David Rakofsky, Psy.D.

President

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Dr. David Rakofsky, President of Wellington Counseling Group and licensed clinical psychologist, has extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, and communication issues in traditional and non-traditional households. He frequently facilitates a weekly men’s group helping men at a mid-life crossroads work through career development and maintaining healthy relationships. Dr. Rakofsky has been in private practice since 2005 and served in a number of leadership roles for both public and private mental health agencies.

He’s most honored to be involved in the daily training of the next generation of psychologists and Master’s level psychotherapists, and has consulted within many varied segments of the community, including law enforcement, academia, and immigration and civil rights law. Dr. Rakofsky holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago and a Master’s in Adult Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. He is also a proud alumnus of Syracuse University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in psychology and religion.

When he is not working, he enjoys the arts, films, playing and performing music, cycling, and spending time with his children.

As a member of PSYPACT, Dr. Rakofsky can treat via telehealth, clients who live in the following participating states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, (Illinois), Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Brandon Arbuckle, LMFT

Psychotherapist

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Brandon Arbuckle is a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than two decades of experience in private practice. His primary focus is working with couples on conflict resolution and emotional dysregulation between partners. With a background in the intersection of neuroscience and change in couples, Brandon understands how the body responds to trauma and emotional distress as well as the effect this can have on the lives of those in intimate relationships. He works to help couples develop greater and more secure emotional connections, as well as identify opportunities for growth in their relationships.

Brandon is a certified facilitator of Prepare/Enrich™, as well as a supervisor approved by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He regularly supervises and consults with those seeking to become an LMFT in Illinois. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture with a focus in Neuroscience at Garrett Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University.

In his free time, Brandon enjoys movies, art, baseball, hiking, camping, and exploring the varied cuisine offered by the world’s most delightful city: Chicago.

Alyson Byrne, Psy.D.

Post-doctoral Fellow

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Dr. Alyson Byrne works with children, adolescents, families, and adults, offering psychological expertise throughout the lifespan. With extensive experience working with children, Dr. Byrne has helped patients navigate various challenges youths are exposed to at home and at school. Her focus areas consist of emotional and behavioral difficulties, including ASD, ADHD, difficulties with peer relationships, bullying, anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues. Dr. Byrne also works with infants and toddlers, performing developmental evaluations alongside speech and language pathologists.

Dr. Byrne is a graduate of Adler University in Chicago where she earned a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a Child and Adolescent emphasis and before that, a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has extensive clinical experience in public schools, therapeutic day schools, and private schools. Dr. Byrne is also well-versed in conducting psychological, academic, and neuropsychological evaluations for children and adolescents.

In her free time, Dr. Byrne enjoys exploring the city of Chicago with her friends. She loves to try different restaurants, see live shows, travel, and spend time with her family.

McKenna Ebiner, ALMFT

Psychotherapist

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McKenna works with families, couples, adults, and adolescents. She has a background working with families in conflict, relationship issues, young adults experiencing significant life transitions, and has extensive experience with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. McKenna is a graduate of the University of San Diego with a Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy. She spent her practicum year with adolescents and adults struggling with their mental health, and working with their families to help them support one another through challenging times. McKenna has also completed Levels 1 & 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work.

With a specialty in marriage and family therapy, McKenna believes that all work is relational in some capacity, and that relationships will be addressed even when seeing clients individually. McKenna works with couples, families, and individuals through a collaborative lens, partnering with her clients to determine what works best for them in therapy. She embodies a warm and empathic approach, and believes that everyone is doing the best they can with the resources they have.

In her free time, McKenna enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, running, and traveling!

Sharon Ganellen, LCSW

Psychotherapist

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Sharon Ganellen is a veteran psychotherapist with a wealth of experience under her belt. She has worked in a variety of mental health and school settings over the last 20 years and has focused extensively in helping children and their families. Sharon’s next chapter begins now at Wellington Counseling Group, where she will help adults, couples, and families seeking positive changes in their lives and working to reach their full potential. Sharon also provides consultation and advocacy for parents and children who are navigating a variety of educational challenges in hopes of being appropriately served by their school districts’ resources.

Sharon works from a family systems orientation, incorporating elements from other recognized treatment approaches, as well. With every case, she aspires to work collaboratively with clients, to allow them to realistically assess their situation, identify their options, and to then effectively implement changes in their lives to reach their goals.

Sharon earned an MSW from Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a lifelong learner who always tries to add new tools to her toolbox so that she can better help her clients.

Sharon is a Master Gardener who has volunteered at the Chicago Botanic Garden for over 20 years and holds a brown belt in Aikido. Sharon also has an extensive background in experiential education and has worked on several Teams Challenge courses. In her free time Sharon loves to read, listen to music, cook, travel, and spend time in nature with her husband.

Cressie Goode

Graduate Level Therapist

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Cressie Goode is a Graduate Level Therapist at Wellington Counseling Group for the 2022-2023 school year. She is attending graduate school at DePaul University, where she is studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She received her Bachelor's degree double majoring in Psychology and English & Creative Writing at the University of Iowa. Once she finishes her degree, she hopes to get a therapist position working with a wide variety of populations and individuals, as well as specializing in working with the LGBTQ+ community.

In her free time, Cressie enjoys attending zumba classes, taking local art classes, and hanging out with her friends and family. She has two cats named Freckles and Mac who she loves to talk about as well!

Ashley Hodges, MSW, LCSW

Psychotherapist

she/her/hers

In Ashley’s role as a licensed clinical social worker, she works with children, families and adults through times of crisis. She also has experience working with young people who are experiencing anxiety, struggling with school, suffering from ADD or ADHD, are on the autism spectrum, have behavioral challenges, need anger management skill-building, or who suffer from lack of confidence.

She works closely with individuals, as well as small groups, to be a strong advocate and ally for every child and family she works with. Ashley is passionate about the role family function plays in a child’s social development and academic development. As a therapist, she gives children the tools to express themselves constructively and develop the confidence that enables them to be their best self.

Earning her Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in school social work from the University of Illinois in Chicago, Ashley began working in the school system in 2009, learning about individualized Education Plans (IEP), 504 Plans, and implementing special education services under the Disabilities Education Act. In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, exercising, reading, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Katelyn Kosinski

Graduate Level Marriage and Family Therapist

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Katelyn Kosinski is a Graduate Level Marriage and Family Therapist from Alliant International University, where she is pursuing her master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy. Katelyn believes that we can reach our greatest potential and experience peace when we learn how to have healthy relationships with ourselves and others. She is passionate about helping couples, families, and individuals move from surviving to thriving by: breaking cycles that have kept them stuck; identifying their personal needs; and homing in on the strengths that all individuals innately possess. By utilizing narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and incorporating mindfulness strategies, Katelyn helps her clients grow and become more confident in themselves and their relationships. She is also a 100-hour-certified mindfulness meditation instructor.

In her free time, Katelyn enjoys playing outside with her puppy, visiting national parks, stand up paddle boarding, watercolor painting, and cozying up with some tea and a good non-fiction book.

Allison Lobel, Psy.D.

Director of Child & Adolescent Services

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Dr. Allison Lobel has an extensive background working with children, adolescents, and families. She’s focused on helping children and families, with a specialty in diagnosing and treating children who are on the autism spectrum, have developmental delays, sensory and regulatory issues, ADHD, caregiver-child attachment issues, peer relational difficulties, anxiety and depression, adjustment issues, and grief and loss.

Dr. Lobel follows a developmental and relational approach to understanding and addressing the underlying difficulties people can experience throughout their lives. She believes in the adage that a family is only as happy as its unhappiest member, so she strives to support parents and help them understand their child better.

After earning her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology - Chicago, Dr. Lobel has gone on to shape a career both treating children, adolescents, and families as well as heading up the division at WCG that focuses on youth treatment. She currently serves with a number of agencies for children with special needs, as well as being a certified administer of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) which serves to provide a more appropriate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.

In her free time, Dr. Lobel enjoys cooking, traveling, exploring Chicago, exercising and spending time with her family and friends.

As a member of PSYPACT, Dr. Lobel can treat via telehealth, clients who live in the following participating states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, (Illinois), Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Paul Losoff, Psy.D.

Director of Training & Clinic Director - Northbrook

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Dr. Paul Losoff works with teens and adults and treats a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem, identity, and relationship dynamics. Dr. Losoff views psychotherapy as a collaborative process during which he can help clients navigate their path toward personal growth, self-awareness, and increased well-being. As a former musician, Dr. Losoff is adept in the creative processes in therapy, wherein he uses grounded theories and techniques to transcend the well-worn ruts his clients find themselves stuck within.

Earning a master's and doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Dr. Losoff went on to complete his predoctoral internship at Bridge View and Challenger Day Schools. He also served as a crisis counselor in the emergency room at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. In addition to a focus on psychotherapy, Dr. Losoff also has taught courses in personality assessment to Chicago-area doctoral students. He also specializes in psychodiagnostics and oversees all psychological testing and assessments within our practice.

In his free time, Dr. Losoff enjoys spending time with his kids, playing Minecraft, guitar, and attempting to fix household appliances.

As a member of PSYPACT, Dr. Losoff can treat via telehealth, clients who live in the following participating states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, (Illinois), Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Aldona Marchese, MS, Ed.

Psychotherapist

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Aldona Marchese is Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute-trained child and adolescent psychotherapist. She specializes in treatment of children, adolescents, and emerging adults. Aldona provides consultations and support for parents and families as they seek to enhance their parenting strategies. Aldona also provides cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for young individuals so that they can develop and maintain effective coping strategies and tools. Additionally, she is fluent in both French and Polish and brings to her practice a keen awareness and sensitivity of multicultural factors affecting many of her patients.

Aldona possesses extensive experience from both academic and clinically focused settings. She supports each child and their family through social, academic, and behavioral challenges and empowers them to gain insight into the emotional roots of their challenges. For some patients, Aldona also applies the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) so that her patients can develop and maintain more effective coping strategies.

Aldona holds a Master's in Early Childhood Special Education from Dominican University and is a Board-Certified Educational Therapist. More recently, Aldona has embarked on extensive additional training in Mentalization Based Treatment at Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families and is currently pursuing a Master's in Mental Health Counseling at Trinity University.

In her spare time, Aldona loves traveling and preserving nature with her husband, two active young sons, and their beloved rescue dog.

Alexandra Milbourn, LPC

Psychotherapist

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Alexandra Milbourn is a Licensed Professional Counselor working with adults, adolescents and children experiencing distress or conflict that interferes with their quality of life. Her clinical areas of strength include complex trauma,adjustment difficulties, relationship difficulties, anxiety, and mood disorders. Alexandra is passionate  about creating a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space, while providing authenticity that humanizes the vulnerable experience of therapy. Her therapeutic approach is integrative and holistic in nature, wherein she focuses on the cohesion between the mind and the body. Alexandra makes use of evidence-based practices such as: trauma-informed, person-centered psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapies, tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients.

Alexandra earned her Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Criminology from Florida State University. She brings clinical experience in private practice and the inpatient setting, alike, experiences that provided her opportunities to treat diverse populations that included children, adolescents, and adults, all of whom presented with a wide range of mental health concerns and diagnoses. These experiences shaped Alexandra’s appreciation for psychotherapeutic intervention and prevention across the lifespan, and the particular role that psychotherapy plays in the capacity to strengthen emotional regulation and healthy connections  for children and adolescents. Alexandra approaches psychotherapy with adults with a trauma-informed lens and has received supervised training in sex therapy. Additionally, Alexandra’s education and training include forensic-based services and insight into mental health challenges within the justice system. She is currently working towards her final clinical license and continues to participate in professional trainings and education.

In her free time, Alexandra enjoys trying new restaurants, yoga, running, traveling, walks along the lakefront and spending time with friends and family.

Karlie Mirabelli, Ph.D.

Post-doctoral Fellow

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Dr. Karlie Mirabelli works with children, adolescents, families, and adults. She helps children and families with concerns at school and at home, as well as with family and peer relationships. She is experienced working with college-aged clients as they navigate their transitions into higher education and adulthood. In addition, Dr. Mirabelli enjoys working with adult clients. Her focus is on emotional and behavioral difficulties across the lifespan, including but not limited to ADHD, social anxiety, separation anxiety, OCD, generalized anxiety, trauma, existential concerns, and depression. She also conducts comprehensive psychological, academic, and neuropsychological evaluations with all ages.

Dr. Mirabelli understands that the therapeutic relationship is among the most important factors in a positive therapeutic experience, and as such, she believes that psychotherapy is just as much of a place to laugh and celebrate joys as it is a place to grieve and manage disappointments. Dr. Mirabelli takes a collaborative approach to therapy, drawing from a feminist and social justice lens in order to guide clients towards personal liberation. She is well-versed in several modes of psychotherapy, such as ACT, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, CPT, exposure therapy, and behavioral therapy.

Dr. Mirabelli is a graduate of East Carolina University where she earned a Doctorate in Health Psychology with a specialization in Pediatric School Psychology and before that, a Master of Arts in School Psychology. In her free time, Dr. Mirabelli enjoys exploring the city of Chicago with her friends, family, and dog. She loves to kayak, bike along the lake, read, attend concerts, try new restaurants, and watch movies.

Eric Ornstein, LCSW

Psychotherapist

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Eric works closely with clients experiencing conflict or distress. His approach is built on consistent, empathetic listening and compassionate support, helping his client identify options and prioritize goals as they find relief from pain. Eric specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

Eric taps into a few key elements of the healing process - identifying strengths, finding new coping mechanisms, and bolstering resilience. All of this helps clients develop self awareness to help transform automatic behaviors into conscious deliberate choices. This methodology places a special emphasis on psychodynamic relational concepts, a framework his published articles were at the forefront of first integrating into the field of social work.

Eric served on the faculty of the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago as a Clinical Associate Professor for nineteen years prior to retiring from this role in 2011. During his academic career, he published eighteen articles on psychotherapy and clinical social work in peer-reviewed journals and presented at local, state and national conferences. In recent years, he has taught social work practice, psychopathology and group therapy courses at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, The Institute for Clinical Social Work, and St. Augustine College. Eric also has served as President of the Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work where he has served since 2012.

In his free time, Eric enjoys listening to a wide variety of music and is a passionate Grateful “Deadhead.” He likes to take walks with his wife and catch up with his son on the latest technology.

Ashabi Owagboriaye

Graduate Level Therapist

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Ashabi Owagboriaye is a Graduate Level Therapist practicing at Wellington Counseling Group. They are currently attending Roosevelt University, completing a master's in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling. Ashabi is equipped to work with diverse populations, seeing a clientele range sharply focused on individuals within marginalized and queer communities.

Their theoretical approach is grounded within Existential-Humanistic psychology, consisting of an array of ideas and approaches that allow clients to honor their own experiences in life while providing a safe space to explore it all. Her desire to maintain their clients’ comfort is reliant on her desire to foster a non-judgmental relationship, one with empathy and guidance toward the client’s own chosen goals.

Ashabi is a (2021) National Board Certified Counselor Minority Fellow as well as an Educator within the Asexual community (Ace In Grace). While committing to continue her education, these achievements have allowed her to effectively practice culturally competent care. Through this work, they have been able to remain consistent and thoughtful in cultivating compassion with clients and the communities she’s a part of.

In her free time, Ashabi enjoys creating moments with her friends, continuing her passions in photography and some other creative avenues. Overall, exploring all things that brings them joy.

Laura Perelman, LCSW

Psychotherapist

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Laura works with children, adolescents, and adults who are feeling stuck in the course their life is taking. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, family discord, gender dysphoria, trauma, self-destructive/compulsive behavior disorders, relationship issues, grief and loss, and life transitions.

Laura recognizes how challenging it can be to enter therapy and be vulnerable. This is why she works collaboratively with her clients to establish a safe place where they feel understood, supported, and encouraged to make substantive changes. Her goal is to help each person she works with nurture and appreciate their strengths whilst growing in their capacity for insight and acceptance.

Laura earned her Master's in Social Work from New York University and also achieved a Master's in Learning Sciences from Northwestern University. Her clinical internships included individual play therapy with children and psychotherapy with adults. She continuously participates in professional training and consultations to advance her education and clinical skills.

In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, going to yoga, attending live theater, cooking, traveling, and spending as much time as possible outside.

Rajkumar Periasamy, Psy.D.

Associate Director of Assessment

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Dr. Rajkumar Periasamy is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with an extensive background in psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. He has worked with a wide range of clinical issues, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship struggles. His approach to treatment is primarily Cognitive Behavioral with an openness to adapting his approach to fit his clients’ broad range of needs.

Dr. Periasamy specializes in psychological assessments for children and adults who present with a wide range of diagnoses, including ADHD, developmental delays, learning differences, and socio-emotional challenges. His approach to evaluations is highly comprehensive as he closely tailors recommendations to a goal of enhancing a person's wellbeing or toward ensuring their academic or vocational success. He understands that the diagnostic process can feel quite overwhelming, particularly to youths, and he works with you to ensure your child receives the necessary help they need.

Dr. Periasamy graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with his doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with a primary focus on the psychology of the child/adolescent. He completed his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!).

In his free time, he enjoys spending time watching sports, cooking, running long distances, hiking, and traveling the world.

Chloe Pimentel

Graduate Level Therapist

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Chloe Pimentel is a Graduate Level Marriage and Family Therapy student from Northern Illinois University. Chloe is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at NIU and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon where she earned B.A.’s in psychology and Spanish.

In her work with individuals, couples, and families, Chloe utilizes a collaborative, non-judgmental approach. She believes that individuals are the experts on their own lives; her goal is to help clients find the solutions that work best for them. Chloe uses a systemic perspective when working with clients and she is certified in Gottman Level 1 couples therapy, as well as Prepare/Enrich premarital counseling.

Once she completes her master’s program, Chloe plans to work as a therapist providing services to individuals struggling with life transitions, familial/relational conflict, trauma, and mood and anxiety disorders. Chloe also has a specific interest in working with the Latino population, healthcare workers, and first responders.

In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, watching movies, staying active, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Ashley Plotnick, LSW

Psychotherapist

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Ashley is a relationship-centered therapist who also draws upon family systems theory in her work with adults and teens. Ashley believes that the therapeutic relationship must foster a sense of warmth, authenticity, and acceptance, enabling clients to bring their full selves to the work, creating deeper awareness and a more connected, lived experience. Ashley's varied life experience has taught her that integration is essential on our journey toward wholeness. In this way, she creates a safe space for people to bring the many aspects of their own selves—social, emotional, spiritual, and sexual—to the therapy process. Ashley’s extensive training in mindfulness practice enables her to hold each person’s story with compassion and to meet them with presence.

A lifelong learner, Ashley holds masters’ degrees in Human Sexuality Education and Social Work from Widener University and is a trained Spiritual Director through the Morei Derekh program for Jewish Spiritual Direction. Ashley most recently earned a certificate in social-emotional learning from Rutgers University. She is currently earning a Grief Support Specialist Certificate through the University of Madison and is a volunteer for the COVID Grief Network. 

Ashley also earned a masters’ degree in Jewish Studies from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, where her thesis focused on mindful parenting. Her undergraduate degree is from Indiana University with a dual-major in Jewish and Religious Studies.

When not in her clinical role at WCG, Ashley is also the Director of Congregational Learning at Makom Solel Lakeside and privately offers Spiritual Direction.In her free time, Ashley enjoys reading, meditating, dancing, and most importantly, being with friends and family, including her three spirited children, a rambunctious cat, and an energetic dog.

Jeffrey Samuels, LCSW

Psychotherapist

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Jeffrey is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. He is experienced in addressing a variety of clinical issues, including: depression, trauma, anxiety, grief, relationship dynamics, life transitions, and diminished self-esteem.

Jeffrey follows a relationship-focused approach, developing a strong, trusting, nonjudgmental and empathetic connection between himself and his clients. He subscribes to a strong belief that clients are the experts of their own lives and that therapy works best when individuals feel empowered and supported to reach the goals they identify as most important. He incorporates a range of clinical tools, including narrative therapy and, with younger clients, play therapy.

After earning a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago, Jeffrey worked in multiple community mental health agencies, providing therapy to both children and their families. He also has extensive experience helping young adults adjust to life transitions such as changes in living situations, school and work life.

In his free time, Jeffrey enjoys traveling, hiking, watching movies, and taking his dog, Ernie, on walks around Chicago.

Susan Silver, MBA, MA, LCPC

Psychotherapist

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Susan is a Gottman Institute-trained couples specialist who also treats individuals in all stages of life, helping them understand themselves better and feel more balanced, healthy, and confident. She specializes in helping people transition through periods of life, including dating, marriage, and bringing children into their lives, as well as on career changes, affairs, divorce, illness, and bereavement. Susan also has extensive experience in family advocacy, including adoption, surrogacy, learning differences, and disability.

Susan works to help clients make sense of their relationships, emotions, and view of the world. She employs a variety of different methods, sometimes combining multiple schools of thought in order to best serve her clients. She serves whatever role her clients need - a sounding board, a champion, or a supportive presence. Her goal is to create a warm, collaborative, empathetic, and genuine environment that is conducive to drawing out insight and inviting change.

Susan earned her Master's degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University in Chicago and an MBA in Organizational and Psychological Behavior from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Her clinical fellowships included roles in trauma, abuse, and the LGBTQI community.

In her free time, Susan is a presenter and mentor for Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project. She volunteers for a number of non-profits, while also serving as the founder of the Illinois Chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, snowshoeing, playing tennis, watching movies, and learning new languages.

Christine Weible-Cruz, LSW

Psychotherapist

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Christine Weible-Cruz is a bilingual social worker, treating adults in both Spanish and English. She uses a relationship-centered approach to therapy, taking time to build trust, understanding, and empathy so that she can help clients reach their goals. Christine believes that a strong working relationship is crucial to helping clients meet challenges head-on. She helps them discover new ways of relating to themselves and others through a collaborative approach to bring empowerment and establish real and lasting change in their lives.

A graduate of Loyola University Chicago's Graduate School of Social Work, Christine specialized in Mental Health and Migration Studies, completing her fieldwork at Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Stone Center, where she focused on depression, anxiety, PTSD, complex and developmental trauma, and adjustment disorder. Christine has trained in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, which she uses to understand the histories, events, environmental, and relational factors underlying clients’ struggles.

Christine previously worked as a museum educator in New York City and she has a master’s degree from NYU in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. These experiences informed her belief that language and culture shape our experience of the world and that examining the impact of these factors can enrich the therapy experience.

Missy Williams, LPC

Psychotherapist

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Missy Williams is passionate about psychotherapy with children, adolescents, families, as well as adults. In working with adults, Missy helps them create meaning in their lives, with an eye toward life-phases, empowering them to face their current challenges with true agency. Missy is trained in treating youth presenting with anxiety, depression, social-emotional deficits, ADHD, trauma, low self-esteem, and interpersonal challenges. She is also a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). Missy has trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) and Psychological First Aid, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), and Solution Focused Play Therapy (SF-PT).

Additionally, as an EMDR-trained therapist, Missy assists clients in treating trauma, PTSD, somatic symptoms, and other mental health concerns, in a safe and effective way, while maintaining client stability. This highly researched and evidence-based treatment approach can allow for long-term healing, addressing both the physiological and psychological.

Missy earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling at Northwestern University. She has worked in various clinical settings including The Family Institute at Northwestern.

Missy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, where her passion for empowering the lives of children was ignited. She believes that the systems within which the child exists--such as school and community--play a dominant role in their development and worldview. Missy believes culture, values, and a family’s intergenerational trauma are valuable aspects to explore in treatment.

Utilizing a person-centered therapeutic style when building rapport with clients, Missy enjoys working with families to provide parents with support. Her clinical style is warm, empathic, authentic, and playful. She excels in building positive relationships with her clients, and introduces therapeutic tools to promote ongoing growth.

Missy enjoys spending her free time with loved ones, cooking, playing guitar and listening to music, traveling, running, and playing tennis.

Shobha Shah, Ph.D.

HR and Operations Manager

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Dr. Shobha Shah is an experienced HR and Operations manager with over 12 years of experience in the Technology and Software industry. Her commitment to Human Resources, Leadership Development and Operations has been her anchor for organizational growth throughout her career. Her expertise lies in identifying opportunities, overcoming issues, building pivotal relationships, and turning concepts into workable solutions to integrate and streamline “People”, “Process,” and “Systems.”

Dr. Shah holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Brigham Young University. She also has the distinction of having completed a postdoc fellowship at Northwestern University and was Survey Director/Research Scientist at NORC, University of Chicago.

In her free time, Shobha enjoys knitting, crocheting, cycling, and cooking ethnic vegetarian food from various cultures.

Shawn Sturges

Clinical Coordinator

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As an individual with vision loss, Shawn found that often speaking to others about his personal experiences has had a positive personal impact on his life. Since the loss of Shawn's vision over 15 years ago, he has learned that life is a journey to enjoy and cherish, every step of the way. Over the years, Shawn has learned that we don’t get anywhere in life on our own; allowing others to help us often yields positive returns throughout our lives. Shawn recently found his way to Wellington Counseling Group as the Clinical Coordinator, and couldn’t be prouder of his colleagues who have welcomed him with open arms. He regularly encourages callers and new clients to stay in contact. Staff are here to assist in whatever way possible, so feel free to reach out. We will always be glad to help!

Shawn earned his bachelors degree in Business Administration along with a minor in Marketing in 2012 from the University of Tampa. He then moved to the Twin Cities to diversify his education and once there, decided to pursue an education in Music Business at McNally Smith College of Music. This allowed Shawn to work within the entertainment industry for a few years in the area of music publishing and artist development both there and in Nashville.

After moving to Chicago several years ago Shawn found himself in the world of adaptive rock climbing, a world that has taken him to some pretty cool places both in the U.S. and abroad. What Shawn is most proud of is the chance he was given to become an ambassador athlete for Paradox Sports, an organization helping individuals with various disabilities experience the outdoors while rock climbing, a role that has provided him a platform to share his journey as a blind individual and inspire others to find their passion—whatever that may be—despite their disability.