Our supporting professionals are people with big desires to see our project thrive. They have full time, professional commitments to social services and leadership.

Aaron House Clinical Director, James Sauer, LCSW, LMFT, SAC, ICS

James Sauer brings over 30 years of clinical experience to Aaron House. His background includes years of  Substance Abuse and Mental Health services to inpatient, residential, intensive outpatient and day treatment, as well as private practice outpatient levels of care. He has served as a director of several treatment programs.

Since 2000 James has provided comprehensive evaluations for the programs of Drug Treatment Court, Treatment Alternative Program, and Juvenile Court. His assessment skills have also been requested by private attorneys and sentencing and disposition specialists. James is the Drug Treatment Court Clinical Coordinator and continues to monitor the treatment progress and case-management accountability for court review on a weekly basis. 

James has taught alcohol and drug classes for the UW School of Social Work. He continues as a Guest Lecturer, focusing on areas of assessment and treatment for substance abuse. 

James received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Judson College in Illinois and later completed his first Master’s Degree at Governor’s State University in Interpersonal Communications where he specialized in Family Therapy. James earned his Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison . 

James is licensed in the State of Wisconsin as a Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist. He is also Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor and Supervisor.

House Mentor, John Blaha

A graduate of St. Norbert College and St. Johns Univ.(MN). John has 20-plus years in ordained parish ministry; retreat leader; spiritual director; hospital chaplain; also worked in an aluminum factory, in corporate security, in an athletic arena control office, and on the loading dock of a retail store. Most prized accomplishment: years of sobriety with the help of A.A. and by the grace of God.

Volunteer Consultant, Shelly Dutch

Owner of Connections Counseling in Madison,Shelly provides the unique insight into the college aged persons recovery environment. With nearly three decades of therapy experience stressing peer to peer support, Shelly is years ahead in the art of connecting young persons in recovery with people who give the recovering person the best opportunity to change their lives.

Parent and Family Support, Aaron's Parents Tom and Cathy and Aaron's brother Patrick

Tom, Cathy, and Patrick Meyer are not professional counselors. They're Aaron's family and they know the truth behind the reflection: In God's hands, the dark past is the greatest possession you have--the key to life and happiness for others. With it you can avert death and misery for them.  

Tom, Cathy, and Patrick are available to connect with families and share experience, strength, and hope. Contact Tom at: Tom@TomMeyer.com Cathy at cm_meyer@hotmail.com and Patrick-- a junior in high school at pmeyer1529@yahoo.com

Media Relations:  Ellen Werdan

Ellen excels at explaining the purpose of, and need for Aaron's House. She's a compassionate person and has made a mark in the media industry.  Her media background includes the positions of writer, producer and public service/affairs director for CBS, NBC and local WISC-TV.  Ellen is noted as a Milwaukee Press Club and Wisconsin Broadcaster's Association award-winning writer/producer.  She served as a liason between non-profit groups and held various Board of Directors positions with American Diabetes Associaton, American Red Cross, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and Children's Theatre of Madison.

Where we've been featured:

Stories about the Foundation, were featured on: All major network affiliates in Madison, NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX. The Wisconsin State Journal, Wisconsin Woman, and The Seattle University Alumni Magazine. As a result of Stacy Ozanne's (previous Media Reations contact) encouragement, local radio and television stations have hosted members of the foundation and devoted air time to discussing the Aaron's House project.