Constance Martindale, MA LPC

Connie is a fully Licensed Professional Counselor and a Play Therapist Specialist. Her background includes extensive work with children as a therapist, daycare provider and director, pre-school teacher, and as a substitute teacher for Sturgis Schools.

Her counseling specialties include play therapy; family and relationship counseling; substance abuse and relapse prevention; relational issues; abuse and trauma issues; eliminating self-defeating behavior; stress management; working with adolescents and children coping with loss and grief, anxiety, and depression; teaching skills; maintaining wellness; and teaching strategies to assist in discovering barriers to happiness and improving quality of life. 

Joseph Guajardo MA, LPC, CADC, CCS, MRT

Joe is a counselor on the Schaeffer Counseling Center team. He graduated from Baker College with a major in Human Services and received his Master’s Degree from Spring Arbor University. Joe is recognized as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Certified Clinical Supervisor through the Michigan Certification Board of Addiction Professionals. He's a member and regional ambassador for the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association and was recently appointed to the Health Professional’s Recovery Committee. Joe completes assessments, provides individual counseling, and facilitates group therapy. His goal is to provide a safe place for individuals to be themselves and be able to do the therapeutic work to promote positive change. His approach to treatment is person-centered, often utilizing motivational interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 

Jasmine Alvarado

Jasmine is a limited licensed professional counselor who received her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Central Michigan University. She is currently working toward her doctoral degree in Counselor Education at Western Michigan University. She has experience with counseling, supervision, teaching and research.  
Her counseling experiences include a wide range of clientele and presenting concerns. Some of her specialty areas include relationships, transition/adjustment, anxiety, depression, wellness, and more. Jasmine’s preferred counseling approach is based on the Cognitive-Behavioral approach (CBT). CBT places its importance on the therapeutic relationship and exploring the clients’ thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This method focuses on changing patterns of behaviors and becoming aware of coping-mechanisms. Jasmine believes that counselors serve as collaborator in the process of change!

Dr. Robyn J. Emde Ph.D., LPC, ACS, NCC, Associate Professor

Dr. Emde is a Licensed Profession Counselor (LPC), American Certified Supervisor (ACS), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and an endorsed school counselor in the State of Michigan. She obtained her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialty in Forensics from Walden University and has been teaching in a CACREP accredited counselor education program for the past seven years. In addition to teaching, she owns and operates Comfort in Counseling Robyn's Nest, where she provides mental health counseling to children, adolescents and families. Her research interests include the role of supervision in the counseling and the changing role of school counselors. In addition, Dr. Emde has presented both nationally and internationally at various conferences. She is also the past chair of the Michigan Board of Counseling and currently serves as Director of Supervision for the Michigan Mental Health and Counseling Association.