DEANNA MARINCIC, MSW, LCSW -Owner, Clinical Supervisor, Speaker
Deanna is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist who has been working in the mental health field treating individuals, families, and adolescents for over 25 years with all levels of care. She has worked extensively with teenagers, their families and adult clients with addictions, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, family and couples work, co-parenting, and behavioral management skill building. Deanna's experience also includes working with individuals experiencing grief, loss, and terminal illness. Her greatest calling lies in helping individuals heal from their past trauma and forge a path of strength and emotional growth. In work with her clients, Deanna utilizes her humanistic approach along with formal training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a specialized treatment modality used to resolve trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy and Family Systems Approach.
Founder of Gals Institute LLC. in 2015 and with a growing team of skilled providers; Deanna launched mental health in schools. Partnered with 9 school districts, access to much needed services for families in the school setting is provided. Deanna and her team provide staff development, district support, school wide initiatives related to resilience building and help schools destigmatize mental health and bridge services to families in the district. As a personal passion project to help families and kids six years and up develop confidence, self-esteem and much needed resiliency, Deanna has created several trademarked prevention and resiliency building workshops, using research based modalities in an engaging interactive multifaceted way to help support the whole family system. In 2017 after the demand for the workshops expanded, she founded Gals On The Go Project foundation that offers these positive impact programs to the community and school settings for no charge with the support of generous donors, fundraising and grants.
Deanna promotes prevention and healing in her work with clients and trains new clinicians in the same way. She was an Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) board member 2013-2014 and President 2014-2016, and proudly awarded the 2017 Woman in Business of the Year by the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce. Deanna continues as an active member of the Oconomowoc and Delafield Chamber of commerce where she collaborates with other like minded business leaders committed to the emotional health of our community. As a sought after presenter, Deanna brings her down to earth personality to educate the community on issues such as socio-emotional adolescent development, anxiety, resiliency building, parenting, and treatment of addictions.
Founder of Gals Institute LLC. in 2015 and with a growing team of skilled providers; Deanna launched mental health in schools. Partnered with 9 school districts, access to much needed services for families in the school setting is provided. Deanna and her team provide staff development, district support, school wide initiatives related to resilience building and help schools destigmatize mental health and bridge services to families in the district. As a personal passion project to help families and kids six years and up develop confidence, self-esteem and much needed resiliency, Deanna has created several trademarked prevention and resiliency building workshops, using research based modalities in an engaging interactive multifaceted way to help support the whole family system. In 2017 after the demand for the workshops expanded, she founded Gals On The Go Project foundation that offers these positive impact programs to the community and school settings for no charge with the support of generous donors, fundraising and grants.
Deanna promotes prevention and healing in her work with clients and trains new clinicians in the same way. She was an Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) board member 2013-2014 and President 2014-2016, and proudly awarded the 2017 Woman in Business of the Year by the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce. Deanna continues as an active member of the Oconomowoc and Delafield Chamber of commerce where she collaborates with other like minded business leaders committed to the emotional health of our community. As a sought after presenter, Deanna brings her down to earth personality to educate the community on issues such as socio-emotional adolescent development, anxiety, resiliency building, parenting, and treatment of addictions.
TERRI ALM, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Terri is a board certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, with over 25 years of nursing experience focused on public health and psychiatry/mental health. She has additional experience in psychopharmacology, research evaluation and scientific communication, allowing her to easily translate current research into practice. At Gals Institute, she provides psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for patients 12 years old and older. She can see patients in-person or virtually.
Terri’s approach to care is holistic and collaborative. She believes medication can play an important role in one’s overall health and well-being; however, she also considers how sleep, proper nutrition, physical activity, relationships, stress and other factors can affect mood and overall health. Terri’s goal is to work together with patients and empower them to take an active role in their care and journey toward wellness. Any recommendations she makes are supported by current research and customized to fit the needs and goals of each individual patient. Outside of Gals, Terri is married and is a mom to 3 grown kids and one spoiled dog.
Terri’s approach to care is holistic and collaborative. She believes medication can play an important role in one’s overall health and well-being; however, she also considers how sleep, proper nutrition, physical activity, relationships, stress and other factors can affect mood and overall health. Terri’s goal is to work together with patients and empower them to take an active role in their care and journey toward wellness. Any recommendations she makes are supported by current research and customized to fit the needs and goals of each individual patient. Outside of Gals, Terri is married and is a mom to 3 grown kids and one spoiled dog.
NEW TEAM MEMBER COMING SOON!!!
JESSICA BENDER, MS, LPC, SAC
Jessica is a dual licensed therapist (LPC, SAC) specializing in working with children, adolescents and their families. She has experience in helping individuals struggling with issues related to anxiety, ADHD, depression, substance use and trauma. Jessica utilizes aspects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT) and Positive Psychology through her strengths-based and collaborative approach. Having worked with individuals in various settings including hospitals, day treatment programs, foster care and higher education, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge and skill. She enjoys working with clients to help them meet their goals and improve their overall well-being.
TAYLOR CROUSE, MS, NCC, LPC-IT
Taylor is a 2021 graduate of Mount Mary University with her Master of Science Degree in Professional Counseling, with school counseling and clinical mental health counseling concentrations. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training (LPC-IT) working towards full licensure. Taylor completed two school counseling internships over the 2019-2020 school year, one at a k-8 charter school in Milwaukee and the other at a public high school in Franklin. Through these internships she gained experience working with students of a variety of ages, working on social-emotional and academic areas, both individually and in groups. Taylor completed her practicum and internship from 2020-2021, where she worked in an outpatient mental health clinic working with individuals and groups ages 6-60 on anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), work/life balance, and trauma.
Taylor works with individuals eight and older, ranging from childhood to adulthood. Taylor uses a person-centered approach to counseling and believes that every individual’s life experience is valuable and deserves to be heard. She treats her clients the way she would like to be treated and emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, as her philosophy is built upon the notion that trust and safety foster vulnerability and change. Taylor believes that each individual is the expert when it comes to their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, making her a guide on your recovery journey. Taylor utilizes a strengths-based approach incorporating aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Bibliotherapy, and Traditional Talk Therapy when adapting treatment to each individual client. She looks forward to helping you see yourself in a new light and grow to reach your desired outcomes. In her free time,
Taylor enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being creative, and bargain shopping.
Taylor works with individuals eight and older, ranging from childhood to adulthood. Taylor uses a person-centered approach to counseling and believes that every individual’s life experience is valuable and deserves to be heard. She treats her clients the way she would like to be treated and emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, as her philosophy is built upon the notion that trust and safety foster vulnerability and change. Taylor believes that each individual is the expert when it comes to their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, making her a guide on your recovery journey. Taylor utilizes a strengths-based approach incorporating aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Bibliotherapy, and Traditional Talk Therapy when adapting treatment to each individual client. She looks forward to helping you see yourself in a new light and grow to reach your desired outcomes. In her free time,
Taylor enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being creative, and bargain shopping.
ALISSA DARIN, MA, LPC, NBCT
Alissa Darin is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Education and Kinesiology. She received her Master's in Counseling from Marquette University. Alissa has spent the past 20 years serving in the field of education as a teacher, school counselor, and administrator. She holds her National Boards for Professional Teaching in the area of School Counseling and completed her 3,000 hours at Gals Institute as a Licensed Professional Counselor - In Training. Alissa’s focus is in helping adolescents, young adults, adults, couples and families mental health needs by using Solution-focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and a family systems approach. She works with individuals ages 10 and up, couples and families that struggle with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance use and addiction, marital struggles, blending of families, failure to launch and sports injuries. Additionally, she is a Love and Logic facilitator and promotes prevention as a speaker for parent groups, conferences and agencies focusing on mental health topics, parenting and drug/alcohol use issues.
MICHELE EIMON, MS, NCC, LPC
As a licensed professional counselor, she provides social and emotional nourishment to individuals, couples and families struggling with relationships, life stressors, transitions and health challenges - in other words, all of the joys and challenges of being human. She loves
working with couples in committed partnerships to ease conflict and increase connection, and specializes in issues around sex, attachment and infidelity - a very painful, traumatic experience that one CAN heal from. She also focuses on parents (such a tough, humbling gig!),
and helps them develop healthy, fulfilling relationships with themselves, their children and each other. She has extensive experience in grief, loss and dealing with chronic illness, and companions people on these journeys to a place of hope and healing. She has a client-centered
approach, which means she is committed to working with clients in a collaborative partnership to solve problems, rewrite and expand their inner narrative, and achieve positive change: more enjoyable relationships, more ease and joy in daily life, less stress and strife, and an increased sense of well-being. She enjoys living in the Lake Country area with her husband and two teen/young adult children.
working with couples in committed partnerships to ease conflict and increase connection, and specializes in issues around sex, attachment and infidelity - a very painful, traumatic experience that one CAN heal from. She also focuses on parents (such a tough, humbling gig!),
and helps them develop healthy, fulfilling relationships with themselves, their children and each other. She has extensive experience in grief, loss and dealing with chronic illness, and companions people on these journeys to a place of hope and healing. She has a client-centered
approach, which means she is committed to working with clients in a collaborative partnership to solve problems, rewrite and expand their inner narrative, and achieve positive change: more enjoyable relationships, more ease and joy in daily life, less stress and strife, and an increased sense of well-being. She enjoys living in the Lake Country area with her husband and two teen/young adult children.
Czarina encarnacion, MS, LPC-IT
Czarina is a graduate from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI. with her Master of Science degree in Community Psychology. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor-In-Training (LPC-IT) working towards her full licensure. She is from Illinois and moved to the area after earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Carroll University in 2019. Czarina is passionate about serving the community and various age populations. Czarina works with individuals ranging from childhood to adulthood with various diagnoses. She worked in a residential treatment setting for several years utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) supporting individuals with eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression and strives to continue to use these skills to help clients reach their goals. She believes that a major mechanism of change during therapy comes from the relationship that is developed and fostered between herself and clients and ensures the process is individualized to meet each person’s uniqueness. Czarina utilizes a behavioral approach and draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Traditional Talk Therapy to empower clients. In her free time Czarina enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and traveling.
EMILY BROCKWAY, MSW, APSW
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Emily Brockway is an Advanced Practice Social Worker who works with ages ten and up as well as families. Emily received her dual undergraduate degree in Social Work and Psychology at Concordia University Wisconsin and her Masters in Social Work at UW - Whitewater.
Emily provides a warm, safe and positive environment to focus on yourself. Emily has worked in various levels of care within hospitals as well as in schools to help build self-esteem and find effective coping skills. She has experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, social skills, life transitions, depression, mood disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders. Emily utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), patient centered and strengths based approach to help clients live life to the fullest. Emily hopes to help you gain coping skills and confidence with her open and non-judgemental approach. I believe in empowering my clients to focus on their strengths and allowing them to grow within a therapeutic environment. |
Erin Kelly MS, LPC
Erin earned her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from the accredited Mount Mary University. Erin is a National Board-Certified Counselor and completed her further training and 3,000 hours at Gals Institute. Erin’s area of specialty is working with kids ages 6 and up, teens, young adults, and families. Erin has worked with the adoption and foster care system helping children and family work on healthy attachment skills and families navigate today's challenges. Erin utilizes an eclectic person-centered approach of therapeutic modalities utilizing techniques from talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness with her clients. Erin meets the client where they are at and helps them emotionally process feelings, underlying trauma, divorce, relationship issues, abuse, neglect, anxiety, and depression to achieve the client’s unique goals. Erin's passion is to support the family system and help families thrive.
KELSEY LIEN MS, LPC, NCC
Kelsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor who values empathy, authenticity, and a little bit of humor in her therapeutic practice. Kelsey strives to create a safe space for all of her clients to grow, challenge themselves, build resilience, embrace vulnerability, and above all, be heard. Kelsey is passionate about helping kids, teens, and adults feel confident in addressing their mental health needs while also developing the skills needed to continue to facilitate change outside of therapy sessions.
Kelsey received her Bachelor's in Science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before going on to gain her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Child and Adolescent Counseling Specialization at Marquette University. Kelsey’s educational background has fostered a holistic approach to her counseling style, by drawing special attention to the social justice and intersectional needs of each client.
Kelsey's clinical experience includes assisting individuals address depression, anxiety, disordered eating, trauma, mood instability, life transitions, grief, and ineffective coping. Kelsey specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. Kelsey is well versed in providing care at the individual, group, and family level; and is able to provide evidence-based care to suit her clients’ unique needs.
Kelsey received her Bachelor's in Science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before going on to gain her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Child and Adolescent Counseling Specialization at Marquette University. Kelsey’s educational background has fostered a holistic approach to her counseling style, by drawing special attention to the social justice and intersectional needs of each client.
Kelsey's clinical experience includes assisting individuals address depression, anxiety, disordered eating, trauma, mood instability, life transitions, grief, and ineffective coping. Kelsey specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. Kelsey is well versed in providing care at the individual, group, and family level; and is able to provide evidence-based care to suit her clients’ unique needs.
Melisa Maroo, Assistant CLinic Director & COmmunity Relations
Melisa has worked with children and families for over 10 + years. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and started her career at the Waukesha Head Start. She then moved on to become the Center Director at a daycare in Brookfield, where she implemented curriculums for ages infant through preschool. She also helped launch an extra curricular program within the childcare division. Eventually Melisa transitioned careers, to work for the Brookfield Chamber, where she was able to learn more about the non-profit community and local small businesses.
Melisa's background in both early childhood and working with small businesses, has served her well in her role with Gals Institute, through her knowledge and experience. Her mission is to continue to grow and foster the partnerships with providers and the local school districts, to help support the children and families in the surrounding communities. Melisa's true passion is to help others by spreading awareness of the importance on mental health prevention, healing and social - emotional well-being, through the services that we provide.
Melisa's background in both early childhood and working with small businesses, has served her well in her role with Gals Institute, through her knowledge and experience. Her mission is to continue to grow and foster the partnerships with providers and the local school districts, to help support the children and families in the surrounding communities. Melisa's true passion is to help others by spreading awareness of the importance on mental health prevention, healing and social - emotional well-being, through the services that we provide.
Holly Krings, MSW, LCSW
Holly (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist who works with adolescents and adults; she has been working in the helping professions field for the last 10+ years. Holly received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological Science from Montana State University and her Master's in Social Work from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. Holly uses a strengths-based integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution Focused approaches to help work on difficulties with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, anger, grief, self-esteem and trauma. Holly specializes in working with individuals and groups to achieve improved communication, regulate emotions, challenge thinking patterns, build resiliency and facilitate alternative coping strategies. Holly also has specific experience working with individuals who have been impacted by interpersonal violence and sexual assault. Holly is a mom to three sweet young kids. Gals Institute is excited that Holly has joined our family and mission to help support families.
ASHLEY LEARNED, MS, LPC
Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. She obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Cardinal Stritch University. In addition to providing individual therapy, Ashley has extensive experience working with eating disorders, anxiety and depression in both Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Program settings. She enjoys working with adolescents, adults and families. Her areas of expertise and focus include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief recovery (including pet loss and bereavement), adjustment difficulties, and interpersonal skill building. Ashley believes in creating a safe space for clients to explore their inner world, and gain insight into their emotions through the use of curiosity versus judgment. Within this process, clients discover their strengths, find meaning, and identify areas in which they would like to improve. Her approach is based on the unique needs and interests of each individual, often taking from elements of several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Somatic Breathwork. Ashley recognizes that seeking therapy can take a tremendous amount of courage, and she believes it is a beautiful opportunity to move towards a more whole and connected relationship with yourself and others.
Jerrica Vaughan, MSN, RN, CPNP, PMHS
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Jerrica is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care
Mental Health Specialist. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Purdue University. Her role at Gals Institute LLC is to provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment (medication and/or non-pharmacological interventions). Jerrica specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression and ADHD in children and adolescents ages 5-21. She uses innovative diagnostic techniques such as QBcheck, a test used to assist with diagnosis and rule out ADHD with objective data. Jerrica believes that medications (when appropriate) in conjunction with therapy can be a powerful tool to improve mental health and get your child back to functioning. Jerrica’s extensive training, passion for mental health, as well as personal experience as a wife and mother have prepared her to provide trustworthy and compassionate care for your child. |
Carol Sokovich, MA LPC-IT, NCC, RN
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“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the
ending.” C.S. Lewis Carol believes people are uniquely valuable and inherently strong—these are truths she is passionate about helping clients embrace. From strengthening relationships to processing old wounds, her relatable, nonjudgmental approach helps clients feel safe and connected. Her clients are adults and couples, and struggles they face include grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and issues with self-esteem. Carol is trained in Brainspotting and EMDR and has found including these evidence-based practices in sessions expedites the healing process and helps clients feel calmer with improved clarity and functioning. She is also trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an attachment approach that has been proven in research to produce long-term relief of symptoms for couples and individuals. Her experience as a registered nurse has deepened her appreciation of the interconnectedness of the psychological and biological aspects of each individual. Working as a NICU nurse gave her a passion for the transition to parenthood with its inherent difficulties. After raising her four sons, she returned to nursing in the area of mental health while earning her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling because she had experienced first-hand the benefit of working with a therapist. Carol and her husband have lived in beautiful Wisconsin over twenty years. |
kate daggett, MSW, lcsw
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Kate Daggett is a Licensure Clinical Social Worker who has worked with a wide range of individuals within her mental health career. Her objective is to work with individuals, couples, and families to guide them in goal attainment, incorporate more effective coping strategies, and achieve congruence within their own person and interpersonal relationships. Kate has practiced within many different settings including hospitals, day treatment programs, individual therapy, and county programs. She has experience in helping individuals who are struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, negative thought patterns, substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, and interpersonal and familial relationships. Kate received her undergraduate from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She then obtained her Masters in Social Work from the University of Milwaukee. Therapy modalities utilized are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Traditional Talk Therapy.
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Pryscilla Balladares, MS CLinical Intern / GI School Navigator
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Pryscilla is a graduate student at Alverno college, pursuing a Master of Science degree in Community Psychology. She is excited to join the Gals Institute team to grow as a future clinician. She is a heritage Spanish speaker and has a bicultural upbringing. She has experience in working with youth and young adults and currently advises students in the college setting. Pryscilla looks forward to working with all populations and has a special interest in working with emerging adults, caregivers, couples/partnered people and families. She has a collaborative and non-judgmental approach in working with people and is developing her theoretical orientation with a Family Systems lens. She plans to obtain her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor upon graduation in May of 2024.
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Ashley Trapp, MS CLinical Intern / GI SCHOOL NAVIGATOR
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Ashley is currently a Graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and plans to obtain her Licensed Profession Counselor (LPC) certification upon graduation in May of 2024. She is passionate about working with clients of all ages in the areas of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief counseling. Ashley strives to provide a safe environment that promotes growth and change for her clients. She believes that cultivating this safe space will help her clients to explore and gain insight into their thoughts, beliefs, bodily sensations, and emotions from a place of curiosity without judgment. Ashley wants to help people develop a greater sense of self and self-compassion by helping clients realize they have their own unique stories that are untold. She plans to obtain her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor upon graduation in May of 2024.
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GALS INSTITUTE PARTNER SUPPORTING PARENTS - MELISSA HOLLAND, PARENT COACH
Melissa Holland is the founder of “Inner Wisdom Parenting”. She supports parents in addressing their children’s challenging behaviors, with online courses, workshops, coaching and consulting in the essential areas of emotional and self-regulation, self-compassion and mindfulness. She is an experienced coach and teacher, previously in the areas of positive psychology, career and life transitions and a certified self-regulation specialist. She is nearly complete with a year-long parent coach training in interpersonal neurobiology, and how to address big, baffling behaviors in our children.
Upcoming Parenting Program Link: Inner Wisdom Parenting
Upcoming Parenting Program Link: Inner Wisdom Parenting
