Our KBA Team is growing . . . more bios coming soon!
Karen Bergbower, LMSW, CAADC, CPC-M - Therapist, Program Director, President
Karen Bergbower received her master of social work degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work where she also completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology. She is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in the State of Michigan. Karen has over 30 years of experience working with adults, youth, and families. She works with mental health and substance use issues and is a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor (CAADC). Karen is trained to provide trauma-informed assessments and interventions. She has also provided counseling and consultation for adult and juvenile courts, as well as schools. Karen is currently the treatment provider for the Livingston County Juvenile Treatment Court.
In addition to her clinical work, Karen is a leader in local substance misuse prevention initiatives. She is a certified prevention consultant in Michigan (CPC-M) and has been active in prevention work since 1994. Karen currently serves as the Coordinator of the Livingston COMMUNITY PREVENTION Project (LCPP), which is a substance misuse collaborative driven by the Livingston County Community Alliance (LCCA) in partnership with Karen Bergbower & Associates (KBA) and Livingston County Catholic Charities. The LCPP partners work together to implement several evidence-based prevention programs that target youth, parents, schools, and the community, to reduce childhood and underage drinking, reduce prescription and over the counter drug abuse/misuse, and reduce illicit drug use. Karen also provides oversight for additional prevention programming that reduces youth access to and use of tobacco and vaping products.
Karen lives with her husband, daughter, son, and cats (Willow and Tiger) in Livingston County and is active in the community. She is the Treasurer of the Livingston County Community Alliance (LCCA), Chair of the Substance Use Disorder Data Task Force of LCCA. Karen is a founding Board member of Growing Hope Through Love and continues to serve as President. She previously served as an appointed member to the Human Services Collaborative Body and served as a member of the Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Work Group, the Community Needs Assessment and Evaluation Work Group, was a member of the Steering Committee of the Livingston County Trauma Informed System of Care, and served on the Livingston County Trauma Assessment Team. When not at work, Karen enjoys reading, rock hunting, looking for driftwood, gardening, hiking, boating, photography, and all things water. She enjoys the beach - both in Florida and on Lake Michigan - as well as the Muskegon River and Hardy Dam.
Emily Cuellar
Katherine Dzialowski, BA
Kellie Jackson, LMSW
Spencer Korte, BS, MSW Intern
Sarah Mellendorf, BSW, LLMSW
Sarah received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Eastern Michigan University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. Sarah is a limited licensed master’s social worker (LLMSW) in the State of Michigan. She has experience working with substance use and mental health disorders, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many other life circumstances. Sarah utilizes a therapeutic approach that combines cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and humanistic psychology, along with numerous preventative techniques and trauma-informed practices. Sarah is a team member with the Livingston County Juvenile Drug Treatment Court (JDTC), as well as a Project SUCCESS Counselor in Livingston County area schools. In these roles, she provides a range of services which include prevention education, group and individual counseling, school and community awareness and outreach activities, and referrals to community resources and agencies.
Kim McKenzie, LMSW
Madalyn Parker, BSW, MSW Intern
Sandra Parker, LMSW, CPS
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.
Lacey Semenok, LPC
Lacey will be joining us in September 2023. She is currently accepting new clients.
If you are interested in services for you or a family member, or to become involved in a community-wide prevention initiative, please call Karen Bergbower & Associates at 810.225.9550, email [email protected], or fill out this form.