About

Education

B.A., Colorado College, 2009
MSW, University of Wisconsin School of Social Work, 2013

Biography

John is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Wisconsin and is the first Counselor for students at the Law School. In this role, he provides by-appointment counseling to help support students with a variety of concerns. John also connects students with additional resources within the Law School, on campus, and in the community. He particularly enjoys this bright and passionate group of students as they work toward change in not only their personal lives but the wider world.

Within the Law School, John collaborates closely with Student Affairs, serves on the Student Wellness Committee, is a member of the Student Experience Team, and partners with student groups to implement wellness initiatives. Outside of the Law School, John advocates for law student and lawyer well-being by serving on the Committee for the Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP).

John is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and provides training and consultation on the science and spirit of conversations which lead to behavioral change.

John completed his undergraduate degree at Colorado College, where he developed an independent major to explore Intersubjectivity, a meta-theory of Psychoanalysis, informed by coursework in Psychology, Philosophy, Classics, and Religious Studies. John’s undergraduate thesis was based on research into the Psychodynamic approaches of Heinz Kohut and C.G. Jung.

As a social work graduate student with a concentration in mental health, John was a practicum counselor at University Health Services (UHS) and worked as a crisis counselor for Briarpatch in Madison. After receiving his master’s degree, John worked for over five years in outpatient mental health centers in two counties near Minneapolis where he provided diagnostic services, life skills coaching, and therapy. During which time, John studied at the Midwest Center for EMDR Training—an evidence-based and neurologically-informed treatment modality for trauma work. John was later certified as a Grief Support Specialist in Douglas Smith's program.

John approaches his work with curiosity, warmth, humility, and a bit of humor. He grew up in Madison and is happy to share tips about the best places to eat and parks to visit.