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 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 7 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 resiliency 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 a 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 7 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 resiliency 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 a 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.
Jen Michener, ms, lpc- Clinic supervisor
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.
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 teens.
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.
alissa darin, ma, lpc-it, nbct
Alissa Darin is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Education and Kinesiology. She received her Masters 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 is currently completing her 3,000 hours at Gals Institute as an Licensed Professional Counselor - In Training. 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 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.
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 three adolescents that keep her on her toes, and continue to inspire her.
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.
holly krings, msw, lcsw
Holly 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 Masters 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 Masters 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 judgement. 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.
Jessica Bender, LPC, SAC
Jessica is a dually 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.
Erin Kelly, MS-LPC-IT
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 is currently completing her further training and 3,000 hours as she joins the Gals Institute team. Erin’s area of specialty is working with kids, 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 is excited to join Gals Institute and ready to help families thrive. Erin started accepting client referrals May 2021.
Elisa Salvat, RD, CD
Elisa is a Registered Dietitian providing convenient, safe, and effective nutrition counseling. She has a master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Mount Mary University. Prior to completing the master’s degree she completed two bachelor’s degrees. One is in Hospitality Management from Colorado State University and the other in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She also completed the Dietetic Internship at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee. Elisa specializes in treating children, adolescents, and adults who suffer from eating disorders and chronic dieting. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Based Therapy to assist patients in improving their relationship with food and their bodies. Elisa has over four years experience with working with this population in an inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient treatment setting.
shelby hausman, lpc graduate Intern
Shelby is a Graduate student at the accredited Mount Mary University in Milwaukee. She is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Shelby plans to become a National Board-Certified Counselor upon graduation in May of 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human and Social Services from Ottawa University in 2018. She has a passion for working with youth and families and is excited to further her training and growth at the Gals Institute. She is motivated to work with clients presenting with a wide range of challenges to help them live more successfully with a healthier sense of identity, control, and peace. Her treatment approach is often a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative, and strength-based, allowing her to help clients identify various challenges and utilize their strengths to conquer those challenges through appropriate coping skills and techniques.
Jenny Washburn, clinic coordinator
Jenny is the friendly voice and caring listener on the phone during the new client intake process. She also assists with the credentialing and insurance logistics for providers at Gals Institute and the clients we serve. She has 20+ years of customer service, with a background in retail sales and veterinary technology. She is the assistant to our director and makes sure our office is running smoothly. Jenny has a passion to become a wellness and personal coach who can walk along with a client in their journey of healing and change. When not at work she is a mom to 2 active teenage girls and enjoys hiking, being on the water, and traveling.
jenni Holland, director of marketing and business operations
Jenni comes to Gals with over 20+ years of professional experience in business management, marketing, communications, and public relations. She is thrilled to join Gals Institute, where she will help support an organization she believes so strongly in and support the licensed clinicians working so hard to provide prevention and health for individuals, families, adolescents, and children in our community. When not working, Jenni loves spending time with her family. When not chasing schedules, she also enjoys spending time on the lake and reading.
Joelle lefevre, rd
Joelle is a Certified & Registered Dietician 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.