About Jennifer
Jennifer Heckendorn, LMSW
Owner, Clinical Social Worker
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. As a licensed Therapist in the greater Ann Arbor area, I am committed to the well-being of all my patients and go above and beyond to address their needs.
Through my education as a geriatric social worker along with my experience in long term care, hospice and outreach therapy, I have the training and skills necessary to provide extra support and guidance through a challenging situation.
Our approach is to provide support, meet clients where they are, and to address personal life challenges. We work with each individual to help build on strengths and attain personal growth.
I truly care for all of my clients, and work diligently to help find them the answers they seek. Since 2007, I have worked with a variety of patients dealing with circumstances that are unique to their lives.
About Kathy
Kathy Wade, LMSW, PhD
Clinical Social Worker
My career has spanned over 40 years in various clinical, supervisory and administrative positions. After retiring from Michigan Medicine as the Director of Social Work and Assistant Dean at the School of Social Work, I began working as a psychotherapist in private practice. I counsel individuals and couples utilizing a strengths-based, psychodynamic treatment approach. I specialize in grief and loss counseling, as well as depression, anxiety and other chronic health and mental health conditions.
After working as a social worker for the State of New Jersey in Youth and Family Services, I pursued a master’s in social work from New York University completing my M.S.W. in 1984. I completed by Ph.D. in Social Welfare at City University of New York, Hunter School of Social Work (2004).
As an expert in death and dying, I was a part of a team instrumental in developing and implementing the Palliative Care Consultation Program (Pediatric and Adult Service) at Michigan Medicine. I also co-taught a masters level class at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Death, Grief and Loss for 15 years. In my community role, I served three terms as a board member for Arbor Hospice/ Hospice of Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Programs. Additionally, I have written articles and presented nationally on topics such as: Emotional Intelligence, Patient and Family-Centered Care, Bereavement, Compassion Fatigue, Team Building, and HIV/AIDS. I review articles for two publications; Journal for Social Work in Health Care and Journal of Hospital Administration. I have been the recipient of national awards such as: Ida Cannon Award (2016), Eleanor Clark Award for Innovative Program Development in Patient Care (2008), and Social Work Leader of the Year (2006) from the Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care.