Creating Place of Mind

Place of Mind is a 22 year product of joining with individuals and families in their homes and communities. Listening to neurodivergent voices during these many collaborations lead to the realization that individuals and families often encountered difficulties with access to care and community and experienced isolation and stigma. Now, as a clinical psychologist who knows that relationships and connections are critical for health and wellness, I strive to create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for all individuals. However, Place of Mind is not a specific physical place; it is an inclusive approach and mindset that meets people in the places they are and helps them discover the places where they belong.

- Dr. Marx

What Makes Place of Mind Inclusive?

Person-Centered

Place of Mind takes an individualized approach and considers the needs and expertise of the individual and their support system.

Strength-based

A strength-based approach views differences as meaningful, not pathological. Place of Mind celebrates and empowers each individual and focuses on meaningful contributions and relationships to create a sense of community and connectedness.

Tailored & FOCUSED

All processes and interactions are sensitive, individualized, and flexible. Working with less people at one time allows for a deeper focus and quicker turnaround.

relational

Place of Mind’s main priority is in developing genuine relationships and a collaborative approach that believes in “joining with” instead of “doing to” people.

Accessible

Place of Mind makes care accessible by meeting you where you are and taking the stress out of the things that can impact the process such as transportation, childcare, busy schedules, and environmental sensitivities.

Dynamic

Place of Mind takes a lifespan approach and offers consistency as you develop and grow though all transitions.

Facilitating Health & Wellness

Place of Mind helps you discover and define what wellness means for you and facilitates your healthy, authentic development.

expressive freedom

Spoken communication is not the only form of expression; Place of Mind recognizes that people express themselves in various ways and welcomes all communication styles and preferences.

integrated expertise

Dr. Marx’s comprehensive approach is based on extensive training and experience in both neurodevelopment and mental health across the lifespan combined with a background in art therapy, community development, and person centered planning.

Get in touch

Finding the right clinician is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer a free phone consultation to walk you through your goals. We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact Us

Education

FIELDING GRADUATE UNIVERSITY
Ph.D.,Clinical Psychology, 2017

CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY
M.A., Clinical Psychology, 2011

EDGEWOOD COLLEGE
B.S., Art Therapy, Psychology, 2007

Kristin Gremban, MS

Clinical Consultant

Kristin Gremban is a masters-level clinician that has dedicated nearly two decades of her professional career to improving the quality of care received by individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities through her work in diverse settings; including managed care, residential facilities, domestic abuse shelters, substance abuse treatment, adult day programming, integrated employment and clinical mental health therapy. She has spent much of her work fostering climates that investigate and address underlying causes and unmet needs behind presenting behaviors leading to treatment. Kristin's clinical approach integrates Humanistic and Positive Psychology theory with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction and Motivational Interviewing applications to help others lead happier and healthier lives.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE
M.S.,Educational Psychology- Community Counseling, 2010

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN- EAU CLAIRE
B.A., Psychology, Family Studies, 2005

Michaela Yopps, MS, OTR/L

Clinical Consultant

Michaela Yopps is an Occupational Therapist experienced in supporting Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan through therapeutic and educational services. Known for her compassionate and collaborative approach, Michaela partners with individuals and families to increase access to meaningful activities and roles that foster participation, independence, and self-efficacy. Michaela especially loves working with littles and their support networks. Drawing from a diverse range of professional training and lived experiences, she cultivates therapeutic relationships grounded in safety, trust, and authenticity. Michaela is deeply committed to education and advocacy with the goal to empower individuals, their families, and the community.

Education

INDIANA UNIVERSITY- PURDUE UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, 2019

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN- GEEN BAY
Bachelor of Science in Human Biology & Psychology, 2016

Hannah Johnson, MSW

Clinical Consultant

Hannah Johnson is a Masters-level clinician who has dedicated her professional career to supporting individuals, families, and their systems of support in a variety of settings. Early experiences in special education and direct-service roles helped Hannah understand the complexities of behavior and the necessity of utilizing creative, individualized approaches within the support process. After completing advanced training in interdisciplinary care for children and families with special healthcare needs through the Wisconsin LEND program, Hannah expanded and honed her clinical practices as a therapist providing trauma-focused treatment for children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Following this, Hannah worked within Wisconsin’s long-term care systems, providing in-home and community-based support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their care teams. Hannah’s clinical approach integrates perspectives from her varied experiences, emphasizing the importance of sustainable support both within individual families and larger systems of care.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
Master of Social Work, 2021

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
B.A., Psychology 2016

Experience 

• Behavioral Support Planning

• Clinical Interviewing and Assessment

• Community-Based Long Term Supports

• Community Integration and Inclusion

• Crisis Counseling

• Developmental-Attachment Play Therapy

• Education and Outreach

• Individual and Group Therapy

• Individualized Support Document Development

• Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Hospital Discharge Planning

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• Respite Care

• Social Coaching and Support

• Trauma-Focused Treatment (TF-CBT)

Allison Hansgen, BSW

Clinical Consultant

Allison Hansgen has an extensive background working alongside people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals across all ages. Her experience includes supporting individuals in their homes, day programs, facilities funded by the criminal justice and long-term care systems, and in the community at large. She has done this by directly supporting individuals, creating and managing programs, coordinating services, and amplifying voices within the context of guardianship . A common thread throughout her professional career is believing in the power of the unique mind, perspective, and experiences of every individual she has joined with. Her approach is centered around strategies where people can join together to create space for people to explore their individual health and wellness; to feel safe and nurtured in their healing from trauma and traumatic systems; and to ultimately create a community of support and accommodation where each individual is free to be their true and authentic self.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-WHITEWATER
Bachelor of Social Work, 2011

Janine Gallo (Gallo), MA Ed. ASD

Clinical Consultant

Janine Gallo (Gallo) is a Masters-level clinician who has dedicated their professional career to supporting individuals, families, and support teams. Gallo began their professional path in education, serving as a middle school teacher for many years. Driven by a desire to better support neurodivergent individuals and enhance learning and opportunities for all, Gallo earned their Master's degree in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Leadership and Advocacy. This foundation in education demonstrated the importance of building meaningful relationships and understanding an individual's full support system. This commitment extended to becoming a foster parent, where Gallo provided trauma-informed care and support to youth and their families, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+ youth. Following their teaching career, Gallo transitioned to a Case Manager role within an adult long-term care organization, dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities to achieve their best lives. Subsequently, Gallo excelled as a Behavioral Health and Wellness Specialist, leading state-wide consultations for Wisconsin, offering support to residential providers and care teams, and facilitating discharge planning from institutional settings for members and their support networks. Gallo's comprehensive professional experience, spanning education, direct caregiving, and long-term support, allows them to offer a uniquely holistic perspective when designing and implementing person-centered strategies for individuals and their support networks.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Masters Autism Spectrum Disorder: Leadership & Advocacy, 2002

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelors Elementary & Special Education, 2016

Experience 

• Behavior Support Planning 

• Community-Based Residential Support 

• LGBTQ+ 

• Crisis Planning and Prevention

• Foster care, adoption, and respite care 

• Education and Outreach 

• Professional Learning Development 

• Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration 

• Navigating Managed Care Organization (MCO) system

• Case management 

• Hospital discharge planning 

• Institution discharge planning

• HCBS (Home-Community Based Services)

• MOR (Modification of Rights) Planning and Reducing Restrictions

• Former Restrictive Measures Committee Member 

• Special Education (K-12) 

• Trauma-Informed Care 

Madison Leake, MSW

Clinical Consultant

“Miss Madison” is a 2026 MSW graduate from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at UW-Madison. While there, she was awarded a federal grant under Project LEADSS (Leading Educators to Advance School-Based Services in Mental Health). In addition to her MSW curriculum, she worked with graduate students at the school of psychology to gain interdisciplinary experience, complete clinical supervision and run an 8 week clinic for mental health intervention for children in Dane County. During her first year, she chose the aging and disability unit and interned at Dane County Health and Human Services in the CLTS and CCS programs. Her second year unit was school social work and she interned at a local elementary school. There she trained to administer mental health services in a school setting while also running the affinity group, Black Girl Magic. Madison identifies as AuDHD and is passionate about working with children and neurodivergent people. Her clinical approach is guided by her background in sociology and her experience as a neurodivergent person. She heavily considers the external experience clients have (culture, identity and social structures) while discussing and treating their internal experience. During treatment, she regularly questions what is considered ‘normal’ or ‘expected’ to help clients live authentic, sustainable and joyful lives.