Phone: 734.454.0866 Fax: 734.454.1744
Phone: 734.454.0866 Fax: 734.454.1744
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Success at Building Bridges requires hard work and a commitment to excellence and collaboration. As a result, we get to live the rewarding experience of making the biggest difference possible for children and their families.
"Our team works together to focus on what is best for each individual child. We appreciate the expertise of each discipline, perspective and specific training, to create a comprehensive treatment approach. Collaboration is the key to success for our clients and their families."
-Janice Pagano M.A., CCC-SLP
MEET LAWRENCE PARSONS!
Lawrence has been a Building Bridges DLT for over 4 years.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A DIRECT LINE THERAPIST?
I became a DLT because I wanted to grow my heart for kids with disabilities. I learn so much every day from these incredibly special kids!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Seeing the smiles and that feeling that I get when I know I’ve made a difference in a kid’s life.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DLT, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I am currently at EMU in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, so I will eventually be a counselor. I've learned so much from my experience at Building Bridges that will make me more effective in that role! The ability to understand and appreciate my clients for who they are and how they see the world, helps me develop a good relationship with them and enables me to help them more effectively.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FR FUN?
I like to play pretty much any sport, play music, and play video games when I get the chance. All of this playing is probably why I enjoy working with kids so much lol.
IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE YOU IT BE AND WHY?
It would be amazing if I could live in Costa Rica! I spent a week there before and it was easily the most beautiful place I’ve been to. Ziplining in the rainforest was unbelievable!
WHICH DESCRIBES YOU BEST?
Banana Split because my tall lankiness resembles a banana.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I can do the belly wave with my stomach 😂
MEET KELSEY MICHALS!
Kelsey has been a PT for just over 8 years, and joined the Building Bridges team in spring 2023.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
I realized I wanted to become a PT after a major knee injury in high school and enduring my own treatment and surgeries. I also confirmed my interest in the field when my father was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and I was able to witness the positive impact that PT had on his function, his ability to return to work for a while, and also ability to enjoy one of his life passions, golf. Physical therapy was a tremendous gift to not only my dad but for me and the rest of our family. I knew I wanted to be a part of improving people’s function and quality of life in that way one day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A PT?
I truly love what I do! I love educating clients and their families about things they can do at home in addition to what goes on during treatment sessions. It’s great to equip clients with tools that can carry over to the home and community settings to help maximize safety and function.
IF YOU WERE NOT A PT...WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I would want to be an elementary school teacher!
WHAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU: BROWNIE, BANANA SPLIT, OR APPLE PIE?
Apple Pie! The perfect mix of sweet and savory. 🥧
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I used to work as a “Disney Princess” for a company that threw birthday parties for little kids. It was a really fun side job where I got to sing and entertain at little birthday celebrations!
MEET DR. SIERRA!
You may have seen a bit about her on our "What's New" page...but she is not altogether that new!
She did a 500 hour student practicum here at Building Bridges in 2018-2019. We are so glad to have her "back home" to launch her career as a Psy.D!
If you were not a Psychologist...what would you want to be?
I would want to be a coffee shop owner and barista! I love "chill vibes", board games, and friendly convos. :)
What do you like to do for fun?
I recently discovered a love for pickleball! I also enjoy walking my dog, listening to podcasts/audiobooks, crafting with my Circuit, and traveling with my partner!
Who is your favorite Team?
I loved the Green Bay Packers for a while because they really carried my Fantasy Football Team (before Rodgers was traded). I would say consistently though, I'm a Wolverine at heart! Go Blue!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
South Carolina! The weather always seems to be consistently warm, and I would love to be close to a beach.
What is something that people might be surprised to know about you?
I am completely deaf in my right ear. I do not wear a hearing aid, so I depend on lip reading and hearing from my left ear. Growing up with this disability has made me appreciate what other amazing things my body and mind are capable of. As a professional with a personal disability experience, I strive for inclusivity within all environments!
MEET HOLLY!
Holly started working with Building Bridges back in 2012 as a preschool aide for 3 years, and returned in 2019 after becoming a Speech Therapist. She works a hybrid position that includes time in both schools and the center.
What is the best thing about being a Speech Therapist?
The relationship and trust that I have with my kids and their families is by far the best part. Building those bonds are the first step into any great therapy dynamic because it breeds trust, which has been an intricate part in a lot of the therapeutic successes I have been a part of! They truly are all so special to me!
If you were not an SLP, what would you want to be?
Something in the area of cosmetology or esthetics.
What is something that people may not know about you?
That I've run a marathon and also won a three week long radio contest testing my knowledge on pop culture.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to run, travel, be with my dog (Hank), and spend time with friends and family. GO GREEN!
MEET AMANDA!
Amanda has been with Building Bridges for 6.5 years being a DLT, ABC and now a BCBA .
What is the best thing about being a BCBA?
Nothing is better than a client expressing themselves in a way that shows they are proud of what they learned and accomplished. When they find an activity or hobby they enjoy, sharing the excitement with them and their family is the best. I love to celebrate every moment with each of the families I work with, seeing them thrive means so much!
If you were not a BCBA, what would you want to be?
Marine life has such a special place in my heart and ever since I can remember I told my parents I wanted to be a marine biologist. If I wasn’t living in Michigan, I would definitely be living by the ocean.
What is something that people may not know about you?
I have a blackbelt in Taekwondo, I grew up competing nationally in poomsae and sparring till I was a freshman in college.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy DIY home projects ranging from a full remodel, making furniture, or just a fresh coat of paint. My house always has a project going on!
MEET KELLY!
Kelly has been a licensed OT for 7 years and part of the Building Bridges team for 4 ½ years.
Why did you become a therapist?
My first time observing at a pediatric clinic, I got to witness a kiddo accomplish a new skill for the first time. Seeing the pure joy and excitement in his eyes was so heartwarming. I knew then that helping kids experience that feeling would be the most rewarding job I could ask for.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love my downtime with my husband and pup, watching kid’s movies, and going to concerts, comedy shows, and MSU football games.
Over the summer, you can usually find me at my parents' cottage on the boat, playing cards, or outside with my nieces and nephews.
If you could live anywhere in the world...
where would it be? And why?
Ireland – I’ve had the opportunity to visit extended family in some small towns there. I loved their laid-back approach to life, and their sarcastic sense of humor aligns with mine.
Which best describes you?
What is something that people might be surprised to know about you?
I have vitiligo
(the skin condition Michael Jackson had).
MEET CATHERINE!
Catherine is newly married and has been a part of the Building Bridges team for 5 ½ years.
What brought you to your current position ?
I have a passion for helping others, specifically children. I went to school to be a teacher and a friend led me to ABA.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Hm.. tough one. I would say being able to give children a voice to advocate for what they need and want.
Who is your favorite team?
That would be the Detroit Lions! #onepride
If you could live anywhere in the world...
where would it be? And why?
Spain! I went there years ago and loved it. I love the language and culture.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy spending time outside on the water, playing with my dogs (Chloe & Bella), date nights with my husband Eric and playing video games.
MEET MICHELE!
Michele has been a psychologist for 8 years, and here at Building Bridges, providing counseling services for kids and families for 3 years.
Why did you become a psychologist?
I became interested in psychology because I have an autistic uncle who was raised in a time when it was not well understood. I also struggled with anxiety when I was younger and the supports I received made me want to help others reach their potential and live happier lives.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Seeing clients make progress and reach the point that they no longer need support.
Who is your favorite Team?
Purdue University...BOILER UP!
Which best describes you?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
A tropical island because the ocean brings me peace. 🏝️
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