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

Jenn Marolt, ATR, LPC

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Education & Credentials

Masters of Science in Art Therapy, Mount Mary University

Bachelors of Arts in Art Therapy, Mount Mary College
 
Practice Location

Oconomowoc School District -Silver Lake Intermediate School

Kettle Moraine School District- Cushing Elementary 

Practice Philosophy
I believe that each person is a unique individual who is also a part of a larger family system. I think it best to focus on the needs of each person’s needs and incorporate ways to support them as a person, so they are able to function appropriately in the various aspects of life. As a Registered Art Therapist, I use art as a foundational approach in my work with others.  Feelings and thoughts that are often difficult to put into words,  can be effectively expressed through art modalities.  I incorporate creative, expressive therapies in all my work to help my clients build emotional and behavioral regulation skills, coping skills, positive and appropriate self-expression.
 
Areas of Expertise
Trauma and mental health issues in children, adolescents; family and parenting concerns
 
Treatment Specialties
Art Therapy, Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Informed Care

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Board Certification & Organizations

Registered Art Therapist

Licensed Professional Counselor

American Art Therapy Association

 
Concentration
Children, Adolescents, and Families
 
Personal Interests
I love to spend my free time with my family and friends. I enjoy being active, traveling, attending concerts and creating art.  I enjoy humor and movies.

Sarah Ness, MS, LPC, CSAC, NCC

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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Education and Credentials

Masters Degree, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mount Mary University

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Practice Location

Hartland/Lakeside School District and Waukesha School District

Practice Philosophy
I believe that every individual has strengths and qualities that are unique and imperative to their world view and the way they navigate through life.  I believe in the usefulness of being vulnerable and open to change and learning new and healthier ways to cope with life’s’ challenges.  I think that through my work with individuals, we work as a team to develop these coping strategies, enhance resilience, and persevere through the barriers that we need to overcome to live a healthy life.  I believe in working collaboratively with family members and school staff to ensure that every individual’s treatment is a unique reflection of their unique self and goals.
 
Areas of Expertise
Mood disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, ADHD, Trauma, Behavioral disorders, LGBTQ, bullying, and substance abuse
 
Treatment Specialties
Person-centered, Trauma Informed Therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused therapy, art therapy, play therapy, family systems, and psycho-education. 
 
Board Certification & Organizations

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Trauma Informed Therapy Certification

Concentrations
Ages 4 and up.  Individual, group, and family therapy.
 
Personal Interests

I enjoy spending time with my 3 young children, biking, hiking, Barre workouts, dancing, music, and watching my favorite Wisconsin sport teams compete.

Debra Nicotera, MS, LPC

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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Education and Credentials

Masters Degree in Guidance & Counseling, Community Counseling emphasis, UW Whitewater

Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice- UW Oshkosh

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Practice Location
Children's Place in Waukesha

Practice Philosophy
My approach to therapy is multi-faceted as I believe change is vested in understanding the past, living in the moment and shaping the future.  This exploration includes a strong focus on how to reframe life experiences through a healthier lens.
 
Areas of Expertise
I have extensive training addressing the effect depression and anxiety have on overall life satisfaction.  I am also a committed advocate for the importance of understanding the mind/body/spirit connection in achieving balance in one’s life journey.
 
Treatment Specialties
I consider myself a systems therapist, which means together we will explore the many different systems (i.e. parent, child, husband, wife, employee) that you bring with you to therapy.  This systems approach is combined with a strong cognitive-behavioral component (thinking-feeling-behaving) in order to increase your conscious involvement in making more satisfying life choices.
 
Board Certification & Organizations

Licensed Professional Counselor

Concentrations
 I have experience working with children as young as age 6 which is through the implementation of play therapy techniques and parental involvement if possible.  I also have extensive experience working with teens and adults. I think of myself as a life span trained therapist.
 
Personal Interests

I am a huge fan of getting my hands dirty, whether it’s working in my yard or making pasta..... I’m in!!! Family time is very important to me, hanging out with my adult children, grandchildren and husband is my idea of a perfect day.

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
Oconomowoc Clinic

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
Trauma informed, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) level and level 2.  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) motivational interviewing, mindfulness

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Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Clinical Social Work – State of Wisconsin

 
Concentration
Children, Teens, Adults, couples and families
 
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!!

Jill Panther, LCSW

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Education & Credentials

UW-Madison, BA Psychology and Sociology

Loyola University-Chicago, MSW
 
Practice Location
Oconomowoc Clinic & Waukesha School District

Practice Philosophy
I have 20+ years experience working with all ages and diverse populations.  I strive to use an integrated, holistic approach and provide a comfortable, non-judgmental environment. I am passionate about helping each client to gain a sense of empowerment to overcome difficult life circumstances by understanding and resolving problems, modifying behavior and sustaining positive life changes. 
 
Areas of Expertise
Mental health issues in children, adolescents; family and parenting concerns. Grief/Loss Issues.
 
Treatment Specialties ​

Systems Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma Informed Care.

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Board Certification & Organizations

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

 
Concentration
Children, Adolescents, and Families

Personal Interests

I love spending time with my two daughters, family, and friends, international/domestic travel, being active, and yoga.

Shauna Pichette, LPC, NCC

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Education & Credentials

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Ripon College
 
Practice Location
Children's Place in Waukesha

Practice Philosophy
My goal as a therapist is to help people to find their voice and find empowerment in that voice.  I believe that people have a need to feel successful in whatever environment that they are in.  Everyone wants to feel as though they belong, whether it be within their own skin, within the family system, in school, or with friends.  My goal is to build on strengths while addressing areas for growth in a supportive way. 
 
Areas of Expertise
Children/Adolescents, families. ADHD, Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety, Depression/Mood Disorders, Life transitions, OCD, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobia, Trauma, Trichotillomania/Excoriation 
 
Treatment Specialties ​

Cognitive – Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Multicultural Therapy

Trauma – Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Creative approaches, Family therapy, Motivational Interviewing

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Board Certification & Organizations

Licensed Professional Counselor

National Certified Counselor

 
Concentration
Children and adolescents, ages 4 - 18
 
Practice Location
Waukesha

Amy Plum, LPC*

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Education & Credentials

Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology, Emporia State University, Kansas.
 
Practice Location
Waukesha

Practice Philosophy
I believe the key to individual growth and healing is providing the client a safe, non-directive environment, where they can access their inner expert, healer, guide, and teacher that has far more knowledge than anyone else. I believe in using nature as a means for healing, to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as yoga and meditation to find inner peace. I also love helping clients express themselves through art projects, such as dioramas, as a means to express what is difficult with words.  
 
Areas of Expertise
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Holographic Memory Resolution, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Trauma Sensitive Yoga
 
Treatment Specialties
Trauma informed, attachment wounds, grief/loss, early childhood neglect, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, family violence, transitional challenges  
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Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor
PATH Program Therapist, Whittier Elementary

 
Concentration
Grade school aged children and their families
 
Practice Location
Waukesha

Tanya Scheidegger, MS, NCC, LPC-IT

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

​Education & Credentials

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mount Mary University

National Certified Counselor

Licensed Professional Counselor

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​Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic 

Practice Philosophy
I have experience working intergenerationally to address trauma related, emotional, substance use, and adjustment concerns.  I believe that the foundation of healing requires connection through safe and nurturing relationships.  I work collaboratively with my clients to build on their inner strengths to live more fulfilling lives. 
 
​​Areas of Expertise
Trauma, Abuse and Neglect, Attachment, Regulation/Mindfulness
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Treatment Specialties

Trauma Informed, self-regulation skills, culturally rooted approaches, strengths-based, intergenerational healing, expressive arts, neuro-biologically informed. 

Concentration

Teens, Adolescents, Adults, Families

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Personal Interests

In my spare time my time is spent with friends and family.  I love being outdoors hiking, camping and kayaking.  I also enjoy reading and drawing. 

Julia Shaughnessy, MFT, MA

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

​Education & Credentials

Master’s Degree: Marriage and Family Therapy, North Central University

Bachelor's Degree:  Communication,  University of Connecticut.

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​Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic and Children's Place 

Practice Philosophy
I focus on evidence-based approaches to ensure that clients achieve positive outcomes. Drawing from a strength-based perspective helps individuals and families identify solutions that improve relationships and individual function. Everyone has the ability to make positive changes in their lives, but everyone’s solution is slightly different. Together we can find not just what works, but what is most effective for each individual client.
 
​​Areas of Expertise
Family relationships, family conflict, parenting, marriage/couples concerns, trauma, behavioral issues, teens and adolescents, depression, anxiety, stress.
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Treatment Specialties

Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy

Concentration

Distressed Families, Couples, Children 10 and older.

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Personal Interests

Cooking, traveling and experiencing exotic things are top of my list. But I also love to hang out at home with my family playing games, taking hikes and enjoying each other's company.  We have a cocker spaniel and we love playing and snuggling with him. I am also a  lifelong girl scout and I volunteer when I can.

Thomas John Speaker, PhD, CSAC, LCSW, LCPC

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

​Education & Credentials

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in Wisconsin

Professional Counselor in Illinois. 

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​Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic

Practice Philosophy
My work focuses on the healing aspect of psychotherapy, during 35 years full time in the field I have worked with clients from age 6 to 80, in rural areas, cities and institutions.  I believe I can help clients achieve the change they want. Improving daily functioning individually, in relationships and at work.
 
​​Areas of Expertise
A wide range of mental health issues including affective disorders, OCD and sexual issues including sex offender treatment. 
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Treatment Specialties
Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Concentration

Adults

Keith Stigler, MS, LPC

PSYCHOTHERAPIST 

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Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Science-BS Carroll College, Waukesha, WI

Masters of Science- MS  Concordia University, Mequon, WI

Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor- LPC 

Substance Abuse Specialist- SAS

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Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic

Practice Philosophy
My goal as a therapist is to improve my client’s quality of life.
 
​​Areas of Expertise
Addictions, high risk adolescents, anger management, communication skills, couple’s therapy, parenting / difference between discipline and punishment, domestic violence, sex offender treatment, sexual / physical / mental trauma, schizophrenia, cognitive disabilities, self-harm.
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Treatment Specialties
Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Based Thinking, Trauma Informed Care

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Board Certifications & Organizations

State of Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor with Substance Abuse Specialty

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Concentration

Adults, Adolescents/teens

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Personal Interests

Love fishing, football, board games, video games, family and friends.

Elizabeth Szalewski, ATR, LPC

PSYCHOTHERAPIST 

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Education & Credentials

Master of Science in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University

Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Benedictine College

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Practice Location
Waukesha Public Schools

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.
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Treatment SpecialtiesI practice from Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential theories. I am also fond of Mindfulness techniques.

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Board Certifications & Organizations

Licensed Professional Counselor

Registered Art Therapist

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Concentration

Children and Adolescents

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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.