Real people who
genuinely care
William A. Presti Center For Families and Youth, in Brighton, MI
The most important part of therapy is the relationship. Meet the licensed therapists, certified coaches, and support staff who make our practice what it is.
New Client Openings This Week
Low Flat Fee/session
Low Flat Fee/session
Johanna Ciak, MSW
Director & Founder
Johanna received her Masters in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University with a concentration in Children and Family Services. She has worked in the Social Work field since 1983.
Johanna founded the William A. Presti Center for Families and Youth to provide a caring, empathetic, supportive environment for people struggling with emotional and mental health issues — and to keep services at a price that actually makes care accessible.
Over her career, Johanna has worked with clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, loss, low self-esteem, depression, and other emotional and mental health concerns. She has served as a Therapist, Coach, and Case Manager across mental health, education, and residential settings, and supervised programs for chronically mentally ill and head-injured adults.
Today, Johanna's focus is the ongoing development of the center. She's proud of the team of therapists, coaches, and support staff she's built — and honored to serve Livingston County and the surrounding communities.
Johanna lives locally with her husband and her 15-year-old dog. She loves long walks, reading, and collecting jewelry.
Arica VanGelderen, MSW
Operations Director & Mental Health Specialist
Arica received her Bachelor's degree in Art History from Kalamazoo College and her Masters in Social Work from Loyola University.
As Operations Director, Arica oversees and manages all daily operations at the center — caseload reporting, employee onboarding, compliance, and ongoing training for our staff. She's the steady hand behind the scenes that keeps the practice running smoothly so our clinicians can focus on clients.
Arica lives with her husband, three dogs, and two cats. She enjoys art projects and loves sharing her creativity with friends, staff, and family.
Kisha Hath, LMSW-C
Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
Kisha received her Masters of Social Work from Michigan State University and her Bachelors of Science from Baker College.
Kisha specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, identity development, and peer relationship difficulties. She is passionate about helping clients better understand themselves, develop healthy coping strategies, and build confidence as they move through life's transitions.
Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each client's unique needs. Kisha utilizes evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness practices, play therapy, and art therapy. She believes healing begins with feeling heard and understood, and she strives to create a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where clients can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Kisha values validating her clients' feelings, identifying unhelpful thought patterns, and empowering individuals to make meaningful changes that align with their personal goals and values. She offers both in-office and virtual counseling sessions, including evening availability to accommodate busy schedules.
In addition to her outpatient therapy work, Kisha also serves clients through the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Clinic, where she provides support to Veterans facing a variety of mental health concerns.
Outside of work, Kisha lives in Howell with her partner and their two beloved pets. She enjoys traveling, baking, spending time with loved ones, and watching horror films.
Specialties
- Trauma - Anxiety & Depression - Children & Teens - Family Conflict - Play & Art Therapy - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Peer Relationship Issues
Marcie Reznik, CLC
Certified Life Coach
Marcie is an accredited Certified Life Coach. She works with couples navigating unhealthy communication, long-standing unresolved conflicts, intimacy issues, trust issues, and pre-marital exploration — bringing a supportive, solution-focused approach to resolving conflict.
Marcie also works with adults moving through life transitions: divorce, grief and loss, career change, isolation, low self-esteem, and spiritual exploration. She believes everyone has the power to create the life they desire, and her role is to provide the tools and support to make that happen.
Over 50-plus years of her own life experiences have deepened her compassion and empathy — especially for people dealing with emotional and physical pain. She draws on a wide range of healing modalities to support growth and transformation, and works collaboratively with clients in a warm, welcoming environment where they feel seen and heard.
Marcie lives in Wixom with her husband and one of her daughters. Her hobbies are working out, being outside in nature, and time with family and friends.
Specialties
- Adults - Couples & communication - Unhealthy relationship dynamics
- Life transitions - Divorce, grief & loss - Self-esteem & negative self-beliefs
- Pre-marital coaching
Mitchell Brown, LLPC, Certified Life Coach
Clinical Mental Health Counselor & Coach
Mitchell earned his Bachelor's in Psychology from Grand Valley State University and his Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He's also a Certified Life Coach.
Mitchell has expertise working with teens, adults, and children experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and relationship and peer issues. He has worked as a Behavioral Specialist with children and teens diagnosed with autism. Mitchell utilizes mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy in his work with clients. He has mentored teens and taught them the value of teamwork and mutual respect.
In sessions, Mitchell brings a strong focus on building a warm, trusting, collaborative relationship. He helps clients gain clarity and find new, healthier perspectives on their emotional struggles.
In his spare time Mitchell loves to travel, fish, boat, and play sports. He brings a real enthusiasm for life to his work and looks forward to sharing that energy with his clients.
Specialties
- Anxiety & depression - ADHD - Teens & Adults - Autism spectrum - Trauma
- CBT & mindfulness
Shoshana Applebaum, B.A.
Master's Level Intern in Clinical Mental Health
Shoshana received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Oakland University and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health.
Her counseling experience includes working with adults struggling with anxiety, anger, and trauma in an outpatient, clinical setting. Additionally, Shoshana has worked with children utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis, focusing on empathy, autonomy, and skill-building for children on the autism spectrum.
In her current Master's level internship, Shoshana works with children and teens navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and peer relationship issues, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy. In her work with adults, she focuses on trauma-related issues, depression, anger, and anxiety, employing psychodynamic approaches and cognitive behavioral therapy. Shoshana is passionate about client-centered care and is deeply committed to her clients' emotional well-being.
In her spare time, Shoshana enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her cat. She looks forward to helping you live a happy, authentic life and is eager to work with you.
Specialties
- Anxiety & depression - Trauma - Anger - Children & Teens - Autism spectrum
- CBT & play therapy - Adults
Suzette Presti
Intake Manager
Suzette brings a deep range of experience to our Center — an Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and a Bachelor's with emphasis in Management, Communication, and Fine Arts, plus professional work across healthcare, higher education, and business in administrative and management capacities.
Suzette is often the first voice you'll hear when you reach out. She's the person who takes the time to understand what you're looking for and match you with the therapist or coach best suited to your needs — connecting people to resources for a better future is the part of the work she loves most.
Suzette is a professional vocalist and choir director. She enjoys people, pets, travel, new experiences, and the outdoors.
Take the Next Step
Contact us and take the first step to personal fulfillment and happiness. Evening appointments and teletherapy appointments available upon request.
8123 Grand River Avenue Suite 3
Brighton, MI 48114
Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM