Working as a corrections officer and member of the crisis intervention team in the Eau Claire County Jail for almost six years, Spencer Seitz regularly dealt with the ugly manifestations of addiction, mental illness, and unaddressed past trauma. Perhaps most discouraging of all, it often involved the same people.

“In my position, I didn’t hear the success stories,” said Seitz, a La Crosse native and Central High School graduate. “I also saw the difficulties in trying to treat something like substance abuse without addressing the underlying trauma, such as PTSD. The experience made me more of an advocate for treating the whole person and sparked a renewed interest in mental health. I wanted to do more.”

Seitz left law enforcement in 2023 and enrolled at Viterbo University to earn a degree in social work. On Saturday, May 10, Seitz was one of more than 400 students to participate in Viterbo’s spring commencement ceremony at the La Crosse Center. He earned a Bachelor of Science in social work with a minor in substance abuse counseling.

“Spencer is compassionate and empathetic, and his knowledge and skill in working with others, particularly at-risk and vulnerable populations, will serve him well as he begins to work towards his goal of being a clinical social worker,” said Viterbo faculty member Janet Holter, the director of the university’s social work program. “He will be an outstanding practitioner—a true asset to our profession and our community.”

The first stop on Seitz’s new career will be a paid practicum experience with Peace of Mind Counseling Services in La Crosse as part of the Master of Social Work program at Winona State University. The master’s degree, which he expects to complete next May, will provide him with the necessary licensure to practice as a clinical social worker, counselor, or therapist.

“I’m excited and looking forward to it,” he said. “I’ll be able to apply my past experiences to my future. The work I do feels meaningful, and I’ll be making a difference. I believe when you help others, you help yourself.”

Seitz took a non-traditional route to social work and Viterbo University. After graduating high school in 2009, Seitz earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Western Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Winona State University before beginning in law enforcement. His experience at Viterbo was very positive and affirmed his decision to change careers.

“I learned a lot at Viterbo,” Seitz said. “I appreciated the small class sizes and the relationships I had with faculty. The mix of in person and online classes gave me the flexibility to work and go to school. I feel well-prepared for my career and graduate school.”

Seitz completed his social work practicum in the behavioral health unit at Emplify (formerly Gundersen Health System) in La Crosse. There he worked with adults and adolescents to assess their needs and get them connected with mental health professionals and other needed resources. He also worked with youth from around the La Crosse area at Innovative Services, Inc. in Onalaska.

“Spencer was a really great staff member who was well liked by all our clients,” said Kelly Welch, Innovative Services youth program manager and Seitz’s supervisor. “He was able to adapt and meet each kid where they were, forming a strong rapport with them while maintaining professional boundaries.”

 An additional highlight of Seitz’s education was participating in Advocacy Day at the state capitol in Madison with other members of the National Association of Social Workers.

“My goal is to be a mental health or substance abuse therapist somewhere, maybe in a community outpatient setting,” he said. “It would be great if I could practice in La Crosse and help people in the community I grew up in.”