About

Therapists

Alison B. Barger MS, ATR, LPC

Alison is a registered art therapist and licensed counselor. Alison offers experiential art therapy and traditional psychotherapy in school and community settings. Alison completed a masters degree in art therapy in 2018. Prior to this training, Alison worked under clinical supervision of Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists in an outpatient autism and mental health clinic that served children, teens, and their families. Alison has also worked in day treatment and county treatment settings. Alison has experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, and more. Today, Alison offers collaboration with individuals and families across the lifespan. Alison invites client-driven treatment with consideration of individual and familial histories, intersectionality, neurodivergence, sensory needs, and emotional regulation, among other client needs. Alison also has clinical experience exploring client identity, creative expression, self-esteem, supportive resources, and complexities of stress and trauma symptoms through a systems-focused perspective, while honoring family and individual experiences. Alison approaches the work with unconditional respect, authenticity and curiosity.

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Bakir Abushhiwa MS, LMFT

Bakir Abushhiwa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and
has been practicing in Wisconsin since 2017. He graduated from
Santa Clara University in California with a MA in Counseling
Psychology. He has been serving people across the life span, and has
a passion for working with individuals, families and couples. He
believes that each individual is unique, as are the problems they
encounter. His practice is rooted in evidence based therapies and he
works actively to tailor the course of care to the needs of those he
serves. He will work actively with you to bring about change where
appropriate and aims to support a higher quality of life through
reducing suffering and promoting greater health. Through trust,
genuineness, empathy and a non judgmental approach to care he
tries to meet people where they are at. Some of the problems he
supports people through are; depression, anxiety, trauma, relational
stressors, eating disorders, behavioral problems, body image, grief
and loss, life adjustments, and those seeking general counseling and
support. Bakir has spent his career working in various settings and
levels of care and is versed in supporting a variety of needs. He is
trained in EMDR and DBT, among various other schools of therapy.
When not practicing therapy Bakir enjoys being outdoors enjoying the
various hiking trails that WI has to offer, cooking for friends and family,
and spending time with his family and two labrador retrievers.

Brittany Hink MS, LCSW

Brittany received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UW-La Crosse and her Master’s degree in Social Work from UW-Madison. She has experience providing different treatment modalities in various settings such as in home family/individual therapy and intensive outpatient programs. Brittany enjoys working with children and adolescents as well as their families to help families grow in a healthy way together. Brittany is familiar with the following treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Brittany strives to work with children and adolescents to allow them to see their full potential and to help work through trauma events as well as to address other common mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Brittany really tries to meet the people where they are at and to build a strong relationship with the people she is working with. Brittany believes the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of the therapy process! She strives to take a collaborative approach with the people she is working with to gain trust and to ensure the other person feels comfortable within the therapy space.

Cali Schneller MS, LPC

"I’ve had many clients come to me who report having a bad experience in therapy because they just talked and never resolved any concerns. What sets me apart from other therapists is that I take the time to get to know my clients on a deeper level, including their upbringing, world views and beliefs about themselves. All these factors impact how a person thinks, feels and behaves in their day-to-day life.
My clients range from people who have been in therapy for years and have gained a lot of insight to people who are trying therapy for the first time. No matter what your experience with therapy, I want you to know that my office is a safe place to share your story. We will work together on creating goals and a treatment plan that best meets your needs.
I have 7 years of experience working with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and/or life transitions. I utilize modalities such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution Focused Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), while incorporating mindfulness strategies into all sessions. I also have 6 years of experience working on the student support team in a variety of schools, which allows me to help my clients better understand school resources for their kids (ie: 504 plans, IEPs, appropriate accommodations, etc.).
The two most rewarding aspects of my life are working as a therapist and my family. When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two kids and dog. I enjoy watching my boys in their numerous activities, traveling, trying new restaurants, listening to live music, hiking, boating, camping and watching the Brewers, Bucks and Badgers."

Connie Champion MS, LPC, CSAC

Connie is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, and Licensed Social Worker with over 25 years of professional experience working with individuals and couples ranging in age from 6 to 65. Connie graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Concordia University, with a a second bachelor’s of science in social services at Upper Iowa University, and a master’s of science in mental health counseling from Capella University, and later obtained a master’s certificate in addictions counseling from the University of Wisconsin. She is very passionate about helping others and loves to see clients reach their personally set goals. Her methodology is to use solution focused therapy, a future-oriented, goal-directed approach, to support clients in making positive changes through the use of strengths, coping skills, and readily available community resources coupled with her providing a steady source of positive motivation rooted in highly organized planning. Connie has a long career working in various settings and levels of care and is knowledgeable in the use of other culturally responsive evidence-based practices comprising of Grief Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Substance Use Therapy, and Group Therapy. She has experience treating and collaborating with clients who are struggling with suicidal ideations, experienced poverty, unhelpful thinking patterns, LGTBQ advocacy, trauma work, relationship matters, and communication difficulties. In her spare time, she enjoys athletic activities, swimming, and SUP boarding with her husband and son.

Daniel Villarreal MS, LCSW

Daniel is bicultural and bilingual and speaks both English and Spanish. He holds a Wisconsin License as a Clinical Social Worker with over 33 years of experience working as a Counselor. Daniel works with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. Daniel also helps many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Daniel's counseling style is warm and interactive. He believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psycho-dynamic and rational-emotive counseling. Daniel will tailor your dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Daniel also works with schools, law enforcement agencies and the court system. Other specialties include Parent Coaching and Anger Management.

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Danielle Roelke MS, LPC

Danielle is a Licensed Professional Counselor who focuses on identifying and expanding client and family strengths, improving communication skills, and empowering individuals to be uniquely themselves. She has background working with children, teens, and adults experiencing challenges related to anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, emotion regulation, school success, behavioral challenges, and low self-worth. She understands the importance of building trust within the counseling relationship and frequently leans into activities, games, music, and play when working with clients. Clients can expect their counseling experience to include modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, supportive psychotherapy, feminist therapy, assertive communication training, and collaborative problem-solving.

Katie Kirner MS, LPC

Katie believes everyone at any age can benefit from talking through their daily struggles with a caring and supportive individual. She finds being open and accepting allows mutual trust and respect to develop. Katie approaches each individual she encounters with curiosity and wonder as she listens to their unique narrative.
Katie’s counseling experience includes providing services to adolescents, adults, and couples who have experienced challenges with anxiety, depression, grief, gender dysphoria, alcohol and drug addiction, family trauma, career and life transitions, and relationship concerns. Katie is passionate about counseling and advocating for at-risk youth and adolescents who identify as LGBTQ+. Katie’s main area of focus will be providing school-based mental health within the school setting and promoting a strengths-based goal-oriented approach with the adolescent population as well as meeting with clients in the clinic. She has experience using CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, and received Training for Adoption Competency.
Her primary goals are to create a therapeutic relationship in a safe space, provide applicable resources, work from a multicultural lens, empower clients, and advocate for marginalized youth populations in the school environment.
Katie received her undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems from The University of Texas in Austin. After working as a business consultant for a decade, she became a stay at home mom raising her two children. Katie then began her journey into the educational field as a paraprofessional working with at-risk youth which influenced her decision to complete her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in School Counseling at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater.
Katie spends her free time with her husband, their dog and cat while supporting her 2 adult children from afar. She enjoys container gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Kayla Moe MS, LPC

Kayla received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She has experience providing therapy in multiple settings including in-home and outpatient settings. Kayla has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families with a wide range of mental health diagnosis. Kayla uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and trauma approaches. Her experience ranges from Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, PTSD, attachment disorders, emotional regulation and parenting skills. Kayla has received training from the Family Trauma Institute and completed the Family Systems Trauma Advanced Training. Kayla uses talk therapy along with creative expression techniques such as art, games, play, music, mindfulness and body movement to help individuals explore concerns while providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals to achieve their goals in therapy.

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Jason R. Magill MS, LPC

Jason has been a counselor for 14 years and brings a unique perspective to PCOW. He has worked for an Employee Assistance Program, was a counselor at an alternative school (grades 1-12) in a large urban school district, and at a community mental health center. He has gained experience helping clients with, but not limited to; stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, anger management, ADHD, self-esteem, social skills, gambling and other addictions, marriage and family problems and work performance issues.
"I strive to create a safe and supportive environment so clients are as comfortable asking questions as they are answering them. I empower adults and children (age 6 and up) to overcome personal obstacles, reach their goals and improve their lives. I believe in meeting my clients where they are in any process of change without placing expectations upon them."
"I'm comfortable helping in many areas but prefer to help in areas where Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, and solution focused counseling work best to meet client needs."
"When I'm not helping clients, I love spending time with my wife and 3 kids, our 2 cats and rabbit. I enjoy reading, movies, geocaching, martial arts, soccer and video games."

Megan C. Thomas MS, LMFT

Megan has her undergraduate degree from UW-Madison in Human Development and Family Studies and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College. Throughout her years in school, she was able to work with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, volunteer at local high schools, and co-facilitate women’s recovery groups. Megan has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and couples seeking services for a variety of mental health issues. She also has experience in school-based therapy services, as she has worked closely with several school districts to develop this resource in Southwest Wisconsin. She works from a strength-based, systematic perspective which allows people to grow, build confidence and advocate for their own change. Megan utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy while incorporating mindfulness into sessions. Megan helps clients find normalcy in feeling sad, frustrated, lost and/or overwhelmed with stress. She acknowledges that everyone experiences emotions, change and loss in their life in a manner that is uniquely their own. Thus, therapy will look different for everyone.

Melissa Gustavson MS, LMFT

Melissa received her bachelors degree in Psychology from UW-Eau Claire and her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College in Madison. She has experience providing therapy in multiple contexts including in-home, school-based, outpatient, and group settings. Melissa has worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples with a diverse range of mental health diagnoses and relational difficulties. Melissa enjoys working with clients to overcome concerns such as; low self esteem, relationship concerns, burnout, decision fatigue, difficult life transitions, motivation, grief and anxiety. With a growing specialty in couples therapy, Melissa has worked with partners to address concerns such as; communication difficulties, household management issues, feelings of disconnection, lack of trust and enrichment. She aims to guide couples in seeing the negative cycle that has taken over their relationship and how to step out of it in a way that gives them the power to address any problem they may face and create a deeper connection. Melissa utilizes modalities such as Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method of Relationship Therapy, and is currently on the path to becoming a certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, which is informed by Attachment Theory. Melissa
balances insight oriented, experiential work with skill based work, allowing clients to gain clarity on why they may feel stuck and then learn ways to break through unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. Ultimately, Melissa uses her knowledge, compassion and genuine care for her clients to collaborate with and guide them in becoming the agent of change in their lives and uncovering
their own wisdom.

Monica McCormick MS, LCSW

Monica has her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Psychology from UW-Green Bay and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work with a specialization in clinical behavioral health. She has been a counselor for over six years with twelve years of experience working with children and families in a variety of different settings. Monica is certified and trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral concerns that focuses on attachment building and parenting skills. She has experience working in-school and has worked closely with several school districts in southeast Wisconsin and during her time in Maryland. In addition to working with children, Monica has experience working with adolescents and adults utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy and trauma-focused approaches. Her experience ranges from ADHD, PTSD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), attachment disorders, family transitions, foster care and adoptive families, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation and parenting skills. Monica believes in the importance of building rapport and creating a safe and judgment free environment for each of her clients. She believes in the importance of collaboratively working with each client to develop goals to meet their needs. Outside of work, Monica’s greatest joy is spending time with her son, watching him grow and seeing him engage in new activities. She also enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, live music, trying new restaurants and spending time with family and friends.

Morgan Gagas MS, LPC

Morgan Gagas is a licensed professional counselor with over 5 years of experience specializing in depression and anxiety. Morgan uses a combination of Person Centered, Humanistic, Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her approach with clients. Morgan has experience counseling children, adolescents, adults and couples in both clinical and outpatient settings. Morgan has a background working with individuals and families to strengthen connectedness and build skills to enhance the family system. Morgan has a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. She received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.

Nikara Durst MS, LPC

Nikara is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been providing therapy services for 7 years in an outpatient treatment setting.
She sees children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors to address adjustment disorder, anger management, borderline personality disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, mood disorder, substance use disorder, and relationship challenges. Nikara uses modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness.
“My intention is to be your partner in a journey of self-exploration to tap into your full potential. I emphasize the importance of every individual knowing that they have been understood. I will encourage and challenge you to create your own meaning in life and express your most authentic self. We will explore the way you move through the world with a sense of curiosity, humor, and lightheartedness rather than judgment. My focus is on who people are, what they have to offer, and their strengths, rather than who they are not. I strive to offer a genuine, empowering, forgiving, and non judgemental space for healing and growth. I value your perseverance that helped you make it this far. I believe in the power of deep human connections; It is always an honor and privilege to be a part of my clients' journey. I look forward to meeting you!”
When Nikara is not seeing clients, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 cats, family, and friends, working out, trying new restaurants/foods, attending concerts, watching sports, and traveling.

Tomi Randall MS, LPC

Tomi Randall is a licensed professional counselor with over 8 years of experience. Tomi specializes in building a safe, supportive and collaborative relationship with her clients. This is the most important step in initiating positive change. Through connection, insight and problem solving, Tomi seeks to help clients understand and end negative cycles in their lives in order to increase their wellness. She enjoys bringing warmth and humor to sessions and believes in meeting clients where they are at in their healing journey.
Tomi's clinical areas of interest include: depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+, communication skill building, attachment styles, love languages, individual work, couples, understanding neurodivergence, personal wellness, self-esteem, phase of life issues, stress, and parenting with special needs children. Tomi is sex positive and LGBTQ+ affirming. Tomi sees clients ages 18 and up. Tomi has a Master's of Science in Community Counseling from UW-Whitewater. Tomi also has a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Winona State University.

Melissa P. Olsen MS, LMFT

Melissa enjoys working with individuals including; children, adolescents and adults. In addition, she has experience working with couples. She has a passion to work with children and their parents on establishing healthy independence and navigating the everyday stresses.
Her modalities of therapy include a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy principles. Through compassion, empathy and cultural sensitivity, she will assist clients to help find ways for their therapy to be beneficial and personalized through traditional talk therapy and/or movement, play, art, puppets, drama, journaling, meditation, and mindfulness. Melissa has extensive experience as a school-based therapist, working with school staff and families to assist student clients. Melissa received her undergraduate degree from Edgewood College in Business Administration and Marketing with a coursework in Spanish. Following her work as a nanny for multiple families for over 10 years, she developed a strong connection with learning about the way families function and cohabitate, which led her back to Edgewood College into their Marriage and Family Therapy master’s program.

John R. Weiss MA, MS, LMFT

John has experience working with individuals, families and couples. John has provided school-based therapy services in 4 Wisconsin school districts: Pecatonica, Lake Mills, Oregon and Mount Horeb. He works with student clients who have behavioral issues, trauma and family dysfunction. John has received extensive training in Conscious Discipline techniques and strategies to help clients and families heal and reconnect. He also practices the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy and Experiential Therapy.
He has a lifetime certification to teach English grades 6-12 in Wisconsin. In addition to his master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, he has a master’s degree in Applied English Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin. John has coached Varsity Boys’ Basketball for over 20 years in Wisconsin. He has extensive business experience having owned two businesses in the agriculture sector.

Ashley Fuller

Ashley Is the Office Administrator and Billing Accounts Manager. Ashley has been working in the mental health and substance abuse field for over 20 years. She has a wealth of knowledge in the day-to-day office functions and accounts receivables. Ashley prides herself in her compassion to work with individuals and families needing services with our office and is grateful to our team who provides such an important service to our community.
In Ashley's spare time, you will catch her chasing down a garage sale or exploring a new park with her family.

Melissa Brown

Melissa is the Director of School-based Services. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from UW- Stevens Point and her Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from the University of St. Thomas. Melissa worked in the public school system for over 20 years as both a teacher and administrator and holds a lifetime license in each area. Melissa strongly believes that students should get what they need when they need it and is so honored to be part of a system that can support that need. Melissa has presented at a variety of conferences and is a Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer. In her free time, Melissa enjoys running, watching sports, reading and spending time with family and friends.