MEET OUR TEAM
Angelita Valdez, LMSW, CAADC, CCS, RPT-S CEO and Owner
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 a Board member for Latinos Working for the Future, Harbor Hospice of Muskegon, National Association of Social Workers and the Michigan Association for Play Therapy. Angelita is also a proud member and founder of the Alpha Kappa 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. 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 a Board member for Latinos Working for the Future, Harbor Hospice of Muskegon, National Association of Social Workers and the Michigan Association for Play Therapy. Angelita is also a proud member and founder of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Hermandad de Sigma lota Alpha, Incorporada.
Shelly, Tjapkes, LPC, CCTP, EMDR
Shelly Tjapkes, LPC, CCTP, EMDR Trained is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides individual counseling for all ages. She also has additional certifications in trauma therapy as a Certified Clinical Trauma Profession and specializes in sexual abuse treatment. Shelly has worked as a counselor since 2013. She has worked for Catholic Charities of West Michigan providing services for individual and groups. She also traveled to several area schools providing in-school services to students. Shelly has also worked with youth in a school based mental health program at Muskegon Covenant Academy while working as a Behavioral Health Consultant at Hackley Community Care Center. Shelly has a passion for helping those who have experienced trauma and has a desire to help them recover to a better quality of life through trauma work and teaching self-regulation skills.
Shelly graduated from Walden University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In 2013, she obtained her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling degree.
Shelly is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She uses CBT, Play Therapy, meditation, and relaxation skills to help clients recover from depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse, childhood abuse, stress, and grief.
When Shelly is not working, she enjoys being with her grandchild, playing with her dog, enjoy our lakes, and scuba diving.
Shelly graduated from Walden University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In 2013, she obtained her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling degree.
Shelly is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She uses CBT, Play Therapy, meditation, and relaxation skills to help clients recover from depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse, childhood abuse, stress, and grief.
When Shelly is not working, she enjoys being with her grandchild, playing with her dog, enjoy our lakes, and scuba diving.
Carmel McKentry, MA, LPC Director of Staff Engagement
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.
Telko Adams-Cunningham, CAADC Director of Substance Abuse Services
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.
Shane Morr, MA, LMFT, TF-CBT, CSAYC Director of Family Services
Shane Morr, MA, LMFT, CSAYC is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides individual, family, and couples counseling services. Shane has worked in the counseling field for the past six years and has had many distinct opportunities to grow in the field. Shane began his career providing family counseling to children and their families in Northeast Louisiana with the Center for Children and Families. With his time at the Center, Shane grew in his ability to help families improve their communication, set healthy boundaries, and express and identify difficult emotions.
After working in Louisiana, Shane moved to Indiana where he began working with adolescent boys who had been separated from their families. In Indiana, Shane gained his CSAYC (Credentialed Sexually Abusive Youth Clinician) credential. Shane was trained to work with Indiana’s DCS to assess risk and provide psychosexual assessments.
Shane graduated in 2012 from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Missions and a minor in Psychology. After that, Shane attended Northcentral’s COAMFTE accredited program and received his Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Shane has training and experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Some of the common concerns Shane has worked with his clients to address are: depression, anxiety, relational issues, trauma, childhood abuse, parent reunification, and stress.
After working in Louisiana, Shane moved to Indiana where he began working with adolescent boys who had been separated from their families. In Indiana, Shane gained his CSAYC (Credentialed Sexually Abusive Youth Clinician) credential. Shane was trained to work with Indiana’s DCS to assess risk and provide psychosexual assessments.
Shane graduated in 2012 from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Missions and a minor in Psychology. After that, Shane attended Northcentral’s COAMFTE accredited program and received his Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Shane has training and experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Some of the common concerns Shane has worked with his clients to address are: depression, anxiety, relational issues, trauma, childhood abuse, parent reunification, and stress.
Ana Cruz, MA, LLPC Director of Spanish Services
Ana Cruz, LLPC is a Licensed Therapist who provides bilingual therapy for individual, families, and the elderly in the nursing homes. Ana received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication in 2004 form UNITEC in Honduras, 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 Leadership from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ana has experience working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, anger management and in home services. She provided therapy for severely mentally ill individuals at HealhWest as an intern, and has served as a volunteer mentor at Insight Pregnancy Services. Ana has a passion for people and culture. She was a full time missionary in Honduras for 9 years working in church planting, 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 people, hosting retreats and providing counseling to ministers and missionaries.
Ana has experience working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, anger management and in home services. She provided therapy for severely mentally ill individuals at HealhWest as an intern, and has served as a volunteer mentor at Insight Pregnancy Services. Ana has a passion for people and culture. She was a full time missionary in Honduras for 9 years working in church planting, 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 people, hosting retreats and providing counseling to ministers and missionaries.
Kaitlyn Wright, MA, LLPC, NCC
Kaitlyn Wright, MA, LLPC, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides individual counseling services. She has spent the past year working in the field of substance abuse counseling, providing group and individual services for adolescents dealing with substance use disorders. Kaitlyn enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, personality disorders, difficult life transitions, and other areas of mental health.
Kaitlyn graduated in 2014 from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Bible. She then went on to Adams State University’s CACREP accredited counseling program in Alamosa, Colorado, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently working towards her CAADC certification.
Kaitlyn graduated in 2014 from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Bible. She then went on to Adams State University’s CACREP accredited counseling program in Alamosa, Colorado, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently working towards her CAADC certification.
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.
Jax Bliss Director of Administration
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.
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.
