Meet Our Team.
Office Manager
Sue Kackmeister
Sue is the steady heartbeat of Middle Path, the one who makes this whole journey feel less like a leap and more like a soft landing. With years of experience in the helping world, she’s mastered the art of keeping things humming smoothly—scheduling, answering questions, calming first-time jitters—all with a voice that says, “You’re not alone in this.” She’s your first hello, your go-to for figuring out insurance or next steps, and the friendly face (even over the phone) who turns “I’m not sure where to start” into “I’ve got this.” Starting therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown—Sue lights the way with kindness and zero stress.
📧 Email: skackmeister@middlepaththerapy.org
📞 Phone: (989) 574-7382 (call or text—whatever works for you)
Owner & Therapist
Sara Knutson, LPC
Specialties: Couples Counseling, DBT Graduates, Communication & Relationship Skills
If you’ve graduated DBT, you’re already on a solid path—I’m here to walk it with you. You’ve got the skills, and with my DBT training, I can refine them, teach more if you need it, and guide you deeper into what they unlock. This isn’t just about brushing up—it’s about taking those tools and carving out a life that fits: stronger boundaries, sharper self-awareness, relationships that hold real weight. I also lead a DBT group, where we navigate the twists of everyday life together, step by step.
For couples, I don’t settle for surface fixes. That back-and-forth about who’s glued to their phone too much? It’s not the real hurdle. I focus on the path beneath—those quiet beliefs you’ve carried for years, the past that shapes your reactions, the patterns you’re ready to shift. With DBT, EMDR, and some honest, dig-in work, I help you clear the way to understanding and a connection that lasts. I’m validating—your feelings have a place on this journey—but I’ll point out what’s blocking your path, not to judge, but to help you move past it. Virtual only, because your path shouldn’t be tangled up in extra steps. Let’s keep going, together.
📧 Email: sknutson@middlepaththerapy.org
Therapists
Thadeus (Tad) Hupfer, LMSW
Specialties: Grief & Loss, Older Adults, LGBTQ+ Support
Grief’s a beast—it knocks you sideways, steals your bearings, and leaves you wondering if the path ahead even exists. I get it, and I’m not here to rush you through it with platitudes like “time heals all.” Instead, I walk beside you—through the raw, the heavy, the quiet moments—helping you process the pain without forcing some fake finish line. We’ll find meaning when it feels right, rediscover hope at your pace, and honor what you’ve lost without pretending it’s gone.
For older adults, I hear you asking, “What’s therapy got for me now?” Maybe life’s piled up decades of the same old struggles, or maybe you’re just feeling unseen in this chapter. I say: your story’s not over. This is your space to reflect, unravel, and grow—no expiration date on finding purpose or peace. LGBTQ+ folks, you’re safe here too—your path’s yours to define, and I’m here to support every step.
📧 Email: thupfer@middlepaththerapy.org
📞 Phone: (989) 574-8486
Stacey Herkner, LMSW
Specialties: Self-Worth, Chronic Health, LGBTQ+ Support, Anxiety & Depression
Ever catch yourself thinking, “My stuff’s not worth bothering anyone over”? Stop right there. You don’t need a crisis to deserve a space—sometimes it’s just about having a corner of the world where your voice gets heard, no judgment, no “fixing” required. I’m here for that—for the quiet struggles, the loud ones, the ones you’ve carried so long you forgot they’re heavy.
If you’re juggling chronic health, anxiety, or depression—or if you’ve spent years putting everyone else first—let’s flip the script. Therapy with me is about rediscovering your worth, unpacking emotions without pressure, and finding a rhythm that feels like you. LGBTQ+ folks, this is your haven too—bring your whole self, and let’s walk this path together.
📧 Email: sherkner@middlepaththerapy.org
📞 Phone: (989) 574-6003
Lauren Martin, LLMSW
Specialties: Young Adults, PTSD, Sexual Trauma, Domestic Violence
Trauma—whether it’s sexual abuse, domestic violence, or PTSD—can leave you feeling like the ground’s been ripped out from under you. Trust’s shaky, boundaries feel foreign, and even figuring out what you need can seem impossible. I’m here to help you rebuild, step by step, without shame or rush. This is your space to process, to breathe, to take back what’s yours
Young adults, especially—navigating PTSD, complex relationships, or the aftermath of violence—I’ve got you. We’ll tackle the hard stuff with real talk, no fluff. Need a sex-positive space to unpack intimacy or heal old wounds? I’m not afraid to go there, judgment-free. Your future’s still yours to shape—let’s clear the path together.
📧 Email: lmartin@middlepaththerapy.org
📞 Phone: [Lauren’s Phone]
Morgan Heinlein, LMSW
Specialties: EMDR, Trauma, PTSD, First Responders, Grief & Loss
Trauma doesn’t just sit in the past—it’s the tension in your shoulders, the edge in your voice, the memories that hit like a freight train. For first responders, survivors, or anyone with PTSD, I know it’s not just “move on”—it’s about finding solid ground again. With EMDR and trauma-focused therapy, we’ll untangle the weight, quiet the noise, and help you feel safe in your own skin.
Grief’s another traveler on this road—invisible but heavy. I won’t ask you to “let go” before you’re ready. Instead, we’ll honor your loss, process the ache, and find a way to carry it with strength. Healing’s not about erasing—it’s about moving forward with purpose. Let’s get you there.
📧 Email: mheinlein@middlepaththerapy.org
📞 Phone: (989) 574-9932
Amanda Cissé, LMSW
Specialties: Children & Families, Anxiety, Emotional Regulation
Kids don’t come with a manual, and when they’re wrestling anxiety, big feelings, or school stress, it’s easy for parents to feel lost in the weeds too. I’m here for both of you—helping kids build confidence, tame overwhelm, and find their footing, while giving you practical tools to guide them. This isn’t about “fixing” your child—it’s about growing resilience together.
From family transitions to emotional rollercoasters, we’ll navigate the twists as a team. Therapy’s a space where kids learn to name their feelings and parents learn to breathe easier. Let’s pave a path where everyone thrives. Amanda accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Blue Care Network.
📧 Email: acisse@middlepaththerapy.org
Insurance & Next Steps
Most of us at Middle Path accept a range of insurances—Medicaid, Medicare, and more—because your path shouldn’t hit a dead end over money. Not sure what’s covered or who’s the right fit? Sue’s your compass. Reach out, ask away, and let her connect you to the guide who vibes with your journey.
📧 Email: skackmeister@middlepaththerapy.org
📞 Phone: (989) 574-7382