Therapists

New Day works with pre-screened, licensed therapists with a heart and desire to serve individuals and families walking through the cancer journey.

Kim Birmingham

It is an extremely brave step to enter into therapy. I am truly honored to be invited into the lives of my clients. I provide a safe non-judgmental atmosphere where my clients feel comfortable exploring their innermost thoughts and feelings. Therapy is about identifying beliefs, thought patterns and behaviors that hold people back from achieving their highest potential. If therapy is successful, a client will develop the hope, clarity, courage and self-acceptance necessary to make positive changes in their life.

I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression and grief and loss issues. I have extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings doing individual, group and family therapy. I utilize an eclectic approach drawing upon evidence-based practices relying largely upon Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic approaches to treatment.

As a Christian I treat my role as therapist as a calling from God. I am always respectful of clients who embrace another faith, or have a secular perspective, and feel very comfortable treating them.


Dave Hamel

Dave has Master’s Degrees in Psychology and Social Work, a post-Master’s Degree in Psychology and over 30 years of experience. He helps people deal with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, substance abuse, and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Since 2019, his experience as a cancer patient has given him a direct understanding of the impact this illness can have on patients, caregivers, family members and friends. He received tremendous support in his own journey, and is eager to offer a helping hand to others dealing with the life changes that cancer brings. Dave also has extensive training in the therapeutic use of hypnosis, and has found it an especially useful tool in helping people master their anxiety.

Dave’s goal is to help you develop the ability to produce the changes you want in your life.


Lynn Jarrett

As far as anyone can tell, you’ve got it all together. Somehow you can manage work, home life, and caretaking responsibilities. You are always seen as the super responsible, dependable one. But on the inside, you are emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. You feel as if you’re pouring from an empty cup. All this giving and providing for others, but you have nothing left. You don’t think you can do it anymore. You’re tired of giving so much to everyone else while you continue to come last on your list. Not anymore. It’s time for a change.

Regain your energy and reclaim a life that allows you to discover who you are outside of life’s demands while enjoying the life you’ve worked so hard to create. Learn how to put yourself first without feeling guilty or selfish. You are ready to silence that negative inner voice so that you can restore your strength and lead a healthier, more balanced life. I can help you get there.


Shantalea Johns

Shantalea Johns, Ed.D, LMSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, community mental health educator, and certified child and adolescent trauma professional. Shantalea graduated with a master’s degree in social work and a doctorate in education from Wayne State University. She also serves as a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor for the National Council for Behavioral Health and obtained a Telehealth Certification from Old Dominion University. “As a clinical social worker and educator, I believe in educating my clients as we work together to achieve the highest level of mental,  emotional, social, and spiritual balance. In a relaxed therapeutic environment, we will consider internal struggles and the influences of health, personal relationships, school, family history, work, and community on your challenges. You feel heard and respected as we work together to achieve the goals you have set for therapy”.


Norma Keil Shaw

Norma Keil Shaw attended Wayne State Music School on scholarship and was the co-creator of WSU Music Therapy program and graduated with a degree in Music Therapy. She has a Masters in Social Work from U of M. and has spent 42 years in the field of Medical Social work.

Norma has worked in Michigan, California, Washington D.C. and Maryland, including positions at the Detroit Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute and at the Evergreen Health and Living Center in Southfield as a Medical Social Worker/Discharge Planner.

Norma is currently in private practice. She is a breast cancer survivor and looks forward to helping you on your cancer journey.

 


Daniela Lopez

Daniela Lopez has acquired a wide breadth of professional experience working in academics, research, and clinical work since 2009. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan and began working at the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry and Depression Center shortly after, assisting in the development and implementation of mental health research studies. Once she obtained her Master of Human Resources and Organizational Development in 2014, she obtained a position within the University of Michigan School of Public Health at the Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, researching HIV-transmission risk-reduction for sexual and gender minority in Detroit and Atlanta, as well as women in sub-Saharan Africa.  This journey in a variety of health settings, and her desire to use her bilingual skills, led her to pursue her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Michigan. Her clinical work is focused on strengths-based, psychodynamic tele-therapy for the culturally diverse community at Community Health and Social Services Center and Embodied Wellness Therapy.

Daniela López ha adquirido una amplia experiencia profesional trabajando en el ámbito académico, de investigación y clínico desde 2009. Recibió su Licenciatura en Psicología de la Universidad de Michigan y comenzó a trabajar en el Departamento de Psiquiatría y Centro de Depresión de la Universidad de Michigan poco después, ayudando en el desarrollo e implementación de estudios de investigación de salud mental. Una vez que obtuvo su Maestría en Recursos Humanos y Desarrollo Organizacional en 2014, obtuvo un puesto dentro de la Escuela de Salud Pública de la Universidad de Michigan en el Centro de Sexualidad y Disparidades de Salud, investigando la reducción del riesgo de transmisión del VIH para las minorías sexuales y de género en Detroit y Atlanta, así como para las mujeres en el África subsahariana. Este viaje en una variedad de entornos de salud, y su deseo de usar sus habilidades bilingües, la llevaron a obtener su Maestría en Trabajo Social en la Universidad de Michigan. Su trabajo clínico se centra en la teleterapia psicodinámica basada en fortalezas para la comunidad culturalmente diversa en CHASS Center y Embodied Wellness Therapy

Alejandra Medina

I graduated from Oakland University with a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling and a Post-Master’s specialization in Wellness Counseling; I hold a Michigan license in counseling and I am a Nationally Certified Counselor. As a bilingual counselor I appreciate diversity and what each person brings to the counseling relationship including their cultural background and their religious beliefs. I also hold a training in Ignatian spirituality which adds to my holistic approach providing to my training a great balance.

My experience includes working with children and adolescents. Through play therapy I provide a non threatening environment for exploration,  decision making, growth and healing. Working with children I always  include their families in the treatment process, considering that everyone forms part of the system and everyone is part of to the healing process. I work with adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, going through divorce, relationship problems, crisis in faith and/or beliefs, stress management problems, family conflicts traumatic life experiences and self-esteem issues. In addition, I have experience working with English and Spanish speaking populations.

An important part of my practice is working with clients who experience chronic conditions. Using a holistic approach I help them to develop awareness of the areas that could be strengthened or changed to bring overall wellness and happiness. Stress and pain  management techniques are added to their treatment plans.

Soy graduada de la Universidad de Oakland con una Maestría en Artes de Consejería y estudios de especialización en Terapia del Bienestar; Poseo licencia para proporcionar terapia otorgada por el Estado de Michigan y soy terapeuta con certificación nacional. También poseo un entrenamiento en espiritualidad ignaciana que enriquece aún más mi enfoque holístico y enriquece mi preparación profesional dándole un excelente balance. Como terapeuta bilingüe, aprecio la diversidad y lo que cada persona trae a la relación terapéutica, incluyendo su riqueza cultural y religiosa.

Tengo experiencia trabajando con niños y adolescentes. A través de terapia de juego proveo un ambiente seguro para la exploración, toma de decisiones, crecimiento y sanación. Trabajo en terapia individual y al trabajar con niños siempre incluyo a sus padres en el proceso terapéutico considerando que cada uno forma parte del sistema; por lo tanto, cada quien puede contribuir en la sanación. También trabajo con adultos que experimentan depresión, ansiedad, que están pasando por divorcio, problemas en sus relaciones, que están teniendo crisis de fe o de valores, que tienen problemas manejando su estrés, conflictos familiares y problemas de autoestima o experiencias traumáticas. Cabe agregar que tengo experiencia trabajando con gente que habla inglés y con gente que habla español.

Una parte importante de mi trabajo terapéutico es el que realizo con gente que experimenta alguna enfermedad crónica. De manera holística exploro con mis clientes las diferentes áreas de su vida para desarrollar consciencia sobre las áreas que requieren cambio o que necesitan fortalecerse para obtener mayor bienestar en sus vidas. Técnicas de manejo del dolor y de estrés son parte importante del tratamiento.


Jenny Moeller

Jenny has always felt led to walk with those enduring hardship and sorrow with compassion and care. She received her masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Genetic Counseling in 2009. She had the honor of providing resources and support to couples grieving their unborn child’s diagnosis, adults learning they have a terminal genetic condition, and individuals discovering whether or not they inherited a potentially deadly heart condition.

In 2011, Jenny began to grieve through her own journey of “what was supposed to be” when her late husband was diagnosed with cancer 4 months after the birth of their son. In 2013, after 19 months of living with cancer and all that comes with it, Aaron passed away and she started her season as a widowed single mom. Those years shaped her into a person she never expected, revealing strengths, capabilities and joys she never thought possible.

It is Jenny’s passion and privilege to help others who are trying to get their footing after their world shatters. We can’t go back to what was but we can move forward to what is and discover beauty, joy, and hope there.


Judith Persley

Judith Persley is a Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in Anxiety disorders, Trauma, Depression, and Life Adjustment issues, including those related to chronic and acute illness.  Her passions include the study and treatment of shame and self-worth, making contributions in her community, and working alongside oppressed people groups in Michigan and in regions of Haiti and Northern Mexico.

She is an accomplished guest speaker and writer on many topics, especially those regarding shame and anxiety disorders. Judith is currently the owner/operator of Creekside Counseling of Michigan in Shelby Township, Michigan, where she practices.

 

 


Paula M. Puleo

Paula M. Puleo, M.A., L.P.C. is a 69 year-old Licensed Professional Counselor. She is the mother of two adult daughters. Paula’s son-in-law died of bladder cancer at age 39. She brings to all emotional support sessions, both her graduate training as well as her personal experience to the journey YOU are now living. She would be honored to assist you and your family.

Teaching Middle School in both Warren and Grosse Pointe as well as having been an Adjunct College Professor is also in her background. Paula was also the S.E. MI Branch Director of Bethany Christian Services, the largest private adoption agency in the country. Paula was also a Sr. Account Manager at Ulliance, Inc., in Troy, where she managed Beaumont Hospital’s EAP (Employee Assistance Program) — a counseling program for Beaumont employees and families.

At this time, Paula is offering telehealth support sessions only and is available to assist you with setting that up. Feel free to call her to see how she might be of help to you.


Betsy Ragowsky

Betsy Ragowsky, LMSW is a licensed master’s level clinical social worker with over 30 years of clinical experience. Currently Betsy is a social worker on the inpatient behavioral health unit at St. Mary Hospital in Livonia.  She also works on the hospital resilience team, offering support to employees.

Experience includes being an Account Executive at Beacon health Services, where she managed Fortune 500 accounts, including a team of professional counselors. She has many years of experience as an Employee Assistance Program Counselor, and Outpatient Mental Health Therapist.

Betsy’s father battled multiple myeloma when Betsy was an adolescent, and her mother battled breast cancer a few years later.  These experiences guided her decision to obtain her graduate degree and help others facing similar challenges.

At this time Betsy is offering telehealth support sessions only and would be happy to assist you with setting this up.


Semaa Shlebah

I see the human first and foremost. I know that askingfor helpisnot easy but I recognize the strength you carry in beinghere.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my Master’sfromWayne State University. I have extensive knowledge andexperience working with survivors of crime and trauma. I amcurrently working on my Doctoral degree in Counselingat WayneState University with a focus on trauma and survivors.

I believe it is important as a counselor to foster a healingtherapeutic environment with clients in order to overcomechallenges such as: depression, anxiety, trauma,

family/relationship problems, grief, identity crises, andtransitional .periods

أعلم أن طلب المساعدة لیس بالأمر السهل ولكني

أدرك القوة التي تحملها في وجودك هنا.

أنا مستشار محترف مرخص. حصلت على الماجستير من

جامعة واین ستیت. لدي معرفة وخبرة واسعة في

العمل مع الناجين من الجريمة والصدمات. أعمل

حالی￾ا على درجة الدكتوراه في الإرشاد في جامعة

واین ستیت مع التركیز على الصدمات والناجين.

أعتقد أنه من المهم كمستشار تعزیز بیئة علاجیة

مع العملاء للتغلب على تحدیات مثل: الاكتئاب

والقلق والصدمات ومشاكل الأسرة / العلاقات

والحزن وأزمات الهویة والفترات الانتقالیة.


Sura Shlebah

I have a deep calling to help others. My practice is rooted in the fact that I am sitting with  humans who live in, carry around, and see the world in a trauma-informed way; meaning their  very presence is resilient. I strive to create a safe space to foster healing and growth.  My practice is trauma-informed. I have had the opportunity to be present in the journey of  individuals who have struggled with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief/bereavement, and abuse.  I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and Master of Arts in Near  Eastern Studies from Wayne State University. I am fluent in both English and Arabic and have  years of experience providing therapy in both languages. I believe in the accessibility of mental  health services to everyone irrespective of gender, race, sexual orientation, economic status,  and religion.

ویرونھ ویتحملونھ العالم في یعیشون بشر مع أجلس أنني حقیقة في ممارستي جذور تكمن .الآخرین لمساعدة عمیقة دعوة لدي

.والنمو الشفاء لتعزیز آمنة مساحة لخلق جاھدًا أسعى .مرن وجودھم أن یعني مما ؛ للصدمات مستنیرة بطریقة

بعد ما اضطراب من عانوا الذین الأفراد رحلة في حاضرًا لأكون الفرصة لي أتیحت لقد .الصدمات علم ھي ممارستي

.المعاملة وسوء الفجیعة / والحزن والقلق والاكتئاب الصدمة

من الأدنى الشرق دراسات في الآداب في وماجستیر میتشیغان جامعة من الاجتماعیة الخدمة في ماجستیر على حاصل أنا أؤمن .اللغتین بكلتا العلاج تقدیم في الخبرة من سنوات ولدي بطلاقة والعربیة الإنجلیزیة اللغتین أتحدث .ستیت واین جامعة

الاقتصادي والوضع الجنسي والتوجھ والعرق الجنس عن النظر بغض للجمیع العقلیة الصحة خدمات إلى الوصول بإمكانیة .والدین


Kathy Thompson

Kathy graduated from Wayne State University and received her Masters in Community Counseling and Art Therapy Degree in 2009. Kathy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Art Therapist (ATR), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She has worked in both inpatient residential and outpatient community settings. She has experience working with children, adults and substance abuse populations. Kathy has volunteered at The Children’s Center in Detroit, at Vista Maria in Dearborn Heights and did her internship at Oakland Family Services in Pontiac. Kathy is the director and owner of Wellness Counseling.

“My approach to therapy is meeting people where they are at.  I have always wanted to help others to be their personal best. I enjoy guiding people to see their true potential.”


Theresa Visoso-Rangel

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist. I like to provide a calm and compassionate therapeutic space to individuals, couples and families that are struggling with circumstances that might be draining their energy and their ability to be mindful of their own internal resources and needs at such difficult times.

I was born and raised in Mexico City where I was one of ten children in a wonderful family. I am married and have a son and three grandsons. I graduated from medical school from the National University of Mexico. Afterwards, as my husband was transferred to Michigan, I got a master’s degree in Counseling, and a specialization in Couples and Family Therapy.

Through the years, I have experienced the devastating news of a cancer diagnosis in family members, which has given me the opportunity to be part of their support system and made me realize the importance of getting the right support during difficult times. In addition, my own experience of relocation required adjustment to a new life that added personal experience to my professional perspective.

Soy terapeuta con una maestría en Consejería y con especialidad en terapia de pareja. Mi objetivo es ofrecer un espacio terapéutico tranquilo y empático a individuos, parejas o familias que estén enfrentando circunstancias tan preocupantes, que les dificulte utilizar sus fortalezas personales o responder a sus necesidades en momentos tan difíciles.

Soy originaria de la Ciudad de México en donde viví hasta que me gradué de la escuela de medicina. Cuando llegué a Michigan, estudié la maestría en Counseling y después hice la especialidad en terapia de pareja y de familias.

He trabajado con familias e individuos en México y en Michigan por mucho tiempo, lo cual me ha ayudado a ofrecer servicios bilingües y biculturales. A través de los años, he compartido con seres queridos la difícil noticia de su diagnóstico de cáncer. Los apoyé durante su tratamiento y aprendí la importancia de tener el apoyo necesario durante tiempos difíciles.

Para mi, es un honor compartir un momento en la vida de una persona que desea procesar o reflexionar en sus experiencias.