Natures Playhouse

Jessica is a trained Fit4Mom instructor. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work with a focus on Children and Youth from the University of Michigan in 2015. She worked as a school social worker in Wayne-Westland Schools until she had her son, at which point she elected to shift her career focus to motherhood. Jessica always had a passion for fitness and after having her son she wanted to continue pursuing her physical health, but with her son by her side. This led her to becoming an instructor of stroller based workouts that are interactive for the children and focus on functional fitness for the moms/caregivers. Her classes are perfect for anyone with babies in strollers or carriers, and even our expectant moms. The class and exercises can be modified to meet every participant at their fitness level, so if you wonder if you belong the answer is yes. Fitness and building confidence in what your body can do is extremely important to Jessica, and she feels the earlier we introduce this notion to children the better. When you get to the heart of it, demonstrating self-care to your little ones while having fun is what her classes are all about, and Jessica is so excited to have you join her!  

Hi! My name is Katie! I am thrilled to be a hypnobirthing instructor with The Calm Birth School!

After experiencing my own positive birth with my son, I uncovered a new passion of mine. I LOVE talking about birth and pregnancy! I also realized the need for more education and opportunities for birthing people to recognize their own inner potential to achieve the birth they deserve.

Whether this means medicated, unmedicated, home-birth, induction, planned or emergency c-section; you are capable of having an empowered birth where you can feel confident and calm in the choices you make!

I am available locally in the Metro-Detroit area as well as via Zoom. I’d love to chat with you!

Cortney is trained in Infant Massage though Infant Massage USA. She is also working towards certification in an evidenced based intervention, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, or PCIT, for short. Full time, Cortney is the Quality Supervisor for Starfish Family Services in Wayne County. Cortney graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work in 2004 and a Masters of Social Work in 2005 from Eastern Michigan University. When not working, Cortney enjoys spending time with her lovely, strong spirited daughters.

Emily is a limited license social worker who has worked with a wide range of clients from adults to teenagers to children. She has worked extensively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds. Emily has experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, abuse, grief and loss, mood disorders, behavioral disorders, family conflict, physical illness, parenting struggles, and general stress and life transitions.

Emily uses an integrative approach, rooted in attachment and psychodynamic principles, and she often incorporates a family systems perspective into therapy. She also has a strong foundation in cognitive behavioral techniques, play therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Emily is a relational therapist who operates from a strengths-based perspective. She is a firm believer in establishing a trusting and collaborative partnership with clients. It is important to her that clients feel safe, heard, accepted, and respected so they can overcome adversity and grow and thrive.

Emily is comfortable working with parents of children of all ages. As a mother of three young children, she understands how hard it can be to transition into the role as a parent. She appreciates the absolute joys of having children but also the depth of frustration, fear, and despair that parenting can bring.

Carrie Conrad is a dedicated self defense and safety specialist and lead instructor for Beating Disaster, a specialty school offering relevant and respectful self defense and safety training. Though her journey began almost 20 years ago in martial arts she has a background in violence prevention, communication and even bodyguard training – among other safety related topics.  

Unfortunate life experience is what led her passion for training others in karate to evolve into an obsession and then profession of empowering women and children through self defense training and safety training.  She is committed to helping families and individuals stay safe in real-life situations - whether in their home, at school or work, or on the street.  Defense, especially in relation to domestic violence or abuse, addiction or alcoholism, and mental health issues is a pertinent and distinguishing focus.

Though she still enjoys teaching Kenpo karate, most of her time is spent presenting to small groups or at conferences, providing hands on self defense training, or giving private instruction for families with specific safety related concerns.

Amy has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Language Arts and a master’s degree in Special Education with an endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Oakland University. As well as long term substitute positions in various districts and special education classrooms Amy taught for five years in an elementary classroom for students with Autism. Since taking time off from being in the classroom full time, she has started tutoring, sharing her love of literacy by selling Usborne books, become a babywearing educator with Babywearing International, and a certified instructor with Baby Signing Time.  She loves watching children learn or experience something new and is excited to be teaching again.  On top of beginning to teach classes here, Amy is happy to talk with caregivers of children with special needs about anything they may need help with.

Angela is a trained Fit4mom instructor. She previously taught Pre-K through 8th grade math special Education, but always had a passion for fitness and nutrition. Her classes are perfect for moms with babies in strollers, babies in carriers or pregnant mamas. She decided to teach fitness classes when she went on maternity leave with her second son and wanted to continue working out, but not have to leave him in a gym daycare. The classes are interactive for the children and incorporate the stroller as well. The exercises can be modified for every mama depending on where they are in their stage of fitness. She has masters degrees in Biology as well as in Education and currently works as an independent consultant with Arbonne and a fitness instructor. Fitness and nutrition are extremely important to Angela and she feels as though the earlier children see the importance the better. Children learn from what they see and are exposed to consistently. Exercise has been shown to help in many aspects and being able to share the time with your little ones while fulfilling your needs is perfect.

Heidi is a limited license clinical mental health counselor. A two time survivor of perinatal mood disorders she has worked in the maternal mental health field for over seven years through peer support and training. Heidi has training through Postpartum Support International, The Bloom Foundation and Postpartum Progress focusing on postpartum mood disorders, treatment and therapy.

The family system is complex and not linear, real life experience brought Heidi into this profession. It is her goal to help mothers and families transition into parenthood and beyond as well as to navigate any obstacles through positive coping skills and self-reflection. 

Preya has been a practicing CranioSacral Therapist for 11 years. She is also a University of Michigan alumni, Yoga teacher, Theta Healing Instructor, Corporate Wellness Speaker, and Ordained Minister. She integrates these passions into each powerful patient focused holistic healing session. CranioSacral therapy (CST) is a light touch modalities in which the practitioner will ‘tune in’ to the body’s natural rhythm to release long standing physical, emotional and spiritual blockages. Preya has successfully treated hundreds of clients with a multitude of concerns from chronic and acute pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, autism, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, to newborns with difficulty latching. CST is also great at improving immune function, overall energy and vitality!

Tiffany is a fully licensed master level clinical social worker specially trained in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. After adapting to her own transition through pregnancy and early motherhood with her daughter and working through her own post-partum anxiety and depression journey, Tiffany found the experience of coping with her transition to be a challenge that sparked the motivation to work with others experiencing the same. 

 Tiffany also has experience in working with those who are struggling to cope with grief and loss and the unique dynamic that a loss can present whether it’s a loss of a sense of self  through major transitions in life such as marriage, pregnancy, parenthood, career development or the loss of a relationship or loved one. Tiffany has experience in applying theories such as psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral as well as adapting a strengths-based model and emotion focused approach to her work with clients. 

Tiffany supports a team approach with clients to strengthen the interpersonal connection and communication challenges that they may experience as further challenges during these life changes. 

Tiffany also has experience in working as a clinical hospice social worker and within a part time teaching role at Wayne State University School of Social Work.

Melanie Pieknik has been an RN since 2004, specializing in Emergency- Trauma, more recently working in home care and public health. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing in 2004, Master’s in the Science of Nursing in 2011, and completed her Yoga Therapy certification with YogaMedics in 2012. She is the proud Mama of Lily and Oliver, who never cease to amaze her!
Melanie has long had an interest and fascination with the mind-body connection and continues to be inspired by the clients with whom she works.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Founder and Owner of Feed the Babes, LLC offers in-home and clinic based, skilled breastfeeding support services. Jennifer also serves as the Michigan Breastfeeding Network (MIBFN) 310 Connect Project Manager. Additionally, she acts as Chairperson of the Oakland County Breastfeeding Coalition and facilitator of an incredibly successful Breastfeeding Support Group entitled “Meet, Nurse, Love” in Oakland County, MI. The married mother of two happy, healthy, breastfed children endeavors to bring best practices to mothers while equitably educating the public, in an effort to create breastfeeding positive spaces. She is an accomplished public speaker both locally and nationally, an advocate and educator with thousands of hours of experience in assisting and supporting pregnant and lactating family's in clinical and in-home settings.

Juliana is a trained Anusara-Inspired Yoga teacher whose playful and creative classes weave together metaphor, philosophy and principles of alignment. Her classes are infused with her effervescent personality and encouraging nature. As a visual artist and belly dancer, Juliana was drawn to yoga as a means of harnessing her creative energy, to alleviate stress and to deepen her awareness of the anatomy and movement of the body.  She specializes in prenatal and postnatal yoga and movement. She completed her prenatal yoga training through Mindful Mamas and she most recently completed her MUTU Pro Training, as she wants the mamas and mamas-to-be in her classes to be supported fully.
She has been belly dancing for 19 years and belly danced throughout her entire first and second pregnancies as well as through first stage labor.  She has masters degrees in Fine Arts as well as in Art Education and currently works in public education.  Yoga, belly dance and art are a way of life for Juliana. As a mother, she is committed to living her life with compassion and awareness, in order to create a strong foundation for her family and the global community to flourish.

Johana is a Business Administrator that came to United States from South America (Colombia) looking to learn English as a Second Language (ESL) as a goal to become more competitive in this globalized world. Since then, she has had a wonderful cultural exchange. During her first four years, she met families that allowed her to share time with their children teaching Spanish. Johana is a mom of a lovely girl who has provided her the most beautiful experience of her life and continues to teach her day to day how fortunate and blessed she is performing this role.  

Kristin was selected to train with the world renowned sleep expert, Dana Obelman and her incredible Sleep Sense team. Sleep Sense is accredited by the International Association of Professional Sleep Consultants. Kristin's training has prepared her to fully understand best practices, create custom sleep plans, monitor and modify those plans with supportive coaching and be a resource for all things sleep.  As a Teacher, Mother of 3, and Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Kristin supports that children thrive on routine.  Sleep patterning and training is complex and there are a wide variety of opinions on what is best. Kristin looks forward to using her skills to assist in taking the stress out of creating the ideal sleep schedule for your child. A well rested parent, is a happier parent!

Dr. Meagen  graduated with a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University College of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA. While pursuing her Doctorate of Chiropractic, she also received her Masters in Sport Injury Management from Life University.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science in 2005 from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.  She is Board Certified and has been a practicing Chiropractor for eight plus years.

Through school and beyond she received extensive hands-on chiropractic training, involving numerous techniques, functional neurology, sensory-motor re-integration, nutrition, and case management regarding preconception, pregnancy, post-partum, pediatrics, and adulthood. Patients have ranged from newborns, pregnant mommies, toddlers, adults, athletes and the elderly. Her excitement for chiropractic is centered on my love of children, pregnant mothers and their families. It’s never too late to start Chiropractic care, and she encourages and welcomes patients of all ages.

Liz McConnell is a former kindergarten and first grade classroom teacher, as well as a mom to her sweet son, Charlie. She is passionate about early childhood educational experiences, and hopes to support children and families with her wide range of social/emotional and academic expertise. Liz obtained an undergraduate degree in elementary education with a specialty in Language Arts and Math from Oakland University, as well as a Master's degree in Educational Technology from Central Michigan University. As a classroom teacher, she worked with a wide range of student needs and abilities, and developed an emphatic and loving view on whole-child parenting and educating. Liz completed yoga teacher training at Red Lotus Yoga in Rochester Hills in 2013, and incorporates the fundamental ideas that she learned into her approach to working with young children. Since leaving the classroom, Liz has enjoyed spending more time with her family, as well as working on her food blog, The Kindred Baker. 

Mikki is a licensed master’s social worker has a Level III Infant Mental Health Endorsement through the Michigan Association of Infant Mental Health.  She has specific training and experience with Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders and attachment relationships between parents and young children.  She has worked in Community Mental Health settings for community at Head Start’s, GSRP’s and preschools for over 10 years.

Although Mikki’s work in Infant Mental Health and attachment relationships began before she had children, having children only deepened her passion in working with families to strengthen bonding and attachment. Other professional certifications include child proofing assessments, through the International Association of Child Safety; and infant massage instructor, through Infant Massage USA.

A licensed Master Social Worker in both clinical and macro specialty, Sarah has worked as a facilitator, counselor and advocate for families in a variety of settings, including schools, residential facilities, in-home and clinics, locally and abroad. Sarah strives to develop community organization through her work with non-profits.  She has served as the Trainings and Technical Assistance Chair for the Michigan Network For Youth and Families’ board and served on the Community Advisory Board for the University of Michigan Maternal and Child Health Training Program.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors for South Oakland Shelter as well as on her local AAUP union as a member of the Academic Staff Steering Committee.  After being an active member of the Wayne State University School of Social Work Alumni Board, Sarah joined the School of Social Work as an Advisor for the Master’s program.  She is currently completing a certificate in Maternal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.  As a new mom, she hopes to instill a sense of support and provide resources for moms within her community.

Ruth is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Her post-secondary education began at Central Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology & Family Studies, later followed by a Master’s of Social Work with a concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Wayne State University.

Ruth has prior experience in Child Welfare as well as Community Mental Health. Currently, Ruth works as a clinician in a school based environment where she provides emotional and mental health services and support to students, parents, and school personnel.

Ruth’s compassion for working with children and families has deepened tremendously as she embarked on her newest position as a mother to a handsome and energetic son. Ruth has shown herself capable of providing not only compassion, but empathy and care to parents and children. This connection allows for Ruth to continue to grow and gain knowledge in relation to attachment and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

Ruth meets clients where they are at and has experience needed to provide a variety of treatment modalities to ensure the best practices to each and every child and family, based on needs. She has worked with a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focus Brief Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.

Tessa Benziger is a registered yoga teacher and a master’s level social worker and therapist. She is passionate about helping children and adults alike connect with their own source of peace and strength through yoga, breath, meditation, and empowerment-based counseling.  She is a Certified Trauma Specialist through the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, and has completed her prenatal certification through Mindful Mamas. She is the mother of three wild and beautiful children, and practices mindfulness daily to help manage her sleep-deprived, stain-covered, love-filled life. 

Lawrence Robinson LLMSW, joins Nature's Playhouse with a focus on fathers and birthing partners.  He advocates for inclusivity of the father's role in the birthing process, breastfeeding support and mental health.  Lawrence feels committed to building support for fathers to share, bond, grow and evolve into the family space of Fatherhood.

Amanda started Save 1 CPR in 2012 which includes two training rooms, 7 instructors and provides mobile training all over the state including anywhere from daycares, fire departments and surgical centers, to security companies and even the army.  She is a licensed Paramedic previously working private EMS and has been working in a level 2 trauma center (now on the side) for almost 7 years. Amanda, is a certified CPR instructor for the American Red Cross, American Heart Association and the American Safety and Health Institute. Outside of work she is an avid dog lover and animal advocate, volunteering with two animal welfare groups, fundraising, fitness and travel, along with being a wife, mother to her beautiful daughter and our two dogs.    

Linsey is a licensed master clinical social worker with specific training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She is the mother of two daughters and deeply understands the challenges that pregnancy and parenting bring. She has worked in a wide range of social work settings, in the US and abroad, but as she transitioned into motherhood herself, a passion was born for supporting other pregnant and parenting people. Linsey utilizes a cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment modality which is highly practical and solutions-focused. She has an inclusive view of family, sexuality, and gender, and wants to support families in reaching their own goals. 
*not accepting new clients 

Liz is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s in Community Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. As mother to two children, with her second pregnancy during the pandemic, she can recognize all the challenges women face making the transition to motherhood. Being a parent can be an incredibly joyful experience, yet it can feel overwhelming. Liz recognizes it often takes a village and will work with clients to build up a multifaceted path to healing.

Liz has over ten years of experience working with trauma including domestic violence and sexual assault. Liz is trauma certified. She works with both adults and children. Liz has experience helping parents support children who have experienced trauma. She has also worked with children in overcoming their own experiences with trauma.

Liz is compassionate in her approach to counseling. Liz works with a variety of treatment models including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and play-therapy. Liz recognizes gender disparities which can make parenting especially challenging for women. Liz uses an empowerment approach in counseling in which clients receive encouragement to recognize their own strengths on their path to healing.