Meet the Counselors of
Northern Woods Wellness LLC
Timothy R. Foster, MA, LPC, PhD Student
Tim is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has practiced psychotherapy for over 10 years. He is an Eau Claire native and returned to the Chippewa Valley about 5 years ago. Tim loves what he does and being able to support positive mental health within the Chippewa Valley. He lives with his wife and a plethora of animals including 2 huskies named Aurora and Zelda. In his free time, Tim enjoys watching movies, playing video games, running, motorcycles, and building aquariums. He believes therapy is the process of becoming aware and creating congruency in our lifestyles. Tim's style of therapy is based on a realistic model that is designed to help clients integrate their past experiences fully and honestly. He empowers clients to believe in themselves while developing resiliency through a collaborative and experiential approach.
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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 serving the Chippewa Valley for over 15 years. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate difficult and stressful situations.
Kelly's approach is integrative and client-centered, tailoring her care to meet the unique needs of each person she works with. She draws from various evidence-based therapeutic methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
In her practice, Kelly partners with clients to identify personal goals and develop strategies to track and measure progress, helping them improve their overall well-being and mental health.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, their two sons, and their dog, Fern. Their favorite activities include going to sporting events, gathering with friends and family, and being 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
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 be difficult and it takes a lot of strength and courage to seek out therapy. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life stressors, or other mental health concerns you can renew your life through therapy. When clients come in to see me their goals are to enhance their life to live more present and fully. They learn ways to challenge their unhelpful thinking patterns that have been causing them distress. People want to be seen, heard, and validated. They want to be able to tell their story in a place that feels safe for them, and this is the place they can find that.
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Education
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - University of Wisconsin - Stout
Specialties
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 veteran and mental health advocate with a deep commitment to improving the lives of fellow veterans. Drawing from his own experiences, Tyler has become a passionate supporter of veterans' mental health, understanding firsthand the unique challenges they face when transitioning back to civilian life. He works tirelessly to offer support, guidance, and compassion to those who have served, helping them navigate mental health struggles and find healing.
Currently, Tyler is gaining valuable experience as a practicum student at Marquette University, where he is honing his skills in mental health counseling. His internship is allowing him to merge his military background with his growing expertise in psychology and counseling. Tyler’s empathy and commitment to his mission make him an excellent resource for veterans, and his compassion extends to all those he helps, regardless of their background.
In his professional journey, Tyler strives to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in the veteran community, advocating for resources, awareness, and support systems. He is deeply invested in creating a safer, more understanding space for veterans to share their experiences and find the help they need. Through his work, Tyler hopes to inspire and empower those who have served to take charge of their mental health and well-being.
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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