2025 Annual Conference Presenters

Sandra Ahlquist, LPC-IT, SAC-IT

 Sandra Ahlquist, LPC-IT, SAC-IT graduated in 2023 with her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She received a Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling in 2019 from Viterbo University, Lacrosse Wisconsin. Sandra is an Outpatient Therapist and Business Coordinator at Pine Valley Integrated Services in Mauston Wisconsin, providing behavioral health and substance use therapy. Sandra is also the Client Case Manager for Pine valley Residential Services, LLC, a program of six long term care facilities. Sandra provides therapy services to individuals, couples and families and facilitates groups in Anger Management and Substance Use Disorder. Sandra is the primary provider for Pine Valley’s integrated services with Mile Bluff Medical Center Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Sandra’s desire to understand all aspects of mental health practice has led her to assist with the business coordination at Pine Valley, which has been an exciting new challenge. In this role she is learning not only the business side of operating an outpatient clinic but is also learning how to lead clinicians in their practice. She hopes that this will lead to her growth as a clinical supervisor in the future. 

Laura Albee, DSW, LCSW, BCBA, LBA 

Laura J. Albee, DSW, LCSW, BCBA, and LBA is a Senior Mental Health Clinician at the Connecticut Institute For Communities. She has extensive experiences working with individuals across the lifespan who are confronted with chronic mental illness and behavioral health challenges in clinical, community, residential, and academic settings. She is a part-time faculty instructor at Southern Connecticut State University’s Department of Social Work, and served as the visiting Assistant Professor of Social Work and Equitable Community Practice at the University of Saint Joseph. She chaired Post University’s Pathways Program, consults with private and public-school district, and provides clinical and BCBA supervision to those pursuing board certification and/or licensure Dr. Albee holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida State University, a Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders from the University of Saint Joseph, and her MSW and Doctor of Social Work from SCSU. She has had publications in Autism Spectrum News and contributed chapters in Dr. Peggy Whitby’s book entitled Cases on Teaching Sexuality Education to Individuals with Autism, and Susan V. Alstyne’s (Ed.), Perspectives and Considerations on Navigating the Mental Health Care System with IGI Global Publishers. Dr. Albee coauthored Turning Towards the Sun: Stories of Hope and Healing of Suicide Grief by Mothers: Kendall Hunt/Innovative Ink Publishing. She has presented at numerous National, State, and NASW conferences speaking on suicide grief, posttraumatic growth, and mental health in public education. Dr. Albee’s son died by suicide in 2015. She has devoted much of her research and clinical practice encouraging the bereft and those navigating mental illness to keep hope in their heart.

Matt Allord, Juvenile Justice Program Supervisor WI Department of Justice, (he/him) 

Matt Allord grew up in Madison and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Sociology.  He attended Florida State University College of Law in Tallahassee, with an academic focus on juvenile justice and a practicum focus on applications for executive clemency and pardons for adults placed in Florida prisons when they were juveniles.  He has worked for the Dane County Court Appointed Special Advocates Program and in various positions with the Department of Corrections for 10 years prior to joining the Wisconsin Department of Justice as the Juvenile Justice Programs Supervisor in November of 2022. 

Dominic Alvarez,MSCJ – Jefferson County Youth Justice 

Dominic Alvarez has been with the Youth Justice team at Jefferson County Human Services since 2016. Prior to that, he was contracted as a restorative justice specialist that provided oversight of community service, restitution, and teen court activities. Dominic has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Science in criminal justice from UW-Platteville. In the latter program, his seminar research focused on the use of community-based incentive rewards with juvenile offenders.  Dominic currently helps lead the on-going services of Jefferson County’s Attendance Improvement Program. He has over 25 years of experience working with youth in a variety of professional contexts including social work, education, athletics, and substance abuse prevention.  Dominic, his wife, and two sons reside in Watertown.

Tanya Atkinson, MSSW, APSW, (she/her)

Tanya Atkinson, MSSW, APSW, (she/her) is the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI), Wisconsin’s largest nonprofit reproductive health care system. Tanya began her career with PPWI as a community organizer in 2004, subsequently serving as the organization’s field director, vice-president of public affairs and education, vice-president of external affairs and chief external affairs officer. Prior to joining Planned Parenthood, Tanya was the director of the Milwaukee office of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families - a statewide child advocacy organization, legislative aide in the Wisconsin Legislature, and social worker specializing in youth services. She served for 10 years as an adjunct professor at Carroll University and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Concurrently, for over a decade, Tanya was a professional touring stand-up comedian. She kept her day job. Tanya received her MSSW at the University of Wisconsin Madison and BS at Carroll University. Tanya lives in Shorewood with her wife Laurie, a registered nurse and therapist, and dog Maslow.

Dr. Amanda  Baranski, LCSW, LNMIT, (she/her)

Dr. Amanda Baranski is a dedicated social work educator and the current President of the National Association of Social Workers, Colorado Chapter. Based in Denver, Colorado, she serves as a faculty member supporting MSW students and has extensive teaching experience across BSW, MSW, and DSW programs. Dr. Baranski’s specialized areas of focus include artificial intelligence in social work, ambiguous grief and loss, queer issues, mental illness, and the use of natural medicine (psychedelics) in mental health treatment. She combines her clinical experience and innovative perspective to inspire and inform social work practice. 

John Battaglia, MD

John Battaglia, MD, is Clinical Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and is Medical Director of the Program of Assertive Community Treatment in Madison, Wisconsin.  After graduating magna cum laude with a BA in Psychology from Pomona College in Claremont, California, in 1980, he earned his MD with honors from Ohio State University in Columbus in 1984. Dr. Battaglia went on to serve an internship and residency in Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He then completed fellowships with the Mood Disorders Program in the Mental Health Clinical Research Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and in Emergency Psychiatry at Parkland Memorial Hospital, both in Dallas. Dr. Battaglia has authored or coauthored numerous articles from his research on psychopharmacology (mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders), agitation, multiple suicide attempters, ethics in rural health care, and seasonal mood disorder.  He has lectured both nationally and abroad on a variety of topics including crisis intervention, treatment of agitation, and supportive psychotherapy.  He has been the recipient of a number of honors, including two Exemplary Psychiatrist Awards from NAMI, and Outstanding Lecturer and Excellence in Teaching awards from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin.  For the past 30 years he has taught supportive psychotherapy and crisis intervention techniques for various agencies including Southwestern Medical School Department of Psychiatry (Dallas, TX), Alaska State Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (Community Mental Health Centers-statewide, AK), Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI), Milwaukee Public Schools Psychology Division (Milwaukee, WI) and the University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry (Madison, WI).  His book:  Doing Supportive Psychotherapy, was recently published by American Psychiatric Association Publishing (2020). He served on the NAMI Wisconsin (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Board of Directors from 2011 to 2019.

Theresa Beaumier, MA, (she/her)

Theresa Beaumier is a Sociology PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Her dissertation uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the limitations of a medicalized approach to depression. Ms. Beaumier serves as the Research Assistant to the HATCH (Healing Adversity and Trauma through Conversation and Hope) project, leading the evaluation component. Prior to coming to UWM, she earned a BA at St. Norbert College and an MA at Marquette University. She has also filled community-based service roles while working for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice. 

Joshua Beharry, Project Manager 

Josh Beharry is the Project Manager for HeadsUpGuys. Since recovering from experiences with depression and attempted suicide in 2010, Josh has become a passionate advocate for mental health, volunteering and working in the area of mental health advocacy since 2012. Josh has been with HeadsUpGuys since 2014. Josh has had articles published by HuffPost, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). He has also been interviewed by HuffPost, Global TV, Movember Radio, and has had his story and work featured by CBC News: The National.

Meghan Benson, MPH (she/her)

Meghan Benson, MPH (she/her) is the Director of Research, Assessment & Evaluation at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc. (PPWI). She has been in this role for almost two years after spending the prior 15 years as a member of the PPWI Education Department. In her new role, Meghan is responsible for data collection and analysis to support evaluation, reporting, and quality improvement processes within the agency. She also sits on the agency leadership team with responsibilities for developing and monitoring key metrics related to the goals and objectives outlined in the agency strategic plan. Additionally, Meghan collaborates on research projects to contribute to broader knowledge of sexual and reproductive health through partnerships with academic and other external researchers. Her work is anchored in the concepts of health equity, community engagement, and social justice.

Lisa Berger, PhD, MSW (she/her)

Lisa Berger is a Professor of Social Work in the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her teaching and research expertise is in the field of substance use and includes early intervention models for the prevention of substance use disorders.

Chloe Blish, MSW, (she/her)

As an alumni Camp Hometown Heroes camper, Chloe serves as the Mental Wellness Director, leading healing arts sessions daily at camp. She builds the curriculum from evidence based therapeutic practices to support the resilience and healing of each camper. Chloe has her Masters of Social Work degree from University of Southern California with an emphasis in children, youth, and families. 

Jess Bowers, MSW, CAPSW (she/her)

Jess Bowers is an associate professor and BSW program director at the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and has also served as the field coordinator for the social work program for the past ten years. Jess was recently appointed to the social work section of the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. She is a certified advanced practice social worker and a licensed school social worker. Jess has spent her social work career practicing and teaching in rural communities, so she understands the unique challenges experienced by social workers in rural areas.  

Roberta Bronecki, MSW, LCSW (she/her) 

Roberta Bronecki, MSW, LCSW graduated in 2002 with her Masters in Clinical Social Work from Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts and completed her undergraduate degree in Social Psychology at University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts. Roberta has specialized in the development of behavioral health programs within a primary care setting. She has developed three behavioral health/primary care integrated programs in Wisconsin and Colorado. She is currently the Co-Founder/Clinical Director/Clinical Supervisor for Pine Valley Integrated Services. Pine Valley Integrated Services is an outpatient behavioral health and substance use program that is integrated into Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston, WI.  Roberta is also the Clinical Program Director for Pine Valley Residential Services, a program of six long-term care facilities based in Juneau and Sauk Counties. Roberta is the chair of the Clinical Network for the NASWWI, and the former chair of the Roche A Cri Consortia for Medication Assisted Treatment in Adams, Juneau, and Marquette counties. Roberta has been a clinical supervisor since 2006. In this role she has clinically supervised social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and substance use counselors in their academic programs and post graduate work. 

J Cangialosi, LCPC (she/her)

 J. Cangialosi, a licensed clinical therapist at Relief Mental Health, brings over a decade of compassion to her work. Specializing in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, and stress management, she helps individuals make meaningful changes. J’s practice fosters an inclusive, judgment free environment, meeting patients where they are. She also leads clinical development trainings, contributes to media and podcasts and writes on Medium, advocating for mental health and supporting Relief’s mission.

Cory Carline, Ed.D, MSW, APSW, (he/they)

Cory is a Queer Indigenous scholar-clinician committed to social-justice and affirmative care. As a Mexican American clinical social worker and educator with deep roots in tribal communities, Cory serves as an Assistant Professor of Social Work at UW-Green Bay and most recently served as a Clinical Informatics - Psychotherapist with Oneida Behavioral Health. Cory’s practice emphasizes ethical practice that honors cultural identities and lived experiences. They also teach in the First Nations Education Doctorate Program at UW-Green Bay, focusing on healing-informed education. Cory has experience in child welfare, including Indian Child Welfare, and emergency shelter services for adults. Previously, they worked with Indigenous community mental health and advocacy services, childcare, and consultant-based work in education. Cory is passionate about re-indigenizing mental health through storytelling, relational accountability, and community-driven approaches to care.

Penny a. Carlson, ABC-SDT

Penny Carlson is certified as a Master Resilience Trainer and is trained in Motivational Interviewing for advocates. She holds an associate degree (AAS) in Paralegal studies and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Homeland Security from Herzing University. Penny has been serving in the Army Reserves for over 17 years. She has over 12 years of working with Service Members in advocacy and prevention roles in both the Army Reserves and her fulltime civilian position as a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. Penny holds a Level III certification as a D-SAACP credentialed Victim Advocate. 

Nicole Carreon, LMFT (she/her)

Nicole is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, having earned her degree from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. She is skilled in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing® (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Havening Techniques, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. As a board-approved supervisor, Nicole provides practicum and post-degree supervision to LMFTs, fostering the professional growth of emerging therapists. Her dedication to staying informed about the latest developments in her field ensures that she offers effective, evidence-based interventions. Nicole is also a Certified Havening Techniques Trainer who conducts training sessions worldwide for those interested in obtaining certification in this innovative therapeutic modality.

Rebekka L. Cary, Columbia County Veterans Services Officer

Master Sergeant (retired) Rebekka Cary is from Portage, WI, and has two sons, Paul and Brett, and is married to Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and Air Force veteran Ed Cary. She joined the WI National Guard on September 3, 1993, and retired on May 31, 2016, as a First Sergeant with the 169th Air Support Operations Squadron in Peoria, IL.   During her military career, she was activated in support of Operation Noble Eagle and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  She began working for the Columbia County Veterans Service Office on June 4, 2012, and continues to serve her fellow veterans.

Sam Chapa, APSW, SAC-IT, TIC Certified, and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher (she/her)

Sam brings global experience and specialized education in social work, trauma, and substance use disorders to The Production Farm. She integrates meditative practices with evidence-based interventions, providing a holistic, person-centered approach to mental health care. As part of the management team, Sam helps shape the farm’s future while leading the Learning Unboxed Program, which partners with schools to provide counseling, education, and skill-building. She also runs the Veterans Services program, ensuring tailored support for veterans in the community. The Production Farm, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, reimagines mental health care through creativity, play, and connection. Their programs include therapy, school-based services, community skills development, and alternative-to-expulsion placements, all designed to foster resilience and personal growth. Sam’s leadership ensures the farm remains a place of healing, empowerment, and meaningful transformation for youth, adults, and veterans alike.

Patricia Clasen, RCC, CPS

Patricia Clason is co-founder of Bamboo Bridge, Vets Journey Home and Healing Warrior Hearts, emotional healing programs for veterans, helping to heal warrior hearts for over twenty-five years. She is also the creator of Taking It Lightly, an emotional healing program for the general public, and instructor for the Trauma Counseling Certificate Program at UWM School of Continuing Education. Daughter of a Sergeant Major, she lived with her father's PTSD and her own PTSD from sexual abuse. Her journey of recovery and commitment to helping others heal fuels her dedication to veterans and other trauma survivors.

Antoinette Davis, MSW, APSW, (she/her)

 I am a lifelong learner who deeply values a holistic approach to well-being, encompassing self-healing, mental wellness, and physical health. I believe that fostering resilience and promoting wellness in others is not just a profession, but a calling—one that I have passionately pursued for over 20 years. I hold a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago and have dedicated more than two decades to supporting children and families impacted by intergenerational trauma. My professional journey has centered on creating safe spaces for healing, empowering individuals to build healthier relationships, and breaking cycles of adversity through therapeutic engagement. In addition, in February 2023, I completed a Post Graduate Training Certificate through Aurora Family Services Family Therapy Training Institute, which supported me in developing my skills in becoming an effective therapist working with individuals, couples, and families. Through my volunteer service, I have demonstrated a deep commitment to promoting mental health awareness and strengthening family systems within underserved populations. At the Salvation Army, I facilitated mental health support groups and delivered parenting education to families residing in shelter environments, with a focus on fostering emotional resilience, stability, and long-term well-being. Additionally, in collaboration with House of Kings and Priests, I have been involved in structured mental health discussion groups addressing the unique challenges faced by today’s youth, creating spaces that encourage healing, empowerment, and personal growth. Currently, I am the founder and lead therapist at Generational Cycle’s Moving Forward, LLC, an organization committed to promoting hope, wellness, and healing through psychotherapy. Our mission is to equip individuals with the skills necessary to establish safety, build resilience, and foster positive behavioral and relational patterns.

Gabriella Diéguez- Hurtado, MSW, LCSW (she/her)

Gabriela Diéguez Hurtado, MSW, LCSW earned her Masters in Social Work at UW-Milwaukee. She has worked as a bilingual therapist for twenty years at Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers (SSCHC) providing services to an inner-city population in Milwaukee. Gabriela is a generalist provider who enjoys being a witness to growth and change when working with children, adults, elderly, and families. Gabriela is the coordinator of students for the Behavioral Health Department at SSCHC. She has also collaborated on two research projects with Latinos, one with UW- Milwaukee on Behavioral Activation and the other with Marquette University on Attention Deficit Disorders. Gabriela spends her free time as a volunteer with Common Ground doing community organizing in Milwaukee’s Southside, as a board member at her church and enjoying the arts scene in the city.

Katherine Drechsler, DSW, LCSW-SA (she/her)

Dr. Katherine Drechsler is an Online Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Utah and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She teaches in both the Bachelor's and Master's programs. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin, Dr. Drechsler holds a specialty authorization in Substance Abuse as well as a license in School Social Work. With over 30 years of experience in the field, her professional background spans child welfare, juvenile justice, and the treatment of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in an integrated, community-based settings focused on comprehensive care.

Dena Eakles, President of Echo Valley Hope; Facilitator of the Peace Education Program of The Prem Rawat Foundation, (they/she)

Dena Eakles is a writer, social and environmental justice advocate and has been a student of peace for fifty years. President of Echo Valley Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainable peace, Dena is a Board Member of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, and writes a weekly blog letkindnesswin.com. Author of The Peace Warrior, you can find their radio and podcast interviews and conversations with social and environmental justice activists at echovalleyhope.org.

Holli Engelhart, MSW, LICSW (she/her)

Holli graduated in 2009 with a Master's in Social Work from The University of St. Thomas-College of St. Catherine School of Social Work in St. Paul, MN. Her clinical experience includes providing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in community settings and within intensive residential mental health treatment facilities. Holli has also identified, collaborated with, and supported individuals needing mental health care within the traditional medical model. Currently, Holli practices as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in her private therapy practice in Edina, MN. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, and in 2022, became Certified in Havening Techniques. Holli completed training and certification in 2024 to become an official Havening Techniques Trainer.  Additionally, Holli serves as a Minnesota Board of Social Work Supervisor, offering practicum and post-degree supervision for LSW and LGSW.

Brittany Fair, MSW, APSW (she/her)

Brittney Fair works at Rogers Behavioral Health as a training lead. In this role, she facilitates trainings for leaders in the non-profit, education, and healthcare sectors across the country. Brittney also facilitates programming for staff at Rogers Behavioral Health and with parents in the community. Brittney earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin- Parkside. Brittney received her Master of Social Work from Concordia University-Wisconsin and is an Advanced Practicing Social Worker, working towards becoming a Licensed Social Worker in Wisconsin.

Rachel Fryda-Gehde, MSW, CAPSW (she/her)

Rachel Fryda-Gehde received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012 and her Bachelor in Social Work from Marian University in Fond du Lac, WI in 2010. Rachel is a social worker at Taycheedah Correctional Institution in Fond du Lac, WI, working on the specialty management unit serving clients with mental, behavioral, or other specialized care needs. Rachel is also an adjunct instructor with the social work program at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Rachel has been involved with the Camp Reunite program at Tacycheedah since 2019 and currently serves as co-chair of the committee.

Thomas Galten, LCSW CSAC  (he/him)

 Thomas Galten LCSW CSAC is affiliated with Lifestance Health's Glendale 1 location in Milwaukee. He conducts psychotherapy with individuals, couples and families from diverse backgrounds and who present with a wide variety of concerns, including substance abuse, anxiety, depression and marital/family discord. Tom has completed Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) training with Elam Nunnally and Eve Lipchick, both of whom were instrumental in the founding and early development of SFT. Tom has served as adjunct instructor of social work at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, Loyola at Carthage, Carroll University, Marquette University and in Gateway Technical College's human service department. In addition to empowerment-based approaches to psychotherapy, Tom has long been interested in the integration of the client's spiritual aspirations and inclinations into therapeutic work.

Jessica Godek, Jefferson County Youth Justice, (she/her)

Jessica “Jessie” Godek has worked in the Youth Services field for the past 29 years.  As the Youth and Family Services Supervisor at Jefferson County Human Services, Jessie has written various grants to bring innovative, family and community-based programming to the families impacted by the justice system in Jefferson County.  She also has experience working in the adoption and post adoption field.  Jessie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Sociology and Social Work and a Master of Science in Community Mental Health.  She and her husband Dave were foster parents for 11 years and are parents to four children, ranging in age from 24-4.

Jill Gonzalez, CAPSW; MSSW-Litigation Advocate (she/her)

Jill Gonzalez is a parent of a child with a disability who has dedicated her career to special education advocacy teaching parents their rights under various disability laws. In 1999, Ms. Gonzalez received her bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. A year later she earned her master's degree in school social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon graduating, Jill was hired by the Green Bay Area Public School District providing educational support services to students, staff and families. In 2005, Jill became a special education advocate for parents where she continues her work at Disability Rights Wisconsin.

Angela Green, School Social Worker (she/her) 

Angela Green has been a School Social Worker in Milwaukee Public Schools for the last 9 years. As a School Social Worker she has worked at a K-12 school, on the 53206 Mobile Team, and as a PBIS Tier 3 Coach. She has her undergraduate degree from Alverno College and a MSW from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Angela is currently an EdD student at Alverno College. She has been facilitating  Courageous Conversations about Race district wide for the last 4 years. 

Emily Green, MSW, CAPSW, SAC-IT (she/her)

Emily Green is a School Psychotherapist at Jefferson County Human Services. She primarily provides therapeutic services in two school districts to students in the middle and high schools. When she is not at the schools, she provides therapeutic services with younger children and adults in the outpatient clinic. Emily has been in the field for just over 4 years starting in the comprehensive community services (CCS) program at the county and then working in the outpatient clinic. 

Joan Groessl, MSW, PhD, LCSW, (she/her)

Joan Groessl, MSW, PhD, LCSW is Professor and Director of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Dr. Groessl teaches across both BSW and MSW programs and has developed courses in ethics as well as topics for clinical practice. Before joining the faculty in 2008, Joan worked for 20 years in community mental health at the county level. She is an active NASW member as well as volunteer in her community and on several boards.

Ke'Andra Haggens, MSW, LCSW, SSW, (she/her) 

Ke'Andra Hagans is a clinical associate professor, program coordinator for school social work, and field liaison in the Social Work Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed school social worker. Throughout her career, Ke'Andra has focused on serving children, families, and individuals in a variety of capacities, including as a psychotherapist, program coordinator, group facilitator, school social worker, and clinical director. She has also worked with populations in out-of-home placement, residential, and inpatient settings. She has served as a mentor for developing professionals in the fields of clinical and school social work.

Christina Hall, School Social Worker Supervisor (she/her) 

 Christina Hall is a School Social Work Supervisor with Milwaukee Public Schools, where she has served for 13 years. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, teaching in the Social Welfare Department. With experience at Children's Wisconsin and the Department of Child Protection Services, she specializes in crisis intervention, community resources, and social justice. She holds undergraduate and master's degrees from UW-Milwaukee, along with administrative licensures from Viterbo University. A leader in equity work, she has facilitated Courageous Conversations about Race district wide. 

Sarah Halstead

Sarah Halstead serves as the Manager of Community & Faith Partnerships with Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS).  She holds a bachelors degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from UW-Madison, taught ELS at the University of WI in Stevens Point, and worked with the University of WI Extension and UW-Milwaukee for 25 years, training home visitors.  Her passion for community education and support spans over 30 years of non-profit management and includes parent education/support, literacy work, supporting refugees, domestic violence/sexual assault services, elder care, dementia support, substance abuse, teaching English as a Foreign Language, runaway youth services, community outreach programming and mental health services. She worked closely with LSS’s Refugee Resettlement Team through the resettlement of Afghan refugees and assists in connecting resources from community and faith-based organizations to support that program and others.  She describes herself as a laughter lover, lifelong learner and abundance attractor.  As a part of LSS’s Advancement Team she enjoys inspiring others to make contributions to support programs like Refugee Resettlement.

Lisa Hassenstab, Public Policy Manager

Katie Heinzen, MS LPC- Director of Behavioral health The Production Farm, (she/her)

 Katie has always had a passion for working with children. She attended St. Norbert College, obtaining a degree in psychology with a minor in art while working in the child development center on campus. In graduate school at Springfield College, she received her master’s degree in art therapy and worked at the child development center there as well as ServiceNet which provided therapy and transitional living skills to young adults. Katie has also worked as a clinical assessment specialist in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for children, has been a director of patient services at a critical access hospital, and the lead therapist at an intensive outpatient program for seniors. After being out of state for 13 years, Katie returned to Wisconsin to be closer to family and has been with The Production Farm since 2018. In her spare time, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, running marathons, gardening, and cooking.

Marc Herstand, MSW, CISW, (he/him)

Marc Herstand has served as the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter since 1992. In this position, Marc has facilitated the passage of bills on tele-mental health, licensure, mental health services in schools and Vendorship through the Wisconsin State Legislature and the passage of several rules benefiting clinical social workers through the Department of Health Services. During the Covid-19 pandemic he successfully petitioned the Evers Administration to allow telephone therapy and implement the tele-mental health bill in record time. Marc has also successfully organized campaigns to stop several bills and rules that would have harmed the social work profession. Marc has organized statewide coalitions on the Extreme Risk Protection Order (Red Flag legislation), the Child Victim’s Act and Conversion Therapy and has organized over twelve NASW-WI advocacy days. Marc greatly expanded the Wisconsin Chapter’s annual conference, began the Chapter’s Winter Webinar series and home study program and oversaw the development of NASW-WI’s Fact Sheets on Child Welfare, Corrections and Hospital Social Work. Previous to this position Marc served as Executive Director of Health Care for the Homeless of Milwaukee, the San Diego AIDS Project, Planned Parenthood of Southeast Iowa and as Social Services Coordinator at the Council for the Spanish Speaking, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the mid-70’s, Marc served as a VISTA Volunteer in the Central Valley of California where he recruited farmworkers and other low income families to participate in a self-help housing program. Marc has served as an adjunct instructor of social work at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, George Williams College at Aurora University and Marian University in Fond du Lac. Mr. Herstand earned his masters degree in social work from the University of California, Berkeley.  

Sarah, Hessenauer, PhD, MSW, (she/her)

Sarah L Hessenauer, PhD, LCSW, MSW, MBA is an Assistant Professor of social work and MSW program coordinator at Mount Mary University. She earned her BSW degree in 1990 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, her MSW in 1991 from UW-Milwaukee, and her PhD in 2011 from Loyola University of Chicago. She has authored and co-authored several social work textbooks with Dr. Zastrow.

Kayla Hohmann, COO | Interim Development Director (she/her) 

Kayla Hohmann is a leader in mental and behavioral health, community development, and nonprofit growth. As COO and Interim Development Director at The Production Farm, she expands access to services, strengthens partnerships, and increases resource availability. She has helped develop school-based mental health programs across eight districts and mental health programs over 3 counties, lead fundraising efforts, expanded pantry services serving hundreds monthly, and oversees a team of 40 staff and mental health interns. She is also leading the expansion of the annual film screening into a film festival fundraiser and overseeing the development of a trap shooting fundraiser focused on responsible gun ownership and safety training. Beyond her professional role, Kayla dedicates hundreds of volunteer hours annually to STEM and arts mentorship initiatives. Her leadership is rooted in engagement, resource allocation, problem-solving, and creating lasting impact in both professional and community spaces.

Kim Howard, MSW, CAPSW, (she/her)

Kimberly Howard (Kim), MSW, CAPSW (she/her) is a medical social worker, entrepreneur, and business coach with over 20 years of experience in social services. She currently serves as President of the NASW-WI Chapter where she is passionate about supporting and empowering social workers while advancing the profession through leadership, innovation, and systems change. Kim has worked across diverse settings within and beyond healthcare. She is the founder of Mind Renewal Psychotherapy, a group practice where she specializes in clients with chronic health conditions, and founder of Therapy Directory Online, a national directory connecting individuals to therapists. Kim also provides coaching and consulting to social workers and other helping professionals, guiding them in building sustainable businesses and developing impactful programs that serve communities and the profession. 

Nancy Irizarry-Beachy, MS (she/her)

Nancy has been in the Social Services field for 34 years, providing services in: community programming, mental-health care, child welfare, cultural and Hispanic outreach services, migrant and refugee services, legal immigration, special needs services, Corrections, and is now overseeing services within the Department of Health and Human Services, to include services for veterans. Nancy has a Master of Science degree in Community and Mental Health Programming. For six and a half years she was the Social Services Director at Dodge Correctional Institution, DOC’s Intake facility for all adult males. At Dodge, Nancy was instrumental in implementing PREA efforts, the new EAP program, the inmate State ID program, and was the Reentry Coordinator. She then transferred to Waupun Correctional Institution for where she held many of the same duties and implemented a new inmate orientation program as well as implemented Anger Management programming. She now provides oversight for Trauma, Prerelease and the Incarcerated Veterans Program. Nancy is an expert in team building and is a Crisis Negotiations Training Consultant. She is the current Co-chair for the WI Anti-Human Trafficking Consortium (an effort she has been involved in for over fourteen years). She was a member of the State-wide Human Trafficking Task Force and co-chaired their Prevention and Public Awareness subcommittee. She is strong advocate against victim exploitation and crimes, and in ensuring appropriate victim and trauma-centered response. She is a conflict resolution mediator and is astute in crisis management.

Jon Jagemann, Discipline Manager (he/him)

Jon Jagemann is a former high school teacher and has worked the last 14 years as a Central Services administrator supporting various efforts regarding climate and culture throughout Milwaukee Public Schools. He has his undergraduate degree from Washington University and masters in education administration and discipline reform from Marquette and Loyola. He served 8 years as PBIS and RtI Supervisor and most recently the last 6 years as Discipline Manager. Jon currently oversees the district's implementation of Courageous Conversations about Race being utilized to elevate racial equity throughout the district and address areas of disproportionality of students of color. 

Ellie Jarvie, MSW, LCSW-Lead Advocacy Specialist (she/her)

Ellie has been involved in support and advocacy efforts since the mid-1980's.  Her focus includes youth and adults with a variety of disabilities. She has experience in community mental health, including direct staff and as a supervisor at CCS and CSP programs in Wisconsin. As a person with a disability, she understands the experience of dealing with bias firsthand, as well as from the perspective of a service provider. She uses the skills she learned as a social worker at UW Madison as a Lead Advocacy Specialist at Disability Rights Wisconsin. 

Jeff Johnson, MSOL, USMC Retired

After his retirement from 21 years of active service in the Marine Corps, Jeff has assisted severely injured service members and veterans while with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment. In his current position as a Transition Patient Advocate at the VA medical centers in Madison and Tomah, Jeff assists severely injured active-duty service members and veterans as they transition from military treatment facilities to VA medical centers. Additionally, he serves as an advocate by helping veterans receive the state and federal benefits that they have earned. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Administration from Concordia University-Wisconsin.

Emily Jonesberg, MSW, LCSW (she/her)

Emily Jonesberg (she, her, hers) is an advocate for the creation of compassionate cultures grounded in equity and trauma informed practices. In her role as the Program Manager for Rogers Behavioral Health’s Community Learning and Engagement department, Emily supports a suite of evidence-informed programs aimed to eliminate mental health stigma and enhance organizational culture. Emily has over 15 years of mental health and equity programming work in the school, non-profit, and healthcare sectors. She has a Master of Social Work, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and is a returned Peace Corps volunteer.

Fran Kaplan, MSW, EdD

Dr. Fran Kaplan is a lifelong social justice educator and activist. She holds a Master of Social Work degree and a doctorate in Education for the Advancement of Learning and Service. Her 60-year career has included work in legal and community services on behalf of migrant farmworkers, in women’s reproductive and mental healthcare, in child abuse prevention and early intervention, and in the grassroots project to re-establish America’s Black Holocaust Museum. She is also an award-winning filmmaker and author. In all her roles, Dr. Kaplan works to build healthy, equitable, multicultural/multiracial organizations and communities. Since 2017, her firm, Nurturing Diversity Partners, has provided training and consulting in health equity to a county government, an urban health department, and over two hundred healthcare providers, community organizations, faith institutions, businesses, K-12 schools, and universities in her region and around the country.

Nikki Kellerman, LCSW

Nikki Kellerman is a Clinical Social Worker and Veteran Justice Program Coordinator at the John H Bradley VA Outpatient Clinic in Appleton.  Nikki has been employed with the VA for 14 years, working in various roles including primary care, acute care, and homeless programs.  Currently, Nikki is employed as a Veteran Justice Program Coordinator, assisting justice involved veterans to navigate VA Services and support, in an effort to improve access to resources, increase treatment engagement, and limit further legal involvement.  Through Veteran Justice Outreach, Nikki works with justice involved veterans incarcerated in 7 rural county jails, as well as a regional veteran treatment court.  Additionally, she works as a Healthcare for Reentry Coordinator, meeting with veterans releasing from 13 state DOC facilities, connecting eligible veterans to their VA Healthcare benefits, completing comprehensive needs assessments & connecting individuals to veteran focused resources through collaboration with community partners.  At this time, Nikki is a member of a national VA Veteran Justice Program workgroup focused on research, consultation and advocacy surrounding challenges Veterans with sexual offense history encounter, in an effort to reduce barriers and stigma.  Nikki is also a member of the VA’s Disaster Emergency Response and Management Program, having recently supported disaster relief efforts in Asheville NC following Hurricane Helene, in addition to participating on a National Rapid Response Coordination Team.

Senator Sarah Keyeski

Senator Sarah Keyeski grew up on a family farm in Cashton, Wisconsin with her parents and four siblings. Her dad was a dairy farmer and a union railroad worker and her mom was a registered nurse. She has lived a life of service because of the example set by her parents. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Luther College in Iowa and then her master’s degree in psychology from Northwestern University in Illinois, Senator Keyeski became a licensed professional counselor. For the past 25 years, she has worked as a mental health provider at a rural clinic, and for the last six of those years, she also has also had her own private practice. Additionally, Senator Keyeski founded a local non-profit organization, “Lift Lodi,” which was formed following the COVID-19 crisis with the mission of cultivating a sense of community connectedness through devoted days of service uplifting Lodi’s shared environment. She finds deep purpose in improving the lives of others in her career and in a variety of volunteer efforts, from being a Girl Scout Leader to participating in mission trips and serving on multiple boards. She is honored and excited to serve in her new capacity as a legislator representing the 14th Senate District. Senator Keyeski is a wife, a mom to six kids, and a resident of Lodi. She enjoys spending time with her family, doing anything creative and hiking on the Ice Age State Trail. 

Wyatt Kuether, Chief Executive Officer The Production Farm (he/him)

After over a decade in New York City working as an Actor, Technical Director, Fight and Stunt Choreographer, Wyatt moved back to his home state of Wisconsin to set up The Production Farm. Wyatt based the organization on a simple premise “Leaving the world a little better than the way it was handed to us.” After working with some very inspiring organizations in NYC, Wyatt came back home to bring some of what he experienced and hopes to use it to serve the lives of others. Since being back, Wyatt has run the Urban Production Farm after school programming in Green Bay focused on youth in foster care, operated a foster youth created haunted house, been a foster care, respite and mental health care provider, carpenter, filmmaker and farmer. Wyatt, originally from Sheboygan, trained at UWSP, still acts, creates music, art and guitars.

Thomas P. LeBel, PhD

Dr. Thomas P. LeBel is an associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology in the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. His research interests include prisoner reintegration, desistance from crime, the stigma of incarceration, drug treatment courts, and interventions for criminal justice involved women with drug and alcohol problems.

Bonnie Leggo, LCSW, CSAC, SE-P, RYT, LMT-IT

Bonnie is a mom, social worker, yoga teacher and body worker. She focuses on bottom up approaches with adults in therapy, which includes Somatic experiencing, EMDR, trauma informed yoga and Craniosacral/consensual and compassionate light touch therapy. She and her therapy dog work in Milwaukee and appreciate being outside with the family. 

Melissa Lindsey (she/her)

Melissa discovered as an adult she was conceived using artificial insemination with donor sperm. After putting together the pieces of her identity, she wanted to help others facing similar experiences. She started Donor Conceived Community (DCC) in 2021, to provide emotional and social support to donor conceived people (DCP) facing identity discoveries. DCC also offers education and resources for DCP, parents, and professionals to promote a healthier donor conception community. Melissa's professional background includes marketing, training, small group facilitation, mental health education, and public speaking.

Tommy Losch, BRM (he/him)

Tommy has been a part of the organization since 2022. He has been in the camping world since 2015, starting as a Camp Counselor. Tommy has worn many hats to eventually become a Camp Director. Tommy received his Bachelors in Recreation with a focus on youth development. Tommy attends many American Camping Association events to further his Camp education. Tommy trains the Camp Reunite staff and creates quality programs for the kids to experience personal growth and fun. Tommy is committed to providing campers with memories that will last a lifetime.

Brittany Maas, MSW, LCSW, (she/her)

Brittany Maas, MSW, LCSW is an Assistant Teaching Professor at UW-Green Bay. Brittany teaches across both the BSW and MSW programs including policy as well as practice. She did her clinical training working with a range of underserved populations. Her volunteer focus has been on sustainability as well as focusing on literacy in her community.

Steven J. Miller, MSW, MS (he/him) 

Steven J. Miller obtained his Bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology at Northern Michigan University.  He recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving his MSW. Steven is an advocate for discussion among social workers about the impact of infertility on one's mental health. Steven and his wife had struggled with infertility before being successful using In Vitro Fertilization, resulting in now six-year-old twin boys. Steven started his podcast, MILES, highlighting the male experience of infertility and family building.  He joined Menâ's Helpline as a board member in 2023.

Debra, Minsky-Kelly, MSW, LCSW (she/her)

Debbie Minsky-Kelly, LCSW, is Field Director and Assistant Professor at the Carthage College School of Social Work. Debbie’s 25+ year career as a social worker includes leadership in mental health treatment with children, teens and families, most recently as a director with Rogers Behavioral Health. Debbie’s background includes work in child welfare, domestic violence, homeless healthcare, private practice and childhood trauma. Debbie has published research in areas including the healthcare system’s response to domestic violence and ethics related to mental health service delivery models. Debbie teaches social work practice classes and on the subjects of psychological trauma and human resilience. She was selected as Distinguished Teacher of the Year at Carthage College in 2021. Debbie has presented for WI NASW for several years, at national and international conferences, and for many nonprofit agencies and schools on subjects related to social work ethics and trauma-informed approaches to service delivery.

Omar Mohamed

Omar Mohamed was born in Somalia, fled to Kenya with his parents then sought refuge in the United States in 2004. Omar pursued a degree in Social Work at Marquette University. His personal connection to the refugee experience fueled his passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those undergoing resettlement. After completing his education, Omar joined Lutheran Social Service of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Inc (LSS)—Refugee Program. His initial roles involved assisting newly arrived refugees with essential tasks such as finding housing, enrolling in ESL/ELL, and navigating the complex process of adjusting to life in a new country. Omar, being bilingual and bicultural, played a crucial role as a bridge between refugees and the various systems they encountered. He provided language interpretation and cultural mediation to ensure effective communication in areas such as healthcare, education, and legal matters. Omar’s dedication and leadership skills earned him a promotion to the position of Resettlement Program Manager. In this role, he oversaw a team of case workers, ensuring that the resettlement process was efficient, comprehensive, and tailored to the unique needs of each family. Omar’s role become even more critical in upkeeping with LSS-Refugee Program amid of the fluid situation of the resettlement program at large.  

Inez L Montano “ Midge” B.S., S.W. L.S.W.

Inez L Montano “ Midge” B.S., S.W. L.S.W. has been in the field of Social Work beyond thirty-five years. Her primary service area has been in the rural area, within the Tribal Reservation of Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. In regards to Behavioral Health Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse, Tribal Criminal Justice, Tribal Court. Women’s Discussion Group Coordinator, Family Wellness and Self Wellness. Midge has presented  on an international level and Tribal communities. Her passion for service to others is a way of life, personally and professionally. She has been married to the same man for sixty-four years as of June 2025. She is blessed with five children “one is an angel baby”, Sixteen Grandchildren and twenty-four Great Grandchildren. Her Personal Motto “Less is More, Practice Humility”. In 2020 Midge was nominated and received an award for Women Who Inspire from the state of Wisconsin, 100-year, 19th Amendment Centennial Celebration. This was a surprising humbling experience.

Neil O'Connor, ACSW, LCSW, CPT-C, (he/him)

 Neil O’Connor, ACSW, LCSW, became a member of NASW-WI in 1977, while completing his MSSW at the Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville. Graduating in 1978, he worked briefly as a community organizer in Louisville, then began a 30 year career in health care social work in Sheboygan, WI. In that career, he worked in the areas of emergency/critical care, domestic abuse victim services, renal dialysis, discharge planning, and department management. He worked the last 18 years of that phase as the clinical social worker in the UW Health Oncology Clinics. Simultaneously, Neil served as a social work officer in the US Army Reserve, commissioned in 1982, and retiring in 2012 as a Colonel, Medical Service Corps. His military experience includes staff social work, operations and logistics, executive officer, and trainer-evaluator; he also deployed to Iraq in 2004-05, supervising a military community mental health clinic at the US Army base in Balad, Iraq. In 2008, Neil joined the Department of Veteran’s Affairs’ Madison Vet Center, where he worked with war veterans and their families around issues of PTSD and post service re-integration. 

Jessica O'Neel, MSW, CSW (she/her)

Jessica O’Neel comes with 20+ years of direct practice, program development, leadership and instructional experience within the field of social work. She has worked within the nonprofit sector, county government and taught within multiple UW Social Work Programs throughout the state of Wisconsin.  Using both her professional and lived experience she has a strong passion for personal, professional and system continual growth.

Jennifer Parker, MSSW, (she/her)

Jennifer Parker graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master's degree in 1986. She specialized in intimate partner abuse work during her years of mental health practice. Jennifer developed a curriculum of materials for individual and group work and wrote "Coercive Relationships: Find the Answers You Seek" before retiring in 2021. Jennifer dedicates her time to workshops, blogs, social media, and book marketing. Additional accomplishments include professional newsletter articles, expert witness testimony, blogs, podcast guesting, participation in a community DV and Sexual Assault task force, and awards from state and local agencies. Her passion is to enhance therapists’ knowledge about effective practices in working with IPV survivors through her workshops, webinars, and publications.

Patricia Parker, C.S.W., MCCMH (she/her)

Patricia Parker, (C.S.W., MCCMH), received her degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has a degree in Community Mental Health from Trinity College of Vermont.   Ms. Parker is an ordained minister in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and serves as pastor of the Craig Memorial CME Church- Milwaukee Wisconsin. Ms. Parker is a former co-chair of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee for NASW-Wisconsin (2024); a member of the National Association of Black Social Workers; a board member of Wisconsin Community Services; a board member of Koinonia Family Services; a member of the National Black Child Development Institute; and the Black Women’s Network. Currently, Ms. Parker is the primary consultant/ trainer for PA Parker Consults and is a contracted trainer with the University of Iowa National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice. 

PATCH Teen Educators

PATCH Teen Educators are a group of high school students (aged 14-18) from the Milwaukee community. They are trained as public speakers and advocates. The Teen Educators come from many diverse backgrounds and are experts on the needs and concerns of young people today. Through their work, they are breaking down stigma associated with many health issues and are prepared to discuss a wide variety of sensitive or challenging health topics. 

Paul Perales, LCSW (he/him)

I am a leader and educator of social work, currently guiding a team of LCSWs who provide services to the joint forces in the state of TX. I am an LCSW working primarily in military social work and teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for the last 7 years. My experiences in social work are civilian and military, inpatient to outpatient, and ages five-88 with a focus on crisis intervention, suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. In my free time, I am completing my doctorate in social work at the University of Kentucky, cooking for my family, and taking care of myself through time at the gym and the karate studio.

Barb Perkins, LCSW - Licensed in WI & NC, (she/her)

• Barb Perkins, LCSW, owns a sole private practice since 2013 after decades of working in hospital and mental health settings. In Feb 2016, Barb’s work style was written about in “O, The Oprah Magazine” as having “the same calming effect on me as Mr. Rogers’s ritual of putting on his house shoes and cardigan”.  She has created material and spoken at national and local conferences on several topics, including day treatment in physical rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, psychosocial programs, telehealth, and improving well-being.  

Julie Piepenbring, Ph.D., LCSW

Julie M. Piepenbring, Ph.D., LCSW, is an Assistant Professor and MSW Program Director at State University of New York, Plattsburgh. She earned her doctorate from Fordham University in New York, New York, and earned both her BSW and MSW from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) in New Haven, Connecticut. She began teaching as an adjunct instructor with SCSU in 2012 where she taught in the BSW, MSW, and DSW programs. Dr. Piepenbring has extensive clinical and executive leadership experience and served dual positions as the Chief Clinical Officer and Executive Vice President for a nonprofit organization that served children and transitional aged youths diagnosed with Autism Spectrum and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Additionally, her clinical experience includes crisis treatment in Emergency Room care, Jail Diversion Program Management, and working with incarcerated individuals and community re-entry. While working within community agencies she also was managing partner of a private practice, and continues to work with clients in a private practice setting. Dr. Piepenbring has presented at numerous national conferences speaking about suicide grief and posttraumatic growth, leadership and management in social work, cultural humility and supervision, and autism. She has had publications in Autism Spectrum News and has co-authored Leadership and Management in Social Work: A competency-based approach (Springer Publishing, 2019); Practicum and Capstone Handbook. 1st Edition (Kendall/Hunt Publishing), and Turning Toward the Sun: Maternal Stories of Hope and Healing from Suicide Grief (Kendall/Hunt, Innovative Inc.

Dr. Dominique Pritchett, PsyD, LCSW, (she/her)

Dr. Dominique Pritchett is on a mission to create cultures of wellness where people are valued as souls—not statistics. Thousands have learned from her principles around evolving mental capacity, personally and professionally. As a first generation to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology and a master’s in clinical social work, Dr. Pritchett founded Speak to the Soul™, Beloved Wellness Center™ and Space for Sistas® Her insights have been featured in BBC London Radio, Shondaland, Success, Women’s Health Magazine and more. More than a consultant, speaker, trainer, therapist and podcaster—Dr. Pritchett is a movement for global impact.

Heidi Pritzl, MSW,LCSW (she/her)

Heidi Pritzl, LCSW graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) in Honolulu, HI.  She currently works as a Social Worker/Psychotherapist  and Suicide Preventionist with Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health primary care and behavioral health teams.  She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness/meditation practices to assist in treating her patients secondary pain. Heidi is also the co-lead for the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Community Outreach Prevention Education (COPE) Coaltion. As a lead for this Tri-county coalition, Heidi works with her team to implement strategies to reduce suicides and beak stigma around mental health.  These strategies are based on the data outcomes within her community and state. Heidi is also trained in suicide prevention with the QPR Institute in Seattle, WA, as a Master and Gatekeeper Trainer. Her goal has been to train as many individuals as possible to be able to recognize early warning signs and risk factors of suicide, so they are able to identify and provide support immediately to individuals who are at risk. Heidi shares, “I know my work will be done when people begin receiving cards, casseroles, and flowers for a recent diagnosis for mental health or after a hospital stay on a psychiatric inpatient unit.”

Jeff Randall, LCSW

As a social worker working in a clinical practice, Jeff Randall has sought out experiences working in a variety of different delivery systems; from chronic, acute, residential, and  day settings, as well as various presentations - from severe and persistent to situational. As a former street photographer, adept at noticing the external world, Jeff has sought to bring his attention to the internal, as well as, external worlds. Currently employed as an adult psychotherapist in out-patient psychiatry practice, Jeff is excited to explore the many newer modalities that offer patients the ability to understand themselves and their journeys in ways that promote growth and healing.

Jessica Reindl, Juvenile Justice Coordinator with WI DOJ (she/her)

I am Jess Reindl, The Juvenile Justice Coordinator, Compliance Monitor, and Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinator within WI Department of Justice’s Juvenile Justice Unit. WI Department of Justice is the designated state agency responsible for confirming compliance with the core requirements of the federal Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). As the Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinator, I work to reduce disparities for youth at various contact points within the juvenile justice system, as required by the JJDPA. This is my 9th year working for the State. Prior to my current position I worked for WI Department of Corrections, primarily as a Probation and Parole agent in Dane County.

Susan J. Rose, PhD, MSW, LCSW 

Dr. Susan Rose is Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she taught Psychopathology and Advanced Practice courses. Her research interests include intervention with women in jails with health, mental health, and substance use problems. Studies include testing an intervention for women incarcerated in the Milwaukee County House of Correction and examining the substance use, health, and mental health care needs of mothers and pregnant women in jail. She serves as Special Topics Editor for the Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, where she has interviewed practitioners and researchers from around the world on topics related to substance misuse. 

William Rosenau, CVSO

William “Bill” Rosenau is the current County Veterans Service Officer for Waushara County, Wisconsin, where he has been employed since his retirement from the military in 2009. In the role of CVSO, he has assisted incarcerated veterans in Redgranite Correctional Institution since January 2010. Bill served for over 24 years combined in the United States Navy, the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and the United States Army. In 2020, he attained the title of Certified Veterans Advocate with the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, that organizations highest level of education and accreditation. He held office at every level of leadership in the County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers Association of Wisconsin, culminating in his Presidency in 2015, and has been involved with that association’s Legislative Committee for over a decade. In 2017, he was named as the County and Tribal Veterans Service Officer Association of Wisconsin's representative to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Incarcerated Veterans Program, and he will be presenting in that capacity.

Kellie A Ruelle, MSW, (she/her) 

Kellie Ruelle, MSW is a graduate of Mount Mary University. She earned her BSW (2021) and MSW (2025) from Mount Mary University. She is passionate about foster care, adoption, and the negative impacts of technology. 

Carol Ryan, RN, MPH, TPRF's Peace Education Program Support Representative and Facilitator Development

Carol Ryan is a volunteer with The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) where she facilitates the foundation’s Peace Education Program, and provides support and training for individuals and organizations offering the program in Eastern and Central US time zones. Carol is a Registered Nurse with a Master’s of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and has a long background in hospital and public health nursing, eventually running a county health department for 13 years. Currently, in addition to volunteering for TPRF, she operates a health policy consulting business in New York State.

Lynne Schmidt, LCSW (they/she)

Lynne Schmidt LCSW, is the queer, neurodivergent grandchild of a Holocaust survivor, and a therapist with a focus in trauma and healing. They obtained their MSW in 2020 from UNE with Trauma Informed and EFT-1 Certificates. They are the 2025 Maine Arts Fellow for Literary Arts and the author of Dying Dog Poems, The Unaccounted for Circles of Hell, SexyTime, which was a winner of the 2021 The Poetry Question Chapbook Contest, Dead Dog Poems which was the 2020 New Women's Voices Contest, and Gravity, which has been listed as One of the Best Breakup Books of All Time by Book Authority. When given the choice, Lynne prefers her pack of dogs and one cat to humans.

Marc Seidl, MSW, CSW, (he/him)

My name is Marc Seidl, and I currently serve as a supervisor in the Child Protection Initial Assessment Unit at Brown County Health and Human Services. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. I’ve worked in child protection for 17 years — 12 with Brown County and 5 in Outagamie County. In 2022, I was honored with the NASW-WI Distinguished Social Worker Award for my commitment to the profession. I grew up in Algoma and now live in Allouez with my wife and nine-year-old daughter. I also serve on the Village’s Parks, Recreation & Forestry Committee and its Ethics Board.

Dawn Shelton-Williams, MSW, LCSW, (she/her)

Dawn Shelton-Williams, MSW, LCSW is the Quality Specialist at Aurora Family Service (AdvocateAurora Health Care System) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a Quality Specialist, she handles coordinating, implementing, and supporting quality management initiatives and efforts for the agency, including the agency’s accreditation process with the Council on Accreditation. Dawn is also responsible for the implementation and coordination of the agency’s Wisconsin Well Woman Program – Social Navigation (WWWP-Social Work Navigation) program. The program is a grant funded program through the State’s Wisconsin Well Woman Program. WWWP-Social Work Navigation helps women who are between the ages of 40 and 64 years that don’t have any insurance or insurance with a high deductible for Preventive Health Screenings for breast and cervical cancer. Dawn assists women by helping them to address challenges or barriers (social determinants or social drivers of health) in their lives that prevent them from getting preventive health screenings for breast and cervical cancer.   Dawn’s professional experience and expertise are in the areas of mental health, health care, and child welfare.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the State of Wisconsin and is currently in private practice with Sebastian Family Psychology Practice, LLC. She provides psychotherapy and mental health training through her business Shelton-Williams Therapy and Consultation Services, LLC.    Dawn has provided clinical services to children and families for over 30 years.   An active member of her professional association, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), since 1991, Dawn has held various board offices for NASW-WI (Wisconsin Chapter) since 2008.  She is a former President of NASW-WI Board and a Co-Chair for the Diversity Task Force for NASW-WI.   Dawn and the former Co- Chair, Patricia Parker, for NASW-WI’s Diversity Task Force wrote “Clinical Implications of Identifying and Treating Race –Based Trauma” which was published in the 2018 Summer edition of the NASW-WI newsletter and in the 2018 Fall/Winter edition of NASW’s Social Economic Justice and Peace newsletter.  Dawn is also actively involved in her church where she helped to develop the church’s Mental Wellness Ministry. Dawn currently is on the Fit for Thee Health Ministry at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist church. In 2019, she was appointed to the Governor’s Wisconsin Mental Health Council.  A significant event in her social work career was in February 2013 when she was awarded the Child and Youth Advocate award at the 28th Annual Black Excellence Awards Program. Community engagement and service are values of Mrs. Williams.  She also serves as the Regional Mental Health Coordinator for the Great Lakes region mental health for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Karen Shilvock-Cinefro, DSW,LSW,NHA (she/her)

With over 40 years of experience in the field of Social Work, Karen has worked for hospitals, hospices, social service agencies, senior centers, nursing homes, and private counseling. Karen currently teaches online for Aurora University. She has a BA in Psychology, an MA in Sociology and Gerontology, and a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work. Karen is also a researcher and writer. She enjoys teaching and getting students excited in a fantastic helping profession.

Nicholas Smiar, PhD, ACSW, CISW (he/him)

Nick has been a social worker for fifty-seven years. He is Professor Emeritus of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; board member, NASW- Wisconsin; County Board Supervisor, District 15, Eau Claire County; board member, Western Dairyland EOC; board member, Woodland Enhanced Health Services Commission; board member, Human Services Board, Eau Claire County; lifetime member, National Association of Child Care Workers (South Africa). His MSW and PhD in social work are from the University of Illinoisat Chicago in social welfare policy; his MA and Abd. are from The Divinity School, The University of Chicago, in theology and church history. Nick works in Germany and South Africa. He has been doing training in ethics in continuing education since the requirement began, in 1994.

Taylor St. Onge, MSW, APSW/LSW (she/her) 

Taylor always knew she wanted to work in a helping profession, but wasn’t always quite sure what that would look like. Growing up in a house full of nurses, Taylor knew early on, that path wasn’t for her. In college, Taylor discovered the holistic field of social work and knew that was where her passion could find its home. Taylor attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and completed her internship at Seasons Hospice working to provide comfort & support to hospice patients and their families. Following this, Taylor finished her Master’s degree in Social Work, along with a Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care, also from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She completed a yearlong veterinary social work internship with Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists and was hired on as a full-time veterinary social worker upon her graduation.  Taylor then moved onto Premier Veterinary Group in April of 2023 and spent two years creating the VSW Program for the hospital market.  In May of 2025, Taylor shifted focus and now works as an Inpatient Hospice Social Worker for AccentCare, where she still practices with a VSW lens. Taylor has extensive experience dealing with grief and loss, quality of life discussions, emotionally charged situations, and associate wellness.  She currently lives in Milwaukee with her partner, their four cats (Basilton, Butters, Gru, & Valkrie), and their two dogs (Bertie & Gordy).

Hope Swanson, CAPSW, Advocacy Specialist- Investigator (she/her)

Hope has worked at Disability Rights Wisconsin since 2015 in various roles. Since 2023, Hope has led DRW's efforts to reduce abuse, neglect, and serious rights violations in community and institutional settings through investigations and monitoring. She also serves as DRW's representative to the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. Hope received her master's in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and prior to DRW, worked as a case manager and program manager serving the disability, aging, and housing communities at various non-profit organizations.

James, Tabatt, CSW MS LPC-IT

You know how it is when you're juggling multiple roles—supporting others, leading teams, and still finding time to grow yourself. I get it, because I’ve been walking that path for nearly 20 years in the helping professions. My background includes work in Substance Use Disorder counseling, mental health crisis services, social work, and mental health counseling. Right now, I serve as a Health and Human Services Supervisor for St. Croix County, where I help guide our Comprehensive Community Services Program.

Along the way, I’ve taken on a few other hats too—like working toward my clinical hours as an LPC-IT at our county’s Integrated Clinic, coordinating our CST grant, chairing the county’s Health and Human Services Safety Committee, and advocating for staff through our Staff Advisory Committee. I also lead outreach efforts for our CCS team because I believe that strong connections build stronger services.

At the heart of it all, I care deeply about making a difference—for families, coworkers, and the people we serve. And lately, I’ve been exploring how Artificial Intelligence can actually support that mission. I’ve started using AI to help me grow as a social worker, a leader, and a parent. It’s not about replacing the human side of what we do—it’s about finding new ways to learn, lead, and connect.

Gary T. Taylor, aka Trey, LCSW

Gary T. Taylor, aka Trey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, three-time published Author, Speaker and Consultant. He is an Assistant Professor at Virginia State University in the Department of Social Work, teaching in the Master of Social Work program. Gary carries over twelve years of experience in the field of Mental Health, with his most recent experience as a former therapist in private practice specializing in working with Black Men and Women. He now provides clinical supervision to social work supervisees in the state of Virginia and crafts dialogue around social justice, racial equity and mental well-being initiatives. He also has a passion for non-traditional social work roles including social entrepreneurship, branding for social workers, and utilizing technology for social change.

Ashley Timmerman, MSW – Jefferson County Youth Justice

Ashley graduated with a BA in Sociology and Criminal Justice from UW-Whitewater in 2007 and earned her MSW from UW-Milwaukee in 2010. She has worked in Jefferson County since early 2011 in various roles.  Prior to Jefferson County, she worked in Milwaukee County.  For many years, she worked in Initial Assessment for CPS, but did crisis work coverage for Jefferson County's emergency mental health and after-hours unit.  For several years, she was also a field supervisor for the Title IV-E students at UW-Madison She also started a hybrid role where she provided services to both CPS and Youth Justice, focusing on prevention and school-based collaboration.  Ashley currently is one of the Youth Justice Intake Workers.  Ashley has been a WJCIA Board Member since 2022.

Dimitri Topizes, PhD, LCSW (he/him)

 James “Dimitri” Topitzes, PhD, LCSW, is a professor in and chair of the Social Work Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). He also serves as the Director of Clinical Services for the Institute for Child and Family Well-Being. As a researcher, he partners with community-based agencies to implement and test innovative trauma-responsive programming. As an instructor, he founded and directed the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Graduate certificate program at UWM and teaches courses within it.

Carol Tosone, PhD, MS

Carol Tosone, Ph.D. is Professor and Founding Director of the DSW Program in Clinical Social Work at New York University Silver School of Social Work, recipient of the NYU Distinguished Teaching Award, a Distinguished Scholar in Social Work in the National Academies of Practice in Washington, D.C., recipient of the Postgraduate Center Memorial Award, and Editor-in-Chief Emerita of the Clinical Social Work Journal . Internationally, Dr. Tosone was a Fulbright Senior Specialist at the Hanoi University of Education in Vietnam and a visiting professor at universities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Dr. Tosone received the American Association of Clinical Social Work and Psychoanalysis Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Sara Wager, APSW/SSW, Clinical Director

Sara Wager is a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker with 10+ years of experience in medical and school social work, leadership, and program development. Specializing in mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare, she is fluent in English and Spanish. As Clinical Director at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, Sara oversees social work and medical programs and leads school-wide social/emotional learning initiatives to support student and family well-being.

Bobby Walker, LCSW, CST (she/her)

Bobby Walker (she/her) LCSW, CST, is a psychotherapist and sex therapist based in Madison, WI. She provides individual and relational therapy to persons struggling with anxiety, depression, workaholism, the demands of modern life, existential questions, loneliness, anger and loss. As an American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapist (AASECT) certified sex therapist, Bobby treats a variety of sexual issues including desire discrepancy, low or diminished desire, orgasm issues, erectile functioning, painful sex and sexual shame. She works with kink- and/or polyamory involved/curious clients.

Toscha J. Wilkins, LCSWA (she/her)

Toscha Wilkins, LCSWA, has over 20 years of experience working across micro and macro levels of social work, from direct client support to systemic advocacy. She currently serves as a Primary Therapist at The Blanchard Institute and co-owns  The Nia Box™, a monthly subscription service offering tools and resources for social workers. Originally from Kansas, Toscha earned her BSW from Wichita State University and her MSW from Indiana University. She is passionate about helping others improve their quality of life and is committed to fostering positive, lasting change in both individuals and the communities they live in.

Sheng Lee Yang, MSW, LCSW, PMH C (she/her)

Sheng is a first generation immigrant who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee at a young age and has remained in Wisconsin since. Today, she is a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker, President and Executive Director for Us 2 Behavioral Health Care. Additionally, she teaches graduate-level courses in Clinical Mental Health and Diversity & Inclusion, and more importantly, is a proud mother of two young girls. Her professional experiences include direct care and leadership positions in public, private, government and nonprofit institutions. Her personal and professional experiences helped cultivate a vision to integrate social justice and cultural humility into mental health. On September 3rd, 2019, Sheng led the opening of Us 2 Behavioral Health Care to increase access to health care in the community with a vision that everyone can be healthier together

Ed Zapala, LCSW

Ed Zapala works with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide outreach to veterans in the community and to those incarcerated, in an effort to carry out the work of the VA Justice Involved Outreach program. The mission of the Veterans Justice Programs is to identify justice-involved Veterans and contact them through outreach, in order to facilitate access to VA services at the earliest possible point. Veterans Justice Programs accomplish this by building and maintaining partnerships between the VA and key elements of the criminal justice system. Ed is a licensed social worker who provides services working in conjunction with other community support services and the homeless veteran program.