(608) 400-9070
Meet the Team
Our agency comprises a team of CCS certified and seasoned mental health professionals committed to assisting you in understanding and managing your mental health complexities.
Founder, Director & CCS Service Facilitator
Jennifer Brown, CAPSW
Jennifer Brown earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work, with a minor in Social Policy, from University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 2015 after returning to college following a career transition. She later obtained her Master of Social Work degree through the Health and Aging Program at the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work in 2018. Jennifer originally began her studies in psychology at University of Wisconsin–Stout before stepping away from higher education to build her professional career.
​
Prior to entering the field of social work, Jennifer worked extensively in accounting and finance within the agricultural industry. In 2012, she made the decision to pursue a career focused on community support and mental health services. Following graduation, she spent eight years serving older adults throughout the Madison and Monona communities, gaining extensive experience in care coordination, advocacy, and community-based support services.
​
Jennifer founded Caring Connection LLC with the goal of creating a more compassionate, person-centered approach to community mental health services. She recognized the need for providers to have the time, flexibility, and support necessary to build meaningful relationships with clients while helping individuals achieve greater independence, stability, and recovery within their communities. Her vision for the agency centers on providing high-quality, ethical, and individualized care while fostering a supportive environment for both clients and staff.
​
Born and raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Jennifer developed a strong work ethic through her upbringing on her family’s farm. She and her husband currently reside in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where she enjoys gardening, outdoor activities, creative projects, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Accounting & HR Manager
Deb Temerbekova
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.
Clinical Services Manager
Larry Kahl, MSED, LPC, CSAC, ICS, FACHE
Larry Kahl is a licensed Professional Counselor with nearly 40 years of experience providing substance use disorder and mental health counseling and psychotherapy services. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has over 15 years of executive healthcare leadership experience.
​
Larry stands on the importance of building rapport and understanding the unique needs of each individual and negotiating a safe and effective path forward to support clients in their personal growth. His behavioral healthcare experience spans working with all ages of clients working with substance use disorder and mental health issues at every known level of care. He has worked as an interventionalist, addiction treatment professional, licensed mental health professional, an educator, clinical coordinator, program director, and healthcare executive. He has a passion for supporting therapists, service facilitators and skill building team members on their professional journey.
​
Education & Certifications: Master Science Education, Counseling and Guidance (MSEd); Bachelor of Business Administration – psychology minor (BBA); Critical Incident Stress Debriefing – Mitchell Model; Fellow- American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE); Lean Six Sigma Executive Green Belt.
​
Areas of Focus: Clinical supervision and support of the Caring Connections Team and our clients in all aspects of mental health and substance use disorders. Servant Leadership, client centered care, wrap-around support resources and professionalism.
Mental Health Professional and Psychotherapist
Dr. Don Knight, LPC, PhD
Dr. Don Knight is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 23 years of experience providing mental health counseling and psychotherapy services. He specializes in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and concerns related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
​
Don believes that effective therapy begins with understanding each person’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals. His client-centered approach focuses on meeting individuals where they are in their journey, creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change.
​
In addition to psychotherapy, Don provides diagnostic evaluations and is committed to helping clients gain greater insight into their mental health needs and treatment options. He integrates evidence-based practices with compassion and respect for each individual's lived experience.
Education & Certifications: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), General Psychology – Northcentral University. Master of Arts (MA), Professional Counseling – Liberty University Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Gottman Method Couples Therapy
​
Areas of Focus: Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Relationship and Couples Issues, & Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Concerns
​
Professional Philosophy
I believe in a client-centered approach to care, working alongside individuals wherever they are in their journey and supporting them in achieving their personal goals for growth, healing, and well-being.
CCS Service Facilitator & Psychotherapist
Olivia Kracht, MA, LPC-IT
Olivia began her working career in office management and operations before deciding to pursue a degree in counseling due to her passion for helping and supporting others. During her education journey, she obtained experience where she observed and cofacilitated individual and group therapy and engaged in weekly clinical supervision to further develop her assessment and intervention skills. She values building a genuine rapport and meeting clients where they are with empathy, compassion, and nonjudgement.
​
She uses a person-centered, humanistic, and strength-based approach while continuing to integrate CBT-based and trauma-informed techniques to meet each individual's unique needs. She aims to provide culturally competent, inclusive care from a thoughtful, lived-experience-informed perspective that supports clients from all walks of life.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys staying active by camping, hiking, paddle boarding, playing soccer & volleyball, & dancing. She also enjoys listening to music and spending time with her son and loved ones.
​
Education & Certifications: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lakeland University. Certified in psychological first aid.
​
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, depression, trauma processing, and AODA concerns.
CCS Service Facilitator & ISDE
Megan Huerth, CSW
Megan has a strong background in case management and supporting adults. She began her career through an internship at a community-based mental health clubhouse, where she supported individuals living with chronic mental health conditions. This experience sparked her commitment to the field. Building on that foundation, Megan went on to serve as a case manager specializing in helping older adults navigate complex systems of care. Her work is grounded in advocacy, resource coordination, and empowering clients to access the services they need to thrive.
​
Megan is deeply committed to meeting clients where they are and works collaboratively to understand each person's needs and goals. She strives to connect individuals with supportive resources and, whether navigating complex systems or offering a compassionate listening ear. Megan is devoted to supporting her clients every step of the way.
​
When she's not working, Megan loves exploring new coffee shops, listening to podcasts, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their goldendoodle.
​
Education & Certifications: Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
​
Areas of Focus: Resource navigation and referrals, organizational skills, & developing daily routine and structure.
CCS Service Facilitator & ISDE
Tracey Yang
Tracey Yang is a dedicated CCS Service Facilitator and ISDE provider with a strong passion for community service with five years of experience in the field, particularly within the Hmong community. She is committed to fostering meaningful connections and addressing the community's unique needs. Tracey tirelessly works to provide support and resources that empower individuals and families. Her experience and cultural understanding enable her to advocate effectively for those she serves, positively impacting their lives. Tracey is passionate about helping and serving the community and constantly strives to learn and grow. She is a detail-oriented, analytical, and innovative individual committed to delivering excellent results. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
CCS Service Facilitator & ISDE
Lisa Siegel, MS
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.
​
CCS ISDE Provider
Judy Gump, MA
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.
CCS Service Facilitator, ISDE, & Psychoeducation
Alexandrea Jones, MS
Alexandrea Jones is an experienced school counselor, educator, and multimedia content creator. With a Master’s in Clinical Counseling in progress and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from UW-Madison, Alexandrea is passionate about supporting people's mental health and personal development.
​
Beyond the education and mental health field, she is a skilled videographer and photographer, collaborating with organizations such as UW-Madison Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, and Anesis Family Therapy Center. As a YouTube content creator and award-winning entrepreneur, Alexandrea specializes in promoting emotional and spiritual wellness through creative digital media.
CCS Service Facilitator
Terra Allen BS
Terra brings over 20 years of experience in leadership roles, having supported teams across a wide range of fields, including education and the U.S. Army. As the Director of an Academic Learning Center, she focused on creating personalized support plans and fostering partnerships with families and the community to make a lasting impact. Her experience in the Army Reserves has honed her abilities in crisis intervention, team management, and supporting individuals in challenging situations.
In addition to her professional experience, Terra is a dedicated community leader and pastor's wife. Her primary role is to lift and support the community through service. A servant leader with a servant’s heart, she is passionate about uplifting the least, the lost, and the left out. Terra thrives in environments where she can work with a team committed to making meaningful progress. She is excited about the opportunity to bring her skills and experience to Caring Connection.
Service Facilitator & ISDE Provider
Housing Specialist
Jodi Evans, BSW
Jodi has over a decade of experience in mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness services. Her career began in group homes, where she assisted men with mental health challenges in developing independent living skills and securing stable housing. Jodi also spent three years as a caregiver in an independent living community, supporting residents in their daily lives. Later, she transitioned to working with elderly clients, helping them manage benefits, avoid homelessness, and regain independence.
Jodi is a dedicated professional with extensive experience assisting individuals with mental health challenges. Her expertise includes supporting clients in securing housing, developing job skills, finding meaningful employment, managing finances, and organizing their living spaces. She is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve greater independence and stability, tailoring her approach to meet each person's unique needs and goals.
​
Education & Certifications: Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University.
​
Areas of Focus: Housing
CCS Service Facilitator
Brittny Retzlaff
Brittny has several years of experience in supporting individuals with varied needs. She is passionate about creating a positive, supportive, & unique environment for growth. Brittny’s approach is person-centered, focusing on each individual’s strengths and unique goals. She believes in building trusting relationships & working alongside clients to help them thrive. Brittny also specializes in crisis prevention & emotional regulation and coping skills development. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active by participating in a co-ed soccer team and snowboarding in the winter. She also likes to spend time at home with her two cats and husband.
Education & Certifications: Bachelors Degree majoring in Psychology from Ripon College. Certified Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) Instructor. Brittny is currently pursuing her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University.
CCS Service Facilitator
Isabelle Brotz
Isabelle began her career working in a high-aquity CBRF supporting individuals with diverse needs. This shaped her passion for advocacy and working with vulnerable populations. Her approach is person-centered and strengths-based, focusing on building trust, supporting emotional regulation, and helping individuals navigate systems and access resources. She has experience supporting individuals with developmental and communication needs as well as providing provocation services to support employment and independence. Isabelle strives to create a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and capable of growth. Outside of work Isabelle rescues and cares for her 5 cates and enjoys spending time outdoors with her daughter.
Education & Certifications: Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. Certified in Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF). SAFE/TSAFE Trained. Isabelle's education background includes training in trauma-informed care, evidence based practice, and culturally responsive practice.
​
Areas of Focus: Mental Health Support, Culturally Responsive Care, LGBTQIA+, IDLS/IADLs, Prevocational Support & Employment Readiness, and Children, Family Support, & Parenting Resources.
CCS Service Facilitator
Meredith Lindeman
Meredith has focused her career before Caring Connection working with children with autism doing intensive one-on-one ABA therapy. Meredith practices person-centered care with an emphasis on authenticity, communication, and trust. She is passionate about making people feel cared for and getting them the help they need. She has also worked locally with The Beacon on a project supporting homeless advocacy focusing on connecting guest to and navigate services. Outside of social services, Meredith has also done various forms of English tutoring and taught English-language classes to those who are learning English as a second language. Outside of work, Meredith likes to unwind by playing video games, figure skating, trying new foods and reading.
​
Education & Certifications: Bachelor's of Art from the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Psychology and Linguistics. Meredith is also certified in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
​
Areas of Focus: ASD, ADHD, Neurodivergence, OCD, Culturally Responsive Care, & LGBTQIA+.
ISDE Provider
Jamie Roche
Jamie has extensive experience as a human resource professional with employee relations, talent acquisition, onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance. She has worked closely with leaders and employees to create positive workplace experiences while ensuring policies and employment practices are applied consistently and fairly.
Jaime believes that every client deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported. Her approach to client care is centered on active listening, clear communication, and building trusting relationships while providing compassionate, individualized guidance. She is committed to delivering responsive, high-quality service that empowers clients and helps them confidently navigate challenged and achieve their goal.
​
Education & Certifications: Associated Degree in Early Child Development from Madison Area Technical College. Holds several HR Development certifications.
​
Areas of Focus: Employment, Job Readiness, & Career Development. Life skills development. Parent & Peer.
Psychoeducation Graduate Intern
Corrina Fuller, BS
Corrina Fuller earned her B.S. in Psychology
from UW–La Crosse and is currently
pursuing her Master of Social Work at
Arizona State University (expected
December 2026). She brings 5+ years of
experience in community mental health
and a background in ABA therapy with
youth on the autism spectrum.
Corrina uses a compassionate, strength-
based, and client-centered approach,
creating a space where individuals feel
heard, respected, and empowered. She is
committed to cultural competency and
provides LGBTQIA+ affirming, inclusive
care.
Outside of work, Corrina enjoys traveling,
board games, pickleball, the outdoors, and
time with her husband and two dogs.
​
Education & Certifications: Bachelors Degree majoring in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. Corrina is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University
Client Services Specialist
Stephanie Brandsma, MSW
Stephanie is a certified Client Rights Specialist through the State of Wisconsin. At Caring Connection, she works with clients with issues related to their rights and grievances.
Stephanie has worked with older adults for over a decade. She has developed and led several programs focused on mental fitness and health for the community, having even coordinated a research study for Alzheimer's and other Dementias. After finishing her Masters degree, Stephanie spent two years traveling around the United States with her husband and dog, while living and working out of their camper. Now she is happily back in Wisconsin full-time.
Education & Certifications: Stephanie earned her Masters of Social Work (MSW) focusing on Aging, Health, and Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also attended UW-Madison for her undergraduate studies in Social Welfare and Gerontology.
Fostering a Caring Connection: "Our mission is to provide compassionate support, understanding, and personalized care, empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges with dignity and resilience."
Partnerships
Comprehensive Community Services
The Dane County Department of Human Services
Compressive Community Services (CCS) program "is a voluntary, community-based program."
For additional information click here.
