Meet Our Therapists...
Deanna Marincic, MSW, LCSW - Founder/Clinic Director
Deanna is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist who has been working in the mental health field treating individuals, families and adolescents for over 25 years in all levels of care. She has worked in outpatient care for over 13 years where she was trained by leaders in her field. Working extensively with teenage and adult clients with addictions, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, family and couples therapy, co-parenting and behavioral management skill building. She has also worked with individuals experiencing grief, loss and terminal illness, and certified in providing EMDR therapy, a specialized treatment modality used to treat trauma. Deanna is the founder and owner of Gals Institute, LLC. which was developed by Deanna as a personal passion project to help kids 6-17 develop confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills through using multi-dimensional interactive modalities through workshops and one day events. Deanna believes that it takes a community so she often is collaborating on developing programs with others in her field. Now expanding her practice scope she has created a team of professionals that along with herself specialize in providing services for boys and girls ages 6 and up with additional services for adults and couples as well, focusing on the family system as a whole. Deanna has loved being a part of so many clients journey to emotional health and stability. Deanna is an active parent of a blended family of 2 young adults and 2 teenagers residing in the Oconomowoc community. She was the Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) president 2015-Jan 2017 as well as Nature Hill Intermediate PTO board member, recent award recipient of the 2017 Woman in Business Leadership Award. She is a advocate and leader in providing quality prevention and treatment services for the Individual, family and adolescent. Deanna spreads her passion for helping youth create a healthy sense of self and increase resiliency in todays digital world through providing educational forums, speaking on topics such as: resiliency, addiction, anxiety reduction, current trends in treating adolescents and families.
Deanna is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist who has been working in the mental health field treating individuals, families and adolescents for over 25 years in all levels of care. She has worked in outpatient care for over 13 years where she was trained by leaders in her field. Working extensively with teenage and adult clients with addictions, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, family and couples therapy, co-parenting and behavioral management skill building. She has also worked with individuals experiencing grief, loss and terminal illness, and certified in providing EMDR therapy, a specialized treatment modality used to treat trauma. Deanna is the founder and owner of Gals Institute, LLC. which was developed by Deanna as a personal passion project to help kids 6-17 develop confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills through using multi-dimensional interactive modalities through workshops and one day events. Deanna believes that it takes a community so she often is collaborating on developing programs with others in her field. Now expanding her practice scope she has created a team of professionals that along with herself specialize in providing services for boys and girls ages 6 and up with additional services for adults and couples as well, focusing on the family system as a whole. Deanna has loved being a part of so many clients journey to emotional health and stability. Deanna is an active parent of a blended family of 2 young adults and 2 teenagers residing in the Oconomowoc community. She was the Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) president 2015-Jan 2017 as well as Nature Hill Intermediate PTO board member, recent award recipient of the 2017 Woman in Business Leadership Award. She is a advocate and leader in providing quality prevention and treatment services for the Individual, family and adolescent. Deanna spreads her passion for helping youth create a healthy sense of self and increase resiliency in todays digital world through providing educational forums, speaking on topics such as: resiliency, addiction, anxiety reduction, current trends in treating adolescents and families.
Erin Macier, MS, MFT
Erin specializes in providing therapy to children (6+) and adults. Adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma, grief/loss, and family conflict. She utilizes a combination of Trauma-Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and uses a family systems approach. Erin is also trained in EMDR which is used to help individuals with trauma and helps individuals break free from the negative cognitions and emotions tied to their past. Erin has had extensive experience working with at-risk teens and helping families navigate through struggles within the family system. As a licensed Marriage and family therapist she also works with couples at varies stages of their relationship along with co-parenting. Erin is our newest workshop facilitator for our community and school-based resiliency-based programs. Erin is a mother of 3 adolescents that keep her on her toes as they continue to inspire her daily.
Erin specializes in providing therapy to children (6+) and adults. Adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma, grief/loss, and family conflict. She utilizes a combination of Trauma-Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and uses a family systems approach. Erin is also trained in EMDR which is used to help individuals with trauma and helps individuals break free from the negative cognitions and emotions tied to their past. Erin has had extensive experience working with at-risk teens and helping families navigate through struggles within the family system. As a licensed Marriage and family therapist she also works with couples at varies stages of their relationship along with co-parenting. Erin is our newest workshop facilitator for our community and school-based resiliency-based programs. Erin is a mother of 3 adolescents that keep her on her toes as they continue to inspire her daily.
Michele Eimon, MS, NCC, LPC
As a nationally certified 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 also focuses on parents (such a tough, humbling gig!), and helping 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. When appropriate, she incorporates EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) into her sessions, which is a crazy sounding but highly effective energy technique that is based on the same principles as acupuncture. She has a solution-focused approach, which means she is committed to working with clients in an collaborative partnership to solve problems and achieve positive change: such as more enjoyable relationships, more ease and joy in daily life, less stress and strife, more energy and an increased sense of well-being. She enjoys living in the Lake Country area with her husband and two children (including one budding teenager.)
As a nationally certified 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 also focuses on parents (such a tough, humbling gig!), and helping 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. When appropriate, she incorporates EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) into her sessions, which is a crazy sounding but highly effective energy technique that is based on the same principles as acupuncture. She has a solution-focused approach, which means she is committed to working with clients in an collaborative partnership to solve problems and achieve positive change: such as more enjoyable relationships, more ease and joy in daily life, less stress and strife, more energy and an increased sense of well-being. She enjoys living in the Lake Country area with her husband and two children (including one budding teenager.)
Jen Michener, MS, LPC, CSAC
Jen graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout with a Master’s degree in Clinic Mental Health Counseling with concentrations in Child and Adolescent Counseling and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Counseling. She is licensed both as a Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Jen works with children, adolescents and adults in and individual and group setting. Her main focus for individual and group therapy is on substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, trauma and personality disorders. Jen’s approach is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, and Solution Focused. Her goal when working with a client, is to help explore the individual goals and how to find solutions that are manageable and reasonable in order to promote change and increase meaning and happiness in the individual’s life. Through CBT and Mindfulness techniques, clients will learn to increase their awareness of their own thoughts in order to help promote understanding of emotional states and changes in behaviors, in a pursuit of am more balanced and satisfying life. Jen is a community advocate and educator on Substance Use disorders and prevention tools for parents and families. She works with not only the individual that is struggling with addiction but will works with the family members to help foster lasting change. She is also one of Gals Institute and Gals on the Go Project workshop facilitators and trainers.
Jen graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout with a Master’s degree in Clinic Mental Health Counseling with concentrations in Child and Adolescent Counseling and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Counseling. She is licensed both as a Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Jen works with children, adolescents and adults in and individual and group setting. Her main focus for individual and group therapy is on substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, trauma and personality disorders. Jen’s approach is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, and Solution Focused. Her goal when working with a client, is to help explore the individual goals and how to find solutions that are manageable and reasonable in order to promote change and increase meaning and happiness in the individual’s life. Through CBT and Mindfulness techniques, clients will learn to increase their awareness of their own thoughts in order to help promote understanding of emotional states and changes in behaviors, in a pursuit of am more balanced and satisfying life. Jen is a community advocate and educator on Substance Use disorders and prevention tools for parents and families. She works with not only the individual that is struggling with addiction but will works with the family members to help foster lasting change. She is also one of Gals Institute and Gals on the Go Project workshop facilitators and trainers.
Angie Byers, MS, LPC
Angie earned her Masters of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the accredited, Walden University and her Bachelor of Arts Degree from UW-Milwaukee , majoring in both Psychology and Communication. Angie has been working in the field since 2010 and has extensive experience working in both outpatient and intensive outpatient settings conducting individual, group and family therapy. Angie's areas of expertise include, eating disorders, co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, other mood and anxiety disorders, self esteem and body image issues, adjustment difficulties, grief/loss, family/martial conflict and self harm. She is integrative in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Angie works with adolescents, adults and families to promote meaningful change through emotional awareness, effective communication and building resiliency. Angie believes in working collaboratively with clients to meet them where they're at and assist with developing insight and tools to enhance their life and relationship with self and others. She also believes therapy isn't just for "fixing problems" but a wonderful opportunity to get to know yourself and build self esteem and confidence that will last a lifetime. Aside from providing therapy, Angie is passionate about awareness and prevention initiatives and is our newest workshop leader. She is the mother of two adorable children.
Angie earned her Masters of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the accredited, Walden University and her Bachelor of Arts Degree from UW-Milwaukee , majoring in both Psychology and Communication. Angie has been working in the field since 2010 and has extensive experience working in both outpatient and intensive outpatient settings conducting individual, group and family therapy. Angie's areas of expertise include, eating disorders, co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, other mood and anxiety disorders, self esteem and body image issues, adjustment difficulties, grief/loss, family/martial conflict and self harm. She is integrative in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Angie works with adolescents, adults and families to promote meaningful change through emotional awareness, effective communication and building resiliency. Angie believes in working collaboratively with clients to meet them where they're at and assist with developing insight and tools to enhance their life and relationship with self and others. She also believes therapy isn't just for "fixing problems" but a wonderful opportunity to get to know yourself and build self esteem and confidence that will last a lifetime. Aside from providing therapy, Angie is passionate about awareness and prevention initiatives and is our newest workshop leader. She is the mother of two adorable children.
Sofia Corcoran, MS, LPC
Sofia is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Board Certified Counselor who specializes in working with children and adolescents. She has experience in helping children and adolescents promote effective coping to manage difficult emotions, gain insight into family dynamics, and increase awareness of their own self-identity through a strength-based approach. She has treated a number of children with mood disorders, trauma, and emotional and behavioral issues. Sofia utilizes play therapy and mindfulness techniques into her treatment utilizing the latest in state of the art treatment modalities. Sofia is also trained in EMDR therapy a specialized treatment for trauma, anxiety and other emotional struggles.. Sofia is the newest Gals Workshop lead facilitator excited to lead our workshops to the younger populations. Sofia is a leader in helping promote prevention and resiliency among our adolescents and families.
Sofia is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Board Certified Counselor who specializes in working with children and adolescents. She has experience in helping children and adolescents promote effective coping to manage difficult emotions, gain insight into family dynamics, and increase awareness of their own self-identity through a strength-based approach. She has treated a number of children with mood disorders, trauma, and emotional and behavioral issues. Sofia utilizes play therapy and mindfulness techniques into her treatment utilizing the latest in state of the art treatment modalities. Sofia is also trained in EMDR therapy a specialized treatment for trauma, anxiety and other emotional struggles.. Sofia is the newest Gals Workshop lead facilitator excited to lead our workshops to the younger populations. Sofia is a leader in helping promote prevention and resiliency among our adolescents and families.
Heather Kunce, MS, MFT
Heather is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) specializing in therapy with children starting at 6 years old, adolescents, families and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma, self harm, grief/loss, and family conflict. Heather utilizes a combination for Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (TF-CBT), Art therapy, Narrative therapy, and is Solution Focused in her approach. Using art and play therapy to help children learn about emotions, empathy and healthy coping skills. Heather believes it is important to create a space where clients and families feel safe and not judged. She works alongside clients and their families to help them navigate through their journey by empowering them, bringing clarity to the issues while increasing existing strengths and support. Heather facilitates a process of change, emotional awareness, insight to the authentic self, improvement in relationships with others, and strengthens self-esteem. Heather assist with the blending of families, co-parenting and assisting parents with behavioral issues. Heather is a fun engaging workshop facilitator for girls and boys.
Heather is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) specializing in therapy with children starting at 6 years old, adolescents, families and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma, self harm, grief/loss, and family conflict. Heather utilizes a combination for Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (TF-CBT), Art therapy, Narrative therapy, and is Solution Focused in her approach. Using art and play therapy to help children learn about emotions, empathy and healthy coping skills. Heather believes it is important to create a space where clients and families feel safe and not judged. She works alongside clients and their families to help them navigate through their journey by empowering them, bringing clarity to the issues while increasing existing strengths and support. Heather facilitates a process of change, emotional awareness, insight to the authentic self, improvement in relationships with others, and strengthens self-esteem. Heather assist with the blending of families, co-parenting and assisting parents with behavioral issues. Heather is a fun engaging workshop facilitator for girls and boys.
Joelle Lefevre, RD
Joelle is a Certified & Registered Dietitian at Workforce Health with a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a major in Nutrition. Her specialties include giving presentations and workshops out in the community or at corporations on various health and nutrition topics to adults and children. She also coaches clients for weight loss, diabetes management, decreasing risks of chronic diseases and ways to promote a healthier and more organic way of cooking and eating. Joelle feels most clients do not give themselves enough credit for the lifestyle changes they have already made. Her philosophy is to celebrate the small victories and be proud of any steps that you are taking towards better health. Joelle is a facilitator for Gals workshops that teach healthy relationships with food for kids and adults. Joelle loves being outside in her garden, spending time with the friends and family, watching her kids sporting events and teaching fitness classes at the YMCA.
Joelle is a Certified & Registered Dietitian at Workforce Health with a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a major in Nutrition. Her specialties include giving presentations and workshops out in the community or at corporations on various health and nutrition topics to adults and children. She also coaches clients for weight loss, diabetes management, decreasing risks of chronic diseases and ways to promote a healthier and more organic way of cooking and eating. Joelle feels most clients do not give themselves enough credit for the lifestyle changes they have already made. Her philosophy is to celebrate the small victories and be proud of any steps that you are taking towards better health. Joelle is a facilitator for Gals workshops that teach healthy relationships with food for kids and adults. Joelle loves being outside in her garden, spending time with the friends and family, watching her kids sporting events and teaching fitness classes at the YMCA.
Margaret Offenbacher, MS, LPC-IT
Margaret is a graduate from the University Wisconsin - Madison and earned her masters degree in professional counseling from Concordia University - Wisconsin. Before joining Gals Institute, Margaret worked as an empowerment facilitator supporting individuals and their families receiving cancer treatment. Angel’s Grace was, and continues to be, a special place to Margaret as she spent many hours volunteering, spending time with the patients and their families. Margaret is a National Board Certified Counselor and is currently completing her 3,000 hours at Gals Institute and continues her passion for providing a compassionate safe space for families to heal from grief and loss. She is continuing to build in experience with working with Anxiety with adolescents, teens and the whole familiy, helping the whole family system work to a place of calmness and healthy functioning.
Margaret’s approach to therapy focuses on self understanding, self compassion, self acceptance, and empowerment. While many techniques are utilized to fit the client’s needs; Margaret draws mainly from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her areas of focus are anxiety, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, body image, bereavement, and marriage/family. In her leisure time, Margaret enjoys spending time with her (blended) family and friends.
Margaret is a graduate from the University Wisconsin - Madison and earned her masters degree in professional counseling from Concordia University - Wisconsin. Before joining Gals Institute, Margaret worked as an empowerment facilitator supporting individuals and their families receiving cancer treatment. Angel’s Grace was, and continues to be, a special place to Margaret as she spent many hours volunteering, spending time with the patients and their families. Margaret is a National Board Certified Counselor and is currently completing her 3,000 hours at Gals Institute and continues her passion for providing a compassionate safe space for families to heal from grief and loss. She is continuing to build in experience with working with Anxiety with adolescents, teens and the whole familiy, helping the whole family system work to a place of calmness and healthy functioning.
Margaret’s approach to therapy focuses on self understanding, self compassion, self acceptance, and empowerment. While many techniques are utilized to fit the client’s needs; Margaret draws mainly from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her areas of focus are anxiety, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, body image, bereavement, and marriage/family. In her leisure time, Margaret enjoys spending time with her (blended) family and friends.
Becca Rosecky, MA., LPC-IT
Becca earned her Masters of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from the accredited, Mount Mary University. Becca is a National Board Certified Counselor and is currently completing her 3,000 hours at Gals Institute working with kids, teens and young adults that struggle with anxiety, depression, mood disorders blending families, and other issues that make life stressful. Becca has a passion with working with kids, adolescents, and their families make changes to fit thier family mission statement. Her specialized training is in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy (ET) with kids for severe anxiety and OCD. Becca is integrating mindfulness and emotion regulation skill building when working with her families to help build resiliency and healthy coping. She is excited to bring her skills to Gals Institute and continue her growth and training as a provider for kids and families. Becca is a Gals Institute workshop facilitator and works with our school partnerships by offering trainings to elementary school teachers how to entegrate healthy conflict resolution and empathy in the classroom.
Becca earned her Masters of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from the accredited, Mount Mary University. Becca is a National Board Certified Counselor and is currently completing her 3,000 hours at Gals Institute working with kids, teens and young adults that struggle with anxiety, depression, mood disorders blending families, and other issues that make life stressful. Becca has a passion with working with kids, adolescents, and their families make changes to fit thier family mission statement. Her specialized training is in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy (ET) with kids for severe anxiety and OCD. Becca is integrating mindfulness and emotion regulation skill building when working with her families to help build resiliency and healthy coping. She is excited to bring her skills to Gals Institute and continue her growth and training as a provider for kids and families. Becca is a Gals Institute workshop facilitator and works with our school partnerships by offering trainings to elementary school teachers how to entegrate healthy conflict resolution and empathy in the classroom.
Alissa Darin, MA., LPC-IT, NBCT
- Alissa Darin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in training, School Assistant Principal and Alcohol Other Drug Abuse Prevention/Intervention Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Education and Kinesiology. She received her Masters in Counseling, School and Community, from Marquette University. Alissa is a National Board Certified Counselor and is currently completing her 3,000 hours at Gals Institute. Training as a psychotherapist, Alissa’s focus is in helping adolescents, adults, couples and families thrive using Solution-focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and a family systems approach. She works with individuals ages 12 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. Alissa is a National Board Certified Educator in the area of Counseling - Early Childhood through Young Adulthood. Additionally, she is a Love and Logic facilitator and a speaker for parent groups, conferences and agencies focusing on mental health topics, parenting and drug/alcohol use issues.
Terri Alm, MSN, PMHNP
Terri is a board certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. She has been a nurse for over 20 years, earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alverno College, and her master’s degree from the University of St. Francis. Her role at Gals Institute LLC is to provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment (medication and/or non-pharmacological interventions). We are excited to have her as part of the Gals Institute Clinical team, working together to help our clients on their journey of wellness.
Terri’s approach is holistic, and based on the understanding that there is a critical connection between physical and mental health. She believes medication can be beneficial, yet understands medication is not the only tool to be utilized. By providing education and guidance on things such as proper nutrition, sleep habits, physical activity, as well as medication, Terri believes patients can be empowered to make informed choices regarding their health. She looks forward to partnering with patients on their journey to health and well-being. Terri is a speaker and advocate in the area of addiction, anxiety and mental health issues. As a client of Gals Institute your family will have access to Terri and her services.
Terri is a board certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. She has been a nurse for over 20 years, earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alverno College, and her master’s degree from the University of St. Francis. Her role at Gals Institute LLC is to provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment (medication and/or non-pharmacological interventions). We are excited to have her as part of the Gals Institute Clinical team, working together to help our clients on their journey of wellness.
Terri’s approach is holistic, and based on the understanding that there is a critical connection between physical and mental health. She believes medication can be beneficial, yet understands medication is not the only tool to be utilized. By providing education and guidance on things such as proper nutrition, sleep habits, physical activity, as well as medication, Terri believes patients can be empowered to make informed choices regarding their health. She looks forward to partnering with patients on their journey to health and well-being. Terri is a speaker and advocate in the area of addiction, anxiety and mental health issues. As a client of Gals Institute your family will have access to Terri and her services.
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Erin Zupke, LCSW, CSAC
Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor who has been working in the field since 2010. She graduated from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Masters of Social Work Degree, Marriage and Family Therapy Certification and Trauma Counseling Certification. She specializes in anxiety management for children (6+), youth and adults, as well as assisting her clients move through depression, grief, fear, anger and trauma to build healthy relationships with themselves and others, and create a meaningful and purposeful life. Passionate about family systems, she enjoys helping couples improve communication skills, manage expectations and learn effective conflict resolution skills. Erin is also a mom, so she understands kids - and parents - and uses the latest child development research to help other parents navigate the journey of parenthood. Erin incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness modalities into her goal-based, practical approach to empower people to challenge thoughts, change behavior, live in the moment, cope with stress and regulate their emotions. Erin is currently working toward certification in Aromatherapy and integrating its benefits toward emotional wellness. Erin is also one of our newest Gals Institute workshop and group facilitator. |
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Jenny Washburn, Office Manager & Assistant to Owner