Meet Our Clinical Staff

Soraya Allen

Soraya completed her Master in Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University and also is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In addition, Soraya is a Qualified Mental Health Professional (MQHP). Soraya’s professional interest areas include working with LGBTQIA+ individuals as well as family counseling. Soraya is also certified in CPR and CPI. Soraya works with clients from at our Peoria office.

Elle Anderson

Elle completed her Master of Science degree in Clinical-Counseling Psychology at Illinois State University and is also certified in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Elle’s areas of professional interests include working with individuals who have experienced trauma, helping support individuals through couples counseling, helping adolescents’ mental health, and working with individuals with attachment-related issues. Elle enjoys incorporating a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral approach in her therapy. Elle works with clients at our Bloomington-Morris location.

Chelsey Baker

Chelsey completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. Chelsey’s professional interests include play therapy, grief counseling, sexual problematic behavior, addiction, EMDR, couple’s counseling strategies. Chelsey works with clients at our Bloomington office on Morris Ave.

Stephanie Barisch, MS, LCPC

Stephanie serves as The Center for Youth and Family Solutions’ Director of Therapeutic Services and completed her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Illinois State University and also is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).  She is also certified in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Managing and Adapting Practice, Internal Family Systems, and Seeking Safety.  Her professional interests include working with people who have experienced complex trauma/PTSD, child and adolescent psychology, family systems, and supporting people with attachment, anxiety, and mood disorders.

In addition to leading the Therapeutics program, Stephanie works with clients at our Bloomington-Morris office. 

Elena Bartzis

Elena completed her Bachelors of Science in Clinical/Community Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her approach to counseling is rooted in Gestalt theory, but is adaptable to any client’s needs. She counsels from a trauma-informed, existential-humanistic lens. She is interested in helping individuals who have experienced childhood trauma, working with couples through Couples issues, and adolescents and adults who experience mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, personality disorders, and behavioral/conduct disorders. Elena serves our clients at our Danville branch.

Jessica Bell

Jessica completed her Master in Clinical Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker. Jessica’s professional interest includes art therapy, child behavior disorders, play therapy, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community needs and accompanying trauma. Jessica works with clients at our Champaign location.

Rachel Bell, MA, LCPC

Rachel completed her Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling with a focus on Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield. She also is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). In addition, Rachel holds specialized training in Perinatal Mood Disorders, is credentialed as a Level 1 Provider for Evidenced- Based Trauma-Informed Mental Health Service and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is certified in Domestic Violence Prevention programs. Rachel’s professional interests include individual, couple, and family counseling, supporting people with emotional and behavioral struggles, relationship concerns, coaching effective parenting, communication, and helping people who have experienced trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, stress, adjustment issues, and perinatal mood disorders. Rachel serves as Clinical Supervisor at our Peoria office and works with clients at that location.

Alexandria Blackmon-Nelson

Alexandria completed her Master of Social Work in Child and Family Practice from Illinois State University. Alexandria’s professional interests include working with people who have complex trauma, child behavior disorders, adult behavior disorders, LGBTQ youth and adolescents. Alexandria works with clients at our Bloomington-Morris office.

Brittany Bosley

Brittany completed her Master of Social Work from Illinois State University and is a Licensed Social Worker. Linda’s professional interest utilizes an eclectic and flexible therapeutic approach that embraces holistic well-being, cultural humility and empowerment. Brittany integrates various therapeutic methods such as play therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness. Her practice is characterized by a collaborative, compassionate, and strength-based perspective that puts the person at the center. With a wide range of experience, she has worked with diverse clients, including those diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder, among others. Brittany works with clients at our Bloomington-Center St. location.

Patrick Carlson, MA, LCSW

Patrick serves as The Center for Youth and Family Solutions Clinical Director completed his Master of Social Work at the University of Iowa and is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In addition, Patrick is a Clinical Fellow through the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Patrick’s areas of professional interest include working with couples and helping them to address their issues, supporting complex family issues, providing tools for those with personality disorders, and working with individuals who have depression, anxiety, and addiction issues. In addition to his leadership role, Patrick also works with clients at our Rock Island office.   

Tracy Conroy

Tracy completed her Clinical Psychology degree from University of Phoenix. Tracy’s areas of professional interests include working with individuals who have experienced child trauma, RAD, and children with behavior disorders. Tracy works with clients at our Champaign location.

Kim Corcoran, MS, LCPC

Kim completed her Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Oregon and is also a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She is also certified in Meaning and Purpose Therapy (MAP), and specialized training in Problematic Sexual Behavior. Kim’s professional interests include working with children and adults in trauma, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with clients, using Mindfulness as a therapeutic intervention. Kim is also fluent in both English and Spanish. Kim works with clients at our Bloomington-Morris location.  

Renee Demierre, LCSW

Renee completed her Master of Social Work from Illinois State University. She also has specialized training in ARC, Theraplay, Motivational Interviewing, and The Boundaries Project. Renee’s professional interests include working with individuals who have experienced trauma, integrating play therapy while working with children, and child behavioral disorders. Renee works with clients as a clinical supervisor for our Champaign office. 

Carla Dumas, MS, LCPC

Carla completed her Master of Science in Education and Community Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Illinois University and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Carla’s professional interest includes working with children on behavior disorders and helping their family members learn how to effectively manage behavior so that the child thrives. Carla works with clients at our Danville office. .

Michelle Gaede, MA, LCPC

Pronouns: she, her, hers or they, them, theirs Michelle completed her Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Arts in Human Services- Child and Family Studies from Northwestern University and also is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). MIchelle is also certified in Seeking Safety, (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and ARC (Attachment, Regulation, and Competency). In addition, The ChildTrauma Academy acknowledges that Michelle Gaede has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase 1 level. Michelle’s areas of professional interest include working with children and adults who have experienced complex trauma, supporting and advocating for LGTQIA+ issues and rights, supporting those who have co-occurring trauma, and helping women suffering from addictions. Michelle enjoys incorporating group therapy, and expressive art therapy into her work with individuals. Michelle serves as Clinical Supervisor of our Peoria site and also works with clients at that location.

Blake Gilbo

Blake completed a Master of Arts degree in Clinical-Counseling at Central Methodist University. Blake works with clients at our Champaign location.

Kaleb Goodlow

Kaleb completed his Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Economics from Elmhurst University. He has experience working with a variety of clientele including, but not limited to those diagnosed with Anxiety. As a Mental Health Professional, Kaleb works with our clients at our Rock Island office.

Deanne Holste, MA

Deanne completed her Master of Art in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Governors State University. Deanne is currently in the process of attaining RPT, have been EMDR trained but have not attained certification, TF-CBT trained but have not atained certification, Trained in Theraplay. Deanne works with clients at our Danville office.

Amber Jerson

Amber is working on her Master of Social Work degree in Clinical-Counseling at Cornell College and also carries a Bachelor’s of Arts in Spanish. Amber’s specialized trainings include Adult Mental Health and First Aid. Amber works with clients at our Rock Island location.

Leanne Keller, MA, LCPC

Leanne completed her Master in Human Development and Counseling. She also is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. (LCPC) Leanne’s professional interests include working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma. She also enjoys integrating play therapy when working with children and enjoys helping couuples work through their issues. Lean is our Clinical Supervisor for our Springfield office and sees clients at that location.

Kelli Kemnetz

Kelli completed her Master of Social Work from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign holds a type 73 professional educator certificate for school social work. Kelli’s professional interest includes working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, CPTSD, Cluster B personality disorders, intimate partner violence, and autism spectrum disorder. Kelli works with clients at our Peoria location.

Peggy Knaack, MSW

Peggy completed a Master of Social Work from St. Ambrose University. In addition, Peggy has specialized training in behavioral health intervention services, trauma informed care, and suicide prevention. Peggy’s professional areas of interest include working with teens, adoptive families, and individuals who have been a part of the criminal system. Peggy is fluent in both English and Spanish. Peggy works with clients at our Rock Island office.

Kathryn Lally, MSW, MPH, LISW

Kathryn completed her Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health from Washington University in St. Louis. Kathyrn also is certified in Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention, Parent Management Training, Circle of Security Parenting, specialized training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, and Trauma-Informed treatment. Kathryn’s professional areas of interest include early child development, complex trauma, early intervention and prevention in trauma treatment, child and adolescent mental health. Kathryn works with clients at our Peoria office.

Katie McEvoy, MA, LPC

Katie completed her Master of Arts degree in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCP). Katie’s professional interests included helping people with grief, supporting those who have experienced trauma, and working with those affected by domestic violence – both the victim and perpetrator. Katie works with clients at our Springfield office.  

Phillip Ogwal

Phillip completed his Master of Divinity of Pastoral Care and Counseling and a Masters in Counseling from Lincoln Christian University. Phillip’s areas of professional interests include working with individuals in need of grief counseling, helping couples work through issues, and guiding individuals who experience trauma. Phillip also holds an Accredited Clinical Pastoral Education certification. Phillip works with clients at our Champaign location.

Kathleen Peters, MS, LPC

Kathleen completed her Master of Science degree in Counseling at Eastern Illinois University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Kathleen’s area of professional interest includes working with children and adults who have experienced complex trauma, incorporates the concept of mindfulness, in order to help people be in better control of their thoughts, rather than be controlled by them. . Kathleen enjoys incorporating play therapy when she works with children. Kathleen works with clients at our Champaign location.

Ashley Pruitt

Ashley completed here Master of Art in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois in Springfield. and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her approach to counseling is rooted in Gestalt theory, but is adaptable to any client’s needs. She counsels from a trauma-informed, existential-humanistic lens. She is interested in trauma work, boundary work, anger mismanagement, substance use, and personal development. She prefers working with adult individuals and couples. She enjoys utlitizing creativity, mindfulness, a connection to nature, body work, and cognitive challenging/reframing within the counseling space. Ashley also holds a minor degree in gender studies and training in trauma-informed care for adoption and foster care clients.

Taylor Ray

Taylor completed her Master of Science in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University. Linda’s professional interest includes working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, and helping children and adolescents who experience trauma, anxiety, and depression. Taylor is also a Registered Behavior Technician. Taylor works with clients at our Peoria location.

Jordan Schaefer, MSW

Jordan completed her Master of Social Work from Illinois State University. Jordan’s professional interests include LGBTQIA+ Issues, Gender Affirmation Therapy, Suicide Prevention, Self-Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness Based Coginitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy. Jordan works with clients at our Bloomington office on Morris Ave.

Kaitlyn Staley

Jessica completed her Bachelor of Social Work from St. Ambrose University. Kaitlyn’s professional interest areas include working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, as well as utilizing play therapy. Kaitlyn serves our clients at our Rock Island site.

Nigel Turk

Nigel completed their Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bradley University. Nigel’s areas of professional interests include working with adolescents experiencing emerging adulthood, individuals experiencing life transitions, personal growth, and identity development, complex trauma, as well as intersectionality between mental health counseling and LGBTQIA+ identities, and neurodivergence. Also, Nigel focuses on relationship and communication skill building. Nigel works with clients at our Peoria location.

Jorge Vazquez

Jorge completed his Master’s degree in Social Work at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Jorge’s areas of professional interests include working with individuals who experience child behavior disorders and helping build parenting skills. Jorge speaks both English and Spanish and is available to help our Spanish speaking clients. Jorge works with clients at our Bloomington-Morris location.

Linda Williams, MSW, LCSW

Linda completed her Master of Social Work from Illinois State University and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker. Linda’s professional interest includes working with children and families who have experienced complex trauma and providing them the tools they need to heal, cope and thrive. Linda works with clients at our Peoria location.

Jessica Wolf, MS, LCPC

Jessica completed her Master in Science in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University and also is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). In addition, Jessica is certified in Crisis Intervention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Managing and Adapting Practice, and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Jessica’s professional interest areas include working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma/PTSD, understanding how child and adolescent psychology plays a role in development, incorporating a family systems approach in therapy, and providing tools for those with attachment, anxiety, and mood disorders so that they can thrive. Jessica serves as Clinical Supervisor for our Bloomington- Morris site and also works with clients from at that location.

Jennifer Woodrum, MS

Jennifer completed her Master of Science degree in Clinical-Counseling at Illinois State University and is also certified in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Jennifer’s areas of professional interests include working with individuals who have experienced trauma, helping support individuals with mood disorders, and children with behavior disorders. Jennifer enjoys incorporating a strengths-based approach in her therapy, utilizes play therapy with children and provides parents with effective tools to use for effective and positive parenting. Jennifer’s training includes Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Attachment, Regulation, Competency (ARC) frameworks for working with children and adolescents who have been through complex trauma as well as their caregiving system. Jennifer works with clients at our Bloomington-Morris location.