Meet Our Team
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 married and 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 family and German Shephard, Bodhi.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dave Dennis, MSW, LSW
Clinical Therapist
Dave (he, him. his) is a Licensed 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.
Sue Harvey, MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW, APHS-C, 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.
Jenille Gunter-Harlan, MS, LPC, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Molly Lown, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Therapist
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 lies with individuals ages 13 and up who are working to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, major life events, adjustments/transitions, and chronic health issues. I am skilled in addressing identity issues in connection with gender and spirituality. I am well versed in trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and utilize techniques from the Family Systems Theory and the Strengths-Based Perspective. My approach is holistic and client-focused, addressing each person in their environment, taking into consideration the multi-faceted aspects of society and our modern stressors.
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.
Carli Nehls, MSW, LSW
Therapist
Carli Nehls (she, her, hers) is a Licensed 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.
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.
I look forward to partnering with you in your journey to greater mental wellness, life direction and personal contentment!
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!
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.
Christina Graffagna, MS, LPC
Therapist
Christina (she, her, hers) is a Licensed 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.
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.
Janea Meeks, MS, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Janea Meeks (she, her, hers) is a Licensed 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.
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.
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.”
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Katy Johnson, MA, QMHP
Qualified Master’s Health Provider
My name is Katy (she, her, hers), and I have experience working with individuals and families in a variety of settings. I am a firm believer that everyone has the ability to engage deeply in their lives through finding meaning and purpose in their lived experience. In therapy, I offer a safe space for clients to 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 CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and expressive arts techniques, our work together can be tailored to your specific goals.
I am passionate about working with those who are looking to make positive changes in their lives but may be struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, eating disorders, addiction and those navigating times grief, illness, or trauma. I see individuals across the gender spectrum ages 10 and above.
In addition to my clinical therapy experience, I have a robust background in the expressive arts – theater, music, and more that helps me connect with my clients through a variety of mediums. Along those lines, I do believe self expression and humor are connectors and growth tools for the clients I serve.
I view therapy as a collaborative and comfortable relationship that fosters growth and wellness. Growth can occur with your willingness to meet your own personal and interpersonal goals!
Dr. Erica Carter, LCPC, D.Min.
Clinical Therapist
Dr. Erica Carter (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with individual adults 18+ as well as 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kevin Barton, M.S. Ed, MA, LPC, CMPC
Clinical Therapist
Kevin (he, him, his) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Kevin is a Huskie alum of Northern Illinois University where he received Master’s degrees in Sport and Exercise Psychology and in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Kevin’s counseling approach stems from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Positive Psychology. He believes that often people hold negative or irrational perceptions of life’s many stressors which can lead to emotions boiling over during stressful moments, being too hard on one’s self, and mood disturbances. Kevin also understands that we as humans are exposed to plenty of negativity that can influence how we think and react. Because of that, Kevin helps clients utilize gratitude and mindfulness practices to rewire their brain to see the world through a positive lens.
With his sport psychology and CMPC background, Kevin recognizes that our performance in life can also affect our mental health and isn’t limited just to sport. Have you had anxiety prior to a big pitch meeting for work? Have you been a teenager nervous for your first band recital? How did you feel after you got your first bad grade in school? There are a lot of situations where our performance impacts our wellbeing, relationships, and focus and vice versa; our mental health can impact our performance at work, in relationships, or at school. Kevin uses his knowledge of mental performance to compliment his work as a counselor to help clients achieve optimal performance and enhance their journey for holistic wellbeing.
Kevin prefers to take a proactive approach to mental wellness and build a strong foundation of mental skills and coping techniques to help individuals become resilient in the face of life’s challenges while also being there to support his clients in their times of need. He also aims to empower clients to be successful in all areas of life whether that be athletically, academically, professionally, or with interpersonal relationships.
Primarily, Kevin works with teens and adults plus has experience working with families. His areas of focus within counseling and sport psychology include ADHD, achievement and motivation, anger management, identity exploration and life transitions, mood disorders including anxiety and depression, OCD and perfectionism, men’s mental health, stress disorders, communication skills and leadership development.
Breanna Jones, MS, Counselor
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!
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.
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.
Brooke White, M.Ed, 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!
Laura Fuechsl, MA, LPC
Therapist
Hi, I’m Laura (she, her, hers)! I received my Masters in Social Work from Aurora University, and I am a Licensed Social Worker. I have a variety of experience working with parents, adults, youth and families. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is welcoming, affirming and productive for growth. I work with clients to utilize their strengths in order to progress towards their personal goals.
I believe that the therapeutic space should allow individuals the opportunity to safely expand their understanding of themselves and learn new strategies for addressing their concerns in a supportive format. I understand that each person and story is unique, so I work to individualize care for each client. I utilize a variety of skills and tools from trauma-informed care approaches, mindfulness, ACT, DBT, and Emotion Focused Therapy. I appreciate the opportunity to explore parenting and relational dynamics, as well as process anxiety, trauma, depression and loss with clients.
Engaging in therapy and self-exploration is a journey, and you deserve support along the way. I look forward to working together!
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!
Lizzy Linnane, MS E.d., LPC
Therapist
Lizzy (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor in Religion from Carthage College and received her Master’s degrees in Counseling with specialization in School Counseling and Sport and Exercise Psychology from Northern Illinois University along with receiving her Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate.
Lizzy has experience with adolescents 12+ to young adults. She has experience in the school system in both middle and high school. Much of her experience is with anxiety, depression, trauma, bullying, grief, PTSD, sexual trauma, and career coaching.
On the sport psychology side Lizzy helps athletes with mental performance skills such as imagery, positive self-talk and goal setting. She enjoys working with athletes that play softball, basketball, swimming, baseball, football and soccer. She also has experience coaching softball and basketball at the middle and high school level. She loves working with student-athletes and helping them achieve their goals.
Lizzy’s approaches to therapy are Client-Centered, Strength-Based, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Spirituality-Centered counseling when requested. She strives to make clients feel heard and understood. She incorporates mindfulness, creative arts and goal setting.
Caitlyn Ferraro, MA, LPC
Therapist
Caitlyn (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with clients of all ages. I have experience in a variety of mental wellness settings and intensive outpatient programming as well as inpatient levels of care.
I have experience in helping patients manage their depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, self-harm urges and suicidal thoughts through a DBT and CBT lens.
I prefer to meet my patients where they are at in the therapy session, while also challenging them to push past their own perceived obstacles all while educating them on how their mental health symptoms are negatively influencing their mood and functioning.
I went to school for art therapy and counseling, and I have a bachelor’s in illustration, so I also enjoy bringing creative modalities into sessions if patients are interested. I look forward to guiding you on your growth journey!
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 have experience working with clients from 5 to 40 years old and specialize with those between the ages of 8 to 14 years old along with their families. 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 children find, develop, and be confident with their authentic selves through play, art, mindfulness and self exploration. In session, you might see us playing board games, creating art like paintings, drawings, friendship bracelets, or slime (lots and lots of slime)! I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where children 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!
Nikhat Rafiq, MS, LPC
Therapist
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
Haley West, MHP
Master’s Level Intern
Hi, I’m Haley (she/her), and I’m a current graduate student at the University of Illinois 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.
Sarah Anteliz, MHP
Master’s Level Intern
Sarah Anteliz (she, her, hers) is a graduate student at the University of Kentucky with 11 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. Her special interests in group therapy, women’s issues, DBT, and Somatic therapy have driven her to pursue a career in therapy. Sarah believes in a strengths-based approach to therapy, trusting that clients have the power and resilience to shape their own lives in positive and meaningful ways. She is committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their challenges and build on their strengths.
Outside of the office, Sarah enjoys raising her two children with her husband. She is an avid reader and also enjoys spending time in nature, whether it be swimming, hiking, or simply sitting around a fire with friends and family.
