Category Archives: AODA Education

Abby Janssen, MSW, LCSW

Areas of Interest Abby works individually with adults and seniors on issues related to trauma, addiction, and major life changes, such as divorce and grief. She has a strong interest in how childhood trauma can affect health and well-being later in life. Abby is an EMDR Approved Consultant through EMDRIA and a Facilitator through the EMDR Institute, Inc.  She is also trained in Brainspotting through Brainspotting International.  She works to provide a strength-based approach that collaboratively works with the client’s goals and values. Education Masters in Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; additional coursework in substance abuse and trauma. Bachelors Degree in Professional Communication, Alverno College, Milwaukee. Experience Clinical experience in outpatient settings providing treatment for mental health, substance abuse, and dual-diagnosis clients.  Additional experience providing in-home therapy, treatment in an assisted living setting and working with individuals with developmental disabilities.  Abby has also served as an adjunct instructor in the Social Work department at Alverno College, Milwaukee. Presented to groups on grief and loss, older adult anxiety and depression, transitioning into long-term care, and AODA issues. *Note: Ms. Janssen treats patients age 18 & older.

Posted in Adjustment to Divorce, AODA Education, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Obesity/Weight Loss, Panic Attacks, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues |

anna Kitowicz, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Areas of Interest Provides assessment, psychoeducation  and pharmacological management to adolescents and adults seeking psychiatric services.  Areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and chronic mental illness. Philosophy My focus is to support clients as they achieve their goals for recovery.  I believe in creating a plan of care that values client involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and evidenced-based practice.  My goal is to provide effective and sustainable mental health interventions that may include medication, education, mindfulness, symptom management skills, and self-care.  I am committed to providing a welcoming, trauma informed, and stigma free environment. Education Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), University of Wisconsin-Madison Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison Experience I have worked with inpatient mental health clients of all ages while employed by the State of Wisconsin for the last 20+ years. *Note: anna treats patients 12 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Eating Disorders, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Medication Management, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, OCD, ODD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Jessica Murphy, AGACNP, APNP

Areas of Interest Jessica treats patients 16 and older, providing assessment, psychoeducation, with an emphasis on pharmacological management of adolescents and adults seeking psychiatric services.  Special interest include mood disorders, substance use disorder, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Philosophy I am passionate about providing a patient centered, judgement-free, safe space to assist patients navigate through life’s changes.  I believe that we work as a team to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your life goals. Education University Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Registered Nurse University of Cincinnati, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner University of Cincinnati, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Experience I worked as a primary care nurse practitioner with an emphasis on mental health for ten years prior to joining ACS.  I saw firsthand how closely mental and physical health are intertwined.  I believe this experience provides a unique perspective to help improve your mental health. *Ms. Murphy sees clients ages 16 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Eating Disorders, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Medication Management, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, ODD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sex Offender, Sexual Abuse Victim, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues |

Julie Rocheleau, MS, LPC, SAC-IT

Areas of Interest My approach to counseling is client centered and strengths based.  I work to build rapport with clients and utilize a collaborative approach to treatment.  Special interests include assessment and treatment of mental health and addiction in adults, including depression, anxiety, stress, self esteem and relationship problems. Education Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling, Concordia University Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Experience I have provided case management in the community to adults with severe mental illness and have worked in a group home setting.  Additionally, I have provided individual and group counseling in a clinic providing services to those with mental health and substance abuse issues. *Ms. Rocheleau sees patients ages 16 and older.

Posted in Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, AODA Education, Career/Work Issues, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), General Anxiety, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Seasonal Affective Dis, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Women's Issues |

Abby Runge, MSW, APSW

Approach I find relief in the fact that there is more than one way to become who we want to be.  Just as life offers us curve balls and pain, so does it offer us second chances and hope.  Mental health is something everyone has to work to maintain and I strongly believe that anyone who seeks help for their mental health-whether that is through therapy or other means-is brave. My aim is to lead with a warm and empathetic approach because I believe everyone has intrinsic worth and deserves to be heard.  I view therapy as a human-to-human, collaborative endeavor-clients add value to my life and I hope to add values to their lives.  I believe therapy should be catered to the needs and learning styles of clients and there is no one-size-fits-all-all approach. Areas of Interest Special interest include grief, depression, anxiety, boundary setting, and maintaining well-being and acceptance while living with chronic mental health struggles.  In addition, I am interested in working with anyone who identifies as a highly sensitive person (HSP). Education Master of Science in Social Work in 2023. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Psychology in 2017. Marian University, Fond du Lac Certification in Motivational Interviewing Fundamentals in 2017. Wisconsin Department of Health Services Experience Experienced mental health professional in various settings: inpatient care, correctional facilities, group homes, and non-profit organizations.  Administered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to people with Autism. *Ms. Runge is willing to see people ages 5 and up.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Adoption/Fostercare Issues, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Autism/Aspergers, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Eating Disorders, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, ODD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sensory Processing, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Mical Schaffer, MSW, LCSW, CSAC

“Recovery is possible and it is waiting for you!” Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment of adolescents and adults in individual and group settings for a broad base of mental health disorders.  Special interest in the treatment of substance use disorders, supporting families dealing with addiction, Christian counseling and couples counseling. Currently Mical is the Director of Substance Abuse Services at ACS. Education / Licenses Masters of Social work, University Wisconsin Milwaukee Bachelors of Psychology, Wisconsin Lutheran College Licensed Clinical Social Worker Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor Experience Extensive experience working with adolescents and adults with mental health conditions in residential and outpatient settings since 2004.  Providing direct psychotherapy services since 2009. Four years of experience as a high needs treatment foster parent. Personal Information Married with five children Grew up on a ranch in North Dakota Currently resides in Wauwatosa

Posted in Anger Management, AODA Education, Depression, Gambling, General Anxiety, Marriage Counseling, Sexual Addiction, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education |

Ryanne Wendt, MSW, LCSW

Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment of all ages in individual, family and group therapy.  Eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from CBT, DBT, Christian counseling, motivational interviewing, and trauma informed therapies.  Special interests include trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, emotional dysregulation, and life stress and adjustment issues. Philosophy Ryanne believes that there is beauty in the challenges of life.  Each challenge presents an opportunity to be our authentic selves, practice resilience, and create fulfillment.  She enjoys collaborating with clients to identify goals and problem areas, then seek realistic solutions and healing. Education Masters in Social Work: Mental/Behavioral Health Direct Practice, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2018 Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Social Justice Minor, University Oshkosh, 2016 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained Trauma Informed Care Certificate Experience Previous clinical experience includes school-based counseling, intensive outpatient programming, outpatient counseling, and Christian counseling.  Presentation experience for local organizations on topics of  social media, suicide prevention and trauma. Personal Outside of the clinic, Ryanne enjoys walking her two dogs, Henry and Leinie, and spending days at the lake.  She also enjoys listening to podcasts, studying the enneagram, reading fiction novels, and baking. **Ms. Wendt sees clients ages 5 and up and offers EMDR for clients ages 11-60

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Codependency, Depression, Eating Disorders, Gambling, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Manic Depression, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Kang Yang, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Areas of Interest Providing psychiatric assessment and pharmacologic management to individuals 12 and older.  Areas of interest include mood disorders, substance use disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.   Philosophy I am passionate about helping patients navigate through life’s challenges and finding solutions to achieve their goals.  I believe in creating a safe space with compassion, utmost respect, and non-judgement.  I strive to ensure that my patients feel comfortable and supported in their healing process through collaboration and partnership with them.  It is a privilege for me to help my patients develop treatment plans and create meaningful change, lead them to a more fulfilling life, and finding their voice along with peace. Education Doctorates of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Marian University Associates Degree in Nursing, Bryant and Stratton College   Experience Experience working in the inpatient mental health setting and outpatient mental health case management. *Ms. Yang treats clients ages 12 & Older

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Medication Management, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, OCD, ODD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Sheryl Zomchek, B.S., CSAC, ICS

“A setback, is a setup, for a comeback”   Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment for adolescents, adults and families who are experiencing problems related to substance abuse.  Individual, group and family therapy are provided to aid in the recovery process.  Special interests include integrating Christian faith with those individuals who desire this type of focus. Education Bachelors Degree from UW-Stevens Point in Teaching K-12 Completed 1 year AODA Specific Training Program at the Institute in Milwaukee, WI Certified by the State of WI as a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and Intermediate Clinical Supervisor Experience Over 20 years experience working with adolescents, adults and families dealing with substance abuse issues in out-patient, in-patient and halfway house settings. Sponsored women desiring recovery from food addiction and substance abuse issues. Ministry Leader for Celebrate Recovery group for 8 years. Personal Information Enjoys sports, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. 27 years of recovery from alcoholism. 20 years of recovery from bulimia.    

Posted in AODA Education, Codependency, Eating Disorders, Gambling, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Uncategorized, Women's Issues |