Aurora Community Counseling

ACC Therapists

When you visit one of our clinics or therapists, you will see we are committed to hosting our customers as a guest in a warm, relaxing and comforting environment. We are a “one-stop shop” with a wide variety of services available to assist with many issues. We are creative, resourceful, understanding, genuine and will “go the extra mile” to assist our customers.

Aurora Community Counseling has licensed mental health outpatient counseling clinics in Wisconsin

Abbey Dieckman, MS, LPC, CSAC, ICS
Ladysmith, Spooner, Siren, and Chippewa Falls offices

Special Interests: Co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health concerns. Individual and group therapy.
Master of Science-Community Counseling-AODA emphasis, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)
Independent Clinical Supervisor (ICS)

Abbey has experience in a variety of settings: inpatient detox, day treatment, intensive outpatient, extended care, and outpatient. Abbey's therapeutic approach is solution focused and strength based. She utilizes the stages of change to meet the individual where they are at. She uses motivational interviewing techniques to assist in change talk, awareness, and personal growth. She assists in the development of emotional regulation and mindfulness skills to promote holistic healing.

Abbey enjoys time outdoors, any and every activity with her children, laughter, exercise, and animals.

Mandi Amundson, LMFT, CSAC

Siren office

Special Interests: Relationships & family, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression & women’s issues.
Specialized training and experience in Trauma-Focused; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy TF-CBT, EMDR, training on shame and its impact on individuals and families, in-home family services and work with youth and family ministry.
Masters Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary
Chemical Dependency Certificate from the University of Minnesota
Certificate in Sexuality and Intimacy Issues from the University of Minnesota
B.A. in Social Work & Student Personnel Services from Moorhead State University

Mandi's work began in the field of chemical dependency in 1977 working in an in-patient setting in St. Croix Falls and then at Hazelden. Her work since that time evolved into a variety of therapy modalities including work in therapeutic foster care programs, in-patient settings, residential programs, in-home therapy and outpatient therapy. Mandi uses a systems approach in working with individuals, couples, families, and organizations.

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Jackie Perro, MSW, LCSW

Spooner office

Special Interests: Working with children and families, adults and adolescents, school services, community involvement
Master of Social Work, University of Minnesota
Master of Pastoral Ministry, Boston College

Using a strength-based and solution-focused approach to therapy, Jackie assists clients in healing from past hurts, processing grief and loss, and deepening relationships. She works closely with parents to address children’s special needs and is an active community member collaborating with schools and other community agencies.

In her free time, Jackie enjoys hiking, kayaking, spending time with her family and spoiling her dog, Zoe.

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James Tangen-Foster, MS, LPC

Virtual only

Special Interests: Depression, anxiety, grief and trauma, PTSD, oppositional defiance and conduct disorders, ADHD, autism, parenting, and couples therapy
Specialized training in Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Licensed Professional Counselor
Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling, Walden University, Minneapolis

James draws upon a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, and the mind/body connection using mindfulness, yoga, and Expressive Arts Therapy. He has worked with adults, couples, children, teens, families, and groups in a number of therapeutic settings, including residential treatment, outpatient clinics, schools, and outdoor education programs such as Outward Bound. He has experience teaching all grade levels and has served as a professor in health and human performance at UW-River Falls.

James is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys rock climbing, kayaking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and hiking in the woods with his English Springer Spaniel, Dexter.

Ted East, MS, MFT, LCSW

Ladysmith office

Special interests: Christian counseling, relationships and families, mediation, crisis intervention, and domestic violence intervention
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family, UW-Stout; Graduate degree in Theological Studies, Bethel Theological Seminary
IATP CSOTP Certification
WAMFT member for 30 years

Ted involves the therapeutic application of empathetic listening, discerning insight, and practical strategies to the situations presented. Together with the client, they seek truth within the context of faith and then learn to apply such truth to daily living. In doing so, it is believed that counseling can be redemptive and restorative.

In his free time, Ted enjoys chainsaw carving, ski patrol, and spending time with his family.

Nancy Campbell-Kelz, MS, CSAC

Phillips and Ladysmith offices

Special Interests: Teens and Adults, AODA Assessments, Functioning Alcoholics in the Workplace, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Crisis, and Corrections.
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
Masters of Education and Counseling – Concordia University-Mequon
Certificate of Substance Abuse Counseling-University of Wisconsin-Madison

Having an eclectic work history including law enforcement, community corrections, and healthcare, Nancy has worked in the mental health field for the past 4 years. Nancy utilizes a wide variety of approaches and treatment for individuals to assist with skill development to aid in recovery for stress, emotional distress, and financial problems related to problem use of drugs and alcohol. Nancy has experience working in correctional settings with community programs, and other settings.

In her free time, Nancy enjoys spending time with family and friends in activities that include hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, and crafting.

Megan Bauer, SAC, IDP-AT

Spooner and Siren offices

Special Interests: AODA Assessments
Substance Abuse Counselor
Certification of Substance Abuse Counseling – University of Wisconsin – Madison

Megan comes to the field of Substance Abuse Counseling with a broad understanding of the effects of substance abuse on our community after working in probation and parole. She realized the deficit of AODA services in our area and wanted to focus on being a part of the solution. Megan is passionate about connecting to her clients, understanding everyone’s individual needs, and tailoring a holistic custom treatment plan for their recovery. She believes change is possible and is confident with support everyone can live their best life.

In her free time, Megan loves thrift and rummaging, then repurposing her finds. She also enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with the people who are special to her.

Jennifer Harder, CSAC

Chippewa Falls office

Specializes in:

Motivational interviewing
Substance abuse treatment
Psycho-education
Trauma-informed care
Works with teens and adults

Jennifer has many years of experience in various counseling settings, including school-based, residential, and outpatient. She utilizes a variety of treatment methods to assist individuals in meeting their goals surrounding substance use. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders of all kinds.

Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs. She loves kayaking and other outdoor activities.

Hayley Petersen, MS, LPC, CSAC

Chippewa Falls office

Special interests: enjoys working with all ages, trauma and PTSD, school-based care, couples, substance addiction, and play therapy
Master of Science-Clinical Mental Health Counseling with AODA and child and adolescent emphasis, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)

Hayley has worked with a variety of populations and concerns: adult residential inpatient treatment, child and adolescent day treatment settings, and family and child-based counseling in an outpatient setting. Hayley has an energetic and warm approach that is tailored to each client's needs. She enjoys helping people find their joy and uses person-centered and problem-solving techniques to help them get there. She has experience utilizing yoga, mindfulness, sensory stimulation, play, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients reach their goals and begin the healing process. Hayley strives to create a positive working relationship with each client that puts them in control of their therapy with supportive guidance as needed.

Hayley enjoys basking in the sun in the summer, warm beverages by the fire in the fall/winter, and hiking and traveling with her family members all year long.

Melody Jorgensen, SAC-IT

Phillips and Ladysmith offices

Special Interests: Adults enrolled in the Price County ISP; AODA; CSP; and Safe Space Advocacy.
Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training (SAC-IT)
Substance Use Disorders Counselor Certification, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, Bellevue University.
Associate Degree in Human Services & Psychology Certificate, NTC.
Experience with providing community support for people living with chronic and persistent mental illness.
Specialized training in the TRUST model that uses Motivational Interviewing, Incentives, and Contingency Management to provide effective treatment for individuals who use stimulants.
Project ALERT series in schools to reinforce the positive message of inclusion and diversity while staying drug-free.

Melody’s approach is holistic in emphasizing the importance of self-care for overall well-being. She is strength-based and provides self-empowering skills to promote recovery and reduce relapse. Melody has worked in the mental health field since 2016.

Melody enjoys kayaking on the river, traveling the United States, and watching the Bucks, Packers, or Badgers. Melody has been married for 33 years, raised three children, and enjoys visits with her two grandkids.

Jessica Kautter, SAC-IT

Spooner and Siren offices

Special Interests: Mental health, substance abuse, veterans, autism, domestic violence/crisis intervention.
Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training (SAC-IT)
Certification of Substance Use Counseling, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelors in Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University.

Jessica has enjoyed working with all age groups, from children to adults, in different settings experiencing mental health and substance abuse disorders. She believes that finding the correct treatment plan for each individual is key to providing and maintaining a successful recovery path. Jessica approaches each situation with compassion and finds the best way to meet the individual where they are in the recovery process. She has a passion for helping individuals who want to brighten their future.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with family, putting together puzzles, listening to music, and creating memories with those close to her.

Danielle Toman, LPC-IT

Eau Claire and Menomonie offices

Special Interests: Young adults, crisis and trauma, anxiety, depression, self-care, brain development, intimacy and sex education, psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Therapy.
Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training (LPC-IT)
Master of Science-Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in crisis and trauma, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Offering services in-person in our Eau Claire and Menomonie office locations as well as in home, community, and Telehealth.

Danielle has experience working in home with young children and families, and most recently as a counselor at a college counseling center doing individual and group therapy with young adults. She also has worked in adolescent day treatment,
community mentoring, group home settings, and in homelessness prevention and educational support. Danielle finds it important in her practice to help aid individuals in identifying their mental and emotional concerns, while exploring their past and how it plays a role in their present life. She is fun and energetic and strives to create a positive therapeutic relationship tailored to each individual within a comfortable and nonjudgmental space. She enjoys supporting and guiding individuals through expressive interventions and empathy, while also modeling behaviors of self-acceptance. Danielle believes that everyone has autonomy within their treatment and that change and healing is a process that is not linear.

Paula Scheffler-Burkard, MS, LPC

Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls offices

Special Interests: Mood disorders, anxiety, depression, grief.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Master of Science-Community Mental Health, Southern New Hampshire University, attended at Madison, WI, Cohort #5
Trained mediator in the State of Wisconsin
Offering services in-person in our Eau Claire and Menomonie office locations as well as in the community and virtually.

Paula has experience in a variety of settings: outpatient, inpatient, in-home, school, county jail, group home, crisis, Community Support Program (CSP), and Comprehensive Community Services (CCS). She provides psychotherapy and psychoeducation to individuals ages 12 and up as well as adults and couples. She uses a person-centered, strengths-based approach to meet people where they are in life’s journey. Paula utilizes a warm, engaging, and non-judgmental approach to teach skills to improve self-esteem, combat depression, engage in problem solving, and manage anxiety.

Paula enjoys adventures with her adorable grandchildren, yoga, hiking/nature walks, traveling, and reading.

Gao Vang, MS, LPC-IT

Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire offices

Special Interests: Adults, adolescents, children, family, psycho-education, solution-focused and self-empowerment techniques.
Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training
Master of Science-Education in Professional Counseling, Concordia University, Wisconsin
Office, home, community, and school-based

Gao is excited to be working with Aurora Community Counseling as a professional counselor in training. She graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in February 2024 with a Master of Science-Education in Professional Counseling. She has been working at Aurora as a mental health intern since August 2023 and has learned many skills to utilize with clients to help them express themselves.

Gao is an effective and empathetic listener. She sees therapy as a way to walk alongside others, providing support and education along the way. She has a bubbly personality and radiates positive energy to everyone in her path. She enjoys helping people find the best in themselves and improve their self-worth. Gao is also dedicated and inspired to guide people to find autonomy and enlightenment within themselves.

Matthew Dux, MS, LPC

Menomonie office

Special Interests: Enjoys working with all ages and all life challenges. Has experience in multiple areas of mental health, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, aggression, ADHD, and substance use.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation with a concentration in psychiatric rehabilitation
Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with concentrations in AODA and children/adolescents
Offering services in person or telehealth in our Menomonie office location

Matt has experience providing individual, group, family, and couples therapy. He has worked in both an outpatient and a day treatment setting. Matthew's primary approaches include Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. As a clinician, Matt believes that therapy should be person-centered and collaborative in order to meet the specific needs of each individual. Matthew strives to be a compassionate provider who is always willing to listen and help clients work through difficult life events.

In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, going on walks or being outdoors, completing projects around the house, and almost anything sports related.

Nathan Carlsen, SAC-IT

Chippewa Falls office

Special Interests: AODA, co-occurring stress and anxiety reduction, and healthy masculinity
Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training
Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire
Offering services in person in our Chippewa Falls office location, as well as in community or telehealth

Nathan has experience with substance abuse counseling in residential treatment facilities in both groups and one on one, counseling with individuals with a variety of backgrounds, including men and women under DOC supervision, histories of trauma, and custody battles. Nathan uses a holistic approach with aspects from client-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. He also encourages self-care for reduction of triggers, stress, and increased general well-being.

Nathan enjoys photography, hiking, snorkeling, running, camping, and traveling.

AdamCade Gilson, SAC-IT

Chippewa Falls office

Special Interests: Adolescents, adults, substance use disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychoeducation
Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training
Associate Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire
Senior at University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, seeking Bachelor of Science in Vocational Rehabilitation with an emphasis on mental health
Offering services in person in our Chippewa Falls office location, as well as in community or telehealth

AdamCade brings a unique perspective to his work as a substance abuse counselor in training, drawing from his own lived experience with addiction. He spent 15 years in active addiction and almost a decade incarcerated before embarking on his journey of recovery. Now, with 10 years of sobriety, AdamCade is passionate about helping others find their path to recovery and a higher quality of life after struggling with addiction or mental health challenges.

AdamCade’s approach to counseling is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focusing on helping clients change their mindsets and develop new coping strategies. He works collaboratively with adolescents and adults to address substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns. AdamCade strives to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences and work toward lasting change.

In his free time, AdamCade enjoys volunteering in the community, spending quality time with his family and friends who have supported him throughout his journey, collecting memorabilia, attending live rock and roll concerts, and of course the Green Bay Packers.

Kimmy Doll, LPC-IT

Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire offices

Special Interests: Working with individuals of all ages, crisis and trauma, alcohol and substance use, group therapy, psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training
Master of Science-Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in crisis and trauma and children and adolescents, University of Wisconsin-Stout

Kimmy is excited to get to work providing counseling services to the community through Aurora Community Counseling as a professional counselor in training. She graduated with a Master of Science-Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from University of Wisconsin-Stout in August 2024. Kimmy completed a year-long internship at Eau Claire County’s outpatient clinic. During this internship, she gained experience conducting individual and group therapy, working with individuals with various mental health disorders, and collaborating with multiple interdisciplinary teams.

Kimmy places emphasis on creating a strong therapeutic relationship through genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding. She focuses on empowering individuals, families, couples, and groups to improve their quality of life, gain autonomy, and reach their full potential.

In her free time, Kimmy enjoys doing anything outdoors, including hunting, fishing, kayaking, rollerblading, paddle boarding, snowmobiling, and skiing. When she isn’t spending time outdoors, she enjoys cuddling up with her kitty Pistachio.

Kayla Petersen, LPC

Spooner and Ladysmith offices

Special Interests: Enjoys working with individuals of all ages, families, and couples; anxiety, ADHD, OCD, grief, personality/mood disorders, women's issues, LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Humanistic-Existential Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor
Master of Science-Clinical Mental Health Counseling, St. Bonaventure University, New York
Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Offering services in person at our Spooner and Ladysmith offices, as well as via telehealth

Kayla's approach is integrative and eclectic to honor and personalize the needs and goals of each individual. She has experience in utilizing Mindfulness-Based, Acceptance and Commitment tools while utilizing the tenets of an Existential approach honoring every individual's journey in creating a meaningful and purposeful life. Kayla also likes to engage in nature therapy, mind-body techniques, expressive arts, narrative therapy, and play therapy. She finds deep joy in helping others help themselves and improve their lives.

Kayla enjoys working towards making every day special with music, being outside as much as possible in every season, reading, meditation, cooking, playing video games, and time with her family.

Erica Tison, SAC-IT

Spooner, Siren, and Ladysmith offices

Special Interests: Substance abuse disorders, individual/group therapy, client-centered counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, adults, adolescents, LGBTQIA+
Substance Abuse Counselor in Training
Associates of Applied Science Degree in Human Services, Northwood Technical College, Rice Lake
Substance Abuse Technical Diploma, Northwood Technical College

Erica is a dedicated and compassionate AODA counselor who is committed to supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse navigate their recovery journey. Her approach is client-centered, focusing on building a trusting relationship and creating a safe space for clients to share their experiences. She utilizes evidence-based practices, tailoring her counseling techniques to meet the needs of each individual.

Continuing her education, Erica is pursuing her Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Social Work at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ. She is committed to ongoing professional development and is eager to expand her knowledge and skills in the field of addiction counseling. Her goal is to empower clients to achieve lasting recovery and improve their overall well-being.

In her free time, Erica enjoys reading a book, going on adventures with her kids, doing puzzles and diamond puzzles, and watching a good TV show.