Our Counselors

Ann M. Gaylord, MA, LMFT

Ann M. Gaylord, MA, LMFT

Counselor

Locations: Appleton and Green Bay

Specialties: Children / adolescents (ages 5-17), parenting, anxiety / stress, depression, ADHD, anger management, play therapy, trauma / abuse, life transitions, grief / loss, self-esteem, and marital / relationship issues (individual basis only)

Background: Ann’s background includes extensive training and experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. She earned a Bachelor of Science in family resources and human development from Arizona State University. She graduated from Michigan State University with a master’s degree in family studies and completed training in marriage and family therapy at The Family Therapy Training Institute of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Prior to joining ERC, Ann worked with children and families in a variety of settings, including as a forensic interviewer for a pediatric ecology unit, in-home therapist for children with severe emotional disturbances, and support group leader for children and teens experiencing anxiety and depression. Ann has been providing therapy in the mental health field for more than 25 years and has been at ERC since 2023.

About Ann: Ann uses a client-centered, collaborative approach to her therapy practice. Her training includes family systems therapy, Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and play therapy modalities.

Ann likes spending her free time with her husband and son at their cottage on the lake. She enjoys bonfires and get-togethers with her extended family which includes fifteen nieces and nephews. She enjoys traveling to new places, as well as reading and watching home improvement shows.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Cameron Heiman, MS, LPC-IT

Cameron Heiman, MS, LPC-IT

Counselor

Locations: Green Bay

 

Specialties: Anxiety/depression, LGBTQ+, coping skills, family conflict, grief, life stress, life transitions, work/school issues, self-esteem, ADHD and relationship issues

 

Background: Cameron earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UW-La Crosse in 2021, going on to UW-Oshkosh for her Master of Science in Education-Professional Counseling. She joined ERC in 2024.

 

Cameron’s experience in high school volunteering and then working for a nursing home led her to pursue a career as a therapist. “Having the chance to sit and talk with people living there, getting to know them and hearing their stories opened my eyes to counseling,” Cameron said. “There are a lot of people who don’t have anyone to share their struggles with.”

 

Cameron also has experience working with young adults, as an intern for the UW-Oshkosh Counseling Center. “Students were often struggling with mental health on top of the transition from high school to college, moving away from family and friends, and trying to create the next chapter for themselves,” Cameron said.  She has provided behavior therapy for children with autism, including ABA therapy.

 

About Cameron: To help describe her approach, Cameron points to a quote by author and self-care expert Cheryl Richardson: “People start to heal the moment they feel heard.” Building a genuine and honest rapport helps Cameron to tailor her approach to clients’ needs and customize her sessions with them. She often focuses on helping her clients to build coping skills and distress tolerance as they navigate stressors in their lives, such as transitions, relationship concerns, or other issues. She works to build personal awareness to help in creating behavior change.

 

Outside of work, Cameron enjoys spending time in nature, including running, hiking, and kayaking. “I love to be on the water, especially during the summer,” she said. She also enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Cassie Fischer, MSE, LPC, NCC

Cassie Fischer, MSE, LPC, NCC

Counselor

Location: Green Bay

Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Crisis Management, Stress Management, Grief and Loss

Background: Cassie earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a human services emphasis from UW-Stevens Point, where she completed an internship working with people with developmental delays and autism. She continued on to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where she earned a master’s in professional counseling in 2015. While at UW-Oshkosh, she worked for the UW-Oshkosh counseling office and its AODA sanctioning program. During this time, she also completed a year of internship, counseling the elderly at a local nursing home. Cassie has worked at the Family Services Crisis Center in Green Bay and served as a school-based counselor as part of Lutheran Social Services’ PATH (Providing Access to Healing) program, which aims to eliminate barriers to access for mental health services among middle- and high-schoolers. Cassie joined ERC in 2018.

About Cassie: Cassie uses a person-centered approach to working with her clients. “I like to focus on their strengths and help them to use those strengths to work through whatever problem they’re currently facing.” When she isn’t at work, Cassie enjoys reading sci-fi and fantasy, and spending time with her husband, friends and family, as well as her cat, Grimalkin, whose name comes from her favorite fantasy series, The Dresden Files.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Dean Tarasewicz, MSE, LPC, LPCC

Dean Tarasewicz, MSE, LPC, LPCC

Counselor

Location: La Crosse

Specialties: Individual and family counseling, children / adolescents (ages 8+), anxiety / stress, depression, ADHD, anger management, grief / loss, self-esteem, trauma, military veterans, and relationship issues (individual basis only)

Background: Dean graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a master’s degree in school counseling. He also attended Winona State University for a degree in clinical mental health counseling. Prior to ERC, Dean’s counseling experience included school settings and residential mental health. Dean has also worked for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and is a military veteran. His experience has brought him throughout the United States and internationally, but he enjoys staying closer to home in the Midwest!

About Dean: Dean has primarily used solution-focused therapy and cognitive / behavioral therapy (CBT) in his practice. He is a compassionate therapist who understands that each person’s story is unique. He encourages individualized pathways for change, helping clients determine the pathway that best supports their well-being goals. When Dean isn’t working, he likes spending time with family, friends, and his pets. Dean is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys all four seasons from the middle of winter to the warmth of summer, although he’s particularly fond of fall activities.

Pronouns: he/him/his

Diane Sohr, MA, LPC

Diane Sohr, MA, LPC

Counselor

Location: Green Bay, Abrams

Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Anger Management, Stress Management, Older Teens, Trauma

Background: Diane earned her bachelor’s degree in social change and development with a minor in sociology from UW-Green Bay, going on to earn her master’s degree in community counseling from Lakeland University. She worked at Golden House first as a victim advocate and later as a mental health therapist. She also worked with people with chronic mental health issues within the Comprehensive Community Services program of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Diane joined ERC in 2021.

About Diane: Diane prefers using a solution-focused, strength-based, cognitive behavioral approach to counseling. “It’s about getting to know the client, learning what their strengths and goals are, and helping them work toward the change they’re looking for,” she says. In her work at ERC, Diane draws from a rich history working in various industries in the past, including a dairy farm, a cheese factory and the U.S. Postal Service. She decided to pursue counseling after seeing the benefits of it herself.

In her spare time, Diane likes to spend time with her daughters and granddaughters, as well as to read–mostly science fiction. She also enjoys biking and hiking in the beautiful natural areas that Northeast Wisconsin has to offer. “Being out in nature helps me to recharge.”

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Jim Pecard, MSSW, LCSW, CEAP, SAP

Jim Pecard, MSSW, LCSW, CEAP, SAP

Counselor

Location: Green Bay

SpecialtiesAnxiety, Depression, Chemical Dependency, Emotional & Mental Disorders, Marriage, Families & Parenting

Background: Jim joined ERC in 1996 and has a bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire and a master’s degree from UW-Madison, both in the field of social work. He received specialized training in chemical dependency counseling from Hazelden, an international alcohol and drug treatment center. Jim has worked with children in the neighborhoods of Green Bay, as a marriage and family counselor, and as an employee assistance program counselor at Kimberly Clark.

About Jim: Jim most frequently employs a solution-focused therapy model, meaning he works with each client to understand their concerns and develops with them ways to move toward a positive outcome. When appropriate, he’ll point clients toward resources available to them in the community as a part of developing their strategy for solving problems.

In his spare time, Jim is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and working with the Boy Scouts organization. Both of Jim’s grown sons are Eagle Scouts. He and his wife, Holly, enjoy traveling to a cottage on Kelly Lake that was once owned by his grandparents.

Kelly Fabera, MSW, LCSW

Kelly Fabera, MSW, LCSW

Counselor / Director of Clinical Services

Location: Green Bay

Specialties: Children (ages 5+), Individuals & Families, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Behavioral Disorders, Anger Management, ADHD, LGBTQ+, Grief/Bereavement, Couples/Marital, Trauma, Critical Incident/Crisis Counseling

Background: Kelly joined ERC in 2015 and currently serves as the Director of Clinical Services, leading ERC’s team of clinicians. Kelly received her bachelor’s degree from UW-Green Bay with a double major in psychology and human development. She later received her master’s degree in social work from UW-Milwaukee. Kelly has more than 20 years of experience working with clients of all ages in various settings, including as a supervisor at an intensive treatment program for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. She also worked at Family Services’ Crisis Center, CP Center (Cerebral Palsy), and Bellin Psychiatric Center.

About Kelly: Kelly harnesses a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and client-centered and strengths-focused approaches. Kelly believes a positive and supportive relationship is key to the therapeutic process. She aims to provide a space that is compassionate and non-judgmental. “I enjoy helping others in learning to embrace their personal strengths, as well as, learning to have grace and patience towards themselves as they encounter challenges and work towards healing.”

In her spare time, Kelly enjoys traveling, sewing, knitting–basically anything crafty–and being out in nature with her two dogs, a German Shepherd and a Heeler mix. Her guilty pleasure is People magazine.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Kristi Van Ess, MS, LPC

Kristi Van Ess, MS, LPC

Counselor

Location: Appleton

Specialties: Children, Adolescents, Depression, Anxiety, Divorce Adjustment, Families, Parent-Child Relationships

Background: Kristi completed her undergraduate work in psychology at UW-Eau Claire, and she received her master’s degree in mental health and child and adolescent counseling from UW-Stout. Her master’s thesis focused on animal-assisted therapy, and she has used her cats Maya and Boston to assist clients during therapy sessions. She also has employed art therapy and play therapy. Kristi was a lead group therapist at a counseling clinic and has worked as a counselor for outpatient and in-home services. She’s been with ERC since 2007.

About Kristi: Kristi uses a strength-based approach to empower clients. “Rather than being so problem-focused, we look at what kind of tools you already have in your toolbox that we can use to magnify those strengths.” Kristi is a mom with two young children, and enjoys spending time at a family cottage as well as visiting Door County. She’s an avid runner and also practices yoga. She has a passion for using mindfulness in her therapy, strongly influencing her counseling style.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Maria Lundin, MA, LPC-IT

Maria Lundin, MA, LPC-IT

Counselor

Locations: Green Bay

 

Specialties: Anxiety/depression, relationship issues, child/parent relationships, workplace stress, grief, Christian counseling, spiritual/religious perspectives & religious trauma

 

Background: Maria transitioned into counseling from a previous career, having first earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology from UW-Green Bay. After college she moved to Kentucky and worked at a zoo, an animal hospital and with the city of Lexington. Maria’s work led her to build connections with people she interacted with, especially through the animal hospital, and later during her time working as an environmental inspector. “I had a growing interest in helping people,” Maria said.

 

Maria went on to earn her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. She is also a certified “Prepare Enrich” facilitator for dating, engaged and married couples. Prepare Enrich helps foster healthy relationships by highlighting strengths and opportunities for couples to grow.

 

About Maria: Maria finds value in engaging play and art therapy with clients—whether working with children or adults. “It can help people identify their feelings, process trauma, and get in touch with and heal their inner child,” Maria said. “It can also help them understand their vision for their life and help them to move forward.” She also focuses on building the bonds of attachment, whether it’s with children, other family members, or friends. “Joyful relationships help us to heal.”

 

Outside of work, Maria loves the outdoors, including canoeing, swimming, and hiking. “I do have a spiritual life, and enjoy connecting with God through nature, and through journaling and reading.” She also enjoys cooking good food, spending time with family and with her pets.

Nicole Bushman, MS, LPC, SAC

Nicole Bushman, MS, LPC, SAC

Counselor

Location: Appleton

Specialties: Individuals Aged 12 or Older, Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management, Self-esteem, Life Transitions, Grief / Loss, Marital  / Relationship (on an individual basis), Alcohol / Drugs

Background: Nicole completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Lawrence University, and she received her master’s degree in counseling psychology from UW-Madison. Prior to joining ERC, Nicole worked in an outpatient behavioral health hospital providing mental health and AODA treatment to older adolescents and adults. She has also worked in a private outpatient clinic serving adolescents and adults in group and individual counseling. Nicole has been with ERC since 2022.

About Nicole: Nicole works collaboratively with clients to understand their unique story and support their vision of well-being and wellness. “I trust that clients have the answers within themselves to effect positive change, especially when given a safe and supportive environment to speak freely about their experiences.” Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She’s a curious person who likes reading as well as exercise like weight training and yoga to manage stress and work toward healthy living.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Rebecca Hanson, MAC, LPC

Rebecca Hanson, MAC, LPC

Counselor / Director of Customer Services

Location: Green Bay

Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Grief / Loss / Bereavement, Medical Issues, Stress Management, Life Transitions

Background: Rebecca earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2007. She went on to achieve a master’s degree in community counseling from Lakeland College in 2014. During her degree program, Rebecca interned at an outpatient counseling facility which supported adults and adolescents through individual, group, and intensive outpatient programming for mental health and drug/alcohol treatment. Her background also includes extensive experience in the areas of grief and loss through eight years in the hospice field. In addition, she worked at an in-patient mental health facility in the children and adolescent unit. Currently, Rebecca is an EAP counselor at ERC as well as Director of Customer Services. She joined the organization in 2019.

About Rebecca: Rebecca uses an eclectic approach of solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, and person-centered counseling. “It is inevitable that we will all go through a difficult or challenging time at some point in our lives,” said Rebecca. “I hope to provide my clients with a place in which they can share their story, identify their strengths, and find coping strategies to assist them during challenging periods of time.”

Rebecca loves spending time with friends and family, especially her husband and son. She enjoys traveling out West to ski, visiting anywhere warm and tropical, and being up North.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Stephanie Larson, MAC, LPC-IT

Stephanie Larson, MAC, LPC-IT

Counselor

Location: Green Bay

Specialties: Individuals and Children Ages 5-17, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Stress, Life Transitions, Family / Parenting, Trauma, Relationship Issues (on an individual basis), and Play Therapy

Background: Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree in family consumer science with a minor in psychology from UW-Stevens Point and later received her master’s degree in counseling from Lakeland College in 2015. She has worked in a variety of settings, including as an intern at a family center, working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and as an intern for a mental health program supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Her background also includes in-home therapy experience, time working in children and adolescent units at a psychiatric center, and mental health support for a school district. She is currently a counselor in training on the ERC clinical team. Stephanie joined ERC in 2022.

About Stephanie: Stephanie tends to use person-centered and strengths-based approaches to her work. “As a counselor, I want to help people identify the strengths that they already possess by instilling hope, building resiliency, and providing a safe place for individuals to process their experiences, emotions, and thoughts.” Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her husband, son, and daughter. Her hobbies include writing, traveling, swimming, going out to eat, and spending time outdoors.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Business Partnerships Team

Zach Brinkman

Zach Brinkman

Director of Sales and Marketing

Passionate mental health advocate. Approachable relationship builder.

As the Director of Sales and Marketing at ERC: Counselors & Consultants, Zach advances workplace productivity by advocating for a premier mental health benefit. He enjoys building strong partnerships with organizations, making genuine connections with people, and promoting the positive ripple effects of good mental health.

Curt Sculliuffo

Curt Sculliuffo

Account Manager

As Account Manager at ERC: Counselors & Consultants, Curt is the primary point of contact for day-to-day account management support. He’s passionate about mental health and partners with our customers to promote the mental health benefit to employees and their families, helping organizations achieve the ripple effects of good mental health.

 

 

 

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