Midwest Center for Youth and Families

Therapist, Melissa Dutcher, MA, graduate of Adler School of Professional Psychology, is facilitating psycho educational/discussion groups, imagery/relaxation groups in working with bipolar, depression, PTSD, ODD, borderline personality disorder and paranoid personality disorders. Her favorite thing about working with kids is having a role in the opportunity to make a difference in their life.

Therapist, Barbe Mitchener, graduate of Valparaiso University, Masters of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science, is a retired teacher for the Learning Disabled/Seriously/Emotionally Handicapped teacher in the Michigan, Illinois and Indiana schools. Her specialty areas are team-building with adolescent boys, anger management and self esteem building. She also taught Economics/English for the M.B.A. program at the International School of Business in Reutlingen, Germany. Barbe says that kids are the coolest human beings as they always are a work in progress one day so childlike, the next almost grown up.

Therapist, Cathy Osborne, graduate of Indiana University, was a former Clinical Director for a therapeutic foster care organization, as well as a therapist in an outpatient setting for children who are recovering from trauma. Her specialties include play therapy, art/expressive therapy, and animal assisted therapy. She and Baloo, her 5 year old Newfoundland who is certified by the Delta Society, will be working with our pediatric and pre-adolescent children. Cathy likes to work with the child and adolescent population because they are resilient, imaginative, and they have a sense of humor.

Therapist, Michelle Rabe, MSW, LCSW, graduate of Washington University with a specialization in family therapy is a seasoned member of our therapeutic team. Michelle has experience with clinical program development, supervision of Masters level students, outpatient therapy in public schools, and home based therapy. She enjoys working with our youngest residents and utilizes play therapy as a primary intervention. Her treatment focus includes sexual and physical abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders and specifically pediatric bipolar disorder.

Therapist, Mike Ruggaber, LSW, Doctorate in Pastoral Theology, has played several roles in his help with children and adolescents. Mike began his work with youth as a minister. He held the role of college chaplain and professor for many years. He then decided to leave the ministry and begin his endeavors as a therapist. After directing an inpatient psychiatric unit and working as an adult therapist, Mike decided to join our team. Mike is not only able to provide our residents with therapeutic guidance but is also able to lend spiritual guidance to those who are in search of spirituality.

JOHN R. ELSASSER, MSW, LCSW

Therapist, John Elsasser, graduate of Michigan Technical University, Masters from Wayne State University. John comes to us with 28 years of professional experience including working in foster care, member of a sexual abuse treatment team, and having his own private practice for the past 10 years. John will specifically be working as our lead therapist for children and adolescents with chemical dependency issues. His favorite thing about working with kids is that they inspire him with new energy and fresh outlooks and that they are willing to try new things.