KURT HOFFMAN, PhD, LMSW, MPA

A passionate thinker and empathetic lover of life Kurt is enlivened by serving others, specifically helping them understand the human experience in creative and clear ways. An experienced group counselor, Kurt has worked with hundreds of clients on the issues of substance abuse and domestic violence and is the author of, Young Heroes: A Learner's Guide to End Human Trafficking, Academically, Kurt earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from Faulkner University, as well as, a Masters of Social Work, Masters of Public Administration, and Bachelor’s in Integrative Studies from Arizona State University. Professionally, Kurt is the co-owner and team support here at Flourish but unfortunately cannot accept clients because of his full-time role as professor of Social Work at Spring Arbor University where he has worked for the past ten years, and well as, his new business venture: Flume.

Jennifer Fuller, LMSW

Jen believes life is an incredible journey filled with many chapters. She considers therapy to be a partnership and deeply desires for those she works with to feel safe, find healing, and discover new perspectives. Her warm personality and gentle approach cultivates an environment for vulnerability and self-discovery. 

Jen cares that you feel loved and accepted. She believes compassion and empathy have the potential to transform hearts and minds. She’s passionate about helping and enjoys researching, teaching, advocating, and problem solving. Jen’s approach is versatile, creative, and inquisitive. Her greatest joy is watching her clients find hope and flourish. 

Jen is trained in DBT and EMDR, however also utilizes many other interventions depending on your desired goals. Jen has had the privilege of empowering individuals to find ways to improve anxieties, depression, OCD, PMDD, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, trauma, chronic pain, relationships, and parenting struggles. Jen has earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2017 at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI and is fully licensed in the state of Michigan (LMSW) through LARA Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Alyssa Penley, lmsw

Alyssa is excited to engage with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds. Alyssa has experience in helping individuals process and heal from abuse and trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and addiction. Alyssa is passionate about family preservation and enjoys working with couples and families. Alyssa is also experienced in serving those with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) including dissociative identity disorder. In addition to her time in private practice, Alyssa has experience working in unique settings with diverse groups of individuals including children with autism and their families, college-aged females, elderly individuals in nursing homes, retirement centers, and hospice units, and children and families involved in the foster care system.

Alyssa is devoted to listening to, understanding, and genuinely knowing the individuals she works with. She deeply values empowering others to not only have confidence in their own capabilities but also to discover, appreciate, and act on their unique talents and strengths. She believes in the power of a healthy mind, soul, and body and will encourage others to consider their time at Flourish as an opportunity to pursue growth mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. 

Alyssa earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Spring Arbor University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan. Alyssa has a certificate in school social work and is a certified therapist in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Alyssa is fully licensed in the state of Michigan (LMSW) through LARA Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Alyssa is a passionate, talented clinician who is devoted to every individual she serves at Flourish. 

Mike oswald, LLMSW

Mike is a dedicated counselor whose therapeutic approach is grounded in stoic philosophy and enriched by 25 years of military service.  He believes in empowering individuals and achieving harmony in life by nurturing the virtues of wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.  With a focus on anxiety, depression, relationships, and personal growth, he offers evidence-based counseling tailored to your unique needs. Together, you will cultivate resilience, find inner peace, and embark on a journey toward fulfillment.

Mike obtained his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology from the University of Phoenix while serving in the military and his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Spring Arbor University in 2024 after completing an internship here at Flourish.

As a Limited License Master of Social Work (LLMSW), he will be operating under the supervision of Korah Hoffman, LMSW.

Sarah Begley, LLMSW

Sarah hopes that you feel supported, find hope, and cultivate growth throughout the partnership that is formed in therapy. She offers a non-judgemental, safe environment where each person’s story is valued. Sarah loves building relationships and walking alongside people to help them find meaning in their circumstances and develop skills for cultivating a fulfilling life. She utilizes a strengths-based approach and meets clients where they’re at, while encouraging them to self-examine and become healthy mentally and spiritually. Sarah has a steady and empathetic presence to help you feel open to being vulnerable and work through challenges to find redemption.

Having earned her Bachelors of Social Work and Masters of Social Work from Spring Arbor University, Sarah carries previous professional experience that includes child welfare and school social work as well.

Sarah will be working under the direct supervision of Korah Hoffman.

Sydney Clever, LLMSW

Sydney is excited to work with individuals of all ages to help them reach their fullest potential. She creates a safe, supportive space that allows individuals to come as they are, do the difficult work of self-examination, and press into challenges that arise in life.

Sydney loves working with children! She is gifted in creating a warm comfortable environment for kids to come alive and work through their challenges and traumas. Sydney has been trained to work with individuals who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  She comes alive in helping this population learn to communicate and express themselves effectively while establishing healthy life skills.

Sydney also enjoys working with families, neurodivergence, and trauma. She also brings with her a wealth of knowledge in the medical social work field and school social work. She is well rounded and eager to walk alongside you to help you cultivate your fullest potential.

Sydney earned her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work at Spring Arbor University,. She has professional experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a behavior technician. As a Limited Licenses Master of Social Worker (LLMSW) she will be working under the supervision of Jennifer Fuller, LMSW. 

Ebony carter, LMSW

We are the narrator and author of our story, we sometimes make mistakes, forget our value, question our purpose, or lose hope. As a therapist it is Ebony’s hope to guide you to be the best possible version of yourself and to make you aware that your life has value. Everyone is worthy to be loved!

Over the past 10 years Ebony have worked with clients battling chronic illnesses, grief, life transitions, anxiety, trauma, situational stress & depression through varied approaches using CBT, motivational interviewing, client- centered and empowerment approach, gestalt therapy, task-centered and solutions-focused brief therapy.

As a clinical social worker, Ebony’s goal is to not only focus on the issues you are currently facing, but to explore all the other systems that makes you uniquely you. She lead with empathy and understanding; and realizing that you are the expert of your life. Her hope to guide my clients to find their peace. Together she can navigate this journey of healing and change for you.

Ebony is a proud alumna of Spring Arbor University where she earned her BSW in 2015 and MSW in 2021. She has experience working with multi-generational families, she worked at dialysis and psychiatric inpatient units, and she also worked at skilled nursing facilities. Ebony is a fully licensed LMSW in the State of Michigan.

Matthew Hill, PhD, LLMSW

Matthew is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. With a PhD in Ethics, he brings a unique perspective to the counseling relationship, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our moral compass, personal growth, and relational health. 

Matthew is an LLMSW and currently seeing clients under the supervision of Korah Hoffman, LMSW, where he’s completing his licensure requirements at Flourish. His journey into formal counseling is built upon over 20 years of extensive lay-counseling experience, where he’s had the privilege of walking alongside countless individuals through various life transitions and struggles.

Beyond his clinical work, Matthew serves as Professor of Philosophy at Spring Arbor University. This academic background enriches his practice, allowing him to integrate deep philosophical insights with practical, person-centered therapeutic approaches. Matthew believes that engaging in therapy is a courageous and transformative step towards achieving greater personal health and contributing to a more vibrant, connected community. He looks forward to partnering with you on your journey toward flourishing.

Jannea Carpenter, LLMSW

Jannea is an empathetic and caring individual who strives to create a welcoming environment where all individuals can be their authentic selves and bring the hard things. Life is a journey with many ups and downs and Jannea's passion lies in walking alongside others, regardless of what they are going through, and seeking to understand the internal and external aspects of their lives. Dedicated to providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment where others feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are, who they were, and who they hope to be as they work toward the goals that they hold for themselves and their lives. Everyone has many strengths, skills, and qualities that can help them create a life that is meaningful to them, even if they do not readily see them. Jannea truly believes in the healing that can happen when we share our stories in safe spaces. Jannea brings previous experience working with children and their families in the context of relationships utilizing an infant mental health lens, as well as experience that included working with youth and adults coping with or processing past traumas, PTSD, anxiety, and panic disorder. Counseling and therapy are gifts of healing that you not only give to yourself but also others in your life. 

Mariah Kelley, LLMSW

Mariah is a Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW) with nearly a decade of experience supporting youth and families in a variety of roles. She specializes in working with children, teens, and parents navigating anxiety, stress, life dissatisfaction, and the lasting effects of trauma.

Mariah is deeply passionate about helping clients heal from past wounds and reclaim a sense of safety, hope, and self-worth. Using a trauma-informed approach, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing to support clients in understanding their experiences, building resilience, and moving toward meaningful change.

She offers both in-person and virtual sessions, providing flexibility and accessibility for every client. Mariah believes that healing happens in the context of trust and connection, and she strives to create a space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Outside of her work, she enjoys connecting with loved ones, exploring new experiences, and appreciating life’s simple moments. She looks forward to walking alongside each client as they navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and create the life they deserve.

Sherene Melton, Administrative Support

Delighted to support these amazing therapists, Sherene is venturing into a new season of working outside of the home.  She is eager to offer her presence to the beautiful work that happens here.  She knows the treasure it is to walk alongside others and hold for a time the richest gift of someone’s story.  She cherishes the heart behind the work done here at Flourish and hopes she will be a strong support to those who are nurturing you.

Though coming from a long season of supporting her family at home, she has a Masters Degree in Spiritual Nurture from Western Seminary (Seattle) and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Middle School Education with a Special Education emphasis from Grand Valley State University.

Some of her particular enjoyments are spending time with family, being in nature, splashing in water, collecting rocks from the beaches of Lake Michigan, delighting in her garden which provides an extraordinary playground for nurturing plants and watching them come to life and produce a harvest, and discovering ways to have fun wherever she is - as it can make even the most humdrum tasks come to life. Mostly, it makes her laugh and helps her take herself lightly.