Get Help, Get Active, Get Well
We are a team of therapists who use exercise and movement as a primary form of treatment for common mental health issues, such as anxiety & depression, and do so based on science and research.
When we opened our doors in June of 2011, The Well Being was the first outpatient mental health facility in the United States to provide its clientele with an on-site fitness center, specifically for their use, and specifically for their mental health. We continue represent the cutting edge when it comes to this treatment combination.
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While clients are receiving counseling they have open-access to our on-site fitness center at no additional charge. We believe in the power that exercise and movement hold as a form of mental health treatment, and have established it as a cornerstone of our practice.
Meet Our Team
Meet the team of Well Being staff who are ready for you to get help, get active, and get well.
Clinical Staff

Owner/CEO/Therapist
Brendan Kelly, LMSW
Brendan is a Licensed Master's Social Worker who's been working as an outpatient therapist since 2003. Brendan received his Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2003, and has been working in Grand Rapids, Michigan, since that time. He is passionate about the idea of utilizing movement and physical exercise as a direct source of mental health treatment, and has given numerous presentations over the years on this subject. During his career, Brendan has completed the 7-month Extramural Training Program at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research. He has also been certified in Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy through Behavioral Tech, and has received an extensive amount of continuing education in Motivational Interviewing with M.I.N.T trainers. Brendan enjoys being with his wife and daughter, his friends and family, trail running, mountain biking, being at the beach, playing in the snow, or getting outside in any of the seasons in between.

Therapist, Co-Founder of The Well Being
Timothy Pieri, LMSW
Timothy is a Licensed Master's Social Worker and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Timothy received his Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 1986, and has been a practicing therapist since 1990. He has worked for a variety of non-profit organizations throughout West Michigan, most notably with Arbor Circle from 1990-2009. While at Arbor Circle, Timothy developed, implemented, and facilitated their Intensive Outpatient substance abuse treatment program. He specializes in individual, group, couples, and family counseling, and on helping individuals move from illness to new lives in recovery. He has worked as an Adjunct Professor at both Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College. He has been married for over 45 years, and he and his wife have successfully raised six children.

Therapist
Tanya Van der Veen, LMSW
Tanya is a Licensed, Master's Social Worker who has worked in the social work field for over 20 years at various organizations in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Tanya earned her Bachelor's Degree from Calvin College in 1994 and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997. Throughout her professional life, Tanya has focused on helping people in many different capacities. During he career, Tanya has worked as a pregnancy counselor, a pre-school teacher, a home based therapist, a special needs adoption social worker, and an admissions clinician for a psychiatric hospital. Tanya's main goal is to provide excellent, client centered, care in a safe and supportive environment. Tanya enjoys spending time with her son, traveling and spending time with friends.

Therapist
Michele Seasly, LMSW, CAADC, CCS
Shelley received her Master of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University in 1993 and has been working in the field of mental health and substance use since that time. She has experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief, parenting, and substance use disorders. Shelley was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2017 and uses this and other methods to treat persons that have experienced trauma. She has also had extensive trainings in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and substance use treatment. She has been guided in her practice by her belief that people have the strengths and resources to change.
Shelley has used exercise and movement throughout her life to help her stay healthy and to manage stress. She believes strongly that physical activity is very important for overall health.
Shelley’s family is comprised of three adult sons, their partners, beautiful grandchildren and her husband of 43 years. She enjoys being outside, traveling, exercising, learning, gardening, playing the piano and spending time with friends and family.

Therapist
Cheri Fox, LMSW
Cheri is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker who has cared for individuals throughout her life. She has practiced as a childbirth educator and birth coach, and as a spiritual director at The Dominican Center at Marywood. Most recently, she has practiced by providing counseling and support for individuals adjusting to blindness and vision loss. Cheri has experience leading psycho-education and DBT groups for the day treatment program at Forest View Hospital, and has facilitated support groups for The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She trained at The Ohio State University, State University of New York, and at Western Michigan University where she received her MSW. She has experience working with individuals in grief counseling, adjustment support, anxiety and depression, and issues around pregnancy, birth and parenting. Cheri utilizes an eclectic approach of Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, spiritual integration, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to invite individuals to wholeness and balance. Cheri enjoys hiking and walking with friends, biking, cross country skiing, and paddling. Cheri has been married to her husband Phil for more than 36 years and together they have raised five young adult children.

Therapist
Elizabeth Maher, LMSW
Elizabeth is a Licensed Master's Social Worker who approaches therapy from a strengths perspective. She strives to provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental, safe, supportive and solution focused environment where clients feel heard, respected and understood. Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2002. Her undergraduate degree is from Valparaiso University in Social Work and Psychology. In her 19 years of practice she brings experience in many areas including: family and relationship issues, special needs, trauma, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, coping with stress, grief, divorce, attachment, self-esteem and parenting issues. She uses a variety of approaches to best meeting individual needs that include cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, mindfulness and EFT. Elizabeth enjoys spending her time hiking with her dogs, paddle boarding, sitting on the beach, gardening, and talking/cleaning/cooking with her two children and husband.

Therapist
Bethany Bertapelle, LMSW
Bethany is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker with over a decade of experience in helping clients face life challenges and learn new ways to care for their mental, emotional, and relational well being. A passion for understanding how social environment affects mental health led Bethany to pursue undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Political Science, as well as a master’s degree in Social Work. Working with survivors of trauma and abuse has been a driving force shaping Bethany’s approach to supporting her clients’ healing and well-being. Bethany practices Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), which is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization for recovery from trauma, depression, and anxiety. Bethany’s therapeutic approach is also strongly influenced by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based, empirically proven framework for changing your relationship to habitual thoughts and feelings and empowering you to take steps today toward what matters most in your life. Bethany’s philosophy is that we cannot control what life brings but we each have tremendous power to learn, grow, embrace our courage, and support one another. Bethany is passionate about yoga and offers breath and movement practices for her clients. She also enjoys spending time in nature, paddleboarding, cycling, and hiking. Bethany uses she/her pronouns and aims to provide a therapeutic environment that is safe and supportive for all. You are welcome here.

Therapist
Peter Bourland, LPC
Peter is a Licensed Professional Counselor offering counseling and coaching for individuals and parents. Peter received his Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Denver Seminary
and has been licensed in Colorado and Michigan since 1998. Peter works from the underlying assumption that people are not problems to be fixed but rather great mysteries to be appreciated. Appreciation allows us to discover the best in each other and from that vantage point we find energy and purpose for change and healing. Peter utilizes an approach which draws from an existential, contemplative, appreciative understanding of what it means to be human and seeks to create an environment of trust and understanding with his clients as they work together toward a desired future. In addition to offering individual counseling and addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships and personal development, Peter offers group and individual coaching for men and women who desire to be better parents. These groups are available at various times throughout the year so please inquire with The Well Being for dates and times if interested. Peter lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and son and is available to meet in person or via video whichever is more convenient.
Fitness and Support Staff

Fitness Center Director
Mike Zimmer
Mike Zimmer is a Corrective Exercise specialist from the West Michigan area who has a knack for helping people get moving, while healing any aches and pains they may have! Mike received his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University in 2010, and has been working in the health and fitness industry ever since. Throughout his career, Mike has worked as a Personal Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Fitness Director, and Corrective Exercise Specialist, and has worked with people of all varieties and goals, from teenage athletes all the way up to a 96 year old client!

Practice Manager
Kerri Pratt
Kerri brings over 25 years of experience in business development and overall operations. Her journey began with a degree in Health and Physical Education from Grand Valley State University, a foundation that speaks to her enduring love for exercise and fitness. She’s always believed in the power of movement to enhance both mental and physical well-being which his why joining The Well Being team felt like destiny. Running and competing in obstacle course races have been her go-to outlets for staying active and challenging herself.
Beyond the confines of the office, you will find her embarking on adventures alongside her husband and their mischievous twin boys. Their days off are a whirlwind of laughter, brimming with high-energy activities as they strive to keep pace with their dynamic duo. Amidst the chaos, their shared love for family time serves as an anchor, allowing them to cherish life's precious moments.
Her commitment to promoting well-being extends beyond her professional role – it's a way of life.
“I believe that when we prioritize our physical and mental health, we unlock our full potential to excel in all aspects of life. I'm excited to be part of a team that shares this philosophy and am always eager to connect with fellow enthusiasts on their own wellness journeys. Here's to a life of growth, health, and the joy of embracing every challenge that comes our way!”