Jennifer Michalak

Hi, I’m Jennifer, a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) dedicated to helping kids, adults, and families find balance, strength, and clarity. Over my career, I have helped neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals from diverse backgrounds across many settings, including family care centers, community agencies, the family court system, and schools. Before becoming a clinical therapist, I started out in early childhood education. Post graduation with a Master of Social Work , I have been a community liaison, school-based social worker, behavior specialist, child advocate, and school-based mental health therapist. This background gives me a deep understanding of what shapes and influences life, allowing me to see your unique story through a big-picture lens.

Life can feel overwhelming when you are trying to manage stress, handle big emotions, or steady yourself and the people who depend on you during major changes. Because of my professional background, I understand the complicated real-world environments that affect your daily life, and I use that experience to help you advocate for yourself and others within your circle of influence. I combine proven, practical tools with a warm, down-to-earth style. Together, we will create a safe space where you can share your experiences, build everyday coping skills, and grow through life's toughest challenges.

The decision to start therapy is a brave one. Inviting someone into your unique life circumstances, thoughts, and emotions is a major step, and I highly value your right to guide your own healing process. After we review the standard professional guidelines of our work together, I leave what happens next entirely up to you. We can take time to get to know each other as people, or we can dive right into what brought you to therapy. You can share as much or as little as you want. If you start opening up about a topic and decide, "Nope, that’s closed for now," that is completely okay!