Meet Our Team

The Grow Wellness Group Team is comprised of a variety of mental health providers who are among the best in Dupage County. Our Counselor and Therapist Naperville based team offers Counseling / Therapy to individuals, families and couples, including: Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Teen Therapy, Tween & Child Therapy, and Couples & Marriage Counseling. In addition to our Counseling offerings, we offer Naperville Neuropsychological Testing, Psychiatry & Medication Management, Sport Psychology & Performance Improvement, Yoga Therapy, Life Coaching, Therapy Groups and Employer / Employee Mental Wellness Solutions.

Check out our diverse and exemplary team of wellness practitioners below!

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Adam Ratner, MA, LCSW, MBA
Co-Founder

Adam (he, him, his) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Co-Founder of Grow Wellness Group. He provides Naperville-based therapy to individuals ages 13+ as well as with families and couples to help them grow from a variety of life challenges; major life transitions, anxiety, depression, job loss and career counseling, identity and existential, relationship struggles, blended family hurdles, grief and loss, parenting and co-parenting.

Every individual and their life challenges are unique. Consequently, there is not a distinct therapeutic approach which works for everyone. Accordingly, Adam caters his style to fit with clients’ personalities, life circumstances and goals. He utilizes a variety of therapeutic methods including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, ACT, Psychodynamic Approaches and DBT, which are employed based on the client and their own growth desires. For Adam, an often recurrent objective in therapy is to explore his clients' challenges to help them develop an awareness of conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that become drivers of actions that negatively impact them in a myriad of ways. Once there is an understanding of these factors, real growth can occur by recognizing new ways of thinking, acting, and exploring options that can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Adam recognizes the strength of his relationship and underlying trust with his clients is paramount to therapeutic growth. Accordingly, he creates a very supportive environment for the client that allows clients to feel at ease and comfortable. He is not shy to insert humor when appropriate, while also keeping clients accountable to their own goals. Clients consistently find Adam to be very down to earth, accepting and tremendously easy to talk to. Each quickly learns that Adam always strives to over deliver on the care and services he provides.

Adam is the father of three boys. He most enjoys traveling the world, sports - watching and playing (all of them...except golf), fishing, biking, and being in the outdoors with his boys and German Shephard, Bodhi.

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Wendy Hayum-Gross, MS, LCPC
Co-Founder

Wendy (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Certified Professional Counselor and Co-Owner of Grow Wellness Group. She works with individual adults 18+ and couples. Clients consistently find Wendy to be provide a warm, relaxed and comfortable approach to counseling. She is very down to earth, accepting and tremendously easy to talk to. Wendy values everyone's life experiences and understands that those experiences shape our current mindset.

Wendy chooses her frameworks to fit with clients’ personalities, life circumstances and goals utiilizing a variety of therapeutic methods not limited to but including mindfulness, existential, humanistic and narrative therapies.

Wendy recognizes the strength of the counseling relationship. It is the relationship that heals. Accordingly, she creates a very supportive environment that allows people to feel at ease. She is not shy to insert humor when appropriate, while helping clients build self confidence and self esteem.

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Caryn Jurek, PMHNP - BC

Psychiatry

Caryn is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. She works with clients ages 15+ in providing prescriber services and medication management for anything from Anxiety, Depression, Social Anxiety, ADHD, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive (OCD), PTSD, PostPartum Depression, Sleep Disturbances & Insomnia to Mood Disorders / BiPolar and more.

Working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, she had noticed the stigmas associated with mental health. While earning her degree, she devoted much of her time and studies on educating both the patient and their families. She believes that a better understanding of mental health is the first step in reducing the negative views associated with mental illness. 

Helping the community understand mental health is her next step and something she is very passionate about.

Caryn works to make her patients feel as comfortable as possible during her sessions by allowing them to actively participate in their treatment goals. Getting to know each client thoroughly to ensure an accurate diagnosis. She understands how intimidating psychiatric medications can be and works to educate the client to make them feel at ease. 

On her time off she enjoys going on adventures with her two little girls, husband, and two dobermans, Zero and Ruby. 

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Courtney Kuhns, MS, LCPC, CADC

Clinical Supervisor

Therapy is a collaborative journey of trust, connection, openness, willingness, and challenges to foster growth.  Together, change can occur to achieve your goals through the development of coping skills, new perspectives, and applying acceptance to manage what has kept you from reaching your potential and fulfillment.

Courtney (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with experience helping clients ages 16+ to address anxiety, depression, grief & loss, women’ issues, family challenges, identity struggles, life transitions, substance abuse, and co-occurring issues.  She has been a community provider of mental health services in the surrounding communities for many years in a multitude of wellness settings.

Courtney integrates concepts/practices from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy to help clients develop different relationships with themselves and the world around them.  Using authenticity, compassion, empathy, and empowerment, Courtney moves clients towards a more fulfilling and value-driven life. 

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Dr. Kristin Clifford, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Kristin Clifford (she, her, hers), PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological and neuro-psychological assessments. Dr. Clifford utilizes a holistic assessment approach which identifies a client’s strengths and challenges to guide them in decision making. A comprehensive evaluation includes clinical interviews, collection of the collateral information and cognitive, psychological and personality assessments. Neuropsychological assessment is used to identify brain functioning and can be helpful with diagnosing ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dementia/Alzheimer’s and mood disorders. Psychological and neuropsychological assessment can also be used to address a range of needs, which are detailed on our Psychological Testing page.

Many psychologists’ complete assessments but Dr. Clifford uses every aspect of data collection to find meaningful themes and recommendations for each person. Rather than separately listing each test with data, Dr. Clifford synthesizes the information to provide clients and their treatment teams with concrete ideas based on the information gathered. The strength-based biopsychosocial approach to assessment makes Dr. Clifford unique in that every item is tailored for the individual.

 

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Dr. Julie Young, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Julie Young (she, her, hers), PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctorate in psychology.  She trained as a generalist providing services to a broad range of ages and psychological presentations.  Dr. Young has many years of experience and specialized training and professional experience with a range of mental wellness challenges. She approaches the psychological and neuro-psychological assessment process from a client-centered perspective where assessment findings are always tied to a treatment plan that suits the needs of each unique client.

Dr. Young provides full psychological and neuro-psychological assessments.  She enjoys puzzles by nature, and her passion is collecting data, synthesizing the findings, and putting them together in a comprehensive report that can support that individual’s healing or insight.  

Dr. Youngs goal is for clients to always come away with a better understanding of themselves, better education about their diagnoses or mental wellness challenge, and a solid treatment plan that gives them hope.  Above all, her clients walk away with much needed answers that guide them to seek the treatment needed for better functioning. 

Dr. Young is very relatable in general and has an easy-going approach that can usually make the assessment process as stress free as possible. 

In her free time, she tries her best to tackle parenting of an elementary school-aged child.  His extracurriculars keep her busy, but she would not have it any other way.   For self-care, Dr. Young enjoys walking, singing, watching live or televised sports, especially hockey, and spending time with friends and family.     

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Dave Dennis, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Therapist

Dave (he, him. his) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings several years of experience working with clients to overcome a range of challenges. Particular areas of interest are in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, men’s issues, athletes and sports performance, anger management, career counseling, relationship struggles, and major life transitions.

Life can challenge us in unexpected ways and sometimes we might need more support to find our way through. I believe therapy should offer support, a compassionate space for growth, personal challenge, and hope. My approach centers on listening, communicating, and cultivating a supportive environment in which we work together to identify the challenges that get us stuck in our lives. I integrate a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, ACT, Psychodynamic, and client-centered approaches. Together, we will learn from your past, engage the present, and set intentions for the future.

Dave has worked and trained in a wide variety of professional settings including private practice, residential treatment, inpatient hospitals and community-centered outreach.

In his free time, Dave is a passionate sports fan, enjoys traveling the world, and loves spending time with his two pups Woodford and Winston.

 

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Jenille Gunter-Harlan, MS, LCPC, NCC, PEL

Clinical Therapist

 

Jenille (she, her, hers) completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Northern Illinois University and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling at National-Louis University.  Jenille has 15+ years of experience working with youth and families through the education system and in community settings.  She is extremely passionate about mental health and exudes professionalism through empathic relationships.

Jenille actively works with clients to achieve desired results of whole health goals through approaches such as but not limited to Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  She believes it is important to use a client-centered focus to truly engage the individual(s) in effective, positive, and responsive therapy to improve interpersonal relationships and allow long-term progress and sustainable results.

Jenille is most zealous in helping youth, adults and couples navigate their emotions, life adjustments, stress management, anxiety, and depression.  She has experience with administering Risk of Harm criteria to determine suicide risk, implementing interventions, addressing social-emotional needs, and promoting career and post-high school planning.   Jenille also believes in the importance of strengthening the family unit as well as working with couples and groups.

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Bailey Behrman, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Therapist

 Bailey (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an MSW from Loyola University Chicago. She has experience working with children (3+), specifically ages 3-7 yo., diagnosed with emotional regulation challenges, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety, selective mutism, behavioral challenges, major life and family transitions, and more.

Bailey is passionate about helping children feel confident in their own abilities and recognize their strengths. By using play, art and mindfulness, we are able to work on emotional regulation, social skills, self-esteem and so much more. Bailey is firmly committed to building trust and rapport with all kiddos and their families in a fun and comfortable environment. If your child comes home and tells you that all we did was play – then we are doing something right! She looks forward to working with you and your child to make a plan that is right for them and gives them the confidence to grow.

Bailey looks forward to learning more about your child’s interests and experiences while offering a warm and playful environment.

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Dr. Mary Ihnenfeld, MSW, LCSW, DSW

Clinical Therapist

Dr. Mary Ihnenfeld (she/hers/her), DSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Linehan Board-Certified DBT Therapist with more than 25 years of experience working in the mental health field. Her area of specialty is working with men and women who suffer from depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma and have a history of self-harm, destructive and/or addictive behaviors.

Mary graduated from Aurora University with her doctorate in Social Work in 2023 and completed her master’s degree in social work from Aurora University in 1996. Mary is also a member of the adjunct faculty at Aurora University.

She has worked in various programs serving people with mental health treatment needs. Mary completed DBT (Dialectic Behavioral Therapy) training in 1998 from the Linehan Training Group and is the past president of the Illinois DBT training team. DBT is a cognitive and skill-based treatment targeting various symptoms.

Mary strongly believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship when working with individuals.

Mary enjoys traveling with her husband and two children.

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Cathi Hendricks, MSW, LCSW, EMDR

Clinical Therapist

Cathi Hendricks (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over 20 years’ experience working with individuals and families. She has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, private practice, college counseling, domestic violence, child welfare, substance abuse, hospital, and secondary education.

Her approach to therapy is relational and systems based, meaning she considers the various people and experiences that have influenced you. Cathi also uses mindfulness with lots of humor and laughter mixed in, all while keeping you focused on your goals. She creates an inclusive and safe space for individuals so that they can work towards self-awareness, self-worth, and personal growth.

She uses many therapeutic techniques and collaborate with you to make sure she tailor your work together in a way that meets your needs. Learning to find your voice and your truth takes time, and Cathi would be honored to be on that journey with you.

Cathi has a passion for working with:

* Late adolescence/early adults and adults from diverse backgrounds that are experiencing a wide variety of concerns. She enjoy working with concerns related to anxiety, depression, relationships, family issues, and trauma. She is especially passionate about working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, including those who are exploring their gender identity, and has extensive experience in working with and advocating for neurodiverse adults, especially those with autism spectrum disorder.

* Neurodiverse adults that have concerns with executive function skills, life skills, social communication, self-advocacy, and more. Cathi finds it important for someone to understand their strengths, not just their deficits in a neurotypical world.

* Individuals that have experienced early childhood trauma or recent trauma. When working with trauma survivors, she helps them to understand how those experiences might influence their current ways of thinking about themselves and others, and work toward helping them break patterns that are holding them back. For some trauma survivors, Cathi uses a technique called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This technique requires an extra certification, which she has, and can help lessen the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories.

 

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James Gilbert, MS, LCPC, CADC

Clinical Therapist

My name is James (he, him, his). I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with 18 years of clinical experience. I work with clients aged 17 and up, and I specialize working with clients of all orientations and beliefs providing Evidenced Based Practice addressing issues with Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use Disorders, PTSD, Major Life Transitions and Acute Trauma.

My psychological approach incorporates an emphasis on effective dialogue through a series of open-ended questions and common language referred to as Motivational Interviewing. Together with the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the combination often enhances a healthy pathway towards effecting a client’s desire to change from within. I am sensitive to each individuals strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.

My professional style is to provide clients with a firm understanding that I am there to pull alongside them as they continue with identifying and addressing barriers to overall wellness. Ongoing support maintaining the gains they have made with guidance and client-centered care are as important as the presenting problem throughout the therapeutic relationship.

As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I have learned and possess a firm belief in the value of healthy, gainful employment or other meaningful activities as a significant component of overall wellness. I am a strong advocate to those who have placed their trust in me to guide them with their progress. I identify the incorporation of self-advocacy through self-awareness as one of my stronger qualities.

I am a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. As such, I have experience dealing with transition and developing coping skills needed to try to make the best of a potential temporary, but stressful period. My personal journey achieving wellness facilitates an added level of empathy and optimism, while concurrently exploring and addressing discrepancies in a client’s behavior in a manner in which I would want to be treated.

A simple goal I have during therapy is to have my clients reach restoration of self with the achievement of contentment in their lives.

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Molly Lown, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Therapist – Telehealth Only

My name is Molly Lown (she/her/hers). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults of all ages, couples and families. I have had the pleasure of providing therapeutic services in a myriad of settings including: outpatient and inpatient behavioral health hospitals/treatment centers, mental health courts within the legal system, schools, chronic care facilities and private practice.  

I truly love working with individuals and families of all ages from varied backgrounds. My primary focus currently lies with individuals ages 17 and up who are working to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, major life events, adjustments/transitions, and chronic health issues. 

It is my sincere belief that we are social creatures who work together to express and process our emotions, navigate through life’s greatest obstacles, and create viable solutions to assist in our day-to-day lives. My ultimate goal is to provide a safe, truly therapeutic environment where I vow to take a non-judgmental stance in meeting my clients where they are while remaining dedicated to their personal growth on our journey together. I value honesty, compassion, and empathic support. As a therapist, I remain mindful in my practice, encouraging and teaching mindfulness strategies as an approach to coping with daily life. If given the opportunity to work with you, I can promise an open, collaborative environment where you will always be heard.

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Carli Nehls, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Therapist

Carli Nehls (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who obtained her Master’s degree from Aurora University and specialized in counseling. Carli provides individual therapy to all age ranges but focuses on teens and young adults.

Carli has had all-encompassing experience across therapeutic settings, including emergency room psychiatric assessments, inpatient setting, residential treatment center, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and community based and on an outpatient basis. She specializes in treating individuals who suffer from suicidal ideations, self-injuring behaviors, depression, anxiety/panic, personality disorders, trauma, loss, transitional phases, eating disorders and substance abuse/dependence.

Carli utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused and Person-Centered Therapy. She believes in incorporating strengths to empower each client to live out their meaningful life.

Due to Carli’s range of experience across different settings, she understands the importance of building a strong rapport with each client to facilitate a safe and trusting environment.

Carli is a warm and empathic individual that also believes in challenging and pushing her clients to achieve their goals.

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Wynne Lacey, MA, LPC, Certified Professional Coach

Clinical Therapist & Life Coach

My name is Wynne Lacey (she, her, hers) and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Core Energy Coach. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups, utilizing Transpersonal Psychologies and Assessments. The Transpersonal approach moves away from reductionist tendencies of traditional diagnoses and disorders; towards the expansion of self-awareness and ego-transcendence.

Each one of us has developed an ego that will tell us we are not enough, but the ego-identification itself is not enough. We have at least 7 different states of consciousness that can both integrate and transcend the ego identity. As a counselor I help you identify the ego’s thought systems and as a coach we work together to transcend it. By the end of our work together, you can establish a fuller identity that welcomes and integrates the entire human experience.

My objective is to meet clients where the are and address a myriad of life challenges to improve my clients’ well-being and fulfillment.  My clients’ challenges range from marriages/relationship, feeling overwhelming anxiety and depression, relationship issues, tween/teen pressures of growing up feeling different from societal norms, parenting, men’s and women’s issues, spiritual/existential crises, low self-esteem, and sports performance and psychology.

Additionally, as a licensed counselor and Numerologist, Wynne marries modern psychology techniques with the diagnostic tool of a Numerology Chart. When these two modalities are combined it can radically transform a person’s view of themselves and empower significant change. The ancients crafted sacred symbols that corresponded to the nature and experiences of human beings, knowing that humans have tremendous ability for psycho-spiritual growth. As a seasoned counselor and numerologist, Wynne works with clients to ground their personality theories in that which was observable—human physiology and outward behavior. Numerology fits inside Transpersonal psychology, which is a recognized branch of psychology that incorporates spiritual notions into its framework. It is Wynne’s aspiration that you will find it to be both a personality theory and a diagnostic tool. As a personality theory, it reveals the complex nature of the psyche. And as a diagnostic tool, it provides direct insight into the unseen, dormant growth opportunities that are at the root cause of personal suffering.

I look forward to partnering with you in your journey to greater mental wellness, life direction and personal contentment!

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Jocelyn Nolan, MA, LCSW

Clinical Therapist

I (she, her, hers) am a licensed clinical social worker experienced in working with children (4+), teens and adults. As a medical trauma social worker, therapist and school social worker spanning the past 25 years, I have supported individuals working through medical and life challenges including grief, loss, depression and anxiety. In addition, my experience includes ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, emotional regulation, behavior challenges and parenting.

Connections are so important for each of us. Within the Naperville community,  I have enjoyed volunteering with local youth and crisis support organizations.

It is important for me to provide the empathetic, positive and reassuring atmosphere that we need. I look forward to providing the support and clinical guidance to you and your family members as we navigate our path towards growth and wellness!

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Saadia Baig, MS, LCPC, CCTP, C-DBT

Clinical Therapist

I (she, her, hers) am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, with several years of experience working  with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have provided care  in a variety of therapeutic settings including, Private practice, Outpatient, Inpatient, and Community Counseling.  I most often work with individuals (ranging from 11 years+) and couples. I mostly work with individuals who have an Eating Disorder, overcoming depression, anxiety, trauma, Post-Partum, and life adjustment-transition issues.

I am a Certified-Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Professional (CDBT). My therapeutic orientation is eclectic and I provide counseling from various theoretical orientations: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Client-Centered. I am a bilingual therapist and can provide therapy in both Urdu and Hindi as well.

I believe that everyone has a unique story and life.  My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals in which they begin to work towards experiencing cohesiveness and personal growth. I enjoy working from foundations inlaid in both compassion and empathy. As a therapist, I am mindful of others’ needs, unique multicultural related issues, and spirituality.

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Christina Graffagna, MS, LCPC

Clinical Therapist

Christina (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor whose work focuses mainly on adolescents and young adults. Her primary focus lies with teens and young adults who are working to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, major life events, adjustments/transitions, and more. She believes in working collaboratively with clients to reach their goals, enhancing the strengths and skills my clients currently hold while developing new ways of coping. In therapy, Christina is always mindful of providing a space for client centered, LGBTQ-affirming, trauma-informed care using empathy, open communication, humor, and intentional relationship building to foster meaningful conversations in the therapy room.

In therapy, Christina tries to zoom out from clients’ day-to-day experiences to explore patterns, root causes, and systemic impacts related to current symptoms. Because we each navigate our world looking through our own unique lens, treatment for identical symptoms can look different for each person. She values feedback from clients and hopes to build a space that feels supportive to each of their specific needs. Each client is the expert in their own life, and she encourages clients to be active participants in driving the direction of therapy.

She works from varied theoretical perspectives including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy. Christina hopes to walk alongside her clients and their families, encouraging and supporting them as they confront life’s challenges and take new steps forward.

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Sue Harvey, MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW,  CT

Clinical Therapist

I (she, her, hers) am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with experience working with clients to overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, grief & loss, serious illnesses, women’s issues, family challenges and major life transitions.

I also have advanced certifications in bereavement and hospice and palliative care. I have extensive experience working with adults, teens and children – both individually and in a familial setting – through serious illness, caregiver stress, grief, and loss.  

I’m passionate about empathetically joining my clients in their story so we can work together to achieve their goals. I bring a strengths-based, trauma informed approach to my work, recognizing the importance of the client-counselor relationship in facilitating growth and healing. Knowing that each individual is unique, I use different modalities to meet my client’s needs and help them grow.

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Janea Meeks, MS, LCPC, NCC

Clinical Therapist

Janea Meeks (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Western Illinois University and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University.

Janea has specialized training as a Domestic Violence Professional and in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Janea has experience in working with individuals suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual, physical and emotional domestic violence, loss and grief and life transitions. She serves adults, teens, couples, families and individuals with the intent of helping clients achieve insight and healing.

Janea focuses on an integrative and holistic approach where the client is the center of their treatment. Her goal is to walk alongside clients in their own journey, instilling tools to master life’s challenges along the way. Her passion stems from having watched people learn to love themselves. Janea believes everyone has the power to foster change and the strength to achieve their mental health goals.

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Ron Panner, MS, LPC

Clinical Therapist

I (he, him, his) am a Licensed Professional Counselor, with several years experience working with adolescents, children, and adults to help them navigate through challenges including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, grief, loss, life transitions, overcoming unique hardships, family and romantic relationships. I have always had a passion for helping people overcome hardships in their lives while also cultivating a stronger sense that you are in control of what happens next

I extract skills and approaches from a plethora of counseling modalities and theories but I use the best fit approach for each of my clients. No two clients will ever receive the exact same treatment in my office. I appreciate the uniqueness of individuals and celebrate that notion by crafting personalized goals and treatment plans that will best enhance their lives. The foundation of my skills and therapy method is CBT, DBT, and reality and choice theory, encased within a humanistic and existential delivery system. I understand that while we are all different from each other, two truths exist: 

1. We experience the same emotions, and 2. Your past does not dictate your future

My relationship with my clients is built upon empathy and a desire to help you build a better future through accountability, hope, and unconditional positive regard. I am here to listen and help you make sense of your world, not to judge you and tell you who to be. We will work together to learn more about what works, what doesn’t work, and the difference between what can and can’t be changed in your life to create a tomorrow that works for you.

I incorporate humor into my interactions and like to use references from pop culture, current events, movies, and comic book characters to help provide perspective and a comfortable, positive environment for my clients. I believe that with trust, patience, and tenacity we will succeed together.

When I am not providing services I enjoy playing amateur golf, going to see movies, playing video games, taking walks, attending concerts, relaxing with my dogs, and endlessly watching The Office and Parks and Recreation.

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 Jack Kane, MSW, LCSW, CADC

Clinical Therapist

I (he, him, his) am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Substance Abuse Counselor, with several years of experience working with clients to overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, grief & loss, men’s issues, family challenges, major life transitions, alcohol or drug depedency and co-occurring issues. I have been a community provider of mental health services in the Naperville, IL and DuPage community for many years in a multitude of mental wellness settings.

I most often work with individuals (ages 12+) and families struggling with a range of personal and interpersonal growth challenges.

I practice from an integrative perspective, often taking pieces from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also strive to integrate an existential approach to recovery clients using mindfulness practice and Compassion Focused Therapy, with clients.

I love to play ice hockey, am a lifetime Chicago Blackhawks fan, and grateful for supportive family, and two dogs that help me “live in the present moment.”

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Katelyn Sevatson, MS, AMFT

Clinical Therapist

Katelyn (she, her, hers) is a Marriage & Family Therapist. She has a well-rounded experience in working with clients from all walks of life – primarily with individuals (18 and up), couples, and families with expertise ready to serve you. Katelyn grew up in the Naperville community, so she has a great understanding of the area in which she serves. Some of her specialty areas include but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, anger, adjustment disorders, bullying, grief, parenting, communication, life transitions, self-esteem, identity, sex therapy, women’s issues, and resilience.

Katelyn is a certified Prepare & Enrich facilitator for couples looking to work on their relationship with evidence-based research, as well as certified in Gottman levels 1 & 2 therapy. In addition, she has been trained to conduct therapy from a systemic approach, and enjoys utilizing Bowen’s Family Systems Theory specifically in her work.

Katelyn creates a warm and welcoming therapeutic environment in which you will feel comfortable with from the start. She utilizes empathy, trust, client-focused, collaboration, and resilience as a foundation for the environment created for clients. The therapeutic relationship is the base line for success when working towards your goals, and Katelyn is more than happy to work and help guide you along your journey!

In Katelyn’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two active dogs and volunteering in the community! You might also catch Katelyn singing from time to time as well in the office!

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Frances LoGalbo, MS, LPC

Therapist

 Frances (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor and received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University. She also holds degrees in Communications and Philosophy, which she uses to explore others’ beliefs and ways of thinking.

Frances is very warm, empathetic, genuine, and caring as she serves as a guide to you through working out whatever challenges you or your loved one may be experiencing. Frances has experience working with individuals facing troublesome life transitions, anxiety, major career decisions, depression, identity challenges, relationship issues, couples and relationship challenges, and premarital counseling.

She values a thought driven experience and will help you work towards establishing goals, which will touch many different areas of your life. Frances is not shy to incorporate humor, while providing a comforting and mindful experience. She is someone who is emotionally attuned and encourages self-reflection that will help you recognize and work with your emotions. Frances embraces the individuality of each client or relationship and believes that everyone has their own unique story, and together creates a safe and authentic place to explore your thoughts.

Frances has a great deal of passion for working with couples and can help you become mindful of negative patterns and behaviors within your relationship. She challenges both partners and allows everyone to work together, helping couples explore what their relationship has to offer. She believes it is important to improve communication and explores different ways to communicate effectively individually and with a partner.

When she’s not in sessions, Frances enjoys spending time with her insanely fluffy cat and friends and is also passionate about travel. She also loves to get lost in music, crafting, and books while sipping on a good cup of coffee

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Mary Ellen Taylor, Certified Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT, YA-ERYT 500

Yoga Therapist

Mary Ellen (she, her, hers) is a certified yoga therapist and teacher.  She works with clients of all ages and backgrounds to help them find calm in the mind, release of physical pain and traumas, and find greater rest and well-being.

She uses a unique approach to therapy that looks at each individual as a “whole self”.  There is a deep knowing that the mind, body, and spirit is not separate from the whole.  When the emotional self finds healing, the physical body feels better.  When the physical body is well, the mind and spirit improve.  Relationships, life purpose, creativity and health are viewed through traditional yoga therapy models and clients are invited into a treatment plan to help them openly and honestly move forward. Yoga therapy meets clients right where they are.  Mary Ellen cultivates a safe space for her clients to reflect, question their habits, and create new ways of being.  

Mary Ellen is highly experienced working with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, OCD, and physical and emotional trauma.  She works with clients with chronic and acute pain, fibromyalgia, cancer, substance abuse, body image disorders, ADD/ADHD, Parkinson’s, MS, dementia, life changes, and other physical and emotional challenges.  The ultimate goal of her work is help clients find freedom in movement and release of past wounds with the intention of living happier, healthier lives.

Additionally, Mary Ellen is a certified Reiki Master Level Teacher and Practitioner, certified clinical hypnotist, and mindfulness instructor.  Often, she will recommend these alternative modalities to clients as they find improvement.  She holds additional certifications in yoga therapy for healing trauma and yoga therapy for pre and postnatal care (including infertility and postpartum depression).  She has extensive continuing education course work in yoga therapy for back and scoliosis care, autoimmune diseases, respiratory illness, Ayurveda, and somatic energy work.

In addition to her private work as a therapist, Mary Ellen teaches yoga, functional movement, and barre classes.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, writing, cooking, being with family and friends, and walking in the woods. 

Most importantly, you will find Mary Ellen is easy to talk to, laugh with, cry with, celebrate your joys with, and GROW with.

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Hidayat Shah, MSW, LSW

Clinical Therapist

Hidayat (he, him, his) is a Clinical Therapist specializing in clients aged 3-16. Hidayat focuses on solution-based approaches targeting the unique needs of each child, and helping parents build the skills they need to achieve program goals.

Hidayat works with the framework that the parents are clients as much as each child is – meaning he is consistently engaged with each parent throughout the therapy process.

Hidayat’s work experience includes Inpatient Pediatric Psychiatry, Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, Community Mental Health, and Psycho-Education. His treatment experience includes high-acuity disorders and emotional regulation such as – Academic Underachievement, Anger Control, Anxiety, Attachment Disorder, Conduct, OCD, Anxiety, and Sleep Disturbances.

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Meagan Sherman-Sporrong, MA
LCPC, MDiv

Clinical Therapist

I (she, her, hers) am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor serving the Chicagoland area through telehealth therapy. I have experience as a therapist in groups and individual settings with all age groups from toddler to elderly, including: anxiety, depression, couples work, life transitions, behavioral and family therapy with children on the autism spectrum and expectant grief counseling. Prior to returning to school I received a Masters in Divinity (MDiv) and became a pastor in 2009. Serving congregations all over the Chicagoland area from as far south as Tinley Park to the western regions of Aurora and throughout the city I met and worked with an array of populations and in a variety of settings. These experiences along with living in Eastern Europe in the early 2000s shaped my approach to counseling and working with clients. Each person I met is unique and has their own story. I am a counselor because I want to help people rebuild their lives when their world no longer makes sense, help people discover new ways of solving life problems, to help people repair the hard and broken places in their hearts, and to help them improve the important relationships in their lives.

While I draw from many counseling methods to help people change their lives, I primarily focus on family systems and use CBT and DBT among other approaches to help the client build tools. For those who are interested, I am able to offer a spiritual focus to the session and can provide pastoral counseling for those seeking a religious approach to their therapy.

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Morgan Baumert, MSW, LSW

Clinical Therapist

My name is Morgan (she, her, hers), and I am a Licensed Social Worker with many years of experience working with children in a variety of settings, including therapeutic day schools. I have a deep passion for working with children struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Behavior Issues, Blended Families, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Emotional Regulation. Parenting, Autism Spectrum and more.

While I utilize many therapeutic methods depending on my client’s needs, I often use a client-centered approach to therapy which means that my clients will experience empathetic understanding, positive regard, and a warm/trusting relationship. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is crucial to success and I will approach each client with curiosity, kindness, and a non-judgmental attitude.

Life can be challenging especially during uncertain times like this year, but we can work together to explore, gain a deeper understanding of life’s struggles, process, and develop a plan to help move forward. I have a passion in helping children find their voice and confidence to advocate for themselves.

I look forward to being a passenger on your child’s journey to personal growth!

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Susan Riley, MS, LCPC, CADC, EMDR

Clinical Therapist

I (she, her, hers) am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Over the past 15 years I have been able to enhance my understanding of trauma with training as an EMDR practitioner. In addition, I have done work with anxiety and depression issues, navigating grief and loss, and other stress-related issues. Using a cognitive behavioral and emotional approach with a systems framework is the foundation of my therapeutic style. 

I completed my Masters in Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University and as an intern and a new counselor I specialized in trauma and co-occurring disorders. I also completed domestic violence training some years ago and have worked with women who have had to deal with this issue, sometimes when they are still living with the abusive partner.

Counseling is a tremendous collaborative effort between the counselor and the client. The process is one of gathering memories, impressions, core beliefs, and gaining an understanding of the individual systems which the client has navigated, often from a very early age.

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Katy Johnson, MA, LPC, NCC

Therapist

My name is Katy (she, her, hers). I am a firm believer that everyone has the ability to make positive changes in their lives and engage more intentionally with what is most important to them. In therapy, I offer a safe space for clients to set goals for themselves and explore the events that have shaped their lives while building upon the individual strengths they already have.

By working from an Existential-Humanistic framework that incorporates DBT, Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, and Somatic approaches, as well as perspectives rooted in Social Justice and multicultural awareness, our work together can be tailored to your specific goals.

I am passionate about working with individuals and couples ages 18+ who are looking to make meaningful changes in their lives but may be struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body image, substance use, PTSD, ADHD, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), life transitions, relationship issues, Women’s issues, and those navigating times grief/loss, illness, or trauma. In addition to my clinical therapy experience, I have a robust background in the expressive arts – theater, music, and visual art –  that helps me connect with my clients through a variety of mediums. Along those lines, I do believe self-expression and humor are connectors for the clients I serve. I view therapy as a collaborative and comfortable relationship that fosters growth, awareness, and respect for my clients’ unique experiences.

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Chelsea Tatum, MA, AMFT

Clinical Therapist

As a marriage and family therapist, I (she, her, hers) believe the source of our pain often originates in our most important relationships (past and present)—and I believe relationships, including the therapeutic relationship, are also places where we can experience healing and recovery.

Many of us have hurts from childhood and current relationships that lead us to feel alone in pain, confusion, anger, and shame. The good news is that you are not alone, and it is possible to get unstuck from these patterns and experience relief. I support clients in improving their relationships with self and others, discovering new ways to communicate, and moving toward connection and health.

I have a special interest in working with individuals 18+ and couples struggling with painful communication patterns, relationship conflict, trauma, recovery from religious/spiritual abuse, life transitions, depression/anxiety, and childhood emotional wounds. For clients who request it, I enjoy working with issues of faith and spirituality, whether this is supporting clients who are transitioning out of harmful religious systems or clients exploring the integration of faith in their lives. I utilize a variety of approaches depending on the specific needs of my clients, primarily using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and client-centered approaches. I am also a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator for couples seeking premarital counseling.

I have personally experienced the benefits of therapy in my own life, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients on their own therapy journeys. I seek to provide a safe, accepting, and welcoming space for my clients to process messy human experiences and relationships in a way that leads to growth and healing.

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Cathy Piehl, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Therapist

I (she, her, hers) am an LMSW from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois in Chicago. I mainly work with children and their families. I am a mom of three boys and came from a family of ten children so I know how important family is to development and wellness. Previous to working with individuals and families, I volunteered in the community utilizing my community organization skills. For the past seven years, I worked in a school setting. Due to the many forms of childhood trauma, I have been certified as a Trauma Practitioner in Education and trained in restorative practices.

I have also been certified in Active Parenting, helping parents create a strength-based approach to discipline. I utilize evidenced-based practices and meet each individual where they are. I believe in looking at all factors that affect a child’s development, ensuring all resources of value can be utilized effectively. I have extensive experience working with children dealing with grief, trauma, school refusal, ADHD, ASD, ODD, DMDD and various levels of anxiety and depression.

I love working with children, teaching practical coping skills for managing impulse control and developing useful lifelong self-development practices, such as journaling and calming strategies that develops resiliency. My greatest joy is helping parents establish a loving relationship with their children so they can be their number one teacher/coach in life. My personal interests are playing games, art, physical fitness, and enjoying family time.

 

 

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Danielle Anderson, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Therapist

Danielle (she, her, hers) has experience working with children aged 5+, teens, adults, couples, and families. She specializes in working with individuals having trouble with anxiety, depression, trauma, child behavioral challenges, substance abuse and anger management. She is also a trained SMART Recovery Facilitator and strives to support both the individual and family through the change and substance abuse recovery process. She believes that everyone has unique, positive qualities that can be brought to life through commitment to positive change and in overcoming the uncomfortable.

In her work with children, Danielle uses play therapy and expressive techniques to assist children to express themselves through their preferred form of communication—play. She feels honored to be a part of the journey in seeing children and their families better understand each other as a result of being able to communicate in this way and become more aware of their own feelings. Along those lines, Danielle helps children and families navigate ADHD, Major Life Transitions, Blended Families and Defiant Behavior. Danielle uses the strengths-based perspective in her work with all ages and strongly believes that everyone has their own path to healing and wellness, it just takes a little support to find it.

In her spare time Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attempting Do-It-Yourself home projects, and at times binge-watching the latest trending show.

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McKenzie Altmayer, MA, NCC, LPC

Therapist

 McKenzie Altmayer (she, her, hers) attended Bradley University for both undergraduate and graduate schooling. Her undergraduate degrees are in English, creative writing, and women’s and gender studies. She also holds a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. McKenzie also has experiences working with clients ranging in age from seven to seventy, conducting counseling over various life stressors.

McKenzie’s areas of focus within counseling include life transitions, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, mood disorders, interpersonal relationship challenges, and social phobias. She has experience in a therapeutic day-school setting, working with various neurodevelopmental disorders and conduct disorders.

McKenzie’s counseling approach stems from Acceptance Commitment Therapy, foundations from Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She believes that events across a lifetime can impact our present and future, but if we grow awareness of our histories, beliefs, and emotional experiences; we can take ownership of our lives. She also recognizes the ways our intersectional identities and environments can impact our overall wellness.

In her work, McKenzie believes in fostering a safe and nonjudgmental environment for all clients to feel confident working through anything that feels pertinent to them. She provides an approach that best suits the individual client, always holding that the client is the expert of their story.

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Dana Bonnecarre, MSW, PEL, LSW

Clinical Therapist

My name is Dana (she, her, hers). I am a Licensed Social Worker with experience working with individuals, families and couples navigating a range of obstacles that may be getting in the way of personal or interpersonal peace. For individual therapy, I work with ages 12+. My experience working with these populations has been ascertained through working with clients across these age groups as well as rigorous training. I have also worked in the school system focusing on assisting at-risk youth and their families.

I work with families, adolescents and couples to build relationships and foster trust. Specifically, those who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, behavior challenges, blended families, trauma and interpersonal relationship challenges. I understand very deeply that trust is often earned and not willfully given. With that, I believe people, in general, want to be heard and understood and the best way to support that is to let them speak and listen intently. As such, I primarily utilize Psychodynamic psychotherapy which focuses on identifying psychological roots through self-reflection and self-examination.

On a personal level I am a very active human and believe good food and exercise are what keep me grounded.

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Kiara Landin, MSW, LSW

Therapist

Kiara (she, her, hers) is a compassionate and dedicated trauma-informed clinician, focusing on adolescent and adult mental wellness challenges. She holds a Master’s of Social Work degree from Aurora University, and has a background consisting of both private practice and community mental wellness services.

With a commitment to holistic wellness, Kiara tailors her treatments to each client’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and a client-centered approach.

Kiara is fluent in both English and Spanish, and embraces her bicultural background to provide inclusive therapy for individuals of diverse races, genders, and sexual orientations.

She thoroughly looks forward to accompanying you on your journey to achieve the most fulfilling existence possible!

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Nikhat Rafiq, MS, LPC

Therapist – Telehealth Only

Nikhat Rafiq (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University of New York and received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University.  

Nikhat gained experience working with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and origins by living in different parts of the world.  She is compassionate about working with people at their own pace, guiding them to accomplish their goals and achieve overall wellness. She has also trained in early childhood education and also worked in a team managing and consulting people of academic backgrounds.

Nikhat believes that people encounter many challenges in their lives where they feel the need to be heard. Her empathetic and listening skills allow her to create a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients to share their stories. Nikhat’s approach to therapy is to enter a strong and positive relationship with her clients by building trust and working collaboratively to explore their challenges. She is interested in helping people unlock the ability within themselves to heal by providing them support at every step of their healing process. Her areas of interest include depression, anxiety, stress, sexuality concerns, grief and loss, phases of life issues, and self-esteem.

In her free time, Nikhat spends quality time with her family, friends, and her two cats. She also enjoys playing the piano, painting, and watching movies

 

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Jason Sandberg, MA. LCPC

Clinical Therapist – Telehealth Only

My name is Jason (he, him, his) and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.  I earned my Masters in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. 

I have worked within a number of different settings, including the adult justice system, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and community mental health clinics, which has given me the opportunity to work with people who struggle with a wide variety of mental health issues.   Specifically, I specialize in helping individuals ages 12 and up who struggle with depression, life transitions, mood disorders, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger management, trauma, psychosis, and interpersonal conflict.

I am experienced in providing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  While I tend to integrate these practices, I understand that every client has a unique set of needs, and therefore, also adhere to other modalities in order to provide a more tailored approach to therapy.  Regardless of the type of treatment provided, I firmly believe that taking a team-oriented approach to therapy gives the best chance for us to reach our desired outcomes.

As a therapist, I aim to build genuine relationships with my clients and provide a safe space for them to speak freely with the use of unconditional support and positive regard.  My primary objectives for my clients are to empower them to take ownership of their lives and guide them on a path towards self-fulfillment and growth!

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Julie Babyar, MSW, PEL, LSW

Therapist

My name is Julie Babyar (she, her, hers). I am a Licensed Social Worker and a Licensed School Social Worker. For many years, I have had the lovely opportunity to support and empower children and their families from diverse backgrounds including within the school environment.

I have experience working with children, adolescents, and their families faced with a wide variety of life challenges. I specialize in working with children experiencing stress, trauma, behavioral difficulties, school-related issues, social & emotional struggles, grief & loss, and family conflict & transitions such as divorce and separation. I also help children navigate challenges related to their diagnosis of ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and developmental delay.

With a passion for helping children grow and thrive, I create a nurturing, supportive, and safe environment where children can express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. My warm, friendly, and empathetic nature helps children feel comfortable and understood resulting in a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust.

With a deep understanding of child development, behavioral issues, and mental health concerns, I tailor my therapeutic interventions to meet each child’s unique needs. I use evidence-based practices, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, mindfulness approaches, and trauma-focused interventions. Through creative play, art therapy, and hands-on activities, children are able to explore their feelings, develop problem-solving skills, and enhance their self-esteem. I also teach a wide-variety of other essential skills such as coping skills, social skills, self-regulation skills, conflict resolution skills, while also incorporating growth mindset and mindfulness activities.

Through active listening and gentle guidance, I assist children in navigating challenges, building resilience, and developing healthy coping strategies. I strive to create a supportive space where children can freely express themselves and gain a deeper understanding of their emotions. My ultimate goal is to empower children to overcome their hardships, enhance their self-confidence, and equip them with the necessary skills to handle life’s obstacles!

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Courtney Hoeft Rozek, MSW, LSW, CTP

Therapist

Courtney (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Social Worker specializing in the in the needs of children, adolescents and young adults. Her clients range in age from three-years-old to early adulthood. Courtney has experience working with clients who struggle with trauma, PTSD, attachment concerns, emotional regulation, anger, school advocacy, anxiety, depression, ADHD, school related issues and women’s issues, including, but not limited to prenatal & postnatal challenges.

Courtney takes a client-led approach to therapy, believing strongly that every client has their own unique story, perspective and challenges. Courtney will meet her clients where they are in their journey and understands that there is not one single path that works for everyone. She considers her client’s goals, needs, external circumstances and barriers as she works with them; understanding that the world that we live in has an enormous impact on wellness.

Courtney incorporates a biopsychosocial approach to therapy; including neuroscientific, Mindfulness and strengths-based modalities when working with clients. Courtney also recognizes that many children and adolescents thrive in a play-based environment, and welcomes incorporating the tools that allow them to feel safe and comfortable in every therapy session. She recognizes that trust is the most important facet of the therapeutic relationship. She uses a trauma-informed and culturally conscious lens when working with all her clients.

Courtney’s previous work as an Early Childhood Educator and community mental health therapist allowed her to have an open and curious perspective. She believes in leading with curiosity, continuously learning and empowering her clients to continue seeking growth and wellness.

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Mari Walbridge, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Therapist

Mari (she/her/hers) is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She works with children ages 4+ to young adults and their families. Mari believes in treating the whole child (or teen/young adult). She has experience working with clients who are experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, school refusal, trauma, grief, loss, emotional challenges, gender identity or are on the Autism Spectrum. She also works with LGBTQ+ clients and supports affirmative care.

She believes that people are so much more than their diagnosis! Mari works to create a safe and welcoming environment for kids and teens. She utilizes a wide variety of evidence based treatments to help her clients reach their goals.

Outside of the office Mari is a school social worker. She enjoys spending time with her family and dogs. She is an avid reader and a life-long learner. She enjoys being active, especially out in nature and loves to travel whenever possible.

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Geovani Cajero, MA, LPC

Therapist (Bi-Lingual – Spanish)

I (he/him/his) am a professional counselor who has several years of experience working with children and adolescents.  I have worked in behavioral and cognitive mental health services that range with a variety of skills including: behavior skills, social skills, depression, anxiety, trauma, and anger management, and working with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD.

I have experience working with at-risk youth within the school systems and enjoy building connections with many people.  I have a passion to continue helping people manage difficult stressors that we may face in life.  My approach focuses on communication, listening, and collaborating with each other to promote therapeutic growth.  The treatment modalities that I center around include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) & Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).  I enjoy building a team effort to help manage difficult struggles that occur in life.

I like to have fun and integrating your interests into our sessions.  I believe that in order to build a good therapeutic relationship, fun can and IS an important aspect to have to improve confidence and personal growth.

I am a first-generation college student that has worked hard to prove success to many people.  I want show others that we may through difficult times, but with a team effort, I believe we can achieve many great results in life.

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Brooke White, M.Ed, LPC, CAMS-I

Therapist

Brooke White (she, her, hers) is a professional counselor that works with children, adolescents and young adults. Brooke received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Illinois State University as well as a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago.

In therapy, she utilizes client-centered, trauma informed, cognitive behavioral therapy perspectives as well as eclectically pulling together many other types of therapeutic practices and approaches to fit the individual needs of the client and to initiate change in a positive and empathetic way.

Brooke has experience and interest working with anger-management, aggression, behavioral issues, trauma, and parent-child relational issues within adolescents and at-risk youth. She also has a CAMS-I certification as an anger management specialist.

Brooke enjoys incorporating creative activities, mindfulness, humor and pop-culture into sessions to create a genuine and comfortable atmosphere for her clients!

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Mary Snydersmith, MSW, LSW, MA, PEL

Therapist

Therapy is a wonderful way to support your child, and it helps when they actually like to come!  Using a child-centered approach, Mary (she/her/hers) offers choices of play-based therapeutic activities within a predictable format to help your child experience both autonomy and comfort during sessions.  Mary and her clients share in unstructured play, games, role-playing, and books to explore feelings and to develop coping strategies, social skills, and problem solving. If you are a parent seeking support with parenting issues or transitions, you and Mary will work together to explore your strengths and address barriers.

Mary’s primary focus is on working with preschool, elementary, and early adolescent children with emotional regulation, social interaction, self-esteem, and behavioral concerns at home or school.  She has worked with children whose concerns are related to developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, selective mutism, and challenges associated with medical diagnoses. In addition, she has served children with concerns related to domestic violence and trauma, family adjustment, and loss.  Mary also welcomes adults with parenting issues or who are survivors of domestic violence into her practice. 

Mary has developed a client-centered approach and trauma-informed lens while working as a school social worker and with survivors of domestic violence.  She has master’s degrees in social work from Aurora University and social psychology from the Ohio State University, and her practice is also informed by past career experiences serving and teaching children and families within schools and ministry.  She utilizes mindfulness, play therapy, bibliotherapy, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) modalities when working with clients. 

Mary’s outside interests include playing electric bass, gardening, cooking, and reading.  She also enjoys time with her young adult daughter and twin sons on nature trails, at restaurants, or at home with their pet cats and rabbit.

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Rachel Michalski, MA, LPC, NCC

Therapist

My name is Rachel (she, her, hers) and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with adolescent and adult clients in community mental health and partial hospitalization settings. I work with clients ages 16+ to help navigate challenges including: trauma, depression, anxiety, women’s issues, life transitions, exploring gender and sexual identity, and relationship difficulties.

I am especially driven to provide a compassionate and empowering space for survivors of sexual assault/abuse to process and cope with the trauma they have experienced. 

The interventions I offer are rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Through these approaches, I work collaboratively with clients to explore and develop a healthier relationship with themselves, cope with life’s difficulties, and move towards living in alignment with their values. I believe that people are not meant to heal alone and that progress is not linear.

Making the choice to start counseling is a courageous step towards positive change in your life. When you’re ready, reach out. I’d love to meet and find out if I’m the right fit for you!

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Eddie Perry, MA Psychology & Sport / Performance Improvement

QMHP, Sports / Performance Consultant

My name is Eddie Perry (he, him, his), and I have a Master’s in Psychology and Sports & Performance Improvement. My experience includes working with individuals (age 9+) and athletes through a range of challenges – from anxiety, depression and self-esteem to sport and performance improvement challenges (performance anxiety, peaking under pressure, resilience and winning mindset, positive self talk, visualization, goal setting and tracking to achievement, pregame rituals, injury recovery and more). I am deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of every human I have the opportunity with whom to work with. 

With the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, human centered and positive intelligence approaches, I strive to help individuals, athletes and high performers shift narratives around fear, self-judgment and limits to a mindset of self-worth, self-determination and confidence to be boundless and pursue all goals they aspire to.

On the sport and performance side of my practice, in simple terms, I love sports. Starting with t-ball at four years old to being a now playing soccer internationally on the USA Men’s National Deaf Soccer team. DePaul University also gave me the opportunity to be the first Division I Deaf Soccer player in the country with a cochlear implant (allowing me to provide deaf and non-deaf populations mental wellness services). More than all else, sports have been central in my life both personally and professionally, and have given me a sense of belonging and a place where my hearing loss did not define me.

My focus on sports brought me to Chicago where I completed my undergraduate degree at DePaul University with a major in Psychology, while competing for four years on the DePaul Men’s Soccer Team. Living the student-athlete college experience and competing at a high level with a significant disability, taught me about intentional commitment and practice, facing challenges directly and the necessity of life balance.

Graduate School took me back to my home state of Minnesota where I earned a Master’s Degree at Minnesota State University (MSU), Mankato in Sport, Exercise, & Performance Psychology. MSU gave me the immediate opportunity to work with individual athletes, coaches, and teams in Mankato and around the Twin Cities metropolitan area, ages 10 years to the collegiate level in numerous sports such as soccer, track & field, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and golf. Topics that were covered in these sessions were confidence, goal setting, shifting to a winning mindset, positive self-talk, imagery, and motivation. MSU also gave me the opportunity to organize the keynote speaker and facilitate the breakout sessions on similar topics with the coaches and captains for the largest high schools and one of the largest conferences in the metropolitan area.

As a member of the USA Deaf Men’s Soccer National Team for the past six years competing internationally, including at the upcoming Deaf World Cup in Malaysia in September of 2023 (USA Soccer), I have competed when the stakes are the highest and the inner critic talks the loudest. I thus know firsthand that taming the inner critic is a universal challenge. But, with the use of cognitive behavioral, human centered and positive intelligence approaches, I strive to help athletes and high performers shift narratives around fear, self-judgment and limits to a mindset of self-worth, self-determination and confidence to be boundless and pursue all goals they aspire to.

I am excited about the opportunity to work with individuals and performers of all levels at Grow Wellness Group. I will be there to support your growth as a guide on your journey and, most importantly, as a whole person.

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Caitlyn Ferraro, MA, LPC

Clinical Therapist

Caitlyn (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with clients of all ages and concerns. I have experience in a variety of mental wellness settings and intensive outpatient programming as well as inpatient levels of care.

I enjoy helping clients manage depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions & adjustments, transitional care from residential and outpatient treatment, perinatal and postpartum challenges with men and women, and self-harm urges and suicidal thoughts through a DBT and CBT lens.

I prefer to meet clients where they are at in the therapy session, while also challenging them to push past their own perceived obstacles all the while educating them on how their mental health symptoms are negatively influencing their mood and functioning.

Having Bachelor’s degree in illustration and an educational background in art therapy and counseling, I enjoy bringing creative modalities into the therapeutic work if clients are interested. I look forward to guiding you on your growth journey!

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Robyn Konrad, MA, LPC

Therapist

Hi! My name is Robyn (she, her, hers) and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my BA in Psychology at Robert Morris University and my MA in Counseling Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I work with clients between the ages of 5 to 40 years old. My areas of clinical interest include depression, anxiety, family of origin concerns, stress management, life transitions, school-life balance, work-life balance, parent coaching, school refusal, therapeutic treatment resistance, and academic concerns.

I understand that today’s world sets high expectations that can lead us to believe that we are not good enough or mask ourselves to fit in. I am passionate about helping my clients find, develop, and be confident with their authentic selves through talk therapy, art therapy, mindfulness training, and self-exploration. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where my clients can have fun, laugh, and be themselves while working towards our therapeutic goals.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, Dumpling and Mack, competitive bowling, cooking, and binge-watching TV shows! I look forward to meeting you and exploring how we can work together to create the change you are seeking!

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Kendall (KJ) Banks, MS, LPC

Therapist

Kendall (he, him, his) who also goes by KJ is a Licensed Professional Counselor and obtained his Master’s from Benedictine University with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. KJ has worked in Community Health Care, Community Mental health care and for non-profit organizations. He began his journey as a Community Health Care Worker and transitioned to therapy to make the biggest positive impact possible with individual and families.

KJ works with families and individuals and has experience working with children ages 4+, adolescents, adults, older adults, and their families.  He has experience working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss, emotional challenges, school refusal, anger management, gender identity, ADHD or individuals who are on the Autism Spectrum. He also has experience working with LGBTQ+ population and supports affirmative care.

KJ believes there is no one size fits all approach and uses an integrative approach that focuses on what works best for each individual’s needs. He has experience utilizing various research-based therapy techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), existential therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic, strengths-based, solution-focused, multicultural, trauma informed, and play therapy.

When working with children, KJ believes that partnering with parents to assist them in developing skills and tools to best support their children when they experience big emotions.  KJ incorporates neuroscience in his work with parents to help them understand the why behind their children’s behaviors.

He believes that all humans have an innate value and this value that every individual possesses can sometimes be lost or forgotten. Adversity and pain not only rob individuals of their self-worth, but also keeps them from becoming the best version of themselves. KJ makes it his priority to create a safe, supportive, and transformative space for others to rediscover their inherent value and overcome adversity. Trauma, substance use challenges, hardship, and other multilayered mental health issues do not define a person’s worth or what they can achieve. It is his mission and passion to remind his fellow human beings of this and support them as they navigate their unique struggles. KJ’s goal is to meet every client where they are within their therapeutic healing. KJ works in-person and remote and hopes to support you while you navigate this journey called life!

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Allison Dille, MA, LPC

Therapist

Allison, or Allie, (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Moody Theological, and has previously worked in community and mental health counseling settings – providing therapy and community support services for clients of all ages as well as serving diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Allison works primarily with adults and teens. Her practice areas include issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, stress management, and other life changes. For clients who are interested in faith-based counseling, Allison has received training in integrating spirituality and faith into sessions. In graduate school, she also conducted research about assisting clients with processing and healing from traumatic religious experiences.

Allison uses several different therapeutic approaches, including person-centered counseling and existential counseling, as well as trauma-informed techniques and other evidence-based interventions. She is passionate about walking alongside clients on their journey toward finding healing, hope, and wellness. During sessions, Allison seeks to create a space where clients can feel uniquely seen, heard, and known. Through empathy, compassion, and support, Allison works to build a strong relationship with each client and empower them to become their most authentic self.

In her free time, Allison enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, going on walks, journaling, reading, baking, and yoga. Allison looks forward to getting to know you and working toward your mental health goals together!

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Jill Mudge, QMHP

Therapist

Hi, I’m Jill (she, her, hers) from the University of Kentucky’s School of Social Work – Master’s Degree in social work with a concentration in clinical social work. I’m passionate about supporting individuals (teens and up), couples, and families in pursuit of leading more fulfilling lives. Through empathy, compassion, and a listening lens, my priority is to build a foundation of trust and partnership to pursue empowerment, adaptability, and enrichment during our time together. My primary objective is to provide a warm, welcoming environment and casual conversation, complimenting my down-to-earth nature.

My approach to therapy is holistic, seeking to learn about you as an individual and as part of a larger system to understand how you affect one another. I wholeheartedly believe in the strength and value we possess as individuals and will support you in identifying growth goals that create a path toward positive change. My interests lie in client-centered, strengths-based, and cognitive behavioral therapies. However, I recognize the uniqueness of individuals and, therefore, the need to tailor therapeutic approaches to best support individual objectives for growth. I am committed to partnering with you in change efforts to enhance well-being and achieve the opportunity to thrive.

Outside of being a student, I am a youth volleyball coach at a local club. Having been an athlete throughout my younger years and now being involved as a parent and coach with elite youth athletes, I have a shared interest in supporting adolescents’ sports performance and mental health. In addition to helping my 18-year-old son prepare for college, I enjoy hanging out with my two dogs, Banjo and Olive, and indulging in the newest TV shows.

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Christina Schrader, MA, NCC, LCPC, CMPC

Clinical Therapist – Telehealth Only

Christina (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Mental Performance Counselor (CMPC) candidate, who has an individualized approach to therapy and believes the client is in the driver seat while the therapist is a guide to help find and utilize the correct tools. Christina received her Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and received a Certificate in Sports and Performance Psychology from John F. Kennedy University.

Her clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults.

Christina gained her experience working in high paced environments such as a private psych hospital in the Emergency Services department and working for Cook County Health and Hospital Systems treating a variety of issues and populations. Christina utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness, working with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, adjustment issues, anger management, communication skills, trauma, grief, and life transitions.

Her therapeutic special interests include Sports Injury and identity, Athletic Retirement & transitions, LGBTQIA+ and is an Advocate and Ally for all communities.

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Elizabeth Herman, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Therapist

Elizabeth Herman (she, her, hers) is a licensed clinical social worker. She received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and her M.S.W. from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. 

Elizabeth began her career over 20 years ago at a residential treatment facility for children with co-occurring mental illness and behavioral disorders. She has worked with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has provided services for a number of Chicagoland Employee Assistance Programs for which she conducted on-site workplace training, supervisor coaching, mediation and Critical Incident Debriefings as well as crisis and short-term counseling. 

She believes in a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy with warmth and humor. Elizabeth utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Solution Focused Therapy strategies to assist her patient’s in achieving their goals and reconnecting with their healthier self. Her clinical interests include caregiver stress, anxiety, depression, and career coaching. 

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Dr. Erica Carter, D.Min., MS, LCPC

Clinical Therapist

Dr. Erica Carter (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with individual individuals 18+, couples and families. She holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree in Advanced Studies in Psychotherapy and Counseling and Advanced Certificate in Self-Psychology. She has provided therapy in various clinical settings including, community mental health, residential, and private practice; and her scope of practice includes treatment for anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship issues, self-esteem, parent-child relationships, stress management, and life transitions.

Dr. Carter believes that building a strong therapeutic alliance is the foundation to helping individuals overcome their challenges and improve their well-being. Through support, empathy, compassion, and trust, she seeks to foster a sense of hope and healing, and empower her clients to discover their inner strengths. Her approach integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities including, Client-Centered, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. While Dr. Carter’s treatment is clinical in nature, her doctoral research, 17+ years of ministerial experience, and theological education allows her to integrate spirituality for those who are seeking a faith-based approach to treatment

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Victoria Zappavigna, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Therapist – Telehealth Only

My name is Victoria Zappavigna (she, her, hers), I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and all are welcomed here! I obtained my MSW from University of Illinois at Chicago with an emphasis in mental health and have been working in this field for nearly 10 years. I have experience working with people ages 16 and up, and I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, OCD, women empowerment, substance use disorders, domestic violence, trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety. 

I started my career in the inpatient & outpatient psychiatric setting. Overtime, I enhanced my skill set by working in the outpatient setting, providing psychiatric evaluations in the emergency room /medical floors, and community engagement.

I am passionate about helping others find peace within themselves, navigate difficult life experiences, and focus on a holistic approach to your version of wellness.I primarily focus on a CBT, strength based, and person centered approach.

Thanks for being here, I cannot wait for us to work together!

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Bryce Goll, MA, LPC

Therapist

Bryce (he, him, his) is a clinical therapist and has been serving the community since 2014. Bryce attended the University of Iowa and received a BA in Psychology before moving on to receive his Masters degree in Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. 

Bryce has worked in various settings including inpatient & outpatient treatment as well as private practice – with teens, individuals, community support for families involved with child services as well individual, couples and family therapy. 

Bryce uses several different therapeutic approaches including person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing and ACT. He believes in finding the best in each individual and using that to create motivation and optimism in one’s life. 

Bryce enjoys working with individuals 13 & up and has experience with clients who are seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, body image, ADHD, confidence, and health issues as well as any other major life changes. Bryce also works with athletes and perfomers with Grow Sports Psychology & Performance Improvement.

Bryce believes trust and empathy are crucial in the therapeutic relationship and hopes to build a safe and warm environment for each client. 

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Sandra Coyner, MA, LPC, Yoga Cert.

Therapist

Sandra (she, her, hers) is a licensed professional counselor with an MA from Southern New Hampshire University that works with adults 18+ and has partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient experience primarily working with OCD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She is ERP  (exposure) trained and helps clients use exposure therapy to alleviate compulsions, obsessions, and anxiety. Sandra encompasses mindfulness as a Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor and Usui Reiki Master Teacher and teaches meditation and breathwork with an emphasis on Yoga Nidra for those with anxiety. Her experience also encompasses Prolonged Exposure training for those ready to work through trauma and Habit Reversal Training for diagnosis such as trichotillomania and excoriation.

Sandra believes in meeting clients where they are in the present moment and supplying them with the tools to implement their own changes when the timing is right for them. Her focus is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Pronged Exposure and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She believes in an individualized client-centered approach that includes creating a safe space for empathy and non-judgment.

Sandra also has training as a Death Doula and runs a monthly Death Café meeting to encourage organic discussion and normalize discussion of what is usually seen as taboo topic.

I look forward to working with you in whatever capacity you need me and am always humbled to be included on your path.

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Breanna Jones, MS, LPC

Therapist

Breanna (she, her, hers) is a professional counselor who has experience working with adolescents, teens and young adults. She has worked in the education system as a counselor which gives her a unique insight on the issues many young people face today. Breanna specializes in working with her clients on anxiety, behavioral issues, life transitions, relationships, stress management, and self-esteem, and more.

In her sessions, Breanna focuses on building a relationship with her clients and meeting them where they are at as she walks alongside them on their journey. She believes that finding the right therapist is one of the most important steps of the therapeutic process so she makes sure to build a strong rapport with each of her clients first. Breanna utilizes many therapeutic perspectives focusing mainly on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered approaches. She approaches each client with a fresh perspective to really understand their unique needs and works collaboratively with them to create a plan and direction for therapy. 

Breanna understands that today’s youth face unique challenges that can put barriers in their way of success and happiness. She recognizes that many young people have a strong desire to just feel validated in their lived experiences and how these barriers impact them. She uses empathy, unconditional positive regard, and empowerment to help her clients feel seen and heard in these experiences. Breanna focuses on helping her clients realize their own strengths and potential and how to use that to accomplish their goals and make changes. She regularly uses strategies like motivational interviewing, mindfulness, gratitude, journaling and other practical approaches to help her clients face daily challenges and create a productive and positive mindset. 

Breanna is passionate about creating a safe space for everyone and makes it her mission to make therapy accessible to all populations. She is excited to help her clients and their families accomplish their mental wellness goals and overcome barriers. 

In her free time Breanna loves to travel, workout, and play with her dog. She is passionate about health and fitness and loves to also teach her clients about the mind-body connection and creating healthy habits if they are interested. She is a firm believer that feeling good in your body helps you feel better in your mind! 

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Haley West, MA, QMHP

Therapist

 

 

Hi, I’m Haley (she/her/hers) from Urbana-Champaign’s School of Social Work. I am particularly passionate about working with clients whose personal histories leave them feeling disconnected from their authentic selves and to others in their lives. I operate from a space of openness, curiosity, and radical non-judgement to empower and engage your own intrinsic capacity for inner healing.

While I believe that there is no single one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, my style largely meshes bottom-up, somatic modalities with traditional elements of talk-therapy. I am friendly and compassionate, working alongside you to navigate your story, past and present. I believe that to genuinely heal from the wounds of our past, we need to not only reconsider the negative thoughts and false narratives that occupy our minds, but also treat the physical sensations of grief, abandonment, shame, and loneliness that manifest in our bodies. Together, we can work to bring you to a place of greater connection, health, and aliveness.

The work I do is deeply informed by liberation psychology and anti-oppression frameworks. I strive towards being actively anti-racist, feminist, LGBTQ+ affirming, and an inclusive therapist to all.

Outside of the therapy office, I love exploring our National Parks, lifting weights, and playing dungeons and dragons with my friends. I so look forward to getting to know you and your story – let’s work together to appreciate the opportunities for growth and resilience that emerge from the resolution of trauma.

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Georgenia (Gina), QMHP

Therapist

I am Georgenia Bassily (she/her/hers), and I usually go by Gina. My education includes degrees in Psychology and Music Performance at the American University in Egypt and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in the Child sub-speciality at Benedictine University. I most typically work with clients ages 5+ on a range of challenges – depression, anxiety, social anxiety, behavioral challenges, ADHD, life transitions, first generation family and child challenges, and more.

I have always felt a calling to work in this field and have found that my personal experiences as well as diverse work experience have helped me refine my skills as a clinician over time. This has also made me truly interested in working with people from all walks of life and all age groups, particularly with young children.

My inclination towards working more with children has guided my interest towards providing expressive therapies such as play, music, art, pet-assisted, and sand tray therapy along with talk therapy to make the process more engaging and organic for my clients. Other modalities of therapy I like to incorporate are Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment, Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic approaches, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. I’m also happy to provide therapy in English and/or Arabic.

I am very passionate about ending stigma around mental health, advocating for children, and making mental health services financially accessible to everyone. I have found that operating from a person-centered and trauma-informed approach speaks to my soul and helps me stay in alignment with my values of compassion, empathy, wisdom, and creativity.

In my free time I like to spend time with my family, my dog, and my friends. I also like to play music, travel, play badminton, read, and write poetry.