Meet our team! The Joe Martino Counseling Network offers in person and virtual therapy. Please note that our providers work at different locations. You will find the location they work at listed below their bio. Please call the office if you have any questions.
THERAPY TEAM
Joe Martino, LPC
Owner, Counselor
Finding healthy ways to communicate is what I strive to teach each of my clients. I specialize in relationship therapy, which may involve couples, parent/child, friends, or co-workers. I want to help each client strengthen any relationship they may have. Relationships can be hard. You can care about someone and still have destructive patterns of communication.
I strive to make each client feel heard, valued, and safe. When we can achieve this, he or she will be on a path to mental wellness. I want to help each person learn new and better ways to communicate. Sometimes, we just need to be heard by someone. I want to hear from each client by listening deeply to what they are saying. I believe that by listening to each person and helping them uncover the potential consequences to each decision they are considering I can help them to make choices that are right for them. I believe each person's situation is unique and should be treated on its own merit.
Joe is the author of the book, The Emotionally Secure Couple, which can be purchased on his webpage, Amazon or wherever quality books are sold.
You can find his personal webpage by clicking here.
(Grand Rapids, Lowell)
Erica Martino MA, LPC
Owner, Director Of Operations
I have worked with individuals, couples, and children for over 8 years. Clients have find me to be warm, friendly, and engaging. My desire is that every person feels safe and comfortable in my presence so that together we can navigate the troubles of life. I believe in empowering clients to be the best person they can be! I will be your biggest fan, your best listener, and maybe the only person in your life that believes in you or your relationship.
Sarah Bulthuis, MA, LPC
Counseling is a unique experience for each person. Finding someone who makes you feel comfortable and listened to is one of the most essential pieces of your journey. My goal is to build a trusting relationship while helping you work through any barriers you may face. I desire that you will feel safe and valued. Together we can navigate life’s stressors and help you reshape your future.
I have worked with adults and children in the mental health field for the past 21 years. For the past five years, I have been blessed to be able to walk alongside many people in a variety of settings. Some areas that I have experience in are trauma, domestic violence, autism, and working with families as well as individuals and couples.
(Lowell)
https://provider.kareo.com/sarah-bulthuis
Marsha Dykstra MA, LLPC
How is YOUR journey going? Are you on the highway, cruising along smoothly through life, or, are you sitting in the driveway, stuck! I like to view the counseling process as a "tune up" for life. Are you in need of a tune up? I would love to share some time with you to explore possible barriers to your peace and happiness. My name is Marsha Dykstra, and prior to receiving my Master of Art in Professional Counseling, I worked as an RN for 21 years. I loved every minute of my nursing journey, but after so many years, felt a "calling" to go back to school and change my path from helping people physically, to helping them mentally. I have been so happy that I made this choice. The majority of my counseling career, thus far, has been working with individuals suffering with addictions, Depression, Anxiety and several other diagnoses. I enjoy working with teens and adults of all ages. I have two daughters, who are so special to me, as well as a faithful dog named Izzy. I enjoy music of many kinds, bonfires, camping, and travel. I have been told that I am a good listener, and am compassionate and caring. If you would like to share some time, on this journey we call life, I am here!
https://provider.kareo.com/marsha-dykstra
Kyle Ford MA, LLPC
Every person has a story to tell. Owning this story, becoming aware of how it fits within a larger narrative, and knowing where they want their story to go, will help each person take control of their lives. Each story is unique and up to the individual to where the story goes. With hard work and a desire to make a change, therapy is a place for this to happen in an accepting and safe environment.
Through my eight years of experience as a foster/adoptive parent, as well as thirteen years working with those coping with trauma, I have found that a supportive person to listen, along with the creative arts, can give the confidence for anyone to control the next chapter of their story (no matter where it started). My area of expertise is helping clients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, abuse, and/or neglect. My goal is to help every client feel heard, respected, and confident enough to change the next chapter of their story in a safe and creative environment.
https://provider.kareo.com/kyle-ford
Location: Lowell
Shelley Homolka, LPC
I have worked with families and children for over 15 years. I have expertise in Trauma, anxiety, depression, and family relationships. I believe that asking for help takes courage and vulnerability. It is my goal to meet you where you are and to help facilitate life in a safe space. We all experience brokenness in our lives, and I believe that I can help in your journey to create new healthy patterns through motivation, support, and skill. My formalized training is in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am experienced in serving children, teens, adults, and families in various levels of care (In-Home, Outpatient, School Based) with issues including mood disorders, parenting problems, anxiety, relational struggles, ADHD, and trauma.
Location: Lowell
Ashley Houdek, LMSW
My path as a therapist began in the educational setting about 10 years ago working with children and teens struggling with Social/Emotional Regulation, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Peer Conflict, and Suicidal Ideations and Tendencies. I also have experience working with children and teens who are on the Spectrum and who have experienced trauma.
I believe in establishing rapport with you as this is a very important part in building a trusting therapeutic relationship. I aim to provide you with a calm, relaxing space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. I am here to guide you through your struggles and help you build the tools necessary to conquer those struggles.
Location: Grandville
Izzie Matthews, LLMSW
As a therapist, I have experience working with children, teens, and adults. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship / family issues, or school- and work- related issues, I am ready to meet you where you are. Throughout our therapeutic journey, I will strive to help you address your needs, challenges, and goals through a transparent and compassionate approach. My goal is to help you feel fulfilled in your life whether that means challenging negative thoughts, learning coping skills, making a difficult change, or another goal you set for yourself. I believe that with this environment, healing and growth arise.
With patience and intention, I seek to connect, understand, and nurture the well-being of others. I believe using an eclectic, trauma-informed, and personalized approach is key to the therapeutic process. By bringing authenticity and honesty to each session, we will work together to recognize, explore, and support your strengths, emotions, and perspectives.
I aim to create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for you that will promote healing and growth. By holding space for you and your experiences, we will strengthen our trust and connection and begin the therapeutic journey together. My intention is to provide a genuine, receptive, and compassionate space for you to process the human experience.
Kareo Profile:https://provider.kareo.com/isabelle-matthews-1
Location: Lowell
Shannon McGee LMSW
Each of us has a journey that shapes how we see the world and others. Our journey may throw hurdles at us that come unexpectedly. Through each hurdle, we have those that help to guide us, and by guiding us, we also learn to guide ourselves and grow as people. Each person has a unique story and journey that they are going through. I aim to work with people on their journey through life and provide them with validation and empathy through the roadblocks that life brings. I want people to feel supported and heard through their experiences. I strive to show people guidance through their lives and how to manage daily struggles through listening and helping add tools that will assist you with dealing with your struggles and hardships. Together, we will work on building a trusting and safe environment for you to share your struggles and have someone who is here to listen and walk with you down the path of life you are on. You are not alone in this, I am here to show you that you and your life experiences matter and are an important part of growing as people.
I have experience working with teens and adults who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, substance use, and communication issues. I look forward to walking alongside you and helping you grow as a good person on your journey through life.
https://provider.kareo.com/shannon-mcgee
Location: Lowell
Rudick Alison, LLMSW
When I started in this field, just about 25 years ago, I did not realize the impact mental health had on every day lives. I also did not realize that you and I would also have daily struggles in our own daily lives, with our own physical health, relationship health, mental health etc.,.
Truthfully, I never realized that the etcetera’s and dot dot dots were the areas no one wanted to discuss. Smile, nod, and say you are “fine”, right? Well as a society, we have made some gains on connecting those dots and explaining the etcetera’s. What about you? How far are you personally, from making those connections and giving attention to those etcetera’s?
Whether you are looking for individual therapy or sessions as a couple, I would be honored to work alongside of you. If your dots and etcetera’s include relationship issues, individual mental health issues, or issues adjusting to life today, lets connect so you can take steps to connect your dots and shed light to your etcetera’s.
My plan is to partner with you to develop and re-learn the tools it takes for you to successfully connect those dots within your own system. I have experience working with people of all ages, with varying degrees of challenges. My experience as a Generalist Social Worker has led me to A Culture of Gentleness, Motivational Interviewing, the Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Systems Theory, Strengths Approach, and many more.
As a Generalist Practitioner I aim to promote growth, development, and to connect dots across multiple areas of daily life at an individual, group, and community level.
Location: Grandville, Virtual
Stephanie West MA, LPC
Relationships matter, and when they begin to break down – family relationships, work relationships, friendships, organizational relationships – a lot of pain, confusion, and anger can result. Things that are broken in relationships can also be restored and healed with time, effort, and a desire for change. Therapy can be a piece of that change.
I am drawn to working with those struggling in their relationships for whatever reason: peer conflict, marital struggles, dating and friendship issues, bullying, and more. Working with women is a particular area of interest. My experiences as a middle school and high school teacher over the past decade have led me to work with adolescents and young adults on school-related frustrations, including ADHD, bullying issues, learning struggles, and conflict resolution. What is damaged in the community can be better restored in the community. Together, we can work through strategies that help support change and healing in the areas that are most important to you!
https://provider.kareo.com/stephanie-west-1
Location: Grand Rapids, Grandville
PSYCHIATRIC PROVIDERS
Joseph Drumm, MD Supervising Psychiatrist
Dr.Drumm attended medical school at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. During residency, he engaged in research utilizing Ketamine for treating various psychiatric disorders with a unique and highly effective protocol.
Dr. Drumm does not see patients at our office.
Cassandra Gagliardo, PMHNP
Location: Grand Rapids
David Tillema, PMHNP
I believe that mental health impacts every aspect of our lives and is influenced by various complex factors. After working for ten years as a registered nurse, I realized that all health begins with mental health. I became a nurse practitioner to help better patients achieve their best and most fulfilled lives possible. I received my master’s degree in nursing from Wayne State University and am board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) across the lifespan through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
As a PMHNP, I focus on providing patients with tools to treat their mental health concerns and maximize their wellness, primarily through medication management and building coping skills. I believe treatment should be individualized and that decision-making should be shared between the patient and provider. I look forward to working with patients of all ages and backgrounds to build strong relationships and maximize the quality of life for the long term.
I was born and raised in West Michigan, am a huge sports fan, enjoy being active, and love anything to do with mountains, especially hiking and snowboarding. I look forward to meeting you!
Location: Grand Rapids, Grandville
Tyonna Kirkland, Medical Assistant
I am 26 years old and have obtained my Associate’s Degree in Applied Science (AAS) from Ross Medical of Grand Rapids making me a qualified Medical Assistant.
Prior to starting this position, I worked as a Daycare teacher and a Care Aide for a local group home. Eventually transitioning into Homecare and Resident Assisting for the elderly, which in total has given me eight amazing years of caregiving.
My biggest and most rewarding accomplishment is being a full-time mother to the sweetest three-year- old. Outside of work I thoroughly enjoy cooking and reading while also running two businesses. One being Catering/Event planning and the other an Online clothing store.
Location: Grand Rapids, Grandville
PSYCHOLOGY TEAM
Karen Salerno, LP
Diagnostic Psychologist with a deep knowledge of gold-standard assessments for a wide range of disorders. Client-focused professional with a reputation of excellence among physicians, clients, and schools for providing quality reports that inform treatment planning, school accommodations, and medication options to achieve the best outcomes.
Location:Grand Rapids
https://provider.kareo.com/karen-salerno
Support Team
Maria Martino, Operations Coordinator
Kendra Martino, Office Manager
Lindsay Bryan, Relationship Coordination Specialist
Kim Cottrell, Director of Billing
Kaidance Martino, Customer Support
Kyra Martino, Customer Support
In Loving Memory
On April 2, 2018, Marissa passed away after a long battle with cancer. Marissa was a phenomenal therapist! She joined our practice in 2014 and learned every aspect of the business. She was known around the office for her wisdom, love for life, and finding joy in the journey. She would choose joy many days, even when she did not feel the best. She saw clients up until her final days here on earth. Marissa is missed dearly and will always be a part of us. You can learn more about her life and the reason for her joy by watching this documentary of her life. https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/199050
Marissa Freyling MA, LLPC
Her Bio:
Have you ever had a pair of sunglasses with the perfect lens to look through? Then one day, you lose them. The task of finding a new pair that has a similar feel, comparable look, and the same perspective can seem quite daunting. It may be a silly analogy, but I believe counseling can often have the same effect.
Life is a journey of ups and downs, roadblocks and detours, times of sorrow, and moments of joy. Often times we look at each area in our lives through the same perspective, the same lens. My goal is to help you gain new perspectives, to guide you in taking a fresh look at life through a new lens. To see the beauty in the broken, to choose joy in the midst of sadness, to find courage in the face of fear, and to have patience in times of longing.
I consider it an honor to walk alongside someone wherever they find themselves within the journey of life. I have a passion for helping children blossom into their personalities and illuminating their emotions, for building a safe and trusting relationship with teenagers who are discovering themselves and their purpose in life, and for adults who are struggling to find balance and value among the pressures of life.