Our Story
Positively Human, LLC, grew out of a need to get back to the basics of humanness and treating every individual with dignity and respect. Where some providers conduct a service, we build relationships knowing healing happens within them. Tired of assessment forms that focused on diagnosing negative symptoms and “behaviors”, we look at the situation from the individual’s point of view. We believe that every human is exactly where they are based on their life experiences including their skill, knowledge, understanding, and supports (SKUs). Thus, if an issue arises for the individual, we look at what SKUs are needed to assist and learn and incorporate them together. Too often we hear providers describe the main issue as “behaviors” that need to be stopped; not recognizing these
are misunderstood, normal human defenses that we can listen and respond to with compassion and understanding for both the member and those who serve them. We see procedures and regulations that support punishment, isolation, and taking away of personal property and rights in the name of protecting the individual. We see and experience these rules as putting policy over people. We look for ways to explore the “whys” of these rules with the individuals, their supports, and policy makers to find solutions that work for all. Moved to action by these experiences and with the belief that we are just “positively human”, we decided the best way to make change was to roll up our sleeves and start making it, and here we are! Positively Human, LLC, believes this change is needed at all levels and types of human service from school systems to law enforcement from healthcare to daycare and from board rooms to State Departments; anywhere a human works with or for another human. We chose to begin our work within the long-term care system where we believe some of our most vulnerable citizens seek assistance. However, our goal is to work our way into all systems of human assistance, so they too can learn how to get back to the basics of humanness, treating every individual with dignity and respect and securing our Vision: “By moving from policy to people, whole humans will see whole humans”.
Our Team
Colleen Rinken,
M.ED., LPC, CSAC, ICS
Owner, Executive Director
She, her, hers
With 11 older siblings, I became a human observer and helper from a young age: watching, listening, and learning. Wanting to put those interests into my career, I secured a master’s degree in Mental Health, Substance Use, and Child/Adolescent Services; to serve all. As a therapist I have accumulated 40+ years of clinical experience conducting therapy and psychoeducation, with individuals, couples, families, and groups, using evidence-based practices with persons of all ages and intellect. As a teacher and leader, I have conducted thousands of hours of clinical, and human wellbeing education within clinical settings, seminars, and colleges, as a speaker, trainer, and technical assistant for multiple agencies, and for over a decade with the State of Wisconsin. Some other hats I enjoy are being a real estate investor, mentor, human advocate, and of course my favorites as a spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend. With all this knowledge, understanding and skill, I retired and thought it took me all this time to become an expert, how can I possibly not use that expertise to serve now. With this in mind, and with my own recovery from trauma and behavioral health issues, I was inspired to start a consulting and training business teaching others, they too, are “Positively Human”.
Becky Kuehl, MS
Consultant
She, her, hers
I earned my Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University in addition to a graduate certificate in Integrated Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Adults. In my current role at Positively Human, I oversee Consultative Clinical and Therapeutic Services (CCTS) for individuals in long-term care across Wisconsin. I am dedicated to developing effective strategies that improve the quality of life for those I support, using a person-centered and strength-based approach. Before joining Positively Human, I worked as a Healthcare Consultant at a Consulting Firm focusing on sustainable funding models, service delivery changes, and stakeholder engagement. My expertise includes updating payment rates and supporting Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) through provider wage and cost surveys, as well as developing stakeholder engagement plans involving state agencies, providers, and other key stakeholders. Prior to my time at the Consulting Firm, I spent 15 years with a Managed Care Organization in Wisconsin, concentrating on provider relations and contracting. I played a key role in developing a sustainable residential rate methodology, evaluating provider network capacity, and enhancing communication and collaboration among providers, stakeholders, and the managed care organization.
Brad Munger, LPC
Consultant
He, him, his
Greetings! I’m Brad, a widowed dad, with a firm conviction in promoting people’s strengths and potential. For more than 40 years, I’ve worked largely in public behavioral health as a professional counselor. Before Positively Human, I worked for the State Mental Health Authority as an Advanced Menal Health Planning and Finance Specialist, intimately involved with the Mental Health Block Grant, Projects to Assist in the Transition from Homelessness (PATH), dementia care system redesign, crisis intervention and 988, and Community Support Programs (CSPs). Prior to state service, I worked as a clinician and a manager in outpatient, crisis, CSP, inpatient, residential, and day treatment. I’ve also been very involved in suicide prevention, training the Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk (RRSR) curriculum by the American Association of Suicidology, and the Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR) curriculum by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), as well as QPR (Question-Persuade-Refer) by Paul Quinnette, where I’ve been privileged to learn from top experts in the field. Likewise, I was grateful to have worked with Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement, and to be prepared as a Master Trainer on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) by one of the original researchers, Rob Anda, M.D. Relevant to Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), I have also participated in a year-long training in Continuous Community Treatment Team Training (CCTTT). I have life experience in adoption, end of life, and loss earning a Grief Support Specialist certificate from Doug Smith.
Chandler Miller, MSW
Consultant
She, her, hers
I am a part-time therapeutic consultant with Positively Human Consulting, LLC and have been with the organization since December 2023. I have over 11 years' experience working with diverse and vulnerable populations with lived experience of domestic violence, homelessness, incarceration, and severe and persistent mental health and/or substance use struggles. I have a focus on those that identify as veterans and/or are part of LGBTQIA+ communities and utilize trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, strengths-based and person-centered approaches in my daily work. I graduated in May 2023 with my Master of Social Work from University of Tennessee- Knoxville, with a concentration in Organizational Leadership which has greatly influenced my interest in working in macro systems to better serve the individual, so we are seen as human and “not just a number”. I have over 6 years of working for the State of Wisconsin as a case manager and in recent years, a program supervisor with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. I hope to continue advocating for not just veteran rights, but human rights, to demonstrate to Wisconsin legislative that the stories of our community members, matter. That systemic change is needed to meet the needs of our people. In my free time, I spend time with my family and friends, searching for new foodie spots or live music anywhere I can find it. I collect indoor house plants and spend summers kayaking the lakes and rivers of the greater Milwaukee area. I find solace and practice mindfulness while walking through the woods and identifying mushrooms to anyone willing to listen.
Lauren Henkelman, MPA
Consultant
She, her, hers
Hello, I’m Lauren Henkelman – I am passionate about supporting my fellow humans and am proud to be joining Positively Human – we know that healing happens in relationships, and that everyone deserves to live a life of safety & value, defined by them. Professionally, I have over a decade of experience in Long Term Care – supporting and advocating for vulnerable adults as a mental health case manager and then manager, supporting 10+ social workers and nurses. I have also enjoyed a variety of other roles, picking up great information, experience, and many friends along the way. I have worked in Crisis Intervention, construction, AFH management, at a DOJ Transitional Living Program, in customer service, as a CNA and more. I value life-long learning - I have earned my Bachelor’s in Human Services and Master’s in Public Administration, but enjoy discovering new books, podcasts and trainings every day. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories, and sharing in their successes – I am especially passionate about spreading positive energy, supporting people where they’re at and respecting individual choice. I have been a strong advocate for social justice, mental health/AODA treatment, healthcare as a right, affordable housing & criminal justice reform and have enjoyed a variety of volunteer opportunities in the community from hands-on work, to serving on boards, to testifying to the Joint Finance Committee & serving as a national delegate – there is no job too big or small to deserve our care & attention. I enjoy spending time in nature & exploring new places – the world is so vast and interesting! I love traveling with my sons and friends and sharing new experiences with them. To unwind, I enjoy daily meditation, listening to emo music, reading about conspiracy theories, laughing at the squirrels in the yard and watching The Office.
Lori Kirchgatter, MSW
Director of Operations
She, her, hers
My passion for serving began when I was young, growing up on a farm in Iowa, learning the values of stewardship and persistence. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology and then my Master of Social Work. With my degrees in hand, I moved to Austin, Texas, and spent several years in services for those experiencing homelessness providing training and technical assistance to non-profits and local city governments and went on to build partnerships with community groups expanding utility customer assistance programs for residents with lower incomes. After 10 years, I decided to reconnect with my midwestern roots and landed in Madison with an opportunity providing leadership for a veterans’ outreach program. I spent the next 5 years building an amazing team and network of organizations to provide wrap around services. I also have experience in basic needs services developing policies and procedures to ensure continued funding and programming for Wisconsinites. In my current role at Positively Human, LLC, I provide business coordination ensuring we provide quality services and continuously improve the way we work. I spend my free time with my partner, family, friends, and pets. This includes dancing, going to concerts, hiking at every opportunity, and in general enjoying the great outdoors where I find the most peace and connection to the world around me.
Robert D. Wurth,
MA, LPC
Consultant
He, him, his
My name is Robert Wurth, and I am a Therapeutic Consultant at Positively Human, LLC. I specialize in supporting Family Care Members—whom we affectionately call "the humans"—as well as their support networks and team members. Our approach emphasizes the humanity in each individual, acknowledging that while challenges such as frustration, fear, and hopelessness can sometimes overshadow positive emotions, it’s essential to treat everyone with respect and dignity. This mindset helps create an environment where individuals can grow and reach their full potential. I am a licensed therapist with both undergraduate and master’s degrees earned in Wisconsin. My experience spans various settings, including Tribal Lands, the legal system, and the state’s Long-Term Care system, known as “Family Care.” Despite the diversity of these environments, the common thread is our shared humanity and the quest to find our place in the world. Drawing on a rich array of resources and experiences from my education and partnerships, I am dedicated to helping our clients and their support circles achieve their desired outcomes.
Tori Agas-Kwe
General Assistant
She, her, hers
I have been in the service industry for over 10 years, meeting thousands of people, creating valuable connections. I grew up in the Midwest with my two sisters and parents. At age 14, my father immigrated to the US from the Philippines, later met my mom at the University of Wisconsin, and started our family. Being exposed to a unique culture combination, I grew up appreciating all kinds of foods, languages, and ways of living. I have traveled the world and seen its beauty. I’ve seen the poorest people with the biggest smiles on their faces, and it humbled me in a way of acknowledging peace, and what that means to some. One of my most credible experiences in life was my time in the military, joining the US Navy, to be a Master-at-Arms. It was one of my best learning experiences, bringing understanding of discipline, organizational skills, bravery, mental health, and other important life values. I completed multiple psychology classes and a creative writer’s class; which allowed me to put my feelings on paper, and to better understand how our minds process hurt, betrayal, trauma. I turned those writings into stories, and even a book. In my free time, I love to be around family and friends. I am a proud aunt to my nieces and nephews. I enjoy singing, creating, and listening to music. I enjoy watching movies, walking the dogs with my mom, chatting with my two sisters, and just being connected to the ones around me. Working at Positively Human is something I am very proud of. We care, we listen, we heal. I hope with the work we are doing; we will bring peace and healing to anyone seeking help.