Achieve Center Team
|
PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENTAL SPECIALIST
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Carol Wesley, MS has been with the Achieve Center from its inception. As Executive Director, she oversees the operation of the Center in coordination with the Board of Directors. In addition, she maintains a clinical practice providing treatment to children and adults with a focus on parent training and marriage and family. |
|
Carol has been a marriage and family therapist for over 36 years. She obtained her Master of Science Degree in 1984 from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She has completed training as a Genetic Contact with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center. She is licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselor. She is also certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Carol’s professional affiliations have been with the Wisconsin Association of Marriage and Family Therapy where she served 2 terms on the Board of Directors 2005-2010 and with the Wisconsin Counseling Association. Her community service is with the Medical College of Wisconsin as a preceptor for medical students, the Marathon County School Counseling Consortium, LENA, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center Community of Practice in Autism.
Carol believes that children make more rapid progress when parents are active participants in treatment and utilize learned therapeutic strategies with their children at home. She views herself as a collaborator with parents assisting children with emotional development and behavior management. Carol strives to assist adults and children with special needs to achieve their maximum potential and to adjust to and to find accommodations for those life challenges which cannot be changed. If in the face of limitations people can find acceptance, they will live a richer more rewarding life and will utilize their strengths to seek opportunities and to achieve their goals.
Carol believes that children make more rapid progress when parents are active participants in treatment and utilize learned therapeutic strategies with their children at home. She views herself as a collaborator with parents assisting children with emotional development and behavior management. Carol strives to assist adults and children with special needs to achieve their maximum potential and to adjust to and to find accommodations for those life challenges which cannot be changed. If in the face of limitations people can find acceptance, they will live a richer more rewarding life and will utilize their strengths to seek opportunities and to achieve their goals.
|
PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENTAL SPECIALIST
With a family centered approach, Katie often works not only with children and their siblings, but also with parents offering direct observation of treatment, inclusion in the treatment process, and coaching in how to implement therapeutic strategies throughout the child's daily life. As a marriage and family therapist, Katie is able to assist parents and the entire family through the process from assessment and diagnosis to treatment. Katie has a special connection with children which allows her to gain helpful insights into them. Children like and trust her resulting in their cooperation and benefiting from the therapy process. She is a respected colleague and an important member of the Achieve Center treatment team. |
|
Katie Brueggen holds a Master of Science Degree from Stetson University in De Land, Florida. She is a Wisconsin licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and designated as a Qualified Professional for the treatment of autism.
Katie has extensive experience utilizing play therapy, applied behavioral analysis, Floor Time, social skills streaming, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group therapy in the treatment of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety and other developmental behavioral disorders. Katie is trained in the use of biofeedback, including neurofeedback, to diminish symptoms of anxiety and improve concentration and attention. Katie has extensive experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and with children with Tourettes. She received training at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) as a tool for comprehensive autism assessments. Additionally, she is a Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) trained professional and is listed by the Tourette’s Association of America.
Katie has extensive experience utilizing play therapy, applied behavioral analysis, Floor Time, social skills streaming, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group therapy in the treatment of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety and other developmental behavioral disorders. Katie is trained in the use of biofeedback, including neurofeedback, to diminish symptoms of anxiety and improve concentration and attention. Katie has extensive experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and with children with Tourettes. She received training at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) as a tool for comprehensive autism assessments. Additionally, she is a Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) trained professional and is listed by the Tourette’s Association of America.
|
BILLING SPECIALIST
As the Billing Specialist, Angel provides a friendly smile to every person with whom she interacts and assists in navigating the challenges of health insurance reimbursement. She is a very cheerful person that is willing to help anyone in need of her assistance whether with a health insurance issue, other billing question, or in need of applying for a discounted fee or free services. Her excellent problems solving skills plus her pleasant personality, makes her the “go to” person for everyone who comes to the Achieve Center |
|
Angel Ellenbecker holds an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and Health Care Business Services from North Central Technical College. She also holds a Technical Diploma in Medical Coding and several Technical Certificates related to health care business and billing. Her experience with computer software and hardware is a great asset to the Achieve Center.
|
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Kathleen’s training and experience as a psychometrist and clinician has provided her with special knowledge and abilities to assess and treat individuals with developmental challenges. Kathleen George-Bol brings a wide breath of knowledge and experience to the Achieve Center and strives to assist all in obtaining their optimum best. |
|
Kathleen George-Bol, MS is a Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She obtained her Wisconsin Professional Counselor Licensed in 2003 and has practiced as a psychotherapist since that time. Kathleen joined the clinical staff of the Achieve Center September 2018.
Kathleen has extensive multi-cultural training and experience across pediatric and adult populations. She is sensitive to the diverse needs of those in her care and the implications of their life experiences and beliefs on the therapeutic process. Through her knowledge and sensitivity, Kathleen assists people with enhancing their self-worth and belief in their ability to modify their lives and to gain the contentment which they are seeking. As an experienced cognitive behavioral therapist, Kathleen has excellent skills necessary for treating adolescents and young adults and assisting them in developing skills to navigate the challenges which life has presented. Through play therapy, Kathleen helps young children to cope with events and situations which cause them distress and to overcome anxiety and depression which maybe outcomes from those experiences.
Kathleen has extensive multi-cultural training and experience across pediatric and adult populations. She is sensitive to the diverse needs of those in her care and the implications of their life experiences and beliefs on the therapeutic process. Through her knowledge and sensitivity, Kathleen assists people with enhancing their self-worth and belief in their ability to modify their lives and to gain the contentment which they are seeking. As an experienced cognitive behavioral therapist, Kathleen has excellent skills necessary for treating adolescents and young adults and assisting them in developing skills to navigate the challenges which life has presented. Through play therapy, Kathleen helps young children to cope with events and situations which cause them distress and to overcome anxiety and depression which maybe outcomes from those experiences.
|
PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENTAL SPECIALIST
Beth is an enthusiastic champion of children and their families who believes in resilience and the ability to change. Her dedication to helping children to reach their greatest potential throughout their development is apparent when she is encouraging a child through her cheer, “Yes, you can and I will help you!” |
|
Elizabeth “Beth” Krueger is a Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor completed her residency at the Achieve Center. She holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from Concordia University and completed her practicum in school counseling at Greenfield High School in Greenfield, Wisconsin, Frank Lloyd Wright Intermediate School in West Allis, Wisconsin, and Maple Grove Elementary School in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
Beth has been previously employed as a behavioral therapist working with children on the autism spectrum. She has extensive experience with children and adolescents and with assisting families with identifying and acquiring allied services important for the wellbeing of their members as a Family Care manager. Her varied experiences help her to bring a unique approach to the Achieve Center clinical team.
Beth utilizes an eclectic treatment approach recognizing that treatment should encompass therapeutic modalities which best reflect how a child learns best and will assist the child in making optimum progress.
Beth has been previously employed as a behavioral therapist working with children on the autism spectrum. She has extensive experience with children and adolescents and with assisting families with identifying and acquiring allied services important for the wellbeing of their members as a Family Care manager. Her varied experiences help her to bring a unique approach to the Achieve Center clinical team.
Beth utilizes an eclectic treatment approach recognizing that treatment should encompass therapeutic modalities which best reflect how a child learns best and will assist the child in making optimum progress.
- With excellent behavior modification, play therapy, cognitive behavioral and group therapy skills, Beth is able to make strong therapeutic connections with children and adolescents resulting in them making progress evidenced by significant improvement in their interactions at home, community, and school.
- Beth frequently incorporates her certified therapy dog, Mocha, into treatment with children who may struggle with emotional regulation, anxiety, or social engagement. Together, Beth and Mocha are often able to assist a child where other therapeutic efforts have met resistance or have been less successful.
BSE Special Education Education Coordinator
Heather Klos will serve as the Achieve Center Treatment Focused Childcare Education Coordinator. Heather holds a bachelor's degree in Education-Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has taught in international schools in both Kazakhstan and Tanzania. She has an appreciation for the cultural diversity of people and the recognition of the universal needs of children for an opportunity to achieve their optimum best and to live their lives to the fullest. Additionally, Heather has worked as a lead teacher in a childcare center and as a paraprofessional in the public schools where she received an accolade for her efforts in providing innovated solutions for accommodating the complex needs of children with challenges.
Heather Klos will serve as the Achieve Center Treatment Focused Childcare Education Coordinator. Heather holds a bachelor's degree in Education-Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has taught in international schools in both Kazakhstan and Tanzania. She has an appreciation for the cultural diversity of people and the recognition of the universal needs of children for an opportunity to achieve their optimum best and to live their lives to the fullest. Additionally, Heather has worked as a lead teacher in a childcare center and as a paraprofessional in the public schools where she received an accolade for her efforts in providing innovated solutions for accommodating the complex needs of children with challenges.
As the Education Coordinator, Heather will be responsible for developing the early childhood education curriculum. She will work closely with the Care Coordinator in ensuring that the treatment goals for each child are incorporated into the lessons and activities each day. Heather embraces the importance of play as a tool for teaching young children and recognizes that children learn best through practicing skills during play. Utilizing creative and innovative teaching strategies, Heather reaches children at their functional level of development and helps them to stretch achieving milestones and goals which will prepare them to enter elementary school.
|
PEDIATRIC SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Jordan enjoys working with young children who face barriers to communication such developmental language delays, autism spectrum disorder, expressive and receptive language difficulties, social pragmatic communication challenges, and speech sound disorders. Her goal is to meet every child where they are at, acknowledging both strengths and challenges, to develop an individualized and patient-centered treatment plan. Jordan believes strongly in developing a therapeutic relationship with children and families. Her approach to therapy is play-based and interactive. She encourages parents and caregivers to observe treatment sessions and provides them with coaching and support for promoting development of communication skills at home and in the community. Jordan greets children and families with a warm smile and celebrates the many small victories that lead up to each child reaching their communication potential. |
|
Jordan Ile received her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Child, Youth, and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. She completed her clinical externship at the Achieve Center. Jordan is a Wisconsin Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist and is completing her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
CARE COORDINATOR
As the Care Coordinator, Maria supervises the clinical care of the children. She is responsible for overseeing that the children are receiving their prescribed therapies and coordinates services with all the licensed clinicians involved in the children’s care. Additionally, she supervises the Therapeutic Childcare Teachers in their providing exercises and therapeutic activities as directed by the clinicians. Maria collaborates with the Education Coordinator regarding the integration of children’s treatment goals into the daily curriculum. Additionally, she co-directs with the Care Coordinator the daily operation of the Treatment Focused Childcare communicating with parents and ensuring the quality assurance of the childcare operation. Maria recognizes the importance of intensive early therapeutic interventions for the positive long-term outcomes for children.
As the Care Coordinator, Maria supervises the clinical care of the children. She is responsible for overseeing that the children are receiving their prescribed therapies and coordinates services with all the licensed clinicians involved in the children’s care. Additionally, she supervises the Therapeutic Childcare Teachers in their providing exercises and therapeutic activities as directed by the clinicians. Maria collaborates with the Education Coordinator regarding the integration of children’s treatment goals into the daily curriculum. Additionally, she co-directs with the Care Coordinator the daily operation of the Treatment Focused Childcare communicating with parents and ensuring the quality assurance of the childcare operation. Maria recognizes the importance of intensive early therapeutic interventions for the positive long-term outcomes for children.
Maria Myrick is a licensed speech and language pathologist. She has a master’s degree in Communicative Disorders Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Maria has extensive experience with children having served as a speech and language pathologist in the schools as well as previously been a childcare teacher. Her training and experience uniquely position her as the Care Coordinator.
PEDIATRIC NURSE
Rebecca (Becky) Lindner has joined the Achieve Center Treatment Focused Childcare Program as the pediatric nurse. In this position she will oversee the health, safety, and wellbeing of the children. With 20 years of experience in the care of medically fragile children and adults, Becky, is a perfect fit to meet the health care needs of our special children. Becky has advanced certifications in cardiac life support, pediatric ventilation, basic life support, and healthcare quality principles. Additionally, she has advanced training in genetics, genomics, and genethics, chemotherapy and biotherapy, emergency nursing-pediatrics, neonatal resuscitation, and S.T.A.B.L.E. post-resuscitation/pre-transport stabilization.
Rebecca (Becky) Lindner has joined the Achieve Center Treatment Focused Childcare Program as the pediatric nurse. In this position she will oversee the health, safety, and wellbeing of the children. With 20 years of experience in the care of medically fragile children and adults, Becky, is a perfect fit to meet the health care needs of our special children. Becky has advanced certifications in cardiac life support, pediatric ventilation, basic life support, and healthcare quality principles. Additionally, she has advanced training in genetics, genomics, and genethics, chemotherapy and biotherapy, emergency nursing-pediatrics, neonatal resuscitation, and S.T.A.B.L.E. post-resuscitation/pre-transport stabilization.
Becky has a master’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah. As a registered nurse, she has extensive experience across multiple health care settings holding positions in medical oncology, hospice, rehabilitation care, intensive pediatric critical care, and school nursing. Becky is an expert in nursing leadership and management and has a reputation for having a high level of ethical and professional standards. She is organized, detailed, and requires quality and compassion from herself and colleagues who care for children. Becky is dedicated to the wellbeing of children and seeks to ensure that health issues do not interfere with a child reaching their optimum best.
|
PEDIATRIC SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Lou is an internationally recognized authority on services for children and their families; and is a frequent presenter at professional conferences throughout the world. He is the author of five books on children with special needs. He is the author of the Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scale, the most widely used communication assessment scale in use in the world today. He is the founding editor of Infant Toddler Intervention: The Transdisciplinary Journal, and has been named a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. |
|
Louis Rossetti holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Southern Illinois University in Communication Sciences & Disorders (1976), a Masters of Arts from Northern Illinois University in Communications Sciences & Disorders (1972), and a Bachelors of Science from Northern University in Communications Sciences & Disorders (1970).
Dr. Rossetti has provided clinical services for children with special needs for 33 years.
Prior to joining the Achieve Center staff he taught for 27 years in two different university settings.
The Medical College of Wisconsin has Conferred on Lou Rossetti, PhD the Outstanding Medical Student Teach Pins and Letter Award for teaching excellence in the preceding academic year, advancing student learning, and providing added value to the medical student's experience. The Achieve Center is proud to participate in the Medical College of Wisconsin Clerkship Program.
Dr. Rossetti has provided clinical services for children with special needs for 33 years.
Prior to joining the Achieve Center staff he taught for 27 years in two different university settings.
The Medical College of Wisconsin has Conferred on Lou Rossetti, PhD the Outstanding Medical Student Teach Pins and Letter Award for teaching excellence in the preceding academic year, advancing student learning, and providing added value to the medical student's experience. The Achieve Center is proud to participate in the Medical College of Wisconsin Clerkship Program.
|
PEDIATRIC SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Shannon is an experienced clinician providing assessment and treatment for children who have cognitive communication deficits, expressive and receptive language difficulties, speech sound disorders, and social pragmatic communication disorders. Shannon has a special interest in feeding and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. She has received advanced specialized training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. She provides therapeutic experiences both in individual and group settings, with family education and support being a critical component to each therapy session. Shannon believes every human has a fundamental right to communication and safe eating, and she aims to help her patients and families feel empowered to connect and grow. |
|
Shannon Schield received her Master of Science Communicative Disorders degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. She is a Wisconsin Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech and Language Pathology from the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Shannon is certified in American Sign Language through the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She has advanced training in the SOS Approach to Feeding.
|
DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST
Brenda is a gifted teacher whose patient and creative strategies help her students to quickly grasp concepts related to reading and language while assisting them in learning the value and the pleasure of reading. She enjoys seeing the growth in student’s confidence and self-esteem and the pride they experience in their accomplishments. Students enjoy the enthusiasm she brings to the learning process and feel comfort in knowing that she believes in them and will be a trusted advocate. |
|
Brenda Schultz holds a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and is certified as an Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Specialist.
Brenda’s dedication, training and philosophy of parent inclusion help to insure a child’s success. She values the insights parents provide regarding their children. Brenda understands the challenges parents face when their children have special educational needs. With Brenda and parents working in collaboration, children are assured to excel and to reach their optimum best.
Brenda’s dedication, training and philosophy of parent inclusion help to insure a child’s success. She values the insights parents provide regarding their children. Brenda understands the challenges parents face when their children have special educational needs. With Brenda and parents working in collaboration, children are assured to excel and to reach their optimum best.
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Bruce Wendt’s life-long curiosity about the mind and its mysteries has led him to investigate multiple complementary treatment approaches such as meditation, biofeedback, and mindfulness. When appropriately blended with traditional treatment methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, the probability for success of treatment is greatly enhanced. He is a seasoned therapist whose calm and supportive demeanor provides a safe and secure environment for his patients. Long regarded as an insightful mentor by those he has treated, Bruce Wendt is held in high esteem by his patients, colleagues in the community and at the Achieve Center. Now retired, Bruce continues as a consultant to the Achieve Center.
Bruce Wendt’s life-long curiosity about the mind and its mysteries has led him to investigate multiple complementary treatment approaches such as meditation, biofeedback, and mindfulness. When appropriately blended with traditional treatment methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, the probability for success of treatment is greatly enhanced. He is a seasoned therapist whose calm and supportive demeanor provides a safe and secure environment for his patients. Long regarded as an insightful mentor by those he has treated, Bruce Wendt is held in high esteem by his patients, colleagues in the community and at the Achieve Center. Now retired, Bruce continues as a consultant to the Achieve Center.
Bruce Wendt, MSE, psychotherapist/psychometrist, received a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1986. He is licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a Clinical Social Worker and a Professional Counselor. He was previously employed at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Clinics for nearly 27 years as a Medical Social Worker and as an Employee Assistance Counselor.
Bruce was previously employed at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Clinics for nearly 27 years as a Medical Social Worker and as an Employee Assistance Counselor.
Bruce was previously employed at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Clinics for nearly 27 years as a Medical Social Worker and as an Employee Assistance Counselor.
|
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Yvonne Zais is the “hub” of the Achieve Center. She coordinates the behind the scenes activities of the clinical services. She ensures that all the correct documents are accurately completed, compliance standards are maintained, and patient needs are attended. Yvonne is an expert in coordination keeping the Achieve Center humming not only with efficiency but also with her warm and caring personality. |
|
With over 20 years of experience as an administrative assistant at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center, Yvonne's attention to detail has made her instrumental in the maintenance of the Achieve Centers quality assurance program. Yvonne Zais is our go to and can do person who we hold in high esteem and who, at times, causes us to stand in awe.
|
Speech and Language Pathologist
Sally Schmidt is a Speech and Language Pathologist licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. She is also licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as a Speech and Language Pathologist for children ages birth-21 years and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Sally is a certified by The Play Project as a PLAY Project Consultant. She has more than 20 years of experience working in schools and clinics and in providing in-home speech and language therapy. Sally is dedicated to children and their families. She believes that parents play an important role in children’s communication development and actively includes them throughout the course of their child’s therapy. She enjoys her work with families coaching parents in learning strategies to assist their children in communication and social development and in expanding their understanding of child development. Sally utilizes play as an important therapeutic tool. She designs an individualized play plan to actively engage and encourage a child to seek interaction with others and promoting the family to play together. Sally truly is a fun therapist! |
|
Sally Schmidt has practiced in both clinical and in-home settings as well as in the schools collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to assess and treat the multifaceted needs of children beyond a child’s initial diagnosis. Sally seeks to provide treatment options for children with multi-factorial communication disorders. She is sensitive to the strengths of the child and seeks to provide treatment approaches which draw upon those strengths and encourage communication development.