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.

Kristen Rogers, LPC, Counselor

Kristen Rogers is a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where she earned a Master of Arts in Counseling. While pursuing interdisciplinary studies, she was able to focus her coursework on women's issues and child and adolescent development. Kristen's studies increased her desire to walk with women through abuse, anxiety, depression, and self-worth and assist them towards healing and healthy living goals.

While studying at Cornerstone University, Kristen was a resident assistant and had the privilege of helping young women through the personal, social, and transitional challenges of college life. After graduating, she received the Faculty Counseling Award for excellence in counseling. Her invaluable service at 3rdchair also includes working with young adults and couples. In her spare time, she enjoys the company of her husband and energetic son as well as reading, traveling, music, art projects, and serving at her church.

April Wilson, B.S., Client Relations Coordinator

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 is also a Resident Assistant for Homes Giving Hope, where she lives alongside four young women with unique abilities and assists them in mastering independent living skills. Whether they are chatting about their day or having a karaoke party, she loves spending time with her residents and their emotional support dog, Ryder. 

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.

Cameron Sabon, LPC, Counselor

Cameron is a Grand Rapids Theological Seminary graduate with a Master of Arts in Counseling. Her focus was on interdisciplinary studies, which allowed her to get a wide range of skills revolving around marriage/family, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Before her graduate studies, she received a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and Nonprofit Leadership from Clemson University in South Carolina (where she is from).

Cameron knows that high school years, college years, and early 20s can be difficult. It is a time of transition and exploring more of who you are. She has a passion for teens and twenty-something women to know that they are seen, valued, and cherished. Cameron's greatest desire is that when you come to counseling, you can put the stress of the day aside and be able to focus on yourself safely and what is going on in your life. She understands that sharing hard things with people is challenging, and she strives to create a warm, safe space that you feel comfortable sharing. She sees counseling as a collaborative process of healing and finding skills to work through life's obstacles.

In addition to Counseling, Cameron enjoys being with her family. She is enjoying the adventure of being a new mom and learning something new about herself and her little one every day. She can also be found volunteering at her local church, hanging out with her husband, enjoying coffee with friends, spending time with her small group, or exploring the outdoors.

Sam Campbell, LMSW, Counselor

Samantha (Sam) is a graduate of Michigan State University, where she received her Master’s in Social Work degree. She is also a graduate of Cornerstone University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.

Sam is experienced working with youth and families in residential, foster care, and school settings. Sam has a passion for creating a space where adolescents and young adults feel seen, heard, and valued. Her passion stems from her personal challenges during high school and college. At her core, her desire is to create a space of belonging for youth and young adults.

In addition to working at 3rdChair, Sam works with young moms and their children to create a space of community where moms are supported as they reach their full potential.

In her spare time, Sam enjoys exploring local coffee shops, reading, crafting, being outside, and watching college basketball with her cat, Ferguson. One of her favorite summer activities is attending auto shows, as she enjoys learning about cars, specifically Corvettes.

 Julia Romanowski, LLC, Counselor

Julia received her Master's of Arts in Counseling from Spring Arbor University in May 2025. She completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa.

Julia currently volunteers as a youth group leader for junior girls and has a passion for walking alongside adolescents and young adults as they learn how to navigate through trials and hardships. Through the experience leading a youth group, she has found that this time can be filled with so much confusion, pain, and stress. After her own experience with anxiety in high school, she is committed to creating a space where others feel supported and cared for amidst life’s challenges. Julia finds deep purpose and passion in creating transformative relationships with those she serves.

Julia has previous experience working with adults in substance abuse treatment and a passion for making mental healthcare more accessible to underserved populations. She believes that to the core, everyone wants to feel heard, seen, and loved.

In her free time, Julia loves hiking, camping, listening to all kinds of music, reading, and traveling in and out of the U.S. Most days, Julia could be found walking her dog, Roo, or spending time with friends and family.

Macy Potter, LLMSW, Counselor

Macy received her Master of Social Work degree at Western Michigan University. Macy’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Michigan State University, complemented by several years of experience working with youth and young adults in the U.S. and internationally.

Throughout her experiences, Macy has developed a strong ability to connect with young adults, offering individual therapy sessions and wellness workshops. In these settings, she focuses on empowering students to cultivate a sense of groundedness, capability, and connection in their lives. Her previous roles working with refugee youth and in international child development settings have deeply informed her counseling approach, fostering a commitment to cultural humility, the development of deep client relationships, and the provision of flexible, person-centered care tailored to individual needs.

Macy believes in creating an experience that feels genuine and relatable, where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically, embracing both moments of reflection and even humor, while always feeling understood and valued. She is particularly passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate significant life changes and gain a deeper understanding of their evolving identities.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Macy enjoys the simple pleasures of life, including gathering for taco nights, engaging in creative endeavors, and finding comfort in a quiet corner with a good book.

Hannah Reid, Spring Arbor University, Intern Counselor

Hannah is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Spring Arbor University, building on a strong foundation in Human Services from Grace Christian University. Her academic path has shaped her passion for creating spaces of dignity, safety, and belonging for others.

Before joining 3rdchair, Hannah spent several years at Harbor House Ministries, where she provided compassionate care for individuals with special needs and. supervised a team of resident aides. Her time there deepened her commitmen to helping others feel valued and supported in every stage of life.

When Hannah is not working at 3rdchair, she enjoys getting coffee with her friends, going for evening runs, camping or hiking, and writing. Being in the woods—especially near a creek—is where she feels the most alive.

Emme Dyk, Liberty University, Intern Counselor

Emme is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from Trinity Christian College. Throughout her academic and professional experiences, Emme has developed a strong foundation in counseling techniques, therapeutic care, and supporting individuals through life’s challenges.

Emme is deeply passionate about mental health and helping reduce the stigma surrounding it. Her interest in supporting others and promoting emotional wellbeing began at a young age. Her personal experiences, paired with her work in mental health settings, have strengthened her ability to connect with others, create safe spaces, and walk alongside people with empathy and understanding. She has experience supporting adolescents and adults in therapeutic environments and values helping clients feel seen, heard, and supported.

Outside of the counseling office, Emme enjoys making homemade lattes, going on walks, snuggling her cat, reading books, dancing, and listening to music.

Amanda Stowitts, LPC, CHAIS, Counselor

Amanda is a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where she received a Master's in counseling with an interdisciplinary focus. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Worship with a vocal emphasis at Cornerstone University and leads worship at her church. In the spring of 2021, Amanda completed a certificate in Animal Assisted Interventions (CHAIS) through Oakland University.

After watching family members and friends wrestle through grief and anxiety, Amanda chose to become a counselor to companion and care for those who are hurting. She previously shared her time at 3rdchair with Ele's Place, working with children struggling with the bereavement of a special person. Amanda feels that every person should have the opportunity to feel heard and appreciated as the unique individual they are. She believes the first step to healing and becoming the best version of yourself is realizing you are worth the time and effort it takes to push forward.

Outside of counseling at 3rdchair, Amanda loves spending time with her family and her golden-doodle Henry, going for walks in nature with friends, singing, reading, horseback riding, and discussing movies and tv, especially anything to do with Star Wars, superheroes, and musicals.

Henry, Animal Interventionist, Counselor Pawtner

With the help of Amanda, Henry is excited to be a “counseling pawtner” at 3rdchair! He will join us as an animal interventionist, trained to help and manage the client's emotional response to stress and anxiety during the session. Amanda has done many hours of training through Oakland University and Henry has been through several obedience-training classes and is finishing his requirements to become an AKC Canine Good Citizen and a Pet Partner.

Henry will be one of the first trained animal interventionists at a counseling center in West Michigan!!

Henry is passionate about making people feel safe and accepted. He is always willing to offer his paw to make someone who is sad feel better and has been known to initiate cuddles to reduce feelings of anxiety. Henry is a wonderful listener and only interrupts with an occasional squeak of a toy to add some “comic relief” in a tense situation.

When Henry is not helping clients at 3rdchair, he loves going on walks, taking naps, playing tug, chasing birds, and wrestling with his friends. There is no such thing as too many belly rubs and he is happy to show off his favorite tricks (especially if treats are involved).

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.

Kayla Welch, LPC, Counselor

Kayla is a graduate of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where she earned a Master of Arts in Counseling focusing on addictions. She has also earned a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Psychology from Cornerstone University.

Kayla has a passion for serving and helping others. Her passion for counseling came from her various experiences working with people in crisis. She spent two years working directly with families by providing home-based services. During this time, she learned interventions and techniques of counseling and decided to pursue the career further. Kayla has experience working with substance use and developmental disabilities. She spent three years working directly with individuals with developmental disorders and 2 years with adults in a rehabilitation center.

Kayla has a passion for working with young people. Alongside her time spent with 3rdChair. she serves as a youth development manager and has worked with youth through the Salvation Army for over 15 years. Kayla believes that everyone has value and deserves to have a safe place to be heard.

Outside of her time at 3rdChair, Kayla enjoys playing soccer and playing with her dog at the dog park. She also enjoys traveling to new locations where she can be out in nature and explore a new culture. Kayla is passionate about Marvel comics, playing music, Cheez-its, and Professional football.

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.

Ana Robey, LMSW, Counselor

Ana is a graduate of Spring Arbor University, where she received her Master of Social Work, and of Central Michigan University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. After obtaining her bachelor’s, Ana took time off from her education to work both at a women’s health center and as a ballet teacher, where she fostered a passion for supporting young women as they navigated life’s challenges and discovered their own identity, belonging, and purpose. She approaches the therapeutic process with curiosity, seeking to create a safe space for individuals to discover a deeper understanding of their own thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and move forward in health.

In addition to her time at 3rd Chair, Ana works with youth in foster care who are experiencing emotional and relational challenges as a result of trauma to develop coping skills and maintain healthy relationships in their community. In her spare time, Ana can be found exploring local restaurants and walking trails, painting, tending her wide array of houseplants, and spending time with her friends and family. On a weekend, you may find her at a music festival or venue with her fiddle-playing husband.

Luke Wolthuis, LPC, Counselor

Luke is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in sports management. He felt led to pursue his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which he is currently working on at Huntington University.

Luke’s passion for listening to other people’s stories, particularly adolescents and young adults, stemmed from his own experiences throughout high school and college. He has a strong desire to be present while challenging situations with peers and family. He loves delving into each individual’s unique story as they discover more about themselves, process the world around them, and learn how the two can best interact with each other.

Luke has previous experience working with adolescents undergoing treatment for substance abuse. He also spent a summer interning at a ballpark and loves to use sports to relate to people to help them feel comfortable.

Luke loves spending time with his family, friends, and puppies outside of counseling and school! He can also be found watching the show Friends, at a ball game, shooting hoops at a park, or doing projects around the house.

 Anna Strawser, Spring Arbor University, Intern Counselor

Anna is currently working toward her degree for Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Spring Arbor University after first earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology through Cornerstone University.

Anna’s passion for mental wellness was born when she first found herself in need of counseling as a middle school student. It was a profound experience that positively impacted the trajectory of her life, and ignited a spark of desire to help others in a similar way. 

Anna has spent many years working with young adults both as a nanny and as a volunteer in youth and young adult ministries at church.

She loves going to the beach, reading, going for walks while listening to podcasts, and going to dinner with friends, but her favorite thing to do is spend quality time with her little family.