MEET OUR TEAM

Amber Murphy is the patient care coordinator. She is the voice of Independence Counseling & Psychological Services as she reaches out to those seeking services. Amber is kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable as she guides each person though the process of beginning the therapeutic experience.

Stephanie Hillebrand, Psy.D. is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Michigan. She founded Independence Counseling & Psychological Services and is the Director of the clinic. Dr. Hillebrand attended the University of Michigan for her undergraduate studies, completing a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Dr. Hillebrand received the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Psychology focused on Humanistic and Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology in 2011. She has been working in a clinical setting since 2006 through internships, volunteer opportunities, and full time employment. Dr. Hillebrand is active with the Rotary Club of Howell, Howell Chamber of Commerce, BNI Howell Chapter, and the American Psychological Association. Dr. Hillebrand specializes in cognitive behavioral and humanistic therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Her clinical interests include the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress related to life transitions, issues of grief and loss, relationship and family conflict, and incidents of trauma. Dr. Hillebrand has a strong desire to be a support for the community in addition to clinical work. She is also passionate about the training and supervision of new psychologists coming into the field.

Natasha Marrero, M.A. is a Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist. Mrs. Marrero attended the University of Puerto Rico in Carolina’s campus for her undergraduate studies, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology. She received the degree of Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology in July 2020. She has actively been part of clinical settings since 2015 through internships and volunteer opportunities that have allowed her to expand her knowledge and experience. Mrs. Marrero’s therapeutic approach is humanistic therapy with a holistic approach for children, adolescents, and adults. Her clinical interests include the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress related to life transitions, issues of grief and loss, relationship and family conflict, and incidents of trauma. Mrs. Marrero is bilingual, conducting therapy in Spanish as well as English. Mrs. Marrero is very driven and passionate about supporting the community.

Carmela Masters, M.A is a Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist. She attended Grand Valley State University and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in both Communications and Criminal Justice. Mrs. Masters graduated from the Michigan School of Psychology in 2020 and is working to become a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Her theoretical orientation is an integrated perspective of humanistic-existential and psychoanalytical principals. Mrs. Masters utilizes this approach to treatment with clients of all ages. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, personality theory, and enneagrams to create individualized treatment plans. Mrs. Masters’ clinical concentrations include depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, relationship and family conflict, and grief and loss. She is LGBTQ+ friendly.

Kyle Justin, M.A. is a Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist. Mr. Justin attended Alma College in Michigan for his undergraduate studies, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He received the degree of Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology in July 2018. He has actively participated within clinical settings since 2015 through internships and volunteer opportunities, which have allowed him to build his knowledge and experience working with diverse populations. Mr. Justin’s therapeutic approach is emotion-focused and humanistic, which involves guiding clients to understand, connect, and utilize their emotional strengths. His clinical interests include the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress related to life transitions, issues of grief and loss, relationship and family conflict, and incidents of trauma. As a former shift worker, he aims to provide flexible hours for night shifters as part of his practice.

Sereny Mathis, M.A. is a Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist. She attended Western Michigan University and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Psychology. Soon after, she attended the Michigan School of Psychology and received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology in July 2022. She has a diverse background in psychological testing and working in marginalized communities which allowed her to broaden her scope of competence. Her specialty is an integrative approach to cognitive behavioral and trauma therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She utilizes attachment theory, humanistic and existential concepts, and interpersonal contexts to formulate unique, individualized treatment plans. Ms. Mathis’ clinical interests include anxiety and mood disorders, trauma related experiences, life transitions, loss and grief, couples and family conflict, evidence-based practice in group psychotherapy, and academic and intellectual based psychological testing. Ms. Mathis is passionate about providing culturally responsive care to individuals in the African American and/or other marginalized communities to counteract pre-existing mental health disparities amongst these groups.

Kenneth McDermott, M.A. is a Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist. Mr. McDermott attended the University of Eastern Michigan University for his undergraduate studies, completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He received a degree of Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology in July 2022. He was formerly employed as an applied behavior analysis technician from 2018-2020, gaining experience working with neurodivergent individuals and helping to improve their social and life skills. Mr. McDermott’s therapeutic approach is integrative, utilizing humanistic, psychodynamic, and existential concepts and practices. This approach helps clients to realize their potential while at the same time examines the whole person, and the uniqueness of one individuals’ parts. It also involves guiding clients to the roots of their psychological and life related challenges to help alleviate long term stress. His Clinical interests include the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress related to life transitions, issues of grief and loss, relationship and family conflict, trauma, and other life adjustment related issues. Mr. McDermott takes a personable approach with his clients, allowing for a warm and inviting environment in his sessions.