Our amazing Midwest Behavioral Clinic staff!
Cherrisse Benwell, L.M.S.W.
Fenton
Cherrisse is a strength based, respectful and collaborative counselor with extensive clinical experience.
Her experience includes working with children, teens and adults on a wide variety of challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, grief and loss issues, relationship, school behavior, autism and substance use problems. She has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health, hospital and school settings.
Cherrisse is trained in trauma informed therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, art therapy, play therapy, family therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and solution focused brief therapy.
She looks forward to an opportunity to be of assistance to you regardless of the challenges you are facing, and believes strongly that when working together as a team most challenges can be overcome.
Ann Blanzy, M.A., LPC
Highland
Ann is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in both high school and middle school for over 30 years. She has experience working with diverse groups of kids and families from a wide variety of backgrounds. Her experience includes working with ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self harm, and suicide ideation. In her years of experience, she has worked with many who have dealt with bullying both in school and on-line.
Ann describes herself as having a down-to-earth nature, sense of humor, and personable demeanor. She has an eclectic approach, utilizing various theoretical approaches and real life experience. During the therapy process she assists both kids and adults in the discovery of their strengths, building support systems, and developing a healthy lifestyle to set the foundation for future success. Ann is passionate in her role as a counselor and is dedicated to providing the help and support needed to every person she works with.
Lyndsay Caldwell, M.S., CCC-SLP
Fenton
Lyndsay has nearly 20 years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist. Lyndsay is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and holds licensure by the State of Michigan. She has worked with children of all ages in the public school setting for nearly 20 years.
Her specialties include: apraxia and articulation/phonological speech disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders, and stuttering. She loves working one on one with children in a clinical setting and counseling parents regarding communication disorders.
Jennifer Chapuseaux, LMSW
Highland, Fenton
Jennifer is a fully licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Michigan. She has over 20 years of mental health experience within the outpatient treatment setting. Jennifer obtained her Master’s Degree from Wayne State University in 1999 with a focus on Clinical Social Work. She is experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Jennifer strives to create a safe, non-judgmental and confidential therapeutic environment in order to promote, empower and motivate clients towards self-awareness, healing, growth, and overall well-being.
She utilizes an eclectic treatment approach based on each individual, their circumstances and treatment goals. Jennifer introduces a variety of treatment approaches and techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based and Humanistic Therapy. Jennifer’s special areas of interest and experience include depression, anxiety, oppositional defiance, self-esteem, coping skills, stress management, grief/loss, and life stage transitions.
Kathy Cramner, MA, LPC, CAADC
Fenton
When human beings experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. That’s why I am passionate about helping them heal and recover to live safe, happy,and productive lives. I empower individuals, couples, and families to overcome personal pain, suffering, and obstacles to improve their relationships because seeing people whole and healed matters to me.
I am passionate about helping people heal and recover to live safe, happy, and productive lives through child, individual, and couples counseling. Using clinically tested and evidenced-based interventions, I have worked with hundreds of individuals, couples, and families since 1997 in various settings, i.e. schools (K-12 and Special ed) in-patient and outpatient psychiatric hospitals, therapy centers and in-home therapy and case management.
I have presented to local organizations on the pressing needs of their communities. I am a licensed professional counselor, with a specialty in marriage and family therapy and addictions in the state of Michigan. I have a Masters degree in Christian Counseling and close to a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, all from Oral Roberts University. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Michigan-Flint.
Amir Dababneh, M. Ed., MPH, LPC
Fenton
Amir Dababneh is a fully licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters of Education in mental health counseling from Lincoln Memorial University and a Masters of Public Health from Michigan State University. He is trained in applied behavioral analysis and has three years experience working with autistic children and their families.
Amir has extensive knowledge of depression and related comorbid conditions. He has taken numerous courses in nutrition and exercise science, pharmacology, psychology, conflict resolution and alternative therapies (laughter, mindfulness, integrative/preventative medicine). Amir has also attended trainings on trauma informed care, mental health first aid, and marriage/couples counseling. His other areas of interests include stress and stress management, ecotherapy, positive psychology and metaphors/communication.
Amir places emphasis on the mind-body connection and whole person treatments. Amir also believes in education and empowerment. Utilizing a variety of techniques (journalizing, CBT, biofeedback, solution focused thinking, motivational interviewing), Amir works with individuals to identify their short-term and long-term goals and achieve said goals. He also has a specialization in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). EMDR therapy is an effective treatment option for people suffering from anxiety, panic, or trauma. It is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma.
Anderson Fernanders, MA, LLPC
Grand Blanc
I received an M.A. in Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2011. As your counselor, I am here to support you in making meaning, creating comfort, and uncovering resources to help you be your best self. I believe that people are relational beings with physical, spiritual, emotional, and social components, and that the exploration and integration of these aspects through a client-centered approach.can be life changing and enhancing.
Beverly Griffor, JD, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Beverly is a Licensed Psychologist with a focus on forensic psychology, trauma, and neuropsychology. Her work centers on emotional regulation and complex mood disorders, with a particular emphasis on family and individual evaluations. Beverly employs a client-centered approach to therapy, prioritizing the needs and experiences of her clients while also specializing in helping individuals navigate life transitions. Beverly supervises students and trainees, providing them with guidance and mentorship in their professional development. In her therapeutic practice, she integrates scientific research with legal insights and utilizes elements of geek culture to engage underserved and high-risk populations. Additionally, Beverly teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology, criminal justice, and family life education. Her scholarly contributions include academic articles and book chapters, and she has served as a mental health trainer for the State of Michigan.
Tiffany Haywood, LCSW
Grand Blanc
Tiffiany received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Jackson State University in 2016 through one of the top rated accredited Social Work programs in the country. Since 2006, Tiffiany has worked with diverse populations in agencies and private practice.
With over 16 years of experience, Tiffiany works collaboratively with clients in a warm, respectful manner to help resolve issues of concern. She uses a focused approach to therapy, with best practices involving CBT, DBT, solution focus, and heavy utilization of social development theories. Tiffiany provides an opportunity for children, adolescents, or adults to work one-on-one in a safe space for guidance and support to resolve issues, recover from an upsetting experience, explore thoughts and feelings, examine beliefs and work towards making healthy changes.
Tiffiany has experience in working with clients on a variety of topics including anxiety, abuse, depression, emotional abuse, family life, grief and loss, life changes, mood swings, neglect, school concerns, separation and divorce, sleep disturbances and trauma.
Brandy Huyck, LMSW
Fenton
Being a supportive therapist is an important role for those who are seeking guidance with all types of life's struggles. I enjoy working with people who are wanting and willing to make a change for themselves. I have 11+ years of experience with mental health, and have worked with those on the autism spectrum. My main focus is children and teens aged from 5-17. I have also worked in group and individual settings in schools and with the elderly. I am here to service your want or need for change, so lets make you “the better you” together.
Joshua Kennard, LLMSW
Grand Blanc
Josh is a dedicated and compassionate social worker with 25 years of experience in juvenile justice and the educational setting. He holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University.
He is skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy, with a strong commitment to empowering individuals and communities. He can effectively manage caseloads, conduct assessments and develop individualized service plans. Josh excels at providing supportive counseling to clients facing challenges with anxiety, depression, co-occurring disorders, and trauma. He enjoys working with athletes, as well as geriatric populations.
Josh’s goal is to create positive change through empathy, understanding, and a commitment to social justice.
Kurtis Lahring, LMSW-C
Fenton, Highland
Kurtis is a fully licensed social worker who’s end goal is to give his patients a safe environment in which to heal and grow with mental health education and healthy coping skills.
He has been specializing in helping clients deconstruct harmful thought patterns and behaviors for over 7 years. With 4 years of experience as a behavior technician for both children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, and 3 years of experience as a Medical Social Worker in renal care, he is no stranger to thinking outside of the box when it comes to mental health. Kurtis is experienced in helping clients adapt to new and often difficult living situations by directing them towards constructive coping methods and positive outlooks on life.
He takes pride in having helped with those who experience Depression, Family Conflicts, Religious Trauma, Anxiety, Anger management, and Marital Issues.
Michelle Marshbanks, LPC CAADC CCS ACS
Highland, Fenton
Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor and Advanced Counseling Supervisor with 10 years of experience in the field. She specializes in Substance Abuse, PTSD, Life Transition, Depressive Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. While utilizing many theories and approaches, she established foundational work within a Humanistic approach, with emphasis on Post-Traumatic Growth and establishing a foundation for self-empowerment. She strives to create a therapeutic environment that welcomes collaboration and constructive challenging to rebuild productive self-worth.
Michelle believes in the power of the person to achieve their goals and is excited about meeting with you to establish a treatment plan that meets your needs for today’s obstacles and tomorrow's growth.
Jo Miller, MA, LLP
Fenton
Are you struggling with having the kind of life it seems others have and no matter what you've tried, you can only wish to have? Are certain emotions, thoughts, and behaviors getting in the way of your happiness? I believe all behaviors, even troublesome behaviors, serve a function. Sometimes behaviors are helpful and sometimes those behaviors, while helpful in the moment, only cause more problems in future.
Hi! I'm Jo. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Madonna University, a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology degree from Eastern Michigan University, and I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am licensed as a Masters Limited Psychologist in the State of Michigan with over 30 years experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. My first approach in working with clients is to establish and maintain a safe and empowering connection, one in which clients feel heard, seen, and understood without judgment. Next, we work collaboratively to identify those feelings and thoughts (e.g., depression, anxiety, low self worth, self doubt) and behaviors (e.g., suicidal or self-injurious behaviors, substance use, anger outbursts, self-sabotage, school refusal) that are getting in the way of clients having the kind of life they want to have while teaching skills in the areas of mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. When clients learn skills to effectively get their needs met and improve the quality of their relationships, the troublesome behaviors are no longer needed and that's where change happens and clients can develop their most meaningful lives!
Robin Mitchell, MA, LPC
Grand Blanc
Robin Mitchell is a Licensed Professional Counselor and School Counselor with over 30 years of experience. She received her Bachelors Degree in education then moved forward, receiving a Masters in both School and Professional Counseling at Central Michigan University.
Throughout this time, not only has Robin gained much experience working with adolescents, families and parents/guardians, she is very passionate about connecting with and helping out those in need. Robin utilizes an eclectic approach to counseling and has helped people in all walks of life struggling with various issues such as anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, school behavior, self-confidence, coping with life changes, stress and grief. Sometimes, we need encouragement, support and guidance when life gets overwhelming. Robin can see you in the office, or by telehealth.
Dan Morey, LPC
Grand Blanc
Dan is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He is a graduate of Spring Arbor University and the University of Michigan-Flint. Dan has been counseling school aged children since 2007. He has worked with children and adolescents from all backgrounds, including children struggling with major behavior issues, anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, family separation/divorce, incarceration, divorce, bipolar, depression, grief, and trauma.
Annette Richards, LMSW
Highland
Annette is experienced with both children and adults. She is AAMET Certified Advanced EFT Practitioner since 2015; practicing EFT Practitioner since 2007. Annette is skilled in domestic violence, trauma, smoking cessation and much more, including restorative justice and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Memberships include National Association of Social Workers, Association for the Advancement of Meridian Energy Techniques, and The Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology. Clients seeking Emotional Freedom Techniques treatment must pay cash and plan for a two hour session.