THE TEAM
Let's navigate the uncharted waters of healing...we are here.
The Team
LAURA SKINNER, LPC, SAC
Contact Directly: lskinner@navigatewhg.com
Phone: 262-365-9825
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Specialties: Trauma (EMDR), Substance-Use Recovery, Gottman Couples, Hypnotherapy, Alternative Healing, KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy)
Populations: Adults, Veteran/First Responders, Couples
Laura Skinner, a dedicated licensed professional counselor who embarked on a journey to establish Navigate Wellness in 2014. Her mission was to create a haven for the community, bringing together a team of compassionate healers who share her vision. Over the past decade, Laura has had the honor of collaborating with outstanding providers, shaping a distinctive practice that embraces innovative approaches to address the holistic needs of individuals seeking mind, body, and spiritual growth and healing.
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Laura's professional evolution led her to specialize in treating Substance Use Disorders and Trauma. She integrates cutting-edge therapeutic modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), Hypnotherapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy).
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With a wealth of hands-on experience and her own personal growth journey, Laura has crafted a practice that aligns with her values and caters to the diverse needs of her clients. When she's not immersed in her work, you'll find Laura exploring new destinations with her children, engaging in creative projects, enjoying the outdoors, and music. Join Laura on the path to wellness and discover a holistic approach that nurtures both your personal and transformative journey.
MELISSA WELLENSTEIN, LPC, LSC
Contact Directly: mwellenstein@navigatewhg.com
Phone: 262-261-3032
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Specialties include: Women's issues, anxiety/depression, ACT, Parenting Coaching, adolescent/children, creative processing
Melissa has an innate ability to connect and form relationships with people. This ability has allowed her to work with a variety of clients in different capacities for over 15 years.
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Melissa believes that every client is unique. Her counseling approach is open, flexible, and adaptive to each person's needs depending on their expectations of treatment, the problem, and treatment goals. Through her work she strives to create a strong therapeutic connection with clients and develop a safe space where clients can share their story, gain an understanding of how their story has impacted them, and create a new reality that is more fulfilling.
After receiving her bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Melissa went on to receive her masters degree in both Community Counseling and School Counseling from Concordia University. Melissa has extensive knowledge in child development, women’s issues, anxiety, and parenting and behavioral interventions. She has a special interest in working with young adults experiencing life transitions and relationship struggles. Melissa works from a strengths-based perspective and utilizes various therapy techniques to connect to, support, and encourage growth in her clients.
When Melissa is not working you can find her with her family, playing, reading, enjoying movie nights, and being outdoors. Melissa has a passion for people, art, music, and reading.
LEAH BRUCE, LPC, SAC
Contact Directly: lbruce@navigatewhg.com
Phone: 616-318-0066
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Specialties: Adolescents, Trauma, and Substance Use Disorders
Leah Bruce is a licensed professional mental health and substance abuse counselor and a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher. Leah’s role in treatment is as a fellow traveler for a portion of your life’s path to identify and overcome obstacles. Leah is passionate about infusing philosophical concepts of the yogic lifestyle to provide an innovative approach to therapy. She has specialized training in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, narrative therapy, aggression replacement, and chronic suicidal ideation. Leah obtained her Master’s degree from Mount Mary University, in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a mentor with the Mary Ellen Strong Foundation supporting minority students working toward their graduate degree in the mental health field. In her free time, you can find Leah listening to music, planning her next travel adventure, or taking a nap.
ROBERT BANNASCH, MS, LPC
(GERMANTOWN LOCATION + VIRTUAL)
Contact: https://www.robertbannaschlpc.com/
robertbannasch@robertbannaschlpc.com
(262) 372-2161
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Specialties:
The decision to seek therapy is not an easy one. I aim to make that decision as easy and comfortable as possible. I have a gentle personality and use a touch of humor to help make each client feel welcome and at ease. Individuals, couples, and families come to me because they need to work through a problem or issue. This might be anxiety, grief, couples or family counseling, health, loss of a job, or looking to build a happier, more fulfilling life, or numerous other reasons. I work hard to build an atmosphere that allows people to feel safe and understood. When clients leave, they feel healthier, happier, and more whole.
I work with all kinds of populations, but I have a special interest in working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, OCD, and individuals, couples, and families looking to repair, rebuild, and reconnect. Humor, authentic non-judgmental caring, and comfort are all apart of my work.
"Life is about Being and Becoming."-Carl Rogers.
We all know that life can throw us all kinds of curveballs. When life throws us those difficulties, having someone to help you work through those issues is where the magic starts. Each person has the choice to sit back and let life happen to you or you can choose to embrace the challenge and face it head-on.
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MATTHEW MCDONELL, MBA, MS
Contact Directly: mmcdonell@navigatewhg.com
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Specialties: Opioid Use Certificate, Ketamine Therapy Facilitation (PW), Recreational Therapy
Populations: Veterans, First Responders
Matt McDonell spent 2011-2015 in the United States Army with 1/91 CAV (173rd IBCT A) and was stationed in Germany. Matt deployed in a combat role to Afghanistan in 2012/13. Medically retired in late 2015, he moved back to Milwaukee and pursued his MBA and also his MSW.
Matt has been running a nonprofit called Next 18 since 2021 and finds great purpose in providing support and resources for his fellow veterans and first responders.
Matt has found great value and benefit for all walks of life in his training and facilitation of ketamine therapy and other alternative medicines and looks to help clients navigate potential roadblocks in their way on the path to a happier and healthier life.
NOEL MITCHELL, MS, LPC-IT
Contact Directly: Noelmitchell@wellnesscornertherapy.com
BOOK A FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION: https://thewellnesscorner.squarespace.com/appointments-1
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Specialties: Women's Issues, Anxiety, Burnout, Self-Esteem, Unhealthy perfectionism, understanding your beliefs, Life transitions (graduating school, wedding, or new job)
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I specialize in working with women to overcome feelings of anxiety, build confidence, set boundaries, understand themselves better, and stop overthinking so that you can feel like your best self! This may resonate with you if you often feel like a "yes" person, yet struggle to take time for yourself when you need it the most!
I used an individualized approach that helps you identify your thoughts, patterns. and beliefs while exploring and learning new coping skills. In addition, I often incorporate mindfulness or mind/body connection aspects for a more holistic approach that will create lasting change.
I try to show up authentic in sessions so you can also feel empowered to show up just as you are! I will be your biggest cheerleader and also gently challenge you. My goal is to create a safe space where you can feel empowered and also have support when tough stuff comes up.
Interested in learning more or starting therapy? Let's chat! Check out the link by my name to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call.
Carrie has her Master’s in Social Work degree with a concentration in Behavioral Health. Her counseling practice is grounded in the belief that supportive relationships have great power to mitigate trauma and foster healing in the midst of stressful situations. She believes safe spaces grounded in compassion inspire courage and an ability to become more healthy versions of ourselves. She also incorporates aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while helping individuals discover any unhealthy thought patterns that might hinder growth and progress.
Through her own life and her professional practice, Carrie has come to believe that with the right amount of support, and a lot of grit, it’s entirely possible to find hope, fulfillment, and even some fun in the midst of great difficulty and challenges. She’s also passionate about exploring topics of faith and spirituality, if the client expresses a desire to do so. She is most experienced in walking with teens and adolescents, young adults, those suffering with chronic pain and illness, and the low-income population. Open to both in-face and virtual appointments.
DR. RACHAEL GOLDMANN
Contact Directly:
(414) 533-1075
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Specialties: Life transitions, Grief, Women's Issues, Parenthood Clarity, End-of-Life Dignity Therapy
Certifications: Trauma-Informed Counseling, Death Doula, Yoga Alliance
I specialize in supporting individuals navigating past traumas, life transitions, end-of-life journeys, and grief. With warmth and professionalism, I aim to hold space for curiosity and growth as we navigate these complexities together. Using a client-centered approach, I tailor sessions to your unique needs, empowering you to discover inner strengths and renewed purpose.
Drawing upon my education and training as a counselor, death doula, and yoga teacher, I embrace a holistic approach to wellness that infuses different aspects of these disciplines. To foster a centered experience, we may integrate mindfulness and breathwork that is grounded in yogic teachings. From my training as a death doula we may explore the significance of embracing mortality, or how to cultivate curiosity and joy in life’s most vulnerable moments.
Whatever brought you here in this moment, I am here to walk alongside you on this path of healing. Together we will explore your emotions, process your grief, and uncover the resilience within. I work with adults (individuals and couples) and adolescents.
SARAH BARBER, MS, LPC-IT
CARRIE SCHUESSLER, LCSW-IT
Jonathan Hoerl, MSN, APNP, PMHNP-BC
Contact Directly: (414) 533-1294
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Specialties: Treating and educating about Moral Injury, trauma/PTSD, and the complex issues that can manifest from serving as a first responder/veteran/correctional officer
Dr. Rachael Goldmann is a Marine Corps Veteran and trained as a Combat Photographer. She honorably discharged in 2007 after repetitive injuries left her unable to deploy in support of the ongoing wars at that time. After her discharge, she dedicated her professional and personal life to serving those who serve. Dr. Goldmann is a supervised, Postdoctoral Fellow at a private practice in Delafield, WI and holds her Professional Counselor license. Dr. Goldmann has extensive experience working with first responders (police, fire, and medical personnel), veterans, and correctional officers; she has also worked with spouses, children, and couples. She specializes in treating and educating about Moral Injury, trauma/PTSD, and the complex issues that can manifest from serving as a first responder/veteran/correctional officer.
Dr. Goldmann graduated from UW-Milwaukee with her Bachelor’s in Communication, minoring in Health Care Administration (2010). She attained her first Master’s degree in Marriage and Family from Edgewood College (2014) where her Master’s thesis assessed and investigated the impacts of PTSD on family members of veterans. She then attended the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, earning a second Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (2018) and then completing her Doctorate in Psychology (2023). Her dissertation research investigated the prevalence and symptom presentation and impact of Moral Injury on police officers; it remains the only quantitative study that assessed the specific symptoms of moral injury in officers.
Dr. Goldmann was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, avidly watching and supporting Wisconsin sports teams (when her daughter allows her to), and trying new restaurants.
Specialties: PTSD, sleep issues, depression, anxiety, improving communication, and emotional intelligence.
Services: Medication Management, psychotherapy, and motivational interviewing.
Populations: Adults, Veterans, First Responders, and perinatal mental health.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
About: Jonathan is a Marine Corps Combat Veteran. Jonathan deployed to Iraq from 2005-2006. Jonathan was a 0331 Machine Gunner. He was also point man on combat foot patrols. Jonathan understands the effects trauma has on someone. After Jonathan finished his service, He knew that he needed to do something that helped people. He has been in the nursing field since 2008. Jonathan loved being a nurse, but knew he needed something more. His wife is a psychologist and has been an inspiration to him. She gave him the confidence to pursue becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Jonathan trained under an unbelievably smart and compassionate Psychiatrist who specialized in sleep and trauma. He still works with him to this day and continues to learn and grow. As a psychiatric prescriber, Jonathan has a different philosophy. He believes medication is just one intervention to help you feel better, and the real work comes with processing your feelings and emotions. Jonathan is an authentic person. He cares very deeply. In sessions with him, he will provide significant psychoeducation. He believes this is essential to ensure you understand and feel comfortable with the treatment plan. When you are working with Jonathan, you are a team trying to figure out what will be best for you.
Prior to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Jonathan worked in Neuro Critical Care for seven years. During this time, he was also a Stroke/STAT Responder. Jonathan completed his graduate training at Alverno College and specialized in psychiatry, where he graduated at the top of his class. Jonathan's Master's project was dedicated to decreasing stimulant abuse, utilizing referrals for diagnostic evaluations to ensure appropriate ADHD diagnosis and inappropriate stimulant prescribing.
Approach: Jonathan takes a holistic approach to mental health treatment. He believes in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. He will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. He uses evidence-based practices and stays up-to-date on the latest research to ensure that you receive the best care possible. His goal is to empower you to achieve lasting change and improve your overall quality of life.
Jonathan was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters. He likes to go to the gym and workout. He loves all Wisconsin sports teams. He also has a keen interest in fashion and loves having fun.