Clinical Staff

A member of the FCS team since:2017

Language(s) Spoken:English

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Amy:Amy specializes in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and a person centered approach when working with adolescents and adults. For younger adolescents she utilizes interactive therapy games in telehealth and in office sessions. Amy creates a nonjudgmental space for clients to feel supported, heard and valued. She believes an integral dynamic of therapy is helping clients identify and execute manageable goals by supporting the development of new skills and strengthening current skills to manage emotions during difficult times. Amy received a master’s degree in school counseling from Roosevelt University and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from The University of the Southwest. Amy has extensive experience working in K-12 schools and navigating the educational system since 2002.

A member of the FCS team since:2018

Language(s) Spoken:English, Spanish

About Ana:Ana specializes in the areas of anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and parenting. Ana works with individuals of all races, genders, sexual orientation and cultures from the age of 13 through 55, to reach their mental health goals through individual, couple’s and family therapy. With a master’s degree in Art Therapy, Ana utilizes a client-centered approach in combination with Adlerian Principles of Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Angie:With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Angie utilizes a Person-Centered therapy approach, valuing genuineness, curiosity, and humor in-session. She works with individuals of all identities and ages, and is available to meet via Zoom as well as in-person.

A member of the FCS team since:2019

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Anthony:Tony is an MSW graduate of Aurora University and is experienced working with the elderly community. Specializes in client focused interventions with adolescents, adults, older adults, and couples who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, communication and intimacy issues, and vocational stress/job loss.

A member of the FCS team since:2019

Language(s) Spoken:English, Spanish

About Araceli:Araceli has a Master's Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. She has experience assisting older adults in finding and applying for resources that address their needs. She has also worked with kids and adolescents to help them develop social skills and the ability to emotionally regulate. Araceli currently works with adolescents, adults, and older adults. She specializes in issues like depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and grief. Araceli utilizes a client-centered approach, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and other approaches depending on the conceptualization of the client.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Benjamin::Benjamin is a graduate-level intern at Family Counseling Service. He is currently completing his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Benjamin is interested in working with child, adolescent, and young adult clients – especially those who struggle with impulse control and executive functioning. He is also interested in studying sensory sensitivities, somatic psychotherapies, and mindfulness-based therapies. Benjamin strives to create a space where clients will feel safe and in control. He draws heavily from narrative and existential models of psychotherapy, which focus on centering the client as the primary agent within their own story. Ultimately, Benjamin’s goal is to help his clients build the resilience and sense of purpose they need in order to weather the stresses of life.

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Brittany:Brittany is experienced in working with adolescents and adults struggling with substance use disorders, process addictions including sexual addictions and gambling, eating disorders, personality disorders, and relationship issues. Brittany is trained in EMDR and specializes in working with individuals who have experienced a vast array of traumatic experiences including but not limited to, first responders, military-related trauma, sexual trauma, incarceration, and domestic violence. Brittany utilizes a non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach as well as EMDR, CBT, and DBT techniques that allow clients a space to process, heal, and grow from life's challenges.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English

A member of the FCS team since:2019

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Cherie:Cherie Borkorm is an advanced practice nurse practitioner that specializes in providing psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults. Cherie has over 17 years of experience working in different healthcare settings where she provides excellent care to diverse clients. Cherie is focused on providing quality care to patients from diverse backgrounds, guided by her belief and commitment that all patients deserve quality care. Cherie grew up in the western suburbs, of Chicago, Illinois. She believes in evidence-based care that is collaborative and patient-centric. Cherie is married with three children. She likes the outdoors, research, reading, walks and spending time with her family.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Cheryl:Cheryl is well versed in navigating public entitlement programs as well as linking individuals to community resources. Cheryl has experience working with individuals with severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders and individuals who need case management support. Cheryl has provided services in a variety of treatment levels, including supervised residential, community based supportive living, and outpatient programming. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys watching movies, simple nature walks and sending snail mail.

A member of the FCS team since:2018

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Dr. Kestenberg:Dr. Kestenberg has been a practicing physician since 2001. He is board certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Kestenberg serves as the Medical Clinical Director for Family Counseling Service’s Psychiatric Service program, collaborating with FCS’s advance nurse practitioners to help them provide the best care for our clients.

A member of the FCS team since:2017

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Cristie:Cristie specializes in PTSD, trauma, domestic violence, anger management, parenting, and substance abuse. Cristie also extends an invitation to first responders/Veterans and their family members. Cristie's prior law enforcement experience is helpful in relating to their work and home life and the variety of stressors that affect them, including PTSD, anxiety, addiction, depression and grief.

A member of the FCS team since:2019

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Dacia:Dacia is a nationally certified counselor who hold a Masters Degree in Counseling and a post Masters certification in School Counseling. Dacia has been in the public-school setting since 2008, working as a behavior interventionist, trainer, and counselor throughout the past 12 years. Dacia utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral approach in her work with children and youth to address a variety of home and school- based needs. Dacia specializes in working with parents of children and youth who struggle with emotional/behavior concerns, Autism, and ADHD.

A member of the FCS team since:2018

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Danielle:Danielle specializes in working with teens and adults dealing with addictions, and with co-occurring disorders of addiction and another mental illness. She incorporates a variety of treatment modalities in order to assist individuals with gaining insight into their symptoms and the changes they want to make, and to assist them in feeling empowered to make those changes and achieve an improved quality of life. She is a trained SMART Recovery facilitator and has a background in working in the addiction field. Danielle also utilizes client-centered play therapy, and other expressive techniques, in her work with children to help them to feel comfortable with the counseling process, and to communicate and resolve their stressors through play. She uses the strength-based perspective in her work with all age groups and believes that everyone has unique, positive qualities that can help them in their time of need, but just sometimes just need to be reminded of them.

A member of the FCS team since:2018

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Dara:Dara Karlov is an advanced practice nurse (APN). Dara graduated from the University of Iowa with her Bachelor of Science, in Nursing and Governors State University with her Advanced Practice Degree. She brings 30 years of nursing experience in varying healthcare settings, always providing excellent client and family centered care. She strongly believes every person from any walk of life deserves the opportunity for quality healthcare. She embraces all clients wherever they are in their journey to mental health and sees it as her role to serve as a guide for that journey. Dara is raising 3 wonderful children and understands the challenges that adolescents face in today’s world. She enjoys spending time with her children, her fur babies, fishing and waterskiing.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Dawn:Dawn Byrne comes to FCS with over 20 years of experience in community mental health. Dawn specializes in the areas of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, domestic violence and trauma. Dawn works with individuals of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientation and culture to reach their mental health goals using a humanistic and client-centered approach. Dawn possesses a master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Dawn has training in CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care. Dawn has expertise in crisis intervention, utilizing case management in treatment, community-based services and non-profit program development. Dawn’s background is in mental health residential services and she has a passion for permanent supportive housing and the housing first philosophy of treatment.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English, Spanish

About Erica:Erica graduated from Aurora University with a master’s degree in Social Work specializing in addictions counseling. She is a bilingual Social Worker who works with individuals from all different backgrounds. Erica primarily works with children and adolescents who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, eating disorders, and everyday stressors. Erica utilizes a client-centered therapy approach in combination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). When working with children, Erica incorporates play therapy. She believes in the importance of a healthy family dynamic and providing children with a safe space to process their concerns. Erica loves to witness her clients meet their goals and grow into a more confident, healthier version of themselves.

A member of the FCS team since:2015

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Erin:Erin specializes in working with children, teens and young adults dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and self-harm. Erin incorporates a variety of play therapy and expressive treatment modalities in order to assist children and teens process big emotions. Erin believes in partnering with parents to assist them in developing tools and skills to best support their children. Erin hopes to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for children and adolescents to feel empowered to navigate through their mental health concerns in today’s always changing world.

A member of the FCS team since:2016

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Gina:Gina received a Master of Social work from Aurora University. She received training in various modalities to guide change and believes her own learning is lifelong. Gina supports each individual from a client centered, strength-based approach; with a compassionate awareness of the client/therapist relationship. Gina enjoys creating a peaceful, safe, therapeutic space to support healing and growth to obtain health and mental wellness in times when a child, parent, father, or mother may be faced with the most challenging time in life.

A member of the FCS team since:2016

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Hank:Hank Specializes in adult mental health and substance use disorders. Hank uses an existentially oriented person centered therapy style to treat a variety of mental and emotional issues including but not limited to anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, addictions, and mood disorders.

A member of the FCS team since:2014

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Heather:Heather is a wife, mother and compassionate team-member who joined FCS in 2014. She works with adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing difficulties with grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anger, and sleep hygiene.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English, Spanish

About Jackie:Jackie graduated from Loyola University with her Master's Degree in Community Counseling. She is a Spanish and English-Speaking Therapist who enjoys working with clients of all backgrounds using a multicultural approach. Jackie provides services to children, adolescents, and adults using a client-centered framework while incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, as well as play therapy when working with small children. She works with clients facing challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and everyday stressors. Jackie recognizes the expertise of all clients in their own lives and works alongside them as they work toward achieving their goals.

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Jason:Jason has over 20 years of experience in diverse behavioral health programming. Jason earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and the Administration of Justice from Southern Illinois University and his master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in counseling. Jason has clinical experience working with clients across the life span. Jason has unique experience working with local law enforcement in the development and implementation of police Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) services. Jason takes a person-centered approach in all service endeavors to ensure the provision of meaningful behavioral health treatment for those in need.

A member of the FCS team since:2018

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Jennie:Jennie received a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University in Chicago. Since joining the FCS family in 2018, Jennie has specialized in providing compassionate clinical and supportive counseling for older adults across Kane County. Jennie utilizes a person-centered approach, focusing on creating a nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Jennie is experienced in dealing with grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma and believes everyone deserves to be heard.

A member of the FCS team since:2017

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Jennifer:Dr. Stafiej’s approach to therapy is to establish an excellent therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. She works together with families on identifying and monitoring goals for maximizing personal success. Dr. Stafiej’s experience as a school psychologist has allowed her to gain procedural knowledge that has been useful in guiding parents through the steps of receiving special education support. She has extensive experience working with various issues that include ADHD, anger management, anxiety, Autism spectrum disorders, executive functioning, depression, learning disabilities, oppositional and defiant behaviors, Selective Mutism, self-esteem, school refusal, and social thinking. She is dedicated to ensuring children and their families thrive in school, at home, and in their daily lives.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English, Spanish

About Jennifer:Jenny received her Bachelor´s degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Services with a minor in Psychology from Northern Illinois University. After graduating in 2018, she spent two years working as a Sexual Assault Legal Advocate in DeKalb County where she assisted survivors of domestic and sexual violence to obtain Orders of Protection as well as providing support in navigating the civil and criminal justice systems. Jenny is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree with a focus in Forensic Social Work at Aurora University. She is passionate about helping and empowering others by providing a safe space to allow clients to express themselves in a judgement-free environment. Jenny has experience with all ages/demographics and is fluent in the Spanish language. In her free time, Jenny enjoys watching the Chicago Blackhawks, traveling, spending time with friends/family and cuddling her dog.

A member of the FCS team since:2019

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Jordan:Jordan enjoys working with clients from all ages and backgrounds. He believes in developing a strong relationship with clients to help facilitate change. Jordan specializes in working with autism and cognitive impairments to help develop social skills and awareness. Jordan also has extensive experience in working with ADHD.

A member of the FCS team since:2008

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Josie:Josie has a Masters Degree in Community Counseling and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She utilizes both Cognitive Behavorial Therapy and person-centered therapy, and specializes in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence, and anger management.

A member of the FCS team since:2012

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Julie:Julie has a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Julie's approach to therapy is integrative, utilizing person centered and cognitive behavioral therapy in addition to other modalities. Julie strives to provide a trusting, therapeutic relationship to engage clients and to promote lasting change. She believes clients are an essential part of their own treatment team. She meets clients where they are and collaborates with clients to incorporate a variety of therapeutic interventions to empower clients to work toward their personal goals. Julie enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, behavior concerns, relationship issues, life changes, and overcoming various obstacles. She has training in play therapy, anger management, and domestic violence. Julie is passionate about helping clients thrive and is privileged to share in the lives of her clients.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English, Spanish

About Karena:Karina received her B.A in Psychology from Northern Illinois University, double minoring in Spanish and Gender Studies. Karina has experience working with individuals in community-based mental health services and medication dispensing. Karina aims to provide a safe, client-focused, cultural-focused, and judgement free space to provide individuals with the assistance that they need, specifically with Spanish speaking communities. In her free time, Karina enjoys drawing, playing piano, and traveling.

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English, Spanish

About Karina:Karina received her Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University in 2017. Karina provides services to children, adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and anger management. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, and play therapy to assist individuals in processing their feelings and creating healthy coping mechanisms. Karina has prior experience in working with all age groups, the refugee community, and forensic interviewing for the purpose of child abuse investigations.

Team Member Since:2014

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Katrina:Katrina specializes in addictions evaluation and treatment treating clients with dual diagnosis, and trauma

A member of the FCS team since:2019

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Kristen:Kristen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes we are all doing our best and we can all use a little help along the way. Kristen works with adults and children using primarily Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Kristen has a background in working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating and addiction, and provides support to those going through life transitions. As a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work, she has worked in a variety of settings with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families and has a background in working with adults with developmental disabilities. Kristen uses humor and empathy, while helping her clients integrate self-compassion as part of their therapeutic experience.

A member of the FCS team since:2015

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Kyle:Kyle specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), CBT, and person-centered therapy for adults and older adolescents. Kyle received a master’s degree in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University and has been with Family Counseling Service as a mental health therapist for more than 5 years. In addition to individual therapy, Kyle facilitates the agency’s DBT Skills Training Groups for adults.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Lea:Lea earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Indiana State University, where she still volunteers as an advisor. She began her career in the mental health field by being a lead staff member in a juvenile psychiatric residential facility and transitioned to the child welfare services for her home state prior to joining the FCS team. Lea has worked with children, adolescents, and young adults for the last five years and continues to build positive relationships with the individuals she works with through FCS. In her free time, Lea enjoys hiking, kayaking, watching baseball, reading a good book and spending time with her three cats.

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Lilian:Lilian is pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University, with an anticipated graduation date of 2021.

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Michelle:Michelle specializes in adult mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence. Michelle believes in a working partnership with clients utilizing their strengths to help them improve their mental health and to adjust to challenging life changes. Michelle views therapy as a joint venture between client and therapist where their combined knowledge and skills create an authentic therapeutic relationship, solutions, and positive outcomes.

A member of the FCS team since:2008

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Mary:Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Linehan Board Certified DBT Therapist with more than 24 years of exper the mental health field. Mary completed her master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 1996. She is currently pursuing her DSW at Aurora University, where she is also a member of the adjunct faculty. Mary completed DBT (Dialectic Behavioral Therapy) training in 1998 from the Linehan Training Group and is the past president of the Illinois DBT training team. DBT is a cognitive and skill-based treatment targeting various symptoms. Her area of specialty is working with men and women who suffer from depression and have a history of self-mutilation, destructive and/or addictive behaviors.

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Megan:General mental health

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Megan::Megan has her Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Forensics. She believes therapy is a collaborative process. Megan enjoys working with individuals of all races, genders, sexual orientation and cultures from adolescents to adults. She is experienced in working with domestic violence, severe mental illness, depression, anxiety, PTSD and mood disorders. Megan has training in crisis intervention, mental health first aid and motivational interviewing. She believes in a strength-based and holistic approach to therapy. Megan uses a variety of therapeutic techniques based on client needs such as person-centered, mindfulness-based, CBT and DBT.

A member of the FCS team since:2019

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Miriam:Miriam enjoys working with people of all age levels. She spends time with individuals who are dealing with anxiety and depression as a result of trauma and/or other life challenges. Her background is in schools and she has a good understanding of the educational system and can help teens and parents navigate some of the complicated parts of school.

A member of the FCS team since:2018

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Natalie:Dr. Natalie began her career in South Florida as a case manager, coordinating care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. After obtaining her Master’s degree in counseling psychology at Trinity International University in Miami, she worked at a residential substance abuse treatment facility. She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology at Wheaton College. Since becoming licensed as a psychologist, Dr. Natalie has provided psychological evaluations and testing for the state of Illinois and been part of a team that wrote a curriculum for a day- long seminar for first responders. Dr. Natalie is currently the manager of the psychological testing department at Family Counseling Service. She especially enjoys working with adolescents and adults, and continues to develop her expertise in trauma treatment, issues related to transracial adoption and adolescent mood disorders.

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Nora:Nora is completing her Master's internship at FCS; she will graduate from Bradley University in 2021 with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Ruth:Ruth's approach to therapy treats the whole person. Since everyone is made up of mind, body, soul, interpersonal relationships, and environment, it’s only through assessing all these aspects of your life that long-lasting therapeutic change can take place. Even if change has failed in the past, there is still hope. In therapy, Ruth offers you her foundational values of compassion, trust, authenticity, knowledge, warmth, and empowerment. By coming to counseling, you’ve taken the first step toward your own greater health and well-being. Ruth works with adolescents, adults, and couples in a non-judgemental practice of combining humanistic, person-centered therapy along with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Ruth received her Master's of Education from Cleveland State University and a Master's of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Sarah:Sarah graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University. Sarah specializes in individual therapy for adolescents and adults. Her therapeutic style incorporates elements from person-centered therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Sarah has experience working with trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse. She strongly believes in advocating for mental health, especially in the marginalized or minority communities.

A member of the FCS team since:2020

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Shay:Shay is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in child, adolescent, and adult medication evaluation and treatment.

A member of the FCS team since:2008

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Stephanie:Stephanie Lilly has a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Stephanie’s approach is holistic, allowing for individualized treatment plans that are supported by evidence-based techniques. She focuses on building a trusting, therapeutic relationship with clients to provide the optimal environment for positive change. She is a registered play therapist and has training in behavioral modification that brings excellent results while working with young children and their parents. She also works with adolescents and young adults struggling with self-injury, suicidal ideation and mood disorders. Stephanie also enjoys working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression and relationship issues.

A member of the FCS team since:2021

A member of the FCS team since:2021

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Thea:Thea has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University and is a Licensed Social Worker. She has experience working with individuals with depression and anxiety as well as individuals with trauma backgrounds. Thea uses a person-centered, strengths-based framework combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other therapeutic interventions depending on the needs of the client. She has experience working in crisis intervention, community mental health services, and case management. Thea is currently pursuing her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license.

A member of the FCS team since:2009

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Tony:Tony has a Master's in Counseling Education from Northern Illinois University and has been practicing for more than 25 years. He works with adolescents and adults, specializing in change-focused counseling.

A member of the FCS team since:2019

Language(s) Spoken:English

About Trish:Psychiatric Services

A member of the FCS team since:2019

Language(s) Spoken:English, Spanish

About Vannia:Vannia graduated from Aurora University with a master’s degree in social work specializing in child welfare and addictions counseling. She is a Spanish and English speaking licensed social worker who is experienced working with children, adolescents, and domestic violence victims and perpetrators. She utilizes a Rogerian therapy approach when working with adolescents and adults experiencing depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder; She incorporates play therapy when working with children. Vannia believes in the importance of a healthy family dynamic and providing children with a safe environment. She loves to witness her clients grow into a more confident and healthier individual.