Staff

Heather is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has more than twenty years of experience working with children, youth, families and adults.  Heather transitioned to being an outpatient therapist full-time in 2015.  She specializes in working with youth and families using behavior therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized program that helps people understand and control their emotions.  This is especially helpful for people who are otherwise engaging in less healthy behaviors(cutting, substance abuse, other self harming behaviors) to manage their emotions.  

She is an Independent Facilitator of the Love and Logic ™ program and has additional training in Sensory Integration, Play Therapy, “How Does your Engine Run?” and child development.

Bruce Allen is the business manager and a clinical program assistant for Open Door. A fifth-generation cattle rancher, he holds degrees in Animal Science and Business from Colorado State University. His positive personal experiences with therapy and observed community need have spurred a transition from agriculture to the mental health field.

Prior to Open Door, Bruce provided program support to a wraparound case management program in Madison. He is looking forward to enrollment in a graduate program in the fall of 2020 on the path to becoming a licensed therapist.

Jen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience providing and supervising psychotherapy. Jen takes a person-centered, strengths-based approach and  believes people have the inner resources to find the power to heal and grow; she feels grateful for every person who she has walked with as a part of their change process.

Jen practices several different models of therapy  which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brief Solution-Focused Therapy and Couples work. Jen enjoys working with people who are experiencing situational stress as well as people who have more severe or persistent mental health needs. Anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, shame, guilt, relationship struggles, transitions, personal development goals, addiction, bipolar disorders, and  psychosis are some examples of topics Jen approaches with competence and compassion.

Jen believes in that the strength of the therapeutic relationship correlates with goal achievement in therapy and therefore seeks feedback from and collaboration with the individuals, families and couples she works with.

Natalie has more than 10 years of experience in the mental health field, in both intensive inpatient and outpatient settings. She has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy as well as a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a human services concentration. She practices with an increased awareness of systemic perspective, understanding the impact of family, peer groups, schools, and the community, in the healing process.

Natalie is trained and certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), an evidence based therapy aimed at improving self-awareness and one’s ability to tolerate painful emotions. She has a special interest in using DBT techniques with diverse populations, including couples, children and teens with oppositional defiant disorder and individuals with developmental and/or cognitive disabilities.

Natalie understands all too well both personally and professionally, what works for some may not work for others. Although her education and training have provided a foundation for her work as a therapist, it is her clients and their families who have taught her the most about what works in therapy.

Jennifer has an MSW and a BSW from UW-Madison and has provided services to children, youth and families in our area for more than 20 years Jennifer has worked in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings and brings a wide variety of training and experience to Open Door.  With a history and interest in providing trauma-focused care, she provides thoughtful, client-centered services to adolescents and adults individually and in groups.  

Jennifer is part of our DBT program, co-facilitating several groups as well as providing training in the community.  She has also provided educational sessions to parents, daycare providers, and other service providers in the community, speaking on such topics as Love and Logic, Treatment of Externalizing Disorders, and Adolescent Depression.

Jennifer is a strong believer in mindfulness and incorporates the values of nonjudgment and compassion in building relationships with her clients.

Will recently moved back to Wisconsin from Oakland, CA. He holds a master’s degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Will works with adults, couples, and children using methods ranging from a body-centered, somatic approach to those rooted in evidence-based and behavioral practices. He considers the full range of one’s experience in treating anxiety and depression, trauma, behavior and relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem and social-emotional learning issues.

Will incorporates each person’s inner wisdom in finding a path toward healing. He is inspired by the human capacities to forgive, love, grieve, and change. Will is currently furthering his therapeutic training in Somatic Experiencing, a body-centered approach to resolving trauma. He is informed by Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects and its consideration of our ecological selves, and by Dr. Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy, which looks to repair attachment wounds by building stable, trustworthy relationships.

Eli Hooper-Lane works as an office manager at Open Door Center for Change. He obtained his undergraduate degree in sociology, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Growing up with anxiety has pushed Eli towards a career in mental health. With a passion for helping and an empathetic attitude, Eli hopes to continue his studies by obtaining a graduate degree in social work. Eli is often the first contact for clients and will assist in placing clients with the appropriate therapists. Eli also assists with leading a weekly DBT group.

Eli enjoys downhill skiing, softball, playing pickup hockey, and anything relating to Badger sports.

Kate Hulbert is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 17 years of experience providing long-term psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, adults and families. Kate earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Loyola University, and has experience working in community mental health, residential treatment, public schools and non-profit organizations.

Kate enjoys working with a wide range of behavioral and mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, difficulties managing and expressing anger, parenting issues, mood disorders, major life transitions, issues related to loss, problematic coping and relationship issues.

Kate believes in the restorative value of the therapeutic relationship and works to build interventions around each individual’s unique challenges and inherent personal strengths.

Sally is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 10 years of experience working with children, youth, adults, and families. Sally has provided services as a Domestic Violence Advocate and Case Manager for formerly homeless individuals and families. Sally transitioned to being a therapist in 2017, with a specialization in Interpersonal Violence and Trauma.

Sally provides psychotherapy to children adolescents and adults coping with trauma, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, OCD, Bipolar and schizotypical behaviors. Sally utilizes various treatment modalities according to client needs including, TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused CBT), DBT, Solution-Focused, Narrative, and Brainspotting.

Sally’s approach to the therapeutic relationship is encapsulated in a quote “How does one become a butterfly?” she asked.”You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.”― Trina Paulus 

When you are ready to make changes, Sally will help you find your wings.

Alena is a thoughtful and committed Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 10 years of therapy experience. Alena has a diverse background in working with youth, adolescents, young adults, and families who are experiencing trauma, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.

She graduated from UW-Madison with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and offers evidence-based treatment centered on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Attachment Regulation Competency (ARC). Her work is also informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and movement-based therapy. She is a certified yoga teacher and working on her certification in trauma-sensitive yoga.

Alena is a Madison native who has extensive experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, including an after-school program for underserved children and their families, a group home for adolescents, and Meriter’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital. Alena believes in meeting each person’s unique needs, working collaboratively and helping families find common ground from which to grow and recover.

Lindsay is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in outpatient and inpatient mental health settings. Lindsay has a special interest in the mind-body connection to the healing of trauma. She is also a certified TRE^® provider, which is a body-based therapy that aids in the recovery process of trauma.

Lindsay utilizes CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, TRE^® and MBSR while incorporating a strengths-based perspective and ARC framework in her therapeutic collaboration with clients.  Lindsay specializes in working with teens and adults who are experiencing trauma and stressor-related disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders.

Lindsay works with clients on empowerment and self-help strategies to allow for the healing process to continue outside of therapy sessions. She offers a kind and supportive presence and is dedicated to the well-being of her clients.

Chris is a highly motivated, creative, and versatile Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience working with some of the most disenfranchised populations, including abused, at-risk, foster, and special needs children; marginalized adults experiencing multiple traumas and mental health crises; and families of low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Chris provides psychotherapy and Neurofeedback training to children, adolescents, and adults coping with issues related to trauma, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders and more. Chris relies on an eclectic approach, drawing from brain sciences and the philosophies of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution based and strengths-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and others. Chris believes in treating the whole person and tailors his interventions to meet each individual’s aspirations, needs, and treatment goals. Chris is very committed to the well-being of his clients, both mentally and emotionally.

Chris obtained his B.A. from the University of Connecticut, and received his Masters in Social Work degree from Simmons College School of Social Work in Boston, Massachusetts.

Aaron strives to provide a safe, creative, and exploratory environment in therapy where people can express emotions, gain insights into their inner worlds, and work towards finding more balance and contentment in their daily lives. He recognizes that each individual brings different goals, strengths, and barriers into therapy and he aims to collaborate with, support, and challenge people on their path towards improved mental health and personal growth.

Aaron has worked in community health with children, adolescences, and adults experiencing distress involving issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, work stress, trauma, addiction, living with disabilities, identity and relational or familial conflicts.

Aaron practices an eclectic model of therapy, is DBT-informed, and draws from relational and contemporary psychodynamic therapeutic approaches. Aaron is a certified advanced practice social worker. He has his master’s degree in social work from UW-Madison.

Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who obtained her degree from UW-Madison.  Nicole has provided services to children, adolescents, young adults and their families for over 10 years. Nicole transitioned into a therapist role in 2017 and has worked in a variety of settings including both inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment, as well as alternative school programming, and early childhood services.

Nicole values genuine connection within the therapeutic relationship to allow for vulnerability and growth.  Nicole enjoys collaborating with clients to find creative and thoughtful ways to work towards change, while meeting individuals where they are at. Nicole believes in supporting clients to build mastery within their life and becoming their own advocate.

Nicole provides psychotherapy to children, adolescents, young adults, and families, coping with issues correlated to trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and more. Nicole utilizes a strengths based approach in conjunction with other evidence based treatment modalities such as DBT, CBT, trauma informed care, and motivational interviewing.

Austine is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than fifteen years of experience working with children, youth, families and adults.  Austine started her career as a certified Special Education teacher and transitioned to being an outpatient therapist full-time in 2014.  She has experience working in community mental health, public schools, and non-profit organizations.

Austine provides psychotherapy to adolescents and adults coping with issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, mood & personality disorders, and more.  She also has experience working with individuals coping with substance use disorder.  Austine is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and works with Attachment-Focused EMDR model for clients experiencing chronic relational trauma and attachment deficits.    EMDR is a psychotherapy technique that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.

Austine uses a collaborative and holistic approach to therapy.  She works to understand all parts of her clients’ experiences and tailors her interventions to meet each individuals goals and needs.

Dr. K. has more than six years working with people experiencing depression, anxiety, severe and persistent mental illness, crisis, and legal problems. They specialize in LGBTQ issues, particularly gender identity and transgender identity discovery processes, as well as coming out difficulties. Their PhD dissertation examined an instrument to assist trans people in determining what decisions they might want to make about their physical transition status. They also have a long history of working with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities comorbid with mental illness. They are more than willing to tackle spirituality issues with clients seeking such services.

She has taught a variety of Master’s level counseling courses during her seven years in academia, including group counseling, crisis counseling, diagnosis and psychopathology, sex and gender issues in counseling, sex crimes, psychopathy, multicultural counseling, and assessment. They earned their first PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Arkansas and their Master’s in Community Mental Health Counseling from South Dakota State University-West River Graduate Center. They’re currently pursuing a second PhD in Forensic Psychology, with the hope of integrating legal theories and sexual offender/victimology typologies into practice for those who have experienced sexual offenses or are struggling with sexual offending thoughts or actions. 

Their preferred theories for counseling include Choice Theory, Reality Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Heatherwynn moved to Madison from the west coast where she worked in a Marriage and Family Therapy private practice and a Somatic Psychotherapy clinic. Heatherwynn holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychology as well as an LMFT license in Wisconsin.

Heatherwynn’s areas of specialization are LGBTQIQ identities, gender, sexuality, trauma, anxiety, depression, and communication. She has worked with adolescents as well as adults in many capacities ranging from individual/couples counseling, crisis work, group facilitation, and outreach.

Heather practices Somatic Psychotherapy through integrating different lenses. Lenses can include Queer Theory, Self Psychology, Trauma Theory, Relational Work, Depth Psychology, Authentic Movement, Feminist Theory, Attachment Theory, Hakomi, Object Relations, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems Theory.

Heatherwynn is not currently accepting new clients.