Meet The Team
Heather Kersten, Psy.D.
Co-Founder
Dr. Heather Kersten obtained her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology and completed her residency at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Growing up the daughter of a Milwaukee police officer heavily influenced her decision to specialize with first responders. She began by establishing a contract with the Milwaukee Police Department in October 2016. Due to the overwhelming utilization of her services, she collaborated with Emily to develop First Responders Psychological Services, LLC.
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Heather is a trained Brainspotting Practitioner, integrating advanced trauma-processing approaches into her clinical work. As a Brainspotting Practitioner, Heather has also completed specialty training for emergency responders, military personnel, and their families, classified as a trauma informed approach to tactical brain health.
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Prior to obtaining her doctorate, Heather worked in the emergency room for 10 years at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, where she provided crisis and trauma intervention in collaboration with local police and fire.
Heather is married to Tim, a retired Captain from the West Allis Fire Department, and has one son, Easton.
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Emily Jirikowic, Psy.D.
Psychologist & Co-Founder
Dr. Emily Jirikowic earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology and completed her residency with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, where she specialized in trauma-focused treatment across multiple correctional settings. For more than 10 years, Emily has dedicated her career exclusively to serving first responders and their families, developing extensive expertise in the unique occupational stressors, cumulative trauma exposure, critical incident response, and cultural dynamics inherent to public safety.
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As the spouse of a law enforcement officer, Emily brings both professional and personal insight into the realities faced by first responders. In 2017, she began her work with the Milwaukee Police Department and later partnered with Dr. Kersten to co-develop First Responders Psychological Services, with the mission of providing specialized, culturally competent mental health care tailored specifically to first responders and their support systems.
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Emily is also a trained Brainspotting Practitioner, integrating advanced trauma-processing approaches into her clinical work to support recovery from critical incidents, chronic stress, anxiety, and performance-related challenges. As a Brainspotting Practitioner, Emily has also completed specialty training for emergency responders, military personnel, and their families, classified as a trauma informed approach to tactical brain health. In addition, she has obtained an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission, allowing her to provide virtual psychological services to clients in participating PSYPACT states.
Emily is married to Ben, a Specialist with the City of Waukesha Police Department, and has two children, Henry and Evelyn.​​
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Erin Quandt-Knapinski, LCSW, CCTP
Director of Clinical Services/Therapist
Erin obtained her Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, completed her clinical hours at the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the State of Wisconsin. Erin has been a practicing Social Worker since 2003 with many populations of people focusing on healthcare, housing and homelessness prior to becoming a Master’s level Clinician in 2014. Since becoming an LCSW, Erin's focus has been on mental health within the community and correctional settings, most recently as a Clinician on the Crisis Assessment Response Team, a collaboration between Law Enforcement and Mental Health with the Milwaukee Police Department and West Allis Police Department. Being a spouse of a police officer and working with police officers with the Crisis Assessment Response Team, Erin recognizes the nuances and importance of mental wellness with and for law enforcement and joined First Responders Psychological Services as a Psychotherapist to provide first responders and their families support through evidence based therapeutic models. Erin is married to James, a city of Milwaukee Police Officer and has one Daughter, Poppy and one Step-Son, Zachary.​​​​​​​​​​​
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Ramona Buchlmayer, LPC, CCTP-II
Therapist/Brainspotting Practitioner
Ramona, a California native, relocated to Pewaukee, WI in 2016 with her husband and three children. She is the daughter of an Orange County Sheriff’s Sergeant who in 1980 was shot in the line of duty and paralyzed. Despite the considerable challenges posed by this life-changing event, Ramona and her family drew strength, hope, and resilience from their faith. Her father’s continued heroism inspired Ramona and her two brothers, who subsequently also pursued careers as O.C. Sheriff’s Deputies. Ramona married her academy sweetheart Joel, and they have been together for 37 years.
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During her 13 + year tenure with the Sheriff’s Department, Ramona gained extensive experience across multiple divisions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Cardinal Stritch University. Ramona’s extensive personal and professional law enforcement background informs her dedication to supporting first responders and their families, as they address the physical, emotional, and psychological demands of their profession. Prioritizing trust and rapport as essential initial steps, Ramona employs a client-centered, collaborative approach that integrates trauma-focused, solution oriented and strengths-based interventions. Her treatment is carefully tailored to address each client’s unique needs.
Char Love, LPC
Therapist
Char Love is a Milwaukee native born and raised. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Concordia University-Mequon. Like many with criminal justice degrees, she had an interest in law enforcement, but was unsure which direction to proceed. She ultimately landed in the field of corrections. Char worked as a Correctional Officer and Deputy Sheriff Jailer for multiple departments for a total of 14 years before returning to school to complete her Master’s Degree in Counseling. After completing her Master’s Degree at Lakeland University-Milwaukee, Char began working as a Mental Health Provider for Ozaukee County Sheriff Department in the jail division. While in her role, her areas of focus were clients with anxiety, depression, substance use and co-occurring disorders. She specialized in Crisis Intervention as well as Suicide Risk Assessments and educating staff on these techniques. Char was also a member of the peer support and CISD teams during her time at Ozaukee County. She is excited to work with first responders assisting in coping with some of the challenges that she experienced firsthand throughout her career in law enforcement.​​
Payal Chawda, LPC
Therapist
Payal worked in the higher education field for 13 years, working with at-risk populations and first year students before transitioning into the mental health services world. She grew up in a war-torn country and has experienced the effects of constant stress and trauma firsthand. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Masters in Higher Education Student Affairs. After working in that field, she went back to school to pursue her original passion and earned a Masters in Clinical Psychology. She has experience working with clients getting treatment for substance use in a residential setting as well as refugees, who have gone through stressful and traumatic situations.
Payal is excited to work with First Responders because while they are helping others, she would like to help them and their families.
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Ashlee Gethner, DSW, LCSW
Therapist
Ashlee has worked in mental health for over seven years at various settings and treatment levels, such as schools, out-patient, in-patient, and residential. She works with clients from all ages, as well as with couples and families. Her areas of focus are with clients having trouble with anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, substance abuse concerns, and more. She is knowledgeable and certified on an array of interventions, including EMDR, ensuring treatment meets the client where they are at. Ashlee has dedicated her career to giving back to our first responders. Growing up in a first responder family, Ashlee quickly recognized the need to aid our first responders through the everyday tragedies they see. Ashlee specializes in therapy for first responders and hopes to continue paving the way for programs and education in first responder mental health and well-being. Ashlee earned a Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois and continues to work on her education as she pursues her Doctorate of Social Work from George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.​​
Gensyn Bosquez-Anderson, LPC
Therapist
Gensyn is a Wisconsin native, born and raised in the Fox Valley area. She later relocated to Phoenix, Arizona to earn her Master’s Degree in Counseling.
Coming from a three-generation firefighter family, Gensyn saw firsthand how mental health was often pushed aside in emergency services culture. Those experiences inspired her passion for supporting first responders and creating a space where people feel understood, supported, and heard.
Gensyn works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, crisis-related concerns, epilepsy, and other complex mental health challenges. She is trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy and is passionate about helping clients navigate the stressors of both daily life and high-pressure environments with compassion, resilience, and practical support.
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Mark E. Jaramillo, LPC-IT
Therapist
Mark received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Cultural Art from Sam Houston State University in the great state of Texas. He received his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, Illinois and has been an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since 1997. Mark currently attends the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and is obtaining his Master’s in Educational Psychology and Counseling.
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Mark has worked extensively with the psychological needs of couples and individuals for the past 26 years. Mark has been a Firefighter/EMT with the Norway Fire department since 2011. He has been a Fire Chaplain for the fire departments in Racine County and has worked extensively with the sheriff’s department since 2011. His heart has always been with first responders and the unique challenges they face. His passion has always been helping his brothers and sisters, who are first responders, deal with the trauma and stress that comes with taking care of the communities they are called to serve. Mark looks forward to continuing to help first responders as he transitions into his new role as a therapist.
Grant Walker, LPC-IT
Therapist
Grant graduated from Marquette University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Grant is interested in working through trauma and empowering growth in those he serves. Grant recognizes that the work first responders do to help the community is often underappreciated. He believes this work is uniquely physically and mentally taxing for first responders and their families. He looks forward to being a part of a dedicated team to help first responders navigate the challenges they face in this line of work and make positive growth.
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Karalee Amrozewicz, M.S.
Student Therapist
Karalee currently attends the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology and is working towards her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She received her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ottawa University. Her graduate work reflects her passion for the intersection of psychology, criminology, and the unique challenges faced by first responders.
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As the wife of a Fire Lieutenant for the Milwaukee Fire Department, Karalee understands first-hand the importance of accessible and compassionate mental health care for those who dedicate their lives to helping others. This perspective has shaped her clinical interests and inspired her dissertation, which examines first responder mental health.
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In her free time, Karalee enjoys playing pickleball, traveling, and relaxing at home with her two cats, Aries and Leo. After graduation, she hopes to continue serving the first responder community in the Milwaukee area and beyond.
Olivia Meulemans
Student Therapist
Olivia is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, with plans to continue her education toward a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, along with a minor in Criminal Justice, from Northern Michigan University.
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Olivia is passionate about helping individuals work through difficult situations through the development of a deeper understanding of their emotional responses and fostering personal growth. She is especially committed to supporting first responders and others who dedicate themselves to serving their communities, recognizing the unique challenges they may face. Olivia strives to create a supportive environment that encourages resilience, healing, and meaningful change.
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Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Olivia enjoys taking walks, watching movies, gardening, and spending time relaxing with her dog, Capone.
Kevin Rice
Student Therapist
Kevin received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and currently attends Liberty University pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
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Kevin is a second-generation police officer and deeply understands the impact a career as a first responder has on the individual and the family. He has spent the last 30 years in law enforcement, retiring in 2025 as a Lieutenant with the Waukesha Police Department. From over 15 years with the Peer Support Team to the Waukesha Public Safety Memorial, his dedication to first responder wellness has been a focus his entire career. Kevin is married and has four adult sons and an adopted daughter.
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George Papachristou
Chaplain
George earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Theology from Marquette University before starting his law enforcement career as a cadet with the City of Brookfield Police Department and as a Special Deputy with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department. His service continued as a police officer in the Village of Menomonee Falls and later in the City of Milwaukee.
Ordained by Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, George actively participates in their Chaplain Ministry. He is currently the Lead Chaplain for the Milwaukee Police Department and also supports the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol. George sits on the Executive Board of the Wisconsin Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), holds membership and instructor certification with the International Conference of Police Chaplains, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Milwaukee Police Mounted Patrol Foundation. On a personal note, George is married and has three adult children along with six grandchildren.​​​
Karen Mills
Peer Coordinator
Karen is the FRPS Peer Coordinator. She worked for 26 years as a Milwaukee County Deputy Sheriff, spending the last decade of her career as an EOD K-9 handler. After retirement she joined the FRPS team with the goal of assisting those First Responders who are still serving their communities. As a Peer Coordinator she is available to answer any questions about the services offered by FRPS, assist in scheduling appointments or training, or simply help arrange a "meet and greet" at any department to allow members to meet and get to know our staff. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Sue Anne Marciniak
Director of Administration
As the Director of Administration since 2020, Sue oversees the organizational aspects of the practice. She assists the team in all scheduling, billing, and administrative tasks. Sue is married with two grown children and two grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys making memories with her grandchildren.
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Sue is happy to answer any questions she can, or to connect you with any member(s) of the FRPS team.​
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Interested in Joining the Team?
Reach out to us to learn more about possible opportunities.
715-401-3322