The Counseling Center staff is committed to promoting and affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion in its broadest sense. All students can access Counseling Center services with the expectation of respect and support. We are a group of seasoned, interdisciplinary, multiculturally proficient professionals who are committed and actively engaged in the growth and development of compassionate mental health counseling, outreach, and training. We are mental health professionals experienced in working with a variety of mental health concerns common within a university setting.
Brenda Lenz, Licensed Professional Counselor - Director
Brenda is a licensed professional counselor and certified substance abuse counselor and serves as the Director of the Counseling Center. She has been at the MU Counseling Center for over 20 years and a practicing therapist for close to 30 years. As a therapist, she has a special interest in working with students who want to address more complex mental health issues and those with co-occurring substance use concerns. She uses a combination of motivational and strength based interventions, grounded in a multicultural framework, to help students resolve their concerns and live their lives to their fullest potential. As an administrator, her commitment is to the delivery of evidenced based, culturally and trauma informed services for students and is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, accessible and safe space that allows all students to find support and assistance with a broad range of mental health concerns.
Dominique Balderas, Licensed Professional Counselor, Coordinator of AOD Support Services
I joined the staff of the 向日葵视频 Counseling Center (MU-CC) in October of 2022 as an AOD Counselor and the coordinator of support services for those wanting to explore the impact of their substance use in their lives. Prior to my position at the MU-CC, I have spent the entirety of my career working with individuals who struggle with co-occurring addiction and mental health concerns, at multiple levels of care. Addiction is my passion! I, myself, am in recovery and it is a huge part of who I am. With a master鈥檚 in professional counseling from Mount Mary University, I am able to do what I love. I鈥檓 originally from Milwaukee but I currently live in Waukesha with my two children and four cats. When I鈥檓 not keeping busy with work, you can find me listening to audiobooks or bingeing true crime shows. Since joining the team at the MU-CC, the most rewarding part of my role has been seeing growth in the students that I get the privilege of working with, followed closely by connecting with the amazing staff.
Dr. Jodi Blahnik, Licensed Psychologist - Assistant Director
I was drawn to the mental health field as I have always had interest in assisting others to create meaningful change and live the lives they want to live. I love my job as a psychologist and deeply enjoy working with college students. College can be such a challenging and transformative time and it has been a privilege to play a role in the growth and development of students from a wide array of identities and backgrounds. In addition to clinical work, I oversee our center's training program and am passionate about training future psychologists. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the city with family and flexing my DIY muscles while perpetually renovating my 150-year-old house!
Dr. Deborah Contreras-Tadych, Licensed Psychologist - Diversity Coordinator
I have chosen a career in mental health because I love seeing the resilience and strength in people. I enjoy working in college counseling because young adulthood is such a developmentally important and transformative time in the lives of individuals. My role as the Diversity Coordinator allows me to work with underrepresented student groups -- first gen students, students of color, students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, international students, etc. I am bilingual Spanish-speaking and am able to provide therapy in both English and Spanish. I am from the south side of Milwaukee and am a three-time 向日葵视频graduate!
Emily Drenovsky, Licensed Professional Counselor/Registered Art Therapist 鈥� Coordinator for Mental Health Advocacy and Outreach
I hold Bachelor of Arts degrees from Saint Louis University and a Master of Science in Art Therapy with a Concentration in Counseling from Mount Mary University. I am licensed as an art therapist, professional counselor, and substance use counselor in-training. My approach to the therapeutic relationship is creative, strengths-based, non-judgmental, and collaborative. I am passionate about working with college students as they navigate the pressures of an ever-changing world. In my coordination role, I collaborate with members of the MU community to promote mental health advocacy and coordinate outreach events for the Counseling Center. Outside of work, I love exploring the amazing art, music, and food that Milwaukee has to offer.
Judy Evenson, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Psychiatry Services
I am an advanced practice psychiatric practitioner from The Medical College of Wisconsin providing psychiatric assessment and psycho-pharmacologic services at the Counseling Center. I have a special interest in working with college students as they adjust to and navigate college life. My treatment philosophy utilizes a patient-centered, collaborative, and evidence-based approach. During my free time I enjoy visiting my family and grandchildren in Kansas and hiking along the Ice Age trails with my husband.
Marisa Stich, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Psychiatry Services
I am an advanced practice nurse practitioner that specializes in Psychiatry and work with the Medical College of Wisconsin to aid in providing services at the Counseling Center. I provide medication management for treatment of mental health concerns to students. My passion for mental health comes from working in the outpatient mental health clinic as patients navigate life transitions. I truly enjoy working with the student population as they navigate a "new normal". Outside of the Counseling Center, I enjoy spending time with my family and dabbling in new crafts.
Marie Humes, MA, LPC (she/her/hers) - Counselor/Coordinator for Black/African American Student Services
What brought me to the mental health field was the love of learning about why people do what they do and being able to provide that insight to students I work with. We often navigate this world with a limited understanding that our lived experiences shape our thoughts, behaviors, and perspectives. I enjoy empowering folks with the tools and information that make life manageable and enjoyable. I have worked on college campuses in various roles throughout my career. I love working with college folks as they face challenges during this transformative time in their lives (regardless of age). In addition to being a counselor at the MUCC, I鈥檓 the Coordinator for Black Student Services, providing outreach to the MU community and destigmatizing mental wellness in Black and Brown communities. My passion is to reframe the idea that going to therapy is a weakness, but rather a compassionate insight into oneself and a radical act of self-love. In my free time, I try to be as adventurous as I can such as traveling, skydiving, rock climbing, etc!
Dr. Marisela L贸pez, Licensed Psychologist
I am passionate about addressing cultural variables such as race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender and spiritual beliefs in therapy and working with students to address the intersection of these identities in therapy. Outside of individual counseling, I am part of the Counseling Center's training team. I grew up in Florida and love theme parks.
Dr. Laura Lubbers, Licensed Professional Counselor - Groups and Career Counseling Coordinator
I was drawn to the mental health field because I believe that everyone should have access to high quality mental health care. It is an honor in my role as a psychologist to provide a safe, trusting and empowering space for people to express themselves openly without fear of judgment. It is a privilege to sit with students, and help them develop new skills and strengths, and make positive and lasting changes in their lives. In addition to working clinically in individual counseling I am responsible for coordinating our group therapy program, as well as our career counseling efforts. Outside of MU I enjoy adventuring with family and friends, listening to podcasts, and dabbling in interior design.
Tim Rabolt, Manager, Collegiate Recovery Program & Outreach
I am here at 向日葵视频to build a community for students in recovery from substance use concerns. Having gotten sober at 18 during my senior year of high school, I know what it's like to go through college as a person in recovery. Aside from my work at Marquette, I work in communications for JBS International, a public-health research and consulting firm based in the Washington, D.C. area. Prior to JBS, I spent about 5 years leading the Association of Recovery in Higher Education, a nonprofit membership organization representing collegiate recovery programs across the country. I received by Bachelors in Business Administration and Masters of Arts in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. I moved here with my wife, Kelly, and our toddler, Nina in December of 2023 and we currently live on the Lower East Side. In my free time I love hanging out with others in recovery (especially playing basketball or other sports), watching the Eagles/Sixers/Phillies, and getting to experience new food or travel destinations.
Melissa Schneider, Licensed Professional Counselor - Coordinator of Eating Disorder Treatment Services
I was drawn to the Counseling Center, as I really enjoy working with the college age population using a multi-cultural lens to address a diverse array of personal challenges. It is a joy to be able to assist and empower students to make meaningful changes in their lives. In my coordination role at the Counseling Center, I facilitate the interdisciplinary Eating Disorder Treatment Team with the 向日葵视频Medical Clinic and I coordinate programming and outreach for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week on campus. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being physically active and outside, traveling, thrift store shopping and watching a good TV show or movie.
Kentrell Washington, Advanced Practice Social Worker- Coordinator for Underrepresented Students
My interest in the mental health field is rooted in the idea of healing marginalized communities. Living as a person with identities that are confronted with marginalization and seeing the impact of systems on marginalized communities has driven me to be passionate about such healing. My focus with clients will always incorporate finding and connecting with their community and themselves. Through community we not only heal but we create a space for ongoing care. Helping students find community and healing at MU while undergoing the stressors of school, anxiety, separation from home, depression, finding new friends, relationships, being in a new environment and many other things they may face is extremely important. My coordination area is working with underrepresented student groups -- first gen students, students of color, students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, international students, etc. Other things about me: I am a writer, a nerd (comics, manga and video games and more), a donut lover, and many other things.
Dr. Cristina Soto Sullivan (she/her/hers), Licensed Psychologist - Coordinator for Trauma Informed Services
College is such a unique time of exploration, and I am passionate about helping folks test out new ways of being, make changes, uncover their resiliency, and cultivate a life that more strongly fits their identities, values, and goals. In my role as Coordinator for Trauma Informed Services, I collaborate with campus partners to coordinate community responses to campus events. (e.g. student death) through a trauma-informed lens, so that students have resources to support. Overall, I seek to help expand the definition of trauma to include experiences such as sexual violence (e.g. sexual assault, stalking), abuse, grief/loss, generational trauma, and racial trauma. When I'm not at work, I'm typically spending time with family and friends, playing board games, going on walks, and exploring interior design ideas.
Nishi Ravi - Practicum Student
I am a fourth-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at 向日葵视频. Prior to joining Marquette, I studied at the University of Edinburgh, training in public and private sectors in the UK before establishing my independent private practice in India. My approach to therapy is psychodynamic, working from a relational, anti-colonial, and identiy-affirmative perspective. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, reading, and pursuing my passion in psychoanalysis.
Mukadas Abdullah - Practicum Student
I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in Psychology, and I am currently a fourth-year student in the Counseling Psychology Doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. My research interest includes looking on increasing access to mental health treatment for and treatment utilization while identifying barriers for college students. Specifically, my research focus in BIPOC, first-generation college students, with a focus on Middle Eastern college students.
Lizzie Grinde - Administrative Assistant
I graduated from UW-Madison with a Bachelors in Communication Arts. I previously worked in patient access at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse, WI. It is very rewarding for me to work in healthcare where I can offer support on the administrative side of things. Outside of work, I enjoy watching my house plants grow, reading, writing, or finding a new favorite restaurant.
Chiquita Voss - Office Assistant
I hold an Associate in Applied Science in Business Management from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College while currently pursuing my Bachelor's in Business Administration at University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. I have always been drawn to the idea of using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on others' lives. My passion for helping others and making a positive impact on their lives has led me to pursue a career in fields such as healthcare, customer support, and supporting veterans transitioning back into civilian life. Whether it's through providing care, solving problems, or offering support, I am dedicated to making a difference and improving the well-being of those around me. This motivation fuels my passion for my work and keeps me constantly striving to do more and be better. I am committed to contributing to the betterment of student lives and bring about positive change. I enjoy spending time with my daughter as it allows us to bond and create new memories together. I find cooking to be a therapeutic and creative outlet and trying new foods in a fun and exciting way to expand my palate.
