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 It’s been 30 years since Tonya Cosey graduated from Southwestern Michigan College. As a “proud Chieftain,” the 1988 Union High School graduate still calls Dowagiac home.

Cosey worked as an outpatient therapist for 22 years and is currently clinical supervisor for  adult outpatient, adult case management, children’s outpatient and adult peer support services for Cassopolis-based Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network.

She started attending SMC soon after graduating from DUHS.

“I had no idea what direction I wanted to go in as a first-generation high school graduate,” she said. “I had no clue about the college process, nor did I have references of historical experiences within my family prior to graduating from high school. I just knew I wanted to go to college and become ‘something.’ ”

Growing up in Dowagiac, “I found myself being the one a lot of my friends came to when they were experiencing problems, or just needing to talk,” Cosey said. “I also held that same role within my family. Gravitating towards social work just seemed to be a natural fit for me. 

“Working several years at the Berrien County Juvenile Center also reinforced my desire to help young children and families develop strategies to improve their chances of succeeding in life by way of better understanding factors contributing to personal and familial hardships, including better understanding generational, social and environmental factors impacting both physical and mental health outcomes. I also had a strong desire to break generational cycles within my own family.”

Cosey commuted back and forth to campus, using Dial-a-Ride or walking when her car broke down.

 “I was thankful for SMC being in Dowagiac, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of such a valuable academic and community resource. 

“I have fond memories of SMC,” she said. “There was no on-campus housing during the time I attended, however, I remember meeting students from all over the United States.  I attended school dances, sporting events and was active in the Collegiate Organization for Minority Awareness. I also remember all the excitement on campus when (Vice President) Dan Quayle visited in 1992.  I was influenced by professors such as Dr. Naomi Ludman and many others who helped expand my world view.”

After graduating from SMC in 1994 with an associate in arts degree, her mother and family friends encouraged her to visit Andrews University in nearby Berrien Springs.

“I declined initially as Andrews was a private university and finances were an issue,” Cosey said. “With the help of my associates, I later became employed at the Berrien County Juvenile Center, which was near Andrews.”

“I decided to enroll in Andrews’ social work program and attended while working fulltime. I was able to transfer several credits earned from SMC which helped tremendously. I went on to receive my bachelor’s in social work and, later, my master’s in social work degree in 2001.”

From Andrews to Woodlands mental health therapist

In September 2001, Cosey was hired as a limited licensed mental health therapist at Woodlands. While at Woodlands, she completed all state requirements to become a fully-licensed mental health therapist (LMSW). 

“As a mental health therapist, I provide therapy for children, adults and families who present with severe and persistent mental illness and/or co-occurring addiction concerns.

“As a community mental health provider, Woodlands serves individuals and families all throughout the Cass County area.  As an outpatient therapist, I would meet with individuals on a weekly to bi-weekly basis for the purpose of providing clients with tools needed to handle life stressors in healthier and more effective ways,” Cosey said.

In her current role, she supervises “a team of wonderful, empathetic and competent professionals and interns who work diligently to meet the needs of clients who look to Woodlands for support. 

“I find it very rewarding to mentor new therapists, as well as help develop innovative ways in which to help support and enrich the lives of Cass County residents.   

“In 2016-2017, I had the privilege of partnering with SMC and United way to start the college’s first on-campus counseling program. I am so happy that the counseling program continues to support SMC students,” she said. “Prior to partnering with SMC, I also had the privilege of partnering with Cass Family Clinic to initiate its integrated health care services. I’m also happy that Cass Family Clinic has expanded its integrated health care services.”

Cosey chose to stay in Dowagiac “because it’s a great place to live. I am very close to my family, who also live in Dowagiac and the surrounding area. My sister Danielle (Lucas) also graduated from SMC and just celebrated her 20-year work anniversary as SMC’s financial aid analyst.  My nephew, Deyonte, graduated from SMC and went on to graduate from the University of Michigan.  My nephew, Donovan, recently returned from Florida, and is now enrolled and planning on completing his business degree at SMC.  I have other family members and friends who have also benefited from attending Southwestern Michigan College.”

“Family has always been my top priority,” she said. I am a part of a big, beautiful, blended family. I was raised with four other siblings.  I was born second in a sibship of five.  I love spending time with my siblings, nieces and nephews, and think spending time with family has become so much more important to me, especially since the we lost my sister, Ronda, who passed away in 2023. I have a new puppy, Rue, who also keeps me on my toes. 

“I wind down by reading, listening to music, attending church and taking long drives in my car.  My family also started the Ronda Lucas Sullivan Legacy Foundation in my sister’s name. This past year, we were successful in raising money to give away scholarships to two DUHS seniors. This has been most rewarding.”