Contact us Monday through Friday 8:00am CST to 4:00pm CST at 715-327-4402

Jennifer Gwiazda, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Jennifer Gwiazda, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Relaxation | Relationships

“Really all of the elements are important in my everyday life. The PassageWay Elements are a huge part of what drew me to NWP because I believe these elements to be important parts of living a well-balanced, healthy life. I believe that relationships, specifically stable, healthy relationships are the basis for good mental and physical health. I credit the love and support of those around me as a major contributing factor to my current success. I am also a firm believer that everyone enters each others lives with a purpose even if we don’t always know that purpose right away. Nutrition is another element that is important to me. I believe that a diet based on eating plant-based, whole foods allows me to feel both physically and mentally well. I think our bodies and brains react to what we put in them so it is of great importance to put good in to get good out. I do have a bit of a sweet tooth, but as is true with all of life, it’s about progress and not perfection. I also do yoga almost every day and credit my yoga practice with helping me through the stress of completing graduate school during the start of a pandemic. Yoga to me is a form of exercise as well as relaxation and recreation and the time I spend on my mat often gives me time to reflect and give thanks to God for the ability both physically and mentally maintain my yoga practice.”

    

QUOTE

“Hope is knowing that the current situation is not the only situation. Hope is knowing that there is something better on the other side of the challenge and that you have the strength and ability to get to that other side, but sometimes need help with the tools to get there. Hope is the realization that people around you want you to succeed in life because success is not finite. Meaning, I don’t lose my success in life when those around me gain it, too. When we all succeed in living a full life, society itself succeeds and flourishes.”

DETAILS

  • Education: Chippewa Valley Technical College, ADN, 2010; UW-Eau Claire, BSN, 2015; Husson University, MSN, 2021
  • Specialties: I think I have a great sense of humor, even if my family disagrees.
  • With Northwest Passage since 2021
 

Ethan Halainen

Ethan Halainen

Therapist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Recreation | Relaxation | Nutrition | Exercise | Relationships | Service | Spirit

Coming Soon…

            

QUOTE

Coming Soon…

DETAILS

  • Education:
  • With Northwest Passage since 2021
 

Olivia Hall

Olivia Hall

Overnight Care Staff

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Relaxation | Relationships

“Spending time in nature with friends and family is a great way to relax and take a break.”

    

QUOTE

“Hope is keeping a positive outlook and knowing that good things are yet to come.”

DETAILS

  • Education: Miami University – Biology, Bioinformatics, and Forensic Investigation; degree in progress
  • With Northwest Passage since 2022
 

Nicky Hochstetler

Nicky Hochstetler

Youth Development Specialist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Relaxation | Relationships

“I feel you can build great relationships in nature, and you have to stay calm and relaxed in situations to build relationships.”

     

QUOTE

“Hope means a chance for new beginnings.”

DETAILS

  • Education: Unity High School – 2005; CNA Certificate – 2010
  • With Northwest Passage since 2021
 

Sam Hughes, RN

Sam Hughes, RN

Medical Systems Supervisor

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Relationships | Nutrition | Service | Exercise | Recreation | Spirit | Relaxation

Coming soon…

              

QUOTE

Coming soon….

DETAILS

  • Specialty:
  • Education: BSN
  • With Northwest Passage since 2018
 

Theresa Irmen-Dunn

Theresa Irmen-Dunn

Overnight Care Staff

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Relaxation | Service

Nature: The outdoors is a great way to clear one’s mind and appreciate the beauty in which we live. As a WI Master Naturalist I hope to pass on my love of nature. I am passionate about gardening. Relaxation: Working overnights I try to find different ways to relax for myself and others, especially kids that have a hard time sleeping. I incorporate breathing exercises, crocheting/knitting, and as many naps as I can get into my own daily routine. Service: As a lover of all Crafts I teach the kids that want to learn to crochet. All three of the girls units have made afghans that were donated to a women’s shelter in the area.”

     

QUOTE

“As an overnight staff I am most concerned about the kids relaxation and making sure that they have a good night feeling safe and secure in their environment.”

DETAILS

  • Specialty: Child Welfare
  • Education: Certified Braille Transcriber
  • With Northwest Passage since 2015
 

Jemiah Jackson

Jemiah Jackson

Youth Development Specialist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Exercise | Relationships | Spirit

Coming Soon…

    

QUOTE

Coming Soon…

DETAILS

  • Education: Austin Peay State University, BSP
  • With Northwest Passage since 2021
 

Brett Jepson

Brett Jepson

Youth Development Specialist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Recreation | Relaxation | Nutrition | Exercise | Relationships | Service | Spirit

Coming Soon…

            

QUOTE

Coming Soon…

DETAILS

  • Education:
  • With Northwest Passage since 2020
 

Mandy Jeske, MSW

Mandy Jeske, MSW

Mental Health Therapist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Recreation| Nature | Relationships

“I like to participate in the activities I love with the people I am closest to. My friends and family like to do lots of outdoor activities together including; hiking, camping, fishing, x-country skiing, and many different sports. Spending lots of time outside allows us to remain emotionally balanced. We are our best versions of ourselves when we are participating in outdoor activities. The PassageWay to me means incorporating a variety of elements into your life in order to lead a more balanced and healthy life.”

   

PROFILE

Throughout her time within the Northwest system, Mandy has gained valuable knowledge and insight about boys and girls with mental health issues, county social work and systems, community services and supports, and the role of residential treatment within the mental health system.  This invaluable knowledge of so many of our programs is a great asset for Northwest Passage in her position as Admissions Director.

DETAILS

  • Specialty: Admissions
  • Education: BS, Liberal Arts
  • With Northwest Passage since 2002
 

Gage Johansen

Gage Johansen

Youth Development Specialist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Relaxation | Exercise | Relationships

“These elements are the most important to me because they are the things I enjoy the most. I think exercise is very important to stay healthy and fit. Relaxation is good for everyone to just take some time and reflect on themselves. Lastly, I believe that good relationships are the most important thing people can have.”

  

QUOTE

“What hope means to me is to give people a feeling of trust. To let them know that they can believe you.”

DETAILS

  • Education: High School Diploma
  • With Northwest Passage since 2021
 

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