Outreach Therapists
Erin Alexander-Bell, MA, LLPC
Erin Alexander-Bell is a Limited Licensed Practical Counselor through the State of Michigan. She has graduated with a BA from Western Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. She has a passion for assisting families and individual overcome their barriers to success. She has 9 years of experience working with the court system, Children Protective Services, Sex Offenders, Parole and Probation Participants, Individual with a history of Substance and Alcohol usage, the Department of Health and Human Services, Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Survivors.
Rene Askanazi, MDiv, MA, LPC
Rene has enjoyed counseling and mentoring in a variety of community settings since acquiring her B.A. in Psychology from Hope College, Master of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite University, and M.A. in Counseling from Cornerstone University. Rene’s focus of practice has primarily been with issues of trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, substance abuse and facing difficult life challenges. She has helped to run support groups in local jails and provided counseling services in nursing homes, the City Mission, as well as in client’s homes. Rene lives with her family in Hamilton and currently works as a part-time therapist at Renewed Hope Health Clinic which provides free medical and mental health services to the uninsured and under-insured residents of Allegan County. Rene uses a Solution-Focused counseling approach as well as CBT and Positive Psychology therapies to increase clients’ level of hope, self-efficacy, and resilience. Clients often comment that they feel comfortable and accepted by Rene, and leave with an increased sense of hope to face their difficulties. Rene believes all clients have been given the gift of choice and her goal is to join with them to support their goals and help them gain needed skills to increase their level of positive well-being. Rene is currently a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor and will be receiving her full licensure in the early spring 2019.
Julianne Dusendang, MA, LPC, CAADC
Julianne enjoys helping others work toward their goals and achieve a better life they want for themselves. She earned her bachelors degree in Psychology from Taylor University and her Masters degree in College Counseling from Western Michigan University. Julianne has worked in various roles at different colleges both in upstate New York and Grand Rapids. Along with her experience in a college setting, Julianne has worked at various substance abuse treatment facilities in the greater Grand Rapids area. She uses a holistic approach to counseling while utilizing techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and somatic symptomology. Julianne is well equipped to handle complex cases that may include mental health symptoms, addictions, and trauma. Currently, Julianne conducts evaluations for WMPS in Ingham County. She lives with her husband and two sons in Lowell. Julianne enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, baking, and DIY projects.
Kimberly Howell, MA, LMSW
Kimberly’s goal is to help children learn how to manage daily stressors and life problems in a healthy way. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Western Michigan University prior to earning her Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. In her 15 years in the social work field, Kimberly has worked with families experiencing domestic violence, children with special needs, and mental health concerns in the school setting.
Kimberly utilizes a strength-based, person-centered approach that is rooted in attachment theory, CBT, and DBT. She believes that all clients have the opportunity to change their behavior if they have the opportunity to express themselves while developing new life skills. Kimberly believes in helping her clients find their own voice and aligns her practice with the motto, “Counseling is not a destination, but a journey that takes time.”
Ann Modzeleski, MA, LPC, LLP, CAADC
Ann is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP), and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) and has been working in the mental health field since 1992. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Individual and Family Studies from Central Michigan University. Ann then went on to get her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University.
Ann has worked in the mental health field for 29 years. She works with adults with mental health and/or substance use issues. Ann’s experience includes working in the areas of chronic mental illness, substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. She uses a variety of different treatment modalities which include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), crisis intervention and motivational interviewing.
Chelsea Simkhada, LMSW
As a Licensed Master Social Worker, Chelsea has worked with varying populations within a variety of different environments, ranging from schools, homeless shelters, community-based care and outreach programs. Chelsea received her Masters degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University . Prior to that, she received her Bachelors of Social Work from Eastern Nazarene College on the South Shore of Boston in Massachusetts. Chelsea has worked with youth and adults who have experienced substance use, homelessness, trauma, abuse, and neglect. She practices within the framework of being strengths-based, utilizing talk therapy and the techniques of movement and activity when working with individuals. Chelsea enjoys working with diverse populations, including ethnicities, religions, sexualities, and socioeconomic status. Among Chelsea’s strengths, are her passion for working in partnership with those seeking services; her ability to establish rapport with consumers; and her capacity for being non-judgmental. Chelsea enjoys spending time with family, camping, and getting lost in a good book.
Ian Warnsley, MA, LLPC
Ian will be providing outreach therapy within your community, a place where he has worked for most of his career. Ian has a Masters of Arts and a Science Degree in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health from Western Michigan University. He is currently employed as a Family Liaison at Van Buren Community Mental Health. Being that he works within the county, Ian is aware of the dynamics of the people served, as well as potential resources in the community. He also has a contract with Interfaced Consultation working with the Re-entry Project for Offenders with Special Needs (RPOSN). Prior to his current employment, Ian served as the Clinical Case Manager for a children’s residential program through Hope Network Behavioral Health. Among Ian’s strengths are his enthusiasm, his ability to successfully deal with difficult situations, ability to quickly and easily establish rapport with clients, and his determination to exhaust all available resources in order to assist clients in achieving their own personal success.
Sara Winter, LMSW
Sara Winter is a licensed Masters level social worker through the state of Michigan. Her passion is working with families and individuals, to build upon their own unique strengths and problem solve. Sara has worked with families in the Child Welfare field for the last 17 years in Ottawa County. Prior to that she worked with delinquent youth in Ottawa County. Sara is a graduate of Grand Valley State University, with a Masters in Social Work and an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice.