Michelle Murray, MSW, LCSW, SUD, ICS, EMDR I & II, SEP-IT
mmurray@forward-counseling.com
Welcome to Forward Counseling & Consultation, where healing and growth are at the forefront of our practice. Meet Michelle (she/her/hers), the founder and owner, a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Independent Clinical Supervisor with a Substance Abuse Specialty and over 25 years of invaluable experience. Michelle’s journey in the mental health field has been rich and diverse, with a background deeply rooted in community advocacy and support. Her expertise spans crisis intervention, case management, and psychotherapy, particularly within agencies addressing interpersonal violence and mental health issues. With a passion for helping individuals facing both mental health and substance abuse disorders, Michelle offers compassionate individual and group therapy sessions, tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances. As a Long-Term Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Social Work, she shares her knowledge and wisdom with students, teaching classes on assessing and treating adults, substance use disorders, and working with individuals, families, and groups. Michelle’s commitment to professional growth and community support extends beyond the therapy room. She provides individual and group supervision, community education, workshops, and consultation services, covering a wide array of topics including Moral Distress in Healthcare, CBT for psychosis, Trauma, Substance Use, and Interpersonal Violence. With advanced training in trauma and certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing I&II and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in training, Michelle offers a holistic approach to healing. She incorporates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Mindfulness Practices, and Strengths-Based Motivational Interviewing into her sessions. Michelle’s unique style fosters a safe and trusting environment, empowering individuals to realize their full potential and reach their personal goals. She believes in addressing the “whole person,” acknowledging their spiritual, physical, and social needs on the path to wellness. With a perfect balance of challenge and support, Michelle guides her clients towards long-term change and overall wellness.
Michael Walmer, MS, LPC, SUD, EMDR I & II
mwalmer@forward-counseling.com
Mike (he/him/his) is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Substance Use Specialty, who has experience working with individuals to address a variety of mental health and substance use concerns. Mike graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and an emphasis in substance use treatment. Mike has received specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trauma informed treatment, and substance use treatment, and has experience providing individual and group psychotherapy, case management, medication-assisted treatment, and clinical supervision. Mike has experience as a Clinical Team Leader in an outpatient mental health center and has worked in the Janesville and Madison communities for the past several years, providing client centered, strengths based treatment to a variety of populations, to treat issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. Through treatment modalities such as EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapies, Michael works with individuals to help them mobilize their own resources, and use their own strengths and abilities to learn, cope, adapt, and grow in their recovery.
Becky Hiller, MS, LMFT, SUD, EMDR I & II
bhiller@forward-counseling.com
Becky (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Substance Abuse Specialty, and specialized training in Trauma Informed Care. She has worked in Madison as a social worker since 2008, and has provided psychotherapy for the past five years in a community agency setting. She has a strong understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and resources available in Dane County. She has experience providing individual, group, and couples counseling. Her approach as your therapist will be straightforward, compassionate, and collaborative. She uses a mind-body approach to help individuals access their natural ability to heal from psychological and physical symptoms. Specifically, she provides treatment that utilizes techniques from Expressive Arts Therapy, guided imagery, mindful breath and movement, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). She specializes in helping clients: heal attachment wounds, shift stuck emotional/relational patterns, regain control from substance use, increase confidence in managing overwhelming emotions, and heal from traumatic experiences. Becky works with individuals, couples/families, groups and enjoys family systems work. Becky is a passionate and consistent provider, showing up for clients in each session, and working collaboratively with individuals to navigate their personal path towards healing.
Annette Haas, MSW, LCSW, EMDR I & II
Annette (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” – Brene Brown Effective therapy requires attunement to ourselves and being present with all the parts of ourselves. By tuning into ourselves we begin to notice the narratives that we have formed to interpret our experiences. While these narratives can help us understand the world around us they do not define us. Annette works to support clients in attuning to themselves through recognizing, listening, and attending to all parts of yourself which will lead to healing and growth. She will work with you to revise old narratives in a way that better suits you. A foundation for this growth and the self-exploration needed requires a trusting therapeutic relationship. Annette support clients through compassionate listening and non-judgmental presence. She works to support clients in finding the inner wisdom they possess and help them discover their own light. She offers individual therapy services to adults (ages 18+). Annette frequently work with clients who have experienced traumatic events, grief and loss, have experienced a major life transition, and those who experience anxiety disorders. She is a trained Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist, which is a therapy that uses eye movements to help individuals heal from the symptoms of emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences. She’s trained in levels I & II. Annette also incorporates the use of mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic based interventions, and narrative therapy into her practice. Some of her previous work has been in community based mental health and counseling and advocacy work for those impacted by sexual violence.
Amanda Henschel, MSW, LCSW, SUD, EMDR I & II
ahenschel@forward-counseling.com
Amanda (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Substance Abuse Specialty, and specialized training in trauma treatment. She graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago with her Masters in Social Work. Amanda has a passion for working with underserved communities and started her career in Chicago, providing in home therapy and case management support to individuals struggling with severe mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. She also has experience working with survivors of interpersonal violence, medication assisted treatment for opiate addiction, and a variety of other mental health and substance use concerns. Outside of her work with Forward Counseling, Amanda currently holds a position at an outpatient mental health center, as a therapist and a supervisor for clinical interns completing their Masters program. Her therapy approach is compassionate and client centered, empowering clients to take the lead in their own treatment and matching methods to meet each individual’s unique needs. In her work, she utilizes a number of therapy approaches and evidenced based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Amanda strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive therapeutic environment for healing and growth. She believes that each person has the strengths and resources they need within themselves to reach their recovery goals.
Jake Schuldies, MSW, LCSW, EMDR I & II
jschuldies@forward-counseling.com
Jake (he/him/his) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with teens and adults who have experienced trauma, anxiety, and concerns about their sexual behavior and interests. He has provided psychotherapy and supportive services in the community and inpatient settings including the development and implementation of adapted programming for neurodivergent individuals and supervised an evidenced-based inpatient treatment program for individuals who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviors. Jake has assisted in facilitating research on the effect of trauma in harmful sexual interests and the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to reduce these interests. He currently instructs a graduate-level mental health policy course at the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Because of his background in Computer Science and Information Technology, Jake is particularly passionate about helping teen and adult clients use the internet and technology safely. In his work, he utilizes a number of evidenced based approaches and practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR level I and II trained). He is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. Jake has a deep understanding of the challenges that people who have experienced trauma face and is committed to providing a safe and supportive space where his clients can heal and grow. He believes that everyone has the capacity to heal and live a full and meaningful life.
Britt Gilles, MSW, LCSW, EMDR I & II
bgilles@forward-counseling.com
Britt (she/her/hers) is committed to cultivating a compassionate and holistic therapeutic environment. Drawing on her deep understanding of the societal, cultural, and economic obstacles individuals encounter, Britt views therapy as a guiding process to assist clients in navigating life’s complexities and achieving greater self-awareness. Central to Britt’s therapeutic philosophy is the recognition of the importance of identity in the journey towards recovery. She fosters an open and collaborative space where clients are empowered to explore their identities and pursue personal growth and healing. Britt’s professional experiences, particularly her work with survivors of intimate partner violence and individuals coping with attachment disorders, trauma, and various mental health diagnoses, have provided her with invaluable insights. Her extensive background in crisis interventions, counseling, and advocacy for clients dealing with addiction and mental health concerns further enhances her therapeutic practice. With a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Britt’s academic focus has been on supporting individuals grappling with addiction and pervasive mental health symptoms. She integrates evidence-based interventions and uses aspects of Internal Family Systems, EMDR I & II, Somatic Experiencing, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) As a Psychotherapist and Independent Skills Developer, Britt prioritizes establishing a safe and nurturing space where clients can freely express themselves and collaboratively work towards their goals. Known for her mindful practice, thoughtfulness, and unwavering belief in the potential for healing, Britt’s approach is characterized by empathy, empowerment, and profound respect for each client’s unique journey towards recovery and personal growth.
Ann Frisella, MS, LPC, SEP-IT, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), EMDR I&II
afrisella@forward-counseling.com
Ann (she/her/hers) holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as well as a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ann worked as a community-based mental health case manager for several years in Madison and, previously, Minneapolis. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher and is being trained as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) as well as in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Ann believes in the healing power of relationships and emphasizes a body centered approach to treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, chronic pain, trauma, and addiction. Ann encourages curiosity towards how the body holds onto stories and memories that we can’t always put words to or recall in a different way than traditional talk therapy. Ann explores self-inquiry and healing through the lenses of movement, expressive art, Attachment Theory, Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, existentialism, and other frameworks. Through the therapeutic relationship, restoring connection, and rebuilding the relationship to your Self, change is possible.
Dana Goodman, MS, LPC, SUD, Yoga Teacher (YTT-200)
dgoodman@forward-counseling.com
Life presents us with beauty and chaos, hope and loss, confidence and uncertainty. Together we can navigate these dichotomies and find your balance. My therapy style is person centered and holistic, focusing on the dynamic factors that make you unique and authentic. I believe in treating everyone with respect, non-judgment, unconditional positive regard, sensitivity and compassion. I will fully open my heart, mind and healing efforts in the direction of your goals. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and motivational interviewing techniques. I offer specialty care in spirituality, somatic healing, hope as a cognitive process, positive psychology, emotional and creative expression, lifting ancestral burdens, grief and readjustment to new roles in life. It is my belief that you are your own best expert and the answers to your questions lie within; it is with my expertise that we will tease out these nuggets of internal wisdom to help light up your authentic path towards your brighter future! Thank you for exploring the first steps towards seeking support! Are you a person wanting to connect, grow, change, divulge, examine, unearth, challenge and manifest? “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” Jon Kabat-Zinn The time is now! Surfs up!!
Bethany Woychik, MSW, LCSW, EMDR I & II, IFS Level 2, Brainspotting Phase I&II
bwoychik@forward-counseling.com
Bethany (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has a Master of Social Work Degree with a specialization in Mental Health from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and has earned certificates in Substance Use Disorders Counseling, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Grief Support. She is Level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) through the IFS institute, Phase 1 & 2 trained in Brainspotting, and Level 1 & 2 trained in EMDR. Bethany also offers Preparation and Integration for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
Bethany welcomes all parts of her clients into session and seeks to hold therapeutic space as they deepen their Self-to-part connections. She feels honored to work with people as they progress through the stages of change and finds value in normalizing that change can be scary! Together, she collaborates with her clients to find a path forward that feels safe and empowering for the various parts of themselves. Bethany specializes in working with: Addiction, trauma (including religious trauma), depression and anxiety, domestic violence, grief and bereavement, ambivalence, LGBTQIA2S+, career and educational changes, people who are disabled, and loved ones of people who are disabled.
Emma Zeldin, MA, LMFT, EMDR I & II
ezeldin@forward-counseling.com
Emma Zeldin (they/them), MA, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in neurodivergent affirming care and providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Emma works with couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Their educational background includes master’s degrees in both Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College and Educational Policy Studies from UW-Madison. Utilizing a client-centered and systemic approach, Emma creates a safe and supportive space for you to navigate the many influences in your life and find your own personal path. They adapt treatment approaches to each client using a variety of techniques, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Emma is Gottman Level 1 trained and an active member of AAMFT. They are EMDR 1 & 2 trained. They are a nurturing and compassionate provider who will work with you to find and meet your therapy goals. Emma believes that we can all discover our own resilience. They provide a trusting environment where you can grow at your own pace. In addition to long-term therapeutic services, Emma offers assessments and letter writing for gender-affirming surgeries for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive individuals. For additional information on obtaining an assessment and working with Emma please review FCC’s webpage for more information.
Alex Berg, MFT-IT
Alex (she/hers) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in training who conceptualizes client issues on a systemic level, meaning that she considers every facet of a client’s life. This includes anything from family history and relationships to socioeconomic status, as they are all impactful for clients as they navigate what life throws at them. Using a systemic lens allows Alex to treat individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. Alex works with a wide variety of concerns including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, trauma, infidelity, polyamory, divorce, and co-parenting within families. While Alex welcomes anyone into session with her, she has a strong interest in treating perinatal clients who may be experiencing anxiety during pregnancy, postpartum depression, birth trauma, or infertility. Alex also enjoys working with couples needing support with premarital counseling, polyamory, and/or ongoing gridlocked conflict. Alex believes her role as a therapist is to create a safe, client-led space where she can facilitate change and growth in areas that serve her clients. Through her use of humor and direct communication style, Alex pushes her clients to reach their therapy goals. If you feel ready to step outside your comfort zone and work toward cultivating growth in a safe environment, Alex would love to hear from you!
Stephanie Daugherty, MSW, CISW
sdaugherty@forward-counseling.com
Stephanie Daugherty (she/her/hers) is a Certified Independent Social Worker and Psychotherapist in training with a decade of experience in healthcare, mental health and community-based practice. Stephanie appreciates that for clients, safety is the first step to healing. She provides psychotherapy to adults from an intersectional lens with awareness of multi-layered systems of oppression. Stephanie serves clients with concerns of relationship and interpersonal difficulty, self esteem and identity, life transitions and adjustment, and navigating the loss of loved ones. She provides psychotherapy for mood disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and grief. Stephanie is passionate about bringing nature and grounding to office practice, and incorporating holistic and integrative approaches to treatment. She is fond of bringing arts and creative self-expression to psychosocial interventions. She has received training in Mindfulness and Self-Compassion, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. She is dedicated to supporting clients in their return to wholeness. Stephanie is proud of her lesbian identity and is committed to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. When she is not working, Stephanie enjoys being in the woods, playing tennis, reading poetry, and spending time with family and friends.
Jonathan Drewsen, MS, LPC-IT, SAC-IT, NCC
jdrewsen@forward-counseling.com
Jonathan Drewsen, MS, LPC-IT, SAC-IT, NCC, is a mental health counselor who believes each person has the innate wisdom for self-healing, growth, and transformation. Jonathan works diligently to create a safe and inviting space where clients feel heard and valued. Using a relational approach, Jonathan draws on the therapeutic alliance to help clients understand relational patterns in a collaborative way. A trauma-informed counselor, Jonathan uses a wide range of therapeutic approaches that seek to connect together thinking, emotions, body, and spirit, including attachment therapy, schema therapy, existential therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and somatic interventions rooted in polyvagal theory and Hakomi method. Jonathan completed his clinical internship at Mendota Mental Health Institute, working with individuals managing co-occurring severe mental health and substance use challenges. Jonathan is currently welcoming new clients aged 18 and over seeking help with anxiety, depression, substance use, and life transitions.
Jessica BaDour, LPC-IT, YTT-200
jbadour@forward-counseling.com
Jessica BaDour is a compassionate and dedicated mental health professional with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University. She specializes in grief therapy, substance use disorder, attachment therapy, and schema therapy, using an integrative approach to help clients heal and grow. Jessica’s work is rooted in a deep understanding of how life experiences shape our emotional and psychological well-being, and she draws on evidence-based practices to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs. In addition to her clinical expertise, Jessica is a certified 200-hour yoga instructor and is currently working towards her 300-hour certification. She believes in the powerful connection between body and mind and incorporates mindfulness and somatic practices into her therapy to help clients foster greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Outside of her professional life, Jessica finds joy in gardening, spending time at the park with her dog, and exploring new culinary experiences. She values holistic well-being and is committed to creating a safe, nurturing space where individuals can work through their challenges and cultivate lasting healing.
Gyna O’Connell, MS, LPC
goconnell@forward-counseling.com
Gyna O’Connell is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Buffalo. With over a decade of experience in Madison, she has worked across a variety of settings, including community clinics, forensic environments, and hospital-based clinics. Throughout her career, Gyna has supported individuals of all ages, specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and children who have experienced trauma.
Gyna is passionate about providing a client-centered, non-judgmental approach to therapy, offering a safe space for clients to explore their emotions and challenges. She firmly believes that individuals have the capacity to heal, manage their mental health, and lead a meaningful, fulfilling life. To support her clients in this journey, Gyna employs an eclectic therapeutic approach, blending modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other person-centered strategies tailored to the unique needs of each client.
As a Spanish-speaking provider, Gyna is especially dedicated to supporting the Latino community, offering culturally competent care that addresses the specific challenges and strengths within this population. She is committed to creating an inclusive, empathetic environment where individuals feel empowered to take control of their mental health and well-being.
Whether you’re navigating life transitions or seeking support for mental health concerns, Gyna can help you toward healing and growth.
Katie Childs, APSW, MPH, YTT-200
kchilds@forward-counseling.com
I am a certified Advanced Practice Social Worker and psychotherapist in training at Forward Counseling. I’ve spent the past fifteen years working in healthcare, higher education, and community organizations. At Forward Counseling, I work with adults, children, and couples with concerns of anxiety, depression, stress, grief, conflict management, boundary setting, and more. I have experience addressing sexual health and related concerns and am particularly skilled at working through issues of shame and stigma in ways that are affirming and empowering. I encourage clients to show up proudly as themselves in therapy.
My approach is strengths-based and I meet you where you are. We each have incredible power to change ourselves, and we are the products of systems and cultural forces beyond our control. I am here to support you as you decide what works for you and choose a new path forward. I am also a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and can incorporate yoga and breathwork into sessions as tools for self-regulation, confidence, and peace.
Clients and colleagues say they feel heard, validated, and supported by me. I look forward to meeting you and collaborating on your success and growth.
Alej Perez-Kohl, MS, LMFT, EMDR I & II
aperezkohl@forward-counseling.com
Alej Perez-Kohl (they/them) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides affirming care for LGBTQIA2S+ and multiracial/multicultural individuals and couples. Alej graduated from Edgewood College with an MS in marriage and family therapy. They have spent the last several years working in a community mental health setting in Madison, WI. This experience has empowered them to continue focused work with marginalized community members and to foster a decolonized, justice and liberation-centered therapy practice.
Alej’s trauma-informed, client-centered approach integrates Narrative Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, as well as somatic and mindfulness practices. Alej meets you where you’re at to collaborate on identifying the best path forward: To understand your story, how it’s told, and what it means to come into yourself more fully. Alej aims to be gentle and gingerly when it matters most, while noticing the moments where directness and deliberate action is needed. Alej believes that a better understanding of ourselves leads to better experiences in community with others. Alej works with individuals ages 16+ and with couples (dyads and triads). Alej provides care for clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, acute and chronic stress, systemic oppression, grief, loss, relational distress/conflict, and neurodivergence. They have a special focus in identity exploration and integration for those experiencing friction in their intersecting identities. You can expect Alej’s space to be neurodivergent, poly/CNM/ENM, and kink affirming. In addition to ongoing therapy services, Alej provides letters of readiness for transgender and gender expansive individuals seeking gender affirming surgeries.
Lena Parish, MFT-IT
lparish@forward-counseling.com
Lena (she/they) is a Marriage and Family Therapist-in-Training with a background in human development and holds a core belief that we are always growing, emotionally, relationally, and in our capacity for connection. She holds an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College and a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from UW–Madison. Lena has supported individuals, couples, families, and children across various life stages, bringing warmth and curiosity to each. They value the richness of working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, neurodivergent identities, LGBTQIA+, and intersecting lived experiences, including those navigating trauma and identity exploration.
Lena believes healing happens in relationships, with those closest to us and with our relationship to ourselves. She helps clients uncover the patterns that shape them, guiding them toward more clarity, peace, and connection. Lena holds space for transformation that honors both your history and your future. She believes therapy is a space to remember who we are and imagine what’s possible together.
Lena is currently completing Gottman Level 1 training and is expanding their expertise in ADHD, trauma-informed care, somatic approaches, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). They are drawn to Forward Counseling’s holistic approach and are excited to continue growing alongside their clients.
Cassie Rackow, Administrative Intake Coordinator
Cassie (she/her/hers) serves as our dedicated office administrative intake coordinator here at Forward, bringing with her an original background in marketing. She is actively pursuing further education in mental health counseling, showcasing her commitment to continuous personal and professional development. Since her formative years, Cassie has consistently demonstrated a remarkable level of empathy, a quality that has significantly shaped her perspective on the critical importance of establishing a safe space for open dialogue and emotional expression. Her unwavering belief is that everyone should have access to a nurturing environment where they can explore, discuss, and cultivate their feelings. In addition to her professional endeavors, Cassie channels her creativity into the realm of painting. Beyond this, she finds relaxation in immersing herself in the world of films and regularly attends stand-up comedy shows. Approachable and always prepared to extend a helping hand, Cassie values the impact of a friendly greeting and actively seeks to foster meaningful connections within our professional community. If you see her around the office, don’t be shy, say hello!
Koda Murray, Therapy Dog- IT
Hey there, I’m Koda, the one-year-old therapy dog in training at Forward Counseling and Consultation! Found abandoned at just 1.5 months old with 19 other pups, I was lucky when a rescue group from Madison saved me. After a short time in foster care, I found my forever home with my mom Michelle. Life’s been pawsome ever since! My mom says I’m a good boy and can really help people. I’ve embraced my role at Forward Counseling with wagging tails and open paws, spreading love and comfort. My presence truly makes a difference, greeting patients with a wagging tail and a smile. Despite my rocky start, I’ve become a smart, intuitive, and lively companion. Plus, I’m not just about work—I bring fun to the team with my playful antics. As Forward Counseling’s beloved therapy dog, I’m here to make a difference, because love and resilience always prevails! Just remember to be patient with me while I learn the ropes! I may be big but I’m still just a pup!