Meet Our Team

Leslie Kroeze, MSW
Executive Director

Leslie was part of the founding board that started Well of GRACE Ministries in 2004. Since then, she has served in a variety of areas, watching exponential growth in the ministry along the way. Prior to stepping in to her role as Executive Director, she had the unique position of overseeing the operations of the ministry as president of the Board of Directors, as well as actively working for the ministry as a therapist for Club H2O groups. In 2021, she spearheaded the start of Renewed & Restored Resale, and continues to work alongside other staff and volunteers to invest in this additional ministry. Leslie is also an active volunteer in her home church, The Chapel - EFC. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University, and a Bachelor's degree from Calvin College.

Mary Gilliam, LPC

Counselor

Mary started working for Well of GRACE as an intern in 2007, led therapy groups for many years, and served as Executive Director for nearly ten years. She has a passion for working with teens and women to increase self-awareness, strive for personal growth, finding balance and overall well-being. Mary loves working 1:1 with clients and their families as well as providing group therapy. She looks forward to cultivating new relationships within the community and is excited about how God will continue to grow this ministry and community. Mary has Master's Degree from Western Michigan University in Counseling-Psychology and is a licensed professional counselor.

Julia Jarvis, LMSW Clinical

Counselor

Julia started with Well of GRACE in 2022. She has experience working with individuals with a developmental disability. She has extensive experience working with teens and young adults. She has a passion for supporting family's and individuals as they work toward creating healthy boundaries, coping, and relationships.

Julie received her Masters in Social Work from Grand Valley State University and her Bachelors in Social Work from Hope College.

Becka O’Neil, MA, LLPC

Counselor

Becka received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. During her time in graduate school, she served as an intern for Well of GRACE and then joined the team after completing her studies. Becka enjoys working with girls and women of all ages, and with issues such as depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. She takes a holistic approach to counseling and believes in the importance of physical, social, environmental, and spiritual wellness when working with mental health struggles.

Previously, Becka worked in refugee resettlement, with a special focus on serving Unaccompanied Refugee Minors in Southwest Michigan. She now carries her heart for serving refugees and immigrants in her role as a counselor. Becka has recently been accepted into Western Michigan University's PhD Program for Counselor Education.

Stephanie Rutherford, LMSW Clinical

Counselor

Stephanie started with Well of GRACE Ministries as an intern in 2017-2018, and returned to the organization in 2021 as a fully licensed therapist with a Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University.

She has extensive experience working with individuals who have a developmental disability as well as adolescents in a group setting. Stephanie has a passion for coming alongside individuals in transition with the intent of growing one’s understanding of themselves, identifying their strengths, and exploring their potential.

Kaitlin Sieber, LMSW
Counselor

Kaitlin has a background in Childhood Trauma Treatment with an LMSW from University of Michigan.

Prior to Well of GRACE, Kaitlin contracted with Foster Care and Child Protective Services, as well as working at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan for over ten years as their lead clinician.

“I was drawn to Well of GRACE because of the ministry’s mission to empower adolescent girls with the love of God during such a pivotal time in their lives. This opportunity has allowed me to still feel impactful as a clinical therapist and a stay-at-home mom."

Ali Talbott, MA, LLPC
Counselor

Ali is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Master's degree from Cornerstone University. Her passion for mental health began while working at a public school as a preschool teacher.

Ali enjoys working with a variety of clients, including children, adolescents, college, and individuals in early adulthood. She also helps clients with issues like self-esteem, life transitions, and eating disorders. Her approach in the mental health field centers around the individual as a whole, including emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Ali is skilled in connecting with clients with ease and leading groups with skill and finesse. Her genuine care and encouragement is special gift.

Lynda Bredeweg, LCSW
Counselor

After receiving her MSW from Western Michigan University, Lynda worked for ten years at Corewell Health Watervliet as a care manager/social worker in the inpatient acutely rehab unit, working specifically with families on discharge planning. Lynda also holds her own virtual private practice. Lynda has a heart for women’s ministry and also specializes in grief support.

Lynda has a long history with Well of GRACE Ministries, having worked with several of our board members while completing her MSW. She also led Club H2O Groups in Lakeshore and St. Joseph Schools as a part of her internship to complete her MSW.

Alyssa Swanson, LLMSW

Counselor

Alyssa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Professional Psychology from Andrews University in 2022 and a Masters of Social Work in 2026. Alyssa interned here at Well of GRACE Ministries, as well as The LOGAN Center in Benton Harbor on the Family Support Therapy Team, working with families and individuals across a range of needs.Since 2022, she has volunteered as a Crisis Counselor with the Crisis Text Line, providing live support and de-escalation to individuals in crisis via text.

Outside of the clinical setting, Alyssa has spent the past ten years teaching students ages 3 to 18. Teaching has given her valuable insight into youth development, communication, and mentorship, which informs her approach to counseling.

Emily Marshall, LMSW

Counselor

Emily graduated from Calvin University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and from Grand Valley State University with her Master’s in Social Work. She has also been working full time at Area Agency on Aging as a social worker for the last eleven years.

Since joining Well of GRACE, Emily has taken on a number of Book Studies, intermingling her love of reading and storytelling with counseling. Emily’s passion lies in walking alongside the lives of those who might be struggling and building relationships by getting to know their story.