Hi! I’m so glad you’re here. Here’s a little about me, told in chronological order.

If my age matters to you (for some it does), I was born in 1976 in Iowa as the firstborn. Shortly after, my family moved to California for a few years, but I was essentially raised in East Lansing, MI from 1980 onward, where my father served as senior pastor of a non-denominational church for 18 years. Within a few years, a younger brother (David - Motivity Pictures) and sister (Joy - Punchline Agency) joined our family.

I grew up loving sports, fell in love with reading in late elementary school, and enjoyed outdoor activities like fishing throughout this period. I did well in school and was a strong athlete at a very small high school, which led to playing soccer and basketball at the collegiate level — Division III for soccer and Division II for basketball — eventually graduating from Hillsdale College. Unfortunately, a torn ACL (followed by several surgeries) marked the beginning of the end of my sports career, which had also been a significant part of my identity.

Outdoor activities and travel became my focus in my 20s. I worked painting houses to fund a number of adventures, including two seasons as a whitewater rafting guide, several backpacking trips, attending the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), and spending significant time in Thailand and Nepal.

In my late 20s, I began thinking about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and started exploring graduate school. I eventually returned for the equivalent of a second bachelor’s degree in psychology and applied for my psychology doctorate. During this time, I met my lovely wife, Sarah. Shortly after marrying in June 2005, we headed west for eight years.

I completed my doctorate at George Fox University outside of Portland, OR. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there, even though we experienced the deep sadness of infertility. I was honored to receive an invitation for my internship at Naval Medical Center San Diego with the United States Navy. For the next four years, I served as an active duty officer, completing my internship, postdoc, and licensure between San Diego and Great Lakes Naval Station (bootcamp), where I completed the remainder of my four-year service.

In the transition from San Diego to north Chicago, we learned of a young woman, eight months pregnant, who knew we were looking to adopt. In October 2010, Jackson entered our lives, and we were — and remain — so blessed to have him as our son.

After leaving the Navy in 2013, I opened my private practice in the Grand Rapids, MI area and also began working with Love and Respect Ministries, an organization my parents run. In 2014, we were blessed to adopt again, and Ada Joy-Marie became part of our family. She is her middle name, Joy, and we are grateful for her every day. The four of us have had many adventures together since then.

I currently run my private practice full time, while Sarah works at the private Christian school our kids attend. We are involved in our church and community and enjoy spending time together as a family, as well as with extended family.

I still like (not love anymore) sports, although now primarily as a spectator. I love to read, especially history. I’m an introvert and have always loved the joke: “How do you know an introvert likes you? They look at your shoes instead of their own.” That said, I can also be outgoing and I am fully engaged as a listener and participant during sessions with clients.

Finally, my Christian faith is very important to me, and while I strive to live it intentionally every day, I need many reminders including this one:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

Hopefully this “Reader’s Digest” version of my life gives you a glimpse into my personality and communication style, at least in writing. But I always respond to emails and questions so don’t hesitate to ask.

Jonathan