Spring 2014 Newsletter of Kettle Moraine Counseling Services!
Happy Spring!! Those 60 degree days sure felt good. Research shows that climate does not make a difference with our general well being, but I think I disagree! I know others and myself sure seem happier on the nice weather days. One of the challenges I am undertaking this year is to take up stand up paddle boarding. It looks like fun, and will help my balance, that's if I can actually stand up on it! The summer newsletter should have an interesting story or two about my new adventure.
Things have been changing here at Kettle Moraine Counseling. JoEllyn Schulz is slowing down and nearing retirement after over 30 years of providing psychotherapy to our community. I have greatly enjoyed working with her over these past 10 years. She will still be around, but in a limited capacity, and she is on to her own new adventures! We have recently hired 3 new therapists, and are very excited to work with them. Sara Tabaska (who's biography is in this newsletter), Gina Brindowski, and Chandell Demera (biographies to follow soon). Welcome aboard ladies! Having the new therapists on board greatly expands our ability to serve the community, and all three will be at the West Bend and Cedarburg locations. We are growing with more staff and also more space; at both locations we will be expanding our physical space, partly to accommodate the groups we will be offering. More information on the group therapy will be forthcoming, and you can contact myself or Erin Perez. We will be offering groups for children over the summer!!!
So many changes, but all good stuff! We have room for referrals! Thank you for considering our clinic and the support we have received throughout the 4 years we have been open; we have grown way more than ever anticipated, and we will continue to live up to the communities expectations of us. Erin also wrote a piece on changes after a divorce. Until next time, be gentle with yourself and others. Devona Marshall
Kettle Moraine Counseling welcomes Sara Tabaska!
Sara is a Licensed Professional Counselor under the direct supervision of Devona Marshall and Erin Perez. She has five years of experience working with children. Sara obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies for the University of Madison-Wisconsin. She received her Master's Degree from Capella University in Mental Health Counseling.
During her internship, she worked in a residential facility for boys and male adolescents assisting with individual, group and family therapy focusing on trauma-informed care. She also gained knowledge in experiential therapy on a weekly basis.
Sara has experience working in the child welfare sector. She took a strengthens based approach to assist families in the reunification process through the use of parent coaching session, mental health advocacy, and family needs assessment. Sara has five years experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficient Disorder/Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sara takes Strengthens Based and Client Centered Approach.
Sara is currently working towards a certificate in Play Therapy from Capella University.
Sara's Specialists and Interests:
- Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome
- Attention Deficient Disorder/Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety
- Attachment
- Children/adolescent behavioral & emotional issues
- Depression
- Parenting
- Self-Esteem
- Trauma
- sara@kettlemorainecounseling.com
Redefining Your Family After Divorce
Erin Perez LPC
Divorce can be such a difficult time for families, even ones where the divorce is amicable. For children, at a time when they are discovering so much about themselves and the world around them, their lives are forever changing. Divorce can sometimes leave children feeling that they have no control in their lives. For parents, the adjustment of being single again, and trying to meet the physical and emotional needs of your children while managing your own stress can prove to be a very challenging juggle.
One concept that comes up often when I’m meeting with families going through a divorce is how to redefine your family. Depending on how old your children are, it may be helpful to involve them in this process. Have them participate in creating choices of how you spend your time together. For example, every Sunday night is board game night…let them take turns selecting what game you play. Offer to have them assist you in meal planning during your placement time with them.
Discuss traditions that they have enjoyed or new ones that they want to try and plan to implement them in to your calendar if able. For example, a summer camping trip to northern Wisconsin. Lastly, don’t forget to take time for yourself! You cannot give, that which you do not have - Juli Alverado.
Managing your own stress from the divorce and meeting your needs can help you to feel more comfortable when with your kids. Make time to spend alone with friends, family, or doing something special just for you. For example, when it is not your placement time, go to the gym, or take a class of interest. These are great ways to support a healthy relationship with your self and your children, help them to feel that they have some control in their lives, teach them life skills, and redefine your family after a divorce.
Experienced-Ethical-Client Centered
Clinic Director/Staff Therapist: Devona L Marshall MS LPC NCC
Devona is friendly, empathetic and experienced. She has provided services in the community for over 10 years and loves her work! Helping people live healthier, happier lives is her passion, and she has special skills to help with people with anger issues and couples who are struggling (or just want to get better!). She sees adolescents, adults and couples. Give her a call to see if she is the right therapist for you!
Staff Therapist: Julianne Morrison MS TLPC
Julianne is a warm and genuine counselor who is passionate about helping clients. Julianne has a particular interest in relationships, as she considers connecting with people a central task in life. Julianne sees adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflict, processing decisions, or relationship issues. She has her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Staff Therapist: Deb Graf MS LPC
Deb is a Licensed Professional Counselor who loves to help people feel better about themselves, relationships and life. Unfortunately, we are often burdened with trauma, loss, challenges and pain that make life difficult and emotionally draining. With proper support, insight, encouragement, and healthy boundaries, we can grow and learn from these challenges to find more satisfaction with our relationships and living experiences..
Staff Therapist: JoEllyn Schultz LCSW (Cedarburg)
JoEllyn is an honest and directive clinician. She believes her patients are seeking change and she is skilled in providing guidance and respect as she works to identify their strengths. She assists her patients in using these strengths to create the changes that will provide relief and change in their lives.
Staff Therapist: Angela Waldoch MSAT
Angela is an experienced art therapist and holds a Masters in Art Therapy with an emphasis in Counseling from Mount Mary College. She has worked with diverse individuals across the lifespan.
Staff Therapist: Tammy Ricke MSW APSW
Tammy obtained her Masters in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She is licensed as a Certified Advance Practice Social Worker (CAPSW) through the State of Wisconsin and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Staff Therapist: Lester Menke MS TLPC
Lester has a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University in Wisconsin. He has ten years experience working with people with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health issues..
Staff Therapist: Christina Lachner MS TLPC
Christina has a Master's Degree in Counseling from Concordia University in Wisconsin. She has experience working with people that have developmental disabilities, as well as in the mental health field.
Staff Therapist: Jennifer Skinner MS TLPC
Jennifer has her Master's Degree in clinical and school counseling from Concordia University. Jennifer's has much experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who present a wide range of clinical needs. She creates a safe, healing environment that is focused on enhancing a client’s resources and strengths.