Jessica Rinaldi

Jessica Rinaldi, LMSW

Therapist

Hi, I’m Jess! I provide counseling and therapy for children and families navigating anxiety, school-based challenges, emotional regulation, and social skill development. Alongside my work at Leadlight, I serve as a school social worker at an elementary school in Byron Center, Michigan, where I collaborate closely with teachers, staff, and families to support students throughout their school day. That dual perspective — seeing kids both in the classroom and in the therapy room — shapes how I understand the full picture of a child’s world and the many places their challenges and strengths show up.

Ages I work with

Children ages 3-10

I have experience working with young children who struggle with transitions, classroom engagement, peer relationships, and big feelings that can feel impossible to manage in the moment. Whether a child is having a hard time separating in the morning, melting down after school, struggling to make or keep friends, or feeling overwhelmed by worries that seem bigger than they are, I love helping them build the skills and confidence they need to thrive both in and out of school. I draw on play, creativity, and developmentally appropriate conversation to meet kids where they are, and I work closely with parents and caregivers so the growth that happens in session carries over into daily life at home.

I believe every child has unique strengths, and I work to create a supportive space where they feel understood, capable, and empowered. I also know that parenting a child who is struggling can feel lonely and exhausting, and I want families to feel like they have a steady partner in the process — someone who will listen without judgment, offer practical tools, and celebrate the small wins alongside you.

Therapy can hold hard things — grief, anxiety, big transitions, hard days at school — but it can also be a place for connection, growth, and moments of real joy. I bring warmth, structure, and a calm, steady presence to my work with children and the families who love them, and I’m honored to walk alongside the kids and parents who trust me with their stories.