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Education: Mental Wellness and Behavior Coaches
Anna Slaback
Essential Habits for Wellness
Anna Slaback is an experienced professional in the field of clinical mental health counseling and human services. She holds a Master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and has accumulated over 20 years of experience in various human service roles. Her work has included positions in group homes, day programs, managed group homes, and assisting individuals in applying for disability benefits and accessing other services and resources. Anna has also served as a crisis responder and psychotherapist, demonstrating a diverse skill set in mental health and crisis intervention.
One of Anna's primary goals is to assist individuals in tapping into their inner wisdom and resources, enabling them to foster self-love, improve their relationships with others, and ultimately achieve a life beyond their wildest dreams. She achieves this through her work as the owner of "Essential Habits for Wellness." Additionally, she collaborates with the Fierce Foundation as a behavior coach and mental wellness program manager. This collaborative effort suggests that Anna is actively involved in initiatives aimed at promoting mental well-being and providing support and guidance to individuals seeking to enhance their overall quality of life.
Meg Jelen, MA, LMFT
Wonder Well
Meg Jelen, MA, LMFT, is the driving force behind Wonder Well, LLC, and a licensed clinical therapist with over a decade of experience. She specializes in empowering individuals, couples, and adolescents to enhance their quality of life and overall well-being. Meg's therapeutic approach recognizes the intricate web of systems that shape our lives, encompassing families, social networks, workplaces, communities, and nature, all of which influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Rooted in a holistic philosophy, Meg draws from diverse disciplines, including Positive Psychology, Health Psychology, and Environmental Psychology, to offer clients a comprehensive framework for personal growth.
Meg completed a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Saint Mary's University-Minnesota and is a Mayo Clinic-Prepared Health and Wellness Coach. She engages in regular clinical supervision with peers to provide the highest quality care.
Meg's clinical toolkit comprises evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Exposure Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation training.
In addition to her therapeutic work, Meg collaborates with the Fierce Foundation, further expanding her reach in empowering individuals and communities. Her areas of expertise encompass wellness promotion, personal growth, holistic counseling, life transitions, women's health, parenting, environmental psychology, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem, work-related issues, leadership, and healthy relationships.
Seeking Meg's support can lead to increased wellness, personal growth, enhanced coping strategies, self-confidence, goal achievement, and overall fulfillment. Meg Jelen is a warm, approachable, and optimistic therapist committed to guiding individuals on their journey to a more intentional, values-driven life, and improved well-being, while also making a positive impact through her collaboration with the Fierce Foundation
Dr. Dileep Borra
Being You Mental Health SC
Dr. Borra has a wealth of experience treating a wide variety of mental health problems with psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy. He is board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). He is licensed to practice psychiatry in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York. He is also a fellowship trained forensic psychiatrist and performs various forensic psychiatric evaluations in La Crosse and the surrounding counties. He owns and operates a private practice psychiatry clinic in Onalaska named "Being You Mental Health." He chose that name because he believes "Being You" is a unique experience, and he feels honored to help his patients overcome barriers to becoming their most authentic and unique selves. He employs a strengths-based, patient-centered, and collaborative approach and he combines psychotherapy with psychiatric medication management to help his patients achieve the most improvement in their mental health and functioning. He uses the electronic medical record Luminello. His patients will have access to a patient portal (similar to my chart for epic) through which secure documents and messages can be exchanged and payments can be made. Dr. Borra's commitment to mental health extends beyond clinical expertise; he proudly collaborates with the FIERCE Foundation. Together, they focus on empowering future generations by uplifting marginalized women and children in the Greater La Crosse Area. Committed to cultivating self-reliance and prosperity spanning generations, their approach includes education, creating opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of community. Through collaborative partnerships with local non-profit organizations, Dr. Borra actively contributes to advancing mental health awareness and support.
Kelsey Whalen, LMFT
Whalen Therapy
I frequently say that I have the best job on the planet, because I do! I believe in the power of connection, compassion, validation, and accountability. I work with individuals, couples, and families ages 18 and older using a variety of modalities. These modalities include Internal Family Systems, Systemic Theory, and Collaborative Theory. Everyone deserves someone who can sit by them as they navigate life's challenges.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist I believe in breaking down the unhealthy cycles that cause us to get stuck. I think therapy should be a space for all to heal from the past and learn new tools to live a brighter and more fulfilled life.
I will not pretend to know what is best for you, however, I will offer my opinion and challenge you as we work together to find ways to tackle life’s hurdles. I am warm, empathetic, and value the work you put into being your best. I strive to make therapy a personalized experience that you feel is helpful and not just a quick fix.
Access: F.I.E.R.C.E Navigators
Board of Directors
Sali
Sali is an accomplished accounting professional with over twenty-five years of experience. Alongside her extensive accounting background, she has spent the last five years as a leading Continuing Professional Education (CPE) course instructor. Sali's expertise and client-centric approach have allowed her to work with individuals and organizations nationwide, holding licenses in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Florida.
Graduating from the University of Wisconsin system, Sali established her own public accounting firm, TAP Consulting, LLC. Through her firm, she has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional accounting services while creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for her clients with her humor. Sali is also the founder of the Minion Minute, an initiative that brings lightheartedness to the accounting profession.
Sali's infectious laughter and genuine love for learning make her a sought-after speaker. She combines entertainment and education in her sessions on the ever-changing accounting and tax regulations, captivating audiences and simplifying complex information.
Beyond accounting, Sali nurtures passions for gardening, volunteering, and reading. She co-founded the Onalaska chapter of Toastmasters, enhancing public speaking and leadership skills. Sali's dedication to community involvement is evident through her service on multiple boards, including the FIERCE Foundation, a non-profit empowering underserved women.
With her dynamic blend of accounting expertise, humor, and passion for continuous learning, Sali is a captivating speaker who leaves audiences enlightened and entertained.
Asmâa
Asmâa has dedicated over 25 years to transformative leadership and strategic innovation, empowering leaders worldwide. Her unique approach interweaves leadership principles with strategic thinking and psychological insights to create lasting organizational change.
Drawing from her Moroccan heritage, where she first witnessed the profound impact of storytelling and community-centered business practices, Asmâa developed the groundbreaking Fire and Flow Leadership methodology. This innovative framework has become instrumental in advancing gender equality and wealth creation across diverse organizational landscapes.
Based between British Columbia and California, Asmâa devotes her expertise to fostering environments where leaders can thrive and organizations can achieve their full potential. Her work focuses particularly on breaking down systemic barriers and creating inclusive leadership models that resonate across cultural boundaries.
As the founder of the Fire and Flow Academy, she has committed her career to democratizing access to leadership development, working extensively with non-profit organizations, social enterprises, and mission-driven leaders. Her approach emphasizes sustainable growth, cultural intelligence, and strategic thinking to drive positive social change.
Asmâa's vision extends beyond traditional leadership development to encompass broader societal transformation. Her work consistently demonstrates that when leaders are equipped with the right tools and mindset, they can create ripple effects of positive change throughout their communities and organizations.
Bronte
Bronte is a dedicated business manager with a passion for service, serves as the Board Member and President of the Fierce Foundation. Known for her strategic thinking and commitment to social justice, Bronte has driven impactful change and community empowerment. Her collaborative leadership style has significantly advanced the foundation’s mission to promote education, economic empowerment, and well-being for marginalized populations
Jessica
Jessica is a wife & mother. She is of Puerto Rican decent and loves that culture & food. She loves to cook, and not just Puerto Rican food but finds joy in making new recipes and is always willing to try new things. She has always believed that food brings people together. Bringing people together is what drew me into 1Life Fully Lived. She always felt she would serve a purpose in life without the college education. Jessica was a banker for over 15 years and loved to serve her customers and take the time to help them with their credit and help them to be able to save money. But then she was approached to do something completely different and that’s how she got into the Mortgage world. She started with a Mortgage Lender as a compliance officer and is now Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator. After being in the Mortgage Industry now for 9 years, Jessica is ready to have her own branch and team. She is very excited to become the change in this industry and is open to all and good sound advice to be able to succeed and help others in this business. Jessica dreams of building her first Spanish style home and also traveling to different parts of the world to experience culture and to look at all the world has to offer.
Carolyn Colleen Bostrack, Founder
Dr. Carolyn Colleen's FIERCE Foundation indeed plays a crucial role in empowering underserved women in the greater La Crosse area. Through its focus on education access and community support, the foundation is dedicated to breaking the cycle of adversity and poverty. This approach has far-reaching effects, as it not only transforms the lives of the women it serves but also has a positive and lasting impact on their families and future generations.
Dr. Carolyn Colleen, as the founder of the FIERCE Foundation, is committed to uplifting women and children through education and community support. Her work within the Fierce Network provides essential life strategies and empowerment, helping women overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Her books, including "F.I.E.R.C.E.: Transform Your Life in the Face of Adversity, 5 Minutes at a Time!" and "Academic and Educational Entrepreneurship," delve into the topics of resilience and education, further supporting the foundation's mission.
Her involvement as a 2023 UN Commission delegate highlights her dedication to advocating for global gender equality and women's rights on an international platform. Dr. Colleen's commitment to a daily "Miracle Morning" routine underscores her belief in starting each day with purpose and positivity, setting the stage for productive and impactful days in her pursuit of positive change and empowerment.
Community: F.I.E.R.C.E Network