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

Siren and Spooner offices

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.

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Ted East MS, MFT, LCSW

Ladysmith and Phillips offices

Special Interests: Christian counseling, relationships and families, mediation, crisis intervention, and domestic violence intervention.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Master 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.

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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.

Annie Lupo-Gondwe, MSW, APSW

Siren, Spooner offices

Special Interests: Enjoys working with all ages—elementary, middle and high school youth; trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, emotional regulation, family work, play therapy, and school-based services.
Bachelor of Science, from University of Idaho; Master of Social Work, Augsburg University
Experience working with domestic violence survivors
10 years’ experience as a Family Support Worker/Home Visitor

Annie has worked with all ages and in various settings (home, school, office, residential, shelter) and enjoys learning from families and children and supporting them in their environment. Annie uses a strength-based, client-centered approach when working with people and believes that each person knows themselves best. She is known for her real-life, relaxed approach and will do her best to meet people where they are and help them feel comfortable. She promotes the connection between physical and mental health and tries to model that in her own daily life. Annie welcomes clients of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.

In her spare time, Annie enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, camping, gardening, spending time with her family and animals, reading books, cooking, going to sporting events, and traveling.

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 Menomonie 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.

Elizabeth Drews, LCSW

Spooner and Siren offices

Special Interests: Young adults, anxiety, depression, trauma and attachment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Masters in Clinical Social Work, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota
Office, home, community, and telehealth

Liz has extensive experience working with youth and young adults, most recently in residential treatment programs in Wisconsin and South Dakota. She has also worked with youth within school settings. Liz believes in the importance of developing positive relationships while working with people in identifying their emotional states and how past experiences impact their current functioning. Liz strives to create a positive, welcoming environment.

In her spare time, Liz enjoys walking, exploring with her dog, and learning about history.

Lisa Peterson, LCSW

Eau Claire office

Special Interests: Adults, teens, crisis and trauma, anxiety, depression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, grief, adjustment disorders, substance use, and addictions.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Master of Social Work
Office and telehealth

Lisa has worked with a wide variety of children and adults and in a variety of settings, including schools, home, and in office. Her favorite part of the therapy experience is when clients have the "Aha!" moment and connect their own thoughts with their subsequent actions and emotions. Lisa's role as a therapist is helping clients discover their inner strength and to use that strength as a means to healing. Lisa is experienced in working with grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression issues. She provides a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental therapeutic experience with a bit of humor.

Lisa enjoys traveling, knitting, reading, walking her dog, and doing any kind of puzzle.