About Us

At Advantage Counseling & Educational Services it is our mission to provide superior care in the areas of mental-health needs so that every individual has an equal opportunity to succeed when confronted with the obstacles of life’s journey, while maintaining confidentiality and promoting the importance of morals, values and integrity.

Teletherapy and outpatient counseling with various treatment options available are provided by our Licensed Masters Social Workers and Licensed Professional Counselors who are ready to assist you with your unique challenges and drive for success.

 

Jerry Hosterman, CLMSW

Founder and owner of Advantage Counseling & Educational Services   

Jerry is a fully licensed Clinical Master Level Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults.  In addition, he taught at the University of Michigan, Flint, in the Psychology Department for 8 years.  Jerry received his Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Community Psychology from the University of Michigan followed by Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration of child, youth and family.  Over the years, he has and continues to work with the Juvenile Justice System, Family Court, and act as a resource to the surrounding community during times of crisis and trauma.  Jerry is driven to provide clientele with a functional support system and aide in coping with the daily trials we all navigate through.

 

Cristin Patterson, LPC

Crisitn is a Nationally Board Certified (NCC) Professional Counselor (LPC).  Cristin received her Master’s of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University. She has experience in outpatient and inpatient treatment with adults, adolescents, and children, as well as detox and residential substance abuse.  Cristin’s experience has prepared her to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds along with a range of mental illnesses. She has also obtained an advanced specialization in Child and Adolescent Counseling.  Cristin utilizes several theoretical approaches such as Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Reality Therapy to provide an integrative approach to counseling that is tailored to an individual’s needs.  Cristin strives to create a safe and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment for each client where they can openly explore their concerns.  She believes therapy is a collaborative experience and is dedicated to assisting her client’s find their own solutions and achieve their goals.

 

John Dawson, LLMSW

John is a Master’s level Clinical Therapist and Thumb-Area native. John completed an undergraduate Psychology Degree at the University of Michigan, Flint, before attending graduate school at Wayne State University. John earned a Master of Social Work degree with a focus in cognitive behavioral therapy. John works with clients of all ages, delivering evidence based practice in a conversationalist style to ensure clients get the help they need in a manner that is comfortable and relaxing.