The Chippewa Valley community has access to a handful of new NorthLakes Community Clinic care providers, each with an extensive range of knowledge. Jenna Hess, LPC; Joanne Coddington, LPC; Nicole Prescott-Lium, LCPC, LPC; and Justin M. Smith, FNP-BC, now all provide care for NorthLakes patients at the organization’s Eau Claire – Clairemont Avenue Clinic. The addition of these providers expands the organization’s Behavioral Health, Medical and Recovery Services.
They all bring unique skills with a shared commitment to patient-centered care.
Jenna Hess, Behavioral Health Therapist, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages and is particularly passionate about supporting those with Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) concerns, the recovery community and children and adolescents.
“I approach counseling with compassion and creating a non-judgmental space. I believe my role as a therapist is to support patients through their process of change,” explains Hess. “Therapy can be very healing. It might be hard and uncomfortable at times, but it’s worth it. Keep showing up.”
In her free time, Hess enjoys outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and biking. She also loves reading, arts and crafts, and spending time with her family, friends, significant other and four cats.
Joanne Coddington, Behavioral Health Therapist, holds an Education Doctorate of Education in Community Care and Counseling and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Arizona, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. A National Certified Counselor, some modalities she uses include Brainspotting, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness techniques. She enjoys working with individuals who struggle with trauma, substance use and attachment.
“Therapy begins with relationship. I emphasize building trusting relationships and view the client as the expert of their lives,” Coddington says regarding her approach to care. She also advises patients to “be kind to themselves and accept where they are on their journey while working toward their goals.”
She enjoys various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking and snowshoeing. Coddington also loves gardening and spending time with her animals, including dogs, cats and chickens.
Nicole Prescott-Lium, Behavioral Health Therapist, specializes in therapy for both adolescents and adults. She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa. She is certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, among others.
“There are no resistant or avoidant clients. We just haven’t figured out how to unlock and connect with them,” says Prescott-Lium. “It’s a privilege to walk this path with my clients.”
She loves spending time with her husband and three bonus daughters. Prescott-Lium also enjoys reading and traveling.
Justin M. Smith, Family Nurse Practitioner, brings much knowledge to the NorthLakes team, with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Winona State University and a Graduate Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Smith’s professional interests include men’s health, LGBTQ+ primary care, HIV/AIDS, lifestyle medicine and clinical informatics. In addition to providing Primary Medical Care, he will also provide Medication-Assisted Treatment within the Recovery Program.
“My approach to clinical care is deeply rooted in the arts and sciences of nursing. I practice whole-person care and partner with patients to craft a plan that helps them achieve their fullest potential,” he said. Smith urges patients to “come as they are” and to “ask questions.” He says, “Your authentic self helps me partner with you best.”
Outside of work, he enjoys reading, cooking, camping, gardening and spending time with his family and furry, four-legged children.
NorthLakes Community Clinic is delighted to welcome each of these providers to the team. Their diverse expertise and dedication to compassionate care will greatly benefit our patients and the community. As a Community Health Center, NorthLakes serves everyone regardless of their ability to pay - with a focus on Medicaid patients.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with one of these providers, please call our Clairemont Avenue Clinic at: (534) 200-6165