Meet Our Staff

Therapists
Rachelle Laux ; MS, LPC, Biofeedback Specialist, Clinical Director
Liv Arafat; MS, LPC, NCC, EMDR Certified Therapist 
Cathy Hofman-Manthey; MS, WATR
Mark Stahl; MS, LPC, NCC, SAC, IDP-AT
Anne McLaren; MA, LPC, CSAC, LPN, CS-IT
Blu Kallies; MS, LPC
Margaret Frank; MAC, LPC-IT
Specialists
Jeff Scherer; Integrative Wellness Specialist
Administrative Staff
Melissa Schneider; Office Manager
Tammie Whitty ; Accounts Receivable & Payable
Robyn Jarocki-Hughes; Executive Assistant

Liv Arafat; MS, LPC, NCC, Certified EMDR Therapist

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years experience.  I work with adults, couples and families and my diverse multicultural background enriches my ability to work with people from many ethnic groups. I am a discerning therapist who will listen to your story and collaborate with you to find answers, solutions and insightful ideas that can help you make healthier choices and decisions.  By exploring and processing unresolved experiences it is possible to make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and find new meaning and hope.  I believe in a gentle, integrative therapeutic approach that honors your unique personal story and empowers you to change.  I am also EMDR certified and have specialized training in career counseling, narrative therapy and attachment therapy.  I have experience working with a variety of issues including: anxiety and panic attacks, depression, relationships, divorce, self-esteem, caregiver stress, grief and loss, life transitions, woman's issues, trauma and performance enhancement.

Why do I use EMDR?
I have been using EMDR in my therapy for the past 12 years and continue to be amazed by the rapid and lasting positive results my clients are experiencing!  Past traumas can cause emotional distress, internal conflict and unpleasant memories until resolved.  Through EMDR clients quickly gain access to the unconscious negative beliefs that are causing their emotional pain and troubling behaviors.  They can then begin the healing journey to self-acceptance and wholeness.

Cathy Hoffman-Manthey; MS, WATR 

I returned to school mid-life to follow my life's passion to combine art with my strong sense of dedication to helping people.  Now as a licensed and registered art therapist in the state of Wisconsin and compassioned artist I approach my profession from a humanistic standpoint; being with, doing with and honoring a client's creative process.  My goal is to lead the client into creative self-expression and improved well-being.  I am dedicated to building relationships, solving problems and providing a safe space for my clients through the therapeutic use of art materials.  I have a variety of work experiences and background.  I have worked with client populations including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.  I have facilitated support groups and therapeutic art workshops for women, adolescents and children dealing with life transitions, divorce, domestic violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, mental illness, drug & alcohol addiction and sexuality issues.  In the past I have been affiliated with school settings at residential treatment centers as well as privately owned art studios.  A broad range of perspective and life experiences have enabled me to develop an appreciation for the diversity, creativity and dignity of all human beings and their artwork.  I welcome the opportunity to work alongside you to honor your creative journey towards better health and well being. 

Mark Stahl; MSE, LPC, NCC, SAC, IDP-AT

I am a Licensed Professional and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a masters of Science and Education-Counseling and I'm also certified in conducting OWI assessment for the state of Wisconsin. I firmly believe that everyone has the resolve within themselves to overcome personal struggles and achieve overall wellness. By establishing support and trust with the client, and using a variety of approaches, the client is able to start hearing his/her inner voice.

 Anne McLaren; MA, LPC, CSAC, LPN, CS-IT

I have been passionate about health and healing for a very long time.  My first career was as a  Licensed Practical Nurse and I have had over 15 years of experience in hospitals, clinics and in-home nursing.  I was a stay at home mom for my four children until my youngest reached high school.  It was then I made the decision to return to college and complete my degree.  I have also recently completed my training as a Reiki Master, adding another dimension to my practice.  Through studying the various healing modalities, I have come to appreciate the importance of healing the whole; body, mind, and spirit.  My therapy style is client-centered and engaging, honoring each person's uniqueness.  My clinical experience includes working with addictive disorders such as; substance abuse and sex addiction.  I also have experience with mood disorders such as; anxiety and depression, co-occurring disorders, relationship issues, life transitions, divorce, death, trauma, PTSD, and life purpose issues.  I work with adults, couples and adolescents.  My intention is to support clients to realize their innate ability to heal, grow, and flourish in a safe supportive environment. 

 Blu Kallies; MS, LPC

Throughout my work, I have always believed that the compassion I have for my clients, my perspective of how valuable and wonderful each and every one of us are, and my pure and honest dedication to each and every client is what helps to heal.  I honor every client's individual values, perspectives, and goals and will embrace your uniqueness with open arms. I understand on a personal level, having gone into therapy to overcome many battles myself, that working on oneself is not always easy.  You must be brave, motivated to heal, and have the strength and self-awareness to seek help.  If you have the strength to take these steps, you have the strength within yourself to address your issues and health your struggles.  My previous counseling positions took place in Southern California, where I helped people from all walks of life.  I have worked with family adjustments and problem solving, financial and social stress, difficult life adjustments and transitions, disordered eating, and individuals who have been labeled with previously diagnosed mental illness looking for a new perspective on their life history.  I have special love for and experience with angry teens, children and youth with attachment difficulties and developmental challenges.  I bring to the center my genuine personality, positive energy, and seven years of experience to the warm and nurturing environment of the OCWC. 

 Margaret Frank; MAC, LPC-IT

I completed my graduate studies in counseling in August 2011, and am now completing my required placement to obtain my license from the state of Wisconsin.  I fulfilled my graduate level internship here at the Oshkosh Counseling Wellness Center, and am continuing to work with individuals in their struggles, working towards goals, resolving conflict and aspiring towards overall wellness in their lives.  I have worked with youth in various settings, including the completion of trainings towards helping teens and their families with life topics and issues that may arise.  I also work with individuals of all ages and gender, couples, and families.  I believe that each person is creative and different and I enjoy helping people discover their uniqueness, and together I hope to help them discover the joy in their life.  

Because I am not yet billable by insurance, I work with individuals on a reduced fee basis.  I hope to meet you soon and start working towards joy and overall well being in your life.  

Jeff Scherer, Integrative Wellness Specialist and Transitions Lifestyle Instructor 

I specialize in working with natural supplements that promote health and wellness. I provide individual consultations, and support the staff in understanding the role of natural supplements. I also work with the Transitions Lifestyle program, promoting weight-loss through low-glycemic eating and workshops that help others understand the role of stress, eating, and exercise to promote health.

Tammie Whitty; Accounts Receivable & Payable

I work with general accounting. I personally assist clients by providing information related to financial issues pertaining to services rendered at our center.  I work with all individuals in an honest and compassionate manner to make sure each persons experience is a positive one.

Robyn Jarocki-Hughes; Executive Assistant

Contracts & Credentialing Manager, Marketing Coordinator, Privacy Officer,
Human Resources