Lacey Anderson, Licensed Professional Counselor (MA, LPC, CADC), understands that life often presents unexpected challenges that can feel overwhelming. She recognizes how these challenges may lead individuals to experience negative thoughts and behaviors that affect their lives and relationships. To Lacey, it is a privilege to work with clients through these difficulties, transforming them into milestones of personal growth and resilience. Committed to providing a comfortable, peaceful, and supportive environment, her goal is to restore a sense of peace, happiness, and balance in her clients' lives. Lacey has a special passion for working with women, acknowledging the unique roles they balance in society, which can be daunting and hinder their happiness. Her clients bring invaluable assets to counseling, which she helps them leverage to handle life's pressures effectively. With extensive training in chemical dependency, Lacey understands the detrimental effects of substance abuse on individuals and their families. She is equipped to support both those struggling with addiction and family members affected by substance use. Through her guidance, clients learn essential techniques and gain education about addiction, enhancing their coping skills and overall well-being.

Vessela Andreeva, MA, LCPC, is a dedicated counselor who provides expert, compassionate, and individualized counseling aimed at helping clients gain insight into their feelings, behaviors, and relationships. With a strong focus on children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as adjustment issues, anger management, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem problems, she creates a supportive environment for healing. Vessela has a rich background in assisting individuals with complex mental health histories, addressing issues that may result in functional struggles or psychiatric hospitalization. Through her comprehensive approach, she guides clients to understand the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while teaching new, healthier coping strategies. Vessela's versatile skill set includes mindfulness-based therapies, cognitive behavioral techniques, and play therapy, allowing her to customize her methods to fit the unique needs of each client, ultimately empowering them to live fulfilling lives and achieve their personal goals.

Amber Boeschel is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10 years of experience dedicated to helping teens and adults navigate their mental health challenges. She specializes in issues related to dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, and addiction, and has a wealth of experience working with first responders and within the criminal justice system. Amber believes that committing to therapy is a significant step, and she approaches each session with respect for her clients' time and personal therapeutic goals. Her therapeutic style is culturally sensitive and encompasses modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Amber fosters a collaborative environment where clients are encouraged to share their aspirations and struggles. As a passionate advocate for mental wellness, she helps clients build coping skills and recognizes the value of each individual's journey in overcoming trauma, grief, and behavioral issues. With Amber, clients can expect a supportive space where they can feel at ease as they work towards achieving their desired outcomes.

Dr. Dawn Kusinski, a Counselor with a PsyD, has a compassionate approach to therapy, focusing on individuals who have experienced painful events in childhood or adult life. She specializes in assisting those who frequently feel angry, sad, or anxious, as well as individuals who struggle with feelings of being out of control in their behavior and feeling misunderstood in their relationships. Dr. Kusinski also addresses milder symptoms such as stress from managing work-life balance, interpersonal relationship challenges, and attention-related concerns. Her dedicated therapy work includes helping individuals adopt effective parenting strategies and fostering assertiveness in their lives. In her final year of graduate school, Dr. Kusinski pursued additional training in Marriage and Family Therapy and is an advocate for strong marriages and families. She is currently seeking certification to become a Gottman Marriage Therapist. With a degree in clinical psychology and a Type 73 certification as a Licensed School Psychologist, Dr. Kusinski provides invaluable insight and guidance to families regarding special education services and procedures, while also facilitating psycho-educational testing.

Nancy Nelson, LCSW, is a dedicated clinical social worker and co-founder of Aspire-Center for Positive Change. With a deep passion for helping others navigate their mental health challenges, Nancy believes in the importance of providing a safe and understanding environment for individuals to share their stories. With over 26 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has devoted her career to supporting children and adolescents diagnosed with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Specializing in crisis intervention and grief and loss issues, Nancy is also a Certified Grief and Loss Specialist. She offers comprehensive mental health services for people of all ages and possesses significant expertise in areas such as grief and loss recovery, anxiety, and depression. Nancy understands that every individual has a story, and she is committed to helping them tell theirs. Their story matters, and through her guidance, individuals can find opportunities for growth and healing.

Dr. Linda Kramper is a compassionate psychologist specializing in helping adults and elders navigate through life's challenges. She understands that many individuals face debilitating anxiety, deep-seated depression, and unresolved trauma. With a commitment to fostering a sense of contentment and grounding, Dr. Kramper delivers high-quality, holistic mental health services tailored to each person's unique experiences. Her therapeutic approach is both warm and intuitive, blending traditional and nontraditional counseling methods rooted in respect and collaboration. She skillfully employs various modalities, including EMDR, Trauma-Focused therapy, and an eclectic person-centered approach to meet her clients' individual needs. In her practice, Dr. Kramper addresses a wide range of issues, such as peer relationships, grief, emotional disturbance, and self-esteem, all within a supportive and comfortable environment.

Patricia (Trisha) Mortensen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University, earned in 2007. With a wealth of experience spanning individuals, couples, and families of all ages, she skillfully addresses a myriad of behavioral health concerns, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, stress management, difficulties with emotional regulation, and anger management. As a recognized Smart Step Family provider, Trisha is devoted to creating a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment, empowering her clients to gain insight and seek healing. Her eclectic approach blends Compassion Focused therapy with Person-Centered and Emotionally Focused modalities, enabling clients to work through life’s challenges and curveballs. Trisha considers it an honor to support her clients in finding their voice and developing effective coping strategies, facilitating a journey towards living life to the fullest.

Carissa Silunas, a pre-licensed professional with an MSW, is a dedicated therapist at Aspire Center for Positive Change in Channahon, IL. With three years of experience at Aspire, including a foundational internship, Carissa has developed a passion for helping adolescents navigate challenges such as emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, grief, and divorce. Under the supervision of LCSW Nancy Nelson and LCP Courtney O'Brien, she provides a compassionate space where young individuals feel encouraged to share their stories. Committed to fostering growth, Carissa collaborates with her clients to establish and pursue meaningful goals that contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle.

Samantha Tyree is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis University. She specializes in working with children and adolescents, while also having extensive experience assisting adults who are facing challenges related to mood disorders and trauma. With a strong background in both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health settings, Samantha provides individual and family counseling to clients of all ages. She creatively incorporates art and play into her client-centered therapy, fostering an empathic environment that emphasizes self-compassion and individual strengths. Through her compassionate approach, Samantha helps clients identify and establish new healthy coping skills, enhancing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in everyday life. She encourages each individual to make their therapy journey a positive and personal experience.