Can you tell us a little about your role and how long you’ve been with the County?

I’m a Clinical Therapist with Integrated Support and Recovery Services (ISRS) and the treatment provider for La Crosse County’s OWI Court. I’ve been with the County a little over three years.

For those who aren’t familiar, what exactly is OWI Court?

OWI Court is a treatment-focused alternative for some people facing repeat OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charges. Instead of serving traditional jail time, participants go through a year-long, highly structured program that focuses on treatment, accountability, and rehabilitation. The goal is to address the underlying causes—mental health challenges, trauma, and substance use—so participants can make lasting changes and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

What does your work with participants look like day to day?

I meet with participants to assess their substance use and mental health needs, create treatment plans, and coordinate care. Depending on their needs, that might include individual therapy, intensive outpatient programming, sober living, or residential treatment. I also do individual outpatient substance use and mental health therapy. I meet weekly with our OWI Court team—which includes a judge, probation officer, a prosecutor, and a defense attorney—to review progress and adjust plans as needed.

What kind of impact have you seen from the program?

We see real transformation. About 65–70% of participants successfully complete the program. In our fifth and sixth OWI track, only one person who completed the program has had a new OWI offense. La Crosse and Monroe County are the only counties in Wisconsin that have this as an option instead of mandatory prison time.

What would you want the public to know about OWI Court and your work?

Treatment courts work. We created this program because the old approach—jail time alone—wasn’t solving the problem. OWI Court gives people access to treatment and resources they might not seek out on their own. Many participants have experienced significant trauma, and this program gives them a way to rebuild their lives. It benefits not only participants but also our community—by improving safety, reducing costs, and helping people return to their families and jobs healthier than before.