Meet the Staff

- Over 25 Years of Experience

- Licensed and Certified Counselors

- Won Best of Brighton in 2012 for Family and Couples Counseling

Gentle Strength Counseling & Holistic Center Staff

Lorie Ausel

First Clinician and Owner

Welcome to my professional space- a corner of compassion and healing! I am a dedicated social worker and the owner of Gentle Strength Counseling & Holistic Center, where I am passionate about providing personalized support to individuals facing various challenges.

With over 25 years of experience in social work and counseling, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of mental health, substance abuse recovery, and holistic practices, helping clients achieve lasting change.

I hold a Master's degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University, and a master's in nutrition from the University of Toledo, complemented by a Doctor of Divinity. My background empowers me to offer a holistic approach to healing that intertwines physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

My commitment to continuous learning led me to specialize in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including trauma-informed care, hypnosis, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), EVOX, substance abuse counseling, and more. I also provide nutrition testing and guidance to ensure my clients can achieve balance in all aspects of their lives.

At Gentle Strength Counseling, I employ a holistic approach, integrating traditional therapeutic techniques with innovative strategies tailored to each client's unique needs. I am dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where my clients feel empowered to explore and embrace their strengths and cultivate resilience. If you are looking for compassionate support on your journey to well-being, I invite you to connect with me.

Amanda Markley

Clinical Therapist

My name is Amanda Markley, and I am a clinical therapist who works to provide authentic treatment for people seeking mental health services. It is important to me to provide a safe and comfortable space to offer reliable and trustworthy therapeutic relationships. I take both a holistic and humanistic approach that integrates into my psychotherapy. I strive to provide a non-judgmental environment that allows my client to work through a variety of life struggles. I believe in providing empowerment and psychoeducation that helps individuals work through trauma, codependency, boundaries, and other mental health matters.

I graduated from both Adrian College and Madonna University where I obtained my bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. I have a clinical concentration in mental health and achieved an addiction studies certification. I am currently fully licensed through the state of Michigan.

Elizabeth Campbell

Marriage Family Therapist

My name is Elizabeth Campbell. I am currently a limited licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I have been working with children and families for over twenty years. I received my undergraduate in Special Education for the hearing impaired from the University of Tennessee in 1998. While teaching, I became a therapeutic aide and fell in love with the field of counseling. I received my M.S. in counseling psychology in 2004 from California Lutheran University.

My passion is helping families, couples, children, and teens be their best selves. I enjoy working with individuals and families to navigate the challenges of life, whether they are personal, with family, or with peers. I aim to meet clients and their families where they are at therapeutically and provide a safe and accepting environment to help each individual feel secure and reach their therapeutic goals.

Jessica Jewett

Individual, Couples, and Family Counseling

I have worked with youth, at-risk youth, and families in crisis for over ten years, which is truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Serving others is my greatest passion in life. No one is ever too far gone or unworthy of love, healing, and understanding.

I have been a youth minister in Washington, Florida, Montana, and Michigan. I graduated with a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry in 2020 from the Seminary in Orchard Lake, MI. I also have my certification in Youth and Young Adult Ministry, as well as Biblical Studies.

I graduated from Madonna University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts and English and started attending Madonna University in the Fall of 2022 to earn my Master's Degree in Social Work. I started my internship with Gentle Strength under the direction of Lorie Ausel in the spring of 2023. Since then, I have been expanding my client base to work with young children, teenagers, families, and couples. I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Gentle Strength and am excited for what is to come.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you find more love, peace, joy, and healing! Until then, keep looking to the sky, and remember YOU are SO loved!

Lorie Belcher

Personal Development and Transitional Life Coach

I am Lorie Belcher, a Personal Development Coach, passionate photographer, and "A perpetual seeker of understanding in the human journey."

Yes, in addition to being a Personal Development Coach, I am also a professional photographer. Through my years of being a photographer & small business owner I have gained connections & life experiences with clients of all ages and walks of life, you can say I have the perspective to look at life through many different lenses.

Life is an ever-evolving adventure filled with lessons, challenges, and moments of happiness. Along my own journey, I've encountered triumphs, setbacks, and everything in between, shaping me into the person I am today. My life experiences serve as a foundation for my coaching practice, allowing me to connect with clients on a deep and meaningful level, regardless of age or background. Whether you're navigating a career transition, life after divorce transition, desire to maintain healthy relationships, entering into adult life transition, seeking personal growth, or simply exploring life's possibilities, I'm here to offer guidance, support, and a listening ear. I am certified as a professional life coach through the International Coaching Federation.

No matter where you are on your journey or what age you may be, I invite you to join me in exploring your potential. Together, we'll begin a journey of transformation of self-discovery, creativity, and personal growth. Ready to take the next step? Reach out today and let's connect.

What exactly is Life Coaching:

Life can be amazing and awful all in the same month, same week, same day. We are human and at times might feel broken, stressed, or lost and may feel a need for redirection. And that is where coaching can help guide clients through life transitions and personal development. Life Coaching focuses on the present and future, helping clients identify goals, develop strategies, and take action to achieve their desired outcomes. Clients that are looking to improve specific areas of their lives, or striving to overcome obstacles and overall enhance one's well-being will benefit from life coaching.

The coaching approach is centered on finding solutions using techniques such as goal-setting, visualization, accountability, and action planning. The objective is to help clarify the client’s goals and look at the steps needed to achieve them. This approach is tailored to the client's unique circumstances, values, and desires and to help with personal growth. The success of the client is defined by their own standards and the coach’s role is to help you achieve them.

Lisa Spitler

Spiritual Coach

At our office, I’m honored to offer spiritual coaching—a supportive, personalized journey toward greater self-awareness, healing, and connection with something deeper. Whether that’s God, a higher power, your inner wisdom, or your soul’s calling, this experience is tailored to meet you where you are spiritually and emotionally.

As your spiritual coach, my role is to walk alongside you as you explore your path, overcome obstacles, and align your life with your core values and beliefs. Together, we create a safe and compassionate space where you can reconnect with what truly matters and begin living a more fulfilling, meaningful life.

We’ll work together to explore your inner world—your beliefs, values, and desires—so you can gain clarity about who you are and what you want from life. Through gentle yet impactful conversations, I help you recognize and work through limiting beliefs, old patterns, and emotional blocks that may be holding you back.

I’ll support you in embracing your authentic self, practicing self-compassion, and honoring your growth, right where you are. Whether you feel called to reconnect with God, a higher power, the universe, or your own inner guidance, I’ll help you create a spiritual practice that aligns with your personal beliefs and lifestyle.

You’ll have access to practical tools like mindfulness exercises, meditation, journaling, affirmations, and reflective practices designed to support your spiritual and emotional well-being. We’ll set intentions and goals that reflect your deeper purpose, and I’ll be here to guide and support you in taking aligned action steps toward a life of greater joy and fulfillment.

I’m here to hold space for your journey—celebrating your progress, supporting you through challenges, and helping you stay connected to your vision.

If this speaks to you, I would love to support you on your path. Sessions are available in-person at our office or virtually to meet your needs.

Let’s connect and begin your journey together.

Larry Robillard

Life Coach, Support System, and Growth Facilitator

I’m Larry, a Certified Life Coach through the Life Coach Training Institute, recognized by the International Guild of Professional Coaches. My journey has been shaped by a lifetime of discipline, adaptability, and service—values I learned growing up as the son of a career Marine while living on military bases across Asia before settling in Virginia.

I moved to Michigan in 2006 to pursue my education and found my home in Ann Arbor, where I’ve spent the last 17 years coaching, mentoring, and helping others grow. My coaching career began over 15 years ago when I started coaching my stepdaughter’s soccer team. What began as a simple way to spend time together quickly became a passion for helping young people discover their confidence and potential.

Today, I coach my son’s football, baseball, and wrestling teams, continuing to guide kids and teens through life’s challenges both on and off the field. While I specialize in working with youth and young adults, I also love helping adults and couples navigate transitions, rediscover purpose, and create lasting change.

Life coaching, to me, is about transformation—it’s a partnership focused on uncovering your strengths, breaking through barriers, and building a fulfilling life with clarity and confidence. I became a coach because I genuinely love people and believe in their capacity to grow. Life is constantly changing, but with the right tools and support, you can take on any challenge and thrive.

My mission is simple: to help you lead a productive, balanced, and fulfilling life—one built on purpose, resilience, and joy. If you’re ready to take that next step, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Tracey Slack

Registered Nurse & ZYTO EVOX Provider

Originally from London, I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise, warmth, and a deep commitment to holistic care. As a seasoned Registered Nurse, I have always been drawn to the concept of whole-person healing. For me, moving into emotional wellness was a natural evolution—it grew out of a sincere desire to help people heal from the inside out.

I believe that a good cry clears the air and a good laugh heals the spirit. I am not afraid of your mess, nor am I bored by your joy; I believe there is profound, human strength in both.

I’ve had the privilege of being a close friend and trusted colleague of our founder, Lorie, for many years. Our strong personal bond and shared vision allow us to work as a dynamic, nurturing support team for our clients. I have trained directly with Lorie in ZYTO EVOX therapy, a cutting-edge modality designed to uncover and shift the limiting beliefs and emotional patterns stored within your subconscious mind.

How I use EVOX to support you: Using voice mapping technology, I can help detect stress responses in your voice that correspond to emotional blocks, stuck mindsets, or unprocessed experiences. By identifying and energetically releasing these patterns, we can reframe your perception—creating the space you need for clarity, healing, and lasting personal transformation.

We may be a great fit if:

• You feel "stuck" in your mindset or a specific area of your life.

• You are navigating anxiety, fear, or a sense of emotional heaviness.

• You are having trouble letting go of the past or finding the momentum to move forward.

I truly believe that adjusting subconscious attachments and beliefs is one of the most impactful things you can do for your mental health. It allows you to make changes that are not just meaningful, but sustainable.

Working closely with Lorie and other providers, my goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. Together, we are here to help.