Johanna Ciak, Director of the William A. Presti Center for Families and Youth, M.S.W., Clinical Social Worker and Coach.
Johanna received her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2006. She has worked in the Social Work field since 1982. Johanna has worked in a variety of settings, ranging from mental health to education. Johanna has worked with teenagers, couples, and individuals, with a variety of issues.
Johanna will help you develop healthy approaches to solving problems. If you are struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, low self-esteem, Johanna can offer positive techniques and guidance to help you overcome negative self-talk and self-limiting beliefs. If you are serious about becoming self-aware and improving your emotional well-being, Johanna can help you develop tools to reach your potential.
Johanna has been the Director and a therapist at the William A. Presti Center for Families and Youth since 2006. She has gained a great deal of knowledge in her dual role. She is changing her focus from therapy and diagnosing clients to mindfulness practices that focus on the “whole” person. In addition, Johanna has taken life coaching classes which promote taking positive action to resolve whatever issue is holding you back in life. She looks forward to working with you!
Johanna founded the William A. Presti Center for Families and Youth because she wanted to provide a caring, empathetic, and supportive environment for people that are struggling with emotional issues. She also wanted to provide reasonably priced services for people who otherwise may not be able to access services.
Email: jo@wapcenter.org
Arica VanGelderen, Operations Director
Arica VanGelderen, LLMSW, Therapist, Operations Director, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. She specializes in therapy with children, adolescents, and young adults, but has experience working with all age groups. She is skilled in the use of creative expression as a form of therapy, and facilitates a variety of art therapy groups for adolescents. Arica specializes in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, depression, sensory-related disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, she works with individuals of any age undergoing difficult life transitions or experiencing trauma-related symptoms.
Arica is also a contributing writer for Liv Fun magazine, where she writes a quarterly column titled “Advice for the Journey”. Read her work here
Arica lives locally with her husband, two dogs, and two cats. She enjoys making art and tackling various DIY projects in her spare time. She has a passion for sharing her creativity with her friends, family, and clients.
Email: arica@wapcenter.org
Brandon Yerebeck, Clinical Manager
Brandon Yerebeck MA, LLPC received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies from Michigan State University. He received his Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Brandon is skilled in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, adult and childhood trauma, family dysfunction, low self-esteem, gender identity issues, and spiritual concerns.
Brandon approaches counseling from a person-centered perspective and believes working collaboratively with his clients is the most affective way to maintain a healthy therapeutic relationship. He uses a wide range of therapeutic interventions and techniques that best fit his clients needs. He also has additional training in experiential techniques. He has attended trainings specifically for couples interventions and play therapy for children. He works with a wide range of ages including, teens, adults, couples, families, and children
Brandon believes that everyone has the ability to live a happy life. He wants to work with you utilizing your strengths to learn new tools and healthy techniques to deal with difficult situations. He is committed to understanding your unique life experience and validating your feelings. He provides a warm, empathetic, environment where you will feel safe to share your “story.” Whether you have experienced trauma or need support to improve your relationship, Brandon will support and validate your experience.
Brandon lives locally with his partner and is passionate about discovering and exploring music, film analysis, literature, and fashion. He looks forward to meeting you and starting on a new journey of self fulfillment and empowerment.
Email: brandon@wapcenter.org
Marlene Henriquez, M.A, LLPC, QIDP, Community Liaison Coordinator
Marlene received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice and a Psychology minor. She received her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Siena Heights University.
Marlene specializes in working with teens and adults. She is skilled in working with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family conflict, ADHD, women’s issues, PTSD, and sexuality, sexual dysfunction and intimacy issues. Whether virtually or at the comfort of a face-to-face session, Marlene provides a safe environment for her clients. She works collaboratively with you and always validates your feelings and experience. Marlene uses cognitive and humanistic approaches with her clients. She is also skilled in utilizing Mindfulness practices with her clients.
Marlene understands that life can change and alter itself causing you to feel like you are losing control. You feel like you are tied up in knots. Her goal is help you untangle those knots and help you heal from emotional pain. Marlene will help you discover new, healthy, ways to cope with the challenges of life. She wants you to feel empowered in your life.
Marlene lives in Ypsilanti with her sister and her three year old German Shepherd. Marlene enjoys reading fantasy or thriller books. She also enjoys taking her dog Eva for walks and writing poetry and short stories.
Email: marlene@wapcenter.org
Kisha Hath, LLMSW, Therapist
Kisha received her Master’s in Social Work from Michigan State University. Kisha also received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Baker College.
Kisha specializes in working with children and teens, but has experience with all age groups. She has worked with children as young as two, teens as old as 17 and adults. Kisha specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, and sexuality. Her passion is to help children, teens, and adults heal from emotional pain. Kisha strives to help her clients live an empowered life. Kisha utilizes evidence-based practices with her clients. She incorporates mindfulness, play and art therapy in her work with children and teens. Kisha always validates her client’s feelings and listens to everyone’s “story.”
Whether in-person or virtually, Kisha provides a safe, welcoming, and judgement free environment. She works with your strengths to achieve your goals. Kisha understands that life is everchanging. She helps her clients work through feelings of helplessness, fear, and anger. She is an empathetic and caring clinician.
Kisha lives in Fowlerville with her grandparents and younger brother. She has a five year old Pomchi and a one year old cat. She enjoys traveling, concerts, crafting, and spending time with friends. She is an avid movie fan, especially horror movies.
Email: Kisha@wapcenter.org
Hailey Fox, MA, LLPC, Therapist
Hailey Fox MA, LLPC received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan.
Hailey specializes in therapy with children, adolescents, and young adults, but has experience working with all age groups. Hailey is skilled in the treatment of anxiety, depression, life transitions, low self-esteem, and family/relationship problems. She approaches counseling from a person-centered perspective and believes working collaboratively with her clients is the most effective way to maintain a healthy therapeutic relationship. She uses a wide range of therapeutic interventions and techniques that best fit her client’s needs.
Whether you are struggling with a current or long-term issue, you don’t need to go through it on your own. Hailey will support and help you move forward in your life. Her objective is to assist others in developing the skills necessary to reach their full potential, navigate life’s journey more easily, and achieve both mental and emotional wellness. She looks forward to working with you in her calm, supportive, fun, and non-judgmental environment.
Hailey lives in Swartz Creek, Michigan. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, and being active. She is an avid Halloween and true crime fan.
Email: Hailey@wapcenter.org
Jessica Farr, LLMSW, Therapist
Jessica received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northwestern State University in Louisiana. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University.
Jessica served as a Volunteer Victim Advocate for survivors of sexual assault while serving 8 years in the Air Force. She has a unique understanding of service members, veterans, and the impact this can have on family dynamics. Jessica previously worked in mental health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She worked with at-risk populations, working on trauma-informed care to address patient needs. Jessica also worked with students during this time, she helped students adjust to campus life while working to manage anxiety and depression symptoms.
Jessica works with children, teens, and adults with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, loss, and trauma. She is certified in Trauma Focused CBT for adolescents and children. Jessica believes clients are the experts in their own life. She approaches therapy from a collaborative perspective to ensure the client’s needs and goals are being met. Jessica provides a safe, open-minded, and supportive environment for clients to build on their strengths and create lasting change.
Jessica lives locally with her ten-year-old cat. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling across the country, spending time in nature, and taking walks. Jessica enjoys reading poetry, crime novels, and nonfiction books.
Email: Jessica@wapcenter.org
Kimberly Lee-Murray
Kimberly (Kim) Lee-Murray was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and attended DPS and South Redford schools as a child and adolescent. Her passion is Social Work. Kimberly is a true advocate for all her clients. She utilizes person centered planning and motivational interviewing. She strives to help her clients live a happy, empowered, life. Kim has experience working with a variety of populations, including at risk youth, children with Autism, adults struggling with substance abuse, adults and children struggling with depression, trauma and anxiety. Kimberly participated in the ACT program (Assertive Community Treatment). She provided mental and behavioral health services to adults with a variety of mental health issues. Kim earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Henry Ford Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Kim is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Kimberly lives in Walled Lake, Michigan, with her three children (Landon, 9, Zoey 6, and Chloe 4).
Email: kimberly@wapcenter.org
Jennifer Cruthirds (Intern)
Jennifer received her Bachler’s degree in Elementary Education with a double major in Reading from Eastern Michigan University. Formerly a fifth-grade teacher, she is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She lives locally with her family and their rescue dogs and cats.
Jennifer believes that growth and change happen when a person feels safe and understood. Providing an authentic presence, she places high value on the therapeutic relationship and allowing clients to heal in their own way and time through collaboration. She works with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, ADHD, autism, trauma, and codependency. Jennifer helps clients develop their inner strength and feel empowered to manage life’s challenges with confidence. She lives locally with her family and their rescue dogs and cats. Jennifer plays the piano and ukulele, is a lifelong learner, loves to write, work with clay, and take walks.
Email: Jennifer@wapcenter.org
Amanda Leestma
Amanda Leestma is our Administrative Assistant/Scheduling Coordinator at our center. Amanda has previous experience doing administrative work. In addition, she worked in the Records Department at Child and Family Services. Amanda also worked as a Toddler Daycare Teacher.
Amanda schedules new appointments, maintains our Facebook page, and handles all administrative responsibilities for the center. She is the main point of contact for anyone seeking our services. Amanda is always friendly and eager to support our team. She is an integral part of our center and we appreciate her contribution. She has always wanted to help others and be a part of their healing journey.
Amanda lives in Hartland with her husband and three children. When she is not working, she is busy running from one activity to the next with her children! In her spare time, she likes to craft and read. Amanda and her family are very active in outdoor sports all year long.
Email: Amanda@wapcenter.org