Behavioral Health Program

Naheim Rida, LMSW
(he/him)

I view therapy as a unique opportunity to reflect on your identity and experiences, and to lay the foundations for healing and thriving. I hope together we can co-create a space that is safe, inviting, and accepting where you can truly express yourself. I have a passion for offering LGBTQ+ affirming services and helping you navigate through life changes, grief, anxiety, depression, and overcoming trauma. I take a holistic and narrative approach to therapy, using multiple evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. In my free time, I enjoy watching films, drawing, and journaling.

Profile Details:

Naheim has a Masters in Social Work, 2 years of experience (excluding internship), and specializes in LGBTQ+ issues, Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Life Transitions. Methods used in his practice include CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths Based, Narrative Therapy, Problem-solving and Solution Oriented Therapy.

Lizz Baarman, LLMSW
(she/they)

Hi there! I’m Lizz, I am a Social Worker who uses a client centered approach mixed with CBT techniques. I have an upbeat, warm, and friendly personality and focus on personal connections while building solutions together. I am particularly helpful for clients struggling with anxiety, codependency, people pleasing tendencies, ADHD, as well as a variety of other issues. I also offer counseling for sexual health or couples, including ethically non-monogamous or polyamorous couples/individuals. I am experienced in serving the LGBTQIA+ community as well as working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. I believe each person has their own unique journey in life and see it as an honor to help someone find their path.

Profile Details:

Lizz has a BA in Psychology, Masters in Social Work, and 2 years of experience (excluding internship). They see clients ranging from young adults to seniors (15-108 years). Areas of expertise include Anxiety, Codependency, People Pleasing, Relationship issues, Sexual Health, Polyamory and Ethical non-monogamy, Depression, Trauma, LGBTQ issues, Couples. 

Cham Smadi, LLPC
(they/them)

My name is Cham Smadi, and I am a trans non-binary Arab American counselor. My pronouns are they/them/theirs. I believe that we are the authors of our own stories and lives, and although there may be forces outside of our control that impose on our lives, we can still choose to take control of how we write and tell our stories. Through support, respect, and acceptance, we can cultivate wellness and wholeness of the mind, body, and spirit and the creative expression of self.

I completed my mental health counseling education at the University of Detroit Mercy and completed my internship experience at Affirmations in Ferndale. I provide trauma-informed counseling for individuals, specifically individuals who identify within the LGBTQ community. I also specialize in multicultural and intersectional individual counseling for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) minority groups and TGNC people of color (POC). My theoretical orientation is a person-centered trauma-informed CBT, with a focus on strengths, the client’s developmental journey, as well as a feminist and family systems approach.

Profile Details:

Cham has a BA in English, and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. They see clients ranging from youth to seniors (9-65+ years).

Yawen Ning (preferred name- Ning), LMSW

(she/her) 

Hello! I’m Ning. I am deeply committed to providing culturally competent and inclusive care. My clinical approach integrates evidence-based techniques like EMDR, DBT, and CBT, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. I specialize in sexual health, trauma, serving the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals practicing ethical non-monogamy. Beyond clinical practice, I am actively involved in research aimed at enhancing our understanding of how sexual health and trauma impact diverse populations.

I am particularly skilled in assisting adults with PTSD, depression, and other mental health challenges, and I support young adults in their identity exploration journeys. My human-centered practice fosters autonomy and collaboration to create a safe and non-judgmental space for growth and healing.

If you’re seeking a therapist who values your individuality and is dedicated to your well-being, I look forward to helping you navigate your path to healing and personal growth.

I am an adventurer who embraces and enjoys many interests, such as clay, drawing, reading, writing, yoga, workouts, medication, running, reality TV shows, travel, mixology, camping, good food, and photography. Outside of my therapy practice, I volunteer for the Chinese Rainable Society and support the Chinese kink community in the US. I also have a social media platform for psychoeducation.

Profile Details:

Ning has a BA in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, Masters in Social Work, and 6 years of experience. Ages served are 18-60 years. Certification and specialized training include sex therapy, EMDR and complex trauma certification, doctoral research on sexual health and trauma, and cultural adaptive Motivation Interviewing training.

Ariel Gant, LPC 
(she/her)

Hey, I’m Ariel. My therapy practice focuses on client-centered, strengths-based approach. I am finishing my EMDR certification (training completed in 2022) and hope to eventually obtain certification in DBT and LPC supervision. I serve clients ages 12+ with focuses on anxiety, depression, self-harm, and trauma. My intervention methods include EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), Motivational interviewing, and TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy). In my free time, I enjoy traveling, photography, arts/crafts, video games, and writing. I hope to someday write a book!

Profile Details:

Ariel has a Masters in Counseling and 7+ years of experience. She serves clients 12+ years.

Stacey Molinaro, LMSW, Supervising Therapist
(she/her)

Hello! I’m Stacey, the Supervising Therapist at Affirmations. In addition to supervising our wonderful social work students, I support the Behavioral Health program at Affirmations through program development and networking.
As a therapist, I focus on adults (18+), with a special interest in older adults (65+). I have spent 15 years helping those with dementia and their families. While I’m passionate about serving this population, I am also interested in helping clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, BiPolar and interpersonal challenges.

My therapeutic philosophy is that the client and therapist are a team, working together to identify personal strengths, abilities and goals. Together we will identify barriers to personal growth, look for ways to address those barriers, and support change through a mix of methods like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions-Focused treatment and narrative therapy. I believe you are the expert in your needs and my role is to support your journey by offering tools and feedback along the way.

I am child-free by choice, but a pet mother to my cat, Luna, and my dog, Vito (whom you may encounter if you visit the center in person.) I enjoy photography, trying new breweries and restaurants, and I’m a big true crime and paranormal nerd. I love making people laugh and find humor to be healing.

Profile Details:

Stacey has a Bachelor of Social Work, Masters in Social Work, and 15 years of experience. She sees clients 18+ and is certified as a Dementia Practitioner. Methods used in her practice include Strengths Based, Solutions-Focused, MI, and CBT.

Cate Spinney, Director of Health and Human Services, LMSW, CAADC, CCS
(she/her)

Welcome! We are so happy to have you here.

My practice is rooted in the belief that therapy is a partnership based on trust, understanding, and authenticity. My expertise lies in trauma-informed care, substance use and addiction, and gender-affirming care. I am currently training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with plans on pursuing full certification. My 17+ years of experience in this field has taught me that, more often than not, the hardest step is the first one. If you’re ready to take the next step toward positive change, I invite you to reach out!

Profile Details:

Cate has a Bachelor of Psychology, Masters in Social Work, and 17 years of experience. She sees clients of all ages. Her specializations include Alcohol and Drug Addiction (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor – MCBAP), EMDR Trained, TF-CBT Certified, Child and Family Services. Methods used in her practice include CBT, MI, EMDR, LGBTQ+ CBT (in progress), Gender Identity.

Jay VanDyke, Intern

(they/them) 

Hi there! I’m Jay, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Affirmations team as a practicing MSW intern. Drawing upon concepts from narrative, humanistic, solutions-focused, and ACT methods I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual in support of their personal goals. I’m here to support individuals in addressing feelings of anxiety, depression, gender identity dysphoria, burnout, loneliness, and technology dependency. My work philosophy is simple: there’s no single “right” way to be yourself. We’re all unique, and I’m passionate about fostering an environment that celebrates these differences every single day.

Off the clock, you’ll often find me spending time outdoors, connecting with friends, or immersed in creative pursuits – from painting and music to woodworking and tabletop role-playing games. Community involvement also means a lot to me, which is why I’m not just pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work but also running a student organization and serving as a student advisor.

Mackenzie Harrell, Intern

(she/her) 

Hi! I am Mackenzie Harrell (She/Her), a MSW Intern at Affirmations! I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Wayne State University and am a current MSW student at Wayne State University. I have one year of experience with social work and have previously worked with middle school kids ranging from 10 to 17 years old. Through this experience I primarily used solutions-focused and strengths-based interventions. I have attended Training in Anti-Racism in Child Welfare Practices. I am also Certified in Opioid Overdose Response Training for Community First Responders. I believe therapy should provide everybody a safe space and hope to offer this to many people. Some fun information about me is that I absolutely love animals and have a dog named Gracie. She is a Cavalier King Charles and a huge baby.

Eleanor Spencer, Intern

(she/her) 

Hi there! I’m Eleanor (she/her) and I am a first year student intern working on my Masters in Social Work at Oakland University. As I begin my social work career, I want to center on providing culturally competent and client-centered care. My goal is to create a space that is safe, inclusive, and accepting to allow you to feel that you can express yourself fully and truthfully. I believe that you are the expert in your own needs and I want to support you along your journey. I am experienced in serving the LGBTQ+ community in non-profit spaces and have worked with adults of all ages in my previous work as a tenant’s rights attorney. I am honored by the opportunity to intern at Affirmations and look forward to learning alongside my clients. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Oakland University as well as Juris Doctor from New York Law School. I practiced as an attorney in New York County Housing Court for 5 years fighting for tenants to remain in their homes and fighting gentrification.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my dogs and traveling. I have recently found a love for running as I find it very meditative. I am a lover of thriller and horror fiction novels and an avid knitter/crocheter.

Jake Cooper, Intern

(he/him) 

Hi, I’m Jake Cooper (he/him), an MSW intern currently completing my MSW degree at Wayne State University. I previously earned a Master’s in Accounting from Oakland University, and now I’m in the process of transitioning to the field of social work. I’ve spent the last 8 months interning at Lincoln Behavioral Services, where I’ve worked with clients ranging from ages 23 to 75. My specialties include mood disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder, as well as case management, with a focus on wraparound services. I primarily use strengths-based and motivational interviewing techniques in my practice.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about the performing arts—I sing with the Prism Gay Men’s Chorus, perform improv, and enjoy writing. I also stay active with CrossFit and hot yoga. My approach to therapy is rooted in a humanistic, strength-based philosophy, and I’m particularly interested in psychodynamic therapy, especially Internal Family Systems. I’m also a firm believer in the power of somatic therapies, incorporating yoga and mindfulness meditation into my practice whenever possible.