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ILLINOIS

Yessenia Gonzalez, LSW

Yessenia Gonzalez is a Licensed Social Worker who specializes in providing therapeutic services to children and families. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Yessenia employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Play Therapy in her approach, tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her professional journey was inspired by her personal experiences with a supportive therapist during her younger years, which instilled in her the power of being heard and understood.

Yekaterina (Katya) Shcherbakova, LCPC

Katya is a licensed professional clinical counselor who earned her master’s degree in Clinical Professional Counseling from Roosevelt University. In addition to having enjoyed psychology classes in school, Katya decided to become a therapist because she wanted a career that offered the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. To her, there’s nothing like seeing people grow and gain insight into their lives.

Velma Oliver, LSW

Velma is a licensed social worker who holds a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Velma has experience providing clinical recommendations to both state courts and private agencies for children and families in the Illinois child welfare system. She is described as authentic, funny, and kind and hopes to assist people on their path toward being a better version of themselves.

Tiffany Wilson, LSW

Tiffany A. Wilson is a Licensed Social Worker with a passion for providing comprehensive care to individuals across the lifespan. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Tiffany employs a diverse range of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), to name a few.

Theonita Wright, LSW

Theonita Wright is a versatile and compassionate Licensed Social Worker (LSW) based in Chicago. With a background that includes a BA and an MSW, Theonita has distinguished herself in the mental health field by specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and a range of other therapeutic approaches. Her practice extends to individuals, couples, families, and children across various age groups, offering a tailored approach that emphasizes strength-based and solutions-focused methods.

Stephanie WIllis, LCPC, CADC

As the founder of Willis CC, Stephanie Willis has maintained a strong emphasis on accountability, innovation, collaboration, and global citizenship within the practice. At WCC, therapy is more than just being listened to—it’s about being challenged to take uncomfortable steps in order to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Her experience in the Chicago-land area includes work in non-profits, hospitals, and wilderness programs before establishing Willis CC.

Sean Murphy, LCSW

Sean is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned his master’s degree in Social Work at Aurora University. Inspired by a mentor who always saw the best in people—even as they presented challenging behaviors—Sean felt the urge to help others and decided to become a therapist. He is passionate about clinical work in both Illinois and New Mexico. In his previous roles, Sean applied his expertise in residential and nursing home settings, helping people with severe and persistent mental illnesses and providing one-on-one counseling to older adults.

Samantha Vasquez, LCPC, CGCS

Samantha Vazquez is a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified grief counseling specialist. She was inspired to become a counselor after her own experiences in therapy during early childhood, and she values therapy because she believes that individuals have the power to change their lives if they are willing to examine and explore the deepest parts of themselves. Before joining our team, Samantha amassed extensive experience helping families manage the heavy burdens of grief and loss. 

Randolph Guerra, CFO

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Ra’eesa Sadat, LCSW

Ra’eesa Sadat is a licensed clinical social worker who earned her Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Previously, Ra’eesa provided physical, emotional, and educational support during pregnancy and labor. She also offered supportive counseling related to adjustment to illness, hospitalization, and outpatient care. She believes that therapy helps remind people that their light continues to shine in the dark and that the darkness has not overcome it.

Linda Puetz, Ed.D., LCPC, NCSP

Linda Puetz, EdD, LCPC is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned her Doctorate in Counseling from Northern Illinois University, Masters in School Psychology from Western Illinois University, and Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.  She is also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) who has worked in various west suburban school districts for many years, advocating for students and parents with concerns in areas of learning, behavior, social skills, and emotional development.

Laura Koehler, Psy D

Laura Koehler is a Doctor of Psychology who earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. Having experienced separation anxiety from her mother in sixth grade, along with struggles with recurrent panic attacks, Laura was inspired to become a therapist to help others navigate their own challenging situations. Laura brings a wealth of experience from her past work in hospital and residential settings, where she worked directly with guests, supervised numerous psychologists in training, and led dozens of groups and training sessions.

LaSheena Clark, LCPC

LaSheena is a licensed clinical professional counselor who earned her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She decided to become a therapist after recognizing that healthy outlets, coping skills, and shared experiences are essential for personal growth. She also saw that there weren’t enough positive resources to help people, so she wanted to be a part of positive change.

Kaylyn Howley, LCPC

Kaylyn received her BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before moving to Chicago to earn her MA in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.

She has a background in crisis training, gambling and substance abuse addiction, and providing web and mobile-based counseling. Wellness is an important value for her, and one of her most impactful experiences was presenting to hundreds of professionals on various wellness topics, such as creating a life vision and practicing mindfulness.

Kathryn Brown, LSW

Kathryn Brown, known as Kath, is a passionate therapist dedicated to addressing and healing historical and collective traumas that affect individuals and communities. Their therapeutic approach is guest-centered and flexible, focusing on supporting guests ages 10 and up. Kath emphasizes the importance of understanding the socio-political and historical contexts contributing to psychological distress, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable mental health system.

Kathleen Sherlock, LCPC

Kathleen is a licensed clinical professional counselor who earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. She also has postgraduate training in addictions and trauma. She decided to become a therapist when she was working as an ESL tutor and saw so many people struggling with problems that went well beyond their need for language skills; it inspired her to become a counselor and help empower others to heal, build strength, and reach for their best lives.

Karri Christiansen, LSW, CADC, CCTP

Karri is a Licensed Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor who earned her master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University. She believes that everyone has a story to tell and that through the work of therapy, they can rewrite the ending to their own stories. Previously, Karri spent time working in crisis intervention and crisis counseling, and she gained invaluable experience helping older adolescents and adults living with depression, bipolar disorder, stress, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse issues, and panic disorders, as well as those struggling with suicidal ideation.

Kaitlin Blakeney, LCPC

Kaitlin Blakeney is a licensed professional counselor and a strong advocate for caring for others. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Illinois University, where she studied criminology and criminal justice before earning her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Her work has included supporting young adults in managing major life decisions related to being new to a big city, managing career uncertainty, navigating dating stressors, setting boundaries in relationships, and increasing independence from parents. 

Jodi Bates, LPC

Jodi is a licensed professional counselor who earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. Additionally, she is currently working on her CSAT certification. She decided to become a therapist because she loves helping others become their authentic selves. Before joining Willis CC, Jodi gained valuable experience leading process groups and education groups. At Willis CC, she’s excited to help guests navigate difficulties with substance abuse, sex addiction, disordered eating, relationships, intimacy, and other life stressors.

Jada Choate, LCSW

Jada is a licensed clinical social worker who earned her Bachelor of Arts and Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Quinnipiac University. She also holds a Master’s of Arts in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Prior to her work with Willis Counseling and Consulting, Jada supervised a mental health support and suicide prevention text line for teens. At WCC, Jada specializes in working with those aged seven and older who struggle with addiction, anger, anxiety, body dysmorphia (BDD), boundaries, dating and relationships, decision-making, depression, and domestic violence.

Heather Treat, Psy D

Heather is a Doctor of Psychology who earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology at the Texas School of Professional Psychology. When asked what most impacted her decision to become a therapist, she notes that she’s just always known it was her calling. The joy she gets from helping families learn to communicate better has confirmed that it was the right choice. Before joining Willis CC, Heather spent the majority of her career gaining invaluable experience at a hospitalization program for adolescent anxiety, where she supervises doctoral students and delivers presentations for the community.

Gwen Clancy, LCPC

Gwen Clancy graduated with a B.S. in Sociology from Illinois State University and a master’s degree from St. Xavier University. Gwen believes it is important for guests to know that being in therapy doesn’t make a person “bad” or “weird.” Everyone has difficulties in life, and therapy can be a safe place to explore and overcome those challenges. She’s worked in agency settings since graduating college and enjoys helping people make forward progress in their lives.

Erika Perez, LPC

Erika Perez is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a diverse educational background, including a Bachelor’s degree in English, a Master’s in Creative Writing, and a Master’s in School Counseling from Roosevelt University. Erika’s compassionate and person-centered approach has been shaped by her experience working as a special education classroom assistant, where she saw the unmet needs of students in both special and general education. Her passion for helping others, especially those dealing with trauma, led her to pursue a career in counseling.

Diamond Montgomery, LSW

Diamond Montgomery is an outspoken, independent, and brilliant therapist based in Chicago, Illinois. With a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University, she is a Licensed Social Worker who deeply believes in the healing power of therapy. Serving a broad demographic ranging from teenagers to middle-aged individuals, Diamond possesses a unique blend of clinical skills, tailoring each session with a strength-based and client-centered approach.

Cindy Guzman

Cindy Guzman is a licensed social worker who earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University and her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago. She was inspired to become a therapist after recognizing the limited access youth have to mental health services. Before joining Willis CC, Cindy gained invaluable experience working with youth and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, self-regulation, and life transition difficulties in school settings.

Canentra Williams, LCSW

Canentra Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University at Chicago and a Master of Science degree with a focus on child development from Erikson Institute, after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a focus on Ethnic Studies from Lawrence University. Canentra has provided clinical services in a wide range of capacities—from working in a community mental health facility and youth residential care to clinical case management services for individuals and families within a permanent supportive housing program who have experienced homelessness.

Amber Reed, LCSW, CADC, CODP I

Amber Reed is a licensed clinical social worker and certified alcohol and other drug abuse counselor who earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University. After her own transformative experiences in therapy, Amber felt called to become a therapist to help others with their challenges.

Before joining Willis CC, Amber gained considerable experience working as a counselor and group facilitator at a substance misuse clinic.

Alyssa Cline, LCSW

Alyssa Cline is a licensed clinical social worker who earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She decided to become a therapist after years of working as a caseworker in foster care and realizing she wanted to spend more time helping parents and children process difficult situations. Alyssa’s previous experience includes working with people experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, and those in crisis. At Willis CC, she’s excited to work with individuals and families, including children and young adults (ages 5 to 35).

Alexander Bauman, LSW, CADC

Alexander Bauman is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) based in Illinois. Holding an MSW from the University of Kentucky and a BSW from Northeastern Illinois University, Alexander has amassed valuable experience working with dual-diagnosis substance abuse and mental health clients in inpatient settings. His therapeutic expertise includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and more.

Becky Davis, MA, MS, LPC

Rebecca Davis is a licensed professional counselor who earned her master’s degree in Counseling from Eastern Illinois University and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lindenwood University. She discovered her passion for helping others in high school, where she volunteered on the teen staff for Operation Snowball and ITI (Illinois Teenage Institute), supporting other teens and building connections.