Meet Hope & Thrive's
Founder & Therapist
Nicole Cannonier, LMSW,CCTP, RYT
SHE/HER
My truth statement goes something like this.
- I am Determined and Deserving or the good life has to offer me
- I am Resilient that’s my superpower.
- I am Intentional by making choices that help me honor my truest self.
- I am a Visionary and I chose to see the victory in life, people, opportunities and challenges.
- I am Encouraged that there is more and that it gets better and I want to encourage you to believe this.
- I am Now, which means I am present and in this moment because living for tomorrow is not promised and being stuck in yesterday doesn’t permit growth.
This affirmation was developed through my journey of life including the good, bad and ugly parts of life. I hope we can vibe together to help you create your truth statement and live it to its fullest.
CREDENTIALS
- Fully Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan.
- More than 13 years of experience working with people from diverse walks of life.
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
- EMDR Basic Training Certification expected 3/2024
- Registered Yoga Teacher
- Certified Transformation Life Coach
- I am the founder of the MY HOPES nonprofit organization which works specifically with youth who are caregivers to sick family members.
- I love working with people from all walks of life and watching them achieve their goals step by step, day by day.
Looking forward to Vibing & Thriving,
Nicole Cannonier, LMSW,CCTP,RYT
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network.
Blue Cross Complete, & AETNA
VARIOUS EAP PLANS
Meet Hope & Thrive Resident Therapist & Wellness Coach
Desiree "Dez" Sanders, LMSW, BSN,RN
SHE/HER
Dez, LMSW, BSN, RN is a Resident Therapist with Hope & Thrive Counseling Services.
"As a master's level social worker and registered nurse I take a holistic approach to providing therapeutic services to clients. My goal as a mental health professional is to support clients as they face challenges, such as anxiety, depression, grief and chronic disease.
I am a certified Symbis Relationship Facilitator specializing in couples counseling.
Through a client-centered partnership my hope is to help clients thrive in all aspects of their wellbeing. I am available for evening & weekend telehealth appointments."
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network & CignaMeet Hope & Thrive Associate Therapist & Clinical Manager
Anna Niforos, LLMSW
SHE/HER
I have a passion for working with adolescent, young adult, and adult individuals who need assistance with navigating life’s circumstances. I am able to assist in many situations such as those who are dealing with identity questions, racial discrimination, difficulties with learning disabilities and mood disorders. I am a transracial adoptee and can help individuals who struggle with self identity. Figuring out one’s path can be difficult, however it is my mission to help clients along this journey.
Prior to becoming a LLMSW, I have had experience in case management with homeless individuals as well as children in foster care, conducting Applied Behavior Analysis therapy with children on the spectrum, mentoring with students with disabilities and at-risk youth. I graduated from Michigan State University in 2017 with a Bachelors in Psychology and minor in Women's and Gender Studies. I graduated from Arizona State University this past December 2021 with a Masters in Social Work.
I hope to provide an inclusive, welcoming, and caring environment to all. It is my duty to be a positive support for all those seeking therapy. I will assist those without judgement or discrimination. I am open to serving those of all races, gender identities, sexualities, religion, or ideologies.
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan & AETNA Plans
Meet Hope & Thrive Associate Therapist
Shavon Alexander, LMSW
SHE/HER
Greetings! Congratulations on taking an active role in your mental health! I am here to help you through the process. New to therapy? No problem! Experiencing depression and feeling alone? I can help with that as well! On a journey to a better version of yourself? Good for you! Allow me to be your accountability partner. I’m simply here to help you on your journey to healing and self-improvement.
I specialize in Family Systems, which is a fancy way of saying that the families that we are a part of shape who we are today! I truly believe that understanding your family background and your childhood traumas aid in your healing. I work with people of all ages, I have experience working with children with Autism on all sides of the spectrum, I’ve worked with elders ages 65+, couples, children, and families of all walks of life. Even though I have experience working with all of these different populations, my niche is women’s empowerment! Especially, women of color! Women have a very unique role in society and sometimes we forget about who we are when we’re required to wear so many hats and be so many things to other people.
Let’s form a partnership and work together to break old, unhealthy patterns and replace them with new, reformed healthy habits. Let’s work together on improving your mental health and well-being!
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, BLUE CARE NETWORK, UNITED HEALTH Care and CIGNA
Meet Hope & Thrive Associate Therapist
Ciara Shellman, LLMSW, Scholar of Social Work PhD Program
SHE/HER
Ciara is a Limited Licensed Master’s SocialWorker (LLMSW) who graduated with her Masters of Social work from Wayne State
University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in
family systems from Siena Heights University. After earning her undergraduate
degree, she gained experience helping people through permanency goals for
children and reunification for families while working, in foster care. During
her time there, she recognized her passion for helping others through their trauma,
providing services such as referrals for trauma assessments, substance abuse
therapy, family therapy, and other mental health issues, she realized she
wanted to become a clinical therapist.Ciara believes that every individual possessesthe capacity to develop, change, and triumph over the difficulties that life
presents. Ciara uses a combination of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral
therapy with each client. She examines a client's physical, spiritual,
emotional, and social lives to assist them in finding balance. However, life
has a way of convincing us that discouragement, anxiety, and depression are our
destiny at times. She has made it her life's work to assist clients in
harnessing their own superpowers to confront their own unique challenges head-on
through a strengths-based and supportive approach. In a session, Ciara strives
to establish a secure and encouraging setting in which clients can express
themselves, gain knowledge, and be themselves without fear of being judged or
discouraged. Ciara is of the opinion that each person has a unique set of
strengths, even if they aren't aware of them. The process will constantly be
directed considering your wellbeing. Ciara will help you build insight and
self-awareness while also assisting you in identifying your strengths and areas
for growth, guiding you to feel more fulfilled, whole, and true to yourself,
regardless of the challenges that life throws at you. Ciara will also work with you to identifyunhealthy ways of thinking and acting that hurt your relationships and
self-esteem, keeping in mind how your environment and the world around you
affect you as a person. The objective is to give you control over your emotions
and behaviors rather than letting them control you, and to make sure that after
therapy, you have the skills and insight you need to keep living a happy life.Ciara lives in Detroit with her younger sister and enjoys making homemade candles for fun reading, baking, cooking, watching
shows/movies, journaling, taking a walk in the park, meditation, yoga.Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan & AETNA
Meet Hope & Thrive Associate Therapist
Jennifer Lechnyr, LLMSW
SHE/HER
Sometimes it can feel daunting to try and move forward in life when you feel stuck, whether it be due to the card’s life has dealt you or even sometimes getting in your own way. Figuring out one's path can be difficult; it is my mission to help along this journey. I have a passion for working with young adult and adult individuals who need assistance with navigating life transitions, stress management, anxiety, ADHD, sexuality, and substance use. It is challenging to take the first step in finding help, however, as your therapist, I will always seek to support you in this process.
I am a limited licensed social worker (LLMSW), and I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). I have worked in Community Mental Health in the past working with severe mental illness (SMI). I also have experience working with those navigating legal troubles and conducting Cognitive Behavioral and Substance Use groups. I have trained experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and utilize Person-centered and Strength-based approaches to assist in meeting interpersonal goals. We will utilize your strengths and work collaboratively on assisting you in developing practical and obtainable solutions.
It is my duty to be a positive, non-judgmental support for all who are seeking therapy. I am open to serving individuals of all races, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, religion, or ideologies.
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan & AETNA
Meet Hope & Thrive Therapist
TIERRA WALLACE, LLMSW
SHE/HER
Have you been worried, sad, stressed, or even facing daily challenges that seem unbearable to manage? Trying to manage our emotions can be difficult, and at times our mind and body are trying to warn us to stop and take some time to focus on ourselves, but we ignore it. I’ve experienced this myself, and still learning new ways to cope. These are common feelings that
most of us experience when we are struggling to cope and regulate our thoughts and emotions due to life stressors. I understand it can be scary to take that leap in seeking help, but you’ve already accomplished the first step of browsing for resources, which is great!
Now it’s your time to shine and reclaim your power. As a therapist, I mainly utilize person-centered interventions, a collaborative approach that means you’re the expert regarding your life
experiences. I will take your lead to help you realize your fullest potential by providing tools, activities, and exercises so that you can learn the triggers that may impact you, new ways to
cope, and improve your overall skills. My job is to help you feel comfortable expressing yourself and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to be yourself and feel whole again. I’m a Clinical Social Worker. I have experience working with teens, young adults, and seniors who struggled with negative thoughts, high anxiety, depression, grief, and more. But my passion is to help anyone, no matter their race, gender, religion, or sexuality, who needs someone to talk to and to listen to them. I am committed to working with you. You will not be alone in this journey because we are in this together. So if you’re ready to take that next step, contact me today, and we’ll start your healing
journey!
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan & AETNA
Meet Hope & Thrive Therapist
ADOVIA ALSTON, LLMSW
SHE/HER
I received my bachelor's degree in social sciences from Michigan State University. I received my master's degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix. I also received a master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University.
I am a childhood cancer survivor and can help individuals who may struggle with their disability and figuring out how to move on. When individuals feel that no one understands, I can, because I have been through many obstacles and overcame every single one.
I have a passion for working with children and adolescents who may not be as fortunate as others to receive the necessary resources. I feel that my purpose is to pour out my knowledge into the next generation.
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan & AETNA
Meet Hope & Thrive Therapist Interns
Perry Cabean,BA
Senior MSW Therapist Intern
HE/HIS
My name is Perry Cabean and I am a Current therapist intern at Hope & Thrive and a MSW candidate at Wayne State University. I've had a total of 8 years of experience in the social services field. I have many years of in-home and out of home therapy with families. I am passionate about helping individuals become productive members of their community through meeting them where they are and helping them aknowledge and cultivate their strengths.
Meet Hope & Thrive Therapist Interns
Alton Smith ,BSW
Senior MSW Therapist Intern
HE/HIS
I am currently enrolled in the MSW program at Wayne State University, and I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. I am excited to start work building up individuals and families in Metro Detroit. I have a history of working with families from all backgrounds and I have had great success working specifically with young boys and men. It is my goal to normalize therapy and destroy the stigma of seeking help in minority communities. I am currently employed with the State of Michigan as a Departmental Analyst with a background in Children’s Protective Services and Foster Care.
Meet Hope & Thrive Therapist Interns
Karimah Almadhoun ,BS
Senior MSW Therapist Intern
SHE/HER
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Master’s Student in Social Work at Wayne State University
Hello, my name is Karimah Almadhoun, and I'm currently in my advanced year at Wayne State University. I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining this exceptional group of therapists, and I'm even more excited about the opportunity to serve my community.
I've been actively involved in the mental health field since 2018, and during this time, I've gained invaluable experience with both adults and children from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds. My focus within the realm of mental health has predominantly centered on helping adults and children cope with and overcome challenges related to depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety.
I'm genuinely looking forward to becoming a part of your mental health journey. I'll be here to support you as you navigate the path towards self improvement and empowerment. Together, we can work towards your well being and personal growth.
Meet Hope & Thrive Therapist Interns
Malak Alrifai
BSW Intern Case Manager
SHE/HER
Salam (Peace be upon you) and Hello! My name is Malak Alrifai, and I'm a Yemeni American Muslim, and first-generation college student. I'm currently a senior in Wayne State University, majoring in Social Work and Minoring in Psychology. I have always been interested in finding ways to make situations and experiences easier to navigate for myself and others, and mental health is an aspect of our lives that impacts all we do. I am looking forward to learning about how to extend resources to others, and to best assist clients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, and spending time with family and friends.
Meet Hope & Thrive Therapist Interns
Dominique Jones ,
BSW Intern Case Manager
HE/HIS
I graduated from Macomb Community College in 2022 with an Associate in Pre-Social Work and earned my Community Leadership Certificate. While currently completing my Bachelor's of Social Work, I have been taking the time to individually volunteer internationally which has granted me the experience of working with various populations and cultures. I will further my education and enroll in the Master of Social Work program following my completion of the Bachelor of Social Work program.
Meet Hope & Thrive Therapist Interns
Kennidy Colburn,
BSW Intern Case Manager
SHE/ HER
Hello my name is Kennidy! I have had a passion for mental health and helping others for as long as i remember. I have had a heavy interest in psychology which led me to the field of social work. For 4 years, i have held a position as a psychiatric technician in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. This job was what influenced me to pursue a career as a social worker so that i was able to help others and make a change. I also hold a position as a juvenile detention officer, which has allowed me another perspective on life and has continued to encourage me to continue to help and connect with those in need.
I come from a family who struggles immensely as a whole with mental illness, grief and addiction. On too many occasions had my family members reached out for help and they felt their needs went unheard. This is why I strive to do my best to ensure everyone feels heard and connect them with the resources they need. A little compassion goes a long way!
I am blessed to have this opportunity to intern with this organization and look forward to gaining valuable experience and working with amazing individuals.
