As a client of the Clinical Services Center, you will have a whole team of trained therapists working for and with you to help you reach your goals. Student therapists in the final year of their master's degree program work alongside highly experienced supervisors to ensure that your care is according to the excellent standards and reputation of one of the nation's most respected and longest continually accredited Marriage and Family Therapy graduate programs.
Clinical Services Center Student Therapists
Finch Houdek (they/he)
Finch believes that recovery and joy are radical acts of resistance, especially for people who have been historically oppressed, undervalued, and silenced. Finch is happy to work with people from any background, and is particularly interested in working with queer, trans and non-binary, non-monogamous, disabled, fat, and neurodivergent folx, as well as those in the BDSM/kink/fetish community. Finch comes from a background in sex education and social work and is currently working towards their Sex Therapy Certificate in addition to their Masters in MFT. They received their undergraduate degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota and grew up in southeastern Wisconsin. As a therapist, Finch values creating a collaborative, validating environment and utilizes Solution Focused and Internal Family Systems lenses.
Kacey King (she/her)
Kacey graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies before she started the MFT program here at UW-Stout. Kacey strongly believes that building a strong therapeutic relationship, and a safe and trusting environment for clients is important for healing and change. She takes a collaborative and client centered approach to her work and believes that the therapist and client are partners throughout the therapy journey. Kacey believes that life brings along many challenges and no one should have to navigate those challenges alone. Kacey is interested in working with individuals, couples, families, and kids. Areas of interest include depression, anxiety, family of origin issues, trauma, and somatics.
Jaiden Mahlberg (she/her)
Jaiden believes that every person has the innate ability to heal. She is passionate about holding a space for those who need a safe, secure environment to explore their goals, share their story and expand their sense of self. Jaiden uses a family system’s framework and believes that creating a support network is as vital to the healing process as the air you breathe. She is interested in working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents regardless of race, gender or sexuality. Areas of interests also include anxiety, depression, relationship troubles, sexual wellness, trauma, and grief & loss.
Cady Miller (she/her)
Cady did her undergrad studies in Human Services prior to coming to UW-Stout for the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program. Cady brings in over 10 years in the medical field working as an Optometric Technician. In her work as a therapist, Cady brings a real-life and open-minded perspective when working with clients. She currently works with individuals (adolescent to adult) and relational work, which includes couples, open relationships, and family dynamics. Cady doesn't align with just one modality, but brings multiple theories and perspectives into her work. She is a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Outside of working, Cady enjoys being outside with her horses and dogs. She also loves to travel and learn others' culture, food, and history.
Alexis Schroeder (she/her)
Alexis works with children, adolescents, individuals, families, and couples. She utilizes a client-centered approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help clients achieve their personal goals. Alexis is committed to fostering a safe and supportive therapeutic environment tailored to each of her clients' unique needs. Outside of work, Alexis enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hiking and watching sunsets. She also has a drive for fitness and enjoy taking walks with her dog, Lotty.
Lisa Schwartz (she/her)
Janine Speight (she/her)
Janine received her bachelor's degree in Psychology and is currently enrolled in the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program at University of Wisconsin - Stout. She is excited to offer clients a supportive and safe space for growth, meaningful connections, and positive change. With a collaborative, empathetic and strengths-based approach to her work, Janine believes building a strong connection with each client is the first step in the therapy journey. She acknowledges that life can be challenging at times and having extra support along the way can be beneficial.
Kylee Wells (she/her)
Kylee obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Contemporary Movement Practices from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Kylee's hope for her therapeutic practice is to incorporate somatic work as well as experiential techniques. She is interested in how the mind and body connection brings more awareness to oneself, ones environment, and to others. Some other areas of interest for her include intimacy, parenting, and emotional regulation. Kylee is currently exploring Emotionally Focused Therapy as well as Solution-Focused Therapy within her therapy sessions.
Victoria Woodman (she/her)
Victoria believes that every human deserves love, companionship, and trust in their lives. She is passionate about creating a safe space to explore you and your relationships. There will, no doubt, be some challenges along the way, but she believes that is what makes us all card-carrying members of the human race. It is Victoria's goal that by the end of your time with her, we will see an improvement in your sense of security, protection, and comfort within your relationships and that you will be able to create a positive space for you to grow both in therapy and at home. She looks forward to the journey together and the positive change you will be making as a team.
Clinical Staff and Supervisors
Beth Biederman (she/her)
While I am new to the CSC Office Manager role, I have worked at UW-Stout for more than 18 years. Most of that time has been with the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI), where I serve as the database administrator, provide operational support to the SVRI Services team, and coordinate recruitment and records management. I’m sure that balancing these two roles might be challenging at times, but my experience working with SVRI clients has already proven helpful in my role at the CSC. I studied at UW-Stout and recently completed some software development coursework at the Chippewa Valley Technical College.
Heather Hessel, PhD (University of Minnesota)
Heather Hessel (she/her) is an assistant professor in the Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Human Services department, and the Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at UW-Stout. Her research interests include the young adult life stage, and the role of technology in family relationships. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and maintains a small online clinical practice. Dr. Hessel's clinical interests include parent-child relationships, mindfulness, and Buddhist Psychology.
Kevin Hynes, PhD (University of Connecticut)
Kevin Hynes (they/she/he) is an assistant professor in the Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Human Services department. Their program of research focuses on disparities in mental health outcomes with minority populations and the utilization of technology for therapists. They are a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. They maintain a small clinical practice and their clinical interests include work with marginalized and underserved populations, including ethnic/racial minorities and the LGBTQ community.
Brian Crim, MS (University of Wisconsin-Stout)
Brian Crim (he/him) is an adjunct professor in the Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Human Services Department and a supervisor in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at UW-Stout. He is a 2011 graduate of the UW-Stout MFT program. Brian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate, and co-owner of Adulteen Counseling, LLC in River Falls, WI.
Lara Hoss, PhD (Texas Tech University)
Lara Hoss (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Human Services department. She is an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor. Dr. Hoss' program of research focuses on clinical implications of intimate partner violence, including therapists' assessment and intervention practices. In the future, Dr. Hoss hopes to develop an intimate partner violence training program for training therapists in Marriage and Family Therapy programs.
Candice Maier, PhD (University of Iowa)
Candice Maier (she/her) is an associate professor in the Counseling, Rehabilitation and Human Services Department, and the Clinical Director of the Clinical Services Center at UW-Stout. Her research interests include clinical couple therapy and gender equity as contributions to mental and physical health. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and AAMFT Approved Supervisor and works in private practice at Adulteen Counseling, LLC. Dr. Maier is active in the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) and serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Marriage and Family. Dr. Maier's clinical and research interests include feminist-informed practice, couple relationships, and Narrative Therapy.