Jennifer Brown began her studies in psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI, from 1992 to 1994. After a significant hiatus and a job downsizing, she decided to return to her education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a minor in Social Policy from UW-Whitewater in 2015. Continuing her academic journey, she obtained her master’s degree from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work in the Health and Aging program at UW-Madison in 2018.

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Jennifer's early career was rooted in accounting and finance, primarily within the agricultural sector. In 2012, she returned to school and transitioned into community social work upon graduation. She dedicated herself to working with older adults in the Madison and Monona area for eight years before founding her own agency.

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Jennifer was born and raised in Whitewater, WI, where she developed a strong work ethic working on her parents' farm. An animal lover, she shares her home with two dogs, Winston and Millie, two cats, Charlie and Cassidy, and boards her horse, Fancy, nearby. After many years in Madison, Jennifer and her husband relocated to Beaver Dam, WI, to be closer to his job and to her family. 

Jennifer has a passion for outdoor activities, often spending her weekends gardening or riding Fancy through the scenic trails of Wisconsin. She also enjoys doing crafts, building things, upcycling furniture for new uses, and spending time with her family and friends, especially her great-niece, Zoey, who is 3 years old. Jennifer values the importance of balance in life and finds joy in cooking, traveling, and exploring new cultures with her husband.

Deb brings a wealth of experience and a positive, can-do attitude that perfectly aligns with our commitment to excellence in providing compassionate care and support. As our Administrative Support Specialist, she will be an integral part of our team, ensuring smooth operations and contributing to the overall success of Caring Connection

 Megan is a certified social worker with five years of experience in the field. She holds a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and has a strong background in case management and supporting older adults. Megan is committed to a strengths-based approach in her practice, recognizing that each individual has unique strengths that can enhance their mental well-being. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their Goldendoodle.  

Education
Larry earned his Bachelor of Business degree from Iowa State University, majoring in Business and minoring in Psychology. He later pursued a Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. His passion for the program led him to teach within it for 10 years. Larry also served as an adjunct faculty member at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington.

Work Experience
Larry has extensive experience in behavioral health, working across public and private systems with diverse populations, including adults, adolescents, children, families, and the elderly. His roles have spanned outpatient, residential, and hospital-based inpatient programs.

In addition to clinical work, Larry has consulted businesses and government organizations on behavioral health matters and played an active role in advocating for legislative changes within the field.

Larry’s leadership journey began in 1990 as the director of a clinical unit, and he has since excelled in various leadership roles. As a program development specialist, he has implemented numerous revenue-generating departments and service lines. Notably, he successfully turned around two struggling organizations, returning them to profitability and stability within two years.

In healthcare leadership, Larry progressed from VP of Support Services to VP of Operations and ultimately Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO of a community hospital, he led his team to achieve top quartile efficiency in operations.

Public Speaking
Larry has delivered over 2,000 presentations to more than 180,000 individuals since 1985. He has spoken at national conferences, including in Washington D.C., as well as at regional and local events. His audience sizes have ranged from small groups to large gatherings of 300 people. Larry has also appeared on live radio and TV formats.

Additionally, he has consulted schools and colleges in the Midwest on addiction issues and their impact on school operations. His expertise extends to consulting businesses, where he developed an Employee Assistance Program and designed an Occupational Health program.

Awards and Certifications
Larry is recognized as a respected practitioner in the behavioral health field, holding state, national, and international addiction counseling credentials. He is a licensed professional counselor and a certified Independent Clinical Supervisor.

Transitioning into healthcare leadership, Larry became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), achieving board certification in Healthcare Leadership. His work was acknowledged in 2009 when his team was recognized as the Top Leading Team in Healthcare by Healthcare Magazine.

Larry's most recent leadership role was as COO of Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (5,000 employees and a $6.5 billion budget). Now "mostly retired," Larry dedicates time to supporting clients of Caring Connection in Dane County, Wisconsin.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University and have over a decade of experience in mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness services. My career began in group homes, where I assisted men with mental health challenges in developing independent living skills and securing stable housing. I also spent three years as a caregiver in an independent living community, supporting residents in their daily lives. Later, I transitioned to working with elderly clients, helping them manage benefits, avoid homelessness, and regain independence. I am a dedicated professional with extensive experience assisting individuals with mental health challenges. My expertise includes supporting clients in securing housing, developing job skills, finding meaningful employment, managing finances, and organizing their living spaces. I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve greater independence and stability, tailoring my approach to meet each person's unique needs and goals.

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Tara has over 15 years in the social work field. For the last 10 years, prior to working in CCS she has been working in Dane county through the Medicaid waiver program for adults with disabilities. She has her undergraduate degree in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee, with a minor in Sociology and Women's Studies. Tara has her Master’s degree in Social Work from Capella University.

As a certified CCS provider, Tara provides service facilitation, individual skills development and enhancement, and psychoeducation. Tara has experience working with victims of assault and adults with disabilities. Tara has worked with adults with mental health needs as a secondary focus. Seeing the lack of support for those with mental health needs, Tara became interested in helping be part of the solution to reach others for services and support. 

Tara believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. Her approach is client centered, Strengths- based, and trauma- informed, ensuring that each person she works with is treated with respect, compassion, and understanding. She is committed to advocating for social justice and empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential.

Lisa Siegel completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, with a bachelor of science in Sociology.  She earned her post-graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville, with a master of science in Criminal Justice.  Lisa has 12 years experience working in the Corrections field, six of those years as a Probation Officer helping individuals navigate the criminal justice system, or life after incarceration.  She also has four years experience working as a Case Manager in Family Care long term care, helping to connect clients to care and resources in the community.  Lisa has experience working with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences at all stages in their lives.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, the outdoors, playing sports, trying new experiences, and meeting new people.

A Wisconsin native, Judy has spent most of her adult life working with Madison’s youth.  She graduated from UW - Madison with a degree in Secondary Education and began working in the Madison Metropolitan School District in 1995 as a secondary English teacher.  She earned her master’s degree in 2000 and worked continuously as a high school English teacher until June of 2024, spending eighteen years at Memorial High School and eleven years at East High School.  In her time in the high schools, she was the founding advisor for Memorial’s Gay/Straight Alliance and was awarded the 2001 Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network Wisconsin Educator Award.  In 2002, she was awarded the Memorial High School Senior Teacher Award and was inducted as an honorary member of the National Honor Society in 2024.  She has worked extensively with students with Individual Education Plans and has striven to be compassionate and respectful in her approach to students, families, and colleagues.

While work has always been important, Judy strives for balance in her life.  She has volunteered at Three Gaits Therapeutic Horsemanship, helping out with the therapeutic riding lessons and leasing two of her horses to the program.   She spends time with her significant other and her large extended family, and enjoys her dogs, the eight chickens that live in the backyard, and tending to her garden.

Xeng Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Edgewood College, where he cultivated a strong understanding of human behavior, cognitive processes, and emotional well-being. His passion for mental health care was inspired during high school when he supported his cousin through challenging times, which sparked his commitment to helping others navigate life's difficulties. This early experience motivated him to pursue the mental health care field and to deepen his understanding of how psychological principles can improve individual and community mental health.

Professionally, he gained hands-on experience as an intern therapist at Marriage and Family Therapy and The Black Brain Campaign, where he worked directly with clients under supervision. In this role, he conducted intake assessments, provided therapeutic support, and collaborated with licensed therapists to develop personalized treatment plans. This experience enhanced his skills in active listening, empathy, and problem-solving, solidifying his dedication to fostering mental wellness. His combined academic journey and practical experience reflect a lifelong commitment to compassionate care and making a positive impact on others' lives.

Molly McDonough, LCSW, is a dedicated clinical social worker with experience in providing evidence-based treatment to children, adolescents, families and adults. Molly's clinical expertise spans diverse settings, including inpatient psychiatry, outpatient programs, emergency department, forensic mental health, and child protective services. 

As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Molly holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in social work. Molly demonstrates commitment to professional growth, which is evident through advanced certifications, including EMDR basic training, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Training for Adoption Competency. Molly is passionate about fostering resilience, promoting mental health, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve holistic care for the populations she serves.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Molly is deeply passionate about promoting community resilience and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. She is an advocate for empowering young people through creative expression, mindfulness practices, and the cultivation of strong support systems. In her free time, Molly enjoys exploring the outdoors, practicing yoga, and spending time with her two dogs.

Jennifer is a dedicated human services professional with extensive experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging circumstances. With a deep passion for empowering others, she has worked across diverse settings, providing guidance, advocacy, and personalized care to help individuals overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she gained a strong foundation in understanding the complexities of human behavior, development, and family systems. She then obtained a Master's degree in Human Services from Wilmington University, which equipped her with advanced clinical knowledge and practical tools to address the diverse needs of individuals and families.

Jennifer's professional approach is grounded in empathy, advocacy, and a profound respect for her clients' diverse experiences. She specializes in creating effective care plans, implementing recovery-focused interventions, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deliver holistic solutions. Her ability to build trust and foster meaningful relationships has been critical in guiding clients toward recovery, empowerment, and sustainable well-being.

Deeply committed to making a positive impact, Jennifer dedicates herself to helping individuals overcome challenges, realize their potential, and lead fulfilling lives with confidence and resilience.