBORAH CHRISTIANSEN, MSW, LMSW
Deb has extensive experience in the treatment of children and adolescents and their families. She has worked in the area of juvenile justice, child welfare and children’s mental health. Deb is trained in the areas of sexual abuse, physical abuse, substance abuse, parenting, grief and loss, marital issues, women’s empowerment, and life adjustments. Deb welcomes diversity and enjoys working with a wide range of clients.
JENNIFER CORMIER, MA, LPC
Jennifer holds a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan
State University. In addition, she has completed a certificate in Addiction
Studies from Madonna University. She has been a professional counselor for
more than 20 years and works with adolescents and adults with both mental
health and substance abuse diagnoses. She has extensive experience working
with adults experiencing injury and disabilities. Her approach to treatment is
individualized and includes both solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral
treatment.
CRAIG DANIELS, MSW, LMSW, CAADC
Craig holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. He also is a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He has worked for almost 40 years in both outpatient and inpatient settings with adults, adolescents, and families experiencing problems in the areas of mental health and substance use disorders. Craig is knowledgeable in a variety of treatment modalities, including participation in self-help support groups as an adjunct to therapy. His experience includes working with all levels of mental health and addictive disorders, developmental disorders, and relationship conflicts.
JULIE DUPONT, MA, LLPC, SAP
Julie has a Master's Degree in community counseling and substance abuse prevention/education. She works within our Court program, facilitating education groups and completing alcohol and other drug evaluations (AODAs), driver's license appeals division assessments (DLADs), and indecent exposure evaluations. She is also a certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) which qualifies her to complete evaluations for Department of Transportation referrals. In addition, Julie has experience working in residential and outpatient settings, providing mental health and substance abuse counseling.
CATHY EAST, MA, LPC, CAADC
Cathy has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has over 20 years of experience working with clients with substance abuse and mental health issues providing individual and group therapy in both residential and outpatient settings. She uses a cognitive behavior approach and focuses on solving problems with the client. Areas of interest include substance abuse, mood disorders, and grief and loss.
LAURA FELDMESSER, PhD, LLP
Laura tailors her treatment of adults, adolescents and children by using various modalities to address the needs of each client. Among the issues Laura has addressed are mood and adjustment disorders, phobias, grief and loss, trauma, and relationship conflicts, as well as divorce, parent/child conflict, selective mutism, ADHD, and Asperger’s Syndrome. Working with individuals who are stroke survivors or have other closed-head injuries and their families is another aspect of Laura’s practice.
ANN ELIZABETH FULLER, MA, LLPC, NCC
Ann holds a Master's Degree in Counseling from Oakland University. She utilizes a variety of approaches when working with adults, teens, children, and families. These include motivational interviewing, behavior modification, as well as person-centered, cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy. Ann has experience working with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, substance abuse, domestic abuse, self-injury, anger issues and academic struggles. Ann speaks, reads, and writes in Spanish.
AMY HOPMAN-DOWNIE, MSW, LMSW
Amy enjoys working with adolescents and their families. She has over seven years of experience working with this population in mental health residential and outpatient settings, providing individual, group and family therapy. She uses a cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approach in working with her patients. She has experience working with conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and adjustment disorders.
JANICE KORNACKI, MA, LLP
Jan has a Master’s Degree in marriage and family therapy from Wayne State University. Jan enjoys working with adults and families. She uses an eclectic approach to therapy guided by the needs of the client. She has 12 years of experience working in the areas of grief and loss, depression and anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. She has a background that includes integrating spiritual issues into therapy as directed by the client.
MICHAEL KUBIAK, MSW, LMSW
Michael holds a Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University, where he focused his studies on both mental health and substance abuse counseling. He brings over 20 years of experience, practicing in both residential and outpatient settings. Michael uses an eclectic approach in assisting his patients. He believes in a strengths-based model, focusing on motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral and 12-step facilitation. He is skilled at engaging patients in the treatment process.
RITA NEWELL, MS, LPC
Rita holds a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of St. Francis in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Rita has 12 years' experience in outpatient, inpatient, and school settings, working with children, adolescents, and adults. Rita specializes in substance abuse and other addictions, mood disorders, trauma, as well as couples and family counseling. Rita uses a person-centered approach to therapy, emphasizing a client's sense of empowerment, enabling them to make positive changes in their lives.
SARAH ROSS, MS, LPC
Sarah has a Master’s Degree in mental health counseling from the University of Phoenix and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She currently works full-time as a home-based therapist for Hegira's Children's Program. She has experience working with SED/SA children and their families, as well as providing services to SMI/SA adults. Sarah focuses on person-center therapy services, which are tailored to the individual's needs.
ALEXIUS SCHMOLL, MA, LPC, CAADC, SAP
Alex received his Master's Degree from Wayne State University. He has over 20 years’ experience in the field, working at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center, the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center and Oakland County Driver Intervention Program. Alex has worked in the Livonia Court Program for the past 4 years, treating court-referred patients who present with a wide range of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. He is a reality-based therapist who feels that factual based education is paramount in bringing about meaningful change.
KIMBERLY SCHUMACHER, MS, LLP, CAADC
I have the gift of listening and a knack for connecting very well with a range of people. From my experience, I have seen how difficult it can be to locate a therapist who is not only down to earth but is also compassionate, available, and qualified. I express my ongoing gratitude to my past and current clients for selecting me as a therapist, and I look forward to continue helping those who are seeking someone such as me to help you through whatever stands before you.
I specialize in quality therapy at both the inpatient and outpatient levels. I enjoy helping people and have a broad range of experience. I have been working mainly with adolescents and young adults with addiction, anxiety, depression, and women's issues, such as post partum depression, grief and loss, and eating disorders.
I come from a psychoanalytic background, however, my rule of thumb is that we all struggle with life in different ways, and what works for one client may not work for another. There is no cookie cutter approach when it comes to therapy!
MARGO SIEGEL, MA, MSW, LLMSW
Margo is a passionate clinical therapist with a strong work ethic and experience in both outpatient mental health and special education environments, working with children, adolescents, and families. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work and her undergraduate degree in Education of the Blind and Visually Impaired, both from the University of Michigan. Margo transfers a wealth of knowledge from her previous teaching career in special education to her social work practice as she provides assistance to youngsters confronting the psychological impact of their physical, behavioral, and cognitive challenges. Her psychoanalytic background, combined with training in evidenced-based practices, offer patients an eclectic view of treatment options that considers the unique needs of the individual. Margo strives to formulate strong therapeutic alliances with young people and their families by displaying competence, empathy, and an understanding of diversity. Her ultimate goal is to foster strength and resilience within her clients, leading to their positive growth and healing.
ARMETHIA L. SIMS, MA, LPC, CAADC
Armethia has over 20 years’ experience in the areas of substance abuse and mental health. Besides having a background of working for several years in juvenile corrections, Armethia has worked for 12 years as a substance abuse counselor for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. She has also had significant training and experience working with clients who have co-occurring disorders. Armethia enjoys working with diverse populations and people of various cultural/ethnic backgrounds.
KATHERINE SINGAL, M.Ed., LPC, CCS, CAADC, CCJP, SAP
Kathy has extensive experience in working with both adolescents and adults. She is a certified substance abuse counselor, with additional training and credentials in art therapy, EMDR and cognitive strategies, such as rational emotive therapy, allowing her to address a wide scope of problems in a unique and effective manner. She has experience addressing depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, substance abuse problems, anger and adjustment problems, grief and loss issues and post-traumatic stress disorder.
KATHRYN STARON, MS, LLP, CAADC
Kathryn enjoys working with adolescents and adults. Her clinical practice has been with both mental health and substance abuse clients. She has been trained in psychoanalytic techniques but uses a variety of treatment approaches based on needs of the individual. Areas of clinical focus include depression, anxiety, mood disorders and adjustment disorders, as well as substance abuse and dependence. Outside her clinical practice, Kathryn is the Coordinator of the Addiction Studies Program at Madonna University.
MAREEN STEVENS, MSW, LMSW
Mareen has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors in individual, conjoint, family and group sessions. The majority of her experience has been in an outpatient setting, however, she has also had experience in a school setting. Mareen uses a variety of treatment modalities based on the needs and strengths of her clients. The most common issues she treats include adjustments disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and conflicts in relationships.
LORRAINE WAGNER, MA, LMSW, LPC, CAADC
Lorraine holds a Master's degree from the University of Michigan in Education - Guidance and Counseling in Community Agencies. She is a Licensed Social Worker, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and is a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has worked in the field of mental health and substance abuse for over 30 years, both as a therapist and as a supervisor. She works primarily with adolescents and adults and addresses issues of anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, trauma, divorce, and substance abuse. She adheres to a person-centered, solution-focused, strength-based approach to therapy.
LAURA KAAKATI-WEBER MA LLP
Laura graduated from Wayne State University with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She went on to attain post-master's education in educational psychology with an emphasis in child and adolescent development. As a working mother of three, she has provided care to children and families in the Downriver and metro Detroit area for over 8 years. Laura works from a strengths-based and person-centered perspective to assist children and their families dealing with post-traumatic stress, ADHD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, adjustment-related difficulties, identity disorders, parenting issues, relationship problems, and self abuse. She has also worked closely with local metro Detroit schools and the juvenile justice system and is capable of addressing every aspect of a child or adolescent's needs. As her practice is not limited to children, Laura is capable of working with adults and couples who seek a systematic approach to identifying and dealing with barriers to personal happiness.