Senior Therapists

Madison

Marissa Grooms grew up in Janesville, WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Health Education. "I have always loved working with children!", Marissa says. " I’ve worked in various teaching settings since graduating from college. During my time teaching early preschoolers, I became interested in typical vs atypical child development. This led me to exploring what WEAP had to offer. I love seeing children achieve success on a day to day basis! Every day is rewarding in its own way, and is always an adventure! Marissa is currently working in Rock and Jefferson counties.

Angie Levin grew up in Sauk City before graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Edgewood College in Madison, WI. " I love kids, and a classmate in college recommended that I check out WEAP. I saw an ad in a local paper the next week, and decided to give it a try!". She began work with WEAP in 1999. Angie has nearly completed her Masters Degree in Speech Pathology.

Robin Nelson grew up in Janesville, WI and attended UW-Whitewater. She graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. Robin began working part time for WEAP as a line therapist in July 2000 and became a senior therapist in October 2002. Robin stated that she began working for WEAP because it combined her desire to teach kids with her interest in why people think and behave as they do.  Robin stated “I look forward each day to going to work. I feel such pride each time a child learns something new. It feels great to know that what I am doing can and does make a difference in a child’s life and in the family’s life.”

Stephanie Wille has been working as a Senior Therapist Since 2008. She grew up in Madison Wisconsin and graduated with a BA in Psychology from Lawrence University, in Appleton WI. Shortly after graduating, she began working as a Line Therapist in September 2006. Stephanie has always loved working with children, and especially enjoys working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders because they consistently suprise and delight her with new skills daily. Currently Stephanie works with clients in Dane, Columbia and Dodge county. 

Stephanie L Willing grew up in Janesville, WI. She graduated with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is also certified in American Sign Language. Stephanie began work with WEAP via the Milwaukee Clinic in March of 2007. "one of my professor’s noticed that I had a huge interest in Behavioral Techniques and suggested that I check WEAP out" says Stephanie. "I have loved every minute of my job!"

Kimberly Wunschel (Advanced Senior Therapist) grew up in Delavan Wisconsin and attended UW-Madison, graduating in 2001 with a bachelor of science degree in Human Devlopment and Family Studies. She started working with the Wisconsin Early Autism Project in July of 1999 as a line therapist. When she graduated she became a Senior Therapist. She started working at WEAP because she wanted to work with children and says she has loved it ever since. She has had the opportunity to work with about 43 children and has done out of state workshops in Nebraska and Michigan. Kim says, "It is very challenging and at the same time rewarding every day!"

Eau Claire

Brooke Ahlert has been working for WEAP since 2003. She earned a BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Brooke primarily works in the Hudson/River Falls area where she resides with her husband and daughter. Her favorite part of her job is finding creative ways to teach a variety of skills to children on the autism spectrum. 

Kally Angell began working for WEAP in 2001 while attending the UW-La Crosse. She recieved her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education in 2004. Kally discovered her passion for working with children with autism through her experience teaching middle school. Kally is currently an Advanced Senior Therapist in the Eau Claire clinic. She intends to further her education by pursuing a Master's Degree in Social Work.

Anne Brehmer earned a BS in Early Childhood Education from UW Stout in 1996 and a MS in Human and Community Resources with an emphasis in Child and Family Studies from UW-Stevens Point in 2004. She has been employed with WEAP since March 2003 starting as a Line Therapist and becoming a Senior Therapist in May 2007. Anne lives in Wisconsin Rapids and works in the center part of the state.

Shelley Burrier lives in Bloomer, Wisconsin with her husband Bill and two children, Jakob (5) and Landon (3).  She began as a line therapist with WEAP in 2001 while finishing her BA in Psychology with an Emphasis in Behavior Analysis from UW-Eau Claire. She has been a Senior Therapist since 2005. "I couldn't see myself doing anything else more rewarding. I wish everyone could enjoy what they do as much as I do."

Heather Cross received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2005, and began working with WEAP at that time. As a student she became interested in pervasive developmental disorders, and started working with children with autism. Heather enjoys her work because “the children are joyful, funny and they bring out the kid in me. They amaze me with what they are capable of achieving, and I am proud to be a part of that.”

Sara Gibbs lives in Eau Claire, and has been working with WEAP since 2008. She received her degree in Special Education from UW-Eau Claire in 2006. She enjoys both the challenges and successes that come from working at WEAP. Sara takes pleasure in learning from each and every one of the kids, and their families, that she works with. "Working at WEAP has taught me so much and given experiences that I'll carry with me throughout my lifetime."

Katie Gleason is the Clinical Director at the Eau Claire Clinic. Katie has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Carthage College. She has been providing autism treatment, supervision, and training in Wisconsin for nearly 10 years. She began as a line therapist out of the Milwaukee clinic in early 2000. In the past five years she has trained and supervised staff out of the Green Bay, Eau Claire, and La Crosse clinics. She is also licensed to provide Treatment Foster Care with LSS and enjoys have children on the Autism spectrum in her home.

Erin Junemann is an Advanced Senior Therapist in the Central Wisconsin Region. She has been with WEAP since 2001. Erin received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from UW-Stevens Point with a major in Psychology and a minor in Child and Family Studies. Erin is currently working on her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis through St. Cloud State University. Erin lives in Stratford, Wisconsin with her husband, Kevin and two children, Victor and Lydia

Brittany Schumacher lives in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with her husband, Charles and two English Bulldogs, Brutus and Bella. She earned a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis from UW Eau Claire in 2007. During her time at the university, she worked in the Campus Autism Program as well as in the homes of children with autism. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University. Brittany started working for WEAP in 2008 as a line therapist and started as a senior therapist later that year. 

Cassie Sedlacek lives in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with her husband, Greg.  She began working for WEAP as a line therapist in 2002, shortly after graduating with her BA in Psychology and Public Relations from UW-Eau Claire.  She is currently a Clinic Supervisor in the Eau Claire clinic. Cassie is currently working toward a Masters Degree in Social Work from UW-Madison and plans to be licensed as a Clinical Social Worker. She enjoys working with all the children, their families, and the rest of the Eau Claire clinical staff.  "I truly feel fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people in such a rewarding career."

Loni Smith began working with WEAP in October of 2006 while attending St. Norbert College located in De Pere, WI. Throughout her time with WEAP, she has earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from St. Norbert College as well as her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She was introduced to our organization during a presentation in one of her college classes when a parent discussed autism and how WEAP had changed their lives. “I knew that when I joined WEAP I would be able to achieve one of my life goals: to make a difference in the life of one child. WEAP has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many children and their families. I am very grateful to have such a rewarding career!”

Mariah Tricker lives in Northwestern Wisconsin with her husband, Dan and two children, Makensie (9) and Milo (2). She has worked with the Wisconsin Early Autism Project, Inc. for 4 years and has 8 years of previous experience working with students and adults with developmental disabilities (DT&H, Student Transition Center, ICF-MR, SLS, etc.). Currently, Mariah has her Bachelor's degree in Business Management and has plans to pursue her Master's degree in ABA next fall. 

Kristen Walters lives in Cadott, Wisconsin with her husband Terry  and two kids Dezirea (10) and Austin (5). She earned a BS in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis from UW-Eau Claire in 2005. She worked with the campus autism project while at UW-Eau Claire and started with WEAP in 2007. "I love being able to make a difference in the lives of so many wonderful children!"

Mary Wussow earned a BS in Psychology with a Human Services Emphasis and a minor in Sociology. She graduated from UW Stevens Point in 2006. She has been employed with WEAP since November 2003, starting as a Line Therapist and becoming a Senior Therapist in July of 2009. Mary lives in Wisconsin Rapids and works in the center part of the state. She has a husband and 4 children.

Milwaukee

Renee Bellows is a Senior Therapist at the Milwaukee Clinic. She grew up in Muskego, Wisconsin and has earned a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. She first became interested in autism by an ABA class there. She has been with WEAP since 2001.

Nicole Berlowski is a senior therapist at the Milwaukee Clinic. She grew up in Oshkosh, WI and attended UW-Milwaukee. She has her Master's Degree in Exceptional Education with a focus area in Autism Spectrum Disorder and her Bachelor's Degree in Educational Policy. Nicole has been working for the Wisconsin Early Autism Project since May of 2006. Nicole has experience with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), social programming, play skills, reducing behaviors, daily living skills, social stories, sensory integration, community trips, and video modeling.

Heather Drury grew up in Delavan, WI and moved to Racine, WI during her college years at UW-Parkside. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.  As a part time job that related to her field, Heather began working with her first child at WEAP as a line therapist in August 2000.  She quickly fell in love with the position and began working with more families. Heather has been a senior therapist since 2003. She is currently a part time senior with WEAP as she is a full time mom at home. Heather is grateful for this job saying "It truly is a job that challenges you and rewards you all in the same day."

Laura Hill grew up in Castro Valley, California before moving to Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2003. From there she attended the University of Wisconsin- Parkside where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in 2008, though she had started working for WEAP 2 years prior. "My younger brother has autism and went through the WEAP program", she explains. Laura now lives in Cudahy and plans to achieve a Masters Degree in Speech Therapy.

Heather Ivy-Bania is an Advanced Senior Therapist in our Milwaukee Clinic. Heather grew up in Big Bend before attending the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay. Heather graduating with a BS in Human Development and Psychology. "I started working with WEAP in 2001 as a Line Therapist my last semester of college. I loved it and knew this is what I wanted to do.", Heather explains. "Working with children with autism is such a rewarding experience. Though there are always challenges, I end every day knowing I have made a difference in that family's life."

Melissa Jung received a BA in Human Services from Ottawa University in Brookfield, WI. She began work as a Line Therapist with WEAP in 2005. She first became aware of autism by babysitting her sister's child who is on the spectrum. "I've always been interested in kids and teaching", she says. "I've loved every moment I've been with WEAP".

Linda Klotz grew up in the Milwaukee area and attended UW-Milwaukee where she received her Bachelors degree in Psychology in 2003. Looking for a career working with children, she began working as a line therapist for the Wisconsin Early Autism Project in May of 2003 and enjoyed being a part of changing these children’s lives. In 2006, Linda became a Senior Therapist and cannot imagine doing anything else. She loves what she does, stating, “everyday is different and it’s so rewarding to watch these children learn something new and know that you are a part of helping them do so.”

Cynthia Kmak grew up in Wisconsin Dells. She then attended the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee to earn a BFA in Theater and Visual Arts. She took many courses in Exceptional Education while there. After graduation Cynthia was not satisfied with her job detailing cars. Her sister Julia reccommended WEAP. She decided to try it in 2005. "After my first day I absolutely fell in love with the job." Cynthia keeps in touch with her art roots. She sings, paints, acts and plays saxophone. "I would like to eventually do a study on how theater can help with social skills, especially in Phases 5&6".

Alissa Maki is a Clinical Director at the Milwaukee Clinic. Alissa has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development from UW-Green Bay, and a graduate certificate in Autism from University of New York Albany. She has been providing autism treatment, consultation and training in Wisconsin for over 10 years. During that time she has trained and supervised clinical staff and supervised treatment for children in Wisconsin, as well as Illinois, Iowa, Washington, and Vancouver, BC. She has special interests in newly diagnosed children, pre-intensive treatment consultation, new strategies for enhancing ABA programming, working with more challenged children, and parent and professional training.

Laura Redding grew up in Brookfield before attending Bluefield College in Virginia. She did much research on autism in college and graduated with a degree in Psychology. She began work with WEAP in 2003 and has a special interest in PECS/WECS and Dynavox learning systems.

Amanda Seefeld grew up in West Bend before attending the University of Milwaukee and graduating with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Women's Studies. While a teacher at a daycare provider, she developed a special interest in autism when one of her students was diagnosed. A 4 year veteran at WEAP, Amanda also facilitates the Monday Night Kid's Group.

Leisa Slusher is a Senior Therapist at the Milwaukee Clinic. She grew up in Eureka, Illinois and graduated with a degree in Psychology: Health Studies from Marquette University out of Milwaukee. While attending she did volunteer work with other schools which introduced her to autism. She has been with WEAP since 2007.

Kimberly Turack grew up in Huntington Beach, California. She graduated from Concordia University in Mequon, wisconsin with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in English. While there she took many special education classes. During this time she became interested in autism and began work with WEAP in 2006. "I love working for WEAP. It's amazing to watch kids work incredibly hard every day to learn", she says. "I enjoy figuring out how to help each child succeed because when they do it is very rewarding." Kimberly hopes to pursue her Masters Degree in Psychology and earn her BCBA Certification.

Nichole Van Rite grew up in Waukesha and graduated with a degree in Psychology from Carroll University there. After studying autism in college she began work for WEAP in February of 2006.