Meet Our Licensed Therapists
Facilitating Mental Health & Wellness
Let us help you and your loved ones find emotional well-being, achieve your personal goals, and reach your fullest potential. Our professional staff includes licensed psychologists, psychotherapists, marriage and family counselors, social workers, and substance abuse counselors.
Family Service attracts and is able to retain a top quality professional staff and enjoys a broad base of community support. This makes Family Service uniquely qualified to assess critical community needs and to address those needs with programs that are both timely and effective.
Licensed Clinical Psychologists
Beth Warnes, Psy.D
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Education & Credentials
Doctor of Psychology, Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology
Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
BA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic
Practice Philosophy
Social isolation and loneliness are often key factors in a person’s struggle with anxiety and depression. I believe in the power of human connectedness and effective communication. I offer support, insight, and guidance to help you overcome the emotional barriers that have prevented you from having strong and healthy relationships. A significant focus of my practice is marriage counseling, where I use an integrative approach to teach couples more effective communication while increasing their acceptance of and understanding for each other. I enjoy working with new and expectant mothers and their families adjusting to the demands of becoming new parents.
Areas of Expertise
Depression, including Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Social Phobia/Isolation,
Stress Management, Grief/loss, Relationship/Marriage Discord, Parenting Concerns, Anger Management, Divorce, Low Self-Esteem
Treatment Specialties
Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR
Education & Credentials
Doctorate from Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Concentration
Ages 18 and older
Personal Interests
I am a mother of three, an active volunteer for Girl Scouts and church, and enjoy getting outdoors, hiking and geocaching.
Psychotherapists
Marybeth Banach, MS, LPC, NCC
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Masters of Science in Counseling, Mount Mary University, with
majors in Community and Pastoral Counseling
Certification in Older Adult Mental Health, University of
Wisconsin-Madison
Practice Location
Telehealth
Practice Philosophy
I respect and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual and
believe a genuine, empathic therapeutic relationship is beneficial to growth and healing. Taking into account the client’s cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic background, I use evidence-based techniques to maximize beneficial outcomes for each client. My approach begins with establishment of a strong therapeutic alliance with nonjudgmental listening and acceptance. I believe my role is to help my clients become more self-directed, find meaning in life, and experience life more fully.
Areas of Expertise
Grief/loss, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, trauma and life transitions.
Treatment Specialties
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc
Concentration
Adolescents, adults, older adults
Personal Interests
I have three grown children, two grand-children, and one on the way, all who live in Florida. I enjoy visiting them quite often.
Greg Barden, MSW, LCSW, RPT
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Psychology - University of
Wisconsin Whitewater
Masters in Social Work - University Wisconsin Milwaukee
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Registered Play Therapist
Practice Location
Children’s Place in Waukesha
Practice Philosophy
While I’m highly integrative in my approach to models of therapy,
the core of my therapeutic practice is focused on providing a healing, engaging, playful, and often humorous, therapy relationship with clients, that aims to promote insight and positive change, so they can start or deepen their healing journey, and to start living the life they dream of. Therapy is a judgement-free space where we can explore, and begin to change, all sorts of struggles and experiences we’ve had in life. And the nice thing is we’ll work at a pace that you’re comfortable with, so you never have to discuss anything you don’t feel ready or comfortable to.
Areas of Expertise
In addition to general psychotherapy work for depressive and anxious feelings, I specialize in working with: ADHD, trauma and neglect recovery, helping when we’re struggling with changes or transitions in life, helping improve self-esteem and self-worth, stress management, dreamwork, healing from childhood mental/emotional wounds, and helping with one’s personal / spiritual growth. LGBTQ+ affirming.
Treatment Specialties
Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Emotional Freedom Technique / Tapping, Psychodynamic and Jungian- Oriented Psychotherapy.
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Registered Play Therapist
Board member of the Wisconsin Association for Play Therapy
Concentration
Children 10 and older, adolescents and adults
Andrea Benslimane, MSW, LCSW
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, UW- Milwaukee
Master of Social Work, George Williams College of Aurora University
Practice Location
School Services
Practice Philosophy
I know it can be difficult to ask for help when life gets
overwhelming, everyone needs support at times. Therapy is
individualized, based on your needs and goals. Let's work together
to identify and change unhealthy patterns in your life, finding new approaches to cope and problem solve. My goal is to provide a judgement-free space for you to share your unique strengths and challenges.
Areas of Expertise
I have over 20+ years experience in a variety of treatment settings including: inpatient, outpatient, group therapy, partial hospitalization, and school-based services. I work with mood disorders, ADHD, trauma recovery, depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
Treatment Specialties
In order to experience change, it is important to keep an open mind, finding new approaches to cope and problem solve. My approach is empathic, solution-focused, strength-based and encompasses principles of cognitive-behavioral (CBT), mindfulness based (MBCT), rational emotive (REBT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), dialectical-behavioral (DBT) methodologies and EMDR-IT
Board Certification & Organizations
Member of NASW
Concentration
My focus has been with children, adolescents, young adults, and families.
Personal Interests
I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends. I also have a passion for photography, cooking and love being outdoors hiking.
Sarah Cartwright, LPC, ATR
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education and Credentials
Masters of Art Therapy in Counseling- Mount Mary University
Bachelors of Science in Counseling- Ashford University
Bachelors of Arts- Ashford University
Practice Location
Children's Place
Practice Philosophy
I work from a strength based approach. It is my goal to help build
off the skills and attributes that the clients may not yet be able to
see themselves. I make a point to meet all my clients where they are at in their stage of treatment. It is my goal to work alongside each client, providing guidance and support by listening to the needs of each person I see.
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Trauma, Self-harm Behaviors, Mood Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, High Functioning Autism
Treatment Specialties
Art Therapy, CBT- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT- Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Person Centered, Mindfulness, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor
Registered Art Therapist
Concentrations
Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Personal Interests
In my spare time I love to engage in creative activates. I enjoy watercolor painting, oil painting, collaging and crocheting. I also like to create in the kitchen where I learn new recipes and make them my own. I love traveling to new and interesting places. I love trying the local foods wherever I go.
Mackenzie Chitwood
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education and Credentials
Master of Social Work, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Wisconsin -
Platteville
Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic
Practice Philosophy
I take a strengths-based approach when it comes to my practice. I
truly believe that each person is the expert of their own life and so I as a therapist must treat each person as unique individual who is worthy of unconditional acceptance. It is then my role and my passion to work collaboratively with each client to overcome hardship and meet their goals.
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety, Depression, and other mood disorders, Trauma, Family/Relationship conflicts
Treatment Specialties
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, solution focused, family systems, interpersonal
Concentrations
All ages: children, adolescents, teens, young adults, and couples
Personal Interests
In my free time I can be found spending my time with family, friends, and many pets. I love traveling and camping, trying new foods, and being active. I enjoy finding new books, movies, and podcasts and most of all drinking lots of coffee.
Karen Cumblad, LPC
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
SUPERVISOR FOR THE CENTER FOR PREVENTION OF
FAMILY VIOLENCE
Education and Credentials
Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance, LPC
Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic
Practice Philosophy
I strive to create a warm, trusting atmosphere where clients can share their stories and process their hurts, struggles, and stresses. Each person is the expert on their life and so, together, we develop a plan that will lead to emotional health and improved relationships. My work is guided by the belief that all persons have inherent value and can experience positive change.
Areas of Expertise
Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Relationship Conflicts, Anger Issues, Trauma, Substance Use Disorders, Developmental Disabilities, Career Change and Life Transitions, Grief, and Domestic Abuse.
Treatment Specialties
I used an integrative approach based on individual needs, which could include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Interpersonal, Solution Focused, Interpersonal, Emotion-focused strategies, Christian Counseling and EMDR
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor
Member of American Counseling Association
Member of Wisconsin Counseling Association
Appointed to Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Offender Re-entry
Concentrations
Adults, Couples, and Adolescents
Personal Interests
I enjoy the outdoors, including hiking, biking, gardening, and being near the water. I like to read for learning and for pleasure. Above all, I find joy in spending time with my family and friends.
Pamela Derby, MS, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Education & Credentials
Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-
Milwaukee
Evergreen - Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider –
for delivery of telemental health services in the treatment of trauma and clinical
issues – curriculum by Janina Fischer.
ZUR Institute - TeleMental Health & Digital Ethics: Ethical, Legal, Clinical,
Technological and Practice Considerations
Practice Location
Telehealth
Practice Philosophy
Pamela earned her degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She was licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the State of Wisconsin in 1995. She is passionate about brain science and innovations in the profession. She has continued to learn and serve for nearly 30 years in an array of community-based settings including universities and urban schools, non-profit agencies, private practice, and community health. She believes in supporting the development of new professionals and has enthusiastically supervised therapists in training and graduate students in both clinical and educational settings. She is committed to the needs of individuals and families, and to their connection to the community at large.
Pamela believes that the power of human healing is catalyzed by creativity and connection established in the safety of integrity and mindfulness. She believes in the innate drive to thrive and overcome hardship in pursuit of purpose. Therapeutic power lies in the joining of courage, curiosity, and compassion with this desire to grow. There comes a time in the present when one realizes that what helped and was necessary to survive in the past, no longer serves. For Pamela, psychotherapy is a space of becoming. It is a collaboration in which people commit to champion human dignity on the road to thriving. It is an ever-livening journey of unburdening in the service of internal freedom and vitality.
Areas of Expertise and Treatment Specialties
Trauma treatment and traumatic growth, Neuro-Specific Meditation, mindfulness, Internal Family Systems Therapy, guided imagery, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, grief and loss, Brief Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Creativity, Art and Psychodrama, and depth psychology.
Lejla Elezovic, LPC
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR SCHOOL SERVICES
Education & Credentials
Master of Science in Community Counseling with Trauma
Certificate- University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
Bachelor of Science in Psychology- Carroll College
Practice Location
Children’s Place in Waukesha
School Services
Practice Philosophy
I believe every individual is unique and each person has their set of
struggles. I use an eclectic approach to therapy and tailor my approach to each individual client. I work with children and families to help them discover their best selves. I incorporate play and art therapy in my sessions and practice using Cognitive Behavioral therapy as well as a person centered approach. I have experience in the child welfare system, as well as foster care and adoption. I am fluent in the Bosnian language.
Areas of Expertise
Behavioral, Developmental Disorders, trauma and mental health issues in children; parenting/family concerns; children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other challenging issues.
Treatment Specialties
Cognitive behavioral, trauma focused, person centered, behavioral modification, solution focused, family systems, EMDR and Training in Adoption Competency.
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), State of WI
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Concentration
Children and adolescents ages 3 to 18 and families. LGBTQ youth.
Personal Interests
In my spare time I like to travel and discover new places and meet new people. I enjoy hiking and spending time with family and friends.
Patricia Jahr, LPC-IT
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Master of Arts, Education & Human Development, The George Washington
University, Washington D.C.
Practice Location
School Services
Practice Philosophy
I am passionate about helping people live their best lives. I believe that
people have the capacity to be resilient, to grow and change at any age and
that they are best suited to determine the pathway to a fulfilling life. I believe
that the therapeutic relationship is central to growth. Trust must be
established in order for change and growth to occur. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space for this to occur. I do not believe in a "one size fits all" approach. I believe every person is uniquely created and I adapt my cognitive behavioral theory to meet each unique situation. I believe that a person is a biological, social, psychological and spiritual being and that all of these aspects must be incorporated holistically.
Treatment Specialties
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person Centered therapy. I also incorporate play and art into my practice.
Concentration
Children through older adults.
Personal Interests
I enjoy running, hiking, kayaking, working-out, crocheting, reading and making jewelry. I love spending time with my family. I have been married for over 25 years, I have three children and two grandchildren.
La'Sonja Johnson, MS, APSW
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee - Masters of Science in Social Work
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee – Masters of Science in Educational Leadership
University of Wisconsin Whitewater – Bachelors of Art in Social Welfare
Practice Location
Telehealth
Practice Philosophy
My practical view of the function of counseling is as a journey of
self-exploration by the client, meant to increase his/her level of
self-understanding and self-awareness. Explore to Understand to Act.
Areas of Expertise
Adoption, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, Separation and Divorce, Abuse and Neglect, Family/Relationship Issues, Parenting Issues, Children, Teens and Adolescents Issues, Behavioral Concerns, Education and School Related Issues
Treatment Specialties
Solution Focused – Brief Therapy
Board Certification & Organizations
State of Wisconsin Advanced Practice Social Worker
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction School Social Worker
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction School Administrator
Concentration
Adolescents, Teens, Families, Adults, Parents, Couples
Personal Interests
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, especially my grandchildren, gardening and reading. I also like learning and being exposed to new things.
Mary Kafura, LPC
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Masters of Science in Counseling, UW Madison
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, UW Madison
Practice Location
Children’s Place in Waukesha
Practice Philosophy
I am amazed at how resilient people are in the face of trauma, grief and loss,
stress, and other challenging life circumstances. I truly believe that each person
already has the resources and strengths within to move towards health, healing,
and happiness, and I am here to walk alongside on that journey. I work hard to deeply understand children and families, their experiences, and the ways they have learned to cope, in a non-judgmental, safe and supportive setting. I can offer my knowledge and various strategies to address symptoms, which I'll invite people to practice in sessions. My treatment method is eclectic and based upon each client's unique needs. While I draw from traditional talk-therapy methods including CBT, I also incorporate art, movement, mindfulness, sand-tray and play therapy methods into treatment.
Areas of Expertise
Abuse and neglect, PTSD, attachment issues, grief/loss, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, stress management, family conflict, life transitions and adjustments, mindfulness, challenges around being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
Treatment Specialties
Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Play Therapy, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, person centered, LGBTQ + affirming, culturally responsive.
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor
American Counseling Association Member
Concentration
3+
Personal Interests
Hanging out with my family and friends, reading, running and biking, crafting, yoga and meditation, animals.
Amy Krumenacher, MSCJ, MS, CSAC, LPC, EDIT,
ICS-IT
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
AODA SUPERVISOR
Education & Credentials
Bachelor of Science & Master of Science in Criminal Justice and
Psychology- University of Wisconsin Platteville
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling- University
of Wisconsin Whitewater.
Practice Location
Waukesha and Oconomowoc Clinics
School Services
Practice Philosophy
I am committed to creating a safe, secure and supportive environment in which clients can feel comfortable to grow and heal. I aim to help my clients improve and accomplish meaningful and positive life changes by becoming free from unwanted thoughts, behaviors, or feelings. I work with clients on affect regulation, mindfulness and improving thought patterns while educating and empowering them to make changes needed to lead a more fulfilling life.
Areas of Expertise
Conduct Disorder, Anger Management, Social Skills, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Depression, Bipolar, Relationships/Family Issues, Anxiety, and Mindfulness.
Treatment Specialties
I utilize a holistic approach that could include: Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eating disorder intuitive therapy, Solution focused, Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed Care and EMDR.
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor
Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor
Independent Clinical Supervisor-in training
Editing Disorder Intuitive Therapist
American Counseling Association (ACA)
National Certified Counselor
Concentration
Adolescents, teenagers, adults, couples, families
Personal Interests
Being a mother of 2, coaching football and baseball, spending time with family and friends.
Jessica LeFevre, MS, LPC, BCBA
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Licensed Professional Counselor- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Autism Studies Certificate Program -University of Mississippi-Lowell
Practice Location
Children's Place in Waukesha
Practice Philosophy
My professional expertise and passions include working with
children and families, fostering their education, and advocating for
their needs across school and community settings. I have extensive
experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder, complex developmental trauma, behavioral challenges and assisting parents to manage these challenges.
Areas of Expertise
Behavioral, Developmental Disorders, trauma and mental health issues in children; parenting/family concerns; children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other challenging issues.
Treatment Specialties
Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Board Certification & Organizations
State of Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor
Board Certified Behavioral Analyst
Concentration
Children ages 5-17, young adults, parents and families