Hannah Pivaronas MSW, LSW, PEL
Hannah is a Licensed Social Worker that obtained her Master's in Social Work as well as her PEL to work in a school Setting. Hannah earned her degree from Lewis University. She has been working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings. She can build positive relationships with clients and make them feel comfortable and understood. Hannah is determined to help them find coping skills and work through various life challenges. Hannah focuses on working with youth and young adults with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, ADHD, grief, and trauma. She utilizes a variety of techniques such as mindfulness, solution-focused brief therapy, strengths-based, and CBT. Hannah believes each client should be met where they are at, feel safe, and feel empowered.
Annette Krason, MA, LCPC
Annette is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who obtained her Master’s degree from Saint Xavier University. She has a wide range of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Annette has a background in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, grief/loss, and substance abuse. Annette takes a client-centered approach, values psychoeducation to empower clients, and utilizes cognitive behavior therapy and other research-based techniques. She helps clients recognize their own strengths, clarify goals, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in their lives. Annette believes that therapy can support individuals in becoming their best selves and find clarity and comfort in the direction of their lives.
Althia Gayle, Ed.D, LCSW, PEL
Dr. Althia Gayle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who receive her Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago. She also, received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis. Althia has over 10 years experience with at-risk youth within the public school system, non-profit sector/social service programs, and community engagement events in the city of Chicago and in the neighboring Suburbs. As a servant leader Althia is very passionate about providing children, adolescents and adults with the necessary tools and/or coping strategies to manage stress, conflict, anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal relationships, self esteem, and trauma. Althia utilizes a variety of research based techniques such as CBT, DBT, Client Centered approach and a Solution-Focused approach. Althia aims to provide a brave space for clients to learn how to manage life stressors and feel empowered.
Marie A. Kress, MS, LCPC, NCC
Marie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who received her Masters of Science in Human Services Degree from Capella University with a specialty in mental health counseling. Her undergraduate studies were completed at DePaul University in the field of psychology. Marie's professional background consists of providing counseling services to individuals, couples and families since 2007 in a variety of settings to diverse clientele. She has experience diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health issues including mood, anxiety and behavioral disorders, trama, psychosis and personality disorders. Marie uses cognitive-behavioral and play therapy interventions as well as positive, client-centered talk therapy to assist clients with finding symptom relief while building self-esteem. She is a strong proponent of psycho education and enjoys aligning with and engaging clients in building awareness around mental wellness to help them improve overall quality of life.
Kimberly Young MSW, LCSW
Kim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois. She has 32 years experience working with youth from pre-school to adolescent in the public school setting. Kim has worked extensively with pre-school children helping them and their parents to adjust to entering school, as well as helping them to learn routines and expectations of the school and classroom. Kim has also worked many years with children and adults who are physically and mentally impaired both in the school setting and in community residential programs. She has experience working with children and adolescents with ADHD, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, behavior, trauma, grief and coping skills. She also uses a variety of techniques including Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Client Centered, Solution Focused, and Behavior Therapy. Kim's focus is to give the client a place to feel safe, comfortable, listen and learn strategies to identify and manage emotions and stressors and feel confident and successful.
Rita Sanders, MA, LCPC
Rita has a solid background in diagnosing and providing treatment for a diverse clientele in a variety of settings. She provides individual, couple, and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Rita is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who received her Masters degree in counseling from Governors State University. She is experienced in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger management, phobias, trauma/abuse survivors, grief/loss issues and relationship conflicts. Rita's approach is to emphasize and build upon her client's strengths, teach life skills and healthy coping skillsto improve their quality of life and to find resolution to internal and external conflicts.
Victoria Victorenko, MS, LSW
Vickie is a licensed Social Worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work from Aurora University and Masters of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University. Vickie has experience working in medical settings including Skilled Nursing Facilities, Physical Rehabilitation Hospitals and Community Hospital settings working with individuals on a broad spectrum of issues. Additionally, Vickie has over 8 years doing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy) with children who are diagnosed with Autism, as well as a certificate in Health Coaching, working with individuals to make lifestyle changes. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults by focusing on areas including self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, stress management, medical and health concerns, grief and loss, work and vocational issues. Vickie uses a variety of interventions in a collaborative, client centered approach while establishing a supportive and empathetic relationship to help clients see themselves from a strengths perspective and achieve their personal goals.
Laura Jackman, MA, LCPC
Laura is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and received her Masters degree from Wheaton College. Laura specializes and is clinically trained in the area of marriage/family counseling. Laura also works with individual adults who present with various concerns including depression, relational issues, anxiety, some forensic work, life transitions, grief, and life coaching. Laura works with clients to ameliorate psychological and emotional pain with caring, compassionate counseling. Her approach to therapy is straightforward, honest, empathetic, and relational. Laura's goal is to assist client's to modify their ineffective thoughts and behavior patterns to better achieve their life goals, arriving with a sense of contentment, fulfillment, and resolution.
Jamilah Akbar, MA, LCPC
Jamilah is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who obtained her Masters degree from Roosevelt University. Jamilah provides counseling services to children, adolescents and adults and has extensive experience working with a variety of issues including ADHD, oppositional and conduct disorders, adjustment and attachment issues, self-injury, adoption issues, anxiety and depression. Jamilah utilizes various therapeutic techniques such as cognitive/behavioral, solution-focused, family systems, directive and non-directive play therapy and client centered therapy. Jamilah strives to establish a supportive and trusting environment to help clients acquire skills they need to achieve their therapeutic goals.
Kyle Lisowski, Ed. S, LCPC
Kyle is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with an Educational Specialist degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. Kyle's eclectic approach incorporates 3rd Wave Cognitive Behavior Therapy including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Kyle specializes in treating 'phase of life' issues, depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationship struggles, and trauma. Kyle is motivated to help his client's reach the changes they want to see in their own lives.
Katrina Neubauer, MA, LCPC
Katrina is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis University. She specializes in treating anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, self-esteem issues, interpersonal relationship struggles, and trauma. Within the therapeutic relationship, Katrina takes a collaborative, client-centered approach while promoting vulnerability and open, honest communication. Katrina strives to establish a supportive, trusting and empathetic relationship with individuals to assist them in improving on the skills needed to achieve their goals and live abundant, healthy, fulfilled lives.
Nicole Carpenter MA, LPC
Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor who obtained her Masters in Counseling from Lewis University. She has experience with adolescents as well as adults. She is knowledgeable in a variety of issues. Nicole has worked closely with individuals who encounter depression, anxiety, substance abuse and violence. She has specifically worked with survivors of domestic violence and the unique challenges these individuals face. Nicole approaches counseling with the belief that everyone is different, and so the approach to treatment should vary to fit the specific needs of that person who is seeking help. She recognizes the need to be eclectic, drawing in different theories and strategies to meet the clients where they are at. Nicole also takes a client centered approach which emphasizes that the client has the power to come up with their own solutions, while the therapist is their guide and support through their journey.
Joyce Kraus DSW Candidate, LCSW, ACSW.
Joyce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her master's degree from Aurora University. She will complete her Doctor of Social Work in May 2022. A member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), NASW, and Phi Alpha National Honor Society, Joyce holds more than 20 years of experience in both Inpatient and Outpatient mental treatment. She is a full-time faculty member at the University of St. Francis in the department of Social Work. Joyce has worked with clients ages 4 and up to cope with issues like ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, trauma and medical illnesses that impact a client's well-being. Joyce's approach to therapy includes a holistic approach by partnering with clients to identify achievable goals and develop a plan to meet those goals. Joyce uses evidence-based approaches to therapy including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused approach, and Strengths Perspective.
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Brooke Hagadus, MSW, LCSW
Brooke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 28 years of experience in this field. She obtained her Master's Degree along with a Certificate to work in the School Setting (Type 73). Brooke's undergraduate degree was earned from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor's degree in Juvenile Justice. Brooke has consistently worked with children, teens and families throughout the years in a variety of settings. She had spent 10 years as a Juvenile Probation Officer with following experiences in the foster care setting, alternative schools, hospice and is also currently working as a school social worker in a Junior High setting. This gives Brooke a vast amount of experience with at-risk youth and families from a variety of backgrounds and experiences teaming up with community agencies.
Brooke has a lot of experience working with youth and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self esteem, trauma and grief. Brooke excels at building positive relationships with a variety of clients and is easily able to build a trusting rapport. She uses a variety of research based techniques such as CBT, Client Centered, Solution Focused, while using Strength's Perspective outlook. It is very important that clients feel heard, comfortable and safe while being supported.
Maureen Fitzmaurice, MA, PEL, NCC, LCPC
Maureen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and former Educator. She is a graduate of Saint Xavier University in Chicago. She treats adolescents and adults and is well versed in addressing a variety of issues. Her specialties include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, chronic pain and illness as well as treatment of first responders. In addition to brief solution-focused therapy, she is comfortable treating those with a long-term need for psychotherapy. Maureen utilizes a client-centered approach that is warm, supportive, and collaborative to help clients meet their treatment goals. As every client has different needs, Maureen uses an eclectic approach to therapy, pulling from various counseling theories and techniques to meet the unique demands of each client.
Jeremiah Jobe, MSW, LSW
Jeremiah Jobe Sr. is a licensed Social Worker who obtained his Master's degree from Aurora University. Jeremiah also received his Type 73 PEL and is employed full time as a School Social Worker at the High School Level. He has worked with children, adolescents, young adults and families in diverse settings for over 15 years. Jeremiah's background has included community outreach programs in at-risk environments, juvenile justice, vocational workshops, and special needs populations.
Jeremiah specializes in working with school-aged children struggling with depression, anxiety, perfectionism, grief, trauma, stress management, and identity issues. Jeremiah takes an individualistic approach to therapy utilizing evidence-based research such as SFBT, CBT, play therapy, and mindfulness techniques. He believes in a client-centered approach employing a strength-based perspective. It is important for the client to feel empowered, educated, and supported so they can realize the best version of themselves.
Andrea Swanson, MA, LCPC
Andrea Swanson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been providing therapeutic services since 2010. She has clinical experience working with all age groups, including adults, with specific emphasis with children and adolescents. She has experience doing individual, group, and family therapy in an outpatient and partial hospitalization setting. Andrea uses a variety of treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Play Therapy, which will be tailored to you and your family or individually, to help meet your needs and achieve your therapy goals.
She has experience working with a variety of issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, self-injurious behavior, anger management, ADHD, ODD, social skills, self-esteem, communication issues and conflict resolution. Andrea believes that the therapeutic relationship is an important part of successful treatment and will begin establishing this from the first session.
Kristen Cooke, MSW, LCSW
Kristen Cooke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who obtained her Master's Degree from Dominican University. Kristen has her School Social Worker certificate and also works in an Elementary School District. She has worked with youth, young adults, and families for over 10 years in a variety of settings including foster care, residential homes for DCFS wards of the state with severe mental health diagnosis, and therapeutic day schools. Kristen Also has experience working with youth from the Juvenile Justice System and a variety of Chicagoland impatient psychiatric hospitals. She has extensive experience working with youth and young adults with anxiety, depression, self-injury, suicidal ideation, mood disorders, ADHD, grief, and trama. Kristen is able to build positive relationships with hard to reach clients and families. She is determined to make her clients feel safe and comfortable while building a postive therapeutic relationship in a non-judgemental enviroment. Kristen utilizes a variety of techniques such as mindfulness, play therapy, art therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and Dialectical behavior therapy. Through the strengths and perspective Kristen's goal as a therapist is to help her clients recognize their personal strengths, achieve life goals and achieve personal happiness.
Denise Williams MA, LPC
Denise is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her MA in Clinical Psychology from Governors State University. She has worked with Veterans, First Responders, Gold Stars and their families in a variety of capacities for over 10 years. Because of these experiences, she understands the unique perspective of these communities, as well as the challenges they face in the wider, civilian world. Denise works from a strength-based,
non-judgmental approach, using a variety of techniques including CBT, ACT, DBT, and Existential modalities along with the power of psychoeducation to help individuals focus less on the diagnosis and more on what is working. Through this collaborative, client-centered approach to trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship and transition challenges, she helps clients achieve their definition of a healthy, balanced and fulfilled life.
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