Karen Bergbower, LMSW, CAADC, CPC-M - Therapist, Program Director, President

Karen 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. ​
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​Kellie Jackson, LMSW - Therapist
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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.
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Christine Simon - Project SUCCESS Counselor, Youth-Led Prevention Facilitator

Chris has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Education. She also holds a Professional Teacher Certification. Chris has over 30 years of experience working with children in educational, coaching, and church settings. While she is now retired from teaching, she currently works as a Project SUCCESS counselor and Youth-led Prevention Facilitator in several Livingston County schools. In her free time, Chris enjoys golfing, spending time with family and friends, paddleboarding, and participating in various outdoor activities. ​
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Lacey Semenok, LPC - Therapist
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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.
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Madalyn Parker, BSW, MSW Intern - Project SUCCESS Counselor
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Madalyn is dedicated to making a positive impact as a future social worker. She believes in helping others by meeting them where they are and utilizing a variety of intervention styles to support their unique needs. Currently, she serves as a clinical intern at KBA as well as a Project Success Counselor. As a PS Counselor, Madalyn provides plenty of resources which include running educational support groups and meeting with individual students to offer support. Working with youth, students and adolescents has always been her passion. She is actively obtaining her Certified Prevention Specialist Certificate.  Madalyn graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2023 and is pursuing her Master of Social Work at Michigan State University, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. 
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Samantha Paterni - Prevention and Team Support Specialist
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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. 
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Sarah Mellendorf, BSW, LLMSW - Therapist
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Sarah received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. She also earned 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 is also trained to provide substance use assessments and facilitates weekly Level 1 and Level 2 men’s and women’s substance abuse education groups, offering structured support and education to individuals working toward recovery. Sarah previously served as a team member with the 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 activities, and referrals to community resources and agencies. She is passionate about helping clients build resilience, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change.
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​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 she can to 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.
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​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.
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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 ship 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. 

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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. 

Our KBA Team is growing . . . more bios coming soon!

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.