Helping Hands Wellness Center
Department Leads

  • Shawntel Lindsey

  • Rachel Eldersveld

  • Ashley Takace is a wife, a mother of five beautiful children and resides in Kalamazoo with her family. She considers herself a futurist and a synergist and brings to the table a unique blend of lived and work experience as a nutritionist. Ashley is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist through the AFPA and holds a bachelor's degree in Family Life Education. She is also a Licensed and Board-Certified Medical Massage Therapist in the State of Michigan and practices through her business called IAOMAI TERAS which can be translated to “Healing Wonder.” Ashley is a true foodie and has a love of holistic nutrition and helping people through food. She is the founder of The Juniper Co., a wellness company that focuses on synergistic holistic nutrition and wellness modalities, as well as educating individuals, communities, and families not only how to eat for wellness but also how to grow their own food, forage and prepare food. Ashley has desire to see people walking in wholeness, spirit, soul, and body and facilitates this by nutrition and wellness modalities. Ashley loves to see people empowered to make healthy choices and believes this builds synergistic communities and resilient families.

  • Rachael Gilbert is a fully licensed master's level social worker. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduate from Grand Valley State University with over seven years of social work experience, primarily with children and families. She enjoys spending time with friends and family during her downtime, cooking, working out, and traveling.

    Rachael's passion lies in working with and treating individuals who have experienced trauma. Currently, she works as an outpatient clinician for Van Buren Community Mental Health, treating various mental health diagnoses in clients of all ages. In her practice, she has witnessed firsthand the benefit of holistic treatment in working with clients. At the core of Helping Hands, we believe in addressing clients from a holistic standpoint. By addressing their physical, emotional, and nutritional needs, we are more likely to improve their overall well-being. Regardless of circumstance, every individual is entitled to the utmost quality care. Rachael is thrilled to be a part of this organization and looks forward to continuing to impact her community on various levels.

  • With 18 years of experience in radiologic technology, Tiffany has built a rewarding career

    grounded in a passion for patient care and precision. A proud graduate of Ferris State University

    in Big Rapids, Michigan, she holds ARRT certifications in both Michigan and Florida. Since

    spring 2024, Tiffany has embraced the role as Radiology Lead at HHWC, where she combines

    expertise with a commitment to advancing imaging practices and fostering a collaborative team

    environment. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys learning, adventuring and creating, which

    complements her dedication to both professional and personal growth.

  • Mom, sister, daughter are some of the titles she has held over the years. These relationships have been the fuel supporting her lifes work of service to the community.

    As a creator and coordinator of programs for neighborhood agencies, public housing properties, and businesses for over 16 years, Shawntel has been able to build a strong sense of community.  She believes "Boots on the ground," "meeting people where they are at" is always the best way reach people.  "How can you be a part of a system of support if you don't know what supports are needed?"

    She is also big on selfcare. "True self-care goes beyond just the act. It’s not simply an excuse to spend time and money in search of joy. Self-care should be a part of your tomorrow, sweep into next week, affecting the rest of your life,”  she works to release bad habits and replace them with better ones. That is why her job as Outreach for Helping Hands Wellness Center is so important to her. 

    She feels the best way to start caring about yourself is to start carrying about your health. 

  • Rachel Eldersveld is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Graceland University with a focus on family medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Calvin College. She has experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner in primary care and community health after years of work as a registered nurse in numerous hospital settings and locations. In her role as clinical educator for Helping Hands Wellness Center, Rachel is looking forward to utilizing her clinical and interpersonal skills as well as her passion for empowering others through education.

    Rachel has enjoyed experiencing living in different parts of the country over the last 10 years including Iowa, Arizona, Minnesota and South Carolina, but she is happy to be back in her home state of Michigan and close to family. Through her experience working in Haiti, being a foster parent and adopting, and mentoring individuals through trauma and addiction, Rachel has developed a passion for the underserved and marginalized. She has a desire to help others see their inherent beauty and worth.

    Rachel lives in Kalamazoo with her husband and three children. She loves being active with her kids, playing piano, teaching them the fun of gardening, exploring nature, and going on adventures.