Nicole Stelzer, LMFT
Director
Hi, I’m Nicole Stelzer, a Marriage and Family Therapist and the heart behind Yellow Root Counseling.
I offer therapy that’s grounded, compassionate, and deeply relational. My work is client-centered at its core - I believe that healing happens in the context of connection, and I’m here to meet you exactly where you are.
I specialize in working with individuals (ages 15 and up) and couples who are navigating transitions, relationship challenges, or just feeling a little stuck. I am trained in EMDR and utilize that when helpful, but I also believe in the healing power of presence, curiosity, and even a little well-placed humor. My clients often say they feel truly seen, gently challenged, and supported in ways that feel real - not clinical.
Whether you’re beginning therapy for the first time or returning after a break, you deserve a space that feels safe and attuned. I’m here to walk with you - grounded in care, and open to what unfolds.
Kara is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with teens and adults navigating trauma, grief and loss, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. She creates a safe, supportive space where clients can show up as they are, feel heard, and begin to heal.
Kara’s approach is person-centered and strength based. She believes that each person already holds the capacity for growth and healing within themselves - and her role is to help them uncover and nurture those inner strengths and resilience. Her work is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and meeting clients exactly where they are when they arrive.
Kara has a special interest in supporting survivors of sexual assault and those living with the lasting impacts of trauma. She also works with individuals who feel lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves, helping them build confidence and reclaim their sense of direction.
Kara earned her Master’s in Counseling from Lakeland University and works with clients aged 14 and up. Whether you are just beginning your healing journey or seeking new tools for growth and a fresh perspective, Kara is committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
Kara Kay, LPC
Lori Kroening, LCSW CSAC, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor with many years of experience as a Dual Diagnosis Therapist. Lori’s educational background includes a master’s in social work from UW Madison and she enjoys working with people age 18 to 99+.
Throughout the therapeutic course, Lori focuses on a person-centered approach and utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and solution-focused therapy. Therapeutic focuses include; depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, stages of life transitions, trauma, and addictions. Lori’s approach focuses on empowering clients to overcome their difficulties through evidenced-based techniques. She believes in creating a safe and supportive environment for healing, using empathy and patience. Goals include helping clients learn and utilize coping strategies to self-soothe and improving self-efficacy.
Lori Kroening, LCSW CSAC
Bree is an Advanced Practice Social Worker who is passionate about supporting individuals of all ages on their mental health journey. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Liberty University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University.
With a diverse background in community-based family services, foster care, youth justice, and private practice, Bree brings a wealth of experience to her work. She is especially dedicated to helping clients navigate complex systems, always keeping mental health and wellness at the center of her approach.
Bree enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults with a focus on anxiety, depression, and behavior related diagnoses. She draws from a range of evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Play Therapy techniques to help clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. Bree believes in the resilience and potential of every individual and is committed to helping her clients achieve their mental health goals in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.
Bree Markey, APSW
*reduced self-pay rate*
Riley is an Advanced Practice Social Worker and earned his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and is passionate about supporting individuals through whatever challenges they may be facing. As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, Riley especially enjoys working with LGBTQ+ clients and people from all walks of life. He strives to create a welcoming and affirming space where every individual can feel safe, understood, and respected.
Riley uses a trauma-informed approach to support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life-transitions, identity challenges and other stressors that can come from everyday life. He draws from evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), while grounding his work in a humanistic, person-centered philosophy. Riley believes that each person is an expert on their own life and has the capacity for growth and meaningful change.
In sessions, Riley strives to create a supportive and collaborative environment where clients can explore their experiences, build practical coping skills, and move toward the life they want to live. His goal is to help clients feel empowered, heard, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey, and maybe share a few laughs along the way.
Riley Garski, APSW
*reduced self-pay rate*
Steph Richards, LPC-IT
*reduced self-pay rate*
I believe everyone deserves a space to vent, process, and problem-solve — because we weren’t meant to navigatge this big life alone. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and comfortable while we work together. My passion lies in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for those who may feel unheard. In therapy, my focus is helping you find your voice, discover who you are, and explore how you want your life to look. I identify as queer, neurodivergent, and Indigenous (Oneida). It took me time to find out who I wanted to be - and I’m still learning every day. Each new day brings its own challenges and wins, and I bring that same openness to growth into my work with clients.
Clinical Approach:
My practice is rooted in anti-racism, queer and feminist theory, and a kink- and sex-positive, trauma-informed lens. I see therapy as a collaborative process - because no one knows your life better than you do. I also like to meet people where they are at. Making the decision to start therapy is a huge challenge for some and can be daunting. My approach often integrates play therapy, art therapy, and narrative therapy, distress tolerance skills and mindfulness techniques to help slow the world down and bring a sense of calm to the chaos. I do not believe that one treatment modality works for everyone that walks into my office. I am always adapting and learning based on my cleint’s needs.
Hobbies:
As a therapist, I believe strongly in self-care. I like to go for walks with my partner, Ty, and our puppy, Juno. I also have a hobby as a bag maker with a horror twist. I enjoy going to concerts and spending way too much money at craft fairs and farmers’ markets. I also recently got into indigenous beading and watercolors, which has been a great way for me to recenter myself. I look forward to working with you and seeing you blossom!