Karen Bergbower, LMSW, CAADC, CPC-M
Therapist, Program Director, President
Karen is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in the State of Michigan, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), and a Certified Prevention Consultant (CPC-M). She received both her Master of Social Work degree and her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Michigan. Go Blue!
With more than 30 years of experience, Karen provides therapy to people of all ages, starting with youth as young as 10. Karen provides therapy that is eclectic — rooted in curiosity rather than judgment — and guided by the belief that healing and growth occur through connection and positive relationships. As author Johann Hari once wrote, “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety; it is connection.” Karen believes that connection is essential for overall health and well-being and that it enhances every aspect of our lives. Her clinical work includes treating mental health and substance use issues, providing trauma-informed assessments and interventions, and offering counseling and consultation for adult and juvenile courts, as well as local schools. Karen currently serves as the treatment provider for the Livingston County Juvenile Treatment Court. She has also presented at local and state conferences on mental health, substance use, and prevention topics, and has served as an expert witness in legal cases.
Beyond her clinical practice, Karen is a recognized leader in substance misuse prevention. Since 1994, she has been active in coordinating both school- and community-based prevention initiatives throughout Livingston county and surrounding areas. She currently serves as the Coordinator of the Livingston COMMUNITY PREVENTION Project (LCPP), a collaborative effort of the Livingston County Community Alliance (LCCA), Karen Bergbower & Associates (KBA), and Livingston County Catholic Charities. In this role, Karen oversees the implementation of multiple evidence-based prevention programs designed to reduce substance misuse and related consequences with an emphasis on youth substance use. Prevention programming seeks to reduce underage drinking, prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse, youth cannabis use, and youth tobacco and vaping use by promoting policies and protective factors that strengthen individuals, families, schools, and communities.
Karen provides oversight for youth tobacco and nicotine reduction efforts across Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw counties, and serves on the Leadership Team of the Washtenaw Prevention Coalition. She serves as Chair of the Substance Use Disorder Data Task Force of the LCCA and a member of the Prevention in Action Subcommittee of the LCCA. She has served on the LCCA Executive Board on and off since 1994, currently serves on the Board of Directors for Prevention Network and as President and founding Board Member of Growing Hope Through Love. Her past leadership includes serving 15 years as an appointed member of the Human Services Collaborative Body, and active participation on the Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Work Group, the Community Needs Assessment and Evaluation Work Group, the Livingston County Trauma-Informed System of Care Steering Committee, and a member of the Livingston County Trauma Assessment Team.
Karen lives in Livingston County with her husband, daughter, son, and their cat, Tiger. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hunting for rocks, shells, and driftwood, gardening, hiking, boating, photography, and all things water, especially the beaches of Florida, the shores of Lake Michigan, and the Muskegon River near Hardy Dam.
Therapist, Program Director, President
Karen is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in the State of Michigan, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), and a Certified Prevention Consultant (CPC-M). She received both her Master of Social Work degree and her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Michigan. Go Blue!
With more than 30 years of experience, Karen provides therapy to people of all ages, starting with youth as young as 10. Karen provides therapy that is eclectic — rooted in curiosity rather than judgment — and guided by the belief that healing and growth occur through connection and positive relationships. As author Johann Hari once wrote, “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety; it is connection.” Karen believes that connection is essential for overall health and well-being and that it enhances every aspect of our lives. Her clinical work includes treating mental health and substance use issues, providing trauma-informed assessments and interventions, and offering counseling and consultation for adult and juvenile courts, as well as local schools. Karen currently serves as the treatment provider for the Livingston County Juvenile Treatment Court. She has also presented at local and state conferences on mental health, substance use, and prevention topics, and has served as an expert witness in legal cases.
Beyond her clinical practice, Karen is a recognized leader in substance misuse prevention. Since 1994, she has been active in coordinating both school- and community-based prevention initiatives throughout Livingston county and surrounding areas. She currently serves as the Coordinator of the Livingston COMMUNITY PREVENTION Project (LCPP), a collaborative effort of the Livingston County Community Alliance (LCCA), Karen Bergbower & Associates (KBA), and Livingston County Catholic Charities. In this role, Karen oversees the implementation of multiple evidence-based prevention programs designed to reduce substance misuse and related consequences with an emphasis on youth substance use. Prevention programming seeks to reduce underage drinking, prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse, youth cannabis use, and youth tobacco and vaping use by promoting policies and protective factors that strengthen individuals, families, schools, and communities.
Karen provides oversight for youth tobacco and nicotine reduction efforts across Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw counties, and serves on the Leadership Team of the Washtenaw Prevention Coalition. She serves as Chair of the Substance Use Disorder Data Task Force of the LCCA and a member of the Prevention in Action Subcommittee of the LCCA. She has served on the LCCA Executive Board on and off since 1994, currently serves on the Board of Directors for Prevention Network and as President and founding Board Member of Growing Hope Through Love. Her past leadership includes serving 15 years as an appointed member of the Human Services Collaborative Body, and active participation on the Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Work Group, the Community Needs Assessment and Evaluation Work Group, the Livingston County Trauma-Informed System of Care Steering Committee, and a member of the Livingston County Trauma Assessment Team.
Karen lives in Livingston County with her husband, daughter, son, and their cat, Tiger. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hunting for rocks, shells, and driftwood, gardening, hiking, boating, photography, and all things water, especially the beaches of Florida, the shores of Lake Michigan, and the Muskegon River near Hardy Dam.
Kellie Jackson, LMSW
Therapist
Kellie is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who is committed to helping individuals address a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. Kellie works with individuals, couples, and families, and sees clients ages 8 and up.
As an EMDR-trained therapist, Kellie utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process past trauma and manage its emotional impact. Kellie takes a collaborative, client-centered approach, working with each person to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe and supportive space. She focuses on helping clients develop coping skills and create lasting change in their lives through multiple modalities, including but not limited to EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness and Somatic Therapies, and Structural Family Therapy.
Therapist
Kellie is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who is committed to helping individuals address a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. Kellie works with individuals, couples, and families, and sees clients ages 8 and up.
As an EMDR-trained therapist, Kellie utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process past trauma and manage its emotional impact. Kellie takes a collaborative, client-centered approach, working with each person to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe and supportive space. She focuses on helping clients develop coping skills and create lasting change in their lives through multiple modalities, including but not limited to EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness and Somatic Therapies, and Structural Family Therapy.
Lacey Semenok, LPC
Therapist
Lacey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges in a compassionate and supportive environment. She works with a wide range of clients including children, teens, adults, and couples. Lacey provides a safe, non-judgmental space for personal growth and healing. She is a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and is committed to offering inclusive and affirming care for all individuals.
With years of experience, Lacey specializes in addressing a range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma, family conflict, and self-esteem challenges. She takes a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Lacey utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies. Her goal is to help clients develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.
Lacey lives in Livingston County with her husband, son, 3 cats (Charlie, Oscar, and Oliver), and 1 dog (Baylee). In her free time, Lacey enjoys spending quality time with family, doing puzzles, listening to audiobooks, and playing board games.
Lacey is currently accepting new clients.
Therapist
Lacey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges in a compassionate and supportive environment. She works with a wide range of clients including children, teens, adults, and couples. Lacey provides a safe, non-judgmental space for personal growth and healing. She is a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and is committed to offering inclusive and affirming care for all individuals.
With years of experience, Lacey specializes in addressing a range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma, family conflict, and self-esteem challenges. She takes a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Lacey utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies. Her goal is to help clients develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.
Lacey lives in Livingston County with her husband, son, 3 cats (Charlie, Oscar, and Oliver), and 1 dog (Baylee). In her free time, Lacey enjoys spending quality time with family, doing puzzles, listening to audiobooks, and playing board games.
Lacey is currently accepting new clients.
Madalyn Parker, BSW, LLMSW
Therapist, Project SUCCESS Counselor, Prime For Life Instructor, Youth-Led Prevention Facilitator
Madalyn is dedicated to making a positive impact as a social worker and believes in meeting people where they are to best support their unique needs. She utilizes a variety of intervention styles and approaches to empower clients in achieving personal growth and well-being.
Working with youth has always been Madalyn’s passion, though she also provides therapy and assessment for adults. As a clinical therapist, she offers both in-person and virtual counseling sessions. Within the Prevention Team, Madalyn provides educational presentations on vaping and tobacco, implements Project SUCCESS in local middle and high schools, co-advises the Hartland Be The Change youth leadership group, and facilitates Prime For Life classes.
As a Project SUCCESS Counselor, she is integrated into school environments to provide screening, support, and prevention education to students, families, and staff. Her work includes meeting with students individually and in groups, connecting them to local resources, supporting and training staff, and organizing school-wide awareness activities.
Madalyn earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in 2023 and her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University in 2025. She is actively working toward her Certified Prevention Specialist credential.
Therapist, Project SUCCESS Counselor, Prime For Life Instructor, Youth-Led Prevention Facilitator
Madalyn is dedicated to making a positive impact as a social worker and believes in meeting people where they are to best support their unique needs. She utilizes a variety of intervention styles and approaches to empower clients in achieving personal growth and well-being.
Working with youth has always been Madalyn’s passion, though she also provides therapy and assessment for adults. As a clinical therapist, she offers both in-person and virtual counseling sessions. Within the Prevention Team, Madalyn provides educational presentations on vaping and tobacco, implements Project SUCCESS in local middle and high schools, co-advises the Hartland Be The Change youth leadership group, and facilitates Prime For Life classes.
As a Project SUCCESS Counselor, she is integrated into school environments to provide screening, support, and prevention education to students, families, and staff. Her work includes meeting with students individually and in groups, connecting them to local resources, supporting and training staff, and organizing school-wide awareness activities.
Madalyn earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in 2023 and her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University in 2025. She is actively working toward her Certified Prevention Specialist credential.
Samantha Paterni
Prevention and Team Support Specialist
Samantha helps KBA keep pace with the needs of its staff by providing administrative support in a variety of different capacities, such as data entry, social media management, and general task support.
Samantha graduated from Oakland University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, specializing in Creative Writing. Her background is in administrative support and substitute teaching. Samantha loves helping others and working with children to provide a positive impact.
When she’s not at work, she’s spending quality time with her husband and son. She loves reading, writing, and digitally editing creative videos in her spare time.
Prevention and Team Support Specialist
Samantha helps KBA keep pace with the needs of its staff by providing administrative support in a variety of different capacities, such as data entry, social media management, and general task support.
Samantha graduated from Oakland University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, specializing in Creative Writing. Her background is in administrative support and substitute teaching. Samantha loves helping others and working with children to provide a positive impact.
When she’s not at work, she’s spending quality time with her husband and son. She loves reading, writing, and digitally editing creative videos in her spare time.
Sarah Mellendorf, BSW, LLMSW
Therapist
Sarah received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work and her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Eastern Michigan University. As a Limited Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LLMSW) in the State of Michigan, she has experience supporting individuals with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many other life circumstances. Sarah takes an integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy, incorporating interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Humanistic Psychology, while also utilizing trauma-informed and preventative techniques to support long-term healing and growth.
She conducts substance use assessments and facilitates KBA's substance use groups for men and women, offering structured education, encouraging self assessment, increasing motivation to change, and supporting those working toward recovery. Sarah previously served as a team member of Livingston County Juvenile Treatment Court (JTC), as well as a Project SUCCESS Counselor in Livingston County area schools. In these roles, she provided a range of services which included prevention education, group and individual counseling, school and community awareness and outreach, and referrals to community resources and agencies.
Sarah is passionate about helping clients build resilience, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Therapist
Sarah received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work and her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Eastern Michigan University. As a Limited Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LLMSW) in the State of Michigan, she has experience supporting individuals with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many other life circumstances. Sarah takes an integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy, incorporating interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Humanistic Psychology, while also utilizing trauma-informed and preventative techniques to support long-term healing and growth.
She conducts substance use assessments and facilitates KBA's substance use groups for men and women, offering structured education, encouraging self assessment, increasing motivation to change, and supporting those working toward recovery. Sarah previously served as a team member of Livingston County Juvenile Treatment Court (JTC), as well as a Project SUCCESS Counselor in Livingston County area schools. In these roles, she provided a range of services which included prevention education, group and individual counseling, school and community awareness and outreach, and referrals to community resources and agencies.
Sarah is passionate about helping clients build resilience, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Emily Cuellar
Engagement & Administrative Specialist
Emily has been working with KBA for almost 4 years as a part time employee. She believes in helping everyone get the services they need. She currently attends school at Eastern Michigan University, majoring in English with a minor in Communications. Emily also enjoys hanging out with her friends, going on walks, and relaxing at home.
Engagement & Administrative Specialist
Emily has been working with KBA for almost 4 years as a part time employee. She believes in helping everyone get the services they need. She currently attends school at Eastern Michigan University, majoring in English with a minor in Communications. Emily also enjoys hanging out with her friends, going on walks, and relaxing at home.
Sandra Parker, LMSW, CPS
Community Prevention Specialist and Outreach Coordinator
Sandra is a Community Prevention Specialist and Outreach Coordinator for Karen Bergbower & Associates. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Master's degree in Social Work. Sandra has an extensive background working in substance use disorders, prevention and recovery education. Working with youth, adolescents and students, has always been her passion. As a Prevention Specialist, she provides a variety of resources, including leading educational support groups, curriculum-based support groups and meeting with individual students to offer support. As the Youth-Led Outreach Coordinator, Sandra has the pleasure of facilitating and working alongside our youth while organizing activities and events, making connections and building relationships throughout the community.
Community Prevention Specialist and Outreach Coordinator
Sandra is a Community Prevention Specialist and Outreach Coordinator for Karen Bergbower & Associates. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Master's degree in Social Work. Sandra has an extensive background working in substance use disorders, prevention and recovery education. Working with youth, adolescents and students, has always been her passion. As a Prevention Specialist, she provides a variety of resources, including leading educational support groups, curriculum-based support groups and meeting with individual students to offer support. As the Youth-Led Outreach Coordinator, Sandra has the pleasure of facilitating and working alongside our youth while organizing activities and events, making connections and building relationships throughout the community.
Chris Curvin
DYTUR (Designated Youth Tobacco Use Representative) - Region 6
Tobacco/Nicotine Prevention and Reduction - Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties
Chris has been married for 34 years and has four children -Carly, Catherine, Claire, & Carter. Chris' background is in purchasing at General Motors, where he worked for 20 years. Chris also owned a custom made ice cream shop in South Lyon for 3+ years. In his spare time, Chris likes to golf, hunt, fish, hike, play cards and games, play/watch sports, and spend time with his family. He visits tobacco/nicotine retailers across the region providing support and education to encourage enforcement of Michigan's Youth Tobacco Act.
DYTUR (Designated Youth Tobacco Use Representative) - Region 6
Tobacco/Nicotine Prevention and Reduction - Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties
Chris has been married for 34 years and has four children -Carly, Catherine, Claire, & Carter. Chris' background is in purchasing at General Motors, where he worked for 20 years. Chris also owned a custom made ice cream shop in South Lyon for 3+ years. In his spare time, Chris likes to golf, hunt, fish, hike, play cards and games, play/watch sports, and spend time with his family. He visits tobacco/nicotine retailers across the region providing support and education to encourage enforcement of Michigan's Youth Tobacco Act.
Hailey Kowalski, BSW, MSW Intern
Hailey is currently a student at the University of Michigan, getting her Masters in Social Work. She graduates in December 2025 and is Interning at KBA for the remainder of the year. She has previous Social Work experience, including working with juveniles and as a direct care worker. Some of her special interests outside of work include reading, hanging out with friends, traveling, and playing with her cats.
Elizabeth Barbour, BS, MSW Intern
Elizabeth is a student intern currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan, with an anticipated graduation in August 2026. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2021. Elizabeth has experience working in research focused on suicide prevention, substance use, and transition services for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She integrates trauma-informed, family-systems, and attachment-informed perspectives into her practice.
Elizabeth is a student intern currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan, with an anticipated graduation in August 2026. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2021. Elizabeth has experience working in research focused on suicide prevention, substance use, and transition services for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She integrates trauma-informed, family-systems, and attachment-informed perspectives into her practice.