Therapists

Sarah Nichols, LCSW, Director

Sarah is state licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is the Director at Interconnections. She is a Therapist, Custody and Placement Mediator, and Custody and Placement Evaluator. In her therapy work, Sarah works individually with adults, teens and children to overcome issues of anxiety, depression and stress while emphasizing client empowerment. Sarah also works with couples to improve communication and build trust in their relationships. In her family court roles, she promotes successful outcomes for children by encouraging clients to achieve low-conflict, positive co-parent communication. She is also an instructor of the co-parenting class for the Kenosha County Family Court where she helps divorcing couples find cooperative ways to parent post divorce. 

Sarah received a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Divorce Mediation training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Bachelor's degree with a concentration in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and Parent Coordination Core Training through the American Psychological Association (APA). She has been a scholarship recipient for both the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and Wisconsin Inter-Professional Committee On Divorce (WIPCOD).  She has post-graduate training in domestic violence, parental alienation, high conflict families, cultural fluency, personality disorders, issues in parent relocation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and is state certified to provide Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services in Wisconsin. She is an adjunct professor for George Williams College of Aurora University, helping prepare future Social Work candidates. Additionally, Sarah currently serves as a Board Member for WIPCOD, helping to ensure that professionals working in Family Court  have access to high level continuing education, led by experts in the field.

Jena Cluka, LCSW

Jena is a Licensed Clinical Social worker. She works with diverse populations including adults, children and adolescents. 

Jena has extensive experience working with grief, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Jena believes in using a strengths based approach in order to inspire all clients to identify their own strengths and use them in the therapeutic process. She uses integrated modalities based upon what the client is looking for in psychotherapy. Jena is very passionate about her work as a psychotherapist and is non-judgmental.

Jena received her Master of Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago and her undergraduate degrees of Sociology and Environmental Studies from Ripon College.

Maria Bishop, LPC

As a therapist it is Maria's goal to provide a safe and comfortable environment in which the client can feel comfortable to share. Within this space of safety is where stories are told, and goals are formed for the client to explore and grow. It is within this environment that she feels privileged to come alongside my clients as  she is given permission to step into the client’s world and to journey with them. As clients move through the varying changes in emotions, cognitions and behaviors and become more in line with living authentically, they identify their values and live authentically from them. As this value driven life is identified and brought forward, she partakes in guiding clients to engage with courage and take hold of personal lifelong changes that offer insight and healing for themselves. 

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As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Maria has experience working with individuals, couples, and adolescents. Focusing on solutions after a thorough assessment of client concerns and history. Maria uses an eclectic range of modalities that include, but are not limited to; Psychoeducation, Jungian Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Childhood Development Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and has pursued advanced training in the following areas: treatment for trauma-related issues, the integration of the body, mindful awareness through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), art and play therapies and adolescent development. Additionally, Maria holds a 250-hour certification in Hatha Yoga (CYA).

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Maria has been engaged as a speaker for motivational events, women’s groups, and conferences. She has coordinated non-profit events that support highly sensitive trauma clients by using the arts as healing. Maria has developed and facilitated a therapeutic group for teenage girls teaching healthy self-esteem through the identification of morals, values, and beliefs that lead to healthy development and choice making. She has experience as an experiential wilderness therapist with at-risk youth and is also Prepare/Enrich Certified for premarital and married couples that assist in the journey and growth of marriage.

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Practice Focus

• Co-dependency and co-addictions

• Issues surrounding trauma, abuse and grief

• Life transitions and adjustments (marriage/divorce/midlife)

• Women and Teen identity issues (health, wellness/self-care)

• Career change and development

• Integration of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process

• Treatment of childhood trauma (specialty sexual abuse)

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Education

M.S. — Clinical Counseling from Mount Mary University

Agatha Mroz, LPC-IT

Agatha received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin Madison before obtaining her masters in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Wisconsin Parkside. She works primarily with individuals and couples to work towards their unique mental healthcare goals. Centering on trauma-related, dissociative, anxiety, and mood disorders, Agatha works from an eclectic therapeutic framework that focuses on providing culturally-competent and trauma-informed care.

She draws her approaches from research-based interventions such as dialectical behavioral (DBT) and acceptance and commitment (ACT) therapy, and incorporates perspectives of person-centered and existential psychotherapeutic techniques. Agatha believes the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, and therefore works towards helping clients re-construct their personal narratives towards ones that empower rather than stifle and generate compassion rather than self-hatred. 

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Outside the office Agatha enjoys hiking around nature trails and curling up on the couch with a good novel or horror movie.

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Nadia Czarniak, APSW, CSAC, ICS

Nadia is dually licensed as an Advanced Practice Social Worker and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. Nadia works with individuals, couples, families, children and teens. She works with clients experiencing difficulty with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, anger and grief issues. Nadia is knowledgeable working with clients with disabilities and offers a unique understanding on how these issues impacts a person's life. She has participated in developing individual educational programs for students in the public school setting and is aware of community resources that are available to assist and support clients in the community. Nadia believes in using a strengths based approach in her work assisting individuals to utilize their unique strengths and special abilities to increase self-esteem and make positive changes in their life.

Nadia obtained her Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she graduated Cum Laude. She earned her Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Michael Welch, APSW

Michael is an Advanced Practice Social Worker, psychotherapist, and spent several years working as a hospice social worker. Michael has worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety and grief. Michael also has experience working within the criminal justice system, for veterans, and for Medicaid beneficiaries. 

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Michael works with all  populations including adults, adolescents, children, and families. He uses narrative and cognitive behavior therapy techniques to improve the quality of life of those he works with.

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Michael graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and from Loyola University of Chicago with a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Angela Martin, LPC

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Angela works with clients of all ages and backgrounds and uses evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Angela believes that it is important to give each client the time and space to express and process their emotions in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Angela has specific training and interest in treating anxiety, depression and trauma-related mental health concerns including PTSD. Angela has also received specific training in treating survivors of domestic violence.

Angela received her B.A. from Butler University and M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University.

Rachael Nitz, LPC-IT

Rachael received her Master's of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University. She is passionate about involving each individual and couple in the therapeutic process. Rachael views mental health from a holistic standpoint where true health encompasses multiple aspects including physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and intellectual health. She believes that every aspect of mental health is interconnected and strives to work with each person to develop healthy patterns that serve them in the long run.  

Rachael's approach stems from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She frequently utilizes aspects of mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and family systems to best assist individuals in achieving better health through therapy. 

Rachael has experience working with a wide range of individuals including children, couples, veterans, young adults, middle-aged adults, both men and women. 

Dr. Mathew McCarthy

General Adult Psychiatrist
(Not accepting new patients at this time)