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About

CORE Behavioral Health Services

CORE Behavioral Health Services is an outpatient clinic for individuals in need of counseling services. We provide counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups. 

CORE Behavioral Health Services’ licensed clinical social workers, professional counselors, and substance abuse counselors help individuals understand and cope with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

CORE Behavioral Health Services’ licensed therapists specialize in trauma & abuse, anger issues, childhood issues, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, substance use disorder, PTSD, human trafficking, and veteran mental health. 

Our therapists have earned rigorous advanced professional degrees in various mental health fields and are licensed by the State of Wisconsin. 

  • We all need someone to talk to.
  • We all need support.
  • We all need to be heard.

Board of Directors

Brett Norell, Chair

Cheryl Reinke, Vice Chair

Amanda Sitkiewitz, Treasurer

Sister Adrianna Schouten, Secretary

Lt. Dave Remiker

Rachel Schultz

Basil Buchko

Gary Underwood

Corrie Skubal

Carmen Persaud

Chris Gilbert

Co-Executive Directors

Carmen Persaud Headshot

Carmen Persaud

LPC | CSAC | ICS

Chris Gilbert Headshot

Chris Gilbert

CPSS

Meet Our CORE Behavioral Health Services Team

Learn more by clicking an image to read the bio

Heather Antoniewicz Headshot

Heather Bruckschen

Therapist
LPC | SAC

Rose Reed Headshot

Rose Reed

Therapist
LPC | SAC

Mary Spaulding Headshot

Mary Spaulding

Therapist
LCSW | EMDR

Aaron Holt, CSAC| ICS | LPC

Aaron Holt

Waupaca Clinical Manager
CSAC| ICS | LPC

Trisha Lund

Trisha Lund

Social Work Therapist in Training
MSW, CAPSW

Emily Bernhardt

Social Work Therapist in Training
MSW, APSW

Deb Wentz Headshot

Deb Wentz

Outpatient Clinical Manager
LCSW | CSAC | ICS

CORE BHS orange

Aniela Neuberger

Substance Abuse Counselor in Training

CORE BHS orange

Angelica Ybanez

Substance Abuse Counselor in Training

Tammi Henning Headshot

Tammi Henning

Finance Manager

Char Barwin Headshot

Char Barwin

Executive Assistant

Samurai Headshot

Samurai

Emotional Support Dog
A Very Good Girl

CONFIDENTIAL • PROFESSIONAL • ACCESSIBLE

Mental Illness Can't Always Be Seen

Video by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Let us help you down the road to recovery.

Listen to the Podcast

Co-Founders and Co-Executives Carmen Persaud and Chris Gilbert were featured on After Further Review on the Coolest Coast.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Disclaimer: The material presented on this website is for informational purposes only & should not be considered clinical advice. Viewers of this website should not act upon any information presented without first seeking assistance of a qualified mental or medical health professional. Viewing this website does not establish a clinician-client relationship nor contractual obligation from CORE Treatment Services. Do not forward confidential information to CORE without proper authorization. Unapproved communications will be ignored and destroyed.

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Location

3733 Dewey St.
Manitowoc, WI 54220

Contact Us

988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
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CORE BHS location

© 2023 CORE Behavioral Health Services Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Carmen Persaud

Co-Founder, Co-Executive Director | LPC, CSAS, ICS, CSIT

I’m Carmen Persaud, Co-founder and Co-executive Director of CORE Treatment Services and CORE Behavioral Health Services. I have lived and worked in Manitowoc County since 1998.

My care services began with Lakeshore CAP in 2000 where I directed and led The Learning Club program for at-risk youth. I gained great experience by working as a student intern on 2East at Holy Family Memorial hospital and Tamarack Behavioral Health. In 2003, I walked into Manitowoc County Human Services Department as a clinical intern. By the end of my internship, I graduated with my master’s degree in Community Counseling and certification as a Registered Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

I gained employment at the human services department and remained there until 2011, working in every program, including outpatient, Community Support Program, AODA and crisis. From there, I worked as an outpatient psychotherapist with Aurora Healthcare at both the De Pere and Two Rivers clinic and advanced her certification as a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor.

It was at that time in which I was offered an opportunity to write a treatment program for a residential substance abuse treatment program. I not only partnered to write the program, but also was part of running the ins and outs of the residential treatment program. Knowing I had found my passion and desire, I chose to pursue a supervisory career in behavioral health and was hired as the Behavioral Health Supervisor at Calumet County and added the certification of Clinical Supervisor in Training, as well as training and supervising in the program known as CCS (Comprehensive Community Services).

I have extensive experience with state administrative codes and licensing, as well as state audits and surveys. In 2018, I partnered with Chris Gilbert to create what is now CORE Treatment Services, Inc.

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Chris Gilbert

Co-Founder, Co-Executive Director | CPSS

I’m Chris Gilbert, Co-founder and Co-executive Director of CORE Treatment Services and CORE Behavioral Health Services. I grew up in South Bend, Indiana, where I developed a deep love for Notre Dame football as well as the Chicago Bears. As you can imagine, living in Packer country and the Bears track record does not make this an easy endeavor, and yet I remain faithful to the cause.

I’ve got an authentic, tell it like is approach and hope to inspire people from all walks of life. And, my practical next steps then help people move from inspiration to application. I’ve used this approach to serve multiple organizations to help them determine and transform their culture. This transformation has allowed those organizations to discover new employment pipelines as well as higher organizational growth.

I have a passion for seeing people find and fulfill their purpose. And, I believe that "organizations and people don't have lasting change because we modify behavior. Lasting change happens when we find a cause that compels us forward."

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Heather Bruckschen

LPC, SAC | Therapist | CORE Behavioral Health Services

Hi! I’m Heather. I’m both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Counselor at CORE Treatment Services. I run CORE Behavioral Health Services’ Substance Use Disorder Intensive Outpatient Group.

I specialize in helping veterans work through post-traumatic stress disorder. And I help clients who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. I offer the benefits of animal-assisted interventions to my clients’ therapy sessions.

I work with a therapy dog named Samurai who helps reduce clients’ anxiety, claustrophobia, depression, panic attacks, and blood pressure. Samurai also helps clients access relief from sensory overload and stress. Together we help clients become more present, grounded, and motivated to work towards their therapeutic goals.

Outside of my Clinic work, I love doing arts and crafts and being outdoors. I am active in the military community around Manitowoc County.

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Rose Reed

LPC, SAC | Therapist | CORE Behavioral Health Services

My name is Rose. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Counselor at CORE Treatment Services who specializes in grief, couples, teen, and young adult counseling. I help clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, and substance use disorder.

My trauma-informed counseling sessions help clients learn to self-regulate and gain confidence as they move through transitions, grief, and dysregulation. I am a certified grief support specialist and add value to clients’ treatment as a shaman and reiki practitioner.

I’m compassionate and am honored to embrace clients and their journey toward wellness.

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Mary Spaulding

LCSW, EMDR | Therapist | CORE Behavioral Health Services

My name is Mary Spaulding. I have known from a very young age that I wanted to help people in some way or another. Many years later I finally obtained my Undergraduate degree in Psychology and my Master's in Social Work for Mental Health. I have training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Personality Disorders, Mindfulness, and Trauma.

From Individual therapy to working with those freed from human trafficking, onto a new adventure freeing those from the slavery of addiction and mental health, I begin this adventure with CORE Treatment Services Inc. A company full of drive to make our community better by encouraging those enslaved to addiction and mental health to find their freedom through sobriety. I was a manager of one of the group homes with Homes for Independent Living for eight years and I have furthermore increased my skills in working with individuals with extensive trauma related to their life history and experiences while being trafficked with Eye Heart World.

I was offered the opportunity to obtain training that has been proven to be very effective in treating trauma, and many other struggles, including addiction. That training is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have been able to witness people that have been struggling with lifelong trauma since the age of two, be able to think about a specific event that would engulf them with painful memories as if they were in that moment all over again, to be able to talk about that moment with clear emotions and live through it.

I am happy to serve you and our community. My goal is to help you and your family through whatever it is you are going through whether it is anxiety, trauma, depression, focusing, socialization, loss, and many more other things that challenge us. I’ll also make you laugh, be silly, and genuinely care about the state you came to me in and how to help you through the process of making life a little easier. I will do my very best to be inclusive and be appreciative of your unique perspective and background.

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Aaron Holt

CSAC | ICS | LPC | CORE Behavioral Health Services

Hello, my name is Aaron. I’m a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, Independent Clinical Supervisor, and Licensed Professional Counselor in Training at CORE Behavioral Health Services in Waupaca, WI. I am an adjunct teacher in the Fox Valley Technical College SUD counseling program.

I have experience in several settings including outpatient, residential, and treatment court programs. I help clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, and substance use disorder.

I have additional certification in counseling individuals with chronic trauma, my person-centered approach uses cognitive based therapies to help with improving coping strategies and emotional health. I specialize in helping individuals with dual diagnosis of substance use disorders and other mental health. I enjoy travel, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors.

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Trisha Lund

MSW, CAPSW | Social Work Therapist in Training | CORE Treatment Services

Hi, I am Trisha. I received my master's degree in social work at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I have been a social worker for 25+ years.

When I first moved to Wisconsin, I worked at Sheboygan County Health and Human Services as a Juvenile Justice Ongoing Social Worker and Independent Living Coordinator for 16.5 years. I had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and family members during times of stress, struggles, triumphs, and growth.

I also taught at Silver Lake College for ten years as an adjunct instructor. I taught the three Social Work Methods Courses and Conflict Resolution while working at Sheboygan County.

In 2015, I made a career change working as a medical social worker for the HSHS Hospital System in both Green Bay and Sheboygan. My main focus was working with patients receiving dialysis treatment and Oncology treatment. As the dialysis and oncology social worker, I was able to work with patients and their families helping them through the treatment process, emotional struggles, and linking to community resources.

I am excited to provide therapy at CORE Behavioral Health Services.

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Emily Bernhardt

MSW, APSW | Social Work Therapist in Training | CORE Treatment Services

HI, my name is Emily, and I am a Social Work Therapist in Training! I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay with my Master of Social Work degree. I have always been compassionate and willing to help others. I truly fell in love with the social work field during my undergraduate career.

I've had some wonderful experiences over the past few years: my internship with the Brown County District Attorney Office connected me with the Victim/Witness Program; and I completed my master's level internship with the Department of Veteran's Affairs in Appleton. I also enjoyed my work at Bellin Psychiatric Center doing Intake Assessments for inpatient treatment. Now, I'm eager to care for clients in my hometown of Manitowoc, where I can see clients grow and make progress at CORE Behavioral Health Services' outpatient clinic.

I would be honored to help you navigate your mental health and find some coping strategies to implement into your daily life. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, a mood disorder, or aren't sure where to start, I'd love to assist you in finding what works best for you.

When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, playing with my dog, reading, or baking.

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Deb Wentz

LCSW, CSAC, ICS | Clinical Manager | CORE Behavioral Health Services

My name is Deb Wentz. I’m the Outpatient Clinic Manager of CORE Behavioral Health Services. I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker because I enjoy watching people grow and becoming their best.

My favorite aspect about my managerial role is training and educating staff in the provision of services. I like helping our clinicians access the best of their abilities while encouraging continued growth in their care professions.

My out-of-clinic likes include travel, hiking, music and food experiences.

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Aniela Neuberger

SAC-IT | CORE Behavioral Health Services

My name is Aniela. I am originally from Cape Town, South Africa. I am a former professional tennis player who has extensive worldly experience both athletically and professionally. I completed my undergraduate degree in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am currently completing my master’s in clinical mental health and will be furthering my education in the PHD program of Advanced Studies in Human Behavior/Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Human Behavior.

I am a licensed SAC-IT for CORE Treatment Services and work with dual-diagnosis mental health clients. I enjoy implementing a solution-focused modality and providing intervention to a variety of populations with a combination of science and practice in work. I have a passion for culture and multiculturalism.

I like being of service to others in whatever manner I can, and I strive to be an example of the change I want to see in the world. My profession enables me to accomplish these two goals. Seeing people reach their goals is an amazing experience, and I am even more appreciative if I can assist them in doing so.

I think that when patients and professionals work together, the best treatment is provided.

Aside from work, I love to spend time with my family, complete triathlons, work-out, play sports, and travel.

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Angelica Ybanez

SAC-IT | CORE Behavioral Health Services

My name is Angelica & I am a Substance Abuse Counselor in Training. I am currently in my Masters program working on my Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. I started at CORE as an Intern in the outpatient facility and am currently a counselor at the women’s residential treatment facility. I am passionate about working with clients of all ages from all walks of life, and feel grateful to be able to see the growth and light that clients build for themselves with support and guidance. Much of my way of being is to give others a safe space to be themselves, somewhere they feel seen and heard, which can tend to feel rare for many.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, bike riding, or walking my dog. I enjoy board games as well and anything that is with my family. I also enjoy all creative platforms (music, dance, writing, art) and find these outlets to be an amazing way for us to communicate when we are struggling to verbalize how we are feeling or thinking.

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Tammi Henning

Finance Manager

My name Tammi. I am a fun-loving, upbeat, go-gettin’ kind of gal. I am known at work for my stylish wardrobe and interior design skills…aka my office.

I feel fulfilled and have the passion for this field because some of the people who mean the most to me have struggled with mental health and substance use. I am behind the scenes, assisting individuals get their foot in the door. It is my honor and privilege to help break down and reduce the financial barriers and burdens clients face when accessing treatment and care.

Providers were able to help my loved ones’ access care. Today I get to pay it forward by helping you and your loved ones access the compassionate and comprehensive care they need and deserve.

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Char Barwin

Executive Assistant

Char here! I love spending some of best hours of my day with CORE Treatment Services’ staff and clients as an executive assistant! I get to be a part of expanding our clinics and care services throughout the state of Wisconsin, as well as connecting clients with mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. Together we’re creating a healthier, kinder, and more compassionate Wisconsin.

It’s truly rewarding for me keep CORE Treatment Services’ values at the forefront of our team’s work and trainings. I take Brene Brown’s observation that “vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change," to heart and celebrate the beauty it affords our clients and staff on the daily.

I love to laugh, learn, travel, read and run long-distance races.

Samurai Headshot

Samurai

Emotional Support Dog

Samurai is an emotional support dog who can provide emotional and therapeutic benefit to those suffering with emotional issues, anxiety or psychiatric problems.

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Fill out the contact form to begin the process. Expect to hear back within the next business day or sooner. If you have insurance, we’ll do a precheck.  If you don’t have insurance, don’t let that stop you. We’ll work with you to get the care you need.

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