Our White Oak Counseling & Recovery

Our dedicated team brings a wealth of experience and compassion to support your journey.
Get to know the professionals who are committed to providing exceptional care and guidance.

Licensed Counselors in Middleville, MI

Our counseling team at White Oak Counseling & Recovery serves individuals, couples, and families throughout
Middleville, Barry County, and all of Michigan (with Telehealth Counseling). Each counselor brings specialized
experience in areas such as trauma counseling, EMDR therapy, grief support, and relationship counseling.

Bret A. HoxworthMA, MLP, LLC

Bret A. Hoxworth, MA, LLP, LLPC is a Master’s Level Psychologist and Professional Counselor with nearly 30 years of counseling experience. He works with individuals, couples, families, and older children to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma counseling, and EMDR therapy. Bret uses evidence-based approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). He is also a Prepare and Enrich facilitator who helps couples strengthen communication and build healthier relationships. Bret provides Autism testing for children and young adults ages 3–22 and works with veterans through the VACCN community care network. He works with individuals, couples, children ages 10 and older, families, and groups to support personal growth, recovery, and emotional well-being.

Daniel A. YouleMA, LLPC

Daniel A. Youle is a Limited License Professional Counselor and graduate of Cornerstone University. He provides trauma counseling and grief counseling for children, teens, and adults in Middleville and the surrounding Barry County area. Daniel brings a background in hospice care, having served as both a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator, where he supported individuals and families through grief, loss, and major life transitions. He also works with concerns such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, men’s issues, substance use, and recovery from sexual abuse. His approach is person-centered and holistic, integrating mind, body, emotions, and spiritual care. Drawing from both professional training and personal experience, Daniel works collaboratively with clients to set goals, build on strengths, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

Brenda L. GonyouMA, LLPC

Brenda Gonyou earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cornerstone University. She provides trauma-focused counseling using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping clients understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors affect how they view themselves and relate to others. Brenda uses an eclectic counseling approach that may include art, play, and music therapy to help clients express emotions and process life experiences. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, often used to help individuals work through trauma and distressing memories. Brenda earned her undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and previously served as a teacher, fitness instructor, and medical assistant. She works with adults, couples, teens, and children and believes a safe, supportive environment is the foundation of effective counseling.

Our Administrative Staff

Kim SmithMarketing & Front Desk

Kim Smith oversees marketing, website management, and social media for White Oak Counseling & Recovery, helping guide the practice’s online presence and community outreach. As a business owner in the field of marketing and website development, she brings more than 25 years of business and customer service experience to her work. Kim focuses on communicating the practice’s mission and vision, and supporting outreach efforts that help individuals and families learn about available counseling services. In addition to these responsibilities, she also works with clients at the front desk, on the phone, and through email and text. Kim attended Cornerstone University, where she met her husband of nearly 40 years. She has lived in Middleville for more than 30 years and enjoys the local community.

Mary HoxworthDirector of Operations

Mary Hoxworth is the co-owner and business manager of White Oak Counseling & Recovery. She oversees daily operations, manages the front desk, and helps ensure that the office runs smoothly for both clients and counselors. Mary co-founded the practice with her husband, Bret Hoxworth, to create a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals and families seeking counseling services. Her responsibilities include client relations, scheduling, office coordination, and business operations. Mary’s attention to detail and commitment to excellent service help create a positive experience for everyone who connects with the practice. She works closely with the counseling team to support the mission of providing compassionate, professional mental health care to the community.

Roberta PenningtonFront Desk

Roberta Pennington is part of the front office team at White Oak Counseling & Recovery and may be one of the friendly receptionists or schedulers you meet when calling or visiting the office. She helps coordinate appointments and supports the daily operations of the practice, working to ensure each client has a welcoming and positive experience. Roberta brings more than 35 years of caregiving experience and carries that compassion into her work with clients and families. She enjoys serving her community and helping others feel supported when they reach out for counseling services. Roberta and her husband, Wayne, own a small business. She is also a proud mom and grandma and enjoys spending her free time antiquing, fishing, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors.

White Oak Counseling & Recovery Founders

Bret & Mary Hoxworth

Bret and Mary Hoxworth are the co-founders of White Oak Counseling & Recovery and share a deep commitment to serving individuals and families in Barry County and the surrounding West Michigan community. Together, they created White Oak with the goal of offering compassionate, professional counseling in a supportive environment where people can find hope, healing, and personal growth. Bret brings decades of counseling experience, while Mary provides leadership in the daily operations of the practice. Their shared vision has helped shape a welcoming place where faith, evidence-based counseling, and genuine care come together. The practice has been honored as one of the Best Counseling Services in Barry County, a recognition that reflects the trust and support of the community they are grateful to serve.

Serving across West Michigan

Our Counseling Team