Calvin Christian Counseling Resources
Connect with our counselors or use the links below to get your questions answered and the help you need.
We are here to equip students to find purpose and success - personally, academically, and professionally.
Rebekah Karel
School Social Worker
Miss Rebekah Karel is passionate about helping students tackle the challenges of growing emotionally, socially, and academically. She enjoys working with youth and families and helping students grow into all God desires them to be. She received her Masters of Social Work with clinical emphasis from Grand Valley State University and has served as a clinical social worker in a variety of capacities in the Grand Rapids area. In addition to working at Calvin Christian, Rebekah works as a mental health therapist in Byron Center. Rebekah is also working on obtaining her registered play therapy credential and is taking biblical counseling courses through the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF).
Her favorite Bible verse is, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15.
Contact for 9th Grade:
rkarel@gccsmi.org | 616.257.4206
Nate Vander Wal
School Counselor
Mr. Nate Vander Wal taught middle and high school students for 15 years before becoming a school counselor. He received his B.A. in Education from Calvin College and his Masters of Education in School Counseling from Grand Valley State University. He joined the CCHS staff in 2018 and cherishes the opportunity to serve CCHS students and families through personal, academic, and career/college counseling and is a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
Contact for 10th, 11th & 12th Grades and for career/college/testing information:
nvanderwal@gccsmi.org | 616.257.4205
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Counselors are able to consult with families during office hours, however, counselors do not always monitor emails or voicemails outside of school hours. If there is an immediate need or safety concern please reach out to the following local agencies and crisis lines. Call 911 for any life-threatening emergencies.
Network180 – Kent County Community Mental Health
790 Fuller, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Network180 is open 24/7 for walk-in assessments and mental health crisis services for all ages. Appointments for assessment and evaluation are also available by calling 616-336-3909.
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
For outpatient therapy and program questions call the Central Access line at 866-852-4001
For crisis and assessment for inpatient hospitalization call the Contact Center at 616-455-9200
Call 800-949-8439 for a no-cost, confidential assessment 24/7.
Pediatrician or Family Doctor
You can always contact your child’s physician with concerns about mental health. They can assess and refer you to their preferred providers or emergency services.
24/7 Crisis Helplines:
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Youth Line crisis helpline: Text TEEN2TEEN to 839863