The Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp Counseling Ministry

The Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp Counseling Ministry at LifeChurch Southfield serves to fulfill our vision, which is to Know Christ, Grow in community and Go serve those in need.

We effectively achieve our mandate to “go” by serving our church community through our counseling ministry.

Our ministry is named in honor of our late member, Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp. She served in a myriad of ministries, but she believed her purpose was to help people, encourage them and assist in their spiritual and personal development, as a counselor.

Tanya helped many people, but her life was shortened by cancer. In honor of Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp, LifeChurch Southfield will continue providing professional counseling to those in need.

Our Counselors

Jennifer J. Matthews, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, Director
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Jennifer J. Matthews, completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida, M.A. in Counseling from Wayne State University, and B.A in Spanish from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Matthews is a National Certified Counselor and is an Approved Clinical Supervisor.

Dr. Matthews works with adults in the following areas: grief & loss, depression, anxiety, wellness, work-life balance and anger management. In addition to working in a clinical setting, Dr. Matthews is an Assistant Professor at Oakland University where she teaches graduate-level courses and researches on grief & loss in the African American community. She is a member and board member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling,

Elreta Dodds, LPC, LMSW

Elreta Dodds is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Masters Social Worker (specializing in clinical and macro practices), Clinical Supervisor, and Ordained Minister.

Elreta is also an independent publisher doing business as Press Toward The Mark Publications and has authored several Christian apologetic books that focus on social issues.

Elreta has a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, both of which were obtained from Wayne State University where she graduated with honors. Elreta has worked as a Primary Mental Health Therapist for Genesee County Community Mental health, taught courses in community services for eight years as an Adjunct Instructor at Siena Heights University, and is retired from the state of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services after twenty-five years of service in child welfare.

Elreta works with adults in the following areas: anxiety (including phobias), bipolar disorders, depression (including major depressive disorder), trauma, stress, and premarital counseling (in private practice only). She also provides mental health diagnostic services.

Janell Richards-McWilliams, LMSW

​Janell Richards-McWilliams is a Licensed Masters Clinical and Macro Social Worker.

She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University, where her concentration was Mental Health.

She earned her Bachelor Degree in Sociology from Oakland University. Mrs. Richards-McWilliams has over 20 years of Social Work experience and has provided individual, group and family counseling in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities and community mental health settings.

Her passion is working with youth assisting them with improving their coping skills, managing school and behavioral issues and improving their self- esteem.  Presently she is employed as a Vocational Counselor, providing career guidance and counseling to adults and youth with disabilities.

Jeannine Tyree, LPC, CRC, QIDP

​Jeannine A. Tyree is practicing therapist that supports individuals with severe and persistent mental illness at a Detroit Metropolitan community mental health agency.

Most of her career has involved working with individuals with developmental disabilities who had significant behavioral challenges in Toledo, Ohio. She earned her Master of Rehabilitation Counseling degree from Bowling Green State University.

Ms. Tyree is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). Her clinical experience and interests include working with people who seek support for anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, relationships, family issues, anger, and life stressors.

She is a member of Michigan Mental Health Counselor’s Association, National Rehabilitation Association and American Association of Christian Counselors.

Counseling Available

We are currently able to offer counseling services in the following areas:

• ​Trauma
• Interpersonal relationships
•  Anger, General life stressors,
• Behavioral issues,
• School issues
• Coping skills
• Depression
• Grief & Loss, Anxiety
• Self-esteem, Stress
• Work/life balance
• Marital concerns
• And Career

For more information, please contact our Director at:

Jennifer J. Matthews, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS
counseling@lifechurchsouthfield.org
(248) 382-8805​

Resources

Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services - reporting abuse and neglect in Michigan 1-855-444-3911

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

211 Resource Referral Line