Melinda is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She received her Master’s in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in community counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She specializes in counseling children, and her research interests include childhood eating disorders and the effects of posttraumatic stress on military families.
Leng has undergraduate double majors in Psychology and Social Work and a MSW in the concentration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Leng is a Hmong therapist, practicing in Milwaukee, WI under an LCSW and is a dual clinician with Substance Abuse Specialty Authorization. Leng works with clients from all background but specializes in serving the Hmong community, as well other refugee groups, who struggles with mental health and AODA challenges. Leng has over 15 years of clinical experience, is a clinical supervisor, and oversees the Refugee Mental Health program at Sebastian Family.
Aaron Pressie is a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). He received his undergraduate degree from UW-Milwaukee and his graduate degree in Community Mental Health from Trinity College of Vermont. Aaron provides individual and family counseling, and mental health consultation to schools. His interests include working with children and families who have been affected by substance abuse and mental health issues, as well parent education issues. Aaron is a strong advocate of cognitive behavioral counseling, motivational enhancement therapy, Adlerian counseling practice, and culturally competent mental health services. Aaron serves on the advisory board of the Serenity Inn, AODA residential placement and has supervised multiple treatment programs in Milwaukee and Connecticut.
Job Title: Psychotherapist Education: MSW License: SAC College: UW-Milwaukee & Trinity College of Vermont Email: apressie@sebastianfpp.com
Peter Ruta , Ph.D., STL, LMFT
Dr. Peter Ruta received his PH.D in 1988 from Loyola University in Chicago, Il. In 2005, he completed his education in marriage and family therapy from the Family Training Institute in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Ruta is currently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Dr. Ruta’s professional interests include working with adults, families, and refugees. He has a range of experience from teaching to ministry work in the United States and other areas such as, Tanzania. Dr. Ruta is an active member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NCAA) and has been employed with SFPP, LLC since 2005. He is fluent and has working knowledge in a variety of languages including but not limited to, Kihaya, Kiswahili, Italian, and French. Dr.Ruta is also a Retired (not active) Board Certified Member of NACC (National Association of Catholic Chaplains).
Job Title: Marriage and Family Therapist Education: Ph.D., STL License: LMFT College: Loyola University Email: pruta@sebastianfpp.com
Andrew Bagley, MSW, LCSW
Andrew obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Andrew has a vast array of experiences in working with families, adolescents, and children through Milwaukee County’s Child Welfare System for approximately five years. Andrew is adept to working with clients who struggle with AODA and Mental Health related issues. He is well versed in working with culturally diverse populations. Andrew is practicing under a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Job Title: Psychotherapist Education: MS License: LPC College: Email: jmuweesi@sebastianfpp.com
Dawn Shelton-Williams, MSW, LCSW
Dawn Shelton-Williams received her undergraduate and graduate education from the UW-Milwaukee and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has over 18 years of experience in working with children and families in the private and public sectors. Her clinical interest lies in working with victims of child abuse and neglect, women's mental health, and parent education issues. Ms. Shelton-Williams is a strong advocate of Family-Centered Practice, Family System's Theory, and cultural competent mental health services. Ms. Shelton-Williams is also a Co-Founder of the Wisconsin Clinicians of Color, LLC. In addition to her clinical skills as a psychotherapist, Ms. Shelton-Williams has provided numerous trainings in the area of cultural competency. Ms. Shelton-Williams provides psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, adults, and families.