Mary Appel
Ashland County Human Services
Bayfield,WI
1
Certification
39
years of professional experience
Dynamic counselor with a proven track record of delivering individualized, evidence-based care across private practice, community services, and school-linked settings. Expertise in guiding clients through challenges such as trauma, family conflict, substance use, and crisis situations, utilizing comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and referral strategies to foster meaningful progress. Recognized for culturally responsive communication and collaborative problem-solving skills with a steadfast focus on client safety and recovery. Committed to providing the insight, empathy, and clinical expertise necessary for creating lasting positive change in clients' lives.
Work History
Comprehensive Community Services
1 Year 11 Months- Delivered individualized community-based support services to clients, coordinating care plans and connecting individuals with appropriate health, housing, and social resources.
- Implemented crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to address urgent situations and maintain client safety.
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
9 Months- Facilitated reflective consultation for teachers and childcare providers, enabling effective responses to challenging behaviors and fostering nurturing, developmentally appropriate environments.
- Performed classroom and home-based observations to assess social-emotional development and identify behavioral concerns, leading to tailored support strategies for young children and caregivers.
Mental Health Counseling Services with Afghan Refugees
3 Months- Provided culturally responsive counseling and psychosocial support to Afghan refugees, enhancing emotional stability and increasing engagement in care.
- Delivered crisis intervention and de-escalation support during acute distress, promoting safety and emotional regulation.
- Conducted trauma-informed assessments to identify mental health needs and barriers to treatment, facilitating targeted support interventions.
Mental Health Counselor
3 Years 4 Months- AODA Program, Adults and Children of Substance Abuse
- Assessed risk factors for self-harm and crisis situations, implementing safety plans and referrals.
- Built strong therapeutic relationships by practicing active listening, empathy, and culturally responsive communication in a confidential setting.
- Developed a School Program for at-risk children, ensuring access to services for those unable to attend Individual Therapy Sessions due to transportation barriers.
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions to promote coping skill development, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention strategies.
Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence
16 Years 7 Months- Advocated for and provided emotional support to survivors of domestic violence, facilitating navigation of safety planning, crisis intervention, and decision-making processes.
- Responded to crisis situations with calm, compassionate intervention, de-escalating high-stress circumstances and prioritizing survivor safety.
- Educated clients on rights, protections, and community resources, empowering informed decision-making during critical times.
- Responded to crisis situations with calm, compassionate intervention, effectively de-escalating high-stress circumstances and ensuring survivor safety.
Mental Health Counselor
1 Year 11 Months- Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments, leading to personalized treatment plans that address client needs and strengths.
- Facilitated development of coping strategies for clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges, enhancing their resilience.
- Implemented trauma-informed and culturally responsive counseling practices, fostering a supportive therapeutic environment that promotes client engagement.
Licensed Professional Counselor
5 Years 7 Months- Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments, developed individualized treatment plans, and monitored client outcomes to adjust care strategies.
- Facilitated crisis intervention and safety planning for high-risk clients, ensuring effective responses in urgent situations.
- Collaborated with psychiatrists, primary care providers, case managers, and school personnel to coordinate holistic care and enhance support networks.
Center Director & Classroom Teacher
5 Years 11 Months- Directed daily center operations to deliver high-quality services, ensure compliance with organizational standards, and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for staff and stakeholders.
- Managed budgets and monitored expenditures to maintain fiscal responsibility while optimizing resource allocation.
- Promoted a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement across all center activities and interactions.
- Oversaw program planning and service coordination to align offerings with participant needs and mission objectives.
Early Head Start Home Visitor
3 Years- Conducted regular home visits with families of infants and toddlers to support early learning, child development, and school readiness in alignment with Early Head Start standards.
- Cultivated trusting, culturally responsive relationships with parents and caregivers, enhancing family engagement and supporting positive developmental outcomes.
- Delivered parent education on nutrition, health, safe sleep, routines, and age-appropriate activities, fostering healthy home environments.
- Facilitated referrals to community resources and social services, addressing housing, health care, mental health, and basic needs.
Commercial Pilot License
20 Years 1 Month- Conducted safe and efficient flight operations in accordance with aviation regulations, standard operating procedures and policies.
- Monitored weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and flight plans to make timely decisions and maintain operational safety.
- Delivered professional passenger and crew support while maintaining a calm and disciplined cockpit environment.
K-12 Elementary Music and High School Choir and Show Choir
6 Years 8 Months- Developed K-12 music curriculum and differentiated lessons, fostering student growth in elementary music, high school choir, and show choir.
- Prepared students for concerts, competitions, and community performances, boosting confidence and stage presence.
- Integrated movement, choreography, and expressive performance elements into show choir instruction, enhancing production quality.
- Managed classroom routines and behavior expectations to maintain a positive, inclusive, and productive learning environment.
- Supported school-wide arts initiatives and community outreach events to strengthen the visibility of the music program
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Education
Certificate Program - UW Infant, Early Childhood & Family Mental Health
Masters' Degree - Education & Community Counseling; Focus on Child & Family Counseling
Bachelor of Arts - Choral/General Music Education K-12
Skills
Mental Health Counseling
Individual Therapy
Family therapy
Child mental health
Crisis Intervention
Crisis Support Techniques
Safety Planning
Depression Treatment
Anxiety Treatment
Grief Counseling
Substance Abuse Counseling
Treatment Planning
Clinical Assessment
Psychosocial Evaluation
Trauma-Informed Care
DBT
CBT
Mindfulness Techniques
Care coordination
Cultural competence
Active Listening
Family Engagement Strategies
Certification
Licensed Professional Counselor #4892-125, Wisconsin Teaching License 27-511 General Music & 27-515 Choral Music, 7-12.
Timeline
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Head Start of Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
09.2023 - 06.2024Read More
Comprehensive Community Services
Ashland County Human Services
04.2023 - 03.2025Read More
Mental Health Counseling Services with Afghan Refugees
Loyal Source
11.2021 - 02.2022Read More
Mental Health Counselor
Bad River Health & Wellness Center
10.2017 - 02.2021Read More
Mental Health Counselor
Northlakes Community Clinic
08.2015 - 07.2017Read More
Licensed Professional Counselor
Bay Area Mental Health Center
01.2010 - 08.2015Read More
Center Director & Classroom Teacher
Family Forum Inc - Head Start Center #5
09.2006 - 08.2012Read More
Early Head Start Home Visitor
Family Forum Inc.
09.2003 - 09.2006Read More
Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence
New Day Shelter
08.2002 - 03.2019Read More
K-12 Elementary Music and High School Choir and Show Choir
Bayfield School District
10.1994 - 06.2001Read More
Commercial Pilot License
Eagles Eye Airplane Rides
08.1986 - 09.2006Read More
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Bachelor of Arts from Choral/General Music Education K-12
Read More
UW Extension, WI. Alliance For Infant Mental Health
Certificate Program from UW Infant, Early Childhood & Family Mental Health
Read More
University of Wisconsin -
Masters' Degree from Education & Community Counseling; Focus on Child & Family Counseling
Read More