Meet the Team

At Unfiltered Growth, we are committed to providing compassionate, individualized, and high-quality care to each of our clients.

We believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to meaningful progress. If you find that Unfiltered Growth is not the right fit for your needs, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We would be glad to offer referrals to other providers or resources that may be better suited for you.

Our priority is ensuring that, when you’re ready to seek support and make meaningful changes, you’re connected with the right therapist to guide you forward.

Laurin Tuxbury-Elliott, LMSW

(She/Her)

Laurin received her Bachelor of Social Work from Siena Heights University in 2010, and her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2012. Laurin began her career at community-based social service agencies such as SafeHouse Center and Ozone House Youth and Family Services.

Laurin also has experience working in an ambulatory medical setting and providing psychotherapy in a school-based health center. Laurin has spent the last decade using a positive youth development approach providing therapy services to youth and their families. Laurin also has significant experience providing mental health services to adults at all stages of the life span.

Laurin’s primary clinical specialties include: LGBTQ2SIA+ identified individuals including comprehensive support for gender exploration and transition journeys, youth ages 12-21 and their families, neurodiversity and executive functioning, treatment of anxiety disorders, domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma processing including PTSD, and art based modalities. Laurin also has experience providing care for healthcare workers in academic medical settings.

Laurin would describe her treatment approach as relational, as the therapeutic relationship is a key factor for therapeutic success. Laurin is trained in EMDR therapy and uses an eclectic approach informed by CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, a feminist empowerment framework, and mindfulness. Laurin values rapport-building and ensuring genuine human connections in her therapeutic work. As a therapist she is warm and empathetic, but also directive and straightforward.

Maslow, Therapy Dog

Maslow is our therapy dog. He works in a team with Laurin and provides emotional support, grounding, smiles, and silly antics during in-person visits. Maslow is a small Labradoodle which is a naturally low allergen breed.

Nicole Talaga, LMSW

Nicole is a compassionate and skilled outpatient therapist who has dedicated her career to supporting individuals in their journey toward authentic self-expression and mental wellness. Nicole received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Michigan State University in 2006, and Master in Social Work in 2014. Nicole has over 10 years clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults within various settings including crisis services, school-based services, community mental health services, and private practice.

Nicole is committed to providing care that is inclusive, nonjudgmental, and affirming of diverse identities and experiences. Nicole strives to offer a warm and welcoming space for all clients to explore desired changes and barriers to change, navigate life transitions, manage mental health challenges, and reach their personal and/or professional goals. She utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, blending evidence-based practices including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Geek Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Her approach is collaborative and client-centered, meaning therapy sessions are tailored to each individual’s unique needs, goals, and pace.

Nicole believes that growth occurs within relationships where curiosity and compassion lead. She would feel honored to walk alongside you on your path towards change and self-discovery.

Dr. Jamie Lawler, PhD

Dr. Jamie Lawler is a child clinical psychologist who specializes in individualized, evidence-based treatments for children and their families. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Emory University and a dual doctoral degree in Developmental and Clinical Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Lawler completed her clinical internship at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN, and her post-doctoral fellowship in child clinical psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Michigan Medicine. She is currently an Associate Professor at Eastern Michigan University where she conducts research on early adversity, parenting, self-regulation, and interventions to support positive development in children, and supervises clinicians-in-training at the EMU Community Behavioral Health Clinic. Dr. Lawler's research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including Child Development, Development and Psychopathology, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry and Human Development, and Journal of Family Psychology.

In her clinical practice, Dr. Lawler sees children ages 3-10 and their families for a host of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Her primary clinical specialties include: early childhood mental health, treatment for emotional and behavioral dysregulation (including excessive tantrums or behavior problems, anxiety, depression, and ADHD), and trauma or other stressors. Treatment modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, parent management training, attachment-based parent guidance, and dyadic parent-child interventions. Dr. Lawler aims for diversity-informed, culturally responsive practice.

In her free time, Dr. Lawler enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and two dogs. She loves spending time outdoors, dancing, singing, and traveling.

Victoria Saam, LMSW

(She/Her)

Finding the right therapist can be a big step—and I’m here to make that step feel a little easier. I specialize in working with teens and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ experiences, and trauma. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply in need of someone to talk to, I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences, thoughts, and emotions at your own pace. In our initial sessions, we'll take time to understand what brought you to therapy, what you're hoping to achieve, and begin to explore pathways that support your goals.

I believe you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you—providing tools, perspective, and support as you move toward the life you want.

I’m deeply passionate about creating a space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered. Everyone deserves that. If you're ready to begin, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Dale Brinsky, LP

Everyone deserves a therapeutic space where they feel seen, respected, and celebrated. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and empowering environment that fosters growth. I believe that each person is the expert on their own life and that we are all doing the best we can with the resources we’ve been given. As a therapist, my role is to meet each client where they are and provide additional support and guidance to help foster positive change.

I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, LGBTQIA2S+ experiences, trauma, and body image concerns. I approach my work through an anti-racist and intersectional feminist lens. I’m certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and integrate techniques from a variety of therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Art Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Change takes courage, and reaching out for support is something to be proud of. I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.