1591 W. Centre, Suites 103 & 105
Portage, MI 49024
269-323-2553
269-323-2558
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THE PRACTICE
Our Practice
Lindsay South, MA, LLP, LPC opened this office in 2004 after practicing therapy for 16 years. Her background in community mental health, inpatient adult psychiatric hospitals, college counseling centers, and small group practice provides a solid background for working with a diverse array of clients. As Lindsay's practice developed in the mid-2000s and she had children of her own, she became increasingly fascinated by the emerging field of play therapy. The office at 1591 W. Centre provides room for Lindsay's growing sand tray collection, art supplies, therapeutic games, and toys, along with space to take clients outside.
The need for quality counseling services incorporating play, sand tray, and art therapy has continued to grow. In 2016, Lindsay expanded her practice to include others, who share Lindsay's enthusiasm in meeting an ever-increasing demand for quality counseling for children and teens, as well as their parents and families.
Therapists
Lindsay South, MA, LLP, LPC, RPT-S
Lindsay South is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Limited Licensed Psychologist*
and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor who has been practicing in Portage for 23 years. She completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT and her master’s degree in Counselor Education and Counseling
Psychology at Western Michigan University. Integrating her background in art and incorporating sand tray therapy in counseling became essential to Lindsay after finishing seven years of Sandtray-Worldplay training. Lindsay has special expertise in the areas of play therapy, body image and disordered eating, depression and anxiety, as well as divorce adjustment. As a credentialed supervisor of play therapists and licensed professional counselors, Lindsay maintains an active practice in training, supervision and consultation. She co-leads a monthly networking meeting for the Michigan Association of Play Therapy.
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*Lindsay consults monthly with her supervising psychologist, Dr. Timothy Howard, a benefit for clients wishing added clinical input.
Contact Lindsay: (269) 323-2553 Email: lsouth@lindsaysouth.com
Shannon E. Aardema, MA, LPC
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Shannon Aardema is a recent addition to this practice but has been working as a therapist for the past five years. Before starting her work as a therapist, Shannon spent twelve years as a teacher for Kalamazoo Public Schools. She taught middle school, elementary school and art. Shannon finds this background to be a major asset when working with children; especially those that are having difficulties in school. She has a passion for working with children and adults that are on the Autism Spectrum, and assisting the family members around them. Additionally, she enjoys working with kids and adults that are suffering from depression and anxiety. She relies heavily on using play, expressive arts, and sand tray therapy in her practice. Shannon focuses on treating the whole person and is there to assist clients toward healthier ways of living and thinking. She finds the use of creativity and play to often be an effective way to help unlock minds and provide individuals with new perspectives. Shannon has both a Masters of Family Studies and a Masters of Counseling from Spring Arbor University. She also continues to hold her Michigan Teaching License.
Contact Shannon: (269) 447-0979 Email: selfdiscovery.sa@gmail.com
Leslie Pitts, MA LPC
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Leslie Pitts, MA LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over fifteen years of experience working within the mental health field. She provides individual and family therapy to children, teens, and adults. She is trained in several evidenced based practices including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She utilizes a variety of tools and methods in order to assist clients through their journey of self-awareness, wellness, and recovery. Leslie focuses on treatment for
individuals struggling with Anxiety, Depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She is available primarily during evening hours at our practice.
Contact Leslie: (269) 377-2241. Email: lesliepitts55@gmail.com
Sheila Hibbs MA, LPC
Sheila Hibbs is a Licensed Professional counselor with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She received her undergraduate degree in Family Studies from Western Michigan University and then obtained a Masters in Counselor Education, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, also through Western Michigan University. Over the years, Sheila has gained experience working with youth, adults, and families through intensive home based, crisis intervention, and outpatient therapy services. Sheila strives to build strong and collaborative therapeutic relationships with the individuals and families that she serves. She focuses on making sure to ensure that her clients feel truly heard while working towards healing, growth, and recovery. Her specialties include working with individuals who experience struggles with anxiety, depression, attention deficits, family conflict, and mood disorders. Sheila utilizes a variety of clinical techniques and interventions in order to meet her clients where they are and to best promote their individual growth. These techniques include solution focused, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral approaches, art, play therapy, and many more. Sheila is available primarily during evening hours at our practice to meet the needs of individuals and families who prefer that time.
Contact Sheila: (269)-888-1636 Email: sheiladianeb@gmail.com
Jennifer Lindsay, MEd, MSW, LMSW
Jennifer Lindsay, MEd, MSW, LMSW, is a licensed clinical social worker. She received her MSW from Western Michigan in 2017, and has been a school-based therapist for 3 years at Woods Lake Elementary, a Magnet School for the Arts. Jenn has been a Crisis Clinician for Mobile Crisis Response through Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (formerly KCMH), where she assisted children and families through emergencies. She also holds a MEd in Higher Education from the University of Kansas (2000).
After finishing her masters, Jenn worked with students in their out of classroom experiences in Residence Life at the Interlochen Arts Academy, University of Kansas, St. Olaf College, Lake Forest College, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. There she worked closely with young adults and non-traditional aged students who were struggling with depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, grief, relationship difficulties (both romantic and familial), substance abuse, gender and sexual exploration, eating disorders, and other challenges.
Jenn believes in an eclectic approach to therapy, bringing together the tools, techniques, and strengths that are most helpful in each situation. With children, she combines mindfulness with play therapy, art, movement, and music to help with emotional regulation. With adults, she combines mindfulness with aspects of CBT, ACT, and talk therapy. Jenn has had training in trauma-based therapies, including TF-CBT
and research into neuroscience, and is currently working towards certification as a Registered Play Therapist. In her practice her primary wish is to provide a safe and caring relationship through which your change process can occur. She believes it is her responsibility to use her training and experience in helping you resolve the concerns that prompted you to seek help. It is your responsibility to talk honestly about yourself, to take what you learn from our sessions, and to do the work in your day-to-
day living.
Contact Jenn: (269) 447-1173. Email: jennlindsaylmsw@gmail.com
Jane Connon, Limited License Psychologist
Jane Connon is a Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP)* who enjoys working with adults, adolescents, and the elderly. She completed her education at Western Michigan University. She obtained an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Analysis and received her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.
Jane has over 20 years experience in providing therapy to adults, families and teens. She has worked as a professional in Community Mental Health agencies. She also provided coordination and support as a family and children’s advocate for the State of Michigan. Jane has expertise in trauma, anxiety, addictions, grief/bereavement, reconciliation, and co-parenting. Her primary orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is committed to supporting her clients in developing a balanced, healthy emotional and behavioral lifestyle.
In her free time, Jane is a talented musician. She has a long history of performing at professional musical engagements. Currently, she is a Music Director and performs for a congregation in the greater Kalamazoo area. Jane is committed to supporting her clients in all genres of artistic expression, which can be used not only as a vehicle for relaxation but also as an avenue for self-identity and personal growth.
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*Jane consults monthly with her supervising psychologist, Dr. Timothy Howard, a benefit for clients wishing additional clinical input.
Contact Jane: (269) 484-4502. Email: connonja22@gmail.com
Marisa Williams, LMSW
(she/her/hers)
Marisa Williams is a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about supporting kids, teens, and young adults through life’s challenges. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Social Work degrees from Western Michigan University, with a focus on trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and understanding trauma across the lifespan.
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Marisa takes a relational, trauma-informed, and down-to-earth approach to therapy. She believes that the connection between her and her clients—and their families—is key to meaningful progress. Her goal is to create a warm, judgment-free space where clients feel safe to be their authentic selves and explore what’s on their minds and hearts.
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Marisa has experience helping clients navigate concerns such as trauma (developmental, complex, and acute), anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and identity exploration, including LGBTQIA+ issues. She also supports individuals working through eating disorders by collaborating with local specialists, including medical doctors and nutritionists, to ensure comprehensive care.
Her therapeutic approach includes evidence-based practices like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), as well as creative modalities such as art therapy, play therapy, and sand tray work. These methods help clients build emotional regulation, self-expression, and confidence.
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When she’s not in the therapy room, Marisa enjoys reading, snuggling her kitties, playing video games, and doing a puzzle or lego set.
Contact Marisa: (269) 350-3218, text or call, Email: marisawilliamscounseling@gmail.com
Kara Applegate, LLMSW-C, CFLE
Limited Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Family Life Educator
Kara graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Development. She taught preschool in Kalamazoo and worked within a company providing preschool tuition support. Kara then went on to pursue her Masters in Social Work at Western Michigan University, where she also received a specialization of trauma across the lifespan and TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Kara works with children who have been through a traumatic experience. Kara has experience working with children in foster care, pre-adoptive and adopted children transitioning into a new routine and environment.
Kara is trained in PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy), an evidence based therapy that supports families and children on fostering relationship enhancement and boundary setting between the child and parent. Kara uses her knowledge in early childhood development and attachment to give parents tools and skills on how to work with their child's challenging behaviors. Kara is also Gottman Level 1 trained in couples and family counseling. She utilizes this training when working with families who are struggling with change, needing support for relationship enhancement and coping with disruptive behaviors. Kara is currently receiving training and supervision or Play Therapy. Kara works with families and children who are adjusting to change and are looking to foster a strong attachment.
Her clinical interests are with children and families. Kara works within an attachment focused lens on the parent child relationship. She enjoys giving families tools and techniques for children with disruptive behaviors or anxious symptoms. She also likes working with young children and mothers adjusting to change within motherhood. Kara has experience working with children with differential diagnosis, developmental concerns, including but not limited to, the identification of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
In her spare time Kara coaches for Special Olympics and teaches adaptive dance at The Habitat Performing Arts Center. She enjoys alpine skiing in the winter and racing sailboats in the summer. You can find Kara outside during her free time.
*Kara consults weekly with her clinical supervisor within the practice, Jennifer Lindsay, LMSW, per state requirements for practicing limited licensed social workers.
Contact Kara: (269) 888-4417, text or call, Email: kapplegatecounseling@gmail.com
Christine Webster, LLMSW
Christine Webster is a limited licensed clinical social worker. She earned a Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in Education at Kalamazoo College. Christine has been working with children and families for over 30 years, first as an educator and now as a therapist. Christine uses a creative, eclectic approach to therapy, drawing on the best tools for each client and circumstance. She believes the foundation for successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship, and strives to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and heard. Christine is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and is pursuing a certification as a Registered Play Therapist. Christine is a racial justice and LGBTQ+ ally. She sees clients of all ages.
*Christine consults weekly with her clinical supervisor within the practice, Jennifer Lindsay, LMSW, per state requirements for practicing limited licensed social workers.
Areas of Interest:
• Autism
• Grief/Loss
• Preschool adjustment
• PTSD
• Sexual Abuse
• Special-needs parenting
• Suicide/Self-harm
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Contact Christine: christinewebstercounseling@gmail.com
Call or Text: (269) 220-0636
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Mili Menon-Perez, LLMSW-C (she/her/hers)
Mili Menon-Perez is a limited licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about working with young children, adolescents, and their families. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from Western Michigan University, with specializations in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and trauma across the lifespan.
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Mili strives to create a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space for clients. She believes that the relationships formed between her and her clients and their caregivers are essential to healing and growth. Mili enjoys providing young children and teens space to explore their emotions while feeling safe, understood, and free to be themselves.
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Mili has experience helping clients navigate concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, self esteem, and LGBTQ+ issues. Mili utilizes a blend of play, including sand-tray and art, along with evidence-based practices like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Mili is also working towards certification as a Registered Play Therapist. Mili’s approach provides children and their families the tools to build lifelong resilience.
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During her free time, Mili enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and taking care of her plants.
*Mili consults weekly with her clinical supervisor within the practice, Jennifer Lindsay, per state requirements for practicing limited licensed social workers.
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Contact Mili: (269) 365-7426, text or call, Email: mmenonperezcounseling@gmail.com
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