OUR TEAM MEMBERS

Passionate about removing barriers and fostering access to resources that contribute to a healthy and fulfilled life, Ebony Crane dedicates her time to multiple impactful endeavors. When not engaged in guiding individuals through EMDR therapy for healing, Ebony focuses on the development of RESI (Resilience Empowerment Services INC) a nonprofit dedicated to providing the community with resources, and eliminating housing barriers as a landlord. Additionally, she lends her expertise to conduct mental health workshops for various organizations and universities.

With a personal journey marked by resilience, Ebony has transcended from a mental state of mere survival to one of genuine living. This transformation fuels her drive to create positive social impact and institute sustainable change within marginalized communities. Beyond advocacy, Ebony cherishes moments spent with her children, exploring new destinations, relishing culinary experiences, or enjoying a combination of all three.

Fluent in both English and Vietnamese, Crystal Truong has been an integral presence in the Grand Rapids area for over a decade. Her work has centered around assisting individuals and families with their mental health concerns while also championing community advocacy efforts.

A personal turning point occurred when Crystal became a mother at a young age, facing additional challenges due to statistics and societal odds, especially as a person of color. Driven to alter this narrative, she embarked on a mission to effect positive change.

Crystal’s decision to become a therapist stems from her firm belief that everyone possesses the capability to reshape their own life story; each individual holds the power to navigate their journey. When not immersed in her professional endeavors, Crystal finds delight in exploring new destinations, enjoying football matches, and cherishing moments spent with her two sons and partner.

Maribel Lopez is a firm believer in aiding individuals on their journey toward self-improvement. As the daughter of two immigrant parents, her upbringing has significantly shaped her into the woman she is today. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Human Resources at GVSU with the hope of assisting others. Outside of academia, you can find her cherishing moments with her cat and indulging in crocheting. One quote from Tara Westover’s “Educated” particularly resonates with her: “You are not fool’s gold, shining only under a par4cular light. Whomever you become, whatever you make yourself into, that is who you always were. It was always in you.”

Nesha Reid brings a blend of professional expertise and personal insight to her work in mental health. With five years of experience supporting children with special needs in school settings, she is especially passionate about empowering youth. Her own experiences navigating medical and mental health challenges have deepened her empathy and shaped her compassionate, client-centered approach.

Nesha values the power of self-reflection, which she discovered through her own therapeutic journey. This personal growth has helped her become a more grounded, understanding clinician who meets clients exactly where they are. Outside of work, Nesha enjoys spending time at home with her family, playing PC games, and watching movies.

Anthony Caprara brings both professional experience and personal understanding to his work in mental health. Identifying as LGBTQIA+, Anthony understands the different dynamics of what it means to be seen differently. Having worked in mental health facilities and with individuals facing a variety of challenges, Anthony combines his professional training with the insights gained from overcoming his own life obstacles. His journey has fueled his passion for educating, advocating, and supporting others during difficult times. Inspired by his own experiences with therapy and the guidance of psychologists and therapists, Anthony is committed to giving back and fostering resilience in others. Outside of his professional pursuits, Anthony finds balance by spending time with loved ones, enjoying the company of his pets, and connecting with friends. These activities help him maintain a sense of harmony in his life, which he brings into his work as he helps others on their journey toward growth and healing.

Micah has been advocating and providing support within the community in various populations, especially marginalized groups, for over twenty years. This was accomplished through collaboration and removing barriers that are preventing individuals from accomplishing goals. Micah has faced adversity throughout life personally and professionally. She has experienced lacking safe outlets. Micah recognizes it is difficult to find someone who gets it or wants to get it so they can help you. Micah has had to persevere through numerous barriers. Micah desires to educate individuals it is ok to not be ok. Self-care and self-evaluation are a must. Outside of working, Micah spends time with her dog, family and friends. She also enjoys biking and walking. Micah’s favorite quote is, “Don’t worry about what you can’t control. Our focus and energy need to be on the things we can control. Attitude, effort, focus-these are the things we can control…” – Tim Tebow.

Gabriela Vega is a dedicated mental health therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and is credentialed to treat substance use disorders (SUD). Her earlier and current clients have presented with borderline personality, bipolar disorder, depression, general anxiety, ADHD, and grief. She has over a decade of experience in the human services field, with significant experience addressing the concerns of seniors, their families, the diverse populations of Saint Clair and Macomb Counties, as well as some new immigrants from Mexico and Venezuela.

Gabriela emigrated to the United States from Peru at the age of 14, shortly after her father lost his battle with leukemia. She grew up in a challenging and impoverished community in Florida, facing significant difficulties and barriers. She started school in Florida as a native Spanish-speaking teenager having to learn English as a new middle school student. At the age of 16, Gabriela became a single mother, which profoundly changed her life. Despite the many challenges she faced, including a lack of family support, experiences of violence, and minor run-ins with the law, Gabriela persevered. She obtained her GED and ultimately graduated summa cum laude from Ferris University, later earning a master’s degree from Wayne State University. She had entered Wayne State University to continue her education after again becoming a single parent following her divorce and re-entering the workforce. Her journey is an expression of personal resilience and determination.

Gabriela credits much of her strength and her desire to become a social worker/ therapist to her older sister, Juli’s experiences coming out as non-binary at the age of seven. This experience taught Gabriela valuable lessons about love and acceptance, as well as the harsh realities of societal prejudice early on. This bond continued until Juli died in 2021. Gabriela later survived the untimely death of her twenty-year-old daughter, persevering for herself and her teenage son.

Gabriela enjoys time away from her practice with her two chihuahuas, Baby Boy and Chiquita, taking them on walks to the nearby Saint Clair River, as well as providing for her cats, Key West and Raymond.

“That which is to give light, must endure burning.” Viktor Frankl