Our Team
Liz Meeks, MSW, LCSW, CADAC II
Clinical Director
We’re so glad you’re here! My name is Liz. I’m a retired athlete, who was fortunate enough to call basketball my “job” up until 2016. I was able to complete most of my MSW schooling in Germany, while playing the game I loved. Once returning home, I had my first experience in human services… and the rest is history! I quickly became devoted to serving vulnerable populations.
As Clinical Director of CFS, Corp., I am passionately rooted in the communities that once gave so much to me, and now in a position to give back. You may see me in a gym watching basketball in my free time, walking the world’s cutest mini puppies, or chugging an iced coffee… or 3! My team and I feel privileged to serve and heal our community.
Let’s leap forward together.
Specialties
Trauma-Informed Practice and Interventions, Crisis Intervention,
Sand Tray Therapy, EMDR, Expressive Arts, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Suicide Prevention (QPR), Positive Parenting Program
(Triple P), Substance Use and Recovery
Experience with the following
challenges and/or populations
Substance Use Disorders and Recovery, PTSD, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Complex Trauma, Complex Unresolved/Complicated Grief, Life Transitions, Emotion Regulation, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Thinking Distortions, LGBTQIA+ Teens & Young Adults, Families
Qualifications
License: Indiana/34009162A
Degree: Master of Social Work
School: IUPUI
Year Graduated: 2018
Degree: Doctor of Social Work
School: Barry University
Anticipated Graduation: 2024
CADAC II License: C2-51378
Michelle Ellerman, M.Ed., CPS, MAAT, LMHC-A, ATR-P
Art Therapist
I enjoy a good cup of coffee, sunsets, and cruising with my windows down and music up! I graduated as a Lincoln Alice and I’m raising my children as South Knox Spartans. Although I don’t consider myself to live on a farm, I have several cows, chickens, one donkey, and two dogs. I find great joy when the clients I work with share their proudest achievements! I am just as motivated to work alongside clients to help them attain their goals! I started my career as a school counselor for several years before working as a Certified Prevention Specialist in local schools. I am so excited to be the art therapist for Grasshopper Group and share art therapy with Knox County!
Specialties
Art Therapy
Expressive Arts
Crisis Intervention
Addiction and Recovery
Trauma-Informed Care
School Anxiety
Suicide Prevention (QPR)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
School Based Interventions
Bullying with Emphasis on Cyber Bullying
Experience with the following
challenges and/or populations
PTSD, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Complex Trauma, Addiction and Recovery, Complex Unresolved/Complicated Grief, Life Transitions, Emotion Regulation, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Thinking Distortions, LGBTQIA+Teens & Young Adults, Families
Qualifications
Degree: Masters of Education
School: Indiana State University
Year Graduated: 2008
Degree:
Masters of Art – Art Therapy
License: Indiana/88002155A
School: Saint Mary of the Woods
Year Graduated: 2023
Sara Downey, MSW, LSW
Therapist
I am so excited to be here and to be helping the community in this way. I have moved around a bit but fell in love with Indiana at a young age. When I’m not working, most of my time is spent with my toddler. I also enjoy going on dog walks, reading, and playing board games with my partner. I aspire to be someone I am proud of and want to help others reach their unique and full potential as well.
Specialties
Trauma-Informed Care
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Crisis Intervention
Suicide Prevention (QPR)
Expressive Arts
Experience with the following
challenges and/or populations
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Complex Trauma, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Emotion Regulation, Mood Disorders, Thinking Distortions, LGBTQIA+Teens & Young Adults, Families
Qualifications
License: Indiana/33011542A
Degree: Masters of Social Work
School: Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Year Graduated: 2014
Jessica Schiffhauer, MSW, LSW
Therapist
I am eager to get to know you and hear about everything you bring to this world! One of my favorite things about therapy is hearing people’s experiences and learning how I can help them discover their higher potential. A bit about me - I enjoy kayaking, hiking, traveling, and doing just about anything outdoors! Recently, I have grown to become a cat person, but I will always be a dog person at heart. I would love to hear about your furry friends!
Specialties
Trauma-Informed Care
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Solution-Focused Therapy
Crisis Intervention
Suicide Prevention (QPR)
Experience with the following
challenges and/or populations
PTSD, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Complex Trauma, Addiction and Recovery, Complex Unresolved/Complicated Grief, Life Transitions, Emotion Regulation, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Thinking Distortions, LGBTQIA+Teens & Young Adults, Families
Qualifications
License: Indiana/99120092A
Degree: Masters of Social Work
School: University of Southern Indiana
Year Graduated: 2023
Mariah Luchtefeld
Office Manager
Hello and welcome! I am Mariah, Office Manager here at Grasshopper Group! Raising 3 boys keeps me busy but I love spending time outdoors, Mexican food, listening to music and shopping! With a degree in Early Childhood Education, I have spent several years in childcare and preschool settings. So I am very excited to learn and grow with Grasshopper Group/CFS!
Mariah is a crucial part of our team at Grasshopper Group as the first person you see and talk with in office or on the phone. She is passionate about helping others and ensuring the best care is provided to all of Grasshopper Group's clients. Mariah's effervescent personality makes navigating life's challenges easier when you come to Grasshopper Group.