Call Us:  815-320-3749

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. 

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.

​

Denise Williams MA, LPC

   Denise is a Licensed Professional Counselor and EMDR trained clinician who received her MA in Clinical Psychology from Governors State University. Denise has worked  for more than a decade with Veterans, First Responders, Gold Stars and their families in a variety of capacities. 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 neuroscience-based approach using a variety of techniques including CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR 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.                                         ​   As an EMDR trained clinician, Denise offers this unique, evidence-based and scientifically validated 12-week protocol as In session (60-90 minute sessions, one to two times weekly) and intensives (3 to 6 hour sessions on consecutive days). Denise practices what she calls Gentle EMDR, a clinically proven, less intense experience than traditional EMDR, and is equally effective in addressing grief, anxiety, life challenges and changes and the anxious and depressive symptoms these bring as it is for traima and Post-Traumatic Stress. EMDR helps release the pain, sadness, fear, and overwhelming feelings difficult memories bring, putting clients in control of when, how and if those memories are experienced. Denise knows, and wants everyone that has experienced difficult or traumatic events to understand and feel the healing power of Post-Tramatic Growth. 

​

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.  

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.

Gia Hill Associate Clinician

    Gia is an Associate Counselor at The Kennedy Center for Counseling who provides counseling services and psychotherapy to adolescents and young adults. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Illinois State University. She is a graduate student at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, pursuing her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. She works with a range of client populations, including adolescents and young adults. In her current master's program Gia is focusing on human development, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, stress management, and other topics related to psychotherapy. Gia emphasizes the value of cultivating a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship while integrating psychoeducational tools to deepen clients' understanding of their mental health and well-being.  

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.

Aimee Byrne MSW, LCSW

     Aimee Byrne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who obtained her Masters of Social Work degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has 20+ years of experience working with clients of all ages, specializing in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship issues, and crisis management. Aimee works from a systemic approach that incorporates attachment, experiential learning, strength-based, and cognitive therapeutic approaches to promote healing, resilience, and growth. Aimee strongly believes in providing a client centered approach to her sessions, viewing her clients to be the experts in their lives. 

Stephanie Tunney MS, LPC, CCATP

​      Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a degree in Clinical Mental Health  Counseling from Capella University. She is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. Stephanie's background includes working with individuals who have experienced domestic violence and she is truly devoted to helping others through their trauma. Stephanie believes everyone has the capacity to make changes in their lives, no matter their circumstances or age. Her goal as a counselor is to help clients discover the tools which work for them to make the changes they need. The therapeutic style that Stephanie uses builds a strong counselor/client relationship, integrating treatments  which work for each individual client. Although our past may have led us to this moment of crisis, it is our personal strengths which will allow us to move on to a healthier life. 

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. 

​

Nicole Klaric MA, LPC, PEL

​   Nicole is a licensed professional counselor who received her Masters in School Counseling from Lewis University. Nicole has worked with a variety of clients ranging from children to adults. She provides individual, couples and family counseling. Nicole has a passion for working with teens and young adults helping them navigate friendships, self-appearance, anxiety, depression, trauma, learning disorders, and finding their path. Nicole has worked closely with both parents and schools helping to navigate school refusal, 504 plans, and accommodations for clients. 

    Nicole works to create a trusting therapeutic relationship with clients. She has an eclectic approach to therapy as she believes in looking at what individuals need and meeting the clients where they are to help them grow and move through their experiences.  

Lauren Madon MSW, LSW

    Lauren Madon is a Licensed Social Worker who obtained her Masters of Social Work from the University of Saint Francis. Lauren has worked with clients of all ages and in a variety of settings. She believes in meeting the client where they are at and utilizing a strength-based, client-centered approach along with cognitive behavioral approaches to promote growth, self- empowerment, and healing. She strives to provide an environment where every client can feel heard, understood, and seen no matter what they are going through or experiencing. Lauren works with individuals, couples and families on a variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, self-harm behaviors, relationship issues, domestic violence, trauma, and LGBTQIA+ issues. She also has experience working with military Veterans. 

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.

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.