MARIA POTTER, MA, LCPC
I specialize in helping people who have been victims of trauma (sexual, emotional or physical abuse; assault; harassment, as well as traumatic injuries, illnesses or accidents) whether as a child or in adulthood. I have also assisted individuals with difficulties related, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, relationship, self-esteem, and parenting issues.
I have been a counselor for over 20 years. For approximately 16 years, I worked in the child welfare/foster care arena. I was a therapist for nine of those years working with children, adolescents, and parents addressing the issues that brought their case to the attention of DCFS. I was a Clinical Manager for seven years.
I am passionate about the work that I do and I thoroughly enjoy assisting in the healing process.
Choosing a therapist can be challenging. Feel free to contact me with any questions. If we are not a good fit, I’d be happy to refer you to someone who may be better suited for you. I look forward to potentially working together.
JULIE S. RIOS, MA, LCPC
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, who has a passion for serving others. I attended Trinity Christian College where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business and then obtained my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I am a bilingual therapist (Spanish) and has experience working with a culturally diverse population.
I have provided counseling services in multiple settings including a daycare, religious private school (K-8), private practice and a community health agency, which allowed me to focus on helping children, adolescents, couples, and adults with depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, social and communication skills, social emotionl skills, self-esteem, grief/loss, trauma, self-harm, and life transitions.
As each client is unique and has different needs, I strive to create a safe, trusting and non-threatening environment to cultivate the beginning of a healing journey for each client.
Soy una consejera profesional con licencia, que tiene una pasión por servir a los demás. Asistí a Trinity Christian College, donde obtuve una licenciatura en negocios y luego obtuve mi maestría en psicología de consejería. Soy una terapeuta bilingüe (español) y tengo experiencia trabajando con una población culturalmente diversa.
He ofrecido servicios de consejería en diferentes lugares, entre ellos una guardería, una escuela privada religiosa (K-8), una práctica de terapia privada y una agencia de salud comunitaria, lo que me permitió concentrarme en ayudar a niños, adolescentes y adultos con depresión, estrés, ansiedad, problemas de ira, habilidades sociales y de comunicación, autoestima, pérdidas, trauma, autolesión y transiciones de la vida.
Como cada cliente es único y tiene diferentes necesidades, trato de crear un lugar seguro, de confianza y sin prejuicios para cultivar el comienzo de un viaje de sanación para cada cliente.
PAUL AVRAM, MA, LCPC
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I have received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology.
I have worked in private practice, employee assistance, and the child welfare system. I spent the first 16 years of my career working with foster families, adolescents and children, as both a social worker and therapist, helping them heal from their trauma and live productive lives. I have also held the roles of clinical and program director in the foster care system, allowing me to develop a sense of the bigger picture when it comes to working with my clients.
I’ve worked for the past 6 years in the employee assistance field where I focused on mental and emotional health issues within the workplace. I worked with organizations in addressing employee behavioral and work performance issues. I have supported organizations when trauma has occurred within the workplace. I appreciate the role of the world in which my clients live and work and how it can impact their mental health.
I have taught psychology at Moraine Valley Community College. I take great pride in making difficult concepts approachable to all my students and witnessed how learning has given them confidence. I believe that there is a great value in understanding life’s challenges as you face them.
I carry these philosophies into the therapeutic session. I believe it’s important for my clients to not look at themselves as merely a list of symptoms or disorders, but as a whole person. It is vital to see themselves in the bigger picture, recognizing the role of the world around them in their emotional challenges, and to have a solid understanding of the challenges that they are facing. This is the first step on the path to healing. I want us to look at your overall lifestyle, focus on your strengths and help you reach the goals that you have set for yourself.
MONIKA BARANIAK, MA, LCPC, ICDVP
Healing starts with the courage to reach for help and I am passionate about helping people to regain their emotional wellbeing so they can feel complete and safe again.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and have been working in the mental health field since 2014. I have extensive experience working with victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and I hold a certification as the Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional. My most recent experience has been working with youth who are struggling with substance use as well as anxiety and depression.
I believe that one of my roles as the therapist is to help clients develop an increased self awareness as they are the experts of their own lives and through exploration in an accepting and safe environment they are able to work towards their best potential.
Each person is different and unique and I work collaboratively with my clients to provide them with individualized attention, empathy and competent treatment. I help them draw conclusions from the past, experience the present moment and remind them that the future is a chance to start everything once again.
Droga do leczenia zaczyna się od odwagi poproszenia o pomoc i moją pasją jest pomagać innym aby doznali równowagi emocjonalnej i znów poczuli się bezpiecznie i całkowicie.
Jestem licencjonowanym psychoterapeutą i pracuję w zawodzie od 2014 roku. Mam długie doświadczenie w pracy z osobami, które doznały przemocy domowej lub sexualnej i posiadam certyfikacje w tym kierunku. Moje najbliższe doświadczenie skupia się na pracy z osobami walczącymi z nałogami jak i też lękami i depresją.
Jestem zdania, że jedna z moich ról jako terapeuta to pomóc innym zwiększyć ich samoświadomość jako eksperci swojego życia i poprzez odkrywanie samego siebie w biezpiecznym otoczeniu są w stanie dążyć do swojego najwyższego potencjału.
Każda osoba jest inna i niepowtarzalna i poprzez wspólną pracę z klientem otrzymają ode mnie indywidualna uwagę, empatię i kompetentne podejście. Pomogę innym wyciągnąć wnioski z przeszłości, doświadczyć moment w terażniejszości jak i skupić się na przyszłości jako szanse na zaczęcie od nowa.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the intention of helping you on your mental health journey. I received my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University and my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Applied Psychology. I am bilingual in Spanish and have had the pleasure of connecting with and serving diverse populations. My experience ranges from community organizations specializing in child welfare, domestic violence and homelessness to private practice with those experiencing developmental trauma, anxiety, depression and life transition.
I’m excited for the opportunity to apply strength-based approaches and latest evidence-based practices to support each client’s individual and unique needs. I believe in working collaboratively to foster personal growth, as clients are experts of their own life. I look forward to creating a supportive and safe environment to nurture and promote self-empowerment and awareness through tailored, specialized wellness.
Soy una Consejera Profesional Licenciada con la intención y el propósito de ayudarlo en su camino hacia la salud mental. Recibí mi Maestría en Consejería Clínica de Salud Mental de la Universidad de Concordia y mi Licenciatura de la Universidad de Illinois en Chicago en Psicología Aplicada. Soy bilingüe en español y he tenido el placer de conectarme y servir a diversas poblaciones. Mi experiencia abarca desde organizaciones comunitarias especializadas en bienestar infantil, violencia doméstica y personas sin hogar hasta práctica privada con personas que experimentan trauma del desarrollo, ansiedad, depresión y transición de vida.
Estoy emocionada por la oportunidad de aplicar enfoques basados en fortalezas y las últimas prácticas basadas en evidencia para apoyar las necesidades individuales y únicas de cada cliente. Creo en el trabajo colaborativo para fomentar el crecimiento personal, ya que los clientes son expertos en su propia vida. Espero crear un entorno de apoyo y seguro para nutrir y promover el autoempoderamiento y la conciencia a través de un bienestar especializado y personalizado.
AIDA MARAVILLAS, MSW, LCSW
I have a passion to help you navigate your mental health needs and support your journey to healing and recovery. I have experience helping adolescents, young adults, and adults treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, social stress, school related stressors, relationship issues, and parenting challenges.
I utilize a combination of therapeutic techniques with the belief that each person is uniquely designed, as is their experience. I embrace a holistic approach that encompasses your particular strengths and identified needs.
I obtained my Master of Social Work at UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked as a certified school social worker in a high school setting for over 18 years.
Tengo la pasión de ayudarle a navegar por sus necesidades de salud mental y apoyar su viaje hacia la curación y la recuperación. Tengo experiencia ayudando a adolescentes, jóvenes y adultos a tratar los síntomas de la depresión, la ansiedad, el estrés social, los factores de estrés relacionados con la escuela, los problemas de relación y los desafíos de la crianza de los hijos.
Utilizo una combinación de técnicas terapéuticas con la creencia de que cada persona tiene un diseño único, al igual que su experiencia. Adopto un enfoque integral que abarca sus fortalezas particulares y necesidades identificadas.
Obtuve mi Maestría en Trabajo Social en UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work. Soy una trabajadora social clínica con licencia y he trabajado como una trabajadora social escolar certificada en un entorno de escuela secundaria durante más de 18 años.
KRISTIE BISAILLON, MSW, LCSW, CADC
Seeking guidance is a significant first step toward awareness and positive change. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Addiction Medicine, with 18 years of experience across inpatient hospital and outpatient community programs. My practice includes working with diverse populations, including children, teenagers, adults, veterans, and families.
I provide support for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, codependency, and mood disorders. I also specialize in navigating addiction-related challenges, whether for yourself or a loved one. My goal is to help you overcome these obstacles and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
My therapeutic approach integrates several evidence-based modalities, tailored to meet you where you are in your journey. I am committed to providing compassionate, personalized care to support your growth and well-being. I look forward to hearing from you.
BREANNA A. CORDOVA, MA, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trinity Christian College, dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to improve their mental health. I am motivated to provide compassionate care to clients from diverse backgrounds, taking a holistic approach to therapy that focuses on the whole person. I believe that each individual possesses unique strengths and abilities that can be harnessed to facilitate personal growth and healing. My goal is to create an environment of acceptance and understanding where clients feel heard.
I have experience providing counseling services in both a religious private school (Preschool--8) and private practice settings. This has allowed me to work with children, adolescents, couples, and adults, addressing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, communication skills, social-emotional skills, self-esteem, grief and loss, trauma, self-harm, political trauma, and various life transitions. I support clients from various cultural and social backgrounds.
When I’m not working, I am traveling or spending time with my dog. I am also an active member of the Illinois Counseling Association and enjoy volunteering and presenting at counseling conferences.
MONICA KACZMARCZYK, MA
Hey! My name is Monica Kaczmarczyk. I am currently a graduate student in the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Capella University. Everyone needs someone to talk to about their feelings, experiences, and relationships because life may be difficult at times. We can work together to bring about good change, regardless of how unsure you feel about the future or if you're going through sadness, worry, or depression. Reaching this stage of the process is a great accomplishment since it might be challenging to realize that asking for a helping hand is a huge strength!
Working with children, adolescents, and young adults is something I am enthusiastic about. In my work with children and teenagers, I offer support with anxiety and depression, emotional regulation, friendship obstacles, and life navigation. Together, we can figure out how to deal with whatever comes up and learn how to process, balance, and conquer it. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, trying new restaurants, and farming!
Witam ! Nazywam się Monica Kaczmarczyk. Obecnie jestem studentką studiów magisterskich w programie Master of Clinical Mental Health Counselling w Capella Uniwersytet.
Każdy potrzebuje kogoś, z kim może porozmawiać o swoich uczuciach, doświadczeniach i relacjach,ponieważ życie może czasami być trudne. Możemy współpracować, aby wprowadzić dobre zmiany, niezależnie od tego, co myślisz o przyszłości lub przeżywasz smutek, zmartwienie lub depresję. Pomocna dłoń to ogromna pomoc . Praca z dziećmi, młodzieżą i młodymi dorosłymi to cos czym jestem bardzo zainteresowana . W swojej pracy z dziećmi i młodzieżą oferuję wsparcie w stanach lękowych i depresyjnych, regulacja emocjonalna, przyjaźń przeszkody i nawigacja życiowa. Razem możemy wypracować , jak to zrobić, poradzić sobie ze wszystkim co się pojawi, na naszej drodze ,nauczyć się przetwarzać, równoważyć i pokonać wszelkie przeszkody . W wolnym czasie lubię spędzać czas z rodziną, podróżować, próbować nowych smaków , gotować I naturę .
ANALIZ FLORES, MA
Hello, I am so glad you’re here! I am a Mental Health Counseling student at Northwestern University. As a clinical intern with a person-centered orientation, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and valued. I believe that healing and growth happen when you feel truly seen and accepted, which is why I strive to meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels right for you.
Building a trusting and collaborative relationship is at the heart of my approach. I view you as the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you—supporting you as you explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we will work toward your desired goals, empowering you to tap into your inner strength and resilience.
My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself and exploring whatever comes up without fear of judgment. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, working through emotional challenges, or simply seeking greater clarity and connection, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Hola, ¡me alegra mucho que estés aquí! Soy estudiante de Consejería de Salud Mental en la Universidad de Northwestern. Como pasante clínica con una orientación centrada en la persona, me comprometo a crear un ambiente seguro, de apoyo y libre de juicios, donde te sientas escuchado y valorado. Creo que la sanación y el crecimiento ocurren cuando te sientes realmente visto y aceptado, por eso me esfuerzo en encontrarte donde estés y avanzar a un ritmo que se sienta adecuado para ti.
Construir una relación de confianza y colaboración está en el centro de mi enfoque. Te veo como el experto en tu propia vida, y mi papel es caminar a tu lado, apoyándote mientras exploras tus pensamientos, emociones y experiencias. Juntos trabajaremos hacia tus objetivos deseados, empoderándote para que accedas a tu fuerza y resiliencia interior.
Mi objetivo es crear un espacio donde te sientas cómodo siendo tú mismo y explorando lo que surja sin temor a ser juzgado. Ya sea que estés atravesando transiciones en la vida, enfrentando desafíos emocionales o simplemente buscando mayor claridad y conexión, estoy aquí para apoyarte en cada paso del camino.