Meet The Team
Founder & Clinical Therapist
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! I am so grateful to be back at GVSU as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Social Work! 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! 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!
Assessments and Evaluation
Sarah Gordon, LPC
Sarah earned her Masters in Community Counseling from Western Michigan University in 2004. Over the years, she has focused on working with adults, children and families with neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as intellectual disabilities. She has served the West Michigan community in a variety of home-based, inpatient and outpatient settings. She is also certified in diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, ASD, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders and Perinatal Mood Disorders. She provides a neurodevelopmental-informed approach to trauma diagnosis and treatment. Sarah's comprehensive approach accounts for cognitive function, mood patterns, developmental and sensory factors. She provides a focus on informing individuals about how brain-body-behavior connections impact daily functioning, as well as linking multi-disciplinary community resources for continuity of care.
Clinical Therapist/ Bi-Lingual Therapist
Emily Murray-Joseph, LMSW
Hola! 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.
Clinical Therapist
Delia White (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 am devoted to helping clients and families navigate concerns with anxiety. I am trained in SPACE (Supportive parenting for anxious childhood emotions) and have current in person openings for parents interested in utilizing the SPACE modality. The child MUST have a primary anxiety and or OCD diagnosis to qualify. Please email me to find out more information! 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!
Clinical Therapist
Kaylin Ziebarth, LMSW
Hi! I am Kaylin Ziebarth - proud 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!
Clinical Therapist
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.
Clinical Therapist
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.
Clinical Therapist
Emily Dodge, LMSW
Hello! I am Emily Dodge, I am originally from the east side of the state, and have spent the last few years in the Grand Rapids area. I graduated from Hope College with my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Fordham University with my Master’s Degree in Social Work. Before starting in private practice, I provided therapy in public schools, where I was able to work with kids and their families to navigate a variety of challenges and adjustments. I love building relationships with kids and their families, and watching them grow through therapy. I have clinical experience working with children and adolescents ages 4-17 experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, ADHD, Autism, and life adjustments. I provide trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy and more in practice. Outside of sessions I enjoy spending time with my dog, Milo (who may join in some sessions!), knitting, running, and spending time up north and on the Great Lakes. I am currently accepting new clients in person and virtually. If you are interested in scheduling a session with me, please feel free to reach out to me directly via email at emilydodge@humankindcounseling.org.
Clinical Therapist
Sarah Wilcox, LPC
Sarah Wilcox is a licensed professional counselor as well as a licensed school counselor. She has 20 years experience working with children and families; of those, 9 being in the school system. Her experience includes stress, anxiety, executive functioning, crisis intervention and friendship concerns. Therapeutic techniques used include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Mindfulness. Services have been provided in an individual, group and classroom setting. Sarah enjoys working with clients ages 14 through adulthood
MSW Intern
Ella Kage, BSW
Ella is a MSW student at Grand Valley State University, graduating in April 2026!
Billing Administrator
Theresa Ter Meer
I'm Theresa and am the new biller for Human Kind Counseling & Assessments Group. I grew up in Zeeland, but now am a long time resident of Hamilton, MI. I have been in the billing world for over two decades, including my start in the started out in the dental world with a transition in mental health billing. I am so enjoying it and very passionate about the billing process. I got married in June of 2025 to the man of my dreams. I truly am blessed as we both have 2 children & sons-in-law along with 1 grandchild, and many grand fur babies. My husband and I love being around the water, especially sitting in the water, camping (not roughing it though!!) and just spending quality time together.