The MINDgarden Blog

Helping Individuals Recognize Their Strengths

Opportunities to connect with others, have fun, and learn something new

GROWTH IN COMMUNICATION!

Creating Safe Spaces for Growth, Healing, and Connection

Therapy is grounded in connection and trust. Hi, my name is Tiffany, and I am a Speech-Language Pathologist at Kalasho Education & Youth Services. I earned my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Wayne State University in 2019 and have had the opportunity to support children and families of various backgrounds and communication needs. Throughout my experience in the educational setting, I’ve seen time and again how communication skills impact learning, confidence, and social connection. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is partnering with families to better understand their child’s communication needs and to provide strategies that support growth and success beyond our sessions. My approach to therapy is grounded in connection and trust. I aim to create a supportive environment where communication feels safe, fun, and empowering. When children feel safe and supported, they are more willing to take risks, explore new skills, and find their voice. Here at MINDgarden, I’m grateful to be part of a team that recognizes the strong connection between communication, learning, and mental health. Tiffany's Bio Tiffany is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with several years of experience supporting children and families in educational and therapeutic settings. She provides comprehensive assessment and intervention for a wide range of communication needs, including articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, childhood apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, and social-pragmatic communication challenges. Tiffany builds strong, meaningful connections with her clients and believes that trust and rapport are essential for progress in therapy. She has extensive experience working with families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and values collaboration with caregivers and interdisciplinary team members to ensure cohesive, functional, and culturally responsive support. Tiffany strives to make therapy engaging and empowering, helping each client build confidence and develop communication skills that support success at home, in school, and in social settings. Speech Language Pathologist Focus Areas Receptive & Expressive Language Development Articulation & Phonological Disorders Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Fluency (Stuttering) Social-Pragmatic Communication Cultural and Bilingual Language Considerations Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) & School Collaboration Therapeutic Approaches Modeling, recasting, and expansion techniques Play-based and child-centered therapy Story-based interventions Expanding Expression Tool (EET) Cycles Approach Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for Childhood Apraxia of Speech Minimal Pairs and Multiple Oppositions approaches Psychoeducation, self-advocacy, and cognitive-based strategies Caregiver coaching and home practice support Populations Served: Toddlers, Children and Adolescents, Inclusive speech therapy for people of all identities, backgrounds, and relationships. To schedule an appointment with Tiffany, please call (586) 393-1570.

Hi, My name is Amber Donahue, I am a Mental Health Therapist at Mindgarden. I’ve had the opportunity to witness the development of MINDgarden from an abstract idea to help children and families to its fruition of a welcoming, unique, safe, and serene place of help and healing . From the calmness of reading under the Magnolia tree in the library to playful excitement of exploring the life skills room; each space has been perfectly curated to invoke a different emotion and address a specific need or challenge. As a therapist, my first visit to the building was very inspiring and rejuvenating, as I saw each room as a new way to connect with my clients and reach them in ways that are impossible in a regular office setting. As a mother, I see MINDgarden as a place that nurtures children and families. There is a warmth to the building and the staff that puts me at ease knowing that my child would feel comfortable and safe spending time here. I was thrilled when I was asked to join the team at Mindgarden. It is a privilege to work in such a beautiful space for people who value family, community and mental health. It is rare to be in a like-minded workplace where everyone truly loves their job, is committed to their work, and is excited to make a difference. I look forward to being here to see and help the vision for Mindgarden become a reality. Amber's Bio Amber Donahue is a licensed mental health therapist with a Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University, where she also earned a dual title in Infant Mental Health. Her clinical experience includes supporting mothers with postpartum depression, young children (ages 0–6), adolescents, families, and individuals coping with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Her style is laid-back and supportive, but she’s also not afraid to gently challenge when it helps with growth. She believes the relationship between therapist and client is central to healing, so she strives to create a safe, trusting space where you feel comfortable showing up as yourself. Because she sees mental health as something that extends beyond the individual, she works to support the whole family system. Whether she is helping a new mom postpartum, children build emotional regulation skills, or adolescents navigate complex challenges, her goal is to empower families to strengthen connections, build resilience, and find balance together. Mental Health Focus Areas Postpartum and Perinatal Disorders Infant Mental Health Parenting support Separation Anxiety Anxiety & Depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ADHD Stress Management Self-Esteem Issues Social Anxiety General Behavioral Issues Mood Disorders Life Transitions Relationship & Family Stress School or College Stress Family Conflict Women's Issues Therapeutic Approaches Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Attachment Approach Family Systems Approach Person-Centered Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Strengths-Based Approach Populations Served: Inclusive therapy for people of all identities, backgrounds, and relationships. To schedule an appointment with Amber, please call (586) 393-1570.

Hello, Marhaba! My name is Christine Glasper. I have been a school counselor for 15 years, a private therapist for 9 years and an administrator for 8 years. I am a wife and a mother of 3 beautiful kids. A counselor deeply impacted my life in middle school and my love for working with school age kiddos and young adults was born. Over time that has developed into a drive to open doors of opportunity for my students, to provide a safe space to explore oneself and make life improvements to my clients, and to support teachers, parents and the community at large in our collective efforts to make the world a better place. I am a huge believer in “teamwork makes the dream work”, “be[ing] the change you wish to see”, the Serenity prayer and the golden rule. I’m blessed and thankful to be working with MINDgarden and the Kalasho Education and Youth Services because there are so many mission aligned people here; and only great things can happen when you put a lot of good people together in one place. I look forward to meeting you, dear reader. Have a good day! To schedule an appointment with Christine, please call (586) 393-1570.

Hi, My name is Sabika Shaikh. I am a Counseling Psychology Therapist, offering mental health counseling services at Kalasho Education & Youth services. I’ve always believed that healing isn't just about talking through challenges, it’s also about finding joy, connection, and moments of lightness, even during difficult times. Over the years, working with clients facing cancer, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship struggles, and children navigating big emotions, I’ve seen how powerful recreational activities can be in the healing process. What excites me most about MINDgarden’s setting, is the chance to blend my counseling back ground with opportunities for people to express themselves, build confidence, and rediscover happiness in safe and creative ways. Whether it's through group activities, art, play, or simply encouraging someone to try something new, I love creating spaces where people can feel supported while also experiencing joy. This work is a natural fit for me because I genuinely enjoy helping others not only process their challenges but also celebrate their strengths. I am honored to bring both my heart and my skills to MINDgarden! Sabika's Bio Sabika Shaikh is a Limited Licensed Counseling Psychology Therapist (LLPC) who is dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and adults in their unique journeys toward healing and self-discovery. She believes that therapy works best when it feels like a safe collaborative partnership, where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgement. Sabika obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wayne State University and then went on to Receive a Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University. Her therapeutic work integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy, while also drawing on Gestalt methods to foster self-awareness and growth. Whether working with a child, adolescent, or adult she strives to create a compassionate and empowering space where clients are heard, understood, and equipped with practical tools to achieve meaningful change. Mental Health Focus Areas Anxiety & Depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Grief and Bereavement Stress Management Self-Esteem Issues Social Anxiety General Behavioral Issues Mood Disorders Life Transitions Financial Stress Relationship & Family Stress School or College Stress Family Conflict Women's Issues Therapeutic Approaches Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Person-Centered Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Strengths-Based Approach Play therapy Psychoeducation Populations Served: Inclusive therapy for people of all identities, backgrounds, and relationships. To schedule an appointment with Sabika, please call (586) 393-1570.

Hi! My name is Melissa Schreiber. I am a Recreational Therapist here at Kalasho Education & Youth Services. I’ve always believed that meaningful work starts with connection. It’s about understanding, supporting, and helping people grow—not just in their skills, but in their sense of purpose. That’s what drew me to MINDgarden, and it’s why I’m so passionate about what we do here. When I first started, I was inspired by our goal of creating spaces where kids can feel safe, valued, and empowered to share their ideas. In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, MINDgarden feels like a sanctuary where children can truly thrive. Being a recreational therapist has been an incredibly fulfilling and transformative journey. From the moment I stepped into the field in 2021, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. It is a career where I could combine my passion for helping others with my love for activities and mental health. I have the ability to use recreation as a therapeutic tool to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals facing various challenges. Through activities like group games, fitness, arts and crafts, and purposeful conversations, I help clients not only improve their mental health but also foster meaningful connections and build their self-esteem. As I look ahead, I am eager to keep moving forward and growing in this role. Melissa's Bio Melissa Schreiber is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) committed to supporting children and adolescents in their mental health journey and overall well-being. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from Grand Valley State University in 2021. Melissa uses play, creativity, and recreation as therapeutic tools to help clients express themselves, build healthy habits, strengthen social skills, improve mood, and develop positive coping strategies. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where each individual feels encouraged, capable, and able to find joy in the process of growth and healing. Mental Health Focus Areas Anxiety & Depression Emotional Regulation Stress Management Coping Strategies Self-Esteem and Confidence Building Grief (creative expression and healthy outlets) Social Anxiety and Social Skills Development Behavioral and Emotional Support Mood Improvement Life Transitions Relationship & Family Stress School or College Stress General Wellness and Healthy Habits Therapeutic Approaches Play-Based Therapy Person-Centered Approach Creative/Expressive Interventions (art, movement, games) Individual and Group Therapy Strengths-Based Approach Leisure Education Mind-Body Connection (relaxation, mindfulness, recreation, leisure) Populations Served: Inclusive therapy for people of all identities, backgrounds, and relationships. To schedule an appointment with Melissa, please call (586) 393-1570.