I've Got A Fever And The Only Prescription is....

Nature (bet you thought I was going to say "more cowbell")!  As we begin to move further into April, and Spring Fever begins to set-in, I know I am itching to re-energize myself and what better way to do that than by going outside! Being outside and in nature can help ease tension and anxiety; soothe and help you cope with pain; improve your mood by helping you feel more calm and balanced; and can help bond people through stronger feelings of unity and support. If you are like me, and super excited the sun is finally shining and the air is starting (slowly, but surely) to warm up, here are some fun (and mostly free) things to do outside:

1) Go on a hike, walk, run, or bike ride
2) Stargaze
3) Watch the clouds go by
4) Explore a local park
5) Meditate or do some yoga outside
6) Go window shopping
7) Enjoy patio seating with your beverage of choice
8) Go on a picnic
9) Sit around a fire (don't forget the s'mores!)
10) Play a pick up game or catch at a local court or field
11) Climb a tree
12) Play flashlight tag with a group of friends
13) Fly a kite
14) Stage a water balloon fight
15) Go on a scenic drive (with the windows down!)
16) Check out local garage sales
17) Garden or pick some fresh flowers
18) Visit a farm or zoo
19) Go on a photography adventure or scavenger hunt
20) Grab some sidewalk chalk and let your inner artist shine


So open your windows, step outside your front door, and enjoy it while you can!
If you need more convincing of how neat nature is just take it from Lenny Pepperbottom, it's pretty neat!

Learn more about how nature impacts you here!

Have fun,
Molly

Meet Your 2016-2017 Executive Board!

Check out the fabulous people who will be your fearless CSI leaders next year!

President: Carley Foster

Hi, All! My name is Carley, and I'm super excited to be serving on the CSI board as your president this year! I grew up in rural North Carolina, not far from a section of the Appalachian Trail. I graduated from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte with a BA in Psychology and double minors in Women's and Gender Studies and Child Development. As an undergrad, I was involved in my campus' Center for Leadership Development, studied abroad in London, UK, and worked in several areas of student affairs. When I graduated, I became a temporary Scholarship/Admissions Recruiter for my University which is where I first became interested in Professional Counseling. About a year later I was moving to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with two betta fish and a desire to leave the world a better place than how I found it. 

Two of my biggest challenges so far in this program have been rediscovering my authentic voice and learning to advocate for myself, and my extension my future clients. One day, I hope to work with teen parents and young families in my community back home. I am passionate about reproductive justice, healthy relationships and person development. For now, some of my favorite self-care activities during school include daily yoga, processing my experience through journaling, and spending time outdoors with my rescue terrier, Penny. 

As President of CSI, I hope to give back to a program that has given so much to me in such a short time. Acting as a resource and sounding board for other is my jam, and not much brings me more joy. I would love to talk if you have questions or feedback about your experience in CSI or the Professional Counseling program. Until then, take care.

President Elect: Angel Gelhar

Hello everyone, my name is Angel Gelhar and I am currently in my second year of the Professional Counseling Program. I couldn't decide which emphasis I loved more, so I decided to complete a dual emphasis for Student Affairs and College Counseling, and School Counseling (I will be here forever, but it will be worth it)! I am from the great neighboring state of Minnesota, and moved to Wisconsin for this program and my assistantship as an Assistant Residence Hall Director... and of course the cheese. In my free time I love running by the lake, playing lacrosse, cuddling with puppies, and listening to people's life stories. I will be serving as president-elect for the CSI executive board 2016-2017, and I am very excited to help provide some neat opportunities for everyone. 

Secretary: Jena VanderLogt

My name is Jena VanderLogt, and I will be the Secretary for CSI next year! I am a School Counseling Emphasis originally from Freedom, Wisconsin. I am passionate about working with high school students from diverse backgrounds and cannot wait to take my first practicum position in the fall. When I am not studying or working, I love to spend time hiking, kayaking, reading, and spending time with my fiance, Paul.  We just purchased a house and are busy working on making improvements and decorating! I can't wait to work with everyone through my position on the CSI board. 

Treasurer: Deanna Sieg

Hey! My name is Deanna Sieg and I am a first-year Professional Counseling student. As of this moment I am in the Clinical Mental Health emphasis. I would like to work with children doing play therapy, and/or I would like to work in an abortion clinic or sexual assault center. My interests in the field seem to change on a weekly basis. I am excited to have the position as Treasurer on the CSI Exec. Board. This is a position I have never had before and I am looking forward to this experience as a whole. I was highly involved in orgs. during my undergraduate career, therefore I am happy to be a part of something like this again. In my free time I enjoy the great outdoors. I love going on hikes, fishing, and trap shooting. I like to take advantage of what the earth has to offer me, without destroying it in the process. I also like to spend most of my free time with my partner, because he is super awesome! :) 

Membership Chair: Corey Foster

My name is Corey Foster and I am in my second year as a Student Affairs and College Counseling emphasis. I love to spend time with friends and family, especially my niece and three nephews. I have a large puppy that will be on year old in July. He has become a huge part of my self-care ,and gives me cuddles and kisses when I need them most. I love to travel in and out of the country and am constantly planning my next trip. I have traveled to five continents, and plan to visit all seven eventually. Rugby is also a large part of my life and I am currently coaching the UWO Women's Rugby Club on campus. The Professional Counseling program and the opportunities it provides has changed my life so much already and I'm excited to see what the next year will bring. 

Clinical Mental Health Chair: Amarra Bricco

Hey all, I will be in my final year of the program next year... wow does it go by fast!!! Professionally, I am very interested in trauma work specifically with adolescents. I have been working with this population at CHAPS Academy for my practicum experience and will be working with them for my internship experience as well. Personally, I am one crafty gal. I absolutely love to make projects out of wood, fabric, paint, beads, colored pencils, pens... you name it. I have two little kitty sidekicks (Meeko and Mater) that hangout with me while I do my crafts. I also enjoy being active, especially in the outdoors, and traveling to new places with my partner. I am super excited to be part of the 2016-2017 CSI Board as the Clinical Mental Health Chair! If you ever have any questions don't hesitate to ask! :) 

School Emphasis Chair: Ralph Norton

I graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1972, obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Univ. of Maryland (European Division) in 1982, and a Masters in Computer System Management also from Univ. of Maryland in 1989. I lived in England for 5 years and in Maryland for over 30 years. I taught high school Algebra for 3 years, coached multiple teams and enjoy being outside. Moved back to Wisconsin in 2014, I have 3 sons (40, 38, 27) and recently purchased a home in Neenah. I am looking forward to carrying on what the team has developed and possibly expanding out activities within our local schools. If you have any ideas or feedback do not hesitate to contact me and share. 

Student Affairs and College Counseling Chair: Maranda Abitz

Next year, I will be in my third year as a Student Affairs & college Counseling emphasis. I am excited to be on board as a way to be more active on campus and within our department, and to help serve our students. I have a passion for working with students in higher education. I am very excited to take on a leadership position! In my free time my passions are advocating for veterans issues and pretty much anything related to rescue/shelter dogs. I also enjoy golf, snowboarding, traveling, and spending time with my partner and 2 dogs that are rescued pit bulls.