Drake Kessler, MS, OTR/L, CLT

"Owner - Strive Wellness" and Wellness Service Provider

Background:

Drake Kessler's professional journey has been deeply shaped by his time in early childhood intervention as an occupational therapist. His work in the Birth to Three program laid the groundwork for a strong understanding of typical and atypical social emotional building blocks and "developmental trajectories", as well as the essential role of authentic emotional connection in healing and growth. This experience ignited his passion for empowering parents and caregivers through education, relationship-based coaching, and a grounded understanding of neurodevelopment and the human nervous system.

Drake helps families make sense of fight/flight responses, stress behaviors, and co-regulation needs using compassionate language and practical tools that meet them where they are. His approach centers on connection, attunement, and building from a felt sense of safety—what he calls the “heartbeat of healing.” In 2021, he founded Strive Wellness, which serves youth and families in the Barron County CCS program through relationship-driven, developmentally informed care.

Therapeutic Use of Self:

Drake is guided by the belief that truth and love are the most powerful forces for change—and that healing happens in safe, grace-filled relationships. His motto, “The answer is yes… as long as,” reflects his flexibility and focus on helping clients find meaningful pathways forward, among other common sense go-to phrases. Whether it’s building routines, understanding big emotions, or co-creating problem-solving strategies, he meets each individual with presence, structure, and warmth.

You’ll often find Drake pulling out a blank sheet of paper to map out thoughts, or using metaphors, humor, and hands-on experiences to make abstract ideas feel accessible. He draws on a mix of play, physical activity, story, and shared interests like sports or video games to build bridges of trust and motivation with clients.

Drake strives to live out the call to “love your neighbor” through his work. His parenting and professional philosophy reflect a humble effort to lead with compassion, consistency, and clarity—offering both support and structure in service of growth. Above all, Drake believes healing is a relational process, and he is honored to walk alongside those on that journey.

Programs:

• CCS - Adults and Children

  • ISDE and Psychoeducation

Availability:

Accepting referrals currently.

Email: drakekessler@strivewellnessllc.com

Phone:

715-204-9079

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 8am-6pm

Friday: 8am-12:15pm

Amanda Buck, MS, SLP

"Wellness Service Provider"

Background:

Amanda’s professional background is in Speech Language Pathology. From stroke and TBI rehabilitation, to feeding therapy, to social skills groups, to early intervention, and lots more in between, Amanda has enjoyed a lot of variety in her SLP career. While Amanda loved the dynamic nature of being an SLP, she found an area of passion in supporting and advocating for the unique needs of neurodiverse children and their families. Working largely in the school setting as well as in the birth to 3 program, Amanda discovered that, despite each child’s individual challenges and skill gaps, there always exists a deep desire to connect, be seen, and belong. Amanda found great success with her students and clients by letting these needs “guide the ship.” She prioritized getting to know their unique ways of being, and using their individual skills and interests to form a creative path to successful change and growth. Amanda strives to always provide services that are neuro-affirming, trauma informed, and client centered.

Therapeutic Use of Self:

Amanda deeply values light-heartedness, playfulness, thoughtfulness, and curiosity. The phrase that Amanda turns to again and again in her work and life is “there is a creative solution to this!” Amanda loves out-of-the-box thinking, and fusing play and creativity into practical problem solving strategies and evidence based practices. She strives to “find the right balance” for each of her clients. This includes balancing qualities such as being predictable and flexible; sturdy and playful; focused and lighthearted. She uses the power of observation in order to determine the needs of each individual as well as assess for “skill gaps.” Through this careful observation, warm attunement, and ongoing curiosity, Amanda aims to determine the conditions and environment needed for each client to grow and learn. Activities that are common in Amanda’s sessions include baking, nature exploration, play, art, games, and sharing in whatever activities that make her clients “light up!”

Programs:

• CCS - Children

  • ISDE and Psychoeducation

Availability:

On Maternity Leave: Accepting several referrals in May, 2026.

Email:

amandabuck@strivewellnessllc.com

Phone:

715-204-9204

Hours:

Variable Part Time

Lisa Barta, BS

"Wellness Service Provider"

Background:

Lisa began her career in teaching, building meaningful relationships with her students and co-workers and learning to use Love and Logic concepts in her classroom. Following teaching, Lisa spent several years focused on raising her own family. She also launched a small business on the side. When her kids reached school age, Lisa started work as a supervised visit agent for families with kids in foster care. Over the last 8 years, she worked with a variety of clients through CPS and CCS referrals with a special focus on parent aide programming. Recently, Lisa joined Strive Wellness and is excited to collaborate with a team that is dedicated to their client-centered vision built on connecting with and respecting each unique client and their goals. 

Therapeutic Use of Self:

Lisa grew up on a farm in Wisconsin, which shaped her values of hard work and groundedness. She has an active and adventurous lifestyle that takes her on travels across the country, and into the diverse lives of the people she meets with. When working with clients, Lisa references her own parenting experiences and life challenges. Each person she has worked with has added to her perspective, as she spends time listening to their stories, motivations and barriers in order to understand them and others with similar circumstances. With kids, Lisa works to build a trusting relationship, honing in on strengths and helping them to gain confidence in their unique abilities, life skills and interests. Lisa is creative and resourceful in her approach. Her Christian faith is a foundation that she leans on in her own life, and is a guiding force each day at work. 

Programs:

• CCS - Adults and Children

  • ISDE and Psychoeducation

Availability:

Full. Open Waitlist.

Email:

lisabarta@strivewellnessllc.com

Phone:

715-204-4541

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 8am - 4pm