Meet the Candidate

My name is Dani Falesnik (Fuh - LEZ - nick). I am running for Winnebago County Sheriff because our community deserves strong, competent, and accountable leadership.

I grew up in North East Wisconsin and have lived in the Fox Valley since 2020. I love the strong work ethic and generosity of this community. I am grateful to be able to raise my family in a community that values building a safe and stable future for all.

I have spent the past 15 years of my career working within County and Hospital systems providing community mental health care at both administrative and clinical levels of care. I have the leadership skills necessary to take on this responsibility to my community. I have worked with people in acute crisis, bad situations, and in direct community response. Because of my education and experience I have become skilled in crisis management, communication, de-escalation, and accountability via my professional code of ethics.

I am frustrated with how the system feels like its always going in circles. We keep trying to solve the same problem with the same solution. While I cannot promise a solution, I can offer a chance to do something different. Many of the calls law enforcement officers and deputies have to respond to over and over again involve people in crisis who are experiencing acute mental health symptoms, addiction, and family conflict. If we handle those situations the right way the first time, we can reduce repeat calls and keep both deputies and the public safer.

As Sheriff I will ensure a strong ethical approach that values transparency and accountability.

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Professional exPERIENCE

Employment

  • 2019-2026: Director/Owner

    • Outpatient Psychotherapy Private Practice

  • 2018: Behavioral Health Manager

    • Menominee County Human Services

  • 2013-2022: Licensed Professional Counselor

    • Shawano County Human Services, Shawano, WI

    • SSM Health. Fond du Lac, WI

  • 2011-2013: Residential Psychotherapist (Type II Facility)

    • Homme Youth and Family Programs, Wittenberg, WI

Relevant Skills and Training

  • POSC and CPI Trained

  • CPR Certification

  • Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction (AODA) Certified

  • WI Trauma Informed Care Trainer

  • Oversight of Coordinated Services Team Initiative Grant Funded programming (CST)

  • County Level Development of Comprehensive Community Support Program (CCS)

  • Emergency Services - Clinical Crisis Response and Evaluation

  • DBT and TF-CBT Advanced Training Certification

Education

  • Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI

    • Master of Science in Art Therapy with a Concentration in Community Counseling

  • UW-Green Bay, Green Bay, WI

    • Bachelor of Art: Studio Art Major, Human Development Minor

  • UW-Marathon, Wausau, WI

    • Associate of Art and Science

Licensure

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with Substance Abuse Specialty (SAS)

    • Active State License Number: 125-5239

  • Art Therapy (ATR)

    • State of WI #135-36

      • Inactive, eligible for renewal

    • Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) #13-143

      • Inactive, eligible for renewal

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