We are happy to have Tri-County staff in area schools. It is an important resource, not only for the students, but for the faculty and staff as well.

Get to know our Tri-County School-Based team and learn about the amazing knowledge and experience they will get to share with our community!

Shannon Hallauer
Clinical Manager of School-Based Services

My name is Shannon Hallauer; I am licensed at the clinical level as a Professional Counselor in both Missouri & Kansas. I am also a National Certified Counselor. I am the Clinical Manager of School-Based Services at Tri-County Mental Health Services.  I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Science at The University of Kansas in 2007. Following graduation, I worked as a case manager at Bert Nash Community Mental Health in Lawrence, Kansas. Moving forward, I completed my Master of Arts degree in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling at one of the only CACREP accredited schools in the area at the time, MNU. In 2010, I accepted a position at Prairie Ridge Psychiatric Hospital where I worked as a therapist and eventual Clinical Manager of Hospital Services until 2017 when I transitioned to the company’s newly opened residential program for youth in Kansas City, Missouri, as Associate Director and Director of Clinical Services until December of 2018.  I am passionate about enhancing children’s access to trauma-informed care and happy to be a part of Tri-County’s partnership with the Clay County school districts.

Brittany Semsch
School-Based Clinical Supervisor

My name is Brittany Semsch; I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) employed at Tri-County Mental Health Services as the School-Based Clinical Supervisor. I received my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology at Northwest Missouri State University and my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Avila University. I began my career as grief counselor at Solace House where I worked with children and their families in the areas of grief/loss, suicide, and trauma.  I transitioned into a therapist position at an adolescent residential program where I gained experience providing individual, family, and group therapy.  For the last five years, I have worked as a school-based therapist where I provided assessments and treatment for children and adolescents who struggled with mood, behavioral, and relational issues. I love working in school settings and collaborating with
administrators, counselors, and teachers on identifying strategies to meet the needs of
students and their families.

Krista Heller
Expressive Therapy Supervisor

My name is Krista Heller; I am a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), under the direct supervision of Lori Wheelhouse, MA, LPC, LCPC, with Tri-County Mental Health Services.  I completed a dual master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy Counseling from Emporia State University in May of 2014. Art therapy uses the creative process of making art to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  Participating in art therapy does not require previous art experience or talent. Benefits of art therapy include increased self-expression, reduction in stress, enhanced motivation, self-discovery, improved self-esteem, and relaxation.
In addition to providing art therapy services, I supervise the Expressive Therapy
team at Tri-County Mental Health Services.

Todd Orr
School-Based Case Manager Supervisor

My name is Todd Orr; I am a Licensed Master’s level Social Worker (LMSW) employed at Tri-County Mental Health Services as a School-Based Clinician. I completed my master’s degree in Social Work at Loyola University of Chicago in May of 2013. Post master’s degree, I have worked in several non-profit organizations in the Kansas City metro area providing support services to a variety of populations. I currently provide individual and family therapy to students in Clay County through the Children’s Service Fund in addition to supervising the School-Based Case Management team.

 

Sarah Mays
School-Based Intake Clinician

My name is Sarah Mays; I am a Licensed Master’s level Social Worker (LMSW) employed at Tri-County Mental Health Services as a School-Based Intake Clinician. I graduated from San Diego State University in 2002 with a degree in Child and Family Development. I started my career in a residential substance abuse treatment center in Southern California before moving to Missouri. I worked for the Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division, where I gained experience in foster care case management and child abuse and neglect investigations. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University while working in the special education department at North Kansas City Schools. During graduate school, I completed a practicum with Synergy Services as a Victim Advocate for The Children’s Center and the Child Advocacy Center. I discovered my passion for behavioral health while completing a clinical practicum as a therapist in a dual-diagnosis intensive outpatient program. I continue to work as a social worker at Signature Psychiatric Hospital on a PRN basis. The School-Based Intake Clinician position integrates my passion for children, mental health, and the education system. I am excited to partner with the school districts to improve the accessibility of behavioral health services and support the needs of the community.

Monica Fosberg
School-Based Clinician

My name is Monica Fosberg; I am a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), under the direct supervision of Lori Wheelhouse, MA, LPC, LCPC, with Tri-County Mental Health Services. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I hold a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. In addition to my degrees, I also earned a Certificate in Trauma Studies and a Certificate in Marital, Couple and Family Therapy from Regent University. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. I view counseling as a collaborative experience and a safe place where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a non-judgmental atmosphere. I will listen, help you clarify your thoughts and feelings, and help you begin to gain a better understanding of yourself; mind, body, and spirit. I look forward to building a trusting and healthy therapeutic relationship with you, getting to know you, and walking along side of you as change is created and a healthy and happy life is strengthened.

Brittany Hursh
School-Based Clinician

My name is Brittany Hursh; I am a Licensed Master’s level Social Worker (LMSW) working towards obtaining Clinical Licensure (LCSW). I am currently a School-Based Clinician with Tri-County Mental Health Services.  I graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Social Work. I have a background in research, policy advocacy, case management, and individual, group, and family therapy. I also have experience providing psycho-education and skill groups to individuals of diverse backgrounds. I am trained in trauma-informed care and am passionate about suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. I previously worked as a social worker for the Jackson County Family Court, which has motivated me to engage with the school system to intervene with youth and families and prevent future court involvement. I utilize a person-centered,
strengths-based approach, and engage in individualized treatment planning to
help meet the needs of youth and families and improve outcomes.

Shirleetra Roundtree
School-Based Clinician

My name is Shirleetra Roundtree; I began my “dream” job with Tri-County Mental Health Services as the first School-Based Clinician in partnership with the North Kansas City School District in August of 2015.  My love for art, crafts, sewing, interior design, and kids led me to obtain Bachelor of Science degrees in Commercial Art and Art Education K-12 in 1999 and gain experience as an elementary and middle school art teacher. In 2011, I graduated from Avila University’s Master of Science degree in Art Therapy and Counseling program with a hard-earned 4.0 GPA. I am unique, creative, passionate, and a life-long learner. I am always seeking to grow as a well-rounded individual and I seek the same for my therapy clients. I feel very blessed to have such a rewarding job and work for such a supportive agency and school district.

Mareah Pomstra
School-Based Case Manager

Hallo! My name is Mareah Pomstra, originally from the Netherlands now embracing and living the American culture and life. I am offering School-Based Case Management to students who may have difficulty reaching goals, or need extra support in order to thrive and succeed. I will help link students and families to desired services in the community which will assist them in achieving their overall treatment goals. My background includes many years of experience working with youth and young adults in my home country and other nations, coaching and helping them become successful in school, at home and in society. I will be able to visit you right where you are at, and explore in what
area I can support, encourage and offer hope.

Alex Peuser
Music Therapist

My name is Alex Peuser; I am a Board Certified Music Therapist for Tri-County Mental Health Services. I was previously a music therapist at Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas. I completed my internship at Cornerstones of Care – Ozanam, a psychiatric residential treatment facility for youth. I completed my degree in Music Therapy and Psychology at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2018. In addition to being a Board Certified Music Therapist, I am also a Certified Neurologic Music Therapist. I have a special interest in trauma informed care and plan to pursue graduate studies in music therapy.

 

Rebecca Schroeder
School-Based Resilience Specialist

My name is Rebecca Schroeder; I am a mother of three energetic kiddos and excited to welcome number four in September of 2019. I grew up in Manhattan, Kansas, with my two brothers. Graduating in the class of 2013, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education from Benedictine College. Following graduation, my career began at Earl M. Lawson Elementary School in Leavenworth, Kansas, where I was a special education teacher for grades kindergarten through 5th grade for six years. During my time at Lawson, I was introduced to the concept of trauma informed care within the classroom setting. This transformed my philosophy of education and ultimately who I am as a wife, mother, and educator. I co-founded the Resilience Team at Lawson Elementary School in the fall of 2016. This program provided monthly trainings to school staff based on trauma informed care and building resilience in the classroom. I found a passion for teaching resilience to students through the educator. In the spring of 2019, I made the tough choice to leave the classroom and begin a journey of building resilient culture as a career. This brought me to the Tri-County family where I have initiated the role of School-Based Resilience Specialist. Within this position, I am able to provide classroom based education to students and training for school faculty as well as provide resilient outlets designed around student need. I am excited to aid in the cultivation of a resilient community within identified Clay County school districts.

Thank you for all that you do for our schools and community!