Meet our Wellness Center Staff

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Sara Braunsdorf, sac-it

Clinic Coordinator, Substance abuse counselor, sac-IT

I have over 12 years of experience working with individuals with varying abilities. My focus is to create a welcoming, motivated, and fun environment for all to enjoy and seek their mental wellness. I also provide 1:1 and group approaches teaching, modeling, guiding artwork, and exploring coping techniques to focus on managing stress, substance abuse, self-esteem, physical and mental health and ultimately cope with mental health symptoms.

  • Service Areas: Brown, Kewaunee

Thomas Feryance, MSE, lpc

therapist

I am the Central and Western Region Mental Health Professional.  I oversee the supervision of the providers that work in the Comprehensive Community Services program.  I have experience in CCS from the provider, county, and state levels.  I also provide therapy services for children and adults.  I have worked with individuals, couples, and families.  I have also run groups for different needs from Dialect Behavioral Therapy techniques to support groups for geriatric consumers.  I use a hybrid of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialect Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered.  I want to make sure our clients receive the most they can out of services to be able to excel in their lives.

Service Area: La Crosse and Stevens Point

Therapists

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AMANDA HIETPAS, MS, LPC

THERAPIST

My focus is on providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and person-centered care. I graduated from Palo Alto University where I received my Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) committed to utilizing evidence-based practices for treating mental illness. I am trained in Trauma Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, as well as incorporate person-centered and strength-based approaches in my practice. Through my training and work, I have provided therapeutic support to both individuals and groups with a large variety of mental health struggles. I have experience working with adolescents and adults from culturally diverse backgrounds. Previously, I provided therapeutic services at a community mental health center, substance abuse treatment facility, and VA hospital. I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking mental health services for the first time and offer a welcoming and informative environment to help take that next step. I have a strong background in completing psychosocial assessments that assist with diagnosing, identifying priority goals, and guiding the therapy process. I believe therapy is a team effort and work collaboratively with clients to develop recovery goals. I am passionate about providing a supportive and empowering environment that builds on individual strengths to promote personal growth.

  • Certifications: TF-CBT, DBT, Telemental Health

  • Service Area: Brown, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Winnebago

Heather Hietpas, MSW, ASPW

THERAPIST

I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work from Walden University in February 2022. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with multiple diagnoses and disabilities. Prior to coming to Innovative, I worked at a day treatment facility and an autism therapy center. As for education, I have a background in criminal justice, psychology, and now social work. I love being hands-on and creative with my clients. I believe in firm boundaries and honesty in the therapeutic relationship. In my free time, I love spending time with friends, family, and my pets.

  • Service Area: Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Shawano

Kara hurst, Msw, APSW

THERAPIST

I graduated with my Master of Social Work in May 2022 from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. I have been working in the human services field in the Brown County area since 2018 when I began working as an advocate with youth in the community running away from home, experiencing homelessness, or at-risk of being trafficked. Next, I worked as a mental health technician in a residential setting with adults who are neurodivergent learning to live independently. Following that, I worked as a youth developmental specialist with youth in a residential setting trying meet their goals while dealing with mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. While completing my master’s in social work I also was able to intern at the University's Pride Center and help educate adults and youth of the community about various LGBTQ+ topics through Safe Ally training and support groups. 

I am passionate about providing services customized to each client that acknowledges their individualism and unique path to reaching their goals. Additionally, I strive to always practice humility and acknowledge each client as an expert of their own life and journey. On a personal note, I spend most of my free time with my dog Archie. We love going on walks, playing at the dog park, and watching all the best shows on Netflix together. Additionally, I love trying new hobbies. For example, I have taken up soap making, cross stitching, and gardening in the past year. For self-care, I enjoy lighting a candle, grabbing a big cup of water, cozying up with a warm blanket and my dog, and reading a good book. 

  • Service Area: Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Manitowoc

Angela renn, MSw, apsw

THERAPIST

I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver in the fall of 2021. I started my career in the human service field working with individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness. I strive to guide others to live their best life based on their individual needs. I love to incorporate nature, games, art, and more into the work I do with individuals and meeting their goals.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. We are a large family with a mix of teens, young adults, and a one-year-old. We enjoy traveling, camping, hiking, visiting extended family, watching movies, and playing games. I love being outside no matter the season, but winter is my favorite. I believe that experiencing new things and places is important for our mental health and personal growth. I also believe those experiences do not have to be far away or cost any money.

  • Service Area: Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Shawano

Mental health Technicians

 

Samantha birr

Mental Health Tech

My passion is to provide positive support for all individuals and guide them with the proper tools to be accepting, confident, and excited about their potential.  I believe in providing a side-by-side modeling approach to empower others to build on their individual strengths and promote personal growth. I am passionate about providing guidance and support to individuals within the community setting. I enjoy working collaboratively, exploring, and identifying goals that build client confidence, utilized in their everyday lives. Currently, I am pursuing my degree in Wellness and Health Promotion to further my mental health career. I am excited to work with all ages and demographics who could benefit from my services.  Besides working with individuals, I enjoy being outdoors, doing artsy things, and spending time with others.   

Laila cruz

Mental Health Tech

I am a Mental Health Technician for Innovative Services. I started with Innovative Services in late ‘22. I graduated from Green Bay Southwest High School in ‘20 where I was a member of the Troyettes Dance Team for all four years. I am currently studying psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Green Bay. My passion is providing mental health resources and support to our youth! Some of my hobbies include spending time with my family, painting, hiking, making blankets, and spoiling my cats.   

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Krysta Dickie, BS

Mental Health Tech

I graduated in 2018 at UW-Green Bay with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and a Psychology Minor. I started my career in 2018 with Innovative Services as a Youth Behavioral Specialist. I also currently work with youth, adolescents, and adults throughout the company. I provide a safe and fun environment for individuals as we work on healthy coping and daily living skills, as well as mental wellness. I have a passion for helping others and seeing them succeed in reaching their goals. 

  • Service Area: Brown, Kewaunee & Manitowoc

Eddiberto (Eddi) flores, bs

Mental Health Tech

I am a Green Bay native and attained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UW-Green Bay with an emphasis on the Brain, Behavior, and Health. I worked in the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab at UW-Green Bay and was a research assistant for two years with a focus on resilience in adolescence.  Currently, I am in the process of attaining a Master of Social Work Degree at UW-Green Bay with the direction of becoming a licensed therapist. Aside from working in the mental health field, I love to play a variety of instruments and work with film photography.

olivia popke

Mental Health tech

My passion is to provide the youth population with applicable tools to help them thrive by offering guidance, encouragement, and support to strengthen their mental wellbeing. My mission is to empower youth to reach their fullest potential in an interactive and engaging environment, so they can rise above the challenges and hardships they may face. I enjoy working in a setting that allows clients to feel safe, accepted, and supported as they strive to achieve their goals and get their needs met. I love to engage clients in art projects, facilitate educational activities that relate to their goals, and participate in outdoor activities. Currently, I have my Associates Degree in Human Services and Substance Abuse Counseling. I am continuing my education at the University of Green Bay to earn my Bachelor's in Social Work.  

Nicole Przybylski

Mental Health Tech

I am currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Science of Psychology. I like to play softball and volleyball. In my free time, I like to make friendship bracelets or go for hikes. I started my career with Innovative Services in 2021 as a Mental Health Technician working with both youth and adults to help develop daily living skills. I provide a fun and safe environment while working with an individual to build on their skills. I have a passion for supporting others and guiding them to be confident and see the potential in themselves.

 Service Areas: Brown, Door, Shawano, and Kewaunee

Tanisha VandenLangenberg

Mental Health Tech

I am currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health and a Minor in Organizational Leadership. In my free time, I enjoy backpacking, hiking, going to the gym, and, of course, catching up on the latest Netflix shows. I am passionate about cultivating a safe and accepting environment for my clients that allows their individuality to shine while providing them with the support and modeling necessary for them to achieve their goals.

Yer Yang, BS

Mental Health Tech

I am a CCS provider with Innovative Services. I have been a CCS provider for over two years. I have worked with both children and adults to help them develop new skills so that they can have more confidence going about their daily lives. I believe that the ability to interact and socialize with confidence can drastically improve a person’s life and those around them. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in both Psychology and Human Development. I am married and have two wonderful dogs that love to play all the time. In my spare time, I love to go out and enjoy nature while doing landscape photography.