Hello! My name is Jennifer Heitz, and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Central Michigan University. I joined Seasons Counseling in 2021 as a community mentor, where I provide support through Individual Skill Development and Enhancement (ISDE), wellness management and recovery, and parent psychoeducation. This has truly been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. At Seasons Counseling, I’m fortunate to work alongside an incredibly supportive and collaborative team. Their willingness to share ideas, expertise, and problem-solving strategies has greatly contributed to my professional growth. This role has allowed me to utilize my background in dietetics to support wellness goals, apply my experience with individuals on the autism spectrum, and integrate the training I’ve received in Comprehensive Community Services (CCS). I work with a wide range of individuals, from young children as young as four to adults in later stages of life. I am passionate about supporting people of all genders and ability levels. My guiding philosophy when meeting new clients is to assume they are doing the best they can with the resources they have. I see my role as a skills developer—helping individuals uncover their unique talents, build upon their strengths, and create personalized plans that support their goals. When working with youth, I enjoy incorporating their interests into engaging activities, games, and crafts to foster learning and connection while also working on their goals. Prior to joining Seasons Counseling, I gained valuable experience in a variety of roles. After graduating from college, I worked for several years at St. Mary’s in Green Bay before starting a family. I was grateful to be a stay-at-home mom until my children began school, which then led to my involvement in the school system as a substitute. During this time, I spent several years working in the Portage Special Education system, providing one-on-one support to students of all ages and abilities. Following my time in the school system, I transitioned into in-home autism therapy, working with children and teens using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I had the privilege of helping young people gain independence and improve communication skills. I worked with two different organizations in this field, ultimately becoming a Registered Behavior Technician before transitioning to Seasons Counseling, inspired by a friend and former colleague. Outside of work, I enjoy antiquing with my husband, spending time with my two adult sons, and caring for our three beloved pets. My personal hobbies include gardening, spending time in nature, working on DIY home projects, and preparing healthy meals with my family. Just as I love watching a garden bloom after hard work, I find joy in seeing my clients grow and thrive into the best versions of themselves.