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MCHH STAFF THERAPISTS

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JENNIFER KNOX

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LCPC, NBCC

Jennifer, Founder and Clinical Director of Midwest Center for Hope & Healing, is a Board Certified Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 20 years’ experience in providing individual, couple and family therapy. She attended Concordia University Chicago where she received a Master of Arts in Community Counseling with honors. She has worked with men, women, adolescence and children who are dealing with a variety of life situations and struggles. Jennifer specializes in anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, divorce, domestic violence, stress and self-esteem. She uses a person-centered, holistic and cognitive-behavioral approach in her therapy to help clients meet their goals.

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TEDRA TADO

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LCPC

Tedra is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who earned her Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. She has experience working with military veterans, including her time at the VA, and specializes in supporting first responders. With several immediate family members in law enforcement and the military, Tedra has a deep understanding of first responder culture and a strong commitment to supporting those who serve.

Tedra is passionate about helping others and providing a safe, supportive space for others to learn and grow. She has worked with veterans and first responders on a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction and recovery, PTSD, and adjustment challenges related to everyday life. She aligns closely with a person-centered, holistic lends, drawing from evidence-based techniques such as DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), harm reduction, and trauma-informed practices.

Tedra is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful method for processing and healing from traumatic experiences. Her therapeutic style is warm, compassionate, and direct, tailored to each client’s unique needs. She also believes in the power of humor as a meaningful and healing part of the therapy process.

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ANDREW TOWNSEND

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Glen Ellyn
Counseling Credentials: MA, LPC

Andrew is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has experience working with individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s difficulties, empowering them to discover hope and healing in meaningful and practical ways. He specializes in counseling those who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar, relationship issues, faith/spirituality concerns, and grief across all ages. He also specializes in attachment, mood, and conduct disorders in adolescents. Andrew provides counseling from both Christian and community perspectives, and tailors his approach to each client’s unique needs and goals. His therapeutic toolbox includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Narrative Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
 
Andrew understands that life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, and he works to create a nonjudgmental, welcoming space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences. He views patterns like defenses, limitations, and aspirations as meaningful parts of the counseling process. With a steady commitment to helping clients grow in resilience and purpose, Andrew sees counseling as a collaborative journey-one that supports individuals, couples, and families in discovering greater clarity, joy, and fulfillment in their lives.
Keith Dirl

KEITH DIRL

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LCPC

Keith is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with over 23 years of experience. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his M.A. in Counseling/Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

Keith has worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups across all life stages, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. His background includes supporting foster families, veterans, injured workers, individuals in recovery, and clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, bipolar disorder, and other co-occurring conditions.

He takes a person-centered, eclectic approach to therapy, drawing on techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Counseling, Motivational Interviewing, and holistic methods. Keith can integrate a faith-based perspective when desired, and he is committed to meeting clients where they are, helping them find the tools they need to overcome barriers, strengthen support systems, and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

Christian Stuckemeyer

CHRISTIAN STUCKEMEYER

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook
Pre-Licensed Counselor

Christian Stuckemeyer is a pre-licensed counselor in training in his final year of his Master’s degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago. Christian believes therapy to be a collaborative journey where the client has the opportunity to share their expertise about their life story and navigate through the changes of life.
 
Christian has a background in the performing arts and seeks to bring improvisational skills, grounding techniques, and other creative approaches to the counseling session. Christian incorporates aspects of person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and faith-based counseling to help clients navigate their lives and achieve their goals. Christian enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples across a variety of issues, with a focus on anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and support for neurodivergent clients.
 
Taking the first step to come to therapy is the first step of many that Christian is honored to walk with you. Christian looks forward to partnering with you, learning about you and your journey, and instilling hope for the future.
Gina Knox

GINA O'BRIEN

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook
Pre-Licensed Counselor

Gina works with individuals, couples, and families from adolescence through adulthood, creating a safe and compassionate space where clients can explore, reflect, and grow. She is passionate about walking alongside others on their journey toward greater love, joy, and freedom.

Her approach is holistic, addressing the physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects of each person’s life. Gina’s work is guided by a person-centered approach, emphasizing empathy, presence, and authentic connection, alongside psychodynamic principles that help clients uncover patterns, gain insight, and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity. When desired, she gently incorporates the Christian faith into sessions, honoring the spiritual dimension as a meaningful part of healing.

Gina is completing her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at National-Louis University. She is also a trained spiritual director through CenterQuest and a certified reflexologist, supporting clients in ways that honor the whole person-mind, body, heart, and spirit.

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AMY GLINKE

THERAPIST LOCATION: Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LPC

Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience in skilled listening. She graduated from Concordia University with a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Amy enjoys working with individuals and couples dealing with a variety of life situations and struggles. She welcomes the opportunity to work with your unique circumstances and help guide you through your personal journey. She provides both Christian based and community counseling depending on the needs of the client. She uses a person-centered approach and likes to incorporate mindfulness with her clients. Amy specializes in eating disorders, co-dependency, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. She also has experience working with clients in need of parenting support, grief counseling, and those struggling with low self-esteem. She desires to help guide others through their personal journey and together find the path to hope and healing.

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ANDREA CALVERT

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LPC, NCC

Andrea Calvert is a National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois who works with adults, and adolescents. She received her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University and her master’s degree from Governors State University. Andrea’s 20 years of experience in the mental health profession provided her the opportunity to advance her clinical skills as a clinician. She has worked in child protection, a residential facility for detained youth, a specialized foster care agency, and a behavioral health center, counseling individuals of all ages with various mental health issues. Andrea specializes in working with adults and adolescents on a variety of issues including, anger management, depression, grief/loss, anxiety, and trauma. Andrea practice unconditional positive regards, and genuine, empathic listening skills in her therapy sessions to foster a warm and trusting environment where clients can feel comfortable to express their deepest thoughts and emotions; strengthening their ability to work through the life struggles they encounter. She uses a person-center approach, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), solution-focused, and because clients are unique, and their needs are not the same, Andrea utilizes other evidence base counseling modalities to meet the client where they are. Her goal is to assist clients with reaching their optimum growth potential, and she looks forward to helping clients

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DONNA LOZA

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Lisle, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LCPC, CADC, CODP

Donna is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Counselor in the State of Illinois with over 5 years’ experience. Donna attended Concordia University, Chicago where she received a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. She specializes in counseling individuals with dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Donna enjoys working with clients of all ages. She has experience providing Christian and community based counseling with individuals, couples and families dealing with relationships issues, grief, and domestic violence to name a few. Donna uses a person-centered, holistic and cognitive behavioral approach in her therapy sessions. She enjoys using a variety of approaches when working with clients to help them reach their full potential.

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STEPHANIE MARTIN

THERAPIST LOCATION: Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LPC

Stephanie earned her Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Moody Theological Seminary. Stephanie enjoys working with adolescents, adult individuals, and couples, and has experience at providing both Christian based and community counseling depending on the needs of the client. Stephanie operates from a collaborative standpoint, as therapy is not “one size fits all,” and it is essential to create a treatment plan that is built specifically for you and your goals. She uses a variety of approaches based on the client’s needs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT), Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness. By utilizing this assortment, we focus on you, your goals, and achieving wellness. Stephanie specializes in working through difficulties with chronic illnesses, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, self- esteem issues, relationship issues, and personality disorders. Stephanie looks forward to partnering with you, understanding exactly where you are on your journey, and instilling hope.
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NICOLE CLARIZIO

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MS, LCPC

Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 13 years of experience in providing individual therapy. She graduated from Benedictine University where she received a Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology. She has worked with adults, adolescence and children who are dealing with a variety of life situations and struggles. Nicole is willing to work with individuals from a community based or Christian based model, depending on their preference. Nicole specializes in anxiety, depression, miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, fertility struggles, domestic violence, stress/life transitions, relationship issues, social skills and self-esteem. She uses a person-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy as well as mindfulness in treating the whole person. Nicole strives to create a calm and welcoming space where children, adolescents and adults can find more positive ways to respond to events in their daily lives.
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SAMANTHA BOONE

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LMFT

Samantha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned her Master of Arts in Christian Marriage, Family, and Individual Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Samantha provides counseling from a Christian perspective, as well as a community approach. She has worked primarily with teens and young women, but hopes to work with couples and families, while incorporating the family background and story into each session. She is passionate about walking with clients through their journeys of suffering, transitions, and relationships. While life is full of broken relationships, unfulfilled expectations, and loss, she believes there is hope and redemption to each person’s story. Even though she comes from a Family Systems background, Samantha incorporates other approaches to therapy depending on the client’s need. She has experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Bowenian Therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and Motivational Interviewing. Samantha specializes in counseling those facing challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, adolescent issues, relational tools, and family conflict.
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ALEXANDRA KOWALEWSKI

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LPC, NCC

Alexandra is a licensed professional counselor with her Master’s Degree in Family Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University. Alexandra has 4 years of experience collaborating with both clients and clinicians in the mental health field. Alexandra’s focus is working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques centered around Solution-Focused Therapy including EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), Person-Centered, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and Experiential therapy. Alexandra places an emphasis on practicing mindfulness with her clients, and provides treatment for: Anxiety, depression, grief and loss recovery, anger management, chronic illnesses, life transitions, personality disorders, as well as self-esteem issues. Alexandra believes that the therapy process is unique to every individual and is committed to providing each client empathy as well as a safe space in which to provide support. She is passionate about advocating the positive impact that mental health treatment can have on individuals and will meet her clients wherever they are on their journey to betterment.
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HEIDI RAPINCHUK

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LPC

Heidi earned her Master of Arts in School Counseling from Concordia University Chicago and continued her education to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. Heidi’s focus is working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are dealing with various life situations and struggles. Heidi provides both Christian counseling and community-based counseling depending on the preference of the client. She uses a variety of therapeutic techniques including person centered and cognitive behavioral therapy as well as other evidence-based approaches that best suit the needs of each client. Heidi places an emphasis on practicing empathy and mindfulness when providing treatment for anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger management, self-esteem, stress management as well as dealing with life transitions. Heidi is passionate about providing support and a space for clients to explore their feelings as well as provide hope as they navigate their journey.
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TAYLOR GILLENWATER

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LPC

Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts in Critical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University. Taylor has experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults on a variety of mental health issues and life changes. She would also like to expand her experience working with couples and families. She has worked in a community college counseling setting on a variety of issues, including but not limited to; anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment issues, self-esteem, and stress management. She believes that counseling should be tailored to each individual client since each client is different, so she uses an eclectic approach to counseling but she most commonly uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, & Gestalt Therapy. She is passionate about creating a caring and empathetic relationship with her clients built on trust and understanding. She is also committed to mental health advocacy and awareness and takes pride in being able to not only help people who are living with mental health issues but also providing Information and education on mental health to the community.
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ALLISON KLEIN

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
Counseling Credentials: MA, LPC

Allison Klein is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University and works with individuals of all ages, including adults, couples, children. and families. Her person-centered approach allows her to tailor each session to meet clients’ unique needs, goals, and values.

Allison supports clients in addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, stress, and relationship issues. She helps adults navigate life transitions, improve emotional regulation, and build healthier thinking and behavior patterns. In her work with couples, she focuses on enhancing communication, rebuilding trust, and deepening emotional connection.

With over four years of experience supporting children and families, Allison provides a nurturing environment where young clients can develop emotional resilience and effective coping strategies. She draws from evidence-based modalities—including CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and mindfulness practices—to help clients grow and heal. 
 
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RHIANNA SHERLOCK

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook, Telehealth
MCHH Intern

Rhianna Sherlock a pre-licensed professional who is in her final year of her Master’s degree program in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northeastern Illinois University. She enjoys working with children, couples, and families as they traverse life’s challenges to help them find health, healing, and happiness. As a level-1 certified Emotionally-Focused Therapist, she focuses on helping clients process their emotions, repair attachment wounds, and change patterns that leave them feeling stuck. Rhianna also uses other approaches depending on the clients’ needs, including strengths-based approaches and mindfulness-based approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Rhianna is passionate about working with relational and marital problems, grief and loss, identity development, faith concerns and development, anxiety, and issues relating to life transitions. She offers both faith-based and community counseling that builds upon her values of kindness, compassion, and intentionality. She is excited and honored to work with you on your journey towards peace and healing!

Deanna Steiner

DEANNA STEINER

THERAPIST LOCATION: Oak Brook
MCHH Intern

Deanna Steiner is a pre-licensed counselor completing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Moody Theological Seminary. Deanna finds it a privilege to come alongside clients as they seek to understand and process life’s challenges. Deanna particularly enjoys working with women, children, and older adults as they navigate the many seasons of life.

Deanna has an extensive background in creative arts and welcomes the opportunity to include expressive art processes in therapy. Theoretically, Deanna appreciates the way person-centered therapy recognizes the unique individuality of each person. Other theories that Deanna draws upon are narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, and attachment/relational theory. Deanna has a special interest in faith-based counseling. Deanna also has a passion for walking alongside those healing from issues of spiritual abuse or “church hurt.”  Deanna is trauma-informed and has completed studies focused on grief & loss, abuse, and trauma. 

Deanna is grateful for the opportunity to enter into a partnership with each client. She considers this opportunity a privilege and a gift.