About our Clinicians
Director
Therapist Bio: Samantha Pillow
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I have been working as a Mental Health Clinician for the last 15 years. I am a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and specialize in Trauma. I am also an Approved Clinical Supervisor and enjoy supervising newly licensed clinicians as well as interns focusing on beginning their journey into this field. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples wanting to focus on improving their overall mental health. I am a Person-Centered Therapist, recognizing that everyone is unique and different, and treatment cannot go according to a cookie-cutter approach. I also believe that therapy takes a lot of work, both in and out of sessions, and will help to focus on building routines, improving self-care, and increasing the overall effectiveness of healthy coping strategies. At this time in my career, I am transitioning into a Director/Supervisory role, and therefore, am not accepting new patients for therapy!
Therapist
Therapist Bio: Lynn Brown
I am a counseling intern who will soon graduate from Grand Canyon University with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling for individuals of any age with an emphasis on childhood and adolescent development. My approach is primarily person-centered and strength-based using aspects of other treatment theories as they best suit a client’s needs.
Every human of any age is a unique and valuable treasure worthy of respect and encouragement in all circumstances. I have a special regard and passion for helping foster and adoptive families having personally walked this path with its many joys and challenges. Past experiences, in combination with other factors that we may or may not be able to control, all contribute to our unique individuality and purpose. Although the past cannot be undone it is possible, profitable, and healthy to explore changing our present experience while working toward healing, self-acceptance, and forgiveness. I am currently accepting new clients from youth through adulthood and look forward to traveling with you as a guide on your journey to well-being and emotional health.
Therapist
Therapist Bio: Kristine Kuehnle-Denooijer
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I am passionate about psychology, mental health, and helping individuals along their therapeutic journey to holistic wellness. My therapeutic approach is rooted in an eclectic integration, including Trauma-Informed Therapy interventions, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and Person-Centered methods. Valuing each client as a unique individual is facilitated by respecting that each person’s therapeutic process will be just as unique and individualized. It is an honor as a helping professional to come alongside children, adolescents, and adult clients collaboratively to address various difficulties occurring in all aspects of life. I work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing life transitions, grief, relationship conflict, trauma, and adversities involving mental health and behavioral concerns. Some Specialized areas of service include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, disruptive behavior, and mood disorders.
Therapist
Therapist Bio: Sherrell Wilson
My educational background includes a MA in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University and experience working with individuals with various unrests including PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Adjustment Disorder, ADHD, Grief and Loss, Bipolar Disorders, and Abuse.
I know that no single approach is right for every individual so I utilize several different theoretical approaches to ensure that client’s need are being met. These include, but are not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Play Therapy, Motivational Therapy, Family Systems, and Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Theory.
Therapist
Therapist Bio: Debra Strong
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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Master's in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. I enjoy working with many diverse issues and clients. I am trained in DBT, as well as Play Therapy and Grief/Trauma. I have previously worked as a Clinical Therapist in a hospital behavioral health unit and as an adjunct professor. I specialize in working through trauma via Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and Grief/Trauma modalities. You do not have to suffer! Strong inspirations can help you find peace, acceptance, and comfort, in a manner that honors and respects your comfort level.
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Therapist Bio: Erika Nelson
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I am passionate about mental health and helping clients reach their fullest potential, through a client-centered approach. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults who are committed to improving their mental health. I am passionate about many diverse issues and clients navigating these areas, including foster care/adoption, mental health during pregnancy and postpartum, and addictions. I recognize the strength it takes to engage and participate in therapy and am committed to working alongside clients to fulfill their therapeutic goals.
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Therapist Bio: Lindsey Payne
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Hello! My name is Lindsey Payne. I offer an open and nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel understood and safe. I hope to bring my passion and love for helping others into the relaxed vibe of my office space.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University and my master’s degree from Michigan State University. I seek to use my experience and resources to develop an individualized treatment plan that will meet you or your child’s needs based on one’s strengths, goals, and obstacles utilizing a variety of treatment modalities.
Life can be difficult, and sometimes reaching out for help can be, too. It is my goal to provide you a safe space to start your journey, and develop meaningful solutions together.
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Therapist Bio: Jamie Holt​
I am a professional counselor with a heart to serve others. I have several years of experience working in the mental health field. My educational background includes a MA in professional counseling from Liberty University. While I have spent much of my career working with adults, I have spent several years working with families and children as well. My passion is to help others look within themselves to identify the underlying cause of their emotional distress. My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. However, I am client centered and will often utilize other theoretical approaches to tailor the sessions to suit the needs of my clients. We work together, in session, to develop new life skills to live a more abundant and balanced life.
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Therapist Bio: Jordan Hayden
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Hi! My name is Jordan, I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health. I have been practicing as a clinician for the last three years now. I see clients of all age groups. Since I was young I knew I would go into a career where I would be able to help others. I approach therapy as a process where both the therapist and the client work together to improve the overall way of life for the client. The therapeutic approaches I use most often are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. My goal as the therapist is to help the client gain the skills needed to be able to face challenges in a healthy way when they occur. I am looking forward to meeting and working with each new person!​
Therapist Bio: Marla Banister
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With over 15 years of dedication to the mental health field, I bring compassionate, trauma-informed care to children, adults, and couples. At Rooted In Love, LLC, my approach blends evidence-based modalities—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Family Therapy—with holistic practices like mindfulness, meditation, prayer, and positive affirmations.
My goal is to create a safe and spiritually grounded space where clients can heal from co-occurring disorders, navigate life transitions, and discover lasting emotional wellness. Therapy isn’t just about coping—it’s about connection, clarity, and cultivating peace within.
Therapist Bio: Sarah Lewis​
I have been working as a clinical therapist for a little over ten years. I have nine years of experience in DBT. I mainly focus upon DBT principles, philosophies, and skills while also incorporating additional therapeutic strategies including CBT, person-centered, and mindfulness. I have received the additional DBT training of Prolonged Exposure to help those that have difficulties with trauma. I am passionate about helping those individuals, teens and adults, that struggle with intense emotions, self-harm, suicide, and trauma. Everyone’s path to a life worth living is different and I enjoy being a part of that journey. I look forward to helping and growing DBT here at Rooted in Love for those who have not developed their life worth living.
Therapist Bio: Jess Auch​
With over 10 years of experience as a licensed therapist, I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy for clients of all ages. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to meet each person's unique needs. Whether you're navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, or mental health concerns, I’m here to support you in creating meaningful change and building a stronger sense of well-being.
Therapist Bio: Laura Martello
Hi! I'm Laura. I am an LLPC who has decades of experience walking alongside children, teens, and families through some of life’s most formative and challenging seasons. Before entering clinical counseling, I spent many years working in schools and ministry, supporting young people academically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and relationally.
Now practicing as a Licensed Limited Professional Counselor (LLPC), I work with children, adolescents, college students, and adults offering a compassionate, welcoming environment where clients can feel safe to be seen, heard, and understood. I approach counseling through an attachment-focused, person-centered lens, recognizing that life circumstances, relationships, and unmet needs can significantly impact emotional well-being.
I integrate a variety of evidence-informed and relational methods into our work, including play therapy techniques, trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapies, and the Needs-Connection Model. I am also certified in the Needs-Connection Model and the Story Binder Method, which help clients understand their stories, patterns, and needs while building healthier connections with themselves and others.
I believe healing happens holistically—emotionally, relationally, and developmentally—when individuals are met with safety, empathy, and connection. My work is rooted in the belief that growth and restoration are possible at every stage of life, and that meaningful change begins in relationships where love, understanding, and hope are present.
Therapist Bio: Kelsy Hoerauf
Hello, I’m Kelsy Hoerauf marriage and therapist. I work with ages 12 and up, individuals and couples on trauma, family difficulties, depression, bipolar disorder and mild to severe anxiety. I enjoy using a systematic lens meaning I look at how behaviors or symptoms make sense within the family, work, school, cultural, ethnic, community and greater world context. I have a background in couples therapy, play therapy, ADHD treatment, grief and somatic therapy (using breath work and body placement).
I find mind and body approaches are often helpful. These incorporate things like breathing, meditation, mindfulness. body placement to express emotions and noticing how one feels inside when discussing certain topics.
I am certified in ART (accelerated resolution therapy). Accelerated resolution therapy works directly to reprogram the way in which distressing memories and images are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions. Proven effective in treating :
-Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Depression, Grief, Phobias, Anxiety, Addiction
I use Gottman backed researched approach to work with couples. I enjoy helping them find what works for them to become more in tune with one another and decrease the severity of the effects of arguments.
My background in family and play therapy allow me to connect to family members of all ages and assist with problems such as grief, socialization, LGBTQ+ issues and other difficulties that arise.
Therapist Bio: Stella Daniels
Greetings,
My name is Stella Daniels, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I earned my Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling and my undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science. I have worked with children, families and adults in the field of behavioral health for more than 30 years. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, facilitative and strength based with a focus on Trauma Informed Care to promote solution focused recovery and resilience. Therapeutic interventions include but are not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Psychodynamic Therapy. Services provided are holistic in nature, encompassing well being of mind, soul and spirit; tailored to meet the unique needs of the client.
Therapist Bio: Stephanie Johnson
I graduated from Michigan State University with a Master’s degree, and thereafter I began my journey as a clinical therapist. The demographic I serve is adults and adolescents, working with them to navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, anger, relationship challenges, grief, burnout, and trauma victims. I believe therapy should be a safe, empowering, and growth-oriented experience. I create a space where you feel seen, heard, respected, and supported so that you can move toward confidence, clarity, healing, and building stronger relationships. My approach reflects empathy, honesty, and integrity, while upholding an unbiased stance to connect collaboratively with my clients and provide them with the tools and strategies they need to overcome the struggles that affect their daily living. The evidence-based practices I provide include CBT, ACT, trauma-informed therapy, psychotherapy, and communication skills. If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, I would be honored to support you.
Therapist Bio: Stacey Baker
If you are searching for a therapist for yourself or someone else you have likely noticed some thoughts, behaviors, or troubling patterns you would like to break. You want someone who sees where you are and can help you get to where you want to be. I could be of some help. I enjoy working with individual adults and teens from all walks of life, and my approach has been described as direct, supportive, and kind.
I graduated from Texas Tech University with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have extensive training in CBT, including Trauma Focus. I also bring ACT practices into treatment to help people let go of what cannot be changed.
No matter who you are if you would like to come in, share your story, and decide where you are going next it would be my pleasure to listen and help you draw your map. If you are interested in exploring further but are looking for some extra assurance I offer 15 minute phone consultations at no charge. Let’s meet and help you move forward.
Therapist Bio: Hayley Baerwolf
Hayley Baerwolf is one of our BSW interns. When she is not interning, she works as a paraprofessional in a CI classroom. She has a heart for helping children feel seen, supported, and successful. Known for her calm presence, quick problem-solving, and ability to manage the joyful chaos of a busy classroom, Hayley brings patience, compassion, and structure to every learning environment she steps into.
Therapist Bio: Heide Bauchan
I’m a Mental Health Counseling Intern at Rooted in Love, LLC, and I’m glad you found your way here. I grew up in Genesee County and earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. I’ve spent time living in Japan, Korea, and China, where I was immersed in different cultures and ways of life. Those experiences shaped how I listen, how I show up for others, and how deeply I value each person’s unique story. My background includes work in the performing and fine arts, storytelling, and supporting individuals with special needs. These experiences naturally led me to narrative therapy, an approach that honors your lived experience and helps you explore the meaning you make of your life. I believe that you are more
than the struggles you face, and that your story holds strength, wisdom, and possibility.
At the heart of my work is the belief that every person deserves dignity, care, and compassion. Reaching out for support can feel hard, and I see it as a brave step toward healing and growth. I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where you can feel safe, heard, and respected. I am open to working with clients of all ages and would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.
Therapist Bio: Whitney Brown
Whitney is a Master's Level Intern working on completing her Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. She works with children, adolescents and adults , focusing on mental health needs utilizing Person Centered and Strengths Based techniques. Whitney will be working part-time at the office, and is accepting new patients for in-person or virtual appointments! Whitney’s availability is Monday's from 10-2:00pm and Friday's from 4-7:00pm!
Therapist Bio: Bayley Sampson
After a decade of working in healthcare I decided to pursue my social work degree. When I graduate this spring I plan to get my master’s degree and become a therapist. I look forward to learning, growing, and connecting with patients as an intern at RIL!
Therapist Bio: Jessica Hardy
I’m Jessica, a fully licensed clinical therapist with a Masters in Social Work. I have over
20 years experience in both the US and the UK working with both adults and children of
all ages. My approach is person centered, trauma informed, and helping both children
and adults to better regulate their emotions. I specialize in depression, anxiety, grief &
loss, and trauma informed. I would like to be able to create a safe space where you are
able to express your emotions and we can work through this thing called life together.
Therapist Bio: Lance Hays
As a fully-licensed professional counselor with over 10 years of experience in several mental health settings, my approach is to provide a warm, inviting, relational space where clients can share in safety and focus fully on walking toward a brighter future. My passion keeps growing for helping my clients discover what matters most to them and live with flexibility and courage to pursue their deepest values. Whether navigating relational troubles, mood-related distress, trauma-based pain, phase-of-life transitions, grief or loss, daily stressors, or any of the other challenges life throws our way, I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they persevere through them. Since 2016, I have sought out several clinical roles to build a diverse therapy experience base with children, adolescents and adults. I still draw on the knowledge I gained from settings including: an inpatient psychiatric unit, crisis stabilization unit, and emergency room (crisis intervention) at a community hospital on the southside of Chicago (2016-2020), part-time private practice therapy in Chicagoland (2016-2018), full-time therapy at a local non-profit in the greater Flint area (2021-2023), as well as full-time therapy and supervisory experience at Genesee Health System (2021-2025). I am eager to bring these perspectives to the growing team at Rooted in Love, in the hope of seeing clients grow and thrive.
Clinician Bio: Hannah Frankel
About Me
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to supporting
individuals through a holistic, personalized approach to mental wellness. I earned my master’s
degree from the Yale School of Nursing and have experience working with children, adolescents,
and adults across a range of clinical settings.
My clinical background includes serving as a registered nurse on inpatient psychiatric units at
McLean Hospital, as well as practicing as a nurse practitioner in both outpatient and emergency
settings at a Federally Qualified Health Center. In these roles, I have cared for individuals from
diverse backgrounds with complex psychiatric and medical needs.
My Approach
My treatment philosophy integrates thoughtful medication management, lifestyle modifications,
and therapeutic support. I have a special interest in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and
PTSD. I am particularly passionate about working with young adults navigating identity
development, life transitions, and complex family dynamics.
Above all, I strive to create a compassionate, collaborative space where clients feel heard,
supported, and empowered. Mental health care is deeply personal, and I am committed to
partnering with each individual to develop a treatment plan aligned with their unique goals and
values.
Clinician Bio: Jamie Reinke
Coming Soon!
Clinician Bio: Kat Ryan
Kat Ryan, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. Kat specializes in evidence-based, systemic care and has extensive experience supporting clients navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, identity and gender-related concerns, and relationship challenges. Her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in data-supported practices, with a strong commitment to serving diverse and underserved populations. Kat offers both in-person and telehealth services and believes meaningful healing occurs within the context of safe, authentic relationships.
Let’s Work Together
2029 S. Elms Rd
Swartz Creek, MI 48473
E-Mail: inquiry@rootedinlovellc.com
Tel: 810-285-8429
Fax: 810-204-4950