Community Connections
At Kennedy Consultation & Wellness, We believe wellness extends beyond the therapy room. Strong communities are built through connection, collaboration, and access to trusted resources that support people in all areas of life.
This space is dedicated to highlighting local businesses, organizations, and services that align with our values and contribute positively to the community. These are resources We believe in, appreciate, and feel are making a meaningful impact through the work they do.
The businesses and organizations shared here represent trusted connections within the community, not because they are perfect, but because they demonstrate a commitment to quality, care, and serving others well.
Are you a business, organization, or community resource interested in building a connection? I welcome opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn more about the work you do. While not every request will result in a feature, I am always open to building relationships with others who share a commitment to supporting our community.
Bloom Beauty & Wellness (Battle Creek)
Bloom Beauty & Wellness is such a beautiful spa and boutique wellness space. Everything is thoughtfully decorated and creates an atmosphere that makes you want to slow down the moment you walk through the door.
I've personally experienced their salt room, and it was such a relaxing experience. What surprised me most was how good I felt afterward, the effects seemed to last for days, and I left feeling genuinely refreshed and restored. While I've only experienced the salt room so far, Bloom is definitely a place I can see myself returning to as I explore more ways to prioritize rest and wellness.
If you're looking for a place that makes taking care of yourself feel like an experience rather than another item on your to-do list, Bloom is worth checking out.
Beauty & Wellness
Invigorating Touch (Battle Creek)
I have to give a special shoutout to Vanessa, co-owner of Invigorating Touch, because she has been working with me for more than two years and I genuinely cannot say enough good things about her.
Vanessa is incredibly knowledgeable about what she does, but one of the things I value most is that she continues to learn and grow. That is something I deeply value in the people I choose to work with.
She is truly an artist at what she does. Vanessa doesn't just work on your body; she takes the time to explain what she's noticing, how your body works, and what it may need. She pays attention to the details, isn't afraid to go the extra mile, and is genuinely invested in helping relieve pain and helping you feel better.
After more than two years, she's still someone I trust completely. If you're looking for massage therapy that feels thoughtful, knowledgeable, and individualized, Invigorating Touch is one of my strongest local recommendations.
In the Beginning Birth Services
This one is personal to me and my family.
Choosing to have a doula at your birth is deeply personal, and for me, it was one of the best decisions I made. Having a natural delivery was important to me, and I truly believe that without Tabitha, my birth experience would not have come close to the birth plan I had hoped for.
Birth can be unfamiliar, overwhelming, and scary all at once. Tabitha had a way of making that unfamiliar experience feel manageable, empowering, and safe. She was an absolute miracle worker and, honestly, one of my favorite people I've encountered.
I will always be grateful for the role she played in one of the biggest moments of my life. If you're considering doula support for your own birth, In the Beginning Birth Services is a recommendation that comes from a very personal place for me.
https://www.facebook.com/p/In-The-Beginning-Home-Birth-61550961695148/
Minges Creek Salon & Spa (Battle Creek)
Minges Creek Salon & Spa holds a very special place in my heart. This was one of my first jobs, I started here as a receptionist and my mom has worked here for nearly 20 years. Needless to say, there are a lot of memories tied to this place.
I've had my hair done here before some of the biggest moments in my life, and over the years, the women who work here have watched me grow up, they feel like family.
And I can't talk about Minges Creek without mentioning Cindy, the owner. She is truly an amazing person who has built a fantastic business and, more importantly, a community that people want to be part of.
Create & Explore
Natural Light Photography
I've been having photos taken by Abbie for years, and this recommendation is especially meaningful because she is not only an incredibly talented photographer she's also a longtime friend.
Abbie has captured so many seasons and milestones of my life: my wedding, my business, friendship photos, my son's first birthday, and so many moments in between. She's been there for some of the biggest and happiest moments of my life and has a gift for capturing them in a way that feels genuine and beautiful.
There is something special about having someone you trust behind the camera. Abbie has a way of making photos feel natural rather than overly posed, and looking back at the moments she's captured feels like getting a little piece of those memories back.
After years of trusting her with some of my most meaningful moments, I can wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for natural, genuine photography.
Chris Jacoub
While this artist may not be exactly local, I felt a strong desire to share their work anyway.
I have one of Chris Jacoub’s artworks in my office, and honestly, it is arguably one of the things in that space that makes me the happiest. I’m a big believer that the spaces we inhabit can affect how we feel, and that art doesn’t have to serve a specific purpose to be meaningful. Sometimes you simply look at something and it makes you happy. And I think that matters.
Take a look at Chris’s work:
https://www.chrisjacoub.com/
Jolo Farms (Battle Creek)
Jolo Farms is one of my favorite places to visit in the fall, but it’s also its a great spots for getting out of the house during the spring and summer.
My son especially loves visiting the farm animals and playing with all of the toys. There’s something really special about having a place where kids can simply explore, look around, and enjoy being outside.
And beyond being a fun place to visit, Jolo Farms is a wonderful resource for fresh produce and products from local farmers and vendors. I love being able to support a local business while also finding good, locally grown and made products.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids, pick up some fresh produce, or simply enjoy a little time outside, I definitely recommend checking them out.
Squirrel Hollow (Battle Creek)
Squirrel Hollow is an absolute gem in the Battle Creek community. While I’ll happily admit that I’m much more of a putt-putt person than a long-range golfer, that’s not actually what keeps bringing me back!
In the summer, I love heading to Squirrel Hollow for their live music, food trucks, and laid-back atmosphere. The staff are wonderful, and it’s one of those places that just feels like a community gathering spot, casual, welcoming, and easy to enjoy.
And speaking of gathering… this is where I had my wedding reception! We had an absolute blast, and I would genuinely do it all over again.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out, live music and good food, or a place to gather with your people, Squirrel Hollow is worth checking out. It’s one of those local spots that feels like more than just a business, it feels like part of the community.
Eat, Sip, Gather
Café Rica (Battle Creek)
Café Rica is one of my absolute favorite places for coffee, food, and one-on-one networking meetings. Their coffee beans are actually the one brand I make sure to keep stocked in my house year-round.
Their slogan, “Pura Vida,” feels incredibly fitting. Café Rica isn't your typical big-chain coffee shop. With Costa Rican roots and a focus on bringing that culture and coffee experience to the community, there’s something special about stopping in, grabbing a good cup of coffee, and slowing down for a bit.
Whether I’m meeting with someone, grabbing lunch, or stocking up on coffee for home, Café Rica is always one of my go-to local spots.
Chocolatea (Portage)
I love me some coffee, but I also love me some tea—and Chocolatea is one of my favorite places to indulge in both!
I especially love the variety of loose-leaf teas and the opportunity to explore all the different flavors and natural benefits that tea has to offer. And the fact that it’s right down the road from my office makes it dangerously convenient.
My go-to order might sound a little unusual: cinnamon rooibos tea with a shot of espresso. It sounds like an odd combination until you try it!
If you’re a tea lover, curious about loose-leaf tea, or just looking for something a little different from your usual coffee run, Chocolatea is definitely worth checking out.
Holy Grounds Meeting Place (Kalamazoo)
Talk about a sense of community; Holy Grounds Meeting Place has it in spades. This is another one of my favorite local spots to meet, connect, and have meaningful conversations with people.
I especially love Aiden’s Corner, which makes it such a great option for those days when I have my son with me but still want to focus on connecting with another person. It creates a space where parents don’t have to choose between bringing their kids along and having meaningful adult connection.
There’s something really special about a place that makes room for both. Holy Grounds feels welcoming, relaxed, and genuinely community-centered, and that’s exactly the kind of space I love supporting.
Galesburg Meat Company
We've been getting about 90% of our meat from Galesburg Meat Company for the past two years, so I think it's safe to say they've earned a spot on my local favorites list!
The quality never disappoints. Everything tastes incredibly fresh, and I love that the prices feel fair for what you're getting. It's become one of those places where we know we can consistently get good-quality meat without overcomplicating it.
If you're looking to shop local and stock your freezer with meat that actually tastes fresh, Galesburg Meat Company is one of our go-to spots.
Money & Practical Life
Michelle Coy — Business & Leadership
Michelle has taught me something I think we often overlook: our finances and our mental health are deeply interconnected.
She is one of those people who can talk about something that often feels heavy or overwhelming and somehow make you feel a little more grounded while you're talking about it. Michelle is incredibly kind-hearted, thoughtful, and passionate about the work she does with both individuals and businesses.
What I appreciate most about her is the way she brings both knowledge and humanity to her work. She understands that business, money, leadership, and wellbeing don't exist in separate boxes and that sometimes taking care of one means taking a closer look at the others.
Michelle is someone I genuinely enjoy learning from, and I'm grateful for the perspective she has brought into my own understanding of business and financial wellbeing.
Michael Wickemeyer— Edward Jones
Michael is a big part of the story of how I got started with networking. We grew up together, and after running into each other at a friend's event, we grabbed coffee and he encouraged me to attend my first networking event. I had no idea at the time how much that one conversation would open up for me.
Since then, I've grown to trust Michael with my own investments and, more importantly, I've gotten to know the why behind the work he does.
Michael genuinely cares about helping people build for their future, and he believes strongly in starting as early as you can. I especially appreciate that he takes the time to educate rather than simply tell people what to do. He wants people to understand their options and feel empowered to make decisions about their future.
He's also just the kind of person who goes the extra mile. Honestly, he's the type of person who would probably show up and shovel a customer's driveway if they needed it.
I'm grateful that a simple coffee conversation with someone I grew up with turned into a relationship that has influenced both my professional networking journey and the way I think about building for the future.
Non Profit
The Arc of Calhoun County is an organization that holds a very special place in my heart.
I’m a former employee and currently serve as a board member, so I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the incredible work they do to support and advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The Arc serves individuals and families in so many different ways from advocacy and educational support to skill building, supported employment, and so much more. At the heart of it all is the belief that individuals with IDD deserve opportunities, inclusion, choice, and the support they need to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
There are so many organizations doing important work in our community, and I genuinely believe The Arc is one worth knowing about.
If you do one thing today, I encourage you to check them out. You may discover a resource for yourself, a loved one, a client, or simply learn more about an organization working to make our community more inclusive.
Shop Local
Earthly Goods (Battle Creek/online)
If you’re looking for more natural, lower-toxin products, Earthly Goods is one of my favorite places to shop. I could easily name half the store as my favorite, but if I had to narrow it down to five: their shampoo, conditioner, candles, baby bottom balm, and body scrub are at the top of my list.
Making the switch to more natural products isn’t always easy (or inexpensive!), and I’ve been working toward it for about two years. I’m still only about halfway there. What I love about Earthly Goods is that they’ve made it so much easier to make those swaps gradually, at great prices, without feeling like I have to replace everything in my home overnight.
Whether you’re already well on your way to a more natural lifestyle or you're just starting to wonder what’s actually in the products you use every day, Earthly Goods is a great place to start.
