HI, I'M DAWN!

I was born in Milwaukee, but we moved and I  grew up in Delafield, WI. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a mother and help people. I decided to pursue my education at the University of Whitewater- Wisconsin. My major was Social Welfare with a minor in Women's Studies. I graduated in 1994 after 3.5 years.  My first job as a counselor was working with Child Protective Services at the county level. Then I applied to be a counselor in a group home with developmentally disabled adults. It was the most challenging and beautiful job I had ever had. This is also where I met my future husband.  It was a great working experience that I will never forget.  Over the next five years, I took on higher positions, got married and had my first child.  It only took 5 days of my daughter being in daycare to decide I was going to be a stay-at-home Mom. Working with challenging adults really prepared me for parenthood in more ways that I could ever imagine, so we decided to have 3 more !

   In 2010, I opened up a business serving people with developmental disabilities, had multiple residents and about 30 staff covering 24 hours shifts 365 days a year. Although I knew how to "take care of" and "counsel" people, I had no idea how to run a business. Well, I had to learn pretty darn quick! It was amazing, challenging and all consuming; I was right where I needed to be. Being an owner came with many perks, but the best part was being able to incorporate my FAMILY into my work life. With my husband's help, I  did this for 5 years and then sold the business to one of my employees. I came away with so many new skills that I never thought I'd have. It also revealed to me that one of the most rewarding parts of running that business was talking with, working with, and counseling all of the staff. 

All 4 of my adult children either work with people who are cognitively & physically disabled or who struggle with mental illness.  My husband runs a non profit organization called New Hope Center here in Chilton serving people with developmental disabilities.  

As you can imagine, our family dinners are quite interesting, educational & full of experiences. 

Over the last few years, I have really narrowed down my gift of helping others. I love listening to people's stories. I enjoy hearing about people's childhoods. I’m extremely intuitive & empathetic to the core. 

During the day, I work as a psychiatric social worker at a the state mental health hospital and I find peace in helping people communicate with each other and their loved ones.  It is the most fascinating job I’ve ever had. Working with Bipolar & Schizophrenia patients & their family members is a an experience I will always remember & cherish.

In 2021,  the idea for Liv Free Counseling, LLC was born and everything fell into place. I am a  Certified Social Worker for the state of Wisconsin and am also certified as a SYMBIS Facilitator.  I am truly passionate about helping individuals & couples really get to know each other and help them learn how to communicate. I look forward to meeting you and serving the community one person or couple at a time.