About Counseling Services

Dr. McGrath is a licensed psychologist and Director of Counseling Services. He utilizes a strength-based approach to counseling that draws from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Client-Centered frameworks. Riley has experience working with a variety of different presenting issues including identity related concerns, relationship difficulties, mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment concerns, substance abuse, career uncertainty, and disordered eating.

He has PSYPACT Authority to practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NC, NH, NJ, ND, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY. 

Erin Gumm, MA, LPC brings over a decade of experience to her role at UWEC. Her expertise includes adjustment concerns, anxiety and mood disorders, co-occurring diagnoses, substance abuse, ADHD, family and relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, and attachment concerns. Her approach is client-centered and strengths-based. She is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Harucha is an Indonesian native with professional interest in multi racial/multi-cultural counseling, Positive Psychology, Social Justices and Humanistic-Existential perspectives. She has experience working with different kind of population and issues including mood and anxiety disorders, LGBTQ+, grief, identity, trauma, abuse, spiritual, adjustment concerns and navigating career uncertainties.

Stefanie Benesh, M.A. LMFT 

Stefanie is a Licensed Marriage (Couples) & Family Therapist (LMFT). She focuses on how systems and context influence your current experience and helps connect you to resources to feel more engaged in your life. She works from a Narrative, Experiential, Solutions-Focused lens centered around you as the expert on your life. Her objective is to empower you to develop your own goals and support you in making them happen.

Paula is a Licensed Professional Counselor and outreach coordinator.  Paula’s goal is to provide a safe space for students to feel comfortable in the counseling relationship. She works with clients with a variety of presenting challenges. Her work with clients is guided by Person-Centered and Existential frameworks as well as Attachment, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral theories.

Betsy is a Licensed Professional Counselor-in-Training at Counseling Services.  She works with clients with a variety of presenting challenges including depression and anxiety, adjustment to college, grief, relationship concerns and identity development. Her work with clients is guided by Person-Centered, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral frameworks.

Dr. Stacey Jackson is an Associate Professor of Psychology. She also serves as a Clinician at the University Counseling Center where she sees students for individual, couples, group, and crisis counseling, along with providing psychoeducation and outreach services. Dr. Jackson serves on several committees on campus, within the Eau Claire community, and within her field devoted to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion efforts. Pronouns: She, her, hers

Geri is an LPC-IT with degrees in Graphic Design (UW-EC) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (UW-Stout). Believing in the power of the mind to change our thoughts and behaviors, Geri employs a holistic approach to well-being - helping college students incorporate self-care practices for their mind, body and soul.

Lauren is a licensed psychologist with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Through her work in community mental health and inpatient settings, she has developed a collaborative and flexible therapeutic style that is person-centered and trauma informed. Lauren believes in the incredible power of human connection, empathy, and compassion to foster growth and resilience.

Becca is a licensed professional counselor. She obtained her Masters in Mental Health Counseling at Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Becca has worked with individuals childhood through adulthood. She enjoys supporting clients in meeting their individual goals and finding meaning and purpose.

Noah is a Licensed Professional Counselor-In-Training. He views the counseling process as a collaborative effort between the counselor and client, and empowers clients to make confident decisions for their benefit. Placing a large emphasis on the counseling relationship, he works through a person centered, cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and solutions-focused framework

Ashley is a Counselor at UWEC Counseling Services and the AODA coordinator. She obtained her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. Ashley's areas of clinical interest include depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment to college, stress management, identity development, intersectionality, and concerns related to gender identity and sexual orientation.

Nancy is a licensed professional counselor and credentialed Art Therapist. Nancy received her Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University. Nancy is passionate about mental health wellness and prevention. Nancy enjoys supporting young people in developing the skills and tools they need to successfully confront challenges and manage their emotions. Nancy also believes in equity and accessibility of mental health support for individuals from all backgrounds.

Marissa is a Clinical Counselor and Case Manager at Counseling Services. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from UWEC and then her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Capella University. Marissa has worked with individuals of all ages that experience anxiety, mood disorders, and suicidal tendencies. She is passionate about meeting clients where they are at and assisting clients in reaching their goals.

Shauna is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over ten years of experience in the field.  She obtained her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and is a Doctoral Candidate of Clinical Psychology.  She utilizes a cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approach to therapy and has experience treating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and life transitions.

Amulya is a master's level intern. She brings a unique multicultural perspective to her work, informed by her experiences across different cultures. This helps her understand and connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about helping people feel heard and supported, and she creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their challenges and work toward healing and personal growth.

Joseph Is a Masters level intern in the final year of the MSW program. Professional interests include CBT, ACT, mindfulness, art therapy, and teaching interpersonal skills. He has experience working with college students, teaching organizational skills and time management. His personal interests include tabletop gaming, running, yoga, reading, and painting.

Bri is a master's level counseling intern in her second year of UW-Stout’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Bri believes the client-counselor relationship is the most important part of the therapeutic process, and she is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment.  Her ultimate goal is to empower and support individuals in their personal growth and emotional well-being.

Assist with scheduling, phone calls, questions and general office duties