About Dr. Cole

Licensed Psychologist

My work as a licensed psychologist is grounded in the belief that people heal best when they feel seen, recognize their inherent strength, feel supported, and understand that they are not defined by the challenges they may face in life. For more than two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of mental health, community wellness, and systems change—helping individuals, families, and organizations move forward with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

A foundation of my practice is supporting those traversing concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, but also major life transitions that often arise. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and rooted in evidence‑based care, drawing from cognitive‑behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, and trauma‑focused approaches. Known for my patient and inclusive presence, I work alongside clients to make sense of complex emotional experiences while building practical skills for meaningful change. From hospital systems, to community outpatient clinics, to private practice, those I’ve been fortunate to serve reflect the rich and diverse communities that make Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin such an enriching place to practice.

Leader and Organizer

Before founding Sunrise Psychology Group, I served in a range of clinical and leadership roles, including Director of Outpatient Treatment Programs for Milwaukee County Behavioral Health and Regional Program Director for Western Youth Services in Anaheim, California. Outcomes centered on expanding suicide‑prevention efforts, strengthening outpatient services for youth, and increasing access to mental health care for uninsured communities. Earlier initiatives include developing cultural‑competency workshops for hospital‑based clinicians to address implicit bias and its impact on patient experience and outcomes.

Through organizing efforts across Milwaukee, I’ve worked to inspire individuals and communities to recognize the impact and agency we each can have in enriching our lives, and those around us—through civic engagement, voter initiatives, public lectures, and forums advancing dialogue and promoting racial justice.

Nature as Balance and Inspiration

The lessons I’ve learned outdoors often find their way into my work as a psychologist. Whether deep in the forest, cycling, or catching a sunrise, nature remains a steady resource—grounding, restorative, and a reminder to us all to look beyond the noise of daily life. A key part of my self‑care includes time spent surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, or working with natural materials through woodworking and repurposing projects, practices that connect me to balance, creativity, and sustainability.

Author and Columnist

My dedication to wellness and community empowerment extends to my writing. As a columnist for the Milwaukee Independent, I received the Milwaukee Press Club Bronze Award and was a finalist for the Excellence in Journalism Award. My debut children’s book, No Bad News, received the Ridgway Award for Best Debut in Children’s Literature and reflects my belief in the power of community, hope, and inner strength.