Hi! I'm Amanda, the Owner and Clinic Director of AJ Falkers Counseling & Consulting Services. I became a therapist because of my desire to empower others and help them through life’s journey. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and specialize in working with children and adolescents in the school settings. I am also certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) and work with those on their path to recovery and sobriety. In addition, for those seeking supervision as a practicum/intern student or in-training provider working towards full licensure, I have my doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision (Ed. D.) and hold an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) certificate through the Center for Credentialing and Education.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones. During the summer and fall you can find me spending lots of time outdoors, attending races at the race tracks, and during the winter spending time next to my circus of animals and watching a good television series or reading a good book. I am passionate about overall wellness and self-care. I try not to take life too seriously and you can count on me to lighten the mood and make tense situations more comfortable.

Hello, I'm Bianka! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-in training, under the supervision of Dr. Amanda Falkers. I graduated from Viterbo University in December of 2022 with my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, as well as focus on LGBTQ+ empowering them through challenges and life experiences. In addition, I provide services to all ages 5+ with experience in mood disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, behavior modification, and other various mental health needs.   

I became a therapist because I believe everyone should have a supportive and empowering person to assist them through the ups and downs of life. 

Outside of the counseling office you may find me out in nature. I enjoy physical activity and creating healthy habits. 

I provide an array of services, both in our outpatient and with our school-based programs. I am currently accepting new patients with Badgercare and certain Badgercare Plus insurances. 

**Currently Accepting Patients on a Waitlist Only**

Hi! I am Amber, I am a Professional Counselor in Training, working under supervision of Dr. Amanda Falkers to attain my full licensure. I have 2 years of experience providing in-home therapy for children, adolescents, and families. With my 2 years of experience there has been a focus on behavioral, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. I became a therapist because I want to help others not feel alone and walk through this journey called life. I also dream to tie my love for animals into my passion to help others. 

In my down time you will find me spending time with my 3 children, husband, and other family. My activities range from indoor and outdoor, depending on the weather, as I am not much for the cold. I enjoy curling up and watching a good television show, reading, writing, artsy activities, and listening to music. But I also enjoy digging into the dirt once in a while, with fishing, gardening, boating, and foraging for herbs. I think it's important to be in the moment and live life to its fullest.

I provide an array of services, both in our outpatient and with our school-based programs. I am currently accepting new patients with Badgercare and certain Badgercare Plus insurances. 

Hello! I'm Kasey! I am currently an Advanced Practice Social Worker working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker under the supervision of Dr. Amanda Falkers. In May of 2016, I graduated from Winona State University with my Bachelors in Social Work then graduated from St. Cloud State University with my Masters in Social Work in May of 2017.  Since then, I have worked within Human Services in the CPS/Foster Care realm. I have many years of experience working with clients through a trauma informed lens with a wide variety of backgrounds, personalities, mental health disorders and challenges. I decided overtime that the therapy world is one that I ultimately wanted to pursue to reach not only my own goals but to help others reach theirs as well. 

My goal for our sessions and time together is to build a trusting relationship to empower you and support you to facilitate positive change when it comes to a healthier and happier life! I am a faithful believer in "everything happens for a reason" and sometimes we don't know why that reason is, but it truly leads you to where you meant to be in life in the end.

Beyond work, you can find me spending time with my significant other, my son, other loved ones and my two great danes! In the summer, I enjoy going boating on the Mississippi River, eating at different restaurants, and spending most of my time outside! In the winter, you can find me on a plane traveling to warmer weather and/or snuggling under a blanket at home with my son and puppies! I genuinely look forward to meeting with you, getting to know you and guiding you on your mental health journey! 

Hi, I’m Marci! I’m a graduate of Grand Canyon University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I was born and raised on a dairy farm, where I spent most of my life surrounded by the values of hard work, resilience, and community. From an early age, I’ve always been drawn to helping others—a passion that inspired me to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel and live in different parts of the United States, experiences that have broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for life’s diversity. These experiences have shaped my approach to counseling, helping me connect with people from all walks of life.

It has long been my dream to guide others in discovering the light within themselves, empowering them to achieve their best possible outcomes. I’m honored to be part of that transformative journey with my clients, offering support, understanding, and hope as they navigate life’s challenges.

Let’s work together to illuminate the path to a brighter future!

Hey! I'm Victoria, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s student at Viterbo University and a counseling intern. I’m passionate about supporting individuals through life’s many stages and challenges by focusing on their strengths. My approach is rooted in cognitive-based strategies that encourage self-empowerment and mental resilience that help navigate challenges authentically and confidently. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, supporting those struggling with identity in the LGBTQ+ community, and helping those navigating the complexities of fertility and loss.

In my practice, I prioritize a warm, welcoming environment where clients feel safe to explore and grow as I believe healing happens best in a compassionate, collaborative environment. I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach and instead tailor each session to fit the individual. I believe by supporting clients as they explore, grow, and realize their potential, they can develop the tools and confidence to live an authentic life.

Outside of work, I love sports—I played college basketball and coached for a decade! I golf quite a bit and hope to one day be good at it! You can also find me experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen or singing into a carpool karaoke mic on a road trip. My wife and I are thrilled to be expecting our first child, a baby boy, this May. I look forward to helping you along your path to healing and growth!

Hi everyone! My name is Molly Ripley, and I am a Master's student in Mental Health Counseling at Viterbo University. I'm thrilled to be joining AJ Falkers Counseling as a clinical intern! 

I deeply believe that no one should have to face life's challenges alone. This conviction fuels my passion for providing support and guidance to help individuals cultivate a positive mindset and outlook on life. My approach draws in cognitive-based strategies that empower clients to build resilience and face challenges with authenticity and confidence. 

My goal is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where clients feel safe to explore and express their emotions and thoughts. I value collaboration and tailor each session to meet the unique needs of each individual, understanding that healing and growth are not one-size-fits-all. I hope to help clients develop tools and routines that enable them to realize their potential and lead fulfilling lives. 

Outside of school and work, I enjoy crocheting - my creative outlet that often leaves me happily tangled in yarn. I'm also passionate about staying active, whether through soccer, futsal, or hitting the gym. When I'm not crafting or working out, you can find me hiking, camping, and soaking up the beauty of nature. 

I'm excited to be part of your journey and look forward to helping you find peace amid life's chaos!

Hi. My name is LaToya. I am a mother of four and live in La Crosse, WI. I am an Intern student attending Capella University in clinical psychology, specializing in clinical counseling. My graduation is set for this June. I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. I moved to La Crosse from Springfield, IL, several years ago. My special interest is mindfulness therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, and Trauma in Teens and Adults. I also have interest in Sex Therapy certification after graduation as well. I came into interest of counseling a few years ago by mentally understanding the importance of processing emotions and actually having someone to talk to during those troubled times. The way we process and handle the difficult times and events are very important to our mental health.  I believe in mindfulness techniques like meditation and self care routines, regaining focus on self in order to get through those difficult times. My hobbies are candle-making, reading, junk journaling, watching a little amine, and coloring.  I picked up a new hobby of crocheting. My On my off days, I like to spend time with my family, traveling, and watching movies. I like watching basketball. I play some volleyball during the summer months. It is a pleasure meeting you.  

Hi, I am Ally, originally from New York City. Before moving from New York

City, I was a volunteer at the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) for over 8

years. As a volunteer, I worked with paid staff during a difficult time for the

community as regards HIV and AIDS and bring that knowledge and

experience with me. I had acquired 50 credits from the City University-

Hunter College in New York and moved to Wisconsin in 2001. I resumed

my education at Viterbo University in LaCrosse attaining a bachelor’s

degree (BSW) in social work. I was accepted to an advanced standing

master’s program in Social Work (MSW) at UW-Madison.

While at Viterbo I worked as a Domestic Violence group facilitator and

Substance Abuse Counselor in training. Over the 15 years spent in the

Madison area, I worked as a licensed substance abuse counselor,

answered the crisis line at Journey Mental Health, was the emergency

room mental health social worker at the William S. Middleton VA and as a

therapist for veterans. I established an office in Janesville, WI and focused

on groups for Women’s issues and facilitated required groups for

individuals in the Criminal justice system.

I am co-founder of the nonprofit Life Change Connections, Inc., located in

Sparta, WI. We provide a safe haven for those seeking to address their

addiction issues and get a new start in their lives.

I reside in the country on 5.5 secluded acres at the base of ridges

surrounded by woods. I am an amateur photographer and capture natural

beauty as much as possible. I reside with my significant other, three dogs

and three cockatiels.

Hi there! I’m Genna, a counselor-in-training with a passion for helping children, adolescents, and families navigate life’s challenges and discover their inner strength. I’m wrapping up my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University, where I also earned my bachelor’s in Psychology with a focus on Mental Health in 2021. Currently, I’m working under the supervision of the amazing Dr. Amanda Falkers.

I have three years of experience supporting young people who’ve faced trauma and behavioral challenges, and seen firsthand how resilient children and adolescents can be. My goal is to create a space that is not only safe but also empowering—a place where clients feel heard, understood, and ready to thrive.  As a military spouse of nearly 17 years, I also bring a unique perspective of the challenges military families face and am deeply committed to providing them with the exceptional support they need and deserve. My counseling style is grounded in person-centered therapy, where empathy, collaboration, and genuine connection take center stage. I believe in meeting clients where they’re at, without judgment, and making room for laughter along the way because let’s face it—humor can be a powerful tool in connection and healing.

Looking ahead, I'm excited to incorporate play and adventure therapy techniques into my practice. I'm a strong advocate for the healing power of nature and believe that outdoor experiences can be transformative. I plan to pursue certifications in these areas to further enhance my ability to support clients through creative and engaging therapeutic approaches.

In my free time, you’ll find me outdoors with my husband, our three kiddos, and our stubborn bulldog, Watson. Whether we’re hiking, camping, fishing, or cruising around on 4-wheelers, we love exploring the great outdoors together!

Why am I in this field? Because I genuinely believe no one should ever have to face life’s challenges alone. My mission is to provide the support, guidance, and laughter needed to help individuals and families build resilience, find joy, and create a life they love.