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About

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Dr. Gillett is committed to helping both individuals and front line personnel stay strong as they serve. In addition to over 40 years of ministry experience, he has served for 10 years as a Reserve Officer for the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, 16 Years as a county Marine Patrol officer, and 11 years as Chaplain for Holland Township Fire Department.  With an advanced degree in Psychology as well as serving as a Chaplain and in Pastoral Care, he brings further training of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and Emotional First Aid to assist first responders in handling the inherent stress of their careers.  He is comfortable around front line personnel because he has been ‘with them’ for many years and has been where they have been.  

Some department budgets cannot afford institutional fees and retainers.  Chaplain Gillett, because of minimal overhead, can bring a wealth of expertise and experience at significantly reduced costs.  

Certifications

  • ​​Bachelor of Music, Western Michigan

  • Master of Divinity, Western Theological Seminary

  • Master of Arts (Counseling Education and Counseling Psychology), Western Michigan University

  • Doctor of Ministry (Leadership), Fuller Theological Seminary

  • International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) Certificate

  • Assisting Individuals In Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention (GRIN) Certificate

Experience

  • Over 40 years of ministry experience, including 30 years as a lead pastor.

  • 16 years as an Ottawa County Sheriff's Department Marine Patrol Officer.

  • 10 years as an Ottawa County Sheriff's Department Reserve Officer.

  • 11 years as a Chaplain for both Fire and Police departments.

  • Several years of counseling.

Testimonials

“I work in Law Enforcement, Dan helped me to process a traumatic water rescue event that I experienced, but most importantly Dan provided me with the tools necessary to continue to process this experience moving forward in my career and in life. I couldn’t be more grateful and still rely on the strategies Dan provided me today.” - Pete H

“I called up Dan during one of the darkest times of my life. I felt lost. I felt helpless and in despair, even though on the outside, I'm sure I looked like I was doing just fine. I truly had no idea how I was going to get through. 

Dan was like a life preserver. He was kind and compassionate. He was non judgmental and helped me to explore why I was doing what I was doing. Each time I talked to him, I was left with hope that somehow this hurt inside me could be healed. When I was frantic, Dan stayed calm. I learned so much about what has made me who I am. There are still days when things feel hard. I am still making mistakes. But I am better able to parent my children, avoid all or nothing thinking, and to be present with others. I could never express the extent of my gratitude. I am honestly not sure I would be here today without his guidance." Anonymous , LICSW, MSW, M.Div.

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