Meet the Counselors of
Northern Woods Wellness LLC
Timothy R. Foster, MA, LPC, PhD Student
Tim is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. A native of Eau Claire, he returned to the Chippewa Valley five years ago and feels deeply connected to the community he serves. Tim is passionate about fostering emotional wellness and believes in creating a therapeutic space where people feel safe, respected, and understood.
He lives with his wife and a lively group of animals, including two huskies named Aurora and Zelda. Outside of his work, Tim enjoys movies, video games, running, riding motorcycles, and building aquariums—activities that help him stay grounded and creative.
Tim views therapy as a process of deepening self-awareness and aligning with one’s values. His approach is rooted in collaboration, realism, and compassion. He helps clients explore the impact of past experiences—including trauma, loss, or disconnection—in ways that support integration, healing, and growth. Through a supportive and experiential lens, Tim empowers individuals to build resilience, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.
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Education
Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision - University of the Cumberlands (In Progress)
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Wheaton College, IL
B.A. Psychology - University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
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Specialties
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
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Contact Information
Email: director@northernwoodswellnessllc.com
Phone: 715-600-1966
Kelly S. Swartos, LCSW
Kelly is an experienced mental health professional who has been serving the Chippewa Valley for over 15 years. She works with individuals, couples, and families to navigate life’s challenges, including trauma, stress, relationship issues, and emotional distress.
Her approach is integrative and client-centered, always tailored to meet the unique needs and lived experiences of each person. Kelly draws from a range of evidence-based practices—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing—through a trauma-informed lens.
Kelly partners with clients to set meaningful goals, build resilience, and track progress in ways that support healing, growth, and improved mental health. She strives to create a space where people feel safe, empowered, and truly heard.
Outside of her work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, their two sons, and their dog, Fern. As a family, they love attending sporting events, gathering with loved ones, and enjoying the outdoors.
Education
MSW in Clinical Social Work-University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, MN
BSW in Social Work-University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety & Depression
Mood Disorders
Grief & Loss, as well as Anticipatory Grief
Postpartum Depression
Navigating Major Life Changes
Athletes struggling with Anxiety on and off the field
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Contact Information
Email: kelly@northernwoodswellnessllc.com
Phone: 715-600-3260
Tara L. Thiele, MS, LPC
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you're carrying the weight of trauma, grief, or emotional pain. Reaching out for support is an act of courage and strength. Whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, unresolved trauma, or the stress of everyday life, therapy can be a powerful step toward healing, self-understanding, and renewal.
When clients come to see me, they are often seeking to feel more connected, present, and at ease in their lives. Together, we gently explore and shift patterns—often shaped by past experiences—that may be contributing to ongoing distress.
At the core, people want to be seen, heard, and validated. They need a space where their story can unfold without fear or judgment—a space where trust, safety, and compassion are prioritized. I strive to offer that kind of space, where healing happens at your pace and in your way.
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Education
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - University of Wisconsin - Stout
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Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety & Depression
Mood Disorders
Grief & Loss, as well as Anticipatory Grief
Alcohol and Drug Use
Group Therapy
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Contact Information
Email: tara@northernwoodswellnessllc.com
Phone: 715-598-1568
Tyler Crotteau, MS (In-Progress)
Tyler is a dedicated mental health advocate with a strong commitment to supporting veterans and others navigating emotional and psychological challenges. As a veteran himself, Tyler brings a deep understanding of the complex and often invisible wounds that can accompany military service, including trauma, loss, and the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life.
Drawing from both personal experience and professional training, Tyler offers a grounded, compassionate approach to mental health care. He creates space for individuals to feel seen, heard, and supported as they work through past and present struggles. His goal is to foster healing, resilience, and hope—especially for those who have faced trauma or felt isolated in their experiences.
Currently a practicum student at Marquette University, Tyler is developing his skills in clinical mental health counseling, where he integrates his lived experience with evidence-based therapeutic approaches. His work emphasizes empathy, safety, and connection, and he strives to meet each person where they are, without judgment.
Tyler is especially passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in the veteran community. He advocates for increased access to resources, compassionate care, and culturally informed support systems. Through his work, Tyler hopes to help others reclaim their stories and move toward healing and empowerment—at their own pace, and in their own way.
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Education
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Marquette University - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Specialties
Military Mental health
Men's Mental Health
PTSD and Complex Trauma
Grief & Loss
Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
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Contact Information
Email: tyler@northernwoodswellnessllc.com
Phone: 715-598-1568