Meet our team.
Angelita Valdez, LMSW, CAADC, RPT
Angelita Valdez is a Behavioral Health Therapist and CEO 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. Angelita has a passion for serving children and families and is currently working towards certification as a a Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT) Specialist.
Angelita is involved with numerous community and professional affiliations and serves as a board member for Latinos Working for the Future, and the Michigan Association for Play Therapy. Angelita is also a proud member and founder of the Kappa Alpha chapter of Hermandad de Sigma lota Alpha, Incorporada.
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. Angelita has a passion for serving children and families and is currently working towards certification as a a Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT) Specialist.
Angelita is involved with numerous community and professional affiliations and serves as a board member for Latinos Working for the Future, and the Michigan Association for Play Therapy. Angelita is also a proud member and founder of the Kappa Alpha chapter of Hermandad de Sigma lota Alpha, Incorporada.
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.
Mitze Alexander, LMSW
Mitze Alexander, LMSW, is a clinician with Servicios de Esperanza. She is experienced in providing counseling to people of all ages and working with families. She has facilitated parenting groups and is available to provide this service to any organization. Mitze received her Associates from Muskegon Community College, her Bachelors of Art in Social Work from Michigan State University, and her Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University. Her goal is to serve the community through providing mental health services.
Telko 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.
Anje Banks, MA, LPC, CAADC
Anita “Anje” Banks, MA, LPC, CAADC is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing individual and family counseling. Anje has worked in the human service field for over 15 years. Her previous work includes providing case management for youth in the juvenile justice system, individual and group counseling and managing a residential treatment program for adults. She has also provided clinical supervision for other therapists.
Anje graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University in 2009. She obtained a certification through the Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse. She is a Certified Advance Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Anje has extensive experience working with clients who are struggling with substance use and other addictions. She also has training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sex Offender Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, grief counseling, working with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Anje graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University in 2009. She obtained a certification through the Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse. She is a Certified Advance Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Anje has extensive experience working with clients who are struggling with substance use and other addictions. She also has training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sex Offender Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, grief counseling, working with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.