Management Team

Dr. Christina Diorio

Dr. Christina Diorio

Dr. Christina Diorio is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents and families.  She has provided comprehensive therapeutic services for individuals ranging from ages five through adulthood.  Dr. Diorio’s approach is upbeat and solution focused.  She strives to co-create treatment goals with her patients so that they achieve a better quality of life.  

Dr. Diorio has specialized training in working with individuals that have displayed inappropriate sexual behaviors.  This may include providing consultation, direct treatment services and/or assessments.  Dr. Diorio is the founder and director of the Alternatives to Sexual Assault Program and the Social Skills Program for Kids. Dr. Diorio also has provided expertise for parents navigating a co parenting relationship with the focus on the well being of the children through a family therapy systematic approach. 

Dr. Diorio is also one of the founder’s of Family Options Counseling. She is committed to the success of Family Options Counseling by creating effective, positive change in the families receiving services as well as by creating a healthy work environment for the Family Options team of professionals.

Dr. Kimberly Young

Dr. Kimberly Young

Dr. Kimberly Young is a licensed psychologist with experience providing comprehensive treatment to a diverse population including age groups from child to adult. She has a specialization in the treatment and assessment of individuals with developmental delays, providing therapeutic services to those who have not been successful when utilizing a traditional approach to treatment. Dr. Young encourages a team approach, working with her clients, their caregivers, and their care team to empower children and their families to achieve goals toward making healthier life choices.

Dr. Young has created and directs several programs for Family Options Counseling including the Alternatives to Sexual Assault Program for Persons with Limited or Underdeveloped Skills. Dr. Young is also a co-founder of Family Options Counseling and is committed to the success of the Family Options Counseling staff through positive support and consultation. Programs directed by Dr. Young include ASAP-PLUS, New Directions, Aggression Replacement Training, and Choices – anger management program.  

Kristy White

Kristy White

Mrs. Kristy White is the Office Manager for Family Options Counseling. Mrs. White has been with Family Options for over 15 years and is one of the first faces clients see as they enter our agency. Mrs. White manages the administrative team and works to create a smooth process when a client attends services at Family Options Counseling. Mrs. White’s fifteen years make her an expert in many areas but if she can not help to answer a question, she knows who can and will get you to the right person. Mrs. White is an innovative problem solver who always shows up with a positive attitude.

Administrative Team

Molly McKay

Molly McKay is an Administrative Assistant at Family Options Counseling. Ms. McKay is often the face that will greet you as you walk through the doors! She helps check in clients, guides them to where they need to be, and helps facilitate communication between client and therapists outside of session. Ms. McKay is responsible for helping to manage client files to ensure files are complete and up to date. Ms. McKay enjoys working collaboratively with office staff and therapists to help facilitate quality client care.

Clinical Treatment Team

Sarah Beck

Ms. Sarah Beck is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in International Political Economy from University of Arizona and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Cardinal Stritch University.

Ms. Beck has worked with youth and their families in a variety of capacities for over 20 years. She has experience in providing individual, group, family, and co parenting therapy to individuals with a history of trauma and/or behavioral concerns. Ms. Beck specializes in the treatment of young people, adopting a holistic approach wherein working with a client also means working closely with their families, schools, and all other relevant stakeholders and systems. Ms. Beck uses a trauma-informed and client-centered approach to help her clients realize and achieve their true potential.

Danielle Brusky

Danielle Brusky

Ms. Danielle Brusky is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training. She received her Masters Degree in Community Psychology from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ms. Brusky completed the required amount of training hours to obtain a Trauma Counseling Certificate.

Ms. Brusky has experience with providing therapy on the individual and group level, and has specifically worked with youth who have engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior. Ms. Brusky has additional training working with youth that are at risk for sexual exploitation and human trafficking through the ASAP Connect Program under the supervision of Dr. Diorio. Ms. Brusky also has experience working with complex family systems, depression, and anxiety. 

Emily Dammen

Ms. Emily Dammen is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a certificate in Criminal Justice. She also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a certificate in Trauma-Informed Care.

Ms. Dammen has experience working with children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds. She believes that a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship builds the foundation for healing. Ms. Dammen uses an integrative approach, incorporating elements from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing, while tailoring treatment to the individual’s needs. By helping clients with healthy relationships, emotion regulation, coping strategies, and processing past and present difficulties, Ms. Dammen strives to help individuals and families reach their full potential.

Nina Golemi

Mrs. Nina Golemi is a board certified, licensed psychotherapist who founded Serenity Mental Health services with the intent to offer a higher level of mental health care in the underserved community of Watertown, WI. She views therapy as a collaborative experience in which she seeks to help her clients feel empowered, understood, and have hope for the future. Mrs. Golemi currently serves as a Program Coordinator for the ASAP Program at Family Options Counseling. As the Program Coordinator, Mrs. Golemi is facilitating intake assessments for youth and families and participating in ASAP leadership team discussions. 

Mrs. Golemi’s specialties as a trained brainspotting clinician include working with clients who have experienced trauma or are struggling with mood disorders. In addition to brainspotting, Nina also utilizes several other clinical modalities in her work, including “top down” approaches such as Cognitive Processing Therapy and CBT as well as Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART), DBT, and others. Nina is also a certified Prepare and Enrich facilitator, and enjoys working with couples with this adjunct modality.

Carrie Imoehl

Carrie Imoehl

Ms. Carrie Imoehl (eye-mull) is a Licensed Professional Counselor with national certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors.  She earned her Master’s degree at Mount Mary University through their Clinical Mental Health program, and holds two Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Psychology through the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Ms. Imoehl has a Certificate of Completion in Trauma Counseling from Mt. Mary University and is also certified as a Level 1 Brainspotting clinician. In her spare time, Ms. Imoehl enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking with her dog, as well as traveling, listening to music, art, and photography.

Ms. Imoehl has experience working with young children, adolescents, and young adults, specializing in the treatment of trauma and behavioral concerns. Ms. Imoehl’s approach in therapy involves a client-centered and holistic approach in their journey through treatment. Her education and training background in trauma and trauma interventions is integral to Ms. Imoehl’s therapeutic approach. She works with clients to learn the relationship between the mind and body while helping them to develop effective coping strategies that promote self-regulation and trauma de-activation. Ms. Imoehl is the program coordinator for the Social Skills Program for Kids and oversees the therapists that are working with clients within this program.

Yasmin Karce

Yasmin Karce

Yasmin Karce is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her Masters Degree in Community Psychology from Alverno College in Milwaukee. Yasmin completed the required amount of training hours to obtain her Trauma Counseling and Aggression Replacement Training certificates.

Ms. Karce has experience providing individual, family, and group therapy to clients with developmental delays who engage in inappropriate behaviors with an emphasis in sexual impropriety. She also specializes in working with clients who have trauma, LGBTQIA+ related issues, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, and anxiety. Ms. Karce is also the coordinator for the ASAP PLUS program and likes to use an eclectic approach in therapy to help clients with individual needs. In her spare time, Ms. Karce enjoys writing and reading poetry, traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Morgan Lovy

Ms. Morgan Lovy is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training (LPC-IT) who earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and her Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

Ms. Lovy has clinical experience working with diverse client populations that include children, adolescents, and families in both individual and group settings. Ms. Lovy recognizes the individuality of each client that she works with and values building a strong therapeutic alliance and expressing unconditional positive regard in order to meet clients where they are at and honor their unique backgrounds. Ms. Lovy utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach that pulls from cognitive behavioral, client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based orientations to best meet the needs of each client as they work towards positive change.

Alycia Marin

Alycia Marin

Mrs. Alycia Marín is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Michigan University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.
She has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families across multiple cultures and belief systems. Mrs. Marín specializes in working with anxiety disorders, codependency and boundary concerns, depression, anger management, trauma, LGBTQIA+, and with those involved in the criminal justice system. Mrs. Marín utilizes various therapeutic approaches to treatment including Person-Centered with an emphasis in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, and Family Systems. She is the program coordinator for the Aggression Replacement Training program as well as the Racial Equity Ambassador at Family Options Counseling. Mrs. Marín views therapy as an opportunity to take the journey towards personal growth.

Asia McKinley

Mrs. Asia McKinley is a Licensed Professional Counselor-In-Training, LPC-IT with national certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors. She received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Child and Adolescent from Marquette University.

Mrs. McKinley completed her internship at Family Options Counseling and has received training to provide therapeutic services on an individual and group level. She has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, families, and co-parents from diverse backgrounds. With a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mrs. McKinley integrates mindfulness practices and a holistic approach to provide comprehensive and personalized care. Mrs. McKinley’s therapeutic philosophy centers on believing that every individual has the capacity for growth and healing. She creates a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered to make positive changes.

Rebecca Messnick

Rebecca Messnick

Ms. Rebecca Messnick is an LPC who earned her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mount Mary University. She has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Ms. Messnick is bilingual and works with clients speaking English or Spanish languages.  Ms. Messnick’s theoretical orientation recognizes the trust that can be built together as client and counselor. She provides an empathic understanding and unconditional positive regard, as it is her belief that a genuine relationship between client and counselor leads to positive changes. Ms. Messnick primarily utilizes client-centered and behavioral therapies, but it is her belief that using an integrative approach is key to meeting the client where they are at. 

Ms. Messnick specializes in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and boundary concerns, as well as those currently involved in the criminal justice system. 

Nicole North

Ms. Nicole North is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training, LPC-IT. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Children and Adolescents at Marquette University.

Ms. Nicole has completed her internship at Family Options Counseling and has received training to provide therapeutic services on an individual and group level. Ms. Nicole has experience working with children, adolescents, families, and co-parents from diverse backgrounds. Ms. Nicole believes in formulating a strong therapeutic relationship to support and advocate for the client as they work to make their desired changes. Ms. Nicole utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy within treatment. In all, Ms. Nicole is passionate about her work as a Clinician In-Training at Family Options Counseling and is excited to have the opportunity to work with you!

Dr. Hinhpalom Phouybanhdyt

Dr. Hinhpalom Phouybanhdyt

Dr. Hinhpalom A. Phouybanhdyt (Phew-band-dit) received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology at University of Wisconsin-Madison; and received a Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Phouybanhdyt specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Dr. Phouybanhdyt has had extensive experiences in working with the Southeast Asian population. He also has clinical experience addressing a variety of concerns including suicidal ideation, anger management, depression, anxiety, relationship and family dynamics, and substance abuse. Dr. Phouybanhdyt utilizes interpersonal skills, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and family dynamic psychological approaches in order to fully understand the client’s presenting problems and provide and achieve an effective therapeutic outcome with his clients. Due to his extensive training within the Alternatives to Sexual Assault Program under the direct supervision of Dr. Christina Diorio, he holds the position as Program Coordinator for the Alternatives to Sexual Assult Program. 

Tanner Simpson

Mr. Tanner Simpson is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training. He holds a Masters degree in Education Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Mr. Simpson provides cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and art therapy to his clients, predominantly working with young adults, teenagers, and youth. Tanner is certified in trauma-informed care.

Zack Thomas

Zack Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training (LPC-IT) who earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Zack has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group therapy settings.

He believes in creating a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment. Zack primarily utilizes a person-centered approach, while also integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and narrative therapy, based on the client’s needs. He has experience addressing anxiety, depression, anger management, identity, and trauma, with a special interest in working with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Jermesha West

Ms Jermesha West is an Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training.She earned her Master’s of Science Degree in Educational Psychology; Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Graduate Certificate in Trauma Informed Care.In addition, she holds an additional Master’s of Science Degree in Education. Ms. West completed specialized training in Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART), Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Ms. West has clinical experience working with diverse populations and utilizes integrative therapeutic approaches, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Systems and Solution Focused. Ms. West focuses on working in a collaborative manner with individuals to address trauma, skill development, coping strategies, anxiety, emotional regulation and a variety of presenting concerns. Ms. West aims to empower individuals and families with tools throughout and beyond their healing journey. Ms. West is committed to achieving the most effective treatment outcomes by meeting individuals where they are without judgment. Ms. West provides individual, group and family therapeutic services. Ms. West is experienced working within multidisciplinary teams across various systems and remains passionate about spreading mental health awareness.

Bunyamin Atay

PhD in Psychology candidate with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

Courtney Brooks

Master of Science Candidate in Community Psychology

Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI

Ekaterina Grimm

Master in Social Work Candidate

Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI

Connor Kassuba

Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

Macy Loechler

Master of Science Candidate in Education Psychology with a Concentration in Mental Health Counseling

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

Hannah Masarik

Master of Science Candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI

Megan Michaelchuck

Master of Science Candidate in Educational Psychology with a Emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

Evan Patten

Master of Science Candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI

Michael Rabbit

Master of Science Candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

Shalay Rogers

Master of Science Candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, WI

Liz Tesch

Master of Science Candidate in Educational Psychology with a Emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

University or Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

Sophia Ward

Master of Science Candidate in Educational Psychology with a Emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI