Our Team
Meet Our Therapists
DEANNA MARINCIC
MSW, LCSW -OWNER, CLINICAL
SUPERVISOR, SPEAKER
Deanna is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist who has been working in the mental health field treating individuals, families, and adolescents for over 25 years with all levels of care. She has worked extensively with teenagers, their families and adult clients with addictions, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, family and couples work, co-parenting, and behavioral management skill building. Deanna’s experience also includes working with individuals experiencing grief, loss, and terminal illness. Her greatest calling lies in helping individuals heal from their past trauma and forge a path of strength and emotional growth. In work with her clients, Deanna utilizes her humanistic approach along with formal training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a specialized treatment modality used to resolve trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy and Family Systems Approach.
Founder of Gals Institute LLC. in 2015 and with a growing team of skilled providers; Deanna launched mental health in schools. Partnered with 9 school districts, access to much needed services for families in the school setting is provided. Deanna and her team provide staff development, district support, school wide initiatives related to resilience building and help schools destigmatize mental health and bridge services to families in the district. As a personal passion project to help families and kids six years and up develop confidence, self-esteem and much needed resiliency, Deanna has created several trademarked prevention and resiliency building workshops, using research based modalities in an engaging interactive multifaceted way to help support the whole family system. In 2017 after the demand for the workshops expanded, she founded Gals On The Go Project foundation that offers these positive impact programs to the community and school settings for no charge with the support of generous donors, fundraising and grants.
Deanna promotes prevention and healing in her work with clients and trains new clinicians in the same way. She was an Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) board member 2013-2014 and President 2014-2016, and proudly awarded the 2017 Woman in Business of the Year by the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce. Deanna continues as an active member of the Oconomowoc and Delafield Chamber of commerce where she collaborates with other like minded business leaders committed to the emotional health of our community. As a sought after presenter, Deanna brings her down to earth personality to educate the community on issues such as socio-emotional adolescent development, anxiety, resiliency building, parenting, and treatment of addictions.
HOLLY KRINGS
MSW, LCSW
CLINIC SUPERVISOR
Holly Krings(she/her), is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist with over a decade of experience as a practicing psychotherapist. Holly’s journey in the mental health field began well over ten years ago, following her passion for understanding human behavior and facilitating healing through roles held in helping professions.
Holly’s expertise extends to working with both individuals and groups, fostering improved communication, emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring, resilience-building, and the development of alternative coping strategies. She is particularly adept at supporting individuals impacted by interpersonal violence and sexual assault, providing a safe and validating space for healing and growth. Holly also serves as Clinical Supervisor at Gals where she aids other clinicians and fosters a community of therapists working to consult, improve and grow.
In her therapeutic practice, Holly employs a versatile approach, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative therapy and Solution-Focused approaches. By integrating these techniques, she collaborates with her clients to address a spectrum of issues including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, anger, grief, self-esteem, and trauma.
Holly’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological Science from Montana State University and a Master’s in Social Work from the esteemed Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. With this educational background, she embarked on a mission to empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges and embrace their inherent strengths.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Holly finds fulfillment in her role as a mother to three young children, an opportunity to practice nurturing and empathy even when there’s total chaos running around her. Her commitment to her values extends into her therapeutic practice, where she aims to create a sense of belonging and support for every individual she serves.
Gals Institute warmly welcomes Holly to our family, recognizing her invaluable contribution to our mission of supporting families and fostering holistic well-being. With her blend of expertise, empathy, and dedication, Holly continues to make a profound difference in the lives of those she encounters, one step towards healing at a time.
Erin Kelly-Fort
MS, LPC / School Navigator Liaison
Erin earned her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from the accredited Mount Mary University. Erin is a National Board-Certified Counselor and completed her further training and 3,000 hours at Gals Institute. Erin’s area of specialty is working with kids ages 6 and up, teens, young adults, and families. Erin has worked with the adoption and foster care system helping children and family work on healthy attachment skills and families navigate today’s challenges. Erin utilizes an eclectic person-centered approach of therapeutic modalities utilizing techniques from talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness with her clients. Erin meets the client where they are at and helps them emotionally process feelings, underlying trauma, divorce, relationship issues, abuse, neglect, anxiety, and depression to achieve the client’s unique goals. Erin’s passion is to support the family system and help families thrive.
CZARINA ENCARNACION
MS, LPC-IT
School Liaison
Czarina is a graduate from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI. with her Master of Science degree in Community Psychology. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor-In-Training (LPC-IT) working towards her full licensure. She is from Illinois and moved to the area after earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Carroll University in 2019. Czarina is passionate about serving the community and various age populations. Czarina works with individuals ranging from childhood to adulthood with various diagnoses. She worked in a residential treatment setting for several years utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) supporting individuals with eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression and strives to continue to use these skills to help clients reach their goals. She believes that a major mechanism of change during therapy comes from the relationship that is developed and fostered between herself and clients and ensures the process is individualized to meet each person’s uniqueness. Czarina utilizes a behavioral approach and draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Traditional Talk Therapy to empower clients. In her free time Czarina enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and traveling.
MICHELE EIMON
MS, NCC, LPC
As a licensed professional counselor, she provides social and emotional nourishment to individuals, couples and families struggling with relationships, life stressors, transitions and health challenges – in other words, all of the joys and challenges of being human. She loves
working with couples in committed partnerships to ease conflict and increase connection, and specializes in issues around sex, attachment and infidelity – a very painful, traumatic experience that one CAN heal from. She also focuses on parents (such a tough, humbling gig!),
and helps them develop healthy, fulfilling relationships with themselves, their children and each other. She has extensive experience in grief, loss and dealing with chronic illness, and companions people on these journeys to a place of hope and healing. She has a client-centered
approach, which means she is committed to working with clients in a collaborative partnership to solve problems, rewrite and expand their inner narrative, and achieve positive change: more enjoyable relationships, more ease and joy in daily life, less stress and strife, and an increased sense of well-being. She enjoys living in the Lake Country area with her husband and two teen/young adult children.
LAURA HEIDEN
MSW, APSW
Laura is an Advanced Practice Social Worker with a background in child welfare, earning hours towards her clinical license. She specializes in working with very young children and their caregivers. Laura strives to build trusting relationships with children so that they feel safe to share (and have some fun!) in therapy sessions. She works with children to develop self-regulation skills and gain confidence in their ability to cope with intense feelings. Laura is passionate about partnering with the guardians of her young clients and considers the caregiver-child relationship critical to mental health in early childhood. Laura earned her MSW at the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at UW-Madison in 2017. Prior to joining Gals Institute in 2023, Laura worked as a child protection social worker in Dane County. Laura’s educational background and experience includes working with families in crisis, strengthening family systems, and adjusting the child’s environment to promote overall wellbeing. Her therapeutic approach with young children employs evidence-based tools to address current challenges and build a strong social-emotional foundation at an early age.
Laura lives in Brookfield with her family. She loves many of the same things that she did when she was little – climbing trees, playing sports, and eating chocolate cupcakes. If she wasn’t a therapist, she would be an arborist!
ALISSA DARIN
MA, LPC, NBCT
Alissa Darin is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Education and Kinesiology. She received her Master’s in Counseling from Marquette University. Alissa has spent the past 20 years serving in the field of education as a teacher, school counselor, and administrator. She holds her National Boards for Professional Teaching in the area of School Counseling and completed her 3,000 hours at Gals Institute as a Licensed Professional Counselor – In Training. Alissa’s focus is in helping adolescents, young adults, adults, couples and families mental health needs by using Solution-focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and a family systems approach. She works with individuals ages 10 and up, couples and families that struggle with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance use and addiction, marital struggles, blending of families, failure to launch and sports injuries. Additionally, she is a Love and Logic facilitator and promotes prevention as a speaker for parent groups, conferences and agencies focusing on mental health topics, parenting and drug/alcohol use issues.
JESSICA BENDER
MS, LPC, SAC
Jessica is a dual licensed therapist (LPC, SAC) specializing in working with children, adolescents and their families. She has experience in helping individuals struggling with issues related to anxiety, ADHD, depression, substance use and trauma. Jessica utilizes aspects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT) and Positive Psychology through her strengths-based and collaborative approach. Having worked with individuals in various settings including hospitals, day treatment programs, foster care and higher education, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge and skill. She enjoys working with clients to help them meet their goals and improve their overall well-being.
TAYLOR CROUSE
MS, NCC, LPC-IT
Taylor is a 2021 graduate of Mount Mary University with her Master of Science Degree in Professional Counseling, with school counseling and clinical mental health counseling concentrations. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training (LPC-IT) working towards full licensure. Taylor completed two school counseling internships over the 2019-2020 school year, one at a k-8 charter school in Milwaukee and the other at a public high school in Franklin. Through these internships she gained experience working with students of a variety of ages, working on social-emotional and academic areas, both individually and in groups. Taylor completed her practicum and internship from 2020-2021, where she worked in an outpatient mental health clinic working with individuals and groups ages 6-60 on anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), work/life balance, and trauma.
Taylor works with individuals eight and older, ranging from childhood to adulthood. Taylor uses a person-centered approach to counseling and believes that every individual’s life experience is valuable and deserves to be heard. She treats her clients the way she would like to be treated and emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, as her philosophy is built upon the notion that trust and safety foster vulnerability and change. Taylor believes that each individual is the expert when it comes to their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, making her a guide on your recovery journey. Taylor utilizes a strengths-based approach incorporating aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Bibliotherapy, and Traditional Talk Therapy when adapting treatment to each individual client. She looks forward to helping you see yourself in a new light and grow to reach your desired outcomes. In her free time,
Taylor enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being creative, and bargain shopping.
JAMIE HUENINK
MSW, LCSW
Jamie (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in clinical work with children, families, and adults who impact a child’s growth and development. Jamie received her Bachelors of Science in Child Development & Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013 and her Masters of Social Work from University of Southern California in 2019. Jamie has over ten years of experience working in early and middle childhood (ages 13 and under). Her clinical approach is based on attachment work, play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Talk Therapy. Jamie’s passionate about therapy being client-centered, strength-based, and an outlet for creative expression. Her goal is to meet each child and family where they are at and to create a space that is safe, genuine, and promotes healing and growth.
EMILY BROCKWAY
MSW, LCSW
Emily Brockway is an Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with ages ten and up as well as families. Emily received her dual undergraduate degree in Social Work and Psychology at Concordia University Wisconsin and her Masters in Social Work at UW – Whitewater.
Emily provides a warm, safe and positive environment to focus on yourself. Emily has worked in various levels of care within hospitals as well as in schools to help build self-esteem and find effective coping skills. She has experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, social skills, life transitions, depression, mood disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Emily utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), patient centered and strengths-based approach to help client’s live life to the fullest.
Emily hopes to help you gain coping skills and confidence with her open and non-judgemental approach. I believe in empowering my clients to focus on their strengths and allowing them to grow within a therapeutic environment.
Kelsey Lien
MS, NCC, LPC
Kelsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor who values empathy, authenticity, and a little bit of humor in her therapeutic practice. Kelsey strives to create a safe space for all of her clients to grow, challenge themselves, build resilience, embrace vulnerability, and above all, be heard. Kelsey is passionate about helping kids, teens, and adults feel confident in addressing their mental health needs while also developing the skills needed to continue to facilitate change outside of therapy sessions.
Kelsey received her Bachelor’s in Science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before going on to gain her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Child and Adolescent Counseling Specialization at Marquette University. Kelsey’s educational background has fostered a holistic approach to her counseling style, by drawing special attention to the social justice and intersectional needs of each client.
Kelsey’s clinical experience includes assisting individuals address depression, anxiety, disordered eating, trauma, mood instability, life transitions, grief, and ineffective coping. Kelsey specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. Kelsey is well versed in providing care at the individual, group, and family level; and is able to provide evidence-based care to suit her clients’ unique needs.
ASHLEY LEARNED
MS, LPC
Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. She obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Cardinal Stritch University. In addition to providing individual therapy, Ashley has extensive experience working with eating disorders, anxiety and depression in both Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Program settings. She enjoys working with adolescents, adults and families. Her areas of expertise and focus include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief recovery (including pet loss and bereavement), adjustment difficulties, and interpersonal skill building. Ashley believes in creating a safe space for clients to explore their inner world, and gain insight into their emotions through the use of curiosity versus judgment. Within this process, clients discover their strengths, find meaning, and identify areas in which they would like to improve. Her approach is based on the unique needs and interests of each individual, often taking from elements of several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Somatic Breathwork. Ashley recognizes that seeking therapy can take a tremendous amount of courage, and she believes it is a beautiful opportunity to move towards a more whole and connected relationship with yourself and others.
Kate Daggett
MSW, LCSW
Kate Daggett is a Licensure Clinical Social Worker who has worked with a wide range of individuals within her mental health career. Her objective is to work with individuals, couples, and families to guide them in goal attainment, incorporate more effective coping strategies, and achieve congruence within their own person and interpersonal relationships. Kate has practiced within many different settings including hospitals, day treatment programs, individual therapy, and county programs. She has experience in helping individuals who are struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, negative thought patterns, substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, and interpersonal and familial relationships. Kate received her undergraduate from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She then obtained her Masters in Social Work from the University of Milwaukee. Therapy modalities utilized are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Traditional Talk Therapy.
LYNDSEY LITWIN
MSW, LCSW
Lyndsey is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist who works with adolescents, adults, and families. Lyndsey received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master’s degree in social work from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lyndsey uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness- based therapy, motivational interviewing, attachment-based therapy, and a strengths-based perspective to inform her work with clients. She specializes in working with individuals struggling with communication in their relationships, low self-esteem, negative thought patterns, perfectionism, and stress management. Her primary goal in sessions is to provide a compassionate space that is welcoming for you to share, and to work together in identifying real-life solutions and coping skills to use in daily life. During her free time, Lyndsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, attending concerts, hiking, reading a great book, and dining at new restaurants.
JACOB SCHMIEG
MSW, APSW
Jacob received his Bachelors and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Jacob is a state licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker working on his 3000 hours towards a LCSW license. He has experience working with children, families, and adults navigating conflict, trauma, and “stuck feelings.” He works with families and individuals to craft a personalized plan for healing, growth, and focusing on your needs every step of the way. Jacob specializes in co-dependency and setting boundaries to growth and maintain healthy relationships that create deeper connections that will make positive changes in your life. You can expect supportive but honest and achievable feedback during sessions to attain your goals. Jacob has experience working in day treatment, schools, and outpatient settings supporting clients and with a collaborative approach with other treatment team or school disciplines. Gals Institute is excited to welcome Jacob and excited for him to join our team of providers providing services within our school partnerships for in-school mental health support.
STEPFANIE HEINZELMANN
MSW, APSW
Stepfanie earned her master’s degree in social work at Arizona State University. She is working on the required hours to obtain the LCSW and the SAC-IT to specialize in substance abuse counseling. Stepfanie has a passion for helping individuals heal and understanding the underlying roots to heal and change unhealthy coping. She seeks to understand and come alongside clients she works with on their healing journey. She believes in individualized treatment and knows that it is not one-size-fits-all. Stepfanie has works with children, adolescents, families, and adults working together to find coping skills, self-awareness and the ability to take back their lives. She uses multiple approaches including, DBT, CBT, Brainspotting, person-centered approach, motivational interviewing, and trauma informed care. Successfully helping clients struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression, emotional regulation, trauma, relationship conflicts, as well as youth involved in the justice system and that struggle with behavioral issues. Most importantly, her approach is strength-based and nonjudgmental. Stepfanie strives to meet clients where they are at and empowers you to embrace the you that you can be. Contact Gals Institute today to schedule with Stephanie.
PRYSCILLA BALLADARES
MS CLINICAL INTERN / GI SCHOOL NAVIGATOR
Pryscilla is a graduate student at Alverno college, pursuing a Master of Science degree in Community Psychology. She is excited to join the Gals Institute team to grow as a future clinician. She is a heritage Spanish speaker and has a bicultural upbringing. She has experience in working with youth and young adults and currently advises students in the college setting. Pryscilla looks forward to working with all populations and has a special interest in working with emerging adults, caregivers, couples/partnered people and families. She has a collaborative and non-judgmental approach in working with people and is developing her theoretical orientation with a Family Systems lens. She plans to obtain her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor upon graduation in May of 2024.
MELISA MAROO
ASSISTANT CLINIC DIRECTOR & COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Melisa has worked with children and families for over 10 + years. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and started her career at the Waukesha Head Start. She then moved on to become the Center Director at a daycare in Brookfield, where she implemented curriculums for ages infant through preschool. She also helped launch an extra curricular program within the childcare division. Eventually Melisa transitioned careers, to work for the Brookfield Chamber, where she was able to learn more about the non-profit community and local small businesses.
Melisa’s background in both early childhood and working with small businesses, has served her well in her role with Gals Institute, through her knowledge and experience. Her mission is to continue to grow and foster the partnerships with providers and the local school districts, to help support the children and families in the surrounding communities. Melisa’s true passion is to help others by spreading awareness of the importance on mental health prevention, healing and social – emotional well-being, through the services that we provide.
Jerrica Vaughn
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist
Jerrica is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Purdue University. Her role at Gals Institute, LLC is to provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment (medication and/or non-pharmacological interventions). Jerrica specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression and ADHD in children and adolescents ages 5-21. She uses innovative diagnostic techniques such as QBcheck, a test used to assist with diagnosis and rule out ADHD with objective data. Jerrica believes that medications (when appropriate) in conjunction with therapy can be a powerful tool to improve mental health and get your child back to functioning. Jerrica’s extensive training, passion for mental health, as well as personal experience as a wife and mother have prepared her to provide trustworthy and compassionate care for your child.
Meet Our Nurse Practitioners
Jerrica Vaughn
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist
Jerrica is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Purdue University. Her role at Gals Institute, LLC is to provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment (medication and/or non-pharmacological interventions). Jerrica specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression and ADHD in children and adolescents ages 5-21. She uses innovative diagnostic techniques such as QBcheck, a test used to assist with diagnosis and rule out ADHD with objective data. Jerrica believes that medications (when appropriate) in conjunction with therapy can be a powerful tool to improve mental health and get your child back to functioning. Jerrica’s extensive training, passion for mental health, as well as personal experience as a wife and mother have prepared her to provide trustworthy and compassionate care for your child.
Terri Alm
MSN PMHNP
Terri Alm is a board certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. She has been a nurse for over 20 years, earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alverno College, and her master’s degree from the University of St. Francis. Her role at Gals Institute LLC is to provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment (medication and/or non-pharmacological interventions). We are excited to have her as part of the Gals Institute Clinical team, working together to help our clients on their journey of wellness. Terri’s approach is holistic, and based on the understanding that there is a critical connection between physical and mental health. She believes medication can be beneficial, yet understands medication is not the only tool to be utilized. By providing education and guidance on things such as proper nutrition, sleep habits, physical activity, as well as medication, Terri believes patients can be empowered to make informed choices regarding their health. She looks forward to partnering with patients on their journey to health and well-being.
MELISA MAROO
ASSISTANT CLINIC DIRECTOR & COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Melisa has worked with children and families for over 10 + years. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and started her career at the Waukesha Head Start. She then moved on to become the Center Director at a daycare in Brookfield, where she implemented curriculums for ages infant through preschool. She also helped launch an extra curricular program within the childcare division. Eventually Melisa transitioned careers, to work for the Brookfield Chamber, where she was able to learn more about the non-profit community and local small businesses.
Melisa’s background in both early childhood and working with small businesses, has served her well in her role with Gals Institute, through her knowledge and experience. Her mission is to continue to grow and foster the partnerships with providers and the local school districts, to help support the children and families in the surrounding communities. Melisa’s true passion is to help others by spreading awareness of the importance on mental health prevention, healing and social – emotional well-being, through the services that we provide.
Jerrica Vaughn
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist
Jerrica is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Purdue University. Her role at Gals Institute, LLC is to provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment (medication and/or non-pharmacological interventions). Jerrica specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression and ADHD in children and adolescents ages 5-21. She uses innovative diagnostic techniques such as QBcheck, a test used to assist with diagnosis and rule out ADHD with objective data. Jerrica believes that medications (when appropriate) in conjunction with therapy can be a powerful tool to improve mental health and get your child back to functioning. Jerrica’s extensive training, passion for mental health, as well as personal experience as a wife and mother have prepared her to provide trustworthy and compassionate care for your child.
Meet Our Administrative Team
Melisa Maroo
Assistant Clinic Director & Community relations
Melisa has worked with children and families for over 10 + years. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and started her career at the Waukesha Head Start. She then moved on to become the Center Director at a daycare in Brookfield, where she implemented curriculums for ages infant through preschool. She also helped launch an extra curricular program within the childcare division. Eventually Melisa transitioned careers, to work for the Brookfield Chamber, where she was able to learn more about the non-profit community and local small businesses.
Melisa’s background in both early childhood and working with small businesses, has served her well in her role with Gals Institute, through her knowledge and experience. Her mission is to continue to grow and foster the partnerships with providers and the local school districts, to help support the children and families in the surrounding communities. Melisa’s true passion is to help others by spreading awareness of the importance on mental health prevention, healing and social – emotional well-being, through the services that we provide.
Becky bohrman
Director of marketing
Melisa has worked with children and families for over 10 + years. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and started her career at the Waukesha Head Start. She then moved on to become the Center Director at a daycare in Brookfield, where she implemented curriculums for ages infant through preschool. She also helped launch an extra curricular program within the childcare division. Eventually Melisa transitioned careers, to work for the Brookfield Chamber, where she was able to learn more about the non-profit community and local small businesses.
Melisa’s background in both early childhood and working with small businesses, has served her well in her role with Gals Institute, through her knowledge and experience. Her mission is to continue to grow and foster the partnerships with providers and the local school districts, to help support the children and families in the surrounding communities. Melisa’s true passion is to help others by spreading awareness of the importance on mental health prevention, healing and social – emotional well-being, through the services that we provide.
Mason Batman
CLINIC OPERATIONS & SCHOOL NAVIGATOR
Jerrica is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Purdue University. Her role at Gals Institute, LLC is to provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment (medication and/or non-pharmacological interventions). Jerrica specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression and ADHD in children and adolescents ages 5-21. She uses innovative diagnostic techniques such as QBcheck, a test used to assist with diagnosis and rule out ADHD with objective data. Jerrica believes that medications (when appropriate) in conjunction with therapy can be a powerful tool to improve mental health and get your child back to functioning. Jerrica’s extensive training, passion for mental health, as well as personal experience as a wife and mother have prepared her to provide trustworthy and compassionate care for your child.
