Our counseling clinic follows CDC guidelines for everyone's health and safety.
227400 Rib Mountain Drive, Ste D, Wausau, Wisconsin 54401, United States
(715) 301-0667 Wausau Weston Stevens Point
About Us
Family First!
We value the power and importance of relationships, which is reflected in our clinic. By creating a relationship with you, we can provide all the support and help you need to calm the emotional chaos and challenges you or your family may be struggling with. Because this holds such a substantial value in our team, we offer a variety of innovative counseling appropriate for children and families to help build communication and trust.
Melissa Niedfeldt, LPC, CSAC, PS, CDBT, CSOTP
Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Family Life Education from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, and a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Lakeland University. Melissa is an experienced independent contractor who provides treatment for children, adolescents, and adults in individual and group settings in the surrounding community. She is experienced in working with clients with suicidal ideations, self-harming behavior, and severe and persistent mental illness issues. In addition she assists clients with court-ordered mental health treatment. Melissa specializes in various treatment modalities: dialectical behavior therapy, co-occurring disorder treatments, mood disorders, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and self-harming behaviors. She provides therapy to children (3yrs+), adolescents, and adults.
Megan Norland, LPC & Clinical Assistant
Megan's goal as a counselor is to cultivate a therapeutic relationship that promotes safety, authenticity, genuineness, and collaboration to help clients to utilize strengths in their journey of self-discovery, awareness, and meaning. Megan uses play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and positive psychology to help clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues. As an independent contractor in the Wausau area, she works primarily with children and adolescents. Megan believes it is essential to view clients from a holistic perspective to meet them where they are and tailor the therapeutic approach to each unique client's strengths, resources, and experiences.
Holly Briquelet Miller, LPC-IT
Holly’s goal as a counselor is to cultivate a safe and collaborative environment for clients to receive support on their journey for self-awareness and growth. Holly received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. As an independent contractor in the Wausau area, Holly works with clients of all ages from adolescents and young adults navigating challenges related to life transitions, identity development, and interpersonal relationships to adults, couples and families throughout the lifespan on issues related to depression, anxiety, complex trauma, chronic illness, communication skills, parenting, and self-discovery. Holly uses an integrative psychodynamic approach, meeting clients where they are with holistic and evidence-based treatments including mindfulness, CBT, ACT, play therapy and strength-based approaches.
Dr. Trena Loomans, LPC, NCC, MSAT
Trena is the Director of Clinical Operations and Co-Owner of The Caring Tree. She has over 30 years of experience working with children and families in education and counseling. Trena has a Master's degree from Bradley University in Clinical Counseling and Illinois State University in Art Therapy. She received her Doctorate from Edgewood College, focused on using art therapy to increase students' sense of belonging. She is very excited to offer a counseling program with a primary purpose of serving children and their families. Trena specializes in trauma care, mood disorders, ADHD, and mental health assessment. She uses positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, art therapy, play therapy, and family systemic theory to help her clients achieve their treatment goals.
Lynda Broschardt, LPC
Lynda’s goal is to help youth overcome personal obstacles to reach their fullest potential. She likes to work with youth because she feels they are our community’s greatest asset! Lynda received her Masters in Counseling from Lakeland College and training in residential inpatient programs. As an independent contractor for the Wausau and Stevens Point area Lynda specializes in adolescent therapies through mentoring, 1:1, art, play, and aroma therapies to assist with: Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, and supporting families.
Chelsea Krayecki, LPC
Chelsea's goal is to establish a safe environment that allows the client to explore themselves while learning skills that will promote independence and enhance their ability to cope with life stressors. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse & Winona State University, receiving her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As an independent contractor Chelsea's specialty areas are level 1 - autism, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, CBT, DBT, play therapy, behavioral concerns, strengths-based approach, and trauma-informed care. She believes by implementing creative & unique interventions targeted at specific goals; clients will be able to overcome obstacles and learn lifelong skills while developing independence and confidence. This approach can lead to increased personal growth and decreased mental health concerns and behaviors.
Stacey Larson, LPC
Stacey’s overall goal as a therapist is to establish a safe space for her clients to feel comfortable in order to engage wholly in the therapeutic process. Through this process, Stacey helps clients highlight and utilize their strengths to achieve their goals. Stacey is a graduate of Upper Iowa University with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and began her career as an independent contractor. Stacey enjoys working with children, adolescents, and teens, as well as parents and guardians. Her background as a special education teacher in the high school setting for 11 years has allowed Stacey to develop a strong understanding of the challenges many adolescents and their families face. Stacey believes in flexibility and creativity within the therapeutic process and often engages in interventions that focus on CBT, strength-based approaches, play therapy, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
Tanya Casar, LCSW
Tanya’s goal as a counselor is to create an environment where clients feel safe and supported, allowing them to communicate their feelings. As a licensed contracted professional, she creates space where clients feel like they are heard and what they feel is important. Tanya earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and Master of Clinical Social Work degree at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Tanya specializes in collaborating with clients of all ages dealing with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, suicidal ideations, behavior issues, spectrum disorders, and marital and family issues. Tanya has specialized training in the Love and Logic parenting program to help parents work with their children and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Tanya has training and experience with helping people with substance abuse issues and working on maintaining their sobriety. Tanya uses an array of therapeutic approaches to help her clients reach their therapeutic goals.
Aliya Brianne, LPC-IT
Aliya is a compassionate and dedicated mental health professional who believes in walking alongside individuals as they uncover their inner strength and resilience. Her goal is to provide a warm, supportive space where clients can find the tools and confidence to navigate life’s challenges with hope. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Liberty University and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. With over 10 years of experience working with children, parents, and adolescents—including two years as a Special Education Teacher—Aliya understands the power of collaboration with families, schools, and communities to create meaningful, lasting change. As an independent contractor, she specializes in play therapy, trauma care, self-esteem, NSSI, suicidal ideation, mood disorders, grief, parenting support, life transitions, and identity development. Trained in Mental Health First Aid and trauma-informed care, she takes a strength-based, multimodal approach rooted in person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, CBT, DBT, and art therapy for creative expression. Aliya is passionate about tailoring evidence-based practices to each client’s unique journey, offering a safe and compassionate space for healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Ceceilia Paoli, Insurance & Billing Coordinator
Clients and their families are always delighted to meet with Ceceilia. She is a warm and welcoming presence when explaining insurance claims and billing. Her impressive organizational skills ensure that our counseling clinic operates efficiently and effectively.
Ryan Loomans, Office Manager
When you visit the center in the evenings, you will meet Ryan, who will greet you with a warm smile. He's always happy to assist you with checking in and addressing any scheduling questions you may have. Ryan is an excellent asset to the clinicians and support staff, providing them with helpful
Steve Swierczynski, Director of Business Operations
Steve brings over 20 years of business experience to The Caring Tree, LLC as a co-owner. He has started, owned, and managed several companies and served on numerous corporate and educational advisory boards. Primarily tasked with business development and operational guidance and oversight, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the clinic. He studied English Literature at UW-Madison and continually seeks more knowledge through various professional schools and educational experiences. He can be reached at (608) 501-1428 or steve@caringtree.us.
Furry Friends
Coconut
Buttercup
Coconut
Coconut is always happy to bring a smile to anyone's face. He has his Canine Good Citizens certification and has earned his Distinguished Therapy Dog certification through AKA.
Peanut
Buttercup
Coconut
Peanut is always happy to bring a smile to anyone's face. He has his Canine Good Citizens certification and has earned his Distinguished Therapy Dog certification through AKA.
Buttercup
Buttercup
Buttercup
Buttercup is one of our resident rabbits who keeps everyone company. She also enjoys being petted and getting cranberry and carrot treats.
Kiwi
Brownie
Buttercup
Kiwi is our entertaining and playful Roborovski hamster. She enjoys Yogurt Drops and running on her exercise wheel. She helps children to understand patience, gentleness, problem-solving, and tolerance.
Brownie
Brownie
Brownie
Brownie is a friendly guinea pig who loves raspberry yogurt treats. She enjoys being petted and watching children during play therapy.
Brownie
Brownie
Brownie
Merlin is our chatty tabby cat who loves to be petted and get hugs. He does a wonderful job of calming those around him with his sweet and friendly nature.