School Based Mental Health

Kiara “Kiki” Avila received a Masters of Art Therapy with an Emphasis in Community Counseling in 2022. Kiki is a Licensed Professional Counselor and an art therapist in training. Kiki is passionate about working with children of all ages but is especially adept at connecting with young adolescents. Kiki appreciates and respects all cultures, backgrounds, and identities, and ensures that her work with clients takes a multicultural focus. Kiki finds art to be a means of communication for many youth and promotes an environment that facilitates creative healing. Kiki is currently a school-based therapist in the South Milwaukee School District.

Alyssa Boyer, M.S., LPC-IT, earned her master’s degree from Marquette University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Alyssa’s clinical experience has surrounded supporting individuals across the lifespan from diverse backgrounds and a wide range of needs. Her previous clinical focus areas primarily involved anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, social skills training, executive functioning coaching, and self-esteem and identity development. She values treating each child uniquely, from an empathetic and non-judgmental lens, while providing them with the skills and encouragement for growth. To accomplish this, Alyssa values utilizing therapeutic intervention models like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and solution-focused and person-centered approaches. Alyssa emphasizes the need to help children grow into their most authentic selves by recognizing each child’s strengths, identifying their individual needs, and empowering them to feel confident and proud throughout their healing journey. Life can be challenging, and Alyssa is passionate about creating safe, empathetic, and enriching spaces for individuals to be supported during tough times.

Mary Brown (MSW, APSW) graduated with her master’s degree in Social Work with a certification in Trauma informed Care and Substance Abuse in 2019. Mary has worked with children and families in a variety of settings including early child care, ongoing case management through child protective services, community based mental health services and crisis support services. Mary uses a strengths based and trauma informed care approach to therapy. Mary is big on encouraging patience and empathy during the process of growth. Mary is excited to work with children and families in the school setting and to support the children and school staff.

Aleyah Coleman, APSW, MSW, obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She has experience working in outpatient therapeutic settings, and a background in student affairs where she has engaged with a plethora of diverse populations. Aleyah utilizes a combination of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) most frequently. She also incorporates her extensive diversity, equity & inclusion background into her work to build relationships and fulfill clients’ individualized needs. In her current role as a School-based Mental Health Therapist, Aleyah looks forward to fostering an empowering and welcoming environment while providing assistance to students and their families.

Sarah Critchfield, MSW, APSW, earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and gender studies from the University of Dayton and her master’s in social work and certificate in trauma informed care from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

She was a caseworker at a domestic violence shelter at the US-Mexico border, was a long-term substitute teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools, and was a trauma therapy intern at a sexual violence trauma therapy center. Her approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Sarah is driven by a commitment to social justice, mental health, and community support.

Elizabeth (Liz) Davison is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 15 years of experience. Liz has experience working in a variety of treatment settings including intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, school based and traditional outpatient care. Liz is certified in DBT as well as trained in the CAMS suicide intervention. She uses a variety of treatment techinques including:CBT, DBT, TFCBT, ARC, and Motivational Interviewing. Her clinical focus is on clients who struggle with suicidal and self harming thoughts and behaviors as well as those who have experienced trauma and live with dissociative symptoms. Liz believes that change starts when people feel seen and understood on a deep level and she works to partner with her clients to help them better understand themselves and overcome the challenges they may be facing. Liz’s current role is a clinical supervisor for therapists in both Project Thrive and our School Based Mental Health services.

Ann Marie Desmond earned her Masters Degree in Social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Over more than 15 years, she has worked directly with children and families. Her therapeutic approach includes teaching clients new skills and techniques to help them reach their goals. Ann Marie focuses on the inherent strengths of each client and the family unit.

Kristie Fleurimond, MS, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience, focusing on cognitive-behavioral techniques and trauma focused clinical work. Kristie’s background is in residential and community-based programs, emergency room/inpatient settings, and online therapy platforms. Her experience includes direct clinical work with children, adolescents and adults ranging from a variety of ages, backgrounds and mental health needs. Kristie uses a person-centered approach with therapy allowing for full engagement of the person in the therapy experience. Kristie has extensive training in Trauma Informed Care and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her current role is providing clinical supervision and guidance to Wellpoint Care’s School-Based Mental Health Therapists. Kristie is passionate about bringing awareness and understanding to mental health, as well as reducing the stigma associated with seeking help in our communities.

Kaitlin “Katie” Kyle MS, LPC-IT, I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. My goal is to create a warm, safe and compassionate environment for adolescents to regulate, relate and reason. I am dedicated to helping youth, families and their school community with conflict resolution, communication, boundaries, and concerns. My therapy room is a collaborative environment and open to each individual’s unique needs. Within my practice, I utilize evidence-based methods and ascribe to a culturally-humble, trauma informed, client-centered style of treatment. My theoretical orientation is influenced by Attachment Theory, Neurosequential Model, Play Therapy and Narrative approaches to treatment.

Brooke Major, MA, LPC-IT, earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She focused her studies on working with children, adolescents, and families. Since graduating, Brooke has experience working therapeutically with high-risk youth placed in out of home care. She believes working collaboratively with youth, identifying supportive relationships, and building a strong therapeutic alliance are agents to change and growth. Brooke utilizes trauma informed and strength-based approaches. She strives to educate her clients on the impact of trauma and empower them to reach their identified goals.

Allison Mitchell received her MSW with a dual Macro/Clinical concentration in Children & Families from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is a community-oriented and justice-driven social worker dedicated to implementing anti-oppressive practices in both her professional and personal life. In her approach to clinical work, she utilizes the SHARP framework (developed by Dr. Wendy Shaia in 2019), which emphasizes exploring structural oppression, historical context, analysis of role, reciprocity & mutuality, and power to support trauma recovery. Allison has spent her career working in the U.S. and internationally in the areas of education, youth development, domestic violence, and trauma-informed care. She is passionate about supporting youth and their families as they navigate systemic barriers such as poverty, institutional racism, and homelessness. Allison identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community and is dedicated to supporting a thriving LGBTQ community through her work.

Margaret (Maggie) Rauh earned a Masters in Counseling from Mount Mary University in May 2023. Maggie is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training providing therapy in Milwaukee-area schools and Boys and Girls Clubs through Wellpoint Care’s School Based Mental Health Services and Project Thrive. Formerly an elementary school educator, Maggie is excited to be back working with children and their caregivers, this time as a therapist, supporting their mental health and well-being. Maggie uses a person-centered, trauma-infomed approach to therapy with a focus on cultivating a safe, trusting relationship within which the client can recognize their potential and heal.

Jonathan Andrew Seyer LPC-IT, ATR-P, received a master’s degree in art therapy and counseling from Mount Mary University in 2020. Jonathan has a diverse background in residential treatment and community-based programs including inpatient/outpatient services, elder care, crisis response, and school-based services. Jonathan has experience working with communities ranging from children and adolescents to veterans and senior community members. Jonathan utilizes a person-centered approach that focuses on providing a safe space and developing a therapeutic relationship with the individual. Jonathan values the importance of developing a healthy balance within a system of strengths and weaknesses that stem from unique life experiences of the individual. Jonathan mirrors this believe through an integrated approach pulling from practices and theories like person centered, existential, art-psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, PCIT, play therapy, solution focused and crisis intervention, but also values a more structured approach like TF-CBT as needs are presented. Jonathan’s mission is to accompany the individual as they explore personal strengths and meanings within the diverse array of ever-growing thoughts and emotions.

Darlene Shea MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with children ages 3 and older, adolescents, adults, and families. Her experience includes assisting clients and their families with behavioral issues, parenting issues, life changes, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, abuse, social skills, and a variety of trauma issues. The approaches she uses most often include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy with the younger clients. She uses a variety of approaches in her treatment to best meet each individual client’s need. Darlene has previously provided child and family therapy in an outpatient setting and has worked with young children in a variety of settings and roles for over 20 years. She is currently a child and family therapist in a school-based setting in Menomonee Falls School District. She has a passion for helping children and families and truly believes “It takes a village”, family, school, and community resources working together to help children overcome obstacles and reach their fullest potential.

Michelle Stoneburner, LCSW, has over 15 years of experience working with children, youth, and families. She earned her bachelor and master’s degree in social welfare from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Her experience includes helping families with the following: anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, LGBTQ topics, healthy relationships, social skills, anger management and coping with life changes and adjustments. She uses an individualized approach to allow clients to utilize their own strengths and interests in their therapeutic journey. Often utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, psychoeducation, creative activities, movement, and play. She values the importance of building a positive and trusting relationship with clients to help them overcome obstacles and reach their goals.

Jennifer Z. Speed, MS Ed. LPC-IT & SAC-IT is a Licensed Professional Therapist in Training and Substance Abuse Counselor in Training. Ms. Speed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master of Science in Education degree in Professional Counseling from Concordia University. Jennifer has worked with children and families in the Greater Milwaukee and Wauwatosa Areas. Jennifer’s approach to counseling utilizes Cognitive Behavior and Reality Therapies. Ms. Speed has experience in the following areas: trauma, depression, self-esteem, anger, life changes, behavioral issues, parenting, and social skills. Ms. Speed’s approach to therapy is “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”