Meet the Expressive Therapies Staff

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.” 

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

Jamie joined our team as a mental health counselor in May 2023. She received her bachelor's degree in social work from Olivet Nazarene University in January 2019 and her master's degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in May 2023. In March 2024, Jamie completed 30 hours of training in Trauma-Informed Creative Arts Therapy. Jamie has experience working with various ages and abilities. She believes in a strengths-based and person-centered approach to mental health care.

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

Sabra completed her BA in psychology with a music minor in 2018 at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis where she returned to in 2019 for a second bachelor’s degree in music therapy. After living in central Indiana her whole life, she moved to Oshkosh to complete her internship and degree program. She is excited to meet and work with so many new people and hopes that she can make a difference in the community.

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"Therapists must convey to the patient that their paramount task is to build a relationship

together that will itself become the agent of change.” ~ Irvin D. Yalom

Ray is an Art Therapist who joined Expressive Therapies in June 2024 after graduating from Edgewood College in Madison, WI, with a Master of Science in Art Therapy. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy in 2019. Ray is specifically interested in contemplative art therapy, believing that art can tap into our instinctual ability to self-regulate and self-actualize through a strong connection between the mind and the body. However, she understands that all clients have specific needs, which requires her to base every therapeutic approach on the needs of her clients. Ray integrates art into every therapeutic approach, realizing that art, music, and movement were our original communication styles well before literacy was invented. Using this expressive approach allows for the whole person to be involved in the therapy session, mind, body, and soul, as they are all interconnected and influenced by one another.

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"You are a function of what the whole universe is doing in the same way that a wave

is a function of what the whole ocean is doing." ~ Alan Watts

Morgan joined Expressive Therapies in September 2023 as a counseling intern and transitioned into her role as a Mental Health Counselor after graduating with her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, emphasizing in clinical mental health. During her journey, Morgan developed a profound passion for supporting individuals dealing with grief and loss, as well as supporting clients in fostering healthy relationships with themselves, their bodies, others, food, and nature. Her dedication to her clients' well-being and her holistic, person-centered approach to therapy ensure that each individual receives personalized support tailored to their unique needs.

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Most human suffering is related to love and loss, and the job of therapists is to help people acknowledge, experience, and bear the reality of life, with all its pleasures and heartbreaks.  -Elvin Semrad."

Leah is an experiential therapist who joined Expressive Therapies in 2025. Leah obtained her bachelor’s degree in art therapy with a psychology minor from Edgewood College. During her last semester, she studied at the University of Legon in Ghana, West Africa where she created art workshops around recycled materials, for children at an NGO school. Post-college, she spent time working with individuals with differing abilities and disabilities. Wanting to add more individualized and accessible art to the community around executive functioning, she started her own adaptive and inclusive art workshops through her LLC.  Her favorite life practice is the theory of “the art process is greater than or equal to the art product,” as her goal is to share the benefits of art-making and art as a therapeutic outlet to any and all populations.

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“Art is the way we tell the collective story of all humanity, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways we connect with one another here on earth. To deprive ourselves of this connection is shortsighted and costly. To ignore art is to deprive ourselves of all the light.” -Laura Lynne Jackson

Joshua learned English as a secondary form of communication, after being initially introduced to the language of music at an early age. As a new intern with Expressive Therapies since May of 2025, he loves the people he works with- both staff and clients. Everyone offers individual insights and he is excited to grow from such a team with diverse perspectives, talents, and training in educational backgrounds different from his own, like Art Therapy. Joshua is quite fond of foreign languages, computer programming, and animals in their natural environs. He also loves to read a wide variety of books in genres ranging from romance and space opera, to high fantasy and philosophy. Someday he dreams to move to Czechia with his wife and visit the Lemberk Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague.

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"People are my religion, because I believe in them. People are my enemies and people are my friends. Yet I have faith in my fellow man, and I only hope that he has faith in me." ~ A.J.J.

Elaina joined Expressive Therapies as a music therapy intern in September 2025. Elaina is from Southeast Michigan and completed her music therapy coursework at Eastern Michigan University. Back home, she enjoyed working at a children’s musical theater company, and volunteering as a middle school leader at her church. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, going on walks, watching football, and trying as many local coffee shops as possible. Elaina is excited to learn and grow in her music and clinical skills during her time at Expressive Therapies!

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Natalie is a Counseling Intern with Expressive Therapies through the Master of Social Work program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Natalie completed her Bachelor's of Social Work through the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where she found a love for healthcare social work. Her work passions include serving geriatric populations, case management for individuals living with Dementia and cognitive impairment, and expanding her education into new demographics. Natalie's relevant professional experiences include supervised visitation, hospice & home care, and skilled nursing facility case management. Natalie is looking forward to working with the Expressive Therapies team to broaden her qualification to support individuals of various ages, backgrounds, and needs. 

Melissa has been overseeing all administrative functions as Office Administrator with Expressive Therapies since April of 2018 and has now transitioned into the role of Billing Team Lead. Along with her bachelor’s in accounting, she brings over 20 years of customer care experience, an ability to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing tasks, and a personal passion for art and music. Melissa is also a yoga teacher and reiki master; you can find her sharing her gifts at yoga studios in the Fox Valley and Green Bay areas.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, adult children, and close friends.  Some of her favorite activities are walking her 2 dogs, going to yoga classes, live music events, traveling locally and afar, exploring local restaurants and shops, and spending time at home with her family.

“When you live with an open heart, unexpected, joyful things happen.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

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 and transitioned to the role of Director of Operations/HR.  She has over 20 years of experience as a leader as well as human resource support.  Julie is passionate about helping others succeed and our team grow, as well as Expressive Therapies’ mission.  Julie enjoys spending time outside work with her family and friends.

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

Kendal joined Expressive Therapies in July 2023 as a receptionist.  Along with a passion for music, Kendal loves baking, photography and spending time with her dog, and family. She loves traveling to new destinations and her bucket list includes Hawaii, Italy, and Ireland.

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"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." – Winnie the Pooh

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Amanda joined us in February 2024 as our Scheduling Specialist. She has over 15 years of experience in customer care operations and leadership. Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, friends and cats. She enjoys a great story through any medium - books, tv, film, music, art, and conversation.  Amanda is excited to support our team of Therapists in their service to our clients and to the community!

"“Be so completely yourself that everyone else feels safe to be themselves too.”