Cheryl Kallio, MA, LPC
Co-Founder, Dunegrass Healing
Master's in Counseling from Spring Arbor University
Bachelors of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Michigan State University
Licensed counselor in the State of Michigan
Certified in four Environmental Education Curriculums
A passion for nature and helping people was ignited over two decades ago for Chery. A Lansing, Michigan native, Cheryl has pursued a unique combination of degrees in her higher education studies; a Bachelors of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Management as well as a Masters Degree in Counseling. Co-founding Dunegrass Healing Outdoor Therapy was a natural next step and a perfect fit for her experience and interests. Besides the work she does with Dunegrass Healing, she also works as a counselor for Compassionate Christian Counseling in the Spring Lake area. Cheryl has eight years of experience leading environmental education programs for both adolescents and adults.
Cheryl is passionate about working with students who are struggling to find a strong sense of identity. She helps them uncover the tools and insight to be able to realign with their true selves. Cheryl aids students in finding ways to regulate their emotional health within themselves, and in relationships with others. Her therapeutic lens helps to identify specific areas of struggle for young people and empowers them to move toward a healthier, more fulfilled, and happy life. Typically, these young people are presenting with issues related to varying levels of depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and/or complex family dynamics as well as grief. Using nature as the catalyst, she helps them discover and establish resilience as well as purpose.
Family life is a priority for Cheryl and keeping up with her twin boys keeps her busy. When she’s not working on Dunegrass Healing projects or in session with clients, you’ll likely find her out kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing or out on a hike or run with her boys.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jamie Cross,
President
Growing up in West Michigan, Jamie experienced and developed a passion for being out in nature through family activities like camping, fishing, swimming or simply exploring the woods in her own backyard. In addition to her passion to connect people to nature and the out-of-doors, Jamie brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience to the board. As part of this work, Jamie has led the Great Lakes International Adopt-a-Beach program for nearly 20 years before retiring from the Alliance for the Great Lakes. She has a passion for volunteerism and community engagement.
Kysa Meigs,
Treasurer
Kysa's passion for community service started decades ago when she was on the Board of Directors for Seattle Works and was a United Way Fellow. She was also the designated Community Relations representative at The Boeing Company leading activities such as Junior Achievement and Holiday Giving. Throughout Kysa's career with The Boeing Company, she held a number of leadership roles including most recently as the Finance Manager for their Global Corporate Communications group. Kysa has recently transitioned to raising her 3 small children and substitute teaching at the local schools, primarily in special education. When not at school or a sporting event, she and her family can often be found outdoors either hiking, playing in Lake Michigan, or on the ski slopes. Kysa's passion for outdoor activities, community, and finance makes working with Dunegrass Healing a perfect fit.
Nycolle Schindlbeck,
Secretary
Nycolle is a Grand Haven native. She graduated as a distinguished academic leader from Grand Haven High School in 2007. She then attended Michigan State University for her undergraduate degree where she majored in Psychology. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in the Science of Psychology and a minor in Child Development in 2012. She went on to attend Thomas M. Cooley Law School where she was an avid member of the Family Law Assistance Project and provided pro bono services assisting indigent individuals in their family law needs. She graduated in 2015 from Cooley Law with honors as cum laude. Nycolle’s focus in law school was litigation and family law. Most recently, Nycolle opened a law firm to provide her hometown community with quality legal representation.
David Burdo,
Board Member
David currently serves as the Executive Director at Gracious Grounds, a non-profit in Grand Haven that focuses on offering housing opportunities to people with unique abilities. His professional career has included 15 years of leadership and law practice in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. David lives in the Spring Lake area with his wife, Gina, their two kids, Ethan and Emma. In their spare time, they love to camp, travel, and spend time with their family and friends. David is a big believer in impacting the community through volunteerism. He is also an active member of the Tri-Cities Kiwanis Club, serves on the Board of Directors of the People Center, and coaches youth hockey with the Lakeshore Chiefs.
Danielle Fogel,
Board Member
Danielle Fogel lives in Spring Lake, Michigan with her husband and two sons. She has a degree in Natural Resources and the Environment from the University of Michigan and spent nearly a decade working for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Currently, she is the owner of Clever Bird Events and works with nonprofits and businesses to create memorable event experiences.
Jill Morell,
Co-Founder
“Keep close to Nature’s heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”