About Counseling Services

Dr. Riley McGrath is a board-certified counseling psychologist (ABPP) with a plethora of experience providing, supervising, and leading mental health services in university settings. Currently serving as the Director of Counseling Services at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Riley oversees the strategic, clinical, and operational functions of the center, ensuring high-quality and accessible mental health care for students. Riley earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, where his research focused on reducing self-stigma among college students through education and contact-based interventions. He also holds an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana. He utilizes a strength-based approach to counseling, integrating Person-Centered, Cognitive behavioral, and Positive Psychology frameworks. His clinical expertise includes relationship concerns, career uncertainty, anxiety, depression, ADHD, disordered eating, and substance abuse. He is licensed to practice in Wisconsin and Illinois and maintains Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology under PSYPACT.

Jenny is the Associate Director and Training Coordinator at UWEC Counseling Services. She obtained her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Wisconsin - Stout and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wisconsin. Jenny coordinates the Internship Training Program, as well as maintains clinical hours.  Jenny's areas of clinical interest include depression, anxiety, adjustment to college, identity development, stress management and trauma. 

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

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. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. 

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. 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.

Ashley serves as a master’s level intern at UWEC Counseling Services. Ashley is earning her M.S.E. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UW-Superior. She completed her bachelors degree in Organizational Communication from UW-Eau Claire. Prior to attending UW-Eau Claire Ashley served active duty in the United States Navy.

Ashley is eager to meet with clients from all backgrounds and walks of life. Her approach to counseling is person centered, and relational, while bringing in CBT, solution focused, and strength based approaches.

Jerrianne is an intern pursuing her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling through UW Stout. She completed her bachelors degree in psychology and exercise science at Luther College. Jerrianne uses an eclectic approach in counseling, combining person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused therapy to help you explore your experiences, understand patterns, build coping skills, and identify meaningful steps toward the life you want.  

Brianna is a counseling intern pursuing her LPC credentials. She views the process of counseling and therapy as a collaboration between the client and their therapist to help the client accomplish their goals in life and process any stressors or barriers to those goals. Brianna is passionate about "the art of humans", especially as this art (people's motivations, actions, thoughts, relationships, etc...) relates to the field of counseling and therapy. Brianna is also interested in meeting clients where they are, not where others expect them to be. You are the expert on yourself!

Autumn is an intern pursuing her master's in social work through UW Whitewater. Autumn completed her bachelor's in social work at UWEC and is excited to be back on campus. She has experience working with substance use, crisis, as well as a variety of different mental health concerns with individuals of all ages. She is passionate about supporting individuals in learning the skills they need to feel successful and confident on whatever path they are taking through life. Autumn takes a person-centered approach and strives to create a safe, accepting space.

Anna is a second-year Master’s level intern in the Marriage (Couples) and Family Therapy program at UW-Stout. Anna completed her Bachelor’s Degree at UW-Madison in Nursing and spent 15 years as a registered nurse working in various settings. Anna uses Emotion-Focused Therapy, feminist theory, attachment theory and strengths-based approaches to help clients find relief and new perspectives in their lives. Anna is passionate about working with clients experiencing disordered eating, OCD, anxiety, difficulties adjusting to college, grief, and relationship concerns. As an intern in a couple and family therapy program, Anna is eager to support people in their relationships, such as with parents, siblings, roommates, or romantic relationships. 

Matt Wahl is a master’s level intern at Counseling Services studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Wisconsin – Superior. With a decades-long passion for teaching and helping, Matt has worked as a kids’ Spanish teacher, a self-defense instructor and a touring musician. His counseling work is guided by Person-Centered, Choice Theory/Reality Therapy and Narrative frameworks.

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