Category Archives: Substance Abuse 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.
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.
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.
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
Julia Truog, MS, LPC-IT
Areas of Interest I create a client-centered, strengths-based environment, implementing an eclectic approach drawing from multiple counseling theories, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solution-focused interventions. Areas of interest include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, women’s issues, and identity exploration. I value working with and advocating for those who hold marginalized identities. I am particularly passionate about working with those who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Philosophy I believe that self-knowledge and empathy are the keys to wellbeing and flourishment. I strive to create a therapeutic environment and relationship where clients feel comfortable reflecting upon their inner experiences and how those shape their reality. I work with clients to foster self-exploration, insight and action, building a path towards healing, compassion and resiliency. Education Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marquette University Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Certificates in Environmental Studies and Education and Educational Services, University of Wisconsin-Madison Personal Information I enjoy spending time with friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports, and attending concerts and other community events. *Note: Ms. Truog treats patients 10 & older.
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
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
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.