Our Staff

Steve Johnson

Here is some information about Steve Johnson, Director:

Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology (MA) – Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – National Certified Counselor (NCC) – Board Certified-Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH) – Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) – Enjoys working with teens, couples, families, and adult individuals – Married since 1998 to his wife, Stephanie – Proud father of Isaac, Lydia, Susanna, and Titus – Successful Division III College Basketball Player in Minnesota – Moved from the Chicago area to Central Wisconsin in 2000.  

You can learn more about the additional services Steve provides by clicking this link.

Steve works with clients ages 15 and up.

Adam Smith

Please note that at this time, Adam Smith is no longer accepting new clients due to a full caseload.

Here is some information about Adam Smith, MS ACS, CCMHC, LPC, SAS, NCC – Clinical Psychotherapist:

Harnessing a passion for helping people, Adam has spent decades building a comprehensive clinical background on a diverse range of specialties, bringing deep, real-world crisis experience to his practice. He previously served as the primary mobile crisis unit support alongside the police and holds specialized training in Psychological First Aid from the American Red Cross. While
simultaneously completing university courses at the top of his class, Adam also worked as a CNA focusing on cognitive decline, dementia, and hospice. This extensive knowledge base allows him to connect with his clients in an authentic, transparent way grounded in personal experiences.

His practice focuses heavily on abnormal psychology and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helping individuals navigate:

● Addictions
● Anger management
● Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
● Mood disorders
● Neurodivergence
● Personality disorders
● PTSD
● Trauma and abuse
● Schizophrenia

As a non-traditional student, Adam earned his Advanced Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and, though he already holds a rare combination of advanced clinical, crisis, and substance abuse credentials unique within the state, he continues to add to his education through further certifications and study.

When he isn’t researching new ways to better the lives of those in his community, Adam can be found reading, playing D&D, or spending time with people he cares for as well as his two dogs. His clients characterize him as warm, deeply invested, genuine, and a little eccentric, with a rare balance of sympathy, empathy, and skill. Members of law enforcement have mentioned trusting him to “guard their six” and women frequently describe him as a safe confidant—with several clients memorably calling him “a man I would take into the woods,” in reference to the popular ‘man/bear’ comparison.

Adam works with clients ages 12 and up.

Jess Buonocore

Here is some information about Jessica Buonocore, MA, LPC, CCMHC, NCC – Clinical Psychotherapist:

Jessica earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  from Liberty University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC).

As a former military spouse, Jessica has a special passion for working with military veterans and first responders. She understands that some experiences can be difficult to put into words, especially for those who spend their lives being the strong one for everyone else. She enjoys helping clients navigate the unique challenges that come with military life, first responder culture, trauma, and the experiences that can stay with us long after the moment has passed.

Jessica works with adults ages 18 and older who are experiencing trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, parenting concerns, and other life challenges. Her approach is down-to-earth, genuine, and collaborative. She believes therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff, intimidating, or overly clinical. Instead, she strives to create a space where clients can be themselves, speak openly, laugh when appropriate, have hard conversations, and feel comfortable being real – even when life feels messy. Jessica values honest conversations, practical tools, and meeting clients where they are, without judgement or the expectation that they have everything figured out.

Jessica also recognizes the importance of personal beliefs and values in the healing process and is happy to incorporate faith and spirituality into sessions when requested.

Outside of the counseling office, Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on her daughter in the U.S. Navy, reading, and exploring her many hobbies.

Jessica works with ages 18 and up (post high school).

Appointments can be made to see her via our “Make an Appointment” page on the website.

Phil Grygleski

Here is some information about Phil Grygleski, Licensed Professional Counselor:

Phil grew up in Stevens Point, graduating from Pacelli Catholic High School in 2014. He majored in Philosophy and Catholic Studies, graduating from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Arts in 2019. Phil decided to pursue his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Mary and graduated in April 2024. He has been working at APS ever since. Based upon conversation with clients, Phil enjoys incorporating Psychology, Philosophy, and Theology into sessions. He focuses on building upon the strengths of clients to live flourishing lives. In his free time, Phil loves to sing, play guitar, read, and play tennis. Even more, Phil loves spending time with his beloved wife and young children.

Phil works with clients ages 10 and up.

Appointments can be made to see him via our “Make an Appointment” page on the website.

Amanda Roberson

Here is some information about Amanda Roberson, Resident Therapist:

Amanda was raised in rural Northern Wisconsin and now lives in the Central Wisconsin area. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Amanda has earned her master’s degree in community mental health counseling from Concordia University-Mequon. Amanda is willing to incorporate faith into sessions when asked or a client has expressed interest. Amanda has spent the last 20 years working with individuals who identify as having disabilities, focusing on helping them have a successful life, however that looks for them both in their personal and professional lives. Amanda wants to work with individuals dealing with their past or current hurts and traumas, this could include but not limited to anxiety, body image, depression, divorce, grief, trauma, job loss/changes or any other life events that may occur throughout a person’s life span. Amanda has a passion for working with children and those living in rural communities. Amanda is married and has three children who live at home. Her family is multicultural and has really found ways to embrace that in the Central Wisconsin area. In her free time, Amanda enjoys playing mini golf, watching sports, and being involved in church/family activities but most of all spending time doing anything with her husband and children is her absolute favorite.

Amanda works with ages 6 and up but currently she is only accepting clients aged 17 and up to be seen at the Stevens Point office.

Amanda will accept children ages 6 and up for school-based services at Auburndale Elementary/Middle/High Schools.

Appointments can be made to see her via our “Make an Appointment” page on the website.

Christy Moore

Here is some information about Christy Moore, Resident Therapist:

Christy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Hastings College. Her degree includes endorsements in special education, grades K-12, and elementary education, grades K-8. Christy holds a Master’s of Science degree in professional counseling from Concordia University. Her years of working in special education have given her a diversified world view of life, education, and counseling. Christy’s passion for others is to help them find their path, identity, and ability to succeed. Her approach to counseling is holistic, incorporating client-centered psychology, sociology, and theology when requested. She welcomes diversity with individual counseling. Christy enjoys spending time with family and friends, which is her priority. She is also a country girl who enjoys the outdoors, animals, gardening, and good philosophical discussions.

Christy works with ages 12 and up.

Appointments can be made to see her via our “Make an Appointment” page on the website.

Kat Ewton

Here is some information about Katherine Ewton, Resident Therapist:

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, with additional counseling training from the University of Wisconsin–Superior. She began her counseling career in Texas and later stepped away from clinical work to focus on family life—an experience that deepened her understanding of relationships, resilience, and the realities clients face across different seasons of life.

With over twenty years of experience walking alongside couples, families, and women, Katherine brings a grounded, compassionate presence to the counseling room. She believes meaningful change is possible even in the hardest circumstances and works intentionally to help clients find clarity, restore connection, and move forward with hope and confidence.

Katherine provides counseling for individuals (ages 11 and up), couples, and families who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by life’s challenges. Her work often focuses on helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and crisis, as well as the lasting impact of spiritual or church-related harm. She also supports clients through pregnancy and postpartum transitions, co-parenting difficulties, intimate partner violence, and the unique stressors faced by parents raising children with special needs. Across these areas, Katherine helps clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and develop practical tools for healing and growth.

For those who desire it, Katherine offers faith-integrated counseling, thoughtfully incorporating Christian beliefs and values into the therapeutic process while respecting each client’s personal story and goals.

Outside of her clinical work, Katherine enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, snowshoeing, swimming, and gardening—with her dogs always nearby. She also values time with her family, cooking, and unwinding with a good mystery by the fire, often with a cat curled up on her lap.

Katherine works with ages 10 and up.

Appointments can be made to see her via our “Make an Appointment” page on the website.

Andy Lotz

Here is some information about Andy Lotz, Intern Therapist:

Andy has a BS in Neurobiology from UW-Madison and is completing his MSE in Human Relations and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UW-Superior. While most of his professional background has been in physical healthcare, he has since stepped into the mental health field to care for the individuals whose invisible battles—trauma, difficulty maintaining boundaries, and relational strain—slowly erode their quality of life. Within therapy, Andy loves to incorporate research studies and utilize evidence-backed approaches, drawing on principles from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients live intentionally, develop flexibility, and build resilience.

Andy works with a wide range of concerns, including trauma processing, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, grief, identity, and burnout. His areas of focus include relationship and couples counseling, supporting healthcare workers and first responders, ADHD and neurodivergent concerns, men’s mental health, and LGBTQ+ experiences.

Andy works with clients ages 15 and up.

Appointments can be made to see him via our “Make an Appointment” page on the website

Karli Parson

Here is some information about Karli Parson, Intern Therapist

Karli has a Bachelors degree In Psychology from the University of Stevens Point. She is currently finishing her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health from Marquette University. Karli has a diverse background in working with individuals of all ages and abilities. She began her first few years of her psychology career working with children who have an autism spectrum diagnosis and moved to a mental health coordinator position focusing on anxiety, traumas, and depression in individuals. She has extensive background in relationship building, goal setting, coping strategies, and community integration. Karli believes in utilizing client-centered therapy to help individuals to live the life they have wanted and achieve their goals. Karli’s main focus in therapy is on relationships building and maintaining, overcoming traumas and building resilience, and anxiety and depression management. Karli is a brand new mom and enjoys spending time outside, hunting, exercising, and being with her family.

You can learn more about Karli and the services she provides by clicking this link.

Karli will work with clients ages 6 and up.

Appointments can be made to see her via our “Make an Appointment” page on the website