human. kind. a space to be both.
Currently Accepting New Clients
We currently have daytime availability for new clients- in person and virtually!.
Please email info@humankindcounseling.org to get started!
As of October 1, 2024
Meet Our Team!
Therapist & Founder (she/her)
Chelsea Wiersema, LMSW
Hi! I am Chelsea Wiersema- mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, counselor, avid concert-goer, board game enthusiast, social justice advocate, and fan of all things West Michigan. I grew up in the Grandville area, and am thrilled to be working with families and children in the community where I was raised! I attended Grand Valley State University for my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Throughout my time in college and beyond, I have been able to experience, and work with, so many wonderful organizations in our community. Despite loving aspects of each opportunity, I found so much joy in the one on one time I got to spend with the families and children I met along the way. I knew that counseling and therapy was the right fit for me! This year I am so excited to return to GVSU as an adjunct professor! My favorite part of being a counselor is truly getting to know the families, children, and adolescents that I get to work with. Each client is unique, each experience is unique, therefore every hour of my day is unique! It is a privilege to get to work alongside families and help them celebrate their child through their successes and progress in therapy. I love utilizing techniques from play therapy, art therapy, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more. I have clinical experience working with children and teens from ages 5-16 who may be experiencing anxiety, ADHD, social skill/social language concerns, social anxiety, mood dysregulation, family/peer conflicts, and adjustment to life or family changes. I also work with children who are on the Autism Spectrum on social engagement, conversation modeling, social interactions and more! Along with working with children in an individual setting, I also enjoy facilitating family and group sessions for treatment! If you are interested in scheduling a session with me, please feel free to reach out to me directly via email at chelsea@humankindcounseling.org , or by phone (call or text) at 616-294-0754. I am available and more likely to respond much faster by email! I look forward to meeting you soon!
Bi-Lingual Therapist (she/her)
Emily Murray-Joseph, LMSW
Hi! I’m Emily Murray Joseph, originally from the east side of the state, but I’ve called Grand Rapids home for over a decade now and really love it here! I was lucky enough to spend some time living in Spain for a while as well. I love to travel, read, take walks, and spend time with my family and friends. I studied at Grand Valley State University, where I received my social work degrees (BSW and MSW). When I found social work, I knew I’d found the field for me. Previously, I worked in foster care for five years, then spent two years as a therapist for teen refugees. I’ve now been in private practice for a few years, and have loved getting to know so many diverse clients and helping them achieve their goals. Each child, adult, and family I’ve had the privilege to meet through my work has a unique story. I am honored to be able to offer a safe and supportive space for each of them to share that story with me and work through whatever it is that brings them to my office. I am incredibly passionate about helping children and adults alike heal from trauma, especially those involved in the child welfare system and families who speak Spanish or have immigrated to the U.S. I am so excited to continue connecting with clients and their families, offering a space for them to learn, grow, and be fully seen and celebrated. I work with many children and adults one on one, but I also enjoy family sessions to help improve communication and support. I have experience working with both children and adults, focusing on: trauma, multicultural/immigration concerns, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, family conflict, family separation, social skills, identity, grief and loss, and communication. In my practice, I utilize a strength-based, person-centered and trauma-informed approach. I operate from the systems theory and use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and crisis intervention models, among others. Examples of techniques used in sessions: Art therapy Play therapy Talk therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Internal Family Systems (IFS) Motivational interviewing Movement/yoga Mindfulness If you are interested in talking more about what therapy could look like for you or your child, please call/text (616) 284-1202 or email emily@humankindcounseling.org.
Therapist & ADHD Assessment (virtual only) (she/her)
Savanna Wright, LCSW ADHD- CCSP
I have experience in school counseling, inpatient treatment, and medical social work. My specialty is with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, substance use, OCD, ADD/ADHD, behavioral issues, attachment disorders, PTSD, and more. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults who are struggling with identity, sexuality, and coming of age issues. I typically see adults for trauma, mood disorders, family issues, and parenting help. I offer individual counseling, family sessions, and ADHD testing. I specialize in EMDR which is a therapy that is ideal for chronic pain, depression, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, addictions, some behavioral issues, and phobias. I am a trained QBcheck user for testing of ADHD. I also offer DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, play therapy, talk therapy, parenting strategies, and motivational interviewing. I work diligently to check myself on my biases, privilege, and personal preferences. It is my goal that you never feel judged, less than or shame in my office. Currently VIRTUAL ONLY, Seeing children 12+, and adults 18-40 Please contact me by phone or text: 616-607-4858 or by email (preferred) savanna@humankindcounseling.org If you want to know more about the products I use or recommend, check out my linktree: https://linktr.ee/savannaathumankindcounseling
Therapist (she/her)
Kaylin Ziebarth, LMSW
Hi! I am Kaylin Ziebarth - proud dog-mom, wife, sister, daughter and overall animal lover. I grew up in southwest Michigan and moved up to this area around 2016 after coming up this way for school. I fell in love with the area and decided to stay and build a life in this wonderful area! I attended Grand Valley State University for my undergraduate degree and Western Michigan University for my graduate degree. During my graduate studies, I had the opportunity to complete my degree with an emphasis on trauma treatment for children and families. Throughout my academic career and beyond, I was so very fortunate to work with a wide variety of organizations and settings which built a strong clinical foundation for my career. Through these various experiences, I found that one aspect always seemed to connect with me more than the rest, working with children and families one on one. My favorite aspect of working with children, families, and adolescents includes getting to know and develop relationships with every individual. Helping an individual and their families navigate difficult situations and celebrate positive growth in therapy and everyday situations is such a unique and positive aspect of being a part of a family’s therapeutic team. I utilize therapeutic techniques from play therapy, art therapy, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and more. I have clinical experience working with children from ages 6-14 who may be experiencing anxiety, ADHD, social skill/social language concerns, mood dysregulation, family/peer conflicts, and adjustment to life or family changes. I also work with children who are on the Autism Spectrum on social engagement, conversation modeling, social interactions and other aspects that may accompany this diagnosis. If you are interested in scheduling a session with me, please feel free to reach out to me directly via email at kaylin@humankindcounseling.org , or by phone (call or text) at 616-777-7319. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Therapist (she/her)
Delia Bucci, LLMSW
I have many years of experience working within the psychiatric population. I have had the opportunity to work in acute settings like an emergency department and inpatient hospitalization. I enjoy working with children and teenagers who experience depression, anxiety, school issues, or who just need a safe place to connect. I hold a specific interest working with those with anxiety. I obtained both my undergraduate and graduate degree from Western Michigan University and have an extensive background working with children, adolescents, and families. I hold such a passion working alongside of others, helping them find their best selves. In my free time, you can find me at a local coffee shop, playing with my dog, and enjoying the outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy everything coffee, being outside, and playing with my dog. Here in my office, I offer a safe environment, fidgets, essential oils, and fun. If you are interested In connecting or feel as if I may be a good fit, please contact me at delia@humankindcounseling.org. I look forward to meeting you!
Therapist (she/her)
Cayla Lange, LLMSW
Hello, I’m Cayla! I am so excited to join the team at Human Kind Counseling after completing my Bachelors and Masters level internships here. I graduated with my Bachelors and Masters of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. My favorite part of clinical work is getting to connect with others in a meaningful way. It is such a privilege to be let in the lives of others! My goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for others to express themselves, learn, and grow. I am passionate about mental health awareness and social rights advocacy. I strongly believe everyone’s voice deserves to be heard, and in the power of human connection! Some other things I love to do include painting, drawing, and crocheting. Anything related to arts and crafts, I enjoy! I love to incorporate principles of art therapy into counseling sessions. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, nature, the beach, and exercise! I am currently accepting new clients, providing services in person and via Telehealth. I especially enjoy working with children, teens, and young adults, and I have the most experience engaging with anxiety, ADHD, self-harm, and depression. You can reach me via email at cayla@humankindcounseling.org.
cayla@humankind
Therapist (she/her)
Alexis Prins, LMSW
Hello, I am Alexis Prins. I have been a native to the Grand Rapids area for most of my life, spending just a few years away in Chicago. West Michigan is a lovely place especially in the warmer months as I love being outside, going for hikes, spending the day at the beach, visiting local parks, and playing sports. Beyond my love for the outdoors I am also a mother, wife, friend, lover of music, good food, and visiting new places. I studied at Hope College for my Bachelors and Grand Valley State University for my Masters both in social work. I originally went to college to be a teacher and through my internships I came to find more purpose when building relationships with students and providing more individual emotional support. I have had the opportunity to work in a few different areas in the field from adult community mental health in Chicago, foster care in Grand Rapids, and lastly I have been a school social worker for the past 6 years. I have learned so much from each career experience and the individuals and families I have teamed with to help them find growth and navigate all the obstacles and challenges of life. What I have enjoyed most about my career in social work is connecting with individuals and families and providing a safe space for growth and self discovery. I have had the opportunity to be a part of so many youth and adults’ journeys finding wellness and always I find the strength and resilience of children and adults so inspiring. I am passionate about helping individuals find what therapy and health means to them. I have experience using play therapy, art therapy, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and so much more. I have experience working with both children and adults and with the move from school social work to private practice I truly look forward to the opportunity to work with young children, adolescents, and individuals navigating young adulthood. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, social challenges, language concerns, social anxiety, mood dysregulation, trauma, peer conflicts, family changes, and family crisis. I believe in utilizing a wrap around approach when possible and I would welcome the opportunity to facilitate family and group sessions as a part of treatment. If you are interested in scheduling a session with me, please feel free to reach out to me directly via email at alexis@humankindcounseling.org, or by phone (call or text) at (616) 426-2126. Email communication is often the quickest way to reach me, I look forward to speaking with you more.
Therapist (virtual only) (he/him)
Anthony Mullins, LLMSW
Hi! I am Anthony Mullins. I’m a proud husband and father to two beautiful children. I love spending time with family, watching Sports (Go Blue), and spending time with friends. I was born and raised in Metro Detroit. In 2009 I made the journey over to West Michigan where I attended Grand Valley State University pursuing my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work. I have been practicing social work for 10+ years with an emphasis in child welfare and providing social work services and support to pediatric patients and families as they navigate care at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital. I’ve also had the privilege of working with children/adolescents (12+) and young adults who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, family/peer conflicts, trauma, suicidal ideations, grief/loss, and behavioral concerns. My therapy techniques include motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy, crisis intervention, Cognitive Behavorial Therapy (CBT) and more. My goal is to meet clients where they are at while building rapport to help them navigate the challenges of every day life. If you are interested in scheduling a session with me, feel free to contact me via email at anthony@humankindcounseling.org *Currently seeing clients virtually only.*
MSW Intern (she/her)
Amanda Nickerson
Hi there! I’m Amanda, a 41-year-old adventure enthusiast and proud mom to my spirited 3-year-old dog, Lillian. For over 18 years, I've had the joy of sharing life with my wonderfully supportive husband, and together, we love exploring the great outdoors—whether it's camping under the stars, kayaking down serene rivers, or hiking scenic trails. When I'm not out adventuring, you'll likely find me immersed in creativity, courtesy of my background in art and nearly a decade of experience nurturing young minds as a nanny and art teacher. I believe that creativity is a powerful lens for understanding children, and I relish the opportunity to guide them in making their own choices, watching their confidence bloom with each new experience. Currently, I'm pursuing a master's degree in social work at GVSU, with the dream of becoming a therapist focused on helping children and adults overcome trauma. I envision integrating my BFA in illustration into art therapy, allowing me to blend my passions for art and healing. Life is a beautiful journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads!