Thomas M. LaBreche was born and raised in Marquette, Michigan into an intact nuclear family system with four brothers (1) Joseph, (2) John, (3) David, (4) Paul) and two sisters” (1) Mary Hicks, and (2) Ann Thill). The oldest brother (Joseph Thomas) died at an early age, while all others attended St. Michael’s Catholic School located next to Northern Michigan University campus. Our parents consistently emphasized education and after high school we all attended NMU. While David attended NMU for two years before joining the United States Army to serve and protect our nation, all five other brothers and sisters completed their foundational Bachelor's Degrees at NMU prior to continuing their formal educations and working to obtain advanced degrees in their chosen fields. Notably, all five graduated without any educational debt either by working a variety of jobs and/or with the assistance of their parents or another sibling, in order to pay for tuition, books, and fees without the knowledge of or benefit of scholarships or grants.
Thomas M. LaBreche graduated from North Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree (1971) and continued his formal education at Appalachian State University and completed his Master’s Degree (1975) in Clinical Psychology. He continued his formal education at the University of Victoria (British Columbia, Canada) and completed his degree in Human Neuropsychology (1981). He completed internships for his Master’s Degree at Broughton State Hospital in the Neuroscience Department (1975-77) and the internship for his Doctorate Degree at the Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center and the Harry S. Truman Veteran Administration Medical Center in Columbia, Missouri (1981-82).
Vocationally, he accepted a position with the Rutherford-Polk Area Mental Health Center in North Carolina (1982-85) and subsequently developed a private practice in Charlotte, North Carolina (e.g., Charlotte Neuropsychological Service). He formed private practice partnerships with Foothills Psychological Associates and Woodridge Psychological Associates until the practice was sold, and he remains in private practice at present in western North Carolina. He holds several affiliations including: (1) American Society of Addiction Medicine – Associate, (2) National Association of Forensic Counselors with certifications as a Chemical Dependency Counselor and Forensic Addiction Specialist, and (3) Society of Catholic Social Scientists.
While working at Broughton Hospital, he met and married Phyllis Karen Harden and they married in 1977 before entering his doctoral program in British Columbia, Canada. While in Canada, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Victoria. Their first child (Matthew
Thomas) was born in British Columbia), and he subsequently married Heather Garren and they have four children: (1) Samantha, (2) Alexander, (3) Victoria, and (4) Caroline. Their second child (Andrew) was born in Columbia, Missouri, and is single. Their fourth child (Rebekah Elizabeth) is married to Major Korey Letterle and they have two children: (1) Isabelle, and (2) Isaac.
Educationally, Matthew holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from UNC-Chapel Hill while Heather holds a Doctorate in Genetics from Duke University; Andrew holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Wayne State University and a Doctor in Law from Norte Dame University; Rebekah holds two Master’s Degrees from: (1) The Citadel – Clinical Counseling, and (2) Gardner Webb University – Accounting.
Dr. Thomas LaBreche pictured second from left.