MEET OUR TEAM
Chief Executive Officer and Owner
Angelita Valdez, LMSW, CAADC, CCS, RPT-S
Angelita Valdez is a Behavioral Health Therapist and the Chief Executive Officer and proud Owner of Servicios de Esperanza, LLC providing bilingual therapy, substance abuse counseling and play therapy to families and children. Her prior work experience includes Community Mental Health Services of Muskegon County, Hackley Community Care, and Muskegon Family Care providing bilingual therapy, substance abuse treatment and school-based mental health services at the Teen Health Center in Muskegon High School. Angelita has also provided case management services to families at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Grand Rapids, MI along with counseling services to Refugee and Domestic Foster Care children in Lansing, Michigan.
A Michigan State University graduate, Angelita received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a Chicano/Latino Studies Specialization in 2005 and a Master’s Degree of Social Work in 2006 from the MSU College of Social Science. While Angelita is a Licensed Master Social Worker she also holds specializations as a CAADC- Certified Advanced Addictions and Drug Counselor as the only, Spanish speaking substance abuse counselor in Muskegon County, a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) as well as a being the only RPT-S, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, in both Muskegon and Oceana counties. Angelita has a passion for serving children and families and is currently working towards certification as a Gambling Addictions Counselor.
Angelita is involved with numerous community and professional affiliations and serves as the Board President for Latinos Working for the Future and is a Trustee for the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Angelita is also a proud member and founder of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Hermandad de Sigma lota Alpha, Incorporada and was appointed to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in March 2022.
A Michigan State University graduate, Angelita received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a Chicano/Latino Studies Specialization in 2005 and a Master’s Degree of Social Work in 2006 from the MSU College of Social Science. While Angelita is a Licensed Master Social Worker she also holds specializations as a CAADC- Certified Advanced Addictions and Drug Counselor as the only, Spanish speaking substance abuse counselor in Muskegon County, a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) as well as a being the only RPT-S, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, in both Muskegon and Oceana counties. Angelita has a passion for serving children and families and is currently working towards certification as a Gambling Addictions Counselor.
Angelita is involved with numerous community and professional affiliations and serves as the Board President for Latinos Working for the Future and is a Trustee for the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Angelita is also a proud member and founder of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Hermandad de Sigma lota Alpha, Incorporada and was appointed to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in March 2022.
Chief Operating Officer
Jax Ricketson
Jacquelinn (Jax) Bliss is our Director of Administration and comes to us with a background of office management and accounting. She has a Bachelor of Science with Accounting focus from Baker in 2011 and an Associate Degree in computerized math.
Joining our team in March 2019, she brings a vast knowledge base with her from over 20 years of experience as the administrative backbone of small agencies and businesses; such as Financial Director and/or office manager of 2 non-profits, a travel agency and a hotel before finding us.
Office Manager
Tiara Dawson
Tiara Dawson, our Office Manager earned her Associates in Applied Arts and Sciences and is also a certified phlebotomist. Tiara comes to us with 10 years of office experience in higher education, nonprofit, and healthcare. She keeps the well being of our patients at the fore front of our services, while also maintaining a working environment for all to enjoy.
Director of Staff Engagement
Carmel McKentry, MA, LPC
Carmel McKentry, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides individual counseling, family counseling and case management to families and children living in the Muskegon area. Carmel has worked in the human service field for over 15 years, starting her journey at Catholic Charities West Michigan. At Catholic Charities West Michigan she provided case management and in home services to families identified as moderate and high risk through DHS child welfare programs. Carmel also has previous experience in group therapy as a facilitator of the Criminal Sexual Conduct group and Substance Abuse group at Catholic Charities West Michigan through a contract with the Michigan Department of Corrections. In addition to providing therapeutic intervention at Servicios de Esperanzas, LLC, Carmel works with youth through a school based mental health program at the Teen Health Center located at Muskegon High School and provides general counseling services as a Behavioral Health Consultant at Hackley Community Care Centers integrated health clinic.
Carmel graduated from Michigan State University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an additional major in psychology. In 2010 she obtained a Master of Arts degree in community counseling from Western Michigan University’s Counselor Education program which is CACREP accredited.
Carmel has training and experience in several modalities of treatment such as Play Therapy, Sex Offender Treatment, Trauma Focused CBT, CBT for pain management, Perinatal Mood Disorders, crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Carmel is a current member of the Perinatal Mood Disorder Coalition of Grand Rapids.
Carmel graduated from Michigan State University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an additional major in psychology. In 2010 she obtained a Master of Arts degree in community counseling from Western Michigan University’s Counselor Education program which is CACREP accredited.
Carmel has training and experience in several modalities of treatment such as Play Therapy, Sex Offender Treatment, Trauma Focused CBT, CBT for pain management, Perinatal Mood Disorders, crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Carmel is a current member of the Perinatal Mood Disorder Coalition of Grand Rapids.
Director of Substance Abuse Services
Telko Adams-Cunningham, CAADC
Telko Cunningham, CAADC is a Substance Abuse therapist with Servicios de Esperanza. Telko has worked in the human service field for over 10 years. Her previous work includes providing individual and group counseling and overseeing a residential treatment facility for women. Telko enjoys working with adolescents, adults and the elderly population.
Telko obtained a certificate in Correctional Science and an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Washtenaw Community College. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Baker College of Muskegon and obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Grand State Valley University. She also holds her Certification in substance abuse as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Telko is here to help you through life's distressing events including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship issues, grief/loss, and domestic violence. Telko has a passion for helping women and men to find their voice to be heard.
Telko obtained a certificate in Correctional Science and an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Washtenaw Community College. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Baker College of Muskegon and obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Grand State Valley University. She also holds her Certification in substance abuse as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Telko is here to help you through life's distressing events including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship issues, grief/loss, and domestic violence. Telko has a passion for helping women and men to find their voice to be heard.
Director of Spanish Services
Ana Cruz, MA, LLPC
Ana Cruz, LLPC is a Licensed Therapist who provides bilingual therapy for individuals, families, and the elderly who reside in nursing homes. Ana received a Bachelor's degree in Communication in 2004 from UNITEC in Honduras along with a Bachelor's degree in Bible and Ministry from Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri in 2007. She graduated in 2019 with a dual Master's degree in Counseling and Ministry and Leadership from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ana has experience working with clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, anger management, and in home services. She provided therapy for those facing severe mental health crisis at HealthWest as an intern, and served as a volunteer mentor at Insight Pregnancy Services. Ana is passionate about people and their cultures. She was a full time missionary in Honduras for 9 years working in church planning, community development, and coordinating short and long term teams. Ana is currently involved with Hope for Tela, a non-profit that seeks to serve the communities in the North Coast of Honduras by training community leaders, empowering individuals, hosting retreats, and providing counseling to ministers and missionaries.
Ana has experience working with clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, anger management, and in home services. She provided therapy for those facing severe mental health crisis at HealthWest as an intern, and served as a volunteer mentor at Insight Pregnancy Services. Ana is passionate about people and their cultures. She was a full time missionary in Honduras for 9 years working in church planning, community development, and coordinating short and long term teams. Ana is currently involved with Hope for Tela, a non-profit that seeks to serve the communities in the North Coast of Honduras by training community leaders, empowering individuals, hosting retreats, and providing counseling to ministers and missionaries.
Abigail Benedict, LLMSW
Abigail Benedict, LLMSW, is a Limited Licensed Social Worker who provides individual counseling for all ages. She has a desire to serve others, through a strengths-based approach, to empower and build self-worth in her clients. She has experience working with individuals living with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, and those who are involved with the criminal justice system. Abigail’s prior experience with the Muskegon Public Defenders Office included case management, therapeutic interventions, crisis intervention, navigating community resources, and advocating for clients in the courtroom. Additionally, Abigail worked as a Community Health Worker at Senior Resources of West Michigan, providing case management, chronic disease management education, and community outreach.
Abigail graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University in 2021. Abigail is trained in person-centered planning, motivational interviewing, and Mental Health First Aid. She also serves as a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Muskegon County.
When Abigail is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family outside, hiking, and painting.
Abigail graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University in 2021. Abigail is trained in person-centered planning, motivational interviewing, and Mental Health First Aid. She also serves as a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Muskegon County.
When Abigail is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family outside, hiking, and painting.
Trisha King, LMSW
Trisha King is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Master's of Social Work. She has provided Counseling/Social Work services to individuals within the community for over 12 years.
Trisha has experienced working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has practiced in the outpatient setting, home-based, and community based. Trisha has focused on working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders; including perinatal mood disorder. In addition, she provides play therapy to work with kids struggling with varying degrees of ADHD, Anxiety, life changes, aggression, and a multitude of other behaviors.
Trisha’s previous experience includes Community Living Supports, Adult Guardianships, Maternal Infant Health Services, Inpatient Psychiatric Case Management, and Outpatient Therapy.
Trisha provides a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment in which patients can share their concerns, receive support and helpful input as they work toward change. Trisha believes in focusing on the strengths in every individual in her approach to treatment; combining cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused techniques. Her emphasis often includes relaxation, other forms of self-care, and meaningful activities as tools toward creating balance in life.
Trisha has experienced working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has practiced in the outpatient setting, home-based, and community based. Trisha has focused on working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders; including perinatal mood disorder. In addition, she provides play therapy to work with kids struggling with varying degrees of ADHD, Anxiety, life changes, aggression, and a multitude of other behaviors.
Trisha’s previous experience includes Community Living Supports, Adult Guardianships, Maternal Infant Health Services, Inpatient Psychiatric Case Management, and Outpatient Therapy.
Trisha provides a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment in which patients can share their concerns, receive support and helpful input as they work toward change. Trisha believes in focusing on the strengths in every individual in her approach to treatment; combining cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused techniques. Her emphasis often includes relaxation, other forms of self-care, and meaningful activities as tools toward creating balance in life.
Kelly Jewell, LLMSW
Kelly Jewell is a Limited Licensed Social Worker providing services to children and families. Kelly has experience in play therapy, equine therapy, sand tray therapy and animal assisted therapy. Kelly has worked in the mental health field for numerous years as a Case Manager at Healthwest, a Direct Care worker at Beacon Services and was a Business Entrepreneur and CEO of West Michigan Home Services.
Kelly is a graduate of Baker College with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Master's Degree in Social Work.
Kelly is an avid gardener and enjoys working with clients in "dirt therapy." Kelly notes that the somatic, emotional, physical wellbeing is connected and is able to be therapeutic in processing trauma and other emotional hurts in all ages.
Kelly is a graduate of Baker College with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Master's Degree in Social Work.
Kelly is an avid gardener and enjoys working with clients in "dirt therapy." Kelly notes that the somatic, emotional, physical wellbeing is connected and is able to be therapeutic in processing trauma and other emotional hurts in all ages.
Emily Basham, LLMSW
Emily Basham LLMSW, is a Limited License Social Worker who provides therapy to individuals who have experienced trauma, as well as children and adolescents. Emily has experience in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Play Therapy, providing home-based services to families, and Solution Focused Therapy. Emily has received her master’s degree in 2022 from Western Michigan University studying clinical social work and TF-CBT, and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University in 2017.
Emily’s prior experience with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County as an Intern Therapist, included working with children individually using TF-CBT, conducted body safety lessons to groups of young children, and utilized play therapy with young children. Additionally, Emily has been with Wellspring Lutheran Services in Kent County working with children and families, providing in-home services which included crisis management, case management, teaching life skills, solution focused therapy, and therapeutic interventions. Emily has also worked with children in the Juvenile Correction System providing pre-trial case management and detention alternative services, in Colorado Springs.
Emily has a passion to work with others that are facing a difficult time in their lives to help them reach their goals and instill personal efficacy while serving in strengths-based way.
Emily’s prior experience with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County as an Intern Therapist, included working with children individually using TF-CBT, conducted body safety lessons to groups of young children, and utilized play therapy with young children. Additionally, Emily has been with Wellspring Lutheran Services in Kent County working with children and families, providing in-home services which included crisis management, case management, teaching life skills, solution focused therapy, and therapeutic interventions. Emily has also worked with children in the Juvenile Correction System providing pre-trial case management and detention alternative services, in Colorado Springs.
Emily has a passion to work with others that are facing a difficult time in their lives to help them reach their goals and instill personal efficacy while serving in strengths-based way.
Kristine Coffee, LLPC, CCJP
Kristine Coffee, LLPC, is a licensed therapist who has a passion for people in meeting them where they are, assisting them to identify and recognize their potential and worth, and helping them to continually strive toward becoming the best version of themselves.
Kristine has experience working with adults and families. She has focused on working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger and substance abuse.
Kristine has a Bachelor’s in Human Service from Baker College with a specialty in Addictions. She has a Master’s in Counseling from Cornerstone University. She also holds certification as a Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).
Kristine has experience working with adults and families. She has focused on working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger and substance abuse.
Kristine has a Bachelor’s in Human Service from Baker College with a specialty in Addictions. She has a Master’s in Counseling from Cornerstone University. She also holds certification as a Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).
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Main Office:
8 W. Walton Ave. Muskegon, MI 49440 |
Mailing Address:
P.O. BOX 1588 Muskegon, MI 49443 |
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CARF International announced that Servicios de Esperanza, LLC has been accredited for a period of three years for its Outpatient Treatment: Alcohol and Other Drugs/Addictions (Adults), Outpatient Treatment: Alcohol and Other Drugs/Addictions (Children and Adolescents), Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Adults), Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Children and Adolescents). programs. This is the first accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has given to Servicios de Esperanza, LLC
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