Schanda Tarkowski, Owner
Credentials
MA, LPC, Facilitator of Love and Logic the Parenting Way, CSOTP
Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, CAFAS certified
Skills
Connecting and linking community resources, coordination of care (Friend of Court, DHHS, CPS, Probation Department), Family therapy (weekly with the client and weekly sessions with family involvement), reunification plans, intensive family services based on FAM assessment
Biography
I am currently a licensed professor counselor who graduated with my Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University and my Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree from Saginaw Valley State University. I have specialized training in CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and Trauma-Informed CBT. I work with clients struggling with substance abuse, trauma, and mental health issues. I have years of experience working with adolescents and adults, providing individual, family, and marital counseling. I have a wide range of experience working with juveniles, sexual offenders, and abuse/neglect clients.
I have worked over the past eight years for a non-profit residential treatment facility as a treatment specialist, program coordinator, and quality manager. I’m completing my end role as director of child welfare and substance abuse programming. Throughout my time at my previous employer, I was given the opportunity to work in all areas, from hands-on treatment with the adolescents to completing substance abuse evaluations for the adult men and completing my experience as director of two facilities. I have been working as an outpatient mental health/substance abuse therapist serving Midland County for the past four years. I have worked with our juveniles at the Midland County Juvenile Center and adult probation clients through Midland County District/Circuit Court.
My biggest motivator to help add services to the community is to help transition clients back into their homes after being incarcerated and/or transitioned to the next step of their journey. Working with families to help build structure, discipline, consistency, and communication is a big top priority. Working with the families allows the client to not only improve their own issues but also help the family members address their concerns and build on their own self-confidence. Teaching parenting groups is important to work closely with the families to help give them the skills they need to be successful once the client is returned to their home. Completing family assessments together to address appropriate treatment plan goals is a great tool to provide to families to help center specific behaviors/needs/strengths of the families served.
I have been involved in the community by volunteering as a Hope Not Handcuffs Angel for Midland and Bay County. I am on the Mental Health Partnership Committee serving the Great Lakes Bay Region. I serve as a Board Member of River Jordan Inc. in Bay City, MI, which helps young adults transition back into the community after exiting the foster care system. I have and will be able to travel to the local school districts to help provide services if needed. I feel going to the students in a comfortable and safe environment allows for a more open therapy session. Helping families prevent barriers to providing adolescents services is important, so traveling to local school districts/detention facilities/DHHS facilities is offered upon request.
Our Therapist
Stephanie Muirhead
Over the last 12 years, I have been practicing as a Master’s Level Social Worker. I have experience working with children and families who have experienced trauma and behavioral problems. I have worked a great deal with the foster care system in a residential facility and an outpatient setting. When I got employment at Community Mental Health, I worked with the Baby Court program. I have been a NICU social worker, an outpatient therapist, a regular case manager, and a case manager for veterans with severe and persistent mental health struggles.
I have knowledge and training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent Management Training- Oregon Model (PMTO), The Nurturing Parenting Program, and Infant Mental Health.
I have a versatile background of experience, and I enjoy working with all populations.
Email: Stephanie@aspiringtochange.com
Our Telehealth Provider
Kari Jordan
Hello, my name is Kari Jordan. I am a Licensed Clinical Master of Social Work in Michigan. I have been working as a clinician, providing therapy services, for five years. I have worked in the field of social services for nine years and have experience with both teens and adults.
I am passionate about working with people to provide adequate support. I view the professional relationship as one where we can build trust through transparency and dedication. Through this process I will be there to guide and support clients as they navigate situations which may be unfamiliar and teach skills, they can use for years to come. I work with each individual client to tailor the treatment to their specific needs and goals.
I believe everyone is capable of the change they would like to make, but may not always have the adequate support to make the change. As a therapist, I will provide the support and guidance to aid each client in making their desired change. If you are looking to make a change in your life, let’s work toward making the change together!
Joey Bourdow
MS Clinical Counseling LLPC, MS Art Therapy, ART-P
Certifications: Registered Art Therapist-Provisional
My name is Joey Bourdow and I am an Art Therapist. I recently graduated from Emporia State University with a Master’s of Science in Art Therapy as well as a Master’s of Science in Clinical Counseling. I’m currently working towards my LLCP. While in school, I interned for two years at a residential treatment facility for emotional and behavioral support care for youths ages 6-18, of all gender identities to heal from past trauma in a structured environment. The facility followed a treatment plan that was centered around the Sanctuary Model of trauma-informed care.
I also served as a Graduate Assistant (GA) in coordination with a Johnson County, Kansas American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. This grant provided funding for me to serve Johnson County with art therapy. In conjunction with this grant, I was able to provide art therapy services at an acute children’s psychiatric facility, a work center for adults with developmental disabilities, community events, nursing homes, and a day program for eating disorders.
I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to facilitate self-awareness, growth, and change. Seeking help and engaging in therapy requires courage. Taking ownership and accountability over your life is the prerequisite to meaningful change.
My approach is a mix of strength-based, client-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT. As an art therapist, clients have the option to engage in art therapy. No experience with art is required. The creative process, artwork, and discussion create space to integrate fractured pieces of the mind, body, and spirit.