West Grove Clinic currently has prescribers at the Kenosha, Wauwatosa, and Appleton locations.
SELAHATTIN KURTER, MD
Executive Director
Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry
Practice Locations(s): Milwaukee
Dr. Kurter is one of Milwaukee's leading experts in the field of Addiction Medicine. He carries a dual board certification in Addiction Medicine as well as Psychiatry and Neurology.
During his residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, he was appointed to the prestigious position of Chief Resident. Dr. Kurter continues to hold a position as an Associate Clinical Professor for the Medical College of Wisconsin, as well as Executive Counsel Member of the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association. His expertise in treating Opiate Dependence with the medication Suboxone, or Buprenorphine, has led other physicians to seek him out for training in best practice procedures for prescribing this medication. Dr. Kurter also has vast experience in treating pregnant mothers who are addicted to opiates, including heroin. He has overseen the care of more than 40 women suffering with addiction to opiates, throughout pregnancy and delivery.
Keeping an eye for the tried and true proven techniques while implementing new and innovative techniques to improve outcomes for his patients positions Dr. Kurter at the front edge of addiction treatment in the Milwaukee area. He is available to speak on the topic of Opiate Addiction and its links to underlying mental health issues, or co-occurring disorders. He brings a deeper understanding of the chemical composition of the addicted brain and the necessary steps to bring wholeness and sobriety into the patient's life. He is also able to address common concerns and misconceptions surrounding the role of medication management in the treatment of substance abuse. As a native of Milwaukee, Dr. Kurter is passionate about introducing his knowledge of the medical aspects of addiction to the discussion of the heroin epidemic plaguing our area.
Dr. Kurter, in addition to being the Executive Director at West Grove Clinic, is also Executive Director at Spectrum Health Care in Oak Grove WI.
NICHOLAS BRACCIANO, MD
Medical Director of Intensive Outpatient Services
Board Certified in Psychiatry
Board Eligible Addiction Medicine and Board Eligible Addiction Psychiatry
Practice Location(s): Milwaukee
Dr. Bracciano graduated from Creighton University and Creighton University Medical School. He pursed an Adult Psychiatry Residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and graduated in 2019. He completed his Addictions Fellowship through the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Bracciano treats patients with both addiction and mental health concerns, as he believes the complete care for the whole person leads to a more successful, comprehensive treatment plan.
ABIGAIL CZARNECKI, MSN, PMHNP
Practice Location(s): Appleton, Kenosha & Milwaukee
Abigail Czarnecki holds degrees in psychology and nursing from UW-Milwaukee and Alverno. She has been working with those experiencing mental health issues since 2009 and specializes in the treatment of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. She also has experience treating depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Integrating cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapy with medication management, she believes that each person’s wholeness is greater than the sum of their parts.
ARIELLA DANOWSKI, NP
In Person Practice Location(s): Milwaukee
Virtual Practice Locations(s): Appleton, Kenosha, Marinette
My name is Ariella Danowski. You can call me “Ari”. I am a Family Nurse practitioner, accredited by the American Nurse Practitioner Association. I have a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in Psychology and a bachelor’s degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering in Nursing. My master’s degree is in Family Practice, from Concordia University.
I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and have lived around the same area my entire life. Being a mom is my favorite part of life. I have a 4-year-old son. He is super fun and exhausting at the same time! I love to chat about families, kids, and pets with my clients.
I find mental health and substance abuse medication treatment to be fascinating. I have a true love for the field and find such fulfillment in making others feel better. It is of utmost priority to me that my clients are treated like family and friends. My clients are very important to me. I am a definite e-mail person over voicemail kind of provider.
Exciting news, I am treating Hepatitis C virus. I will provide safe medication management and cure the virus within 8-12 weeks. You do not need to have mental health or substance abuse treatment with me to receive Hepatitis C Virus management.
I see clients from 14 years and older.
I provide in person visits and virtual visits. My virtual clients are from all over Wisconsin! Which is super fun, to know people from all different little and big cities.
Denise Gilanyi, MSN, PMHNP
Practice Location(s): Kenosha
Denise Gilanyi is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing in the Kenosha office. Denise has been in the healthcare field for more than 20 years, supporting patients within various settings. She has extensive experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, Veterans, First Responders, individuals with psychiatric concerns/illness, substance abuse disorders, medication assisted treatment, and drug court. Denise has extensive experience in the field of corrections and has a special interest in assisting with rehabilitation in individuals who struggle with co-curring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Denise was involved in various community organizations such as the opiate task force, and other committees working closely with various community organizations to provide resources, options, and treatment for individuals with substance use disorders within the community. Denise finds it very rewarding to be a support throughout patient rehabilitation and being able to assist in and watch individuals stabilize, recover, and find their best self.
DAVID SCHULZ, MD, PSYCHIATRIC CARE
Practice Locations(s): Milwaukee
Dr. Schulz has experience in a variety of behavioral health treatment settings allowing him to care for patients with a wide spectrum and degree of psychological illness.
Dr. Schulz grew up in the Milwaukee area and graduated from Homestead High School in 1983. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee attaining a B.A. in Psychology then obtained his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in May 1992. Dr. Schulz has always been intrigued with the complexity and amazing power of the human mind with its capacity to have major impact on the physical body in both health and disease. He pursued this interest by entering a psychiatry residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin graduating in August 1996.
Dr. Schulz has experience in a variety of behavioral health treatment settings allowing him to care for patients with a wide spectrum and degree of psychological illness. He staffed the Mental Health Complex Psychiatric Crisis Service for over ten years. He was able to help a broad age-range of patients from children, adolescents, and adults to the elderly. Dr. Schulz constantly evaluated patients brought by police officers under “medical observation.” He was able to efficiently evaluate and triage these patients to the appropriate treatment environment for their particular degree of illness. This gave him a unique opportunity to understand the impact illness has on both the patient and their family. He enjoyed providing crisis marital and family sessions.
Dr. Schulz began a private practice in psychiatry as well as treating patients as a consulting psychiatrist for Covenant Behavioral Health/Family Health Plan managed care system. He excelled in integrating psychotherapy with medication management, realizing that spending a few more moments in the office speaking and answering questions, facilitated the development of a mutually satisfying patient-physician relationship. Dr. Schulz has expanded his knowledge in psychotherapy by attending courses in Jungian therapy at the Chicago Psychoanalytical Institute to constantly improving his therapy skills. He integrates dream analysis and assists in uncovering latent patient strengths into his treatment. He recently began integrating a wellness program, following recovery from the acute illness, to allow clients to prevent return of the problem as well as improve their overall physical health. The patient’s needs and input are extremely important in developing an individualized wellness plan. His philosophy is to assist the client to take full responsibility for their health by showing them they always have the freedom to choose wellness behaviors. Dr. Schulz has a unique, personable style which helps put patients at ease and facilitates the development of a collaborative relationship focused on assisting the client back to health.
Sally Vahovick PA-C, MPAS
Practice Locations: Appleton & Kenosha
Sally Vahovick completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Marquette University in 2008 and went on to graduate from the Marquette University Physician Assistant Program in 2009. Sally has been in practice as a certified physician assistant for 12 years, joining West Grove Clinic in 2021 to pursue work in the field of psychiatry, including treatment for mental health as well as addiction.
Because seeking care can be overwhelming and intimidating, Sally believes it is important to build a trusting relationship with patients where they feel heard. Together, she works with her patients to accomplish their health-related goals and achieve an improved quality of life.
Sadie Washcovick, PMHNP
Practice Location(s): Milwaukee & Marinette
My name is Sadie Washcovick. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2023. With a diverse nursing background and a variety of experience, I provide care to individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
My professional journey has taken me through various healthcare settings including acute detox facilities, emergency rooms and correctional institutions. In each setting, I am committed to patient well-being, particularly in cases involving co-occurring disorders.
I was born and raised in northern Wisconsin, and have deep-rooted connections to the community. I feel passionate about returning to my roots and bringing knowledge and skills back to the area I call home. I believe in the importance of accessible mental health care in all communities, and am determined to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals in northern Wisconsin and the Milwaukee area.
I am dedicated to staying informed about the latest advancements in psychiatric care and treatment options and value collaboration and communication, working closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs.
I believe that raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse issues is essential for creating a supportive and understanding environment for those in need.