Meet Our Team.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, RECREATIONAL THERAPIST, FOUNDER OF GROUNDED THERAPY NETWORK

The counseling process serves us in navigating the chaos and guides us in making sense of the world.

Each of us have the ability to thrive through all life has to offer. The path to resiliency is not universal. Therapy can be used to help you find your strength and rediscover yourself the stages of life. I strive to create a sense of community and connection, where you are comfortable enough to explore the complicated, yet life changing process of counseling.

I have a unique background in physical medicine rehabilitation. Whether you or a loved one has been recently injured (brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, or amputation). I spent my early career working at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital (Grand Rapids, MI) inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, as a Recreational Therapist. I co-coordinated the Community Stroke Support Group, the Community Brain Injury Support Group, and led the development of the Out-Patient Recreation Therapy program. The loss and change that comes with unexpected life events can be complicated, difficult to comprehend and make moving forward in life appear impossible. My goal is to join you in the mess that is life after an accident. It’s not easy, but I am here to support and help you find ways to enjoy life again.

Recreational Therapist

Steve serves as a recreation therapist to provide home and community for both physical rehabilitation and behavioral health populations. He is available to provide community/home based behavioral health recreational therapy through the SED Waiver program and private pay.

Grounded Therapy Network LLC, has been in the works for a decade and we are so excited to serve you; grounded in counseling theory, social justice advocacy, and collaboration.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

Wade Burge is an important member of our team as our Business Administrator! He serves as our point person for streamlining systems, procedures and communication. He processes the on-boarding of new contract therapist, manages new client referrals, and is the backbone to administration tasks at Grounded Therapy Network, LLC. Thanks for being on the team Wade, this organization can’t meet its potential without the love, passion, and energy you bring to our mission!

In his spare time, Wade enjoys being outside, traveling, playing volleyball, spending time with his husband, and hosting game nights with friends and family.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

These complicated times have increased many stressors in our lives. I am here to help you identify these stressors and create a plan to move forward by developing healthy coping skills to improve your overall quality of life. I have years of clinical and life experiences to bring to you. Past clients have included survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. I have also worked with the perpetrators of sexual abuse. LGBTQ community – you are safe, welcome here.

I may use pieces of many different modalities of therapy to create a unique experience as everyone is unique. I often use humor (and some sarcasm) during sessions. Mindfulness is central as well. Our past experiences weave the fabric of our present and future and that the whole body contributes. I look forward to meeting you soon!

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

When we want to learn a new skill or perfect an old one, we typically understand the need to put in a certain amount of work and practice; skills to regulate our emotions, manage life's day-to-day difficulties, and communicate with others are no exception to this, and require maintenance, practice, and even upgrades.

Whether you are working to manage anxiety or depression, navigating difficult conversations with a partner, boss, or loved one, struggling with addiction, or processing emotions related to any of these, it is not something you need to do alone; I would love to be there to support you.

I specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and believe in a client-centered approach, which means everything we do together will be tailored to help YOU feel competent, successful, and fulfilled. My work focuses on targeting the ineffective behaviors, habits, and beliefs around emotions, so that we, as a team, can promote positivity and improve your quality of life.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Participating in therapy can be both one of the most rewarding and intimidating choices you make for yourself any day of the week! I’m appreciative of the opportunity to work with you throughout that process. Over the past 14 years, I’ve served students as a teacher and school counselor and am familiar with the many stressors and adjustments that occur for kids, adolescents, and parents during the journey of growing up. Its my belief that adults, all of us, also benefit from counseling and intentional work to take care of ourselves. To that end, I create a space free from judgement where you can be yourself and together we can work toward reaching your goals.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

“We ourselves must walk the path.” -Buddha

We all must walk our own path in life, but you don’t have to do it without support. Having a safe space to share your thoughts and develop coping skills within our mind and body can help you navigate life’s highs and lows. I currently work as a middle school counselor by day, and a part-time outpatient mental health therapist at Grounded Therapy Network in the evenings.  As a middle school counselor, I have had the privilege to provide individual counseling, group counseling, classroom social emotional learning lessons and community outreach. Most of my experience as a therapist has been with teens and adults over the last two years doing outpatient mental health therapy.   Although my approach to therapy is eclectic, the theories I utilize are Cognitive Behavioral Theory and skills from Dialectical Behavior Theory. Because of my past experience as a fitness instructor, fitness nutrition, and my interest in the mind-body connection, the Polyvagal Theory and Somatic Psychotherapy are areas I look to enhance with future training, but can currently explore with my clients, if interested, as well.   I hope to start earning hours towards yoga teaching training, including trauma-informed yoga certification, very soon.  The mind-body connection is fascinating and there is so much to consider when improving our brain health.  In my free time I enjoy time with my family, friends, and my two dogs. My passion for mind-body health has led me on my own wellness path that includes hiking, weight lifting, meditation and nutrition.  

My education includes a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Western Michigan University in 2005. My Bachelor of Science is in K-12 Special Education with a Certification in Emotional Impairments, K-5 Elementary Education and 6-8 English Language Arts. From 2002 to 2016, I worked as a special and general education teacher. In 2016 I transitioned to the position of middle school counselor. I am a certified K-12 School Counselor through the State of Michigan.  I became a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan in January of 2023 and have worked part-time as an outpatient mental health therapist since that time.  

I look forward to working with you and thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your journey.  

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Changes happen as a part of our life's journey and sometimes we need support and help figuring out what is best for us.

Life has many transitions such as long term relationship commitments, births and deaths. No one needs to go this alone and therapy can help one define just what and how they want in any given moment of change.

I listen, reflect and support. As Dr. Robert Firestone says, “Effective therapists do not attempt to fit their clients into a particular theoretical model; instead, they try to learn from them and in effect, gradually develop a uniquely personal psychological theory for each individual.”

It is my belief that therapy is about tapping into the inner wisdom you already possess. I invite you to explore in therapy those parts of your psyche that have yet to be opened. YOU are the "expert" on your life and therapy can help you in your journey.

Certified Grief Educator

𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘳 (𝘓𝘗𝘊) 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘌𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳. 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 35 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧, 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘹𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘵.

The Therapist’s Therapist and Consultation

𝘐𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘯, 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Hi! I’m Samantha, you can call me Sam! I have been a Recreation Therapist since 2020. I have worked in inpatient behavioral medicine for the last 4 years and counting, working specifically with adolescents seeking mental health treatment. Bringing sunshine and uplifting spirits is something I have prided myself on since I started this journey in RT!

Outside of work, my time is spent surrounded by my husband, family and friends. I love summertime days on the lake, playing golf, traveling, coffee, and am passionate about all thing’s wellness/fitness and powerlifting.

In 2024, I gained my favorite title to date, “mom” and my daughter has given me more purpose and drive than I thought I could ever have. Putting all of my love and energy into this little human has reminded me of just how special this life we have, really is.

My passion is to continue to bring light to others and show them how special and meaningful they are. You deserve to take up space in this world!

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Halie obtained her degree from Central Michigan University in 2014 and has been a Recreational Therapist for over 10 years specializing in various populations such as Behavioral Health, Traumatic Brain Injury,Physical Medicine and Rehab and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her passion for recreation therapy started in college working for children and adults with developmental disabilities as a caregiver improving their quality of life through leisure and connection. She feels everyone should have the opportunity to live life to its fullest! 

Halie is currently residing in Lansing, Michigan and will be providing services to Eaton and Ingham counties.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, being outdoors, going to the beach (grew up on Lake Huron!) and attending special events around the community.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

“Seek what sets our soul on fire”

My passions/hobbies include strengthening my faith, hiking, being in and around the water, crafting, spending time with family and friends, and simply existing with the beauty that surrounds us.

I have been a recreational therapist since 2021. I enjoy helping people learn to live life, grow through their challenges, and develop a love for the life they have been given. We all need help navigating this wild world we live in. My experience lies within behavioral health and the community. I worked at a camp for three summers, I worked in a jail for a year, and I worked in a psych hospital for a little over a year. All of these experiences have shaped me into the CTRS I am today. Any goal or challenge can be conquered through play, fun, and love.

Let’s Go.

Recreational Therapist

Maddie joins Grounded Therapy Network to contribute to the development of the SED waiver program, in collaboration with CMH’s in northern & Central Michigan. She is available to provide community/home based behavioral health recreational therapy through the SED & Children’s Waiver programs and private pay.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

“I am excited to help you find your life long passions!”

Hi, I’m Maria! I have been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) since 2018, following graduating with my bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University (FIRE UP CHIPS!!). I have professional experience in physical medicine and rehab, geriatrics, and autism spectrum disorders. I recently graduated with my masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and am working toward gaining the credential of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in order to better serve those with Autism and other mental health disorders.

I currently live in Traverse City with my husband and 2 dogs, and enjoy spending time outside; gardening, hiking, boating, and just about anything the beautiful area has to offer! I have a passion for community inclusion and believe that there should be equal opportunities for everyone in recreation and leisure. I am proud to be a part of the Grounded Therapy Network team so I can be an advocate in providing others with equal opportunities and help them find their lifelong passions!

Recreational Therapist

Maria joins Grounded Therapy Network to contribute to the development of the SED waiver program, in collaboration with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. She is available to provide community/home based behavioral health recreational therapy through the SED & Children’s Waiver programs and private pay.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

I have been a Recreational Therapist since 2023, graduating from Central Michigan University with my bachelor’s in Recreation Parks and Leisure; Therapeutic Recreation Concentration and two minors in Community Inclusion and Psychology.

I have professional experience in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Craig Hospital, specializing in spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. I have also worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician at an autism center and most recently in mental health for over a year and a half on a psychiatric unit with adults and geriatrics. These experiences and more have strengthened my therapeutic practices as a CTRS.

My passions and hobbies include playing pickleball, hiking, crafting, traveling, spending time with family, and playing with my two dogs and two cats. I love helping those in need, physically, mentally, and emotionally through all hardships. Life is hard sometimes, but recreation and leisure is healing! Life doesn't always go our way, but there is always growth happening. It’s all part of the adventure!

Life is an adventure, let's explore!

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

The past is where you learned the lesson, the future is where you apply it.

As a Recreational Therapist, I am excited to support you and your family in finding engaging ways to connect, build trust and live life together. I am passionate about serving those who feel unheard and are often misunderstood. I am here to connect, hold space and help you take control of your life through recreational therapy services.

I obtained my Bachelors from Central Michigan University in Recreation Parks and Leisure; Therapeutic Recreation Concentration. I have my CDAC-DP (Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor- Development Plan) and will continue to pursue credentialing through MCBAP (Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals) to support individuals who are living with addiction.

My time as a Recreational Therapist began in skilled nursing and dementia care. I am passionate about behavioral health and quickly transitioned into mental health Crisis Admissions coordination through Hope Network Pivot, based in Grand Rapids, MI, and Robert Brown Crisis Center, out of Holland, MI. I have also served as case manager in detox/withdrawal management with Bear River Health, Boyne Falls, MI.

I am currently working with with McLaren to start their new Behavioral Health Unit in Cheboygan, MI. We are opening up an 30 bed inpatient psychiatric hospital.

I grew up in rural Northern Michigan, just south of the Mackinac bridge and I love to take advantage of our beautiful outdoors through skiing, swimming, biking, and all of the power sports. I have 3 kiddos, and a puppy named Enzo! 

Recreational Therapist

Lexi joins Grounded Therapy Network to contribute to the development of the SED waiver program, in collaboration with CMH’s in northern Michigan. She is available to provide community/home based behavioral health recreational therapy through the SED Waiver program and private pay.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

"Building strength and confidence, one activity at a time."

Hi, I'm Grace Piechowiak! I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with a deep passion for helping individuals overcome challenges and experience the positive impact of recreation. I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from Central Michigan University. I'm passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate mental health challenges and empowering them through the healing power of recreation. Though I'm new to the field, I've dedicated myself to preparing for this moment and I'm eager to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those I work with. 

During my studies, I gained valuable hands-on experience working with both mental health and geriatric populations. I've developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and strengths of individuals facing mental health challenges, and I truly believe in the transformative impact that recreation can have in their lives. My goal is to help individuals overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and build meaningful skills through engaging, therapeutic activities.

Outside of work, I love to spend time with my family and my pets. I enjoy going on nature walks, cooking, and trying new things. I am passionate about creating safe and supportive environments where people can thrive, find joy, and discover new ways of coping with life's challenges.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Hi! My name is Amanda and I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

I graduated with my Bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University in 2019. I have experience in physical medicine and rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities and inpatient psych. I love to work with individuals to achieve their goals through recreation and play!! I am passionate about educating others in adaptive leisure activities and finding new accessible leisure opportunities for all in the lovely Northern Michigan.

My hobbies include: hiking, camping, playing with my dog, horseback riding, working out, running and enjoying all the recreation and leisure that beautiful Northern Michigan provides for us!!

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST, CONSULTANT FOR EDUCATION & INCLUSION

Life is an adventure, all are welcome to enjoy.

LeAnn joins our team to provide consultation for Recreational Therapy services, specifically inclusive design, rehabilitation, long term care and mental health programming. LeAnn is passionate about educating future professionals, current professionals and general community members on a variety of topics related to her professional experience and expertise.

LeAnn has been a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) for 10 years. She loves to find new ways of approaching old ideas, and can often be found with a book in her hand! She has professional experience in in-patient psychiatric programming, physical medicine and rehabilitation, long-term care, and higher education. LeAnn is a certified aquatic therapy instructor (ATRIC) and serves on the ATRA board as a member at large.

LeAnn earned her PhD from Central Michigan University in Educational Leadership, her Masters in Recreation Parks and Leisure; Therapeutic Recreation Concentration and Bachelors from Ferris State University in Recreation Leadership and Management.

LeAnn is currently an instructor for CMU’s Recreation Parks and Leisure: Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation.

In her spare time, LeAnn enjoys being outside, spending time with her dogs, and finding for four-leaf clovers.

Recreational Therapy Consultation

LeAnn provides professional consultation or recreational therapists in the field. Contact her to receive more information on consultation services.

Professional Development/Speaking Engagements

LeAnn is an engaging and dynamic speaker with background in research, education and a variety of clinical experience. Connect with her today, to schedule your next speaking engagement!