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.
Psychotherapists
Shannon Olson, MSW, LCSW
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Master’s of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
B.A. Psychology, North Park University
Certified Trauma Treatment Professional
Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic
Practice Philosophy
I feel quality counseling depends on a quality relationship
between therapist and client. A quality relationship is one
defined by trust, warmth, empathy - and a bit of laughter now and then! While I maintain a high level of professionalism, a good therapeutic relationship can also feel like letting your hair down with a good friend over coffee. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
Areas of Expertise
I have several years of experience as a group and individual counselor, and graduate level instructor in trauma counseling. I have worked with a wide variety of presenting concerns and have a strong background working with career and life changes, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, chronic pain, conflict and trauma.
Treatment Specialties
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, positive/strengths-based counseling, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Board Certification & Organizations
Member of NASW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Board Member, Safe Families of SE Wisconsin
Concentration
Age 18 and older
Personal Interests
I really enjoy music: all different kinds, listening to it, concerts, playing my keyboard and singing. I also enjoy running and working out with friends at the gym. I have two college aged children and two cats and am active in my church.
Janice O'Rourke, LCSW
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Master of Social Work, University of Wisconsin –Milwaukee
Certification in Marriage and Family Therapy- University of
Wisconsin- Milwaukee
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work- University of
Wisconsin-Whitewater
Practice Location
Telehealth
Practice Philosophy
I believe therapy is a path towards mind, body and spirit, health and healing. It is an honor when a client chooses me to join them on their journey. I respect who they are and join with them as they begin writing the next chapter of their life, whatever that may be.
Areas of Expertise
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood neglect/abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, panic, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship issues, parenting, sexual assault, and depression.
Treatment Specialties
Family systems based, Trauma Informed, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Clinical Social Work – State of Wisconsin
Concentration
Age 18 and older
Personal Interests
I am forever reading and learning something new. I love visual arts and spend much of my free time working with fabric, paint and ink. My husband and I share an interest in U.S. History and focus our traveling around “history” trips. As a mother to five and grandmother of eight, life is always an adventure!!
John Prasch LPC
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Liberty University
Practice Location
School Services
Practice Philosophy
I believe the strength of the counseling relationship is about connection.
Clients improve the most when they are validated and encouraged. When they are shown respect, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. I help my clients to achieve their goals and establish healthy boundaries in their lives. Ultimately the job of a good therapist is to help their clients to become stronger, healthier, and more self-sufficient. To teach their clients self-therapy techniques, interventions, and methods they can use throughout their lives.
Areas of Expertise
Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and anger management
Treatment Specialties
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Christian Counseling.
Concentration
Children, young adults, and families
Personal Interests
I enjoy watching football and movies. Playing tennis, video games, tabletop games with my friends and five children. I also enjoy studying theology and attending church.
Matthew Pratt, LPC-IT
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Master’s of Science in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University
Bachelor’s of Art in Art Therapy from Capital University
Practice Location
School Services
Practice Philosophy
I believe that every person carries their own stress, trauma, and burdens, but these
are not what define who we are, or our character. I will work with you to define where your story begins and where your story is headed despite any challenges you may be facing. I hold a personal belief that art can be found in everything and does not always include a paint brush and paper. I will help you define your story in a creative way that makes sense to you. I aim to help each individual by defining "what is art" in order to avoid an intimidating and stressful atmosphere. The challenges that we experience in life are not our defining traits and through working together we will continue to change the ending of your story.
Areas of Expertise
Grief and loss, adolescent and childhood abuse
Treatment Specialties
I blend a combination of Narrative and Gestalt based practices together to help you identify the whole picture of your life’s story, while working through our sessions with an expressive and art-based approach
Concentration
Children and Adolescents
Kory Scherer, MS, LPC-IT
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Education & Credentials
Master of Science in Professional Counseling,
Clinical Mental Health Concentration- Mount Mary University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology- Carthage College
Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic
Practice Philosophy
Through a person-centered and strength-based approach to therapy, I believe
that individuals have the power to achieve immense growth and positive
change in their lives. I view individuals as the experts of their own realities and,
thus, find that the therapeutic process should be a collaborative journey. As we work together to uncover individualized pathways to healing and wellness, I always strive to create a safe environment and trusting relationship for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Healthy connections and supportive relationships are often central to our overall well-being.
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety, Depression and Other Mood Disorders, Trauma, Life Transitions, Stress Management, Relationship Conflicts
Treatment Specialties
I embrace an integrative and tailored approach to therapy based on an individual’s unique needs and goals. This may include Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Mindfulness.
Board Certifications & Organizations
American Counseling Association
Wisconsin Counseling Association
Concentration
Adults and Adolescents
Elizabeth Szalewski, ATR, LPC
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Master of Science in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Benedictine College
Practice Location
School Services
Practice Philosophy
I strive to promote empowerment, connection, understanding,
and holistic well-being with clients. I operate from a
strength-based approach, honoring a client’s wisdom and experience.
Areas of Expertise
Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and trauma, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, emotion and behavior regulation, and adaptive art making.
Treatment Specialties
I practice from Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential theories. I am also fond of Mindfulness techniques.
Board Certifications & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor
Registered Art Therapist
Concentration
Children and Adolescents
Personal Interests
Outside of work, I can be found in my home studio, painting away. I also enjoy absorbing as much sunlight as possible, hiking, photographing flora and fauna, and visiting lakes.
Gina Walter, BA
PSYCHOTHERAPIST INTERN
Education & Credentials
In Progress: Masters of Science in Professional Counseling,
Concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and
School Counseling – Mount Mary University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Emphasis in Interpersonal
Communication – University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic
Practice Philosophy
There is always a “why” behind each emotion we feel, each thought we have, and subsequently, each action we take. I strive to create a safe and compassionate environment where clients can explore their “why”, process, and gain new insight as we work towards what success means for them. During counseling sessions, the client is the driver and I am the passenger as we embark together on the journey of healing, hope, and wellness.
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety, depression, self-regulation, school related challenges, life transitions
Treatment Specialties
I utilize an individually tailored approach to treatment that could include Cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered, strengths-based, mindfulness, and trauma-informed approaches.
Board Certifications & Organizations
American Counseling Association
Wisconsin School Counseling Association
Concentration
Adolescents, adults, families, couples, LGBTQ+ affirming
Personal Interests
Outside of school and work I love outside walks, the arts, traveling to new places, TV and movies, true crime podcasts, cooking, reading, and spending time with my husband and our two cats.
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Ligia Wipfli, MS, LPC, CSAC
PSYCHOTHERAPIST-Bilingual (Spanish)
Education & Credentials
Master of Science in Counseling
Clinical Substance Abuse Counseling
Practice Location
Telehealth
Practice Philosophy
I believe in the empowerment of each individual client through
active and engaged sessions by working together in addressing and
adjusting behaviors that would help the patient reach their personal and professional goals.
Areas of Expertise
I have 20+ years’ experience working with a diverse population helping clients with issues of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, substance use disorders, Anger issues, and Domestic abuse.
Treatment Specialties
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness.
Board Certifications & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Wisconsin Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, Member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association
Concentration
Adults and couples
Personal Interests
I enjoy traveling international and domestic. Love road trips specially with my family and listening to educational podcast in Spanish and English.
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
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.
