Counselor Bios

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Rob received his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan-Flint. He received his Master's Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University.  Rob recently retired from Lake Orion Schools in June 2023 following 25 years of service. Rob worked for 20 years at Lake Orion High School. He spent the last five years of his school career helping to start and develop a center- based county program for students with emotional impairments and/or autism. Rob has worked as a clinical social worker in private practice since 2015. He works with children, adolescents, adults and families. Rob's areas of expertise include ADD/ADHD, anger management, anxiety, high functioning autism, behavior issues, depression, and social communication skills. Rob's approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and building a strong relationship with his clients.

Heather graduated with a Bachelor's of Social Work from Madonna University, and a Master’s Degree of Social Work with a focus Clinical Social Work and School Social Work.  Heather also has a Supervisor of Special Education Certificate from Grand Valley State University.  Heather has 22 years of experience working with individuals and families. Heather is knowledgeable of special education laws. She is an advocate for supporting school programming, partnering with school districts to support student’s success, and supporting the IEP process. In clinical practice she provides a strengths-based solution focused approach aimed to meet clients where they are at and moving forward at a pace that is beneficial to providing positive supportive outcomes.  Heather works with individuals of all ages who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, anger, stress, parenting concerns, and issues related to self –esteem. She uses a supportive and empowering approach with clients.  Individuals who enter treatment will determine their focus, identify goals, and examine changes they would like to see occur in their lives.

Nan received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Barry University in Miami, Florida. She is a fully licensed clinical MSW in the state of Michigan.

Nan has over 25 years of clinical experience. She began her career as a psychiatric social worker at South Florida State Hospital. Nan gained valuable experience working with severely impaired children, adolescents,and adults. Nan has also worked in various community mental health agency’s,as well as private practice. Nan also worked as an elementary school counselor for 16 years in Lake Orion Schools. Nan’s current clinical practice focuses on helping adults with symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and substance use disorders. Nan has worked closely with Oakland County Courts for over 10 years, providing substance abuse counseling, which is typically a 10-week requirement.

Nan brings extensive experience, empathy and compassion to her clinical practice.

She is highly respectful and prioritizes a confidential working relationship with all of her clients. Nan believes in establishing a trusting relationship and provides a supportive environment for all of her clients.

Peter is a Limited Licensed social worker with a wealth of personal and professional experience to aid his clients and their journey towards healing. Peter received a Bachelor's degree in social work from Ferris State University. He received a Master's degree in social work with a concentration in Children and Family Services from Eastern Michigan University. Peter has experience supporting clients from all walks of life who struggle with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, low self-esteem, acute and complex trauma, and PTSD. These challenges can make it difficult to become your best self, however, by trusting the process, you will become a victor. Vulnerability starts with creating an environment that feels emotionally and mentally safe. This environment will make it seamless for you to express yourself freely. The liberty to be open, without the fear of judgement makes it possible to foster a therapeutic alliance, making it easy to acheive your treatment goals.

Megan graduated with a Bachelor's degree in social work and Master's degree in social work from Grand Valley State University, in addition to working at Better Life Counseling Services, she is also working as a school social worker in Goodrich Area Schools. In Goodrich Area Schools, Megan works in special education where she focuses on social-emotional interventions.  Megan has a special interst in working with children who are experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional struggles, coping adjustments and behavioral challenges. She also works with young adults struggling with life adjustments, depression and anxiety.

Jenn (LMSW) is a licensed clinical social worker whose passion has always been to help others. She received a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in social work from Wayne State University. Immediately after graduation, Jenn was hired as a school social worker where she devoted her entire career of 23 years to Walled Lake Schools. Jenn enjoys working with people of all ages and a wide range of issues. Some areas of Jenn's expertise include anxiety, depression, social skills, anger management, and family conflict. Her approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the strong belief that each person can overcome challenging life experiences.

 Jenna  graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Clinical Social Work with a School Social Work specialization from Western Michigan University. In addition to working at Better Life Counseling Services, she is also working as a School Social Worker in Grand Blanc Community Schools. She has a passion for social-emotional learning and helping children be successful in life and overcome the things that are troubling them. She works with children who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, depression, emotional struggles, and more. Jenna’s approach is cognitive behavioral therapy, and she likes to incorporate helping children develop coping, social, and life skills to ensure they are successful in life going forward. 

 Jennifer is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker. She has a Master’s degree from Wayne State University in 1996, with 25 years of experience with children and their families, primarily in the school setting, as well as over 8 years in a clinical setting. Being in the education setting, Jennifer has supported and continues to work with children with a variety of special needs including Autism Spectrum disorders, ADHD, Cognitive and Emotional Impairments, Learning Disabilities, and Visual Impairments. When working with children, Jennifer’s range of expertise includes anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties, as well as the aforementioned areas of disabilities. Jennifer evaluates the “whole child”, their social, emotional, behavioral, and physical health, to determine the best course to take. Jennifer also assists parents with their concerns including developing behavior systems, limit-setting, providing insight into their child’s needs, assisting them with navigating school questions or concerns including Special Education, connecting them with resources, and mediating difficult discussions with their children. A collaborative and trusting relationship is imperative to the therapy process for the child as well as their parents. I view us as a team who wants what is best for their child.

Elli received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Oakland University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a clinical focus and School Social Work specialization from Michigan State University. In addition to working at Better Life Counseling, Elli is a General Education Elementary School Social Worker in the Lake Orion Community School district. She is a compassionate social worker who has a passion for working with children who are experiencing divorce, ADHD, anxiety, and social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Elli values relationships and believes that it is the most important aspect of creating a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. She utilizes a strength based, person centered approach that sees the whole child.  

Erika received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University with a focus on clinical social work and school social work. In addition to private practice, Erika is a school social worker in Walled Lake Schools and works with special education students with needs including autism, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, play/social skills, anxiety, and depression. Erika also enjoys working with young adults with various mental health challenges. Erika uses methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered approaches to help facilitate change and growth. 

Megan is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience. Megan received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and her Master's degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. She spent 23 years serving students in the Oxford School District and specialized in students with Emotional impairments, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, depression and Anxiety. During her years in the Oxford School District, she also spent 7 years working with the adjudicated youth population as well as students who experienced abuse and neglect. Megan has recently retired from the Walled Lake School District so that she can spend more time serving children and families on an individual basis. Megan’s passion is a solution-focused approach, helping individuals to identify their strengths and begin change by constructing solutions. Megan has extensive experience in the educational system and can guide families and parents in navigating the special education process, determining educational support needs, and collaborating with the school team.  

 Kristin graduated with a B. A from Oakland University in December of 1991 and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University in the spring of 1994. Kristin has worked primarily with adults who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Anger, and chronic medical conditions. Kristin’s approach is cognitive-behavioral in nature. Kristin has enjoyed a long career in Medical Social Work where she has provided care to those who are struggling with crisis while helping to provide a clear path to higher-level functioning.