Dr. Kim M. Childress, EdD, MS, LLPC

Anti-Human Trafficking Therapist, Wedgwood Christian Services

Dr. Kim M. Childress is a compassionate mental health therapist and advocate dedicated to walking alongside individuals on their healing journeys. She provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive care with a deep commitment to honoring each person’s story, identity, and lived experiences. Her work focuses on supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and complex trauma by creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces where healing and growth can begin.

With over 10 years in private practice, Dr. Childress has offered empathetic, client-centered therapy that helps individuals rediscover strength, stability, and hope. For the past two years, she’s served as an Anti-Human Trafficking Therapist at Wedgwood Christian Services, providing specialized support to women who have survived sex trafficking and exploitation. Dr. Childress is deeply committed to empowering survivors to reclaim their voices and rebuild their lives with dignity, compassion, and resilience, while continuing to expand her advocacy for vulnerable populations.

“Don’t measure your strength by how little you struggle. Measure it by how often you choose to get back up. Seek support—resilience grows in community.”

From this issue

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Kathleen Vogelsang, CFA: 2026 Brilliant Woman of the Year

Kathleen B. Vogelsang, CFA, is a true believer in remembering where you come from. A first-generation college graduate and non-traditional student, she earned her MBA and CFA designation while raising three children and working full-time. “I started out from very humble beginnings, nothing came easy,” Vogelsang said. “I was the first one in my family to go to college and paid my own way through, starting with community college. I don't ever want to lose sight of who I am; I'm still just humble little me—no matter how many awards I get. [What matters] is who I am … someone who’s trying to do the right thing and be a good person.”

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Legacy of Brilliance: Shelley Irwin

Shelley Irwin is the Host and Producer for The Shelley Irwin Show, a newsmagazine talk-show on the local NPR WGVU affiliate Monday through Friday. She also hosts several public affairs TV programs and is award-winning in her profession and beyond. Irwin also gives generously of her time, volunteering with various community organizations. In addition, she’s represented the U.S. in Long Distance Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships. Irwin is the fourth recipient of the West Michigan Woman Legacy of Brilliance Award, an honor created as part of the annual Brilliance Awards, which recognizes a woman who for years has given of herself, personally and professionally, to better the lives of those around her. We caught up with Irwin to get her perspective on her work and what advice she has for others.

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Local Loves: Skin and Body Care

Has your favorite big brand discontinued your favorite product? Are other products hard to get your hands on? Or do you simply want to purchase a quality product while shopping small? Enter: local skin and body care! Come along as we explore three local brands you should know about.

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Connection and Community: Elevate Your Overall Wellness with Group Fitness

Working out isn’t always some people’s idea of “fun.” For some, working out alone at home or at the gym can feel isolating, whether it’s lack of a routine, accountability, consistency, motivation, confidence, or otherwise. However, for some, working out in a group setting is like hitting a power up button in a video game. You’ve got someone knowledgeable leading you in the right direction, and a community cheering you on as you grow beyond your comfort zone—together! Both mentally and physically, it can be a true game changer.