About Us
Heart works with people with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental illness; of all genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, race, socioeconomic status, religions, cultures, and ethnicity. We have experience working with a diverse population, attend training on inclusion and diversity, and practice culturally-sensitive approaches in all work.
Heart Consulting believes in empowering people with disabilities to live full lives with meaningful relationships, and works to do this by educating about safe and healthy relationships, as well as provide support and advocacy to individuals. We also believe in community engagement, education and outreach to create change and reduce abuse of individuals with disabilities.
Ellen Merker, M.S., LPC
Founding Director, She/Her
Ellen Merker, LPC, started Heart Consulting LLC in 2017, after seeing the need for more resources around sexual assault and domestic violence in the disability community. Ellen received her MS in Rehabilitation Psychology from UW-Madison in 2012, and has worked in various roles with neurodivergent individuals for over 15 years. Ellen’s therapy, education, and team consultation focus on individual needs and looking at the how one’s environment may be impacting mental health. Ellen takes a neurodivergent affirmative approach in all work, and works to build on strengths, supportive environments, and accommodating needs. Therapy approaches include mindfulness based practices, Polyvagal Theory, Trauma Focused ACT, caregiver training on supporting diverse needs, person-centered therapy, neurodivergent affirmative therapy, and safety planning. Ellen is LGBTQIA affirmative and has experience working with trans Autistic clients.
In addition to individual therapy, Ellen has also has extensive experience in speaking and training. Ellen has presented at various conferences and organizations, including the National Project Search Conference, Waisman Center’s Community Outreach Wisconsin, WI State Human Trafficking Conference, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Reproductive Health Conference, Circles of Life, and Integral Autism Conference.