Beacon
Counties Served:
Brown County- About Us
- Services
- Eligibility
- Funding
The Beacon program is a collaboration between Howard-Suamico, Pulaski, West De Pere School Districts and Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin to bridge the gap between school and mental health treatment and services.
The program serves as a transition for youth coming out of an inpatient hospitalization, in severe mental health crisis or likely in need of higher-level care supports, and/or those with a history of individualized mental health needs that have significantly impacted their academic success.
The program serves youth from 8th grade through 10th grade.
Beacon services are provided at our satellite office in the Howard-Suamico School District.
Therapy
Beacon has two therapists on staff who specialize in student mental health. Our therapists provide:
- Group Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Family Therapy
Our therapists utilize techniques and/or strategies to best serve the students’ needs. These may include:
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- Explores how a student’s thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Mindfulness and developing skills to regulate emotions.
- Client/Person-Centered Therapy
- Utilizes a non-directive form of talk therapy where the therapist and client act as an equal partner in the therapy process.
Academics
A teacher from the Howard-Suamico School District also supports students during the day in various academic areas so that the student can progress and earn credits towards graduation. In addition, students receive case management services to support them and set them up for success as they transition back to school full time.
Enrollment
Students can be enrolled in Beacon on half days for 8-12 weeks on average.
The Beacon program is open to students grades 8-10 from the Howard-Suamico, West De Pere, and Pulaski school districts who have various levels of mental health needs. Students who are struggling with their mental health and academics are referred by their school social worker. Each student must participate in a clinical screening to determine if Beacon is an appropriate fit.
Family Services will bill for individual and family therapy sessions. These sessions occur on a one- to two-time weekly basis, based on the needs of the student. Family Services will also bill group therapy five times a week.
Meet the Therapists
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Rebecca Barrett, MSW, APSW
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Current Position: Therapist
Joined Family Services: 2022
Degrees/Licenses:
- Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) through the State of Wisconsin
- Master of Social Work from University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Human Development and Minor in Business Administration from University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
- Associate of Arts & Sciences from University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Experience:
Rebecca is a committed professional with a rich background that combines service, empathy, and skill. As an Army combat veteran, she has shown resilience and leadership in demanding situations. Her experience includes crisis intervention and counseling for a range of populations, including adults, adolescents, and children. Additionally, she has extensive experience in long-term care, offering compassionate support and services to the elderly and their families.
Specialties:
Rebecca’s specialties include trauma-informed care and crisis counseling. She is well-trained in trauma-informed approaches, which enable her to provide sensitive and effective support to individuals who have experienced significant distress or hardship. Her experience in crisis counseling equips her to manage and resolve urgent situations with composure and insight, helping clients navigate and recover from crises with greater resilience. Rebecca’s approach integrates her deep understanding of psychological trauma with practical strategies to offer both immediate relief and long-term support.
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Rachel Miller, MSW, CAPSW
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Current Position: Therapist
Joined Family Services: 2023
Degrees/Licenses:
- Master of Social Work from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- School Social Work Post-Graduate Certification from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Bachelor of Social Work, Minor of Human Development with Child Welfare Emphasis from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW)
Experience:
Has worked with children, adolescents, adults and their families since 2004 with experience in a variety of settings including group homes, foster care, school settings, homes, community-based settings and other treatment centers.
Specialties:
Working collaboratively with younger students and adolescents and their families managing overall mental health, self-esteem, communication, emotional regulation and boundary setting. Background includes working with youth and adults on family/relationship issues, parenting challenges, anger management, abuse and trauma, stress, coping skills, grief & loss, wellness & self-empowerment, crisis intervention, suicidal ideation, behavioral challenges and homelessness efforts. Focus and utilize a strengths-based approach to help clients achieve goals and care plan. Trained in Trauma-Informed Care, Restorative Practices, Compassion Resilience, and several other therapeutic-based interventions.