Scott McKnight, Founding Director, LMSW Clinical Practice, MBA

Scott founded 3rdchair to meet the needs of young adults of Grand Rapids. 

He has made it a full-time endeavor to counsel, mentor, and speak to schools, colleges, churches, seminaries, and other groups regarding the challenges and mental health concerns facing today's youth.

Scott works in groups or one-on-one and is gifted in dealing with sexual abuse, addictions, self-injury (cutting), eating disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship struggles. He makes it easy for young people to communicate how they really feel and gives them the tools to articulate their thoughts. He works with people so they can build constructive relationships with others by being aware of the needs around them.  

Scott received his Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Western Michigan University as well as further training through Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He also received a Master in Business Administration in International Finance from Old Dominion University.  

Outside of 3rdchair, Scott has coached soccer for the past eight years and worked summer camps for Harbor Hospice and Ele's Place. Additionally, he has walked alongside youth who have experienced the death of a family member; facilitated groups for high school students who are experiencing anticipatory grief; volunteered for Junior Achievement – Project Business, teaching students about building a business; and has volunteered with Binder Park Zoo and the Humane Society.

April Wilson, B.S., Director of Organizational Operations

April graduated from Ferris State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Spanish. She has worked for the past few years doing psychological testing for all ages at local psychiatric clinics. April also was a Resident Assistant for Homes Giving Hope, where she lived alongside four young women with unique abilities and assisted them in mastering independent living skills.

April enjoys any kind of creative outlet outside of work but mainly enjoys painting, sewing, and cooking. She also loves outdoor activities, and trying new things, preferably accompanied by one of her dogs or a friend.

Stephanie Choi, LPC, Counselor

Stephanie is a graduate of Spring Arbor University with a Master of Arts in Counseling Degree and of Calvin College with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Stephanie is trained in EMDR, a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. She is also certified as a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator for couples and premarital counseling. 

Stephanie has chosen to focus her time and energy working with teens and young adults because she understands that these years are filled with difficult transitions and knows that everyone needs a little help figuring out who they are and where they want to go. 

Stephanie has prior experience working and providing home-based family intervention, life skills education, and supportive services. Working with home-based family systems has provided Stephanie with specific insight into how mental health issues affect more than just the individual. 

In her free time, Stephanie can be found spending time with family and friends. She likes to maintain a healthy lifestyle and has found social dancing—particularly swing and salsa dancing—to be a great way to stay active.

Stacy Blackwell, LMSW, Counselor

Stacy is a graduate from Grand Valley State University where she obtained both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees, as well as a minor in Spanish. She’s also trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically for children and teens.

Over the years, Stacy has worked in a variety of settings, including as a bilingual school therapist and a counselor at 3rd Chair before spending three incredible years in Costa Rica, partnering with indigenous communities. In addition to her counseling work, Stacy serves as the Director of People Care at Operation Mobilization USA, a nonprofit, as she supports the wellbeing of cross-cultural workers around the world.

Stacy is passionate about journeying with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and cross-cultural transitions. She believes that everyone’s story has value and considers it a privilege to be part of someone’s healing and growth journey.

A Michigan native, Stacy enjoys all things lake life related, being outdoors in every season, and making delicious gluten-free treats to share with her friends.