Meet Our Team
McKenzie Luker, CTRS & teen dbt skills coach
Hiya, I’m McKenzie! Thanks for being here! I am a co-owner of Wise Practice Skills, and I am passionate about helping youth, teens and families by providing one-on-one Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Coaching sessions.
I was introduced to & trained to provide hands-on DBT skills during my internship in 2016 by my business partner Jill Polisano. There I was able to see how these skills & tools can truly assist with creating a life that feels more worth living. Teaching & seeing positive change inspired me to utilize these tools in my life as well, which has been a GAME CHANGER!
I enjoy working with anyone willing to learn, I have found a deeper passion in working with teens & young adults to help them create a more balanced life & build skills to be able to manage a crisis in their own environment without having to be hospitalized (whenever possible).
I love what I do & chances are you’ll be able to tell! I work hard to create a fun, safe and empowering connection. It is my goal to help anyone I work with feel heard, seen, and validated through providing both support & education. It’s within trusted connections that lasting change can happen!
More about me:
- Education: Central Michigan University Graduate
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Spectialist – Certification #68263
- History: 6+ years teaching DBT in an inpatient setting
- Teen DBT Skills Coach since 2021
- 4-Day DBT Certification Intensive Training Course – Pesi
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Training – Evergreen
- Owner of Wise Practice Skills, LLC
“I am here to help you work through obstacles & learn new tools for change. It is my goal to help you see results from our sessions, & I will work with you to get the most out of our time together. I cannot wait to share these life enhancing skills with you or your teen!”
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Jill Polisano, ctrs & adult dbt skills coach
Well, hello there, I’m Jill! I have over 30 years of experience developing and facilitating a variety of life skills groups for individuals struggling with mental health conditions. I am committed to making those skills accessible to you!
Upon my completion of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intensive Training Course through Behavioral Tech., the organization created by the founder of DBT, Marsha Linehan, I have consistently seen first-hand the effectiveness of these skills. My initial training was in 2009 and since that time it’s been my passion to continuously expand my knowledge so that I can share these DBT skills with more wonderful people like you!
I have been a leader with an integral role in developing the DBT skills programs on the mental health units in three area hospitals, all the while continuing to keep the treatment and outcome of my patients as my focus. As an educator, I have developed multiple trainings for psychiatry residents, nursing staff and medical/nursing students.
More about me:
- Education: Central Michigan University Graduate
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Spectialist – Certification #24175
- History: Trained in DBT in 2009
- Certificate Completion: 10-Day Intensive DBT Training Course from Behavioral Tech, LLC
- Former Adjunct faculty for Michigan State & AUC Holistic Psychiatry Program
- Former Recreational Therapy Supervisor at Henry Ford Health System & Ascension Providence Health System
- Adult DBT Skills Coach since 2021
- Owner of Wise Practice Skills, LLC
“In my coaching and personal life, I apply the Dialectical Behavioral principle of ‘radical genuineness’ with the belief that we are all in this together. I believe strongly in validating a person’s feelings and teaching the practice of acceptance AND change to assist others in exploring ways to create and start living their best lives. One of my greatest fulfillments comes from hearing the excitement in my clients’ voices as they see change occur after using skills. They then start to create a life worth living. I love it! I hope to share the same journey with many more wonderful hearts and souls!”
Wise Birdie Team
Kristen O'Dwyer, LCSW
Awakening Is Not Changing Who You Are, But Discarding Who You Are Not” – Deepak Chopra
Hi beautiful soul! My name is Kristen, and I am dedicated to helping others heal their energy and embrace their intuition. I am a holistic, mindfulness therapist & results coach with a passion for helping others heal their traumas and embrace who they are truly called to be. In order to embrace who you are with love, compassion and esteem, you need to be able to release stored energy and to heal from past wounds that are keeping you stuck in old belief patterns, relationships and life circumstances. As we work together to help you reconnect with your spirit, I utilize an integrative approach that combines evidenced based therapies with mindfulness practice, music and energy healing practices.
Education & License Information:
- CA License #90773 MI License #6801097655
- Certified Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki Master
- Education: MSW from The University of Michigan
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Certificate – Evergreen
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certificate – Beck Institute
- Gottman Level 1 Therapist – Gottman Institute
- Somatic Experiencing – Certificate PESI
- Emotion Focused Therapy Certificate – PESI
- Intuitive Eating PESI
- Internal Family Systems- PESI
- Reiki – Udemy & Reiki Euphoria
Are you ready to thrive?
Skillful coaching to help you create a better life today.
Time focused. Results oriented. Educational. Evidence based.