Meet the Expressive Therapies Staff

Rachel joined Expressive Therapies in September 2016. Prior to joining the Expressive Therapies team, Rachel lived in North Carolina and worked primarily with the psychiatric population. Since beginning at Expressive Therapies, Rachel has gained experience working with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disorders, individuals in an oncology setting, and individuals who are incarcerated. Rachel continues to be passionate about working with the psychiatric population and seeing how music can have a positive impact on people who are admitted.  

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“I love how music has the power to reach into so many aspects of a person—everything from movement to cognition; from sound production to emotion recognition and regulation—music therapy can be a truly holistic experience!”

Pamela is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist – Member. She joined Expressive Therapies in September of 2017. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a degree in Music Therapy and Elementary Education. She has enjoyed working with clients of all ages and abilities and has recently taken on a new role to provide support and wellness opportunities within the Expressive Therapies team. Pam is certified in SEVA Stress Relief through Soul Lightening Acupressure and Sound Massage I through the Peter Hess Academy. Pam is passionate about helping others lead a healthy, balanced life. 

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"May I live this day compassionate of heart, clear of word, gracious in awareness, courageous in thought,

generous in love." John O'Donohue

Jennifer joined the Expressive Therapies team in January 2018. She is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with degrees in Music Therapy and English with Creative Writing. Jennifer enjoys working with a variety of clients, including: autism, developmental disabilities, hospice, Alzheimer's/dementia, Parkinson's, cancer, anxiety, and homelessness. She is passionate about both music and writing as creative, therapeutic outlets and loves being a part of the Expressive Therapies team!

"Music and language are so unique in their ability to creatively explore and express our individual thoughts and experiences. I love seeing how both outlets provide such incredible means for self-expression, processing, and growth for so many people."

Joanna graduated in 2018 from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where she earned a degree in Music Therapy, with a minor in Dance. Prior to joining the Expressive Therapies team in January 2019, JoAnna worked with children and adults of all ages and abilities throughout her coursework, including those with autism, Alzheimer's/dementia, and various developmental disabilities. She also completed an internship at a children’s hospital in Dallas, Texas, where she got to experience the medical side of music therapy. JoAnna is so excited to be in Wisconsin as part of the Expressive Therapies team!

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“Two of my biggest passions in life are music and helping others. I’m so thankful to be in a field where I  get to pursue them both. There is something so special about making music that is also making a difference in someone else’s life.” 

Angie, a board-certified music therapist, neurologic music therapy – member, joined the Expressive Therapies team in December of 2019. She graduated from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in vocal music before continuing to Western Michigan University to complete the music therapy equivalency program.  She completed her internship through Music Therapy Services of Central Wisconsin, where she offered services to adults and children in Pediatric, NICU, Palliative, Oncology, and Neurorehabilitation units of Marshfield Medical Center. Throughout her coursework, Angie has had experience working with many different populations, including adults with Dementia, adults and children with developmental disabilities, and children with Apraxia of Speech. She is currently finishing her graduate work in music therapy and will be receiving her master’s degree of music therapy in June 2020.

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“Music is an incredible therapeutic tool because it is a part of everyone’s lives and can have such deep meaning so people. It is so powerful, it can change neuropathways in the brain! I feel such joy when I see a client reach a goal, they never thought possible, sing when they are unable to speak, or express themselves in a new way through music. Music has always been a huge part of my life and sharing it in a way that helps someone achieve their greatest potential is incredible!.”

Kim joined Expressive Therapies in June 2020. Kim has earned her Master’s degree in Art Therapy, with an emphasis in Counseling from Mount Mary University in 2020 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Expressive and Therapeutic Arts from Marian University in 2017. Kim has worked with a variety of clients including individuals who struggle with mental health issues and drug abuse, children with disabilities, developmental and physical disabilities, skilled nursing, Alzheimer's, dementia and hospice care. Kim believes that creating art can be used to safely address challenges or topics in our lives. She strives to use arts in various forms to build strong therapeutic relationships with individuals to find a way to express themselves.

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“I believe in the creative arts process to help individuals safely address challenges or topics in their lives.

I have witnessed – through creative arts – individuals were able to feel empowered through art making,

gain confidence in themselves and able to express their own beliefs.”

Debbie Wagner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years experience in the areas of mental health, and drug and alcohol, assessment and treatment.  Debbie has had the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients from teenagers to geriatrics both as a group and individual therapist, and social worker, in the inpatient and outpatient settings. She has direct experience in treating major mental illness, psychotic illness, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, behavior and substance addiction, and assessing risk competency issues. Debbie has served as a provider in addressing medical diagnoses including HIV, cancer, and chronic illness, utilizing a lifestyle medicine approach. 

Debbie is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers - Wisconsin Branch

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" I believe in a strengths-based, client-centered approach, which connects clients and their caregivers with community-based services, working with collateral providers for the best possible treatment outcome. Utilizing the arts in treatment not only supports long-term healing and growth, but provides tools for ongoing progress and stability."

Alyssa is a board-certified music therapist who joined Expressive Therapies in April 2021. Alyssa graduated from University of Evansville in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in music therapy and a minor in psychology.  Alyssa has experience working with groups and individuals in various settings and populations including pediatrics, inpatient mental health, schools, and geriatrics. 

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"" Music acts like a magic key to which the most tightly closed heart opens" ~ Maria von Trapp

Leah became a Board-Certified Music Therapist in 2017 and Neurologic Music Therapist – Member in 2019. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University and is thrilled to be joining the Expressive Therapies team in June 2021. Leah is passionate about the power of holistic health for a truly balanced life. Leah has practiced music therapy with a variety of ages and populations, including hospice/end of life, dementia/Alzheimer’s, physical disabilities, pediatric oncology, pediatric ICU, psychiatry, early childhood development, and individuals with developmental disabilities. 

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“Music is a means of giving form to our inner feelings without attaching them to events or objects in the world ”     – George Santayana 

Sandra joined our team in July 2021. Sandra achieved her Master’s degree in Art Therapy, with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mount Mary University in 2021 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Expressive and Therapeutic Arts in 2018 at Marian University. Sandra is passionate about helping individuals progress and find a better quality of life. She believes in the power of art and creating experiences to promote self-expression and build coping skills within each person’s unique situation. Sandra specializes in fiber, two and three-dimensional art, as well as meditation and movement therapy. Sandra has worked with adults and children, with varied mental health diagnosis, autism, alcohol and drug addiction, and trauma survivors, in groups and individually. 

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“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.." Albert Einstein

Kelsey completed her course work in May, 2020 from Queens University of Charlotte. She is completing her music therapy degree at Expressive Therapies as a music therapy intern. Kelsey had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients in individual and group settings while completing her course work. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages with autism, developmental disabilities, Intellectual disabilities, various mental health diagnoses, Alzheimer’s/ Dementia, and cancer patients. Kelsey is looking forward to learning more from the staff and clients at Expressive Therapies.

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“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything” -Plato

Lauren is an Art Therapist who joined Expressive Therapies in August 2022. Lauren graduated from Edgewood College with her Bachelor of Science in Art Therapy. Soon thereafter, she would attend Mount Mary to pursue, and obtain, her Master of Science in Art Therapy with an emphasis on mental health counseling. As an Art Therapist, she utilizes her creativity to support you throughout treatment in a unique way. Specifically, she uses art as a tool to help with introspection as well as expression. Using Art as a vessel for therapy can allow us to become vulnerable and open to change or new ideas. Innately empathetic, Lauren will not only support your inner artist but will help you find a balance within your life. Creativity, safety, support and empowerment are goals she strives to obtain during every session. She has experience working with people from 4 to 91 years of age who live with anxiety, depression, bipolar 1 & 2, substance abuse, severe medical illness, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, dementia, PTSD and trauma. She believes that everyone deserves to be heard, recognized and is worthy of empathy. s.

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“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”- Brene Brown

Molly graduated in 2010 with her bachelor's degree in Social Work. Since then, she has worked with adults diagnosed with restricted cognitive abilities and elementary aged children with social, emotional, and behavioral diagnoses. Molly has a desire to work with trauma survivors and is currently working toward obtaining her clinical license through the University of Green Bay Social Work program.

 

“It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine.” ~ Eeyore

Jamie joined our team as a social work intern in September 2022. She received her Bachelor’s degree in social work from Olivet Nazarene University in January 2019 and is currently working toward her Master’s degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Jamie has experience with
hospice care and case management for adults residing in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs).

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“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Kayla completed her course work in May 2022 from The College of Wooster. She is completing her music therapy degree at Expressive Therapies as a music therapy intern. During her coursework, Kayla has had the opportunity to work with groups and individuals of many ages and abilities. She is excited to continue her education at Expressive Therapies.

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"“Music can be a profound step in the exploration of self, in the conscious act of honest reflection that goes by many

names -- mindfulness, meditation, self-discovery, self-empowerment, and enlightenment.” ~ Amy Camie

Callie completed her coursework in May 2022 at The University of Iowa. She is completing her degree at Expressive Therapies as a music therapy intern. She is from the suburbs of Chicago and is loving the Appleton area already. Callie is passionate about music and working with people and is excited to be an intern at Expressive Therapies.

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"“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato

Melissa has been overseeing all administrative functions as Office Administrator with Expressive Therapies since April of 2018. Along with her Bachelor’s in Accounting, she brings over 20 years of customer care experience, an ability to achieve thorough-ness and accuracy when accomplishing tasks, and a personal passion for art and music. Melissa is a wife, a mother of three teenagers, and a labradoodle. On her down time, she enjoys yoga, working out/running, and being at home with her family.

 

"By combining your passion, your strengths, and personal experiences in your day to day life; not only will you continue to learn new things you will also find positive uplifting moments in each day!"

Laurie joined Expressive Therapies in 2021. She is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh with a bachelor's degree in Applied Math. With 25 years' experience working in a variety of roles providing customer support and leadership, she enjoys helping people. Laurie is married and has two cats. In addition to a passion for quilting, she enjoys gardening, camping, sailing, and spending time with family and friends.

 

""Leave the road, take the trails". ~ Pythagoras

Jo (Joanne) joined Expressive Therapies in May 2016 as the Billing Supervisor.  She has many years of experience working in the mental health field along with billing within the outpatient, inpatient, and day treatment areas.   Jo loves the mission of Expressive Therapies and the benefits it brings to so many people through the creative arts.

 

""Appreciate where you are in your journey, even if it’s not where you want to be. Your destination is still ahead."

Julie joined us in September 2022 as Human Resource Generalist with an associate degree in marketing.   She has over 20 years of experience as a customer care leader as well as human resource support.  She is passionate about helping others succeed as well as Expressive Therapies’ mission

 

I am thankful to work in an atmosphere where you never have to “leave your heart at home”

and your work is your passion. ~Julie

Kandace joined Expressive Therapies in March 2023 as Intake Specialist. She is currently pursuing her associate degree in early childhood education and has previously worked in therapy for children with Autism. Kandace is passionate about music, helping make a positive change in people’s lives and is also passionate about her foster dogs she helps find loving homes for!

 

“Music is the strongest form of magic.” – Marilyn Manson

Autumn joined Expressive Therapies in the beginning of 2023. She was so excited for this opportunity not only because of her love for art and music, but because she loves helping others and the mission behind Expressive Therapies as well. Alongside her love of all thing’s art and music, Autumn enjoys spending time being outdoors, as well as with her friends and family.

 

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.” – Albert Einstein