ROSECRANCE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Abbey Lake is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, with doctoral-level training and experience using evidence-based practice guidelines in treating children, adolescents, and adults with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice, specializing in psychiatry across the lifespan, from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Rockford University. Lake is nationally recognized through the American Nurses Association as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She is a part-time assistant professor for Chamberlain University, educating the next generation of registered nurses to provide optimal mental health and fundamental skills of nursing. Lake has over 12 years of experience working with patients and families in inpatient, outpatient, and forensic psychiatric settings. She previously worked in adolescent and adult detoxification programs and served administrative nursing roles at Rosecrance. Psychiatric and substance use nursing has been a long-lasting passion of hers, as she strongly believes that this population is vulnerable to stigma and is often overlooked and undertreated in the healthcare system. Lake works collaboratively with Rosecrance Chief Medical Officer Dr. Raymond Garcia, therapists, primary care providers, and family members/loved ones to advocate for individuals, develop patient-directed and specific goals, and to instill hope in every case. Her core values include individuality, autonomy, advocation, and humor, when appropriate. Through collaboration with the patient and their loved ones, setting patient-specific goals and instilling hope are necessary to achieve optimal wellness and recovery.
Alexis Aney earned her master's degree in mental health counseling from UW-Whitewater. As a therapist, she works toward building a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients by utilizing a person-centered approach along with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and art therapy. This integrative approach allows Aney to empower her clients and help them build skills to help regulate and better understand their emotions. She is interested in working with emerging adults, the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals from various backgrounds. Her clinical interests include exploring sexuality, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, substance use, and trauma.
Alice Daniels enjoys working with adults and adolescents from a variety of backgrounds who present with mental health, substance use, trauma, and interpersonal concerns. She utilizes a person-centered approach to counseling to support clients and their goals in the context of their culture, needs, and strengths. Daniels incorporates elements of narrative therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in her counseling sessions. She believes that healing often starts with developing greater understanding of ourselves and the systems we live in. Daniels earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from UW-Madison and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Capella University. She values inclusion, compassion, mindfulness, and authenticity.
Carson Borbely earned a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology/global health and environment from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a concentration in clinical mental health. She is a Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW). Borbely is passionate about using a strengths-based approach and meeting clients where they are in the present moment. She especially appreciates working with fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Borbely utilizes a blend of modalities, including aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to encourage self-compassion and self-regulation. She also cherishes the opportunity to work with adolescents, couples, and families. Her central values are compassion, balance, community, and peace.
Cindy Webber is passionate about working with adults addressing mental health and substance use concerns. She approaches therapy as a collaborative activity in which both the therapist and the client bring ideas and expertise. Webber practices constructivist psychotherapy, supplemented with tools from dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. The thread between them is fostering change, a movement toward connection with others, a better relationship with thoughts and emotions, and development of a life of intention and meaning.
Cynthia House has the capacity to serve up to 10 women. On-site counselors and recovery specialists help clients build meaningful relationships with positive supports and preserve hope for the future. Services include therapy, 12-Step support, and further development of life skills and positive routines as clients find employment, attend school, or volunteer at local organizations.
Cynthia House is a halfway house that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Job Titles:
- Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Debra Corrigan is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Aspen Counseling, a behavioral health group of Rosecrance Therapies, in Rockford, Illinois, with training and experience using evidence-based practice guidelines in treating children, adolescents, and adults with mental health needs. Her education includes a master's degree in nursing with a psychiatric nurse practitioner specialization from the University of St. Francis, and a bachelor's degree in nursing from St. Anthony College of Nursing. Corrigan has an extensive and diverse nursing background primarily in the outpatient setting. She previously worked in primary care and served administrative nursing roles at the Rosecrance. Through these experiences, she recognized her passion for serving individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. The desire to utilize her skills to provide access to quality psychiatric care led her to the expansion of her nursing role. Corrigan values the uniqueness of each individual and will collaborate to recognize strengths, set client-directed goals, and create hope for achieving optimal wellness.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Rosecrance Connections Counseling
Divya Navi is the Regional Director of Rosecrance Connections Counseling in Madison, Wisconsin. Originally from India, Divya relocated to the United States at an early age to pursue her academic passions. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in biochemistry and emerging global diseases, as well as a master's degree in neuroscience, both of which were obtained from Iowa State University. Navi has held numerous managerial and supervisory positions in various medical offices, including surgery and dermatology, and she was the clinical director for a free primary medical clinical. She is inspired to infuse her compassion and dedication to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives for all since coming to Connections Counseling in January 2023. Navi has an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world around her.
Dr. Ian Powell helps manage outpatient treatment services, including medication management, for clients seeing treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. He earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Powell has worked in the mental health and addiction medicine field since 2001 in settings such as medical hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities, and outpatient clinics. He joined Rosecrance in 2022 and enjoys helping clients achieve recovery from substance use disorders with the aid of recovery medications. Dr. Powell is also passionate about reducing the stigma associated with mental health problems and substance use disorders and helping bridge the gap between mental health problems and substance use disorders when they co-occur. Away from work, he enjoys spending time outside, beekeeping, and coin collecting.
Job Titles:
- Psychiatrist
- Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Leslie Taylor is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in mood disorders, addiction, clinical research, and medication management of psychiatric disorders. Dr. Taylor is a pioneer in guiding FDA-approved TMS treatment at Connections Counseling, a behavioral health group of Rosecrance Therapies, in Madison, Wisconsin. She has over 25 years of experience treating adults and adolescents.
Job Titles:
- Chief Medical Officer, Addictionologist
Dr. Raymond Garcia oversees all medical operations for Rosecrance Behavioral Health. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology, licensed in Illinois, a member of the Illinois Psychiatric Society, and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Garcia is also a board-certified Addictionologist by the American Board of Addiction Medicine, ABAM. Dr. Garcia is on faculty at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, where he has received the Golden Apple, Mentor of the Year, and Distinguished Teaching Awards. He joined Rosecrance in 2009.
Job Titles:
- Physician
- Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Yee Xiong is a board-certified psychiatrist with an addiction specialty who earned her medical degree during an addiction MD fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Xiong provides psychiatry via telehealth only.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Holly Brun is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Marquette University. She has worked in the behavioral health field since 2010 and has experience treating individuals throughout the lifespan in various settings, including jails, hospitals, residential facilities, outpatient centers, and crisis centers. Brun is experienced in providing individual, group, and family therapy, as well as crisis intervention services. She has specializations in trauma-focused therapies and pediatric mental health and has many years of experience working with children and adolescents who deal with trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, ADHD, and autism. Brun enjoys utilizing art and play in therapy to foster connection and teach therapeutic principles. She acknowledges each client as their own unique self and, while always leading with compassion, empathy, and a bit of humor, tailors an integrated therapeutic approach to each person's individual needs. Brun believes in empowering each client to identify what positive change and growth looks like for him/her/themselves and supports her clients to embrace this change to truly bloom wherever they are planted.
"Wellbeing is fundamentally no different than learning to play the cello. If one practices the skills of wellbeing, one will get better at it." -Dr. Richard Davidson Connecting with another person, addressing your feelings, and focusing on skills that can produce greater life satisfaction is what this therapeutic experience is ideally all about. Jason Plesh's style is person-centered and solution-focused, and he strives to be a trusted support while collaborating to identify areas in your life that can be improved with practice. Although difficult, if you want to realize change (or play the cello), you can.
Jennifer Olson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). She earned her master's degree in applied family and child studies with a specialization in marriage and family therapy from Northern Illinois University. Olson has experience working with children, adolescents, families, couples, and adults in crisis and with less acute symptoms. She works with clients from a strength-based and systemic perspective. She acknowledges the power of the mind-body connection and incorporates this into her work. Olson works with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders and other mental health diagnoses, self-esteem/self-empowerment, grief and loss, and relationship/family concerns. Her creativity, compassion, and sense of humor help her connect with the people she works with, and she partners with them on their journey of healing, change, and self-expression.
Jennifer Pitzo enjoys working with clients from all walks of life and diverse populations, and believes a holistic approach is important in supporting clients to make lasting changes. She is an EMDR practitioner and is also nationally certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. She serves clients from adolescence to adulthood in mental health and substance abuse counseling and works from a place of cultural humility. Trauma and perinatal care are areas of special interest. Pitzo earned a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling and is a past president of the Wisconsin Counseling Association.
Job Titles:
- Intake Coordinator & Client Care Lead
Jess Grover is dedicated to helping clients in any way she can as our intake coordinator and client care lead. She plays an active role in finding a provider that is a great fit for you and is passionate about creating a positive client experience for all individuals at Connections Counseling, a behavioral health group of Rosecrance Therapies, in Madison, Wisconsin.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers
- Therapist
Kathleen Kruse is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. She graduated with her master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois, where her education emphasized mental health services and program administration. Kruse began her career with high-risk adolescents who had behavioral and psychiatric issues. She has served as the clinical director in two residential facilities, providing services to adolescents and their families. In the last 15 years, she has worked in private practice with adolescents and adults. Kruse has extensive experience and is trained to provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy. She is also a Qualified Substance Abuse Provider (SAP) for DOT client and a Medicare provider. She enjoys the diversity of her work and the opportunity to help her clients address their specific needs. "I consider it an honor to assist others in improving their emotional/mental health, relationships, and quality of life.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Kathy Terzinski is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor, and a fully trained eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. She earned a master's degree from Roosevelt University. Terzinski specializes in trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, addictions, fears, guilt, and a range of life adjustment issues. She works with individuals to help make sense of the past and to understand and neutralize the negative influence it has on present functioning and relationships. By clearing up the "debris" from the past, we can fully focus on being our best in the present and in the future. Inspired by experiences with trauma, Terzinski focuses on learning effective interventions for those traumatized by nature or by other people. EMDR is the foundation on which she helps survivors of child abuse, sexual abuse, guilt, and negative beliefs. She strives to help people fully process and definitively overcome the past.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Therapist
Keo Phasouk is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with clients of all ages in many different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, crisis centers, group homes, and classrooms. She has a master's degree in social work from Aurora University. Phasouk has extensive experience and training in individual and group therapy using many different modalities, such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, and grief therapy. Currently, she works with adults struggling with various mental health concerns and enjoys educating her clients about their mental health diagnosis. She seeks to assist clients in developing healthy coping strategies to manage their symptoms in day-to-day life settings such as relationships, parenting, and occupational and financial stressors. "I enjoy teaching DBT skills individually and helping clients learn to self-regulate their emotions, set boundaries, and manage their interpersonal relationships effectively."
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Recovery Coach
Kim Hurd is a recovery coach and interventionist in long-term recovery, and is passionate about mentoring clients and families to a path of long-term, sustainable recovery through multiple pathways. At Connections Counseling, Hurd has primary responsibility for the Mentorship Program, an essential part of Connections recovery services, connects clients to peer support, hosts sober events and supports IOP services. In addition, she provides intervention services through the ARISE model supporting individuals and families.
Kylee Britton grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and went on to earn dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Her educational background is rooted in the importance of understanding the whole person, not only on an individual level, but also through socioeconomic and intersectional understanding. She has spent her career focusing on interacting with as many demographics of people as possible to create a well-rounded, care-centered clinical approach. Britton has worked with all ages and ability levels. She has professional experience in education and career mentoring, respite care, inpatient and emergency behavioral health, and most recently developed a passion for TMS technology and the notable difference it can make in people's lives. She has an unfaltering desire to learn as much as she can about all things human and believes in the healing power of music, art, and language. Working at TMS Center of Madison allows her to watch as depressed individuals reinvest in themselves and meet tangible goals through the neuroplasticity that TMS treatment provides.
Leah Scanlan oversees daily clinic operations at Aspen Counseling in Rockford, Illinois, and manages the intake and referral process for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and employee assistance programs (EAP). She has 15 years of experience in the mental health field, where she has worked as a case manager and clinician. Scanlan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a master's degree in clinical professional psychology from Roosevelt University. She joined Rosecrance in 2013.
Job Titles:
- Communications Specialist
- Media Contact
Job Titles:
- Substance Abuse Counselor
Lisa Moon is a Substance Abuse Counselor in long-term recovery who began her own sobriety journey with Connections Counseling in 2017. She enjoys working with adults both in individual counseling and group facilitation. As a counselor, Moon strives to help clients reframe their choices and find their unique strengths. She transitioned from a career in speech and language pathology, working in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, and home care settings across a diverse span of age ranges and abilities. Moon is a certified recovery coach and trained yoga teacher, and served as a mentor for several years before moving into her role as a counselor. She enjoys public speaking and has a passion for exploring the intersection of recovery and spirituality. Moon is deeply engaged in ongoing training as a modern shamanic practitioner.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Therapist
Lori Martineau is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. She employs such therapeutic interventions as CBT, DBT, grief counseling, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness techniques. Martineau is experienced in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and stress management issues; she also supports individuals and families in hospice care. She is a graduate of Aurora University. "My goal is always to empower clients and focus on their strengths to help them live their best lives."
Lynn Wheeler has worked in psychiatry for nearly 40 years, primarily in direct patient care but also in nursing administration, beginning as a registered nurse and later as an advanced practice nurse. Her education includes a bachelor's degree in nursing from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Science degree in nursing with a psychiatric nurse practitioner specialization from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She received her American Nurses Credentialing Center board certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in 2010. She has worked in the Rockford area through the years providing mental health care across the lifespan in multiple clinical settings: inpatient, outpatient, residential substance use treatment, and private practice. She has experience working with individuals ages 5 to 65+ with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), trauma, OCD, behavior disorders, and more. Wheeler embraces a comprehensive and collaborative partner-with-patients approach to healthcare with an emphasis on health promotion and risk prevention. She incorporates evidence-based practice with a holistic biopsychosocial approach to clinical management. In her free time, Wheeler enjoys being with her family, friends, and her menagerie of pets. She also enjoys road trips with her husband, especially cross-country touring on their Harley-Davidson.
Margaret Simkins a Mental Health Counselor with more than 30 years of experience working with adults and families. She earned her Bachelors of Arts with a major in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Master of Social Work from SUNY Buffalo. Simkins has counseled survivors of domestic violence in Dane County, coordinated services for families with young children with developmental disabilities, then transitioned to working to improve experiences for children and families involved in the child welfare system. Most recently, she has served as a mental health counselor for adults with severe mental health diagnoses, substance abuse, and complex trauma. She joined Rosecrance in May 2024 and provides individual therapy to clients and also facilitates an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and mental health recovery groups. Simkins ascribes to the wellness and recovery model for both substance dependence and mental health. Her approach is to help individuals not only manage their symptoms, but adopt self care, compassion, connection and long term healing. She strongly believes in working with individuals within their own cultures and contexts and specialize in proven interventions of CBT, DBT, IFS and EMDR.
McKenzie Beyer is a master's-level graduate from the University of Wisconsin's Stout's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She takes a client-centered approach to therapy with an emphasis on building the therapeutic relationship. Beyer has had training in different treatment modalities such as DBT, CBT, ERP, and CPT, and tailors treatment to the specific client. This allows her to meet the client where they are at and allows for different treatment options based on the client's specific needs and goals. Beyer has had additional training in trauma, substance use, and eating disorders. She also has had experience in working with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and PTSD. Beyer is an LGBTQ+ ally, is culturally competent, and feels comfortable seeing people of all ages including adolescents and couples.
Melinda Holt works with clients at Connections Counseling, a behavioral health group of Rosecrance Therapies, in Madison, Wisconsin, to provide in-person medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use and alcohol use disorders. She also provides support to the larger medical team, and assists with medication refills and prior authorizations. Holt earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse (CARN). Most of her career has been spent in behavioral health and mental health, and she joined the Connections team in December 2016. Her recent areas of continued education focus have included trauma, LGBTQ+ treatment, EMDR, and internal family systems (IFS). Away from work, Holt loves to read, do yoga, and spend time with her husband of nearly 40 years, two sons, and grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Nathan Whinnery is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Northern Illinois University and his Master of science in mental health counseling from Walden University. He has been in the behavioral health field since 2002 and has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, and their families experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. Whinnery approaches each client as an individual but always leads with compassion and empathy while utilizing an integrated theoretical approach to fit individual needs. He believes in empowering individuals to embrace their ability to change from within and enjoys using humor and metaphors to bring normalcy and enjoyment to the counseling process. He also serves families in Rockford, Illinois, as a photographer with the Haven Network, an agency that serves families experiencing perinatal loss.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Supervisor
Rob McCreadie is a licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, and a trained Brainspotting practitioner at Connections Counseling, a behavioral health group of Rosecrance Therapies, in Madison, Wisconsin. He has nearly two decades of experience helping adults develop coping skills and expand support systems that foster growth, positive change, and healing. McCreadie performs in administrative, supervisory and clinical capacities, but his passion is direct client care in both the individual and group setting. He has facilitated inpatient, residential, and outpatient groups and continues to facilitate intensive outpatient groups, aftercare groups, and relapse prevention groups. McCreadie has years of experience working with medication-assisted treatment as a tool to help clients achieve their goals. He enjoys working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, self-destructive thinking and behavior, and trauma. His approach is that of a fellow traveler, who meets clients where they are, walks alongside them, and guides them to achieve their goals through the use of evidence-based practices such as crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Brainspotting, and other modalities. McCreadie does not believe that recovery is a one-size-fits-all proposition and is dedicated to helping each of his clients identify and follow the path that best meets their needs. It is also a pleasure to work with affected family members to provide support and education on the physical and behavioral consequences of substance use disorders. He sees himself as an advocate for positive change, healing, and recovery.
Sydney Turner's goal is to create a therapeutic relationship that promotes growth, wellness, and empowerment. She believes you are the expert of your life experiences, and her goal is to assist you in meeting your identified goals in a way that feels natural to you. Turner aims to have an approach that is both culturally sensitive and trauma informed. She hopes to provide a safe space to be able to process difficult emotions, improve communication, and make behavioral changes to foster a healthier way of living. As a therapist, Turner provides an authentic and compassion-focused approach. She utilizes components from cognitive behavioral therapy, relational-cultural therapy, family systems, and attachment-based theories. Turner has experience working with substance use, trauma, anxiety, depression, and body image-related concerns. She provides individual therapy services to adults (18+) via video telehealth and in person.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Therapist
A graduate of Aurora University, Teisha Hoppe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently splits her time between the school setting and private therapy. She has experience working with preschool-aged children through adolescence, adults, families, and couples who deal with anxiety, major depression, trauma, oppositional defiant disorders, ADHD, bipolar, and Autism. Hoppe utilizes various therapy modalities in her work, including CBT, REBT, EBT, play therapy, mindfulness, and grief therapy. She helps her clients develop coping skills and mindfulness techniques to self-regulate and find calm in difficult situations. She also has experience as an adjunct professor in Aurora University's graduate social work program. In her spare time, Hoppe loves hanging out with her puppies while training them to become therapy dogs.
Tim Kauer is a behavioral health therapist who believes focusing on the individual is a key component in his work. He strives to build strong therapeutic relationships with each person he sees, customizing therapy to promote positive outcomes. Kauer's goal is to create an integrative and holistic approach for treatment and healing that promotes lasting change. He is available to support people of any background, but also has a particular interest in anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, PTSD, and other trauma. Kauer earned a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.