Our Team
Every decision made within our practice is centered around the well-being and best interests of our patients. Our compassionate team is here to help you develop resilience and improve your quality of life.
Kevin Baker
Kevin is a fully licensed professional therapist dedicated to helping clients find healing, growth, and change.He believes that while everyone has the capacity to transform, life’s challenges can make it difficult to do so alone—and therapy can provide the support needed. Kevin works with individuals (18+) and couples facing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and issues specific to LGBTQ+ identities. Drawing from IFS, Trauma Therapy, CBT, ACT, and mindfulness practices, he helps clients identify challenges, build tools, and create healthier lives and relationships. Having experienced trauma himself, Kevin understands the profound impact therapy can have and offers hope to those who may be struggling to see it. He welcomes clients from all walks of life and provides a safe, supportive space for their journey.
Vince Beltrone
Vince holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Geoscience from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, and subsequently completed graduate training in Clinical Social Work at Northern Michigan University. He enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults, and believes that effective therapy is necessarily integrative and client-centered. His goal is to provide individualized evidenced-based treatments which support clients in developing healthy coping skills and enduring connections to the aspects of life which sustain us through challenging times. His areas of clinical interest include: emotion regulation, behavioral change, substance-use, trauma disorders, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. In his spare time he enjoys searching through NOAA climate data and getting his body moving outside.
Kayla Bigelow
Kayla (she/her) holds a Master of Social Work degree from Northern Michigan University and is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a clinical focus (LMSW-C). Kayla has a background in substance use disorders, has worked with individuals in all stages of sobriety, and is a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Kayla has additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Mental Health First Aid. Kayla believes that all things in life are connected and their origin holds significance to our current struggles. Kayla’s areas of specialty include substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, complex trauma, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, panic disorder, suicidality, and many more. Kayla believes in the importance of self-care, relapse prevention, connection, and acceptance. In her free time Kayla enjoys binge watching tv shows, listening to NF, and spending time with friends and family.
Jennifer Boyer Dewitt
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders from Northern Michigan University, a Masters in Special Education from George Mason University, and a Masters of Social Work from Northern Michigan University. She is endorsed as an Infant Family Reflective Supervisor with the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health and as a Professional Development Specialist with the Council for Professional Recognition. She has over 20 years’ experience working with children and families with trauma informed strength-based practices; supporting positive relationships, attachment, and the social emotional development of young children. Jennifer is passionate about supporting children, their families, and the service providers working with them.
Shelley Brandow
Shelley is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her degree at Oakland University. She is originally from Oakland County, MI and has now lived in Marquette for 11 years. She has 20 plus years of experience working with severe mental illness in lower Michigan and the U.P. She has 7 years experience with co-occurring disorders as well as 4 years working at NMU with students on improving their mental health and coping skills. Shelley specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which focuses on mindfulness at its core. She was the supervisor of a DBT team and has utilized DBT with all populations. Shelley enjoys working with people to learn new skills and challenging current and old thoughts and behaviors.
Melissa Copenhaver
Melissa (she/her) is licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner, a Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP). She has completed trainings in Eye Movement Desensitization, Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She has worked with families for over 20 years and holds endorsement as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor. She has also completed training as a sexual assault nurse examiner for adults and children, healing touch 1,2&3 and auricular acupuncture.
Peter Copenhaver
Peter (he/him) holds a Limited License Master of Social Work-Clinical (LLMSW-C) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Human Centered Design, earned from Northern Michigan University. As an Air Force veteran with 25 years in information technologies across various sectors, Peter's background and lived experience uniquely informs his therapeutic work. His counseling style is person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed, incorporating evidence-based methods. His philosophy centers on understanding behavior as a product of experiences, emphasizing the impact of connections on mental health. He champions healthy coping skills to navigate life's challenges, highlighting the importance of authenticity, present moment awareness and lifestyle as a cornerstone of well-being. Beyond his work, Peter indulges in sailing, cooking, acoustic guitar, and meaningful conversation.
Janet DelValle
Janet is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Rush University in Chicago in 2016. Since then, she has been practicing in Marquette, treating a variety of mental health diagnoses with a compassionate, whole-person approach. Before her work in psychiatry, Janet spent over 25 years as a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse, where she cared for individuals with a wide range of neurological, cognitive, and physical disabilities—including traumatic brain injury, stroke, autism, dementia, and rare conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Now semi-retired, Janet is blending her extensive clinical experience with her personal understanding of disability to support clients in navigating the mental health aspects of living with chronic conditions. As someone who lives with two genetic disabilities herself, she brings deep empathy and unique insight into the challenges many of our clients face.
Al Gray
Al (they/them) holds a Limited License Master of Social Work Clinical degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy and Sociology from Northern Michigan University. They aim to utilize a comprehensive person-centered, trauma-informed approach to maneuvering life’s challenges, recognizing that each person has a unique story to tell and one does not fit all when it comes to therapy treatments. Al’s areas of specialty and experience include, but are not limited to, the 2SLGBTQIA+ population, gender affirming care, sexual health and well-being, anxiety, depression, substance use recovery, C-PTSD/PTSD, and grief and loss. Al has additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and LGBTQ+ Affirming Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Their life mantra is that everyone is different and everyone belongs. In their free time they enjoy hanging out with their wife and dachshunds and remaining curious about what life has to offer.
Summer Johnston
Summer is the Office Manager at Suunta Integrative Health, where she helps ensure the team and clients feel supported in a welcoming and well-organized environment. With seven years of management experience, including several in Human Resources, she is passionate about creating smooth operations and fostering a positive workplace culture. Outside of work, she enjoys watercolor painting, hiking the trails of Marquette, and getting lost in a good book. She also cherishes quality time with her husband, daughter, and their dog.
Courtney Jukkala
Courtney holds a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Northern Michigan University and a Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University. Endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Specialist with the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health, she enjoys working with children of various ages and their families in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, and parenting. Courtney also has several years experience working with pregnant women, infants, and young children to promote positive relationships, attachment, and social emotional development of children. She has completed trainings in a variety of evidenced based practices including Eye Movement Desensitization, Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Born and raised in Marquette, Courtney enjoys immersing herself in the beautiful outdoors and culture that this area has to offer with her family.
Angie Kates
Angie received her MSW from NMU in May of 2022 after receiving her bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Health Studies from MSU in 2008. Before turning towards social work, Angie spent fourteen years in a wellness-focused career becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, Certified Natural Chef, and Certified Pilates Instructor. Angie’s passions for mind-body approaches to healing and for helping others led her to social work and she enjoys using her MSW to help build a bridge between her body-focused health career and mental health. While Angie enjoys working with a wide range of people, she specializes in trauma work using her training in EMDR and passion for somatic interventions to help people process past traumas while reconnecting with their bodies and healing the tension that lives there. She loves to spend time outdoors, especially any activity that involves Lake Superior, and is always eager to seek a new adventure.
Faith Mager
Faith (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with minors in Pre-Law and Social Services from Northern Michigan University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at the same institution. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid and has several years of experience working with children from diverse backgrounds. She is deeply committed to expanding her education and professional experience to ensure her career is rooted in trauma-informed care, upholding the dignity and worth of all people, and a holistic approach to well-being. Her passion lies in using her education to ensure children in rural communities receive the support they deserve. Additionally, she hopes to utilize her background in criminal justice to promote mental health awareness among first responders, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to maintain their well-being while serving others. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities with her dog and photography.
Katie Menard
Katie is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and has been a practicing nurse for over 20 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Michigan University, a Master’s in Adult Health Nursing from Eastern Michigan University, a post-Master’s certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Saginaw Valley State University and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She believes in meeting people where they are and working collaboratively with patients to help them achieve their mental health goals.
Lauren Michie
Lauren (she/her) holds a Limited License Master of Social Work (LLMSW-C) degree and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Northern Michigan University. Dedicated to a person-centered, strengths-based approach, Lauren utilizes evidence-based, trauma-informed methods to foster well-being. She has additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) practices, and Mental Health First Aid. Lauren is passionate about providing compassionate care, serving clients from adolescence through adulthood and offering support tailored to each life stage. Believing in the inherent dignity and respect deserved by all, Lauren balances her professional commitments with personal interests in gardening, hiking with her tiny dog, and spending time with friends and family.
Samantha Murray
Samantha (she/her) is one of our Office Assistants and is also working towards her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Central Michigan University. Additionally, a Northern Michigan University alum, Samantha earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2023. Her goals include gaining her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license and working with individuals from underserved backgrounds, aiming to offer a supportive, inclusive, and non-judgmental space for everyone. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys caring for her plants, video gaming, trying new restaurants, and researching interesting topics.
Kelli O'Brien
Kelli earned her Bachelor's of Social Work at NMU in 2017. She is also currently enrolled in the NMU nursing program with an expected graduation date in 2026. Kelli has over 8 years experience in the SUD field. She is passionate about providing people compassion, dignity and guidance. Kelli currently holds a certification in acudetox acupuncture, embracing an eccentric and holistic approach to health care. Outside of work and school you can expect to find Kelli spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to Ed Sheeran and drinking iced coffee.
Gwen Storm
Gwen is a licensed master social worker and certified Infant Mental Health Specialist. She sees individuals, couples and infants & young children with their caregivers. Experience & special interests include parenting, attachment, grief & loss, & religious transitions.
Alexandra Ellis
Alex earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Ferris State University and her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Simmons University in Boston, MA. She is a Clinical Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-C) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Alex uses an eclectic approach, focusing on strengths and values in helping others find their way of living a meaningful life. She has experience working with adults facing anxiety, co-occurring disorders, depression, grief, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Alex also has training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. In her free time, Alex enjoys crafting, making soap, going to her cabin with family, hiking at her old stomping grounds in the Porkies, and hanging out with her cats.
Nisha Tebear-Coolman
Nisha is a licensed MSW. She earned her BSW at Northern Michigan University and her MSW from Western New Mexico University. Nisha has worked with various populations from infant mental health, community advocacy, adults with serious mental illness, homeless services, post adoption and foster care services, as well as clinical supervision. Since 2000 when she started working with families in crisis she had a passion for family treatment. Nisha also has a passion for working with individuals and families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nisha is trained in CBT, DBT, MI, TFCBT, EMDR, she has her infant mental health endorsement. She puts a high level of value into coordinating care with other providers as well as holistic care of all those who she serves.
Sarah Thill
Sarah earned her Master's of Social Work from Louisiana State University and is a Limited Licensed Master of Social Work. She has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Elmhurst University. She has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and their families for over 20 years. She is endorsed as an Infant Family Specialist. She uses trauma-informed, strengths-based practices to support children and their families in building positive relationships and social-emotional development.
Nim Urbis
Nim is an intern joining our office through December, she is pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification through Saginaw Valley State University. She is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner who completed her MSN at the University of Michigan and her BSN at Northern Michigan University. She has been a nurse for over 10 years and has been working in adult and geriatric psychiatry the past few years, she has also completed training in addiction medicine. She is a member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and hopes to utilize her education in underrepresented areas such as tribal and rural communities in the Upper Peninsula. In her free time she enjoys being on the water, concerts, spending time with her family and traveling with her husband, Ryan, and German shepherd, Ruger.