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
Debra Nicotera, MS, LPC
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education and Credentials
Masters Degree in Guidance & Counseling, Community
Counseling emphasis, UW Whitewater
Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice- UW Oshkosh
Practice Location
School Services
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.
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!!
Callie Pauc, BA
PSYCHOTHERAPY INTERN
Education & Credentials
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-In Progress
I am a psychotherapist intern, and I am currently in the last year
of my clinical mental health graduate program at Mount Mary University.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, as well as a bachelor’s degree in
social work. My professional experiences include working with those
experiencing adversities such as homelessness, poverty, and experience
intersectionality.
Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic
Practice Philosophy
I take a strengths-based approach when working with people and believe that each person is the expert of their own lives and experiences. I strive to provide a safe space for people to be heard, as well as providing unconditional support for them as they navigate through life and work towards discovering and growing the best version of themselves.
Areas of Expertise
Life stress and transitions, mood disorders
Board Certification & Organizations
Wisconsin Counseling Association
American Counseling Association
Concentration
Adults, ages 18+
Amy Plum, LPC*
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology, Emporia State
University, Kansas.
Practice Location
School Services
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, EMDR, attachment wounds, grief/loss, early childhood neglect, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, family violence, transitional challenges
Board Certification & Organizations
Licensed Professional Counselor
PATH Program Therapist, Whittier Elementary
Concentration
Grade school aged children and their families
Emily Prahlow, MS, MFT-IT
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Practice Location
Waukesha Clinic and Children’s Place
Practice Philosophy
I believe people live healthy and happy lives through connection with other
people. I love to work with individuals, couples and families and use a
strength based, systems perspective when working with my clients. I tend to
focus on past experiences that are contributing to the current problem while
finding the balance of staying present in the moment, and finding hope for
the future. I enjoy walking alongside people as they find their inner peace, confidence and resiliency.
Areas of Expertise
Couples work, families, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety and depression.
Treatment Specialties
EMDR, Gottman couples work, Attachment-Based family therapy, TF-CBT, Mindfulness
Concentration
Children ages 3-11, adolescents transitioning to adulthood, adults and couples, LGBTQ affirming
Personal Interests
I enjoy walking, running, going to the beach, playing board games with friends and family. I love trying new foods.
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, M.S. in Professional Counseling-In Progress
PSYCHOTHERAPY INTERN
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, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Mindfulness.
Board Certifications & Organizations
American Counseling Association
Wisconsin Counseling Association
Concentration
Adults and Adolescents
Julia Shaughnessy, MA, MFT-IT
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Education & Credentials
Master’s Degree: Marriage and Family Therapy, North Central
University
Bachelor's Degree: Communication, University of Connecticut.
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.
Treatment Specialties
Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy
Concentration
Distressed Families, Couples, Children 10 and older.
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.
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.
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.
