I first became interested in psychology as a high school student at Zeeland East High School. I became part of their peer mentorship program and began mentoring middle school students at Cityside Middle School. I have always had a passion for helping others. I always wanted to be like Jesus, and have the right thing to say to someone at the right time. I thought getting a doctorate degree in clinical psychology would be my best shot at learning to say the right things. I’m still not near as good at it as Jesus, but I am now confident in my ability to help others improve their mental, physical, relational, and spiritual health.
I completed my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish at Grand Valley State University. I then continued my education at Forest Institute of Professional Psychology where I recieved a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, a Post-Degree Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology. I completed an APA-accredited internship at Park Center, Inc. in Fort Wayne, IN. Then I continued my education by completing a formal post-doctoral fellowship at the VA Wyoming Health Care Center.
My passion for helping others comes directly from my spiritual beliefs. However, as you can see from the mission and vision, I do not push my beliefs on others, and have great respect for diversity. I enjoy learning and growing with people who are different from me. I believe each person is a unique individual with a different personality and a different set of beliefs than my own. I enjoy diversity so much that I have created this organization to be a place where people who are different can work together towards health.
I currently live in the Jenison community with my wife, Candy, and three children: Winter, Arlo, and Evergreen. We enjoy visiting parks, going to the beach, and exploring new places. I am also a passionate hockey player and coach.
