Our Staff
Gunther Schwartz - Ph.D., LP
Dr. Schwartz earned his PhD from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. He specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults using individual, marital, and family sessions. Dr. Schwartz has more than 20 years of experience working as a clinician and administrator in the mental health field.
He consults schools, businesses, and organizations relating to mental health, wellness, and performance. Dr. Schwartz brings a warm, caring, and energetic presence to the counseling experience and his clients appreciate the open, engaging, and active way he conducts the counseling session. He integrates a Christian perspective into the research-based, best practice counseling modalities that he uses.
Michelle Morse, Ph.D., LP, LPC
Dr. Morse works with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in working with traumatized individuals. Dr. Morse is an EMDR therapist registered through EMDRIA and a Trauma and Loss Consultant. She has over 20 years of experience with family issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect. EMDR is effective for both major and minor traumas with people of all ages. Other areas of interest include body image issues, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, divorce adjustment, relationship and parenting issues, behavior management, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Matthew VanDerMeulen, Psy.D., LLP
Dr. VanDerMeulen completed his doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration
in Neuropsychology from the University of the Rockies in Denver, CO. Additionally, Dr.
VanDerMeulen completed his Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois
School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, IL., as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
from Michigan State University. Dr. VanDerMeulen has over 15 years of experience working
with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families focusing on a wide range of issues such as mood related issues, anger, behavioral related issues, severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse and addictions, relationship issues, traumatic brain injuries and other cognitive related issues, as well as sport and performance related issues. Dr. VanDerMeulen also has expertise in psychological and neuropsychological testing and assessment. Dr. VanDerMeulen uses an action-oriented approach to help identify problems, make changes, learn new skills, and reach the goals set forth.
Shaely Cheramie, Psy.D., LLP,
Dr. Cheramie holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana. She has training in both inpatient and outpatient therapy within the health service and college counseling center setting. She has acquired experience with a variety of clinical symptomology such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, disruptive behaviors, among other clinical issues. She specializes in treating and assessing trauma-related, mood, and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. She has a clinical background in working with individuals from many diverse populations such as those with mental and physical disabilities. Additionally, she works closely with children/adolescents and their families with social, emotional, educational, and behavioral difficulties.
Shaely is passionate about the field of clinical psychology and finds her work to be valuable and rewarding with respect to family concerns, family resources, cultural identities, developmental abilities, among other important diverse and multiculturalism factors. She is honored to be a part of Life Skills Psychological Services’ Team and is looking forward to providing tele-health services within the state of Michigan.
Devin Leivo Carlson, Psy.D., LP, NCC
Devin earned her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in New Orleans, LA. She also earned a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyala University of New Orleans. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Devin works with adults and adolescents presenting with a wide range of concerns. She has specialized training working with college students, as she completed her doctoral internship at Grand Valley State University’s Counseling Center. She is also interested in providing affirming mental health services to LGBTQ+ individuals. Devin provides therapy services as well as psychological assessments. She splits her time between providing telehealth services from the West Branch area and in-person services in Cadillac. Devin’s approach to therapy involves providing guidance and support while attending to how clients’ intersecting identities have produced unique individual experiences. She aims to create a safe, collaborative environment in which clients can openly discuss their concerns, learn, and grow.
Derek is a dedicated and compassionate clinical therapist with experience in providing individual and family oriented therapy to diverse populations. He is adept at conducting thorough assessments, developing personalized treatment plans, and implementing evidence-based interventions with a strong focus on trauma-informed care. Derek possesses specialized skills in trauma-focused therapy, guiding clients through the healing process with empathy and a client-centered approach. Take the first step toward a brighter future and call for services today, and let's work together to unlock the strength within you.
Wes Johnson earned his Master's in Counseling from Central Michigan University. He also has a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University and bachelor's degree from The University of Michigan- Flint, respectively. He works with all age groups and has over twenty years experience in the education field as a counselor, teacher, and administrator. He uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and helps people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, poor self esteem, and many other areas, and has been described as very approachable, funny, kind, and caring. He is available for individual, couples, and family therapy.
Wes is a father of 5 children. He is a Christian and is able to provide faith based counseling as well as secular therapy. He primarily works through telehealth but is available for in-person sessions in Cadillac on Wednesdays from 8-5.
Melanie holds her Master degree in Social Work. As a LLMSW She is passionate about the mental health of children and adolescents. She also works within the school system as a Social Worker, servicing the crisis needs of students ages 6-18, and is dedicated and passionate about the support for these students within the school system. Melanie is practiced in completing assessments and developing personalized plans for every individual. Her method includes supporting clients while focusing on the way individual identities have been gained through personal experiences. Melanie works with a trauma-informed approach that is client-centered, allowing her clients to take the lead in the direction of their healing, and allowing them to feel at ease sharing and thriving.
Anika earned her Master of Social Work degree at Grand Valley State University located in Grand Rapids, MI and her undergrad degrees (BSW and Associates) from Ferris State
University located in Big Rapids, MI. She is a dedicated and compassionate clinician with
10+ years of varied experience working with and providing services to children,
adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds. Anika specializes in utilizing evidenced-based interventions, administering assessments, diagnosing, and developing treatment plans/goals using a client-centered/trauma-informed approach.
She has specialized skills and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play
Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion
Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and
Restorative Group Therapy. She has also worked with traumatized individuals and at-risk
youth.
Anika desires to be a breath of fresh air for her clients. Her passion is helping those who
struggle with life stressors and traumatic events, find healing within themselves. Her
approach is interactive, warm and accepting! Work with Anika to explore and restore
a better and stronger you!
Julie Yaroch, M.A., LLPC
Julie has a background in both mainstream and holistic approaches, she has a B.S. in Elementary Education and a Masters in Counseling from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. She did her internship at Macomb Oakland Regional Center (M.O.R.C.) serving individuals with disabilities, complex Mental Health issues, and traumatic backgrounds. Utilizing a foundational approach of the Culture of Gentleness that rebuilds elements of trust, safety, and security while teaching coping & problem-solving skills with a mentoring style. She assists individuals with grief and loss, mild to acute trauma, PTSD, ADHD, social skills, unique learning styles, stress, anxiety, depression, and health & wellness.
Pamela is a licensed professional counselor. She received a master’s in professional counseling from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. She received a bachelors in family life from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI. Pamela has been providing professional counseling services for 27 years. She understands the pain and suffering people experiencing going through difficult seasons of their lives. She has provided services for individuals, families, and couples. Pamela is trained and skilled in providing services for Post traumatic stress disorder, Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, as well as Addictive disorders. She teaches healthy relationship and communication skills, mood regulation skills, including recognizing and changing negative thought patterns. She teaches skills for self-soothing, relapse prevention and maintenance skills. She is compassionate, encouraging, and supportive. She will help her clients to develop awareness of the areas where they struggle and to develop the skills to overcome the distress, learning relaxation techniques and good self-care habits. She looks forward to meeting you.
Michelle Reese, M.A., TLLP*
Michelle Reese is a Doctoral Intern who has received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Before attending The Chicago School, Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where her passion for working with children and adolescents began. Michelle has worked primarily with children and adolescents for the past 7 years in various settings including a residential treatment center, behavioral health clinic, private practice, psychiatric hospital, and therapeutic day school. While working with clients of all ages, especially those who have experienced traumatic events, Michelle provides a calm, therapeutic presence that allows clients to feel safe sharing their experiences. She believes each client is the best expert of themselves and has the strengths and resources to change. Her clinical interests include trauma, family dynamics, communication skills, relationship building, depression, and anxiety.
Michelle provides therapy and assessment services to children, adolescents, and adults, and is also trained in evaluation for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Shelby Jones, M.A., TLLP*
Shelby is a Doctoral Intern who has received her master’s degree in clinical psychology and is in her last year of training to obtain her Clinical Psychology Doctorate (Psy.D) from the Florida School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. She is passionate about working with teens, college students, adults, and couples. Her areas of interest include, but are not limited to, treating anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, ADHD, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, and assisting with life changes and stressors. Her therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. With goals to work towards the client's best self, with the reduction of symptoms, and empowering clients to take on challenges. She meets each client at their level when they start therapy with her, tailoring each approach to fit each client’s unique needs. She uses an integrative therapeutic approach from a person-centered, interpersonal approach, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. She has experience working with diverse individuals from children to the elderly who struggle with anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, personality disorders, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, life changes, ADHD, medical conditions, and substance use. She is passionate about fostering a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment.
Shelby also provides assessment services for children, adolescents, and adults. She is skilled in most types of psychodiagnostic evaluations, but has significant experience in providing full psychological evaluations.
Jeff Jenks, Psy.D., LP
Jeff is a licensed Psychologist. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Regent University. His experiences have allowed him to work in a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient hospital, juvenile court, and private practices. Jeff emphasizes a down-to-earth approach to treatment which includes warmth, understanding, and humor, allowing the therapeutic relationship to become a priority. Jeff is passionate about both assessment and therapy and recognizes that these services are often most effective with each other. He emphasizes a flexible approach to therapy that can be personally tailored to what you need most. He is a Christian and offers Christian, faith-based services. Jeff's aim is to treat each patient with love, compassion, and respect while challenging them to become their ideal self.
Sheree Skinner, LLPC, MS.
Trauma-Informed Therapist - CBT & Somatic Approaches
As a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, Sheree specializes in helping teens and adults navigate complex mental health challenges with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based care. Her practice is rooted in trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), enhanced with somatic techniques that support mind-body integration and healing.
Sheree works with individuals experiencing PTSD, OCD, BPD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other personality disorders. She provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore painful experiences, manage symptoms, and build emotional resilience. Her approach is collaborative and strengths-based, empowering clients to move forward at their own pace using tools that foster lasting change.
Whether someone is managing intrusive thoughts, navigating mood shifts, living with psychosis, or healing from trauma, Sheree supports them in uncovering unhelpful patterns and replacing them with ones that empower and uplift.
Sheree accepts Aetna, BCBSM, Cigna, Blue Cross Complete, Priority Health (commercial and Medicaid), McLaren Medicaid, Meridian Medicaid, Molina Medicaid, and MI Medicaid insurance.
Paula Chouinard-Rinal, M.S.W., LMSW
Paula Chouinard-Rinal earned her master’s degree from Grand Valley State University in 1999. Paula specializes in trauma resolution and healing. She has worked in the following areas throughout her professional years: criminal justice, the foster care system, domestic violence, sexual abuse, grief and loss issues, and couples therapy. She has worked with young children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
Paula specializes in utilizing individual-based interventions, diagnosing, assessing, developing treatment plans, and using client-centered and trauma-informed approaches. Paula uses the following interventions in therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, group therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-focused therapy utilizing EMDR. She teaches self-soothing skills, mindfulness, and offers skills to change negative thought patterns. She helps her clients embrace their strengths and gifts and learn from their personal challenges. Good self-care, the importance of honoring the voice, and a non-judgmental approach are guiding posts for each therapy session.
I am looking forward to meeting you!
Ellen Maxwell, M.A., LLPC
Ellen is a limited licensed professional counselor. Her passion for counseling is rooted in her belief in the autonomy of the client and the importance of recognizing and nurturing their personal strengths. She works to create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to explore their challenges and develop the tools they need to thrive.
Throughout her journey, she's had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, which has broadened her understanding and approach to therapy. She's gained experience supporting individuals from various backgrounds, with unique needs and goals. This experience has helped her cultivate a flexible and empathetic counseling style, tailored to each client's distinct path to healing and growth.
She is committed to fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, valued, and encouraged to achieve their personal and mental health goals. Through respect for their independence and an unwavering focus on their strengths, she aims to help clients build resilience and lead fulfilling, empowered lives.