Brighter Tomorrow Wellness Center
Meet The Team
Emily Short
Owner/Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I work with individuals, couples, and families. In session, I take a Person Centered approach to develop a treatment plan that best outlines the progress the individual, couple or family wants to make in therapy. By utilizing a Brief Solution Focused Therapy approach, this model can assist in accomplishing therapy goals in a short time frame. Additionally, I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy . My graduate and doctoral coursework has also trained me in multiple other therapeutic models.
I am a Licensed marriage and family therapist, and currently pursuing my doctorate degree.
Before opening Brighter Tomorrow Wellness Center, I worked collaboratively with a neurodevelopment assessment team to complete Trauma Assessments for youth involved in the Child Welfare System. I am skilled in conducting many assessment tools that assess the cognitive and academic abilities of a youth, as well as the Emotional and Behavioral abilities. I have been working in private practice since 2015 working with a variety of demographics.
Jenna Newton
Licensed Master Social Worker
Jenna Newton holds a Masters degree in Social Work from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Saginaw Valley State University. She has been working in the mental health field for the past 10 years and has a wide variety of experience. Her experience ranges from working at an outpatient therapy office to spending several years on an inpatient psychiatric unit. She also spent a few years working as an adjunct faculty member at Baker College where she taught a variety of human service and psychology classes. Within the mental health field, her special interests includes LGBTQ+, positive body image, and grief and loss support. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys attending concerts and drag shows, spending quality time with her 2 little boys, spending time with friends, exploring new places, watching scary movies and seeing her favorite comedians.
Wendy Sparks
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Hi! I'm Wendy and I’m glad you’re here. It’s a big step to even consider seeking therapy and I want to tell you that you are in the right place, and I’m proud of you. Life can be a challenge at times, consider me a guide to help you navigate those difficult moments through your journey.
I am passionate about creating a safe and inviting space where you can share and explore your thoughts, concerns, and feelings openly and without judgement. I believe that you are the expert at your life and how you choose to live it. As a therapist I prefer to utilize a collaborative and integrative approach that is best suited to fit the needs of each client. I specialize in working with couples and individuals who are struggling with sex & relationship concerns such as infidelity, conflict management, emotional regulation and intelligence, communication, intimacy, & rebuilding connection. My graduate and doctoral coursework has trained me in various therapeutic methods and models that allow me to find the best fit for my clients. I find therapy works best for clients that are open and receptive to learning more about themselves and new ways of doing old things. I have experience in working with those in active recovery, those seeking premarital work, and those struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, emotional dysregulation, needing anger management, infidelity, trust issues, & conflict management.
Mayghen Howell
Licensed Master Social Worker
Hi. I’m Mayghen (she/her) and I am a License Master of Social Work (LMSW). My experience includes over 4 years of working with children, adolescents, and families. I believe providing a safe space without judgment is important to healing. I provide that along with active listening, empathy, and validation. I believe that everyone brings their strengths and life experiences to the table. Using these, to help foster the therapeutic relationship, I believe individuals are able to achieve and maintain their goals. I have experience treating individuals with depression, trauma, ADHD, anger, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. I also have experience working with members of the LGBTQA community. Interventions I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT). I believe in a person centered and strength based approach to provide a respectful, compassionate, and trusting environment for self-exploration. Currently I am accepting children (over the age of 10), teens and adults. At this time, I am only providing Telehealth appointments. I look forward to meeting you and helping you through your healing process
Jimmy Vuong
Licensed Master Social Worker
I believe that therapy is a collaboration between both the client and the therapist, working together to achieve your goals. I am committed to providing diversity-affirming care while also utilizing research-supported treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have worked with individuals across the lifespan, and have extensive speciality in supporting college students through young adulthood in navigating the evolving life stage of emerging adulthood. I work with clients to help you learn coping strategies, identify your inner strengths, land cultivate the life you want to live. I will work with you on identifying and changing patterns in your thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and/or relationships that are no longer working for you. I will help you develop strategies to cope with life challenges, support you in identifying your strengths, and using those strengths to help cultivate a life consistent with your values and personal goals. It takes courage to be vulnerable and to share one's life story and I hope to walk with you in the process. I currently have virtual openings for new clients. I look forward to connecting with you.
Molly Schaar
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Molly Schaar is dedicated to providing high-quality therapy services for individuals, families, and couples. Molly utilizes neuroscience-based interventions to support the mental and overall well-being of her clients, including the use of contextual therapy. With a wealth of experience in private practice and clinical settings, Molly aims to emphasize the significance of understanding the science and biology behind human behavior to improve clients' quality of life. She is committed to creating a therapy space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported on their therapeutic journey. Molly believes that a science-based approach on facts integrated with a contextual lens can provide insight that propels clients towards short-term and long-term goals they have across a variety of needs.
Molly is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a BA in Communications. She is a 4.0 graduate of Northcentral University with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Professional Member, and a Delta Kappa International Society Member.
Andrea Krause
Limited License Marriage and Family Therapist
I work with any variety of individuals, partnerships, and families (children and adults). I am trained in systems theory and believe equally in nature and nurture. Many things have made us each who we are and I enjoy helping people along toward their personal happiness, no matter what that might look like to you. I am fortunate to have many experiences that have led me to this spot in life including a background in genetics at the University of Michigan, multiple years serving in many capacities within the public school system, and also becoming a Registered Behavior Technician working with children on the autism spectrum 2-8. I also have a passion serving our community volunteering at a local hospital pediatrics unit and interning at a local mental health partial hospitalization program. My goal is to build treatment around what will work for you, on your
personal timeline and within your personal capabilities. We can explore your past, present, and future collaboratively to establish the avenue toward solutions that you can be satisfied with.
Andrew Glidden
Master Social Worker Intern
Hello! My name is Andrew, and I am a current student pursuing my master’s degree in social work, as well as a current intern here at Brighter Tomorrow Wellness Center! With previous experience at a short-term in-patient detoxification facility, I come prepared to provide an empathetic and understanding atmosphere and intentions to work collaboratively with you to enhance well-being and address concerns in a safe and non-judgmental space. Our environmental experiences are unique, and it is my intention to understand yours. My goal is to assist you with navigating your environment and setting appropriate goals to achieve a solution that results in an improvement to your life.