Vanessa Demito is a licensed professional counselor dedicated to guiding clients through life’s challenging transitions. Her passion lies in supporting children and adolescents as they explore their thoughts and emotions. Known for her optimism and kind demeanor, Vanessa fosters a non-judgmental atmosphere that ensures clients feel comfortable during their therapeutic journey. With extensive experience in crisis counseling gained from her work in both adult and adolescent emergency rooms, as well as her time in the adult behavioral health inpatient unit, she possesses in-depth knowledge of various mental health challenges. Vanessa is adept in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and effectively integrates these techniques to facilitate her clients' progress.

Stacey O'Connell, MA, LCPC, has dedicated over fifteen years to providing compassionate therapy for clients grappling with various mood disorders, anxiety, women's issues, trauma, family conflict, and grief. With a strong belief in a holistic approach to treatment, she empowers individuals to identify options, develop coping skills, and transform the thought patterns that contribute to anxious and depressive symptoms. As a specialist in women's issues, particularly perinatal mood disorders, Stacey continues to offer her expertise across a broad range of presenting issues. A proud graduate of Bradley University with a BA and Roosevelt University with her MA in Community Counseling, she utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help clients form healthy thought patterns, recognizing that symptoms are temporary and manageable through effective coping strategies. At Postpartum Wellness Center, Stacey and her team are committed to nurturing wellness throughout all stages of life, including support for children and adolescents facing challenges like divorce and grief.

Julie Faulkner is a Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with over 20 years of experience in diverse treatment settings. Her background includes in-home counseling, residential treatment, outpatient community mental health centers, and private practice. Julie is dedicated to helping clients, including teens, adults, and elders, develop individualized strategies and goals to navigate challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. She utilizes a strengths-based model, believing in the inherent strengths and capabilities of each individual. Julie collaborates with clients to problem-solve and overcome emotional barriers affecting their relationships, behaviors, and thought patterns. Understanding that therapy can be daunting, she prioritizes the establishment of trust, creating a safe space where clients feel understood. With a gentle yet direct approach that incorporates humor, Julie supports her clients in making meaningful changes for a better quality of life.

Marilyn Ferri, LCPC, is a seasoned counselor who received her M.S. from Illinois State University in 1994. With over 23 years of experience, she is dedicated to collaborating with her clients to create personalized toolboxes that illuminate their strengths for healing and growth. Marilyn's clients often express their appreciation for her warmth, sense of humor, accepting attitude, and creativity. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois, she has worked with a diverse range of individuals including young and older adults, couples, families, and groups. Marilyn specializes in treating issues such as anxiety, trauma, addictions, depression, grief/loss, and caregiver stress. She primarily employs cognitive behavioral therapy along with client-centered approaches to foster a supportive therapeutic environment.

Julie Field is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and young adults through their unique challenges. With her extensive experience as a therapist, Julie understands that everyone faces struggles at various stages of life. She recognizes that when children and adolescents encounter difficulties for the first time, they often feel uncertain about how to express their needs or cope effectively. Drawing from her personal experiences during childhood and her professional training, Julie offers a compassionate and insightful perspective. She collaborates with children of all ages and their families to develop tailored coping strategies that align with each individual’s personality. By working together, they develop enduring habits that help children navigate their current struggles while equipping them with foundational tools for lifelong resilience. Furthermore, Julie also works with young adults, understanding that this transitional phase can be both exhilarating and challenging. Whether addressing past traumas or setting personal and professional goals, she supports them in processing their thoughts and feelings, fostering a safe space for growth and healing.

Hal Filian is a seasoned psychotherapist with over 30 years of professional experience. Throughout the early years of his career, he dedicated his efforts primarily to the treatment of children, adolescents, and families, often handling some of the most challenging cases referred by local schools, courts, and police departments. As his practice has evolved over the years, he has expanded his expertise to encompass a broad spectrum of adult individuals and couples, which has further enriched his therapeutic capabilities. Hal’s practical experience, combined with ongoing professional training, has sharpened his skills in addressing a wide range of personal struggles, including depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol and substance abuse, and complex relationship challenges faced by couples and families. His areas of specialty encapsulate Adolescents, Adults, Families, and Couples, with a focus on Depression and Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Disorders, and Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Married for 27 years and currently raising his third teenager, Hal possesses invaluable personal insights alongside his professional knowledge. He recognizes that the journey to the first appointment can be daunting for many, and he emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable first impression for his clients.

Kristina Galuszka is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC) dedicated to supporting adults and elders in navigating their mental health challenges. With a creative approach to therapy, she enhances clients' understanding of their situations by offering innovative strategies and techniques that resonate with their individual experiences. Kristina specializes in addressing depression, anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through a combination of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her emphasis on collaboration allows clients to feel empowered as they explore solutions together, often stepping outside their comfort zones to achieve their goals. Kristina has a rich history of working with diverse populations, including adolescents and older adults, and she leverages her creative skills to tailor each treatment plan to the unique needs of those she serves.

Christina N. Garcia, LCPC, holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. With a wealth of experience working with children aged 10 and up, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, Christina tailors therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual. She embraces diversity and approaches each therapeutic relationship with warmth, authenticity, and respect, creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for exploration and growth. Christina firmly believes that no child or adult is 'bad' or 'broken'; rather, she views all individuals as possessing inherent strengths and the potential for positive change. Understanding the significance of uncovering the 'why' behind thoughts, decisions, and struggles, she emphasizes authenticity and guides clients at a pace that aligns with their therapeutic goals. Christina fosters strong therapeutic relationships grounded in trust and honesty, integrating each person's preferences and values, including their faith when desired. With her holistic approach to healing and well-being, Christina is both direct and gentle in holding individuals accountable, ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey.

Kate Geiser, LCPC, is a dedicated therapist with over three decades of experience, having graduated from the University of Arizona in 1991. She specializes in working with adults and seniors aged 65 and older, providing compassionate support for issues such as depression, anxiety, and anger management. Through her eclectic approach, which includes Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Kate effectively tailors her methods to meet the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family. With a strong commitment to fostering healthy relationships, she offers guidance that empowers her clients to achieve personal growth and emotional well-being.

Dennis Humphrey, MA, LCPC, is a seasoned counselor with 25 years of experience in helping individuals, families, and teens navigate their emotional and relational challenges. His practice reveals a common thread: many people struggle to confront their emotional pain, often developing coping mechanisms that exacerbate their hurt and isolation. Dennis is dedicated to transforming this cycle by guiding clients toward understanding their emotions, fostering coping skills, and ultimately thriving despite life's obstacles. His passion lies in empowering others, instilling hope and offering practical solutions for personal growth. Alongside his focus on mental health counseling, Dennis is also an adept career development professional, well-versed in executive coaching and workplace conflict resolution. He adopts a collaborative and respectful approach, valuing each client’s beliefs and values while providing insights and resources to clarify their circumstances. With his background as a former pastor, Dennis is sensitive to matters of faith, offering a welcoming perspective for those who seek it.

Amy Knize is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who understands the challenges of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. With a passion for supporting individuals, couples, and families, she specializes in guiding clients through parenting issues and healing relationships. Her approach is collaborative, ensuring that each client's unique needs are met with respect and understanding. With expertise in anxiety and mood disorders, as well as family and couples therapy, Amy provides invaluable crisis intervention and support for women's issues. She is committed to helping her clients discover and develop both new skills and hidden strengths, acting as a compassionate listener and a knowledgeable ally on their journey toward balance and peace in life.

Amanda Lai Wai Kuen is a licensed professional counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, and ICDVP dedicated to helping her clients develop a deeper awareness of themselves and their coping mechanisms. She envisions clients recognizing their strengths through a positive and healthy lens, embracing the potential to overcome challenges. Amanda's goal is to guide clients in achieving a harmonious balance between their professional responsibilities and personal care, emphasizing the importance of self-care in everyday life. With an eclectic approach to counseling, she holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychological Studies from Singapore and an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Moreover, she is a certified Illinois Domestic Violence Professional (ICVP) and has accumulated extensive field experience with over a thousand hours of training. A typical session with Amanda entails processing past experiences and reshaping unhelpful thoughts to foster healing and long-lasting transformation in the present. She is committed to meeting clients where they are and tailoring treatment approaches to their unique needs, with a focus on nurturing the counseling relationship and prioritizing client well-being.

Meaghan Meehan is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist who is committed to supporting individuals in navigating, managing, and overcoming the myriad challenges life presents. She understands that many people struggle with depression, anxiety, and various stressors that can impact aspects like school, work, and relationships. Recognizing that facing such difficulties is a common experience, Meaghan advocates for a collaborative therapeutic journey, employing a strengths-based approach throughout. Her specialties include working with adolescents, as well as addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, school refusal, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and behavioral issues. With experience in educational settings, she has assisted both general and special education students, including those with IEPs and 504s, and has engaged with many in specialized programs. Meaghan strives to create a warm, open, and non-judgmental environment where clients can feel safe, comfortable, and welcomed. Her down-to-earth and realistic approach makes her an encouraging partner in the therapeutic process.