*Mental health therapy, voice coaching and Kindness Matters also have virtual options.
Photography | Community Organizer | Roots Hair Lounge | Mirkin Electrology | The Blackyard | Relaxation Depot | Mental Health Therapy | Modulation Institute
(they/them/theirs)
Artist
I am Kim, the main artist for Kindness Matters Studio. My artwork is based in abstract expressionism and uses vibrant colors and rhythmic movement to explore chaos and order, and what it means to be alive and conscious.
I am thrilled to be a part of Wild Ferns Wellness because as a queer, bisexual and gender nonconforming person this community space is vitally important to me. I am passionate about mental health and am hopeful my art within the center helps bring a sense of peace to those who view it. My ongoing struggle with depression often leaves me feeling like nothing matters, and it is through the process of art I came to the idea that even when everything feels hopeless, like nothing matters at all, I can anchor to the idea that kindness matters. I also began to see that I could not be kind to others, or spread any kind of joy and love to others if I did not start prioritizing my own mental health and learn to practice kindness towards myself. Thus, Kindness Matters Studio was born, where I talk openly about mental health, create art that heals, and art that explores this chaotic existence we are all a part of.
Kindness Matters Studio is founded on the belief that small steps and small acts of kindness can equal big change. Especially when we work together, using whatever skills and talents we have. I have no idea how this journey will evolve, but for now I am using art to bring joy and inspiration to others, while donating 10% of all sales from fans of Wild Ferns Wellness Center to the Wild Ferns Wellness Center Pay it Forward Fundraiser.
Some of my originals are displayed at Wild Ferns Wellness Center. Some prints are available for sale there also. To see my collection and select originals and prints to own please visit us at https://www.kindnessmattersstudio.com/.
Maxwell Isaac(he/him)
Social Worker
Maxwell T. Isaac is a Black, Queer & Transgender social worker, grassroots organizer and community advocate.
As a community organizer, Max has worked to address issues surrounding Black Liberation, police brutality and community policing, racial equity, LGBTQIAP advocacy, HIV prevention/education, Disabled rights and housing inequality/homelessness prevention.
As an active social worker at Wild Ferns Wellness, Max impacts Wild Ferns Wellness in a variety of positive ways. Max can often be found helping lead provider meetings, offering his open heart and listening ears to peers and providers, helping new clients apply for resources (such as Medicaid and food benefits), helping with projects and adding details and fine touches to the center’s atmosphere.
Mel Mirkin, owner, LE, CPE(she/her/hers)
Licensed Electrolysis
After more than 25 years in outside sales, it was time for a change. In the time following my career departure, I set off to the American Institute of Education, in Tustin California, to learn about Electrolysis. While in electrolysis school in California, I had the privilege of working with LGBTQIA people giving me insight into the emotional side of hair removal.
Upon graduating and coming back to Michigan, my friend and mentor, Suzy Grace, enlightened me that there are only a few electrologists in Michigan who work with transgender women to help them prepare for gender affirming surgery. I knew I had to be one of the people to help trans women prepare for surgery not only by removing groin and pubic hair but also familiarizing myself with the surgeons who perform this surgery and their hair removal requirements.
Becoming an electrologist is the best career decision I have made. Removing hair is so much more than a cosmetic treatment it changes the way people feel about themselves. My clients and I have a strong bond. As we work through the hair removal process we discuss our interests, likes, dislikes and stories that make us human and connected.
Electrolysis works on all hair types, hair colors, skin types, and skin tones, and so do I. Kind people are always welcome in my practice. Sharing information about my craft is something I love to do and invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss how electrolysis will work for you.
Mel Mirkin received 2020 Talk of the Town Best Permanent Hair Removal Award by City Pulse.
Suzy Grace, LE(she/her/hers)
Licensed Electrolysis
Bio coming soon!
El Baker(they/them & he/him)
Social Media Manager
El Baker is a gender non-conforming, queer identified African American Community consultant. El has spent most of their time servicing the black community in ways that speak to them. They began their journey as a behavioral therapist and then started their own company (The Blackyard) whose arms directly impact the needs of their community. El works in an official capacity with Wild Ferns Wellness as a social media manager but is committed to the overall success of those around them.
Alisha J Meyers, LMT, AAP in CAM, Dipl Aroma, HHP, Wellness Coach(she/her/hers)
Massage Therapist
I have been a massage therapist for 19 years and have been licensed in 3 states. Currently I am licensed in Michigan. I earned my Massage Therapy Certification at Lansing Community College before taking the National Exam. I earned my Associates of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine, Diploma in Aromatherapy, Diploma in Natural Health Practices, and Cert in Wellness Coaching at The American College of Healthcare Sciences.
I am from Lansing, but have also lived in Laingsburg, MI, North Carolina, and Missouri. I tell people that I was born for this work, as I started working on my parents at a young age. Though I am only just becoming open with this, I am a part of the LGBTQIA community. I have a heart for those wanting to get massage work, but are unsure how they will be received. I have always worked in places with diverse clientele.
In the beginning of my career, I was known for my passion for pre/post natal massage and energy work. I still enjoy this, however, as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more passionate about stress management and self care. I now specialize in massage, aromatherapy, and stress management for headache/migraine, head, neck, and shoulder tension, and anxiety and depression. I am known as the go-to person for deep tissue, as I have very strong hands. However, I am very skilled at medium and firm pressure Swedish as well.
My clients have told me that they enjoy my demeanor and energy. They’ve appreciated my nonjudgement, that I am relaxed, and comfortable with myself. I am committed to getting you to the best Wellness Plan for you, because Every Body is different and needs different things. Bodies of all shapes and sizes are welcome and affirmed here.
Rahjah Curtis-Evans(she/her/hers)
Owner of Abloom Billing & Credentialing Services
Co-founder of Wild Ferns Wellness Center
I am a Black Queer Femme and Chicago native. I attended Job Corps in Illinois at 16 and started college at 17. I’ve worked in customer service and non profits most of my life. My mom raised me to be a hard worker and I sincerely thank her for that. Growing up my parents reminded us that no matter what we decided to do in life, always give 100%. I left Chicago in 2011 with a heavy heart and landed here in Michigan.
I first started working as a biller while helping my fiancé, Parker, open their group practice. After assisting my fiancé with simple tasks like insurance benefit eligibility, I decided to teach myself the ins and outs of the insurance world. With great success I opened my own business, Abloom Billing and Credentialing Services.
My goal in creating Wild Ferns Wellness is to educate, empower and elevate those who walk through our doors. I recognize the work that I do empowers people full circle. From billing sessions for our therapists to assisting our qualifying clients with filing for Medicaid. I am an advocate for accessibility, and I want everyone to have access to therapy if they need it and cost should not be a barrier. Some of my passions include helping people follow their dreams, social and economic justice, and supporting Black Transwomen. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, meditating, dancing and traveling.
Parker T. Curtis, LPC(they/them/theirs & he/him/his)
Co-founder of Wild Ferns Wellness
Director of Transformative Therapy & Consultation Services
My goal is to offer you support and guidance, as you discover your own true power, in a welcoming, safe environment where you are celebrated for being you! I often work with clients with concerns related to sexual orientation, coming out as an LGBTQIA person, gender transition, school/work stress, ADHD, type 1&2 diabetes, dissociative disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns and more.
Using a strength-based approach I draw from a variety of modalities, including Solution Focused Therapy, Informed Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma Model Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also have vast experience using the WPATH-SOC guidelines to help transgender and gender non-conforming clients navigate the medical system to access medical services!
I am a non binary person of transgender experience. When not in the office, I love spending time with my family, doting on my grandchildren, and enjoying both my partners delicious cooking.
Kendra Larsen(she/her/hers)
Lead Administrative Support Specialist
Client Intake Coordinator
Newsletter Publisher
My name is Kendra Larsen and I live with my husband, my 4 children and our plethora of dogs and cats! One of my children is bisexual, and one of them is non binary and I am proud to be their momma. My children have taught me so much about embracing and accepting yourself for who you are, and not what others expect you to be. Everyday they teach me how to be a better ally and a better friend for those who need my voice. In my younger years I obtained my EMT license and worked for a short time in that field. Then I spent 12 years with a large retailer doing everything from unloading trucks to working in the accounting office. While working there I went back to school and earned my Associates in Human Services with a focus on Victims Advocacy.
I am extremely excited about this opportunity to work with Wild Ferns Wellness. All too often in my previous careers, I was the only voice that spoke up for others. Now I will be working with an entire team who’s mission is all about accepting others for who they are and providing a safe and welcoming environment. I could not ask for anything more.
Emily Hill, LMSW(she/they)
Clinical Supervisor
I am a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, and clinical supervisor. I am the owner of my own private psychotherapy and consulting practice, Rising Tide Wellness and Education, where I work to provide safe, compassionate, and affirming mental health care to BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. As a clinical supervisor, I am guided by the value of collective liberation: we are all interconnected, and working together and lifting others will help us all to rise. I specialize in radically supporting BIPOC clinicians, utilizing a feminist and humanistic anti-oppressive focus in supervision. My professional career has included experiences in community mental health, HIV research and clinical care, sexuality education within a medical care setting, clinical sex therapy, and private mental health practice.
Joél Lucio, LMSW
(he/him/él)
Mental Health Therapist
Languages/Idiomas: English & Español
I provide culturally responsive and affirming individual therapy for youth (14+) and adults. My therapeutic practice is based on radical honesty and collaboration, grounded in trauma-informed practices and mind-body connection. I center your voice and strengths to support healing, empowerment, and self-compassion. I’m also committed to social justice, recognizing the many ways a person’s wellbeing can be impacted by social challenges. Together, we can work towards healing and living life according to your values.
My clinical interests include concerns related to sex and sexuality, LGBTQIA2S+ and racial/ethnic identity, intergenerational trauma, family conflict, and parent-child relationships, including adult children and their parents. My style is casual, relational, and non-judgmental that is informed by different theories and frameworks, which include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative therapy, and systems theory.
A little about me: I’m a gay cisgender Latino/Tejano. In my spare time, I tend to go on walks, read, go to the movie theater, play video games, and listen to music.Ofrezco terapia para jóvenes y adultos. Doy la bienvenida a todas las personas, especialmente a los que son inmigrantes, LGBTQ+, hispanohablantes, y los que tienen preocupaciones familiares. Juntos, podemos trabajar hacia la sanidad y el bienestar.
Julianna Blain, LLPC
(she/her/hers)
Mental Health Therapist
Do you find yourself constantly worrying, and struggling to say no? Find yourself feeling overwhelmed? I specialize in supporting individuals who are struggling with anxiety, codependency, and recovering from trauma, including spiritual/religious trauma. I’d love to support you in building a stronger sense of self and fostering healthy relationships with yourself and others. Whether you’re looking to reduce worrying- learn to say no, or build inner peace, I
offer co-creation of a safe and supportive space where we can explore your inner landscape
and build your inner connection to yourself.
I use internal family systems (IFS) informed techniques, brain spotting, somatic techniques, with
lots of compassion and kindness to co-create (with you) a foundational safe therapy space for
you to explore and understand your feelings. I am trained to help you explore and build
compassion and understanding into your internal world, to gain clarity in your life!
Experiencing anxiety, codependency, ADHD, and/or recovering from trauma can feel lonely,
sad, difficult and like no one will ever understand you. A big step towards feeling better, can be
getting to know yourself more deeply in therapy. I love working with LGBTQIA2S+ individuals,
specializing in womxn who are 18+.
(he/him, they/them)
Telehealth only
Hi, I’m Zach! I appreciate you taking the time to seek support; asking for help
takes courage. I am a queer, non-binary therapist with a passion for helping
others work through mental distress. I have experience working with folks with
anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD and complex PTSD, and other syndromes. I
work with individuals with diverse experiences, including neurodivergent folks,
people living with HIV, BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ folks, teens, and adults.
If you choose to work with me, the most important component of our work will be
the relationship we build. I respect each person’s autonomy and worldview. My
style is collaborative, nonjudgmental, and curious. I understand that trust and change take time. I will be patient as we work together toward your goals with self-compassion and self-trust.
I aim to be trauma-informed, queer-affirming, trans-affirming, anti-racist, and anti-ableist. I use attachment theory, empowerment theory, and mindfulness as frameworks in my approach. I also use trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths-based therapy, and aspects of internal family systems, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and somatic therapies.
In my free time, I spend time playing with my three wonderful dogs (Spaghetti the Berne doodle, Birdo the husky/Aussie mix, and Otis the border collie). I love to read, hike, bike, practice yoga, watch movies, play video games, pet my dogs, and cook with my partner.
(she/her, they/them)
Available for tele-health only, with some flexibility for weekday scheduling. Weekends are not
available at this time, and there is limited capacity to accommodate emergency sessions. Currently
working with adult individuals only.
Mental Health Therapist
I am an unambiguously Black, pansexual, cis-presenting, able bodied femme who understands and
emphasizes the importance of intersectionality within mental health. Born and raised in Detroit, I
have a thorough understanding of the environmental obstacles marginalized folx are challenged
with when exploring the state of their mental health. I uphold the belief that exploration and
management of mental health is a life-long journey, and I take pride in being able to assist on this
journey.
I have an eclectic approach to mental health, including the promotion of methods for holistic health.
My areas of interest include creating safe spaces for Black folx, POC, non-monogamous folx, and
those in the LGBTQIA2SP+ communities. I provide talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT),
dialectical behavioral informed therapy (DBT-informed), motivational interviewing (MI), and
solution-focused therapy models. While these are my current areas of comfort, I am open to exploring additional modalities that may be of interest to clients. Therapy is a collaborative space and I treat it as such.
Other areas of focus include treatments for anxiety, depression, fat acceptance/liberation, intersectional stigmas, ableism, ageism, sexism, womanism, mindfulness, sexual liberation, sexual health, communication skills, academics, life skills, religious trauma, and the importance of Black femmes putting their cape down and resting.
I look forward to being part of your healing process.
Jess Shapiro, LMSW(they/them/theirs)
Mental Health Therapist
The relationship that someone has with their therapist is a compounding factor in what drives treatment forward. That’s why I believe in a genuine rapport with my clients. While learning, growing, and making change is hard as hell, I’ll companion with you, motivate you, teach you effective skills, and laugh with you along the way. And, because change is transactional, I know that working with you will foster growth and learning in myself.
I have a background in working as a social worker in public schools a Community Mental Health system, and a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) clinic, where I practiced full-DBT. I use a person-centered, strengths-based approach in my practice, while centering the self-determination and inherent validity of all of my clients.
So, who am I? I am a neurodivergent, genderfluid person who identifies under the aro/ace umbrella. I have a passion for working with teens, adults, and neurospicy folx, as well as people who identify as being a part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I’m a strong advocate for fat liberation, body neutrality, disability rights, Black & Brown lives, and social justice.
During my free time, I enjoy laughing at my own jokes, watching movies, garage sale-hopping, playing D&D, and spending time with my partner and our dog, Po.”
Maddi Cardwell, Graduate level Master of Social Work intern(she/her/hers)
Hello! I’m Maddi – I am currently an intern in my final year of Michigan State University’s Master of Social Work program.
The journey to seeking mental health support can be daunting, and I want to recognize your bravery in doing so. I believe that the foundation of a successful therapeutic journey hinges on the quality of the connection that we establish. I have a casual communication style and strive to create an affirming, safe, and welcoming space, within which we can work to identify your unique needs and goals and devise strategies to assist you in meeting them.
I take an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), systems theory, attachment theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My clinical interests include issues related to ADHD and autism, disability, PTS(D) and trauma, LGBTQIA2S+ identities, and veteran/military-affiliated identities. With my background in case management, I have extensive experience working with diverse populations and recognize the role that isms play in the lived experiences of individuals and communities; I strive to be a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive therapist.
Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with my human and animal family members, hiking and backpacking, clearing dungeons with my DnD party, and tending to my garden and houseplant collection. I identify as a queer, neurodivergent, cisgender woman.
Claire Nussdorfer, Graduate level Master of Marriage and Family Therapy(they/them/theirs)
I am a clinical intern finishing my master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy. I am trained in systems theory, which is a therapeutic approach that respects how our relationships with the world impact our personal journeys.
The therapy room is your safe space, and I am here to help you navigate challenges and foster your strengths. I embrace therapy as a collaborative, strengths-based conversation that centers you as the protagonist of your story. My clinical experience includes social anxiety, Autism, depression, LGBTQIA2S+ identities, relationships (partners, parents, family, etc.), and disordered eating.
I am genderqueer, neurodivergent, and very fond of hot cocoa. Outside the office, I can be found talking to my friendly neighborhood highland cows.
(she/her/hers & they/them/theirs)
My mission as a therapist is to create space for client empowerment and healing that considers the nuances of the human experience. While we are not the things that have happened to us, our experiences shape our view of ourselves and the world around us in significant ways. I am devoted to helping clients explore the impact their personal experiences have on their mental health while working toward establishing tangible, personally curated paths toward wellness.
I employ strengths-based and client-centered approaches to my work with adults. As a queer identifying woman, I am particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA2S+ clientele. I aim to be trauma-informed, a fat liberationist, body-neutral, an anti-racist accomplice to BIPOC individuals, an accomplice to transgender and non-binary individuals, and an anti-ableist accomplice to persons with disabilities.
In my free time, I love reading, practicing yoga, record collecting, spending time with my partner and our kitties, and painting.
—
Mercuri Rose, LMSW(they/them/theirs)
Mental Health Therapist
I value my client’s autonomy, self determination, and inherent value, guided by this person centered approach we’ll identify and work toward your individualized goals. I have ample experience working with LGBTQIA+ identified clients and with using the WPATH guidelines to help transgender and gender non-conforming clients achieve their goals. I am committed to providing a warm, welcoming, and safe environment so that clients can be comfortable in sharing and exploring their authentic self.
As an eclectic practitioner, I use a strengths based approach and a variety of modalities. Some approaches I borrow from include Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Attachment Theory.
I like to keep busy so outside my work as a therapist I also hold a number of other positions in the community. I work for Child and Family Charities, Gateway Division as the group facilitator of TRUE, Teens Respecting and Understand Each other, and LGBTQ+ teen peer support group. I am also a volunteer board member with the Salus Center, Lansing’s only LGBTQIA+ resources and community center.
Beyond work I love to play! Whether it’s trying new recipes in the kitchen, exploring stories in DND, snuggling with Chartreuse aka Trudy my cat, messing about with different art and craft mediums, or falling down as I learn to rollerblade I love to PLAY! I’m also deeply passionate about loving my friends and showing them so!
Katie Zicarelli, LMSW(she/her/hers)
Mental Health Therapist
As a therapist who sees a therapist, I know firsthand the value of working with the right person. Searching for a therapist can be hard work, no matter if it is your first time or the tenth time, and I applaud you for taking the time to care for your mental health.
For nearly the last decade, I have worked in case management within vocational rehabilitation and provided grief support and education. My experience allows me to have a unique approach to therapy, truly partnering with you to identify goals, understand individual needs, looking at the whole picture and working together to move forward. My approach involves keeping in mind the larger systematic elements involved and having you in the driver’s seat with me as your co-pilot, assisting you in getting to the ultimate destination. I welcome bringing in your journals to share the thoughts you have had over the week, playing the song you can’t get out of your head or showing me the TikTok that left you with an A-HA moment. I believe in the power of humor and fidgets/sensory items are always welcome.
Jess Miller, LLMSW(she/her, he/him and they/them)
Available for telehealth only
Mental Health Therapist
Understanding why your brain does what it does is key to managing your mental health. That’s why I offer solution-focused support emphasizing education, skills, tools and perspective needed to support your mental health and quality of life goals, while processing the emotions and experiences that brought you into my office.
My communication style is informal and very direct. I embrace a person-in-environment perspective, recognizing that our mental health is shaped by how our innate traits interact with the systems we’re part of be it the two person system of a monogamous romantic relationship, or the overall system of the culture we live in. Anti-oppression, fat/body liberation and cultural humility are foundational principles in my practice as in my life. I am passionate about working with queer and trans folx and am a kink aware and polyamory/non-monogamy aware professional. I have an MSW from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Carmen Ortega, LLMSW(she/her/hers)
Mental Health Therapist
My mission as a therapist is to provide my clients a safe, affirming, accessible environment – to fall apart, to unmask, to take up space. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, but I especially love doing this work with queer, fat, and neurodivergent folks.
Before I studied to become a therapist, I was a client. I know firsthand how daunting it can be to seek out therapy and find a good fit. I also know that therapy with the right person can be a rewarding, validating experience. As a therapist, I pull from several modalities, including emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, compassion-focused therapy (CFT), experiential therapies, and the internal family systems (IFS) model. I enjoy working with people of all ages, as well as couples and families. I take a strengths-based, person-centered approach and encourage clients to lead their own treatment. Fat liberation, abolition, and social justice are central to all the work I do. Through everything, I seek to walk alongside my clients and help them cultivate growth and hope.
My focus areas include: depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD/ADD, grief, ableism, chronic illness, disability, parenting, attachment, communication skills, questions of purpose, fat acceptance/liberation, burnout, academic issues, non-monogamy/polyamory, sexual health, and LGBTQIA2SP+ issues.
I identify as a fat, autistic, queer, cisgender woman with ADHD. In my free time, I love to knit, read, practice yoga, eat good food, watch trashy reality TV, and spend time with my fiancé and our dog.
Stephanie DiPonio, LLMSW(she/her/hers)
Available for telehealth only
Mental Health Therapist
I have an eclectic and holistic approach in therapy. I aim to affirm individual needs and experiences while maintaining an awareness of how structural issues, societal expectations, and community connections uniquely impact each person. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a strengths-based perspective, Motivational Interviewing, and a trauma-informed approach. I am passionate about social justice and I bring a queer and intersectional feminist lens to all the work I do.
I believe that therapy is a process for self-exploration and healing. My goal is to create an inclusive safe for you to be your authentic self and we can work on your goals together. My knowledge and specialties include sexual health, non-monogamy/polyamory, kink/BDSM, sexual and relationship violence, and attachment theory.
I am a queer cisgender woman living in Ferndale. In my free time I like to bake, garden, roller-skate, do yoga, and spend time with my cat Mr. Phoebe!
Nkechi Okeafor, LLMSW(she/her/hers)
Sees clients age 10 and up
Available for telehealth only
Mental Health Therapist
I am Black, Queer, gender fluid, and of Igbo Nigerian and European heritage. I reside on Anishinaabeg ancestral lands of the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi, now known as Detroit, Michigan.
My approach is rooted in Somatic Experiencing for trauma response completion, and the discharge, renegotiation and transformation of trauma to create growth in confidence and resilience. With the use of Imagery, Animal Imagery, and Internal Family Systems we can explore your nervous system and parts of yourself to better understand your experiences. We can use resources that best fit your needs by pulling from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or Expressive Therapy.
Focus Areas: Racial and Cultural Identity, Bicultural/Multicultural Stress, Racial Trauma, Impacts of Colorism, Systemic Oppression, Ableism, Intergenerational/Childhood Trauma, Emotional Neglect/Abuse, Physical/Sexual Abuse, Intimate Violence, Anxiety, Depression, Isolation/Avoidance, Grief/Loss, Parenting/Attachment, School Issues, Life Purpose, Spirituality, Resilience/Ease, Safety, Self/Community Care, Holistic Health
With LGBTQIA2SP+ communities I use an affirming approach for exploring gender, sexuality, relationships, and gendered experiences. My approach is influenced by social justice and anti-racist perspectives to guide my practice and hold space for multiplicity, intersecting identities, intersectional feminism and contradictions that make us human.
With children and families I use Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Play Therapy, Sandtray, Art Therapy and Family Therapy that is emotion-focused, trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, strengths-based, and person-centered. My approach is influenced by Attachment Theory and Infant Mental Health.
I look forward to getting to know you and experience where our connection leads.
(she/her/hers)
Mental Health Therapist
I believe in the power of storytelling, that the stories we tell and those that are told around us help shape the way we live. I also believe that we can choose the story we want to tell through a holistic and dynamic counseling approach that draws from diverse techniques to cater to the needs of each client. Counseling is a collaborative process and a place to explore and create our new stories.
I am an intern in my third year as a graduate student in Central Michigan University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I have experience using person-centered and Solution Focused approaches to help navigate interpersonal relationships and major life changes.
As an asexual woman, I’ve had my own experiences navigating identity and discovering the traits that authentically define me. In many ways, I am still uncovering my identity and welcome opportunities to learn from and share experiences with others in a safe environment, which is what makes Wild Ferns such an important space to me. In my free time, I enjoy gaming with my friends and family and caring for my cats and exotic pets.
Frank Schott, LLPC(he/him/his)
Mental Health Therapist
I am an eclectic therapist, as I pull from different therapy theories and techniques as needed to help each unique client meet their individual goals. We can work with many different tools at our disposal, and if one option does not work you can be certain that we will find another.
I believe in the powerfulness of unconditional positive regard, including appreciating each other’s individuality and how empowering it is to not only think for ourselves, but to be our most authentic selves. It is my hope to build a strong therapeutic alliance with you and help you forward past what is difficult and find new horizons.
I identify as a white, cisgender heterosexual male and because of this many people have asked me why I have chosen to be a therapist at Wild Ferns Wellness Center?
Being from a military background, I have spent a large portion of my life traveling the world and living in places with cultures that were different from my own. Then, in my internship, I worked under the supervision of Parker T. Curtis and really enjoyed working with a variety of diverse clients. These lifelong experiences reinforced in me a strong belief that all people are inherently good and an appreciation for diversity.
I believe that the holistic services provided at Wild Ferns Wellness Center can increase client’s ability to feel good about themselves and open their minds to a variety of potentials.
I also believe that providing therapy at Wild Ferns Wellness gives me the opportunity to be open and explorative and find how my contribution to the field of mental health counseling can be most effective for all individuals around me. One way I want to incorporate my own individuality into therapy is by being trained as a music therapist and bringing in musical instruments, songs, writing, etc. as a part of eclectic therapy! Starting out as a therapist at Wild Ferns Wellness is a very personal, important journey for me, to say the least.
I look forward to meeting you, new client, and working together to help achieve your goals!
Jae Puckett, Ph.D(they/them/theirs)
Mental Health Therapist
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with LGBTQ+ individuals. In terms of approach, I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions, as well as mindfulness, and acceptance-based strategies. It is important to me to always understand a client’s current challenges and strengths in the context of their lived experiences, past individual and community context, and the current sociopolitical atmosphere. I take a collaborative approach to working with clients. I provide individual, couples, and group therapy with adults. I also provide support to clients in navigating their gender affirmation, including providing letters of support for medical gender affirmation steps.
I was drawn to provide services at Wild Ferns Wellness given the mission of creating an affirming, community oriented space that recognizes the ways that systems of power impact marginalized communities. Outside of providing services at Wild Ferns Wellness, I also am an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University and direct a research team (Trans-ilience) focused on documenting how stress impacts health outcomes for transgender and gender diverse people, as well as ways of being resilient in the face of those challenges.
In my spare time, I enjoy gardening and the outdoors. I also am committed to continued learning, including how my own social position as a queer, white, genderqueer person shapes my views and experiences in the world.
Cassie Flory, LMSW(she/her/hers)
Sees clients age 10 and up
Mental Health Therapist
I believe that therapy is a process of sharing expertise and experience- you share your expertise and experiences from your life with me, I share my expertise and experiences with mental health and emotional well-being with you, and together we help you develop tools and strategies needed to live your best life.
I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed treatment. I have extensive experience working with children and families. So often, problems between youth and their caretakers happen as a result of miscommunications and hurt feelings. I enjoy helping families bridge that gap and develop more meaningful relationships with one another. I spent nearly eighteen years working with child survivors of abuse/neglect/trauma in various roles, and appreciate helping people find their voice and break generational cycles of trauma that weigh them down and limit their potential. I have experience working with LGBTQ+ youth and adults, and helping caretakers of LGBTQ+ youth learn how to best support a child questioning their identity. I am an anti-racist therapist and will always consider the impact systems of oppression have on mental health and well-being.
I am neuro-divergent, diagnosed in adulthood, and am passionate about helping others explore potential signs of neuro-divergence that could be creating undue hardships in their life. I have a direct, casual conversation style that helps make engaging in therapy feel less intimidating. If you are looking to gain clarity and insight surrounding your personal situation and life goals, I can help you. Together, we will work to identify your personal strengths and skill-sets that will propel you forward. Some people call me a professional hype-woman, but you can call me your therapist.
(no pronouns, just my name)
Clinical Supervisor
I am a clinical supervisor and licensed master level clinical social worker. I have a passion for working with and supporting the development of LGBTQ+ therapists who also have a passion for working alongside LGBTQ+ and multi-marginalized folks, including Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of color, mixed race and other ethnicities. I bring a multicultural, queer, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approach and view people as experts in their own lived experiences and in their own healing. I believe people respond to the systems and environments they live in and therapy can be utilized in many ways to better understand one self in context. One of my main philosophies is trying to find balance in our selves, our lives, our roles, and our responsibilities. I diligently work with supervisees to co-create safer and vulnerable spaces to process, foster growth, and understand the therapeutic relationship.
Ash, BSEd in Music Education(she/they)
Voice Coach and Music Tutor (Skills, Guitar, Piano)
I’m Ash (she/they), a recent addition to the Modulation Team, working in the Capital Area of Michigan. I started my career looking to teach music in public schools, but have since shifted my focus to what I feel is an incredibly important niche: vocal coaching for my fellow trans and non-binary people looking to shape their voices, both musically and conversationally. Creating a comfortable environment for growth and change is my primary concern and is a critical part of my philosophy for all things music and voice; I aim to provide a space where you can explore your voice both physically and expressively while acquiring the tools to continue using your voice healthily in all capacities going forward in your personal and professional life. Additionally, with my background in music performance, education, and audio engineering, I can teach you the basic skills of writing, performing, and recording music, including basic skills on guitar and piano.