Affiliated Clinical Services

02/11/2026

February 10 is Safer Internet Day!

Safer Internet Day aims to create a safer and better internet where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.

Generative AI is becoming more widely used by kids, teens, and adults. There are risks and benefits to using it. It is important to be aware of what those are and how to use it effectively and safely.

Parents' Ultimate Guide to Generative AI: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-generative-ai

Resources for Parents, Educators, and Community Members: https://safer.connectsafely.org/students/

Safer Internet Day USA website with more resources: https://safer.connectsafely.org/

Parents' Ultimate Guide to Generative AI - Learn more and get Common Sense Media's research-backed tips.

02/05/2026

We are excited to share that the first ACS Caseload Break Bowling Classic was a success! 🎳

Jake Hanus was the tournament winner, and Brooke Brockman won the "All you have to do is show up" door prize.

Staff better start practicing now. We look forward to the next one!

02/02/2026

January felt like the longest month, and now we can finally say it is February! There are many important topics to be aware of this month. If any of these are of interest for you, click on the website for links with more information.

Month

International Boost Self-Esteem Month

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Week

Random Acts of Kindness Week (Feb. 16-23)

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 23-Feb. 29)

Day

Safer Internet Day (Feb. 10)

01/31/2026

⭐ Staff Spotlight ⭐

Please welcome a newer staff member, Marissa Matocky, LPC-IT!

She started her journey at ACS in January 2025. She works at the West Bend location. Marissa has a specific interest working with ages 14+ in couples, individuals, family, and group therapy. Special interests include couples counseling, individuals with type one diabetes, chronic illness, or any other major medical events/changes, relationship issues, postpartum depression or anxiety, perinatal mental health, and trauma.

We asked her a few questions to help you get to know her better 😊

How long have you been a therapist?

“I was licensed as a therapist in August 2024.”

What do you like about working at ACS?

“I love all of the opportunities there are to learn. I learn new things every day from both my clients and staff, and different trainings offered at ACS.”

What do you love about being a therapist?

“I love being a therapist and it is hard to pick one particular reason why. I really enjoy being a part of other people's healing journeys, and always having new information to learn.”

Marissa is currently accepting new clients! Contact ACS to inquire about services with her.

See the link for her bio: https://affiliatedclinical.com/2024/12/05/marissa-matocky-lpc-it/

01/23/2026

Now that you are aware of what habits you have and what you want to change, James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, shares his 5 step strategy to building habits:

1. Start with an incredibly small habit - pick a habit that is small enough that you don’t need motivation to do

2. Increase your habit in very small ways- start small and then gradually improve

3. As you build up, break habits into chunks- split up the task into smaller chunks so it seems more doable

4. When you slip, get back on track quickly- plan for failure and look at the potential obstacles/barriers, then get back to it ASAP. “You just need to be consistent, not perfect.”

5. Be patient. Stick to a pace you can sustain- you can make great progress if you are patient

Read this article or his book for more great tips!
https://jamesclear.com/habit-guide

01/21/2026

With the new year comes lots of talk about goals and resolutions. It is good to have goals to focus on. The hard part is figuring out what to focus on, following through, and then actually doing the work!

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, created a Habits Scorecard to help you become more aware of habits you have that you may overlook. The scorecard helps you rate the habits to increase your awareness.

Get the resource here:https://s3.amazonaws.com/jamesclear/Atomic+Habits/The+Habits+Scorecard.pdf

01/14/2026

It is Mental Wellness Month!

What does that mean exactly? Mental wellness is the ability to cope with life’s stressors while maintaining a good quality of life and adapting to changes and stressors. It is important for us to be in tune with our mental health. We can use self-care, coping strategies and resources to focus on our mental wellness.

Here are 6 ways to practice mental wellness:

-Build resilience

-Reduce stress

-Get quality sleep

-Strengthen social connections

-Cope with loss

-Be mindful

Click the link for an Emotional Wellness Toolkit:

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01/08/2026

It is hard to believe we are in a new year! Welcome to January! There are many important topics to be aware of this month. If any of these are of interest for you, click on the website for links with more information.

Month

Mental Wellness Month

National Mentoring Month

Week

No Name-Calling Week(Jan. 20-24)

Day

Human Trafficking Awareness Day (Jan. 11)

12/30/2025

🎉 Have a safe and happy start to the New Year 🎉

Affiliated Clinical Services will be closed the following days:

Wednesday December 31 (STARTING at 12:00pm)

Thursday, January 1

12/23/2025

🎄For those of you who are celebrating, have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday ☃️

Affiliated Clinical Services will be closed the following days:

Wednesday, December 24 (STARTING at 12:00pm)

Thursday, December 25

Wednesday December 31 (STARTING at 12:00pm)

Thursday, January 1

12/23/2025

⭐ Staff Spotlight ⭐

Please welcome a new staff member, Jake Hanus, MSW, APSW!

He started his journey at ACS in September 2024 as a graduate intern, seeing clients virtually via coaching calls. He works at the West Bend and Hartford locations. He also provides in-school therapy at Silverbrook Intermediate School and Badger Middle School. Jake has a specific interest working with individuals 5 years and older. His areas of special interest include Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, life stress, and adjustment disorders.

We asked him a few questions to help you get to know him better 😊

How long have you been a therapist?

“Since July of 2025”

What do you like about working at ACS?

“I love working alongside so many knowledgeable clinicians. Everyone brings a unique background and an eclectic approach to therapy, which creates a supportive environment for both therapists and clients.”

What do you love about being a therapist?

“I love meeting different people and hearing their life experiences. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness those moments when clients have a breakthrough and the ‘lightbulb’ goes off.”

Jake is currently accepting new clients! Contact ACS to inquire about services with Jake.

See the link for his bio: https://affiliatedclinical.com/2025/06/30/jake-hanus-apsw/

12/18/2025

Thank you to one of our very, very talented therapists, Leah Stadel, for spreading some holiday cheer in our West Bend lobby this afternoon 🎄