ARNOLD, MO, March 02, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Colleen Frances Ocello, PLPC, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Marked by over 30 years of expertise across multiple sectors in the health care industry, Ms. Ocello serves as a counselor at Risse Counseling Services LLC, where she conducts in-person counseling sessions and offers virtual appointments to accommodate the needs of her clients. Recognized for her expertise in mental health services and treating those who struggle with substance abuse, she assists individuals in developing the coping skills and strategies needed to manage the stresses of daily life.

Though her career counts many milestones to date, Ms. Ocello is especially proud of the profound impact she has on her clients' lives, particularly those who initially struggle with anger and frustration. Through her guidance, many have learned to pause and reflect before reacting, leading to more positive interactions and long-term personal growth. Her commitment to understanding the underlying factors that contribute to her clients' circumstances, including those who have been incarcerated, has allowed her to shift perspectives and foster meaningful change within their lives.

Prior to joining Risse Counseling, Ms. Ocello worked in telecommunications sales at Concentrix for two years. In this position, she honed her communication skills and developed an ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, which has since proved invaluable in her counseling practice.

Ms. Ocello also excelled in a sales role with the supplemental insurance leader Aflac. This experience provided her with unique insights into client relations and the importance of understanding individual needs — skills that seamlessly translated into her subsequent roles.

From 1998 to 2017, Ms. Ocello served as a pharmacy technician and trainer at Shop 'n Save, gaining extensive knowledge of health care operations and patient interaction. Her responsibilities throughout this time included training new staff members and ensuring accurate medication dispensing, which cultivated her attention to detail and empathy for those seeking assistance.

Ms. Ocello began her professional journey as a cashier at E.J. Rexall Pharmacy from 1992 to 1998. This early experience introduced her to the distinctive challenges of customer service and the importance of building a rapport with clients — an approach that has remained central throughout her career and continues to serve her at Risse Counseling Services.

Hailing from an equally accomplished academic background, Ms. Ocello earned a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University, where she also completed coursework that contributed significantly to her expertise in mental health care. Earlier in her studies, she obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology from Missouri Baptist University, which laid a strong foundation for her understanding of human behavior and psychological principles.

To enhance her professional capabilities, Ms. Ocello earned a certificate of completion for exploring the DSM-5 and completed the performance skills exercise assessment, both at Walden University. Additionally, she was certified in psychological first aid in 2022.

Ms. Ocello's decision to pursue counseling was influenced by her extensive tenure as a pharmacy technician, during which she discovered a passion for helping others navigate life's challenges. Colleagues and acquaintances often sought her advice, noting its helpfulness — a realization that inspired her transition into mental health counseling.

Committed to the ideals of continuous growth and development, Ms. Ocello is actively involved with several professional organizations. She became a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success in 2023 and joined the Omega Zeta Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, which promotes counseling and wellness initiatives as well as community engagement, in 2021.

Happily married and a proud pet parent of one Staffordshire pitbull, Ms. Ocello enjoys reading, visiting antique malls and spending quality time with her family outside of her professional commitments. Determined to expand her impact in the mental health care sector, she aspires to establish her own practice focused on serving similar clients and intends to pursue doctoral studies to further advance her own expertise in the field.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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