The Empathia Team

Carol joined Empathia in 1990 and has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer before becoming its President and CEO in 2019. Carol is an experienced corporate trainer and consultant who has worked with a number of high profile corporate entities. She holds a Masters in Social Work; she is also an Associate Certified Coach, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), and a member of the International Coach Federation.

Patti joined Empathia Pacific in 1997. As Chief Executive Officer for Empathia Pacific, she oversees service delivery systems for quality assurance and manages business operations and compliance with California’s Knox-Keene laws and regulations. As Chief Financial Officer, she oversees all company accounting practices, including preparing budgets, financial reports, tax and audit compliance. She directs financial strategy, planning and forecasts. Additionally, she performs financial and claims oversight and filings in compliance with California’s Knox Keene laws and regulations.

Brian joined Empathia in 2020 and brings over 25 years of proven sales, strategy and leadership experience. As Chief Growth Officer, he is responsible for driving strategic and operational initiatives to accelerate the organization’s growth and innovation. He holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Michelle joined Empathia in 2003. As Executive Director, Critical Support Services, Michelle is responsible for ensuring Empathia provides high-quality, high-value support services following critical events that impact people and organizations. In addition, her focus is on strategy development, providing operational oversight and collaborating with teams throughout the organization to achieve optimal growth. Michelle has over 20 years experience consulting with organizations in response to critical events, assisting with coordinating and facilitating crisis response services following a traumatic event or disaster and working to develop and refine smart technology to support organizations with a crisis response. She has a Master’s in Social Work and is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

Luke joined Empathia in 2024.  As the Director, Finance, Luke manages business operations and provides oversight of financial functions including budgeting, forecasting and contracting.  Luke has 20 years of professional experience in financial and leadership roles across several major healthcare organizations.  Luke earned his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is Board Certified in Healthcare Management.

David joined Empathia in July 1990. He has been directly involved in the development and management of clinical standards, outcomes-based measurement, customer benefit integration processes, and clinical research initiatives. As Director, Privacy and Compliance, he is currently responsible for information privacy and regulatory compliance, as well as providing clinical consultation and disaster response services. David is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 30 years of direct clinical experience.

Anthony joined Empathia in 2023 and brings over 15 years of experience in the EAP's, student/higher education and insurance programs. As Director, Strategic Partnerships, he is responsible for driving strategic and operational initiatives to accelerate the organization’s growth and innovation. He holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Jennifer joined Empathia in 2024 as the Director of Crisis Solutions, bringing over 25 years of experience in crisis response, mental health advocacy, and family assistance. A family member of an aviation disaster victim, she blends personal and professional expertise to prioritize the human element in emergency preparedness. She was key in advocating for the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996. She has since provided education and technical guidance to federal, state, and international organizations on best practices for family assistance.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Jennifer has led 24/7 crisis support programs, managed remote teams, and developed family assistance programs across aviation, healthcare, and emergency management. She holds a Master of Social Work in Community and Organizational Leadership and has completed extensive FEMA training, including certifications in disaster psychology and mass fatality incident management. Jennifer has co-authored pivotal research on aviation disaster response and designed innovative programs supporting thousands in crisis. Her expertise in crisis communication, operational planning, and psychosocial support continues to foster resilience and compassion in communities worldwide.

Tim joined Empathia in 1990. As Director, Provider Services, he oversees Empathia’s national affiliate provider network and ensures that the level of service provided exceeds expectations. Additionally, Tim is a former Executive Board Member for the Employee Assistance Professional Association (EAPA) Chapter of Southern Wisconsin. He holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology, has a certificate in Criminal Justice, and is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

Sara joined Empathia in 2007. As Manager of Clinical Services, she oversees all clinical services and is responsible for direct management of all LifeMatters counselors. She holds a Masters in Professional Counseling, is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Sara is the Chapter Secretary for the Wisconsin Chapter of Employee Assistance Professionals.

Chris joined Empathia in 2000. As Manager, Employer Services, she oversees the Account Management Team, along with the Performance and Consultation Specialists who handle all the company mandated referrals. She also assists in coordinating small and large scale trauma response services. In her previous roles as an EAP Counselor, she provided clinical assessments/counseling, trauma response services, and on-site services. Additionally, she holds a Masters in Social Work, is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), a certified wellness coach, and leads the Online Leader Coaching Team.

Crystal joined Empathia in 2024. As a Legal Coordinator, she is responsible for contracting functions, state registrations and regulatory filings, and other legal concerns. She is also involved in information privacy and compliance. Prior to joining Empathia, Crystal worked as a paralegal for 14 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate.

Phil joined Empathia in 2021. As our Client Success Specialist, he develops, implements, and coordinates vendor relationships and service delivery for add-on products. Phil comes to Empathia with over 20 years of managerial, operational, and account management experience in the EAP industry. He holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy; he is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Alyson joined Empathia in 1998. As Account Executive, she manages national EAP contracts and provides consultation, training, and intervention services. She serves as a Culture1st Consultant, assessing and improving culture in the workplace. Her previous roles at Empathia include Provider Relations Development Specialist and EAP Counselor. Alyson was the President of the Greater WI EAPA Chapter until October, 2014, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), as well as a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP). She holds a Masters in Social Work.

Jill joined Empathia in 1998. As an Account Executive, she manages national EAP contracts and provides consultation, training, and intervention services. In her previous role as an EAP Counselor, Jill provided trauma response services and training. Jill has a Masters in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Rehabilitation Counseling and is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

Jessica joined Empathia in 2013. As Account Executive, she manages a variety of EAP accounts develops, as well as implements crisis response training to master level behavioral health professionals. She also oversees the functions of the call center during activation, as well as builds and maintains strong, long-lasting customer relationships. In her previous role as an EAP Counselor, she provided clinical assessments/counseling, trauma response services, and on-site services. Jessica has a Masters in Community Counseling and is a national Certified Counselor (NCC).

Jeremy joined Empathia in 2007. As an Account Manager, he manages a variety of EAP accounts and also oversees our social media sites. His previous roles here were as Manager, Client Care Services, as well as Sales Consultant. Prior to joining Empathia, he spent 14 years in the EAP industry in a variety of managerial and operational roles. Jeremy holds a Masters in Management; he is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

Jill joined Empathia in 2019. As an Account Manager, she manages a variety of EAP accounts and provides consultation services. Prior to joining Empathia, she spent 15 years in Occupational Health working with employers to keep their staff healthy, safe, engaged, and productive. She is also provided in-home treatment to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Jill holds a Bachelor's in Psychology.

Ann joined Empathia in 2020. As a Crisis Account Manager, she manages a variety of our Black Swan accounts. Prior to joining Empathia, she primarily worked in the airline and cruise ship industries, where she provided emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery, and consultation.  She also has managerial experience, as well as family assistance and emergency training events. Ann has certificates with FEMA and NASAR, and holds an Associate’s Degree.

Lisa joined Empathia in 2007. As an Operations Specialist, she provides administrative, operational and logistical support to the Black Swan Solutions team. In addition, she is responsible for all day-to-day quality assurance monitoring and serves as a team lead for our Incident Response Contact Center. Lisa has a bachelor’s in business administration, as well as extensive administrative experience.

Jennie joined Empathia in 2002. As Lead Sales Executive, she is responsible for overall sales efforts of services and product lines. This includes conducting cold calls, generating leads, coordinating proposals, and presenting our program to prospects. Jennie has a Bachelors in Communication and is a Team Lead for one of our Disaster Response Call Center subgroups.

Haleh joined Empathia in 2007. As Training Coordinator, she oversees all activities relating to training program development and delivery, event coordination/scheduling, network development/management, and quality assurance for our training services. She also has customer service and case management experience, as well as being a team member for our Black Swan Solutions. In her previous role as an EAP Counselor, she provided clinical assessments/counseling, trauma response services, and on-site services. Haleh has a Masters in Counseling and she is a Certified Wellness Coach.

Cathy joined Empathia in 2014 until 2017, then rejoined in 2020. As Senior Administrative Assistant, she provides clerical, organizational and logistical support to the Account Team. She also coordinates, analyzes and assembles EAP utilization and client demographic reports. In her previous role here as an Account Representative, she managed national EAP contracts, including implementation, promotions and administration. She has extensive experience in executive administration and client services.