Meet the MIOPAH Team
Michigan Institute of Performance and Health is a team of professionals that provide services in the three primary pillars of health: Mind, Body, and Spirit

Mark Wells, LMSW, CAADC, CCSOTS, CCHTVSP, RYT-500
Owner / Psychotherapist
Mark’s work involves exploring your personal strengths, resiliencies, and ambivalence about change while applying multiple strategies to help you achieve your goals. He customizes therapy to the needs of each individual, whether you are looking for help with an acute, short-term crisis, or a more focused, long-term problem, such as depression or anxiety.

Dr. Reneé Harris, M.D.
Psychiatrist
Dr. Harris believes mental health practitioners and their clients are together on a journey to wellness. The most important part of her job as a psychiatrist is providing educational opportunities for patients to help them understand their illnesses and how to best maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is very important to teach people how to advocate for themselves in the therapeutic relationship, as well as teaching lifestyle changes that promote general health and wellbeing.

Gwendolyn La Croix, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Gwendolyn La Croix is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with eight years of experience in outpatient psychiatric care and partial hospitalization of patients aged 4-90. She holds an MSN from Wayne State University, a BSN from Madonna University, and a BA with Honors in Sociology and Cultural and Community Studies from the University of Sussex in England. She worked as psychiatric RN on in-patient units, both geriatric and adult, for five years prior to achieving her MSN, and was a paramedic for the Detroit Fire Department. She currently runs her own private practice and works with two other mental health offices in Southeast Michigan, as well as being on the board of Newtown Action Alliance, and two local gun violence prevention groups. She frequently travels to Washington DC to speak to legislators with other victims of gun violence to advocate for gun safety. Gwen is also the mother of four boys, and a bonus daughter.

Iza Michalik, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
With eight years of experience in emergency medicine and a passion for mental health, Iza is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. Iza's background in the ER has equipped her with a strong foundation in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and the ability to navigate complex health situations with empathy and efficiency. She is here to support individuals on their journey to improved mental well-being, working together to create tailored, holistic treatment plans that prioritize both mental and physical health.

Maria Elder, LLPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Sex Therapist
As a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) and sex therapist, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals of all ages and backgrounds as they navigate life’s challenges My work is grounded in a compassionate, person-centered approach, ensuring that you feel heard, valued, and empowered no matter your experiences or concerns. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can explore a wide range of personal and relational issues, including but not limited to emotional well-being, identity, sexual health and intimacy, substance use, and coping skills. In addition to person-centered therapy, I incorporate psychodynamic principles into my practice to help clients uncover the unconscious patterns and experiences that influence their current struggles. This deeper understanding can foster meaningful change by addressing root causes and longstanding relational dynamics. Together, we can explore how past experiences, and internal conflicts may impact your present, allowing for greater self-awareness and emotional growth. The present cannot exist without the past. I also draw on evidence-based treatment interventions, tailoring approaches to suit your unique needs and goals. I employ evidence-based interventions, adapting techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and solution-focused strategies to meet you where you are in your journey. Whether you are managing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma, or relationship difficulties, we will work together to identify solutions that align with your values. Let’s work together to create a path forward that feels authentic and achievable for you. I believe in walking beside my clients on their journeys, fostering growth at a pace that feels right for them while providing a safe space for self-discovery and healing. My practice is open and inclusive to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ clients, and those exploring polyamory, kink, or any other lifestyles or identities.

Melinda Nafal – LLMSW, BCN
Psychotherapist
Melinda began her professional journey over a decade ago in a small community, working with diverse populations, and has developed a strong clinical foundation primarily in trauma psychotherapy. Her treatment stems from a holistic approach, combining methods from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and natural health. She works with individuals and families with goals of regaining their power, recognizing potential, and discovering their authentic self. Her main areas of focus are: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; complex trauma; grief and loss; childhood and adulthood abuse; domestic violence; phobias; pain management; substance abuse; anxiety and depression; and medical issues and caregiver stress. She believes that with proper guidance and clinical expertise, healing, growth, and change are possible. Melinda is also Board Certified in Neurofeedback therapy.

Linda Vasseur, LLMSW
Psychotherapist
Linda’s expertise includes children and adults. She has spent years as a social worker within the Community Mental Health field including a runaway teen shelter, as foster care social worker, and as an elementary and middle school counselor. A consummate ally of the LGBTQ+ community, her strength-based approach to therapy is customized to the unique needs of the individual and draws from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). She also provides Art Therapy and Play Therapy. Her deeply empathetic approach focuses on improving self-esteem and self-confidence, by working to recognize and highlight each individual’s unique strengths. In her free time, Linda enjoys painting, visiting museums, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Thomas Bayer – MBA
Director, Team Operations
Tom is a Business Operations and Human Resources professional with extensive senior management experience with global hospitality and automotive OEMs. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his friends, family, and pets, as well as traveling and cooking gourmet meals.

Natalie Siagkris-Seymour
Operations Administrator
Natalie is a creative and empathetic individual with years of experience operating and managing small businesses. As the face and voice of MIOPAH, she is here to answer questions, help direct you to the right therapist, and ensure the clinic runs smoothly from day to day. In her free time, she enjoys working on her historic home; writing, performing, and teaching music; volunteering with young adults in the LGBTQ+ Community; and caring for animals.