Moana Kutsche, MSW, LMSW earned her MSW at Western Michigan University along with a certificate in Trauma Across the Lifespan. She has completed Comprehensive and Advanced DBT training, as well as Skills Teaching training, with Josh Smith, DBT Institute of Michigan CEO and Founder. She also learned DBT PE trauma treatment from Melanie Harned, who developed the protocol.
Moana started her professional life as an attorney and quickly discovered that she enjoyed listening to and validating clients far more than arguing cases. She has a passion for community service and has worked extensively pro bono with underserved populations as well as nonprofits.
Moana sought out an internship with the DBT team in the Grand Rapids area, where she particularly enjoyed helping clients learn and apply DBT skills. She also worked with clients in recovery from substance use. Previously, Moana served a year’s internship at an access center, screening clients in acute mental health crises and connecting them with community resources.
Moana is dedicated to being a compassionate, steady, and mindful ally to clients, supporting their journeys to a life worth living. Moana is a mother to one adult child and two step-pets and she enjoys helping things grow — people, animals, and plants.