Darla Otto | Professional Family Services, LLC

Meet the Team

Elizabeth Pritzl LPC

Psychoeducation Provider

Elizabeth provides psychoeducation, skills training, problem-solving support, and ongoing guidance to help consumers and families better understand and manage mental health and/or substance use-related needs. She offers strength-based coaching in individualized skill-building areas such as social skills, money management, personal hygiene, job readiness, coping strategies, and family stability. Elizabeth also collaborates with outside agencies, schools, medical providers, and community partners to support continuity of care, goal review, and coordinated service planning.

Melissa Schroeder, LPC-IT

Community Mental Health

I am a mental health therapist who is working toward achieving my 3,000 supervised training hours. I focus my work using a trauma-informed lens with children, teens, adults, and families in the community navigating emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. My approach is grounded in compassion, safety, and connection, helping clients feel understood rather than judged.

I believe behavior is communication and that healing happens in the context of supportive relationships. I integrate evidence-based practices with mindfulness, emotional regulation skills, and values-based reflection to support growth, resilience, and self-worth. When appropriate, I also welcome spirituality as a source of strength and meaning, honoring each client’s personal beliefs and experiences.

I strive to create a calm, supportive space where clients can build insight, develop practical coping tools, and reconnect with their inherent value. My goal is to walk alongside individuals and families as they move toward healing, confidence, and lasting change.

darlaotto@professionalfamilyservices.com

Mel

darlaotto@professionalfamilyservices.com

Jennifer Christipherson, MASpecEd

Skills Enhancement Provider

Jennifer provides skill development and enhancement services to support consumers in strengthening daily living, communication, problem-solving, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills identified in the service plan. Services may include training in personal care, household tasks, fiscal management, transportation, parenting, community access, health care coordination, and other plan-related needs. Jennifer also provides education related to mental health needs and supports consumers in developing strategies to increase independence and functioning.

darlaotto@professionalfamilyservices.com

Abbie Flasher, CSW

Skills Enhancement/Psychoeducation Provider

Abbie provides CCS skill development and enhancement services to support consumers in strengthening functional skills identified in the individualized service plan.Services may address communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, decision-making, self-regulation, conflict resolution, daily living skills, community access, and other assessed needs related to the consumer’s recovery and wellness goals.Abbie uses individualized teaching, coaching, modeling, and practice to help consumers build independence, improve functioning, and apply learned skills across home, school, community, and social settings.

darlaotto@professionalfamilyservices.com

Marla LaRock, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

Marla demonstrates knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care, a thorough understanding of Wisconsin Department of Health Services Chapter 36 requirements, and the ability to implement and document evidence-based practices. She is skilled in critical thinking, logic, and reasoning to support individuals and families in understanding choices, consequences, and decision-making. Marla possesses strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal relationship skills, and the ability to work effectively with culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse individuals, families, and teams. She demonstrates cultural competence, respect for diverse backgrounds, and professionalism in both independent and collaborative service environments.

Darla Otto CSW, MS, CTACC

Psychoeducation Provider

Darla has over 30 years of Social Welfare experience. She is a Certified Social worker, holds a Masters in Management and is a Certified Life Coach. Darla has the ability to empower individuals to open their mind and find their true self value.

Her speciality is observing, listening deeply, asking empowering questions, while motivating others.

She has supervised numerous Social Welfare Programs, she has maintained a caseload herself in order to “always remember first hand” what people are going through. Darla has worked in areas consisting of Trauma Informed Care, Early Intervention, Head Start, Juvenile Crisis Shelter, AODA/Mental Health Group Homes, Child Abuse and Neglect, Gangs and Juvenile Delinquency, Termination of Parental Rights, Special Needs, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Foster Care and Adoption, Independent Living, Adult Assisted Living, Sexual Abuse, and Post Traumatic Stress.

Darla is not only a Professional, but she is also a single adoptive mother of two special needs girls and guardian over another girl. Her personal passion truly is her girls. Professionally she is a humble, honest, and a down-to-earth inspiration to others.

Darla is the Owner of Professional Family Services.

Live the Journey