Dr. Joe Roszkowski is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) who has been working in the human services field since 2006. He provides individual, family, and couples therapy, along with psychological testing to children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Joe created and leads the Activity Counseling Social Skills Groups for Boys Program at Pathways. He completed his Doctorate and Master’s Degree in Psychology at Roosevelt University. Dr. Joe was awarded his Bachelor’s Degree in Religion at Florida State University. He has received training in both psychological and neuropsychological assessment.

Dr. Joe is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as well as Pastoral Counseling. He was an adjunct faculty member at Roosevelt University where he taught Bachelors and Masters level psychology courses. He has served as an expert witness in family cases in DuPage County and Kane County. Dr. Joe is the Clinical Director and continues to provide supervision to other therapists and doctoral interns. He is a consultant for private and non-profit organizations. He administers psychological testing for both children and adults from a variety of referral sources including public and parochial schools, hospitals, and the state of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Dr. Joe is not only talented in working with boys but is sought after for his practical and functional psychological assessments and solution-focused approach in working with both young and mature adults.

Melissa Bricka is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, where she specialized in treating children and families. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Benedictine University and also minored in Social Work. Melissa has been working in the field since 2011.

Melissa has previously worked in a therapeutic day school setting where she provided individual therapy and group social skills therapy to children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), cognitive impairments, anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder (BD) and trauma-related issues.

Melissa currently provides individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. She also provides family therapy. She has experience supporting families and parents facing challenges related to raising a child with special needs or mental health issues. She utilizes play therapy, experiential activities, and art to engage young clients and provide developmentally appropriate and effective interventions. Melissa empowers her clients to take ownership of their personal goals, identify their strengths and motivate change through a direct, but empathic approach. Melissa is trained and experienced in using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy and incorporates those interventions when appropriate to the client’s needs. Melissa is a highly skilled therapist who is able to combine research-based methodology with clinical experience in a practical and collaborative approach with her clientele.

Melissa Buchholz is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), who earned both her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and her Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology, with a specialty in Childhood and Adolescence, from Benedictine University. Melissa has been in the counseling field since 2012.

At her first internship with a community mental health agency, she provided individual counseling for those with limited resources and facilitated in-school grief and loss groups. Her second internship took place at a therapeutic day school, where she worked individually with grade-school aged children, facilitated group therapy focused on social skill development and self-esteem/identity building, and assisted with crisis intervention in the classroom. Melissa previously worked in a residential setting treating individuals struggling with mood, anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, self-harm, and trauma-related issues. She has a special interest in treating those with eating disorders and body-image concerns.

Melissa utilizes a person-centered approach as a base layer in her interactions with clients, recognizing the uniqueness of everyone, as well as the differences in their journeys and processes. She incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills frequently with her clients and encourages their use outside of therapy. She also utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS) interventions when treating those with trauma histories, to assist the self in becoming whole again by working with an individual’s traumatized parts. Melissa’s goals in therapy are to increase an individual’s sensitivity to emotional and physical reactions occurring in the body and to foster an environment where this internal awareness informs the treatment process. Her passion in the therapeutic relationship is to walk with others as they maximize their healing ability by becoming empowered and regaining emotional balance and stability.

Email for email button and below – mbuchholz@pathways-psychology.com

Dr. Stacy Clark received her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology and Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from The Adler School of Professional Psychology. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Auburn University, with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Dr. Clark began her externships in 2009, and her internship in 2012.

Dr. Clark has worked in a variety of settings. She worked for a community mental health center and for a health department where she provided psychological assessment. She provided treatment for adults at an Acute Inpatient hospital. She has delivered therapy for a residential and outpatient setting at an addictions facility. Through these settings and experiences, Dr. Clark has gained diverse knowledge.

Dr. Clark provides individual and family therapy, as well as comprehensive psychological assessment. She utilizes an integrative approach in therapy. This approach allows her to utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and client-centered modalities. Dr. Clark has worked with diverse populations exhibiting various levels of functioning, including individuals with intense trauma histories and attachment issues, mood and behavioral disorders, substance use disorders, and anxiety disorders. Dr. Clark also has experience working with the LGBTQIA+ population and appreciates multi-cultural and holistic approaches to improve overall functioning.

Dr. Jamie Cooper is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP). She received her Doctorate and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University. Her research has primarily focused on resilience and fear of failure.

Dr. Cooper has been working in the behavioral health field since 2012 in settings such as community mental health centers, schools, and psychiatric hospitals. She has worked with diverse populations exhibiting various levels of functioning, including individuals with trauma histories, mood and behavioral disorders, and anxiety disorders.

Dr. Cooper works with children, adolescents, adults, and families by providing individual, family, and group therapy, as well as comprehensive psychological assessment. Dr. Cooper’s approach to treatment began in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and has expanded to utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Cooper is dedicated to helping clients move towards their values and live the life they want to live.

Steve Cromer is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with specialized experience and training in working with children and adolescent issues. Steve also works as a therapist in a therapeutic day school setting working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Among his other therapy work, Steve also leads the Social Stars group for elementary-aged boys and girls. He excels at engaging children and adolescents in the therapy process as well as providing effective support for families whose children struggle with unique needs.

Steve has a diverse range of experience in working with a variety of child and adolescent challenges including behavioral challenges, depression, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Bipolar Disorder (BD). Steve also has unique experience and training in working with children who suffer with trauma as well as adoption and attachment related issues in youth. Steve incorporates humor, experiential and play techniques, and motivational approaches and excels at working with challenging and resistant boys. His experience over the years in working with families has also helped him develop into a skilled adult, couples, and family therapist.

Tyler Gedvilas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has been working in the field since 2016. He earned his Master of Science Degree in Clinical-Counseling Psychology through Illinois State University and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology through Illinois Wesleyan University.

Tyler has a wide range of experience with people with a variety of needs and concerns. He has worked with children, families, and couples to improve communication and develop more effective strategies for managing anger, stress, and regulating emotions. He enjoys using humor and offers a welcoming, friendly nature to help clients feel more at ease while working through sometimes difficult changes. He has a background in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as well as a variety of other counseling modes to best fit the needs of each individual client or family.

Gina Grigas is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and has been working in the behavioral health field since 2012. Gina received her Master of Arts degree from Lewis University with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Saint Xavier University. Gina completed internships as both a Sexual Assault Counselor and Domestic Violence Counselor, completing 40-hour trainings in both.

Gina has worked with children, adolescents, and adults providing individual, family, couple, and group therapies. Her career began conducting research with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) through University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS). Her career has also led her to work with a private Child and Family Services Agency in Milwaukee, and a mental health agency in Brown Deer Wisconsin working with children and adolescents coming out of inpatient hospitalization to regain stability in the home and at school. Most recently, Gina has worked for the DuPage County Health Department as a clinician in the Crisis Follow-Up program focusing on helping people with severe and chronic mental illness gain stability and manage symptoms coming out of a crisis point of care.

Gina works with a wide range of ages and diagnoses including mood, behavioral, psychotic, and personality disorders and is a certified Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) provider. Her goal in therapy is to use the connection and relationship developed during the therapeutic process to promote healthy changes, growth, and more positive interactions with all aspects of life.

Shaun Heitzman is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with extensive background in connecting with and motivating adults, teenagers, and kids in mental health. Shaun strives to develop trusting relationships through the empathy he exhibits. Shaun received his Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University.

Shaun has over a decade of experience working in the mental health field. He has worked as a counselor and therapist in residential and psychiatric residential treatment settings, conducting individual, group, and family counseling within these settings. Shaun has experience in treating a variety of areas, including Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), complex trauma such as PTSD, attachment issues, mood and behavior disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.

Shaun enjoys the process of utilizing the individual and family’s strengths and motivations to better themselves while providing a unique framework and exploration of outcomes. Shaun is able to do this by utilizing a variety of treatment modalities through his knowledge of theoretical counseling approaches and their application to real-world settings, having an interest in utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), trauma informed approaches, and existential therapy.

Morgan Hulock is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has been working in the field for five years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Illinois State University and completed her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University. She has been working at Pathways Psychology Services since January of 2021.

Morgan has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a multitude of diagnoses including anxiety, depression, self-esteem and identity issues, trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), grief and loss, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has worked with clients who have varying presentations and behavioral challenges and tailors her approach to the specific needs of each client.

Morgan’s theoretical foundations are in client-centered and cognitive behavioral techniques. She is also influenced by family systems and positive psychology approaches. She seeks creative treatment strategies that empower clients to lead their own treatment and determine their own outcomes.

Email for email button and below – morganh@pathways-psychology.com

Dr. Jeanne Kestel is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) who received her Doctorate Degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She also received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Iowa.

Dr. Kestel has worked in a variety of environments, including health, forensic, and community mental health settings, where she provided therapy and behavioral support to children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Kestel also has experience with working with couples and families, as well as with providing psychological assessments to all age ranges.

Thanks to her diverse training background, Dr. Kestel has gained the ability to tailor her approach to meet the individual needs of each of her clients and their varying presenting concerns. Dr. Kestel relies on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and client-centered techniques to build a strong therapeutic relationship while also creating an effective and collaborative method of treatment.

Dr. Ikroop Khazanewala is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD). She earned her Doctoral and Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in History from the City College of New York. Dr. Khazanewala’s past research has focused on the influence of religiosity and spirituality on resiliency and overall mental health.

Dr. Khazanewala’s experience has included individual, marital, family, and group therapy with people of all ages and several different backgrounds and life experiences. She has worked and trained in many different settings including community mental health, private practice, hospitals, and universities. Dr. Khazanewala has received specialized training in trauma-informed care and providing comprehensive psychological assessments to all ages.

She believes in a collaborative and integrative approach to therapy and provides a kind, safe space striving to understand and meet individual and family goals. Dr. Khazanewala’s therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She specializes in mindfulness-based approaches and often integrates these in her practice.

Emily Koch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Emily has experience as a clinician working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Judson University and earned her Master of Social Work Degree with a specialization in Clinical Practice from Aurora University.

Emily has been working in the clinical field since 2007. Emily specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Her work has included both individual and family interventions. Emily has also worked as a clinician at Illinois Crisis Prevention Network where she provided clinical treatment including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavioral treatment for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other significant behavioral concerns. Within that role, Emily provided case management and resources to families and providers in the area. In addition, Emily worked as a family counselor for 4 years at Aunt Martha’s Youth Service, where she provided crisis intervention, assessments, and worked to engage in stabilization for at-risk youths. She is currently training to be certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for better therapeutic outcomes for individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Shannon Larkin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is also a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC). She has received specialized training and holds an Adolescent Treatment Endorsement with her CADC. Shannon is a seasoned clinician working with adolescents, adults, and families. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Illinois State University and received her Master’s Degree with a focus on Mental and Substance Abuse Issues from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Shannon has been in working in the clinical field since 2005. She was a lead clinician at Rosecrance Treatment Center where she provided individual, family, and group therapy. She has received specialized training in Structural Family Therapy and couples counseling. Shannon has gained additional experience and expertise in addressing abuse related issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), co-morbid substance abuse and mental illness, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and Bipolar Disorder (BD). Among providing therapeutic services to clients, she has also trained co-workers, interns, students, and volunteers.

Shannon is adept at providing Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to adolescents and adults. Her warm and empathic nature makes her an easy clinician for clients to engage in a corroborative working relationship. Parents have found her ability to engage their children and adolescents while at the same time be responsive to parent concerns, a significant strength. Families and couples have found her able to provide effective guidance and direction leading to growth and change.

Shannon is currently offering clinical supervision for candidates seeking their LCSW and/or CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) in the state of Illinois. Supervision would be provided either in a one-on-one setting or a small group, depending on availability. Shannon has a flexible schedule and can be accommodating with location as well. Please contact Ms. Larkin with any questions or to set up a time to meet.

Christine Malm is an experienced and adept counselor and group director. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been running the Strong Girls program at Pathways for several years. Christine has a strong background in multiple therapeutic models including cognitive-behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, individual, and family counseling approaches. Christine received her Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Psychology. Christine is an experienced and skilled family and individual therapist who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She has a specialty in providing counseling support to parents of children with disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders. Christine has a strong background in treating a variety of clients coping with a range of issues from severe mental health disorders to lesser problems related to life adjustments. She has also worked with children and families of divorce and related circumstances. She has facilitated numerous groups for young teens and for parents of teens. Christine is well qualified in providing therapy to children, adults, and families and offers a warm yet goal-oriented approach to helping her clients.

Dr. Jaime Maurella is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP). Dr. Maurella completed both her Doctorate and Master’s Degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her undergraduate studies include a double major in Criminal/Social Justice and Psychology, graduating with honors from Lewis University. Dr. Maurella has specialized training in play therapy strategies for children as young as five years old.

Dr. Maurella is an effective family therapist with a background in parent coaching and parent education. Her skills in these areas have helped her assist children and families overcome difficulties associated with anxiety, behavioral problems, depression, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

She focuses on providing children and parents with specific strategies and concrete tools they can use to facilitate both immediate and lasting changes. Dr. Maurella is also a talented clinician with adolescents and teens, having the ability to connect and motivate teens to become active participants in their individual or family therapy goals. She has worked with teens and families dealing with bullying situations as well as other peer-related challenges. Dr. Maurella has a strong clinical background and the ability to translate these skills in creating an effective counseling relationship. Her wide range of experience and training aids her in providing positive relationships with children, adolescents, and adults.

Zach Meers is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). He is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). He has worked in the helping profession for 10 years. Zach received a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Northern Illinois University. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in both Psychology and Philosophy from University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Zach has over 80 hours of training in Behavior Analysis. He has also completed over 10 hours of trauma-related training.

Zach has a diverse range of experience working with children, adolescents and families in a variety of areas including Attention-Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Schizoaffective Disorder, & Schizophrenia. Zach previously has worked as a therapist and supervisor at a psychiatric residential treatment facility for 6 years. His work focused on ASD, attachment issues, and PTSD. Much of his work has been with working through challenging behaviors of clients and how families can overcome this. He has also worked for over 4 years at a juvenile detention facility working directly with the youth and also training family members.

Zach utilizes a variety of interventions and therapy modalities. His focus of treatment has been through the use of Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and play therapy to assist clients in growing and learning. Zach works through a solution-focused lens in order to help clients become the best that they can be.

Theresa Randich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She received her Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Purdue University.

Theresa is a skilled and experienced family and individual therapist who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She has specialized experience working with those who endure depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Minor life transitions and adjustments are experienced areas, as well. Her therapeutic interventions include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and she is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). Theresa is a qualified therapist that offers a warm, holistic, goal-directed approach which has helped families live their best lives.

Dr. Jen Smigiel is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology who earned her Doctoral and Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University, along with a professional certificate in Child and Family Studies. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago, with a minor in the Psychology of Crime and Justice. Her research has focused on female survivors of childhood abuse.

Dr. Smigiel has completed supervised training and worked with children, adolescents, and families providing individual, group, and family therapy as well as comprehensive psychological assessment. Dr. Smigiel has worked with a diverse range of ages and diagnoses, including individuals exposed to trauma, individuals with attachment difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and developmental disorders. She has experience with in-home therapy, outpatient therapy, as well as with both acute and residential inpatient units. In addition, she has facilitated psychotherapy, psychoeducational, and parenting groups. Dr. Smigiel’s clinical experience and diverse training background is complemented by a friendly, humorous, and goal-oriented approach when working with clients.

Dr. Mandi Copley is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology who has been working in the behavioral health field for six years. She received her Doctorate and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Purdue University. Her research has primarily focused on attachment issues, trauma, and mental illness in youth in the foster care system.

Dr. Copley has a variety of experiences with children, adolescents, and families by providing individual and family therapy, as well as comprehensive psychological assessment. Dr. Copley has worked with diverse populations exhibiting various levels of functioning, including individuals with intense trauma histories and attachment issues, mood and behavioral disorders, and anxiety disorders. In addition to Dr. Copley’s diverse training and clinical experience, she possesses a strong ability to connect and empathize with youth.

Dr. Luisa Toska is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) who obtained her Doctorate Degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Toska has a variety of experiences with children, adolescents, families, and adults by providing individual, group, and family therapy, as well as comprehensive psychological and psychosexual evaluations. Dr. Toska has written over 150 psychological reports for the juvenile court. While the majority of her training and experiences has revolved around children and adolescents with experiences of trauma and poor attachment histories, Dr. Toska has experience working with children and adolescents with a wide range of psychological symptoms and presentations.

For over five years, Dr. Toska worked with children and adolescents in foster care, ranging in age from three to eighteen years old. Additionally, Dr. Toska has been working with court-involved youth for over four years and has mastered her ability to motivate resistant adolescents to be active participants in their treatment. Having worked with a diverse population, Dr. Toska has learned to tailor her approach to meet the needs of her client and to work within the client’s limitations and abilities.

Sue Underhill is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who received her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. Sue has over 15 years’ experience working with adults with issues including anxiety, depression, low self confidence and self-esteem, binge/emotional eating, relationship and marriage issues, and women’s issues.

Using an empathic and action orientated approach, Sue collaborates with her clients to help them set realistic, achievable goals, increase positive self-talk, become more confident, and take a more realistic, productive approach regarding their own emotional, mental and physical health, helping her clients feel more empowered and hopeful about their present and future. She uses techniques stemming from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and individualizes treatment to complement each client’s specific needs. Sue works mainly with clients through telehealth.

Una Tarbuk earned her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology (Counseling Practice) with a concentration in Child and Family Studies from Roosevelt University. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago with a minor in Criminal Justice and Criminology. As part of her graduate studies, she was an extern at Hartgrove Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Oak Park, Illinois. At Hartgrove Hospital, she worked with children, teens, adults, and families coping with severe mental illness, trauma, and behavioral issues.

Una has extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She also has a strong background in supporting individuals with anxiety and depression. She has a special interest in working with youth and young adults with identity confusion and trauma. In addition to individual and family therapy, Una co-facilitates the Activity Counseling Social Skills groups at Pathways.

Una takes a culturally sensitive and goal-oriented approach to counseling while incorporating concepts from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). Una has a warm, supportive, and relatable style mixed with a strong background in diagnosis and research-supported interventions that helps her clients achieve their goals in counseling.

Ariel Hommes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been working in the field since 2015. She earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in 2014 and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2007. Ariel graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Calvin College in 2005.

Ariel is a seasoned clinician with a large variety of experiences under her belt. She has worked with clients with a range of psychological diagnoses including anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), Schizophrenia, anger management, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Ariel has also worked with clients facing a variety of health-related stressors including post-stroke recovery, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), cancer, and miscarriage.

Ariel has specialties in marriage and family therapy as well as health psychology. She provides individual, family, couples, and play therapy. Ariel believes every client possesses the capacity to reach their goals and potential and looks forward to the opportunity to accompany her clients on their unique journey to self-fulfillment.

Gavin Engel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the field for over 25 years. Gavin completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health/Community Counseling at Concordia University Chicago. His undergraduate studies were at Northern Illinois University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. In addition to working at Pathways Psychology Services, Gavin works as a School Counselor in a local high school district.

Gavin takes a client-centered approach focusing on the many different facets of a person’s life. Gavin feels the need to form new relationships within the communities that he serves. He prides himself in his ability to balance advocacy with accountability, while maintaining genuine empathy. Gavin has worked with children and adolescents his entire career. His experiences have helped him to develop many ways to connect with young adults and children. Gavin typically utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and is certified in Trauma-Informed Counseling. Gavin’s past employment includes working at a residential treatment center and as lead counselor at a public alternative junior high/high school for youth with severe emotional and behavioral issues.

Shada is a diagnostic extern who joined Pathways in August 2024. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology with a minor in criminology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Shada is currently working towards her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School.

Shada has previously been employed as an assistant administrator at a non-profit psychological wellness center. She was also a behavioral technician who provided direct services to clients at a residential treatment facility. At the facility, she worked primarily with adults struggling with substance use and eating disorders. She has experience with adults and adolescents diagnosed with a range of personality and mood disorders. She has volunteered for a crisis hotline. Shada is always on the lookout for new ways to learn and is passionate about helping her clients.

Morgan Bensky is an intermediate therapy extern currently pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Morgan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2022 and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School in 2024.

During her undergraduate studies, Morgan served as a mental health coach, where she provided psychoeducational materials on cognitive behavioral interventions. She supported individuals at a community college with anxiety, mood, panic, and trauma-related concerns. While working as a research assistant, Morgan analyzed the effects of social support, virtual reality rewards, and positive memory recall on motivation.

Morgan has experience at Rush NeuroBehavioral Center, where she conducted comprehensive assessments and provided recommendations for neurodivergent populations. Some of those populations included clients with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and personality disorders. Her clinical work encompasses children, adolescents, and adults, where she tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.

Beyond her clinical training and experience, Morgan approaches her work with warmth, compassion, and curiosity, striving to understand and address her clients’ needs effectively.

Joi Hunter is a second-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Forensic Sciences from Purdue University. During her undergraduate studies, she participated as a research assistant in cognitive and clinical psychology, focusing on attention, performance, and human factors. Joi also contributed to telehealth assessments for children with rare neurogenetic syndromes, where she managed sensitive data and prepared clinical reports.

In 2022, Joi worked as a Behavioral Technician at APEX Pediatric Services, where she assisted children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She collaborated with a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst to implement individualized behavior plans and conducted both in-clinic and at-home sessions, aiming to promote functional independence in her patients.

Joi’s clinical interests include working with children, adolescents, and families, with a particular focus on trauma, learning disabilities, mood disorders, and forensic applications. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive psychological assessments that make a meaningful impact on the lives of her clients.

Clarissa Kropp is an advanced therapy extern who joined Pathways in August of 2024. Clarissa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and more recently, her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University. Currently, she is continuing her education in Midwestern University’s Clinical Psychology program working towards a Doctor of Psychology degree. Her research interests are heavily center on dementia and the effects of bilingualism on aging adult brains. She is also interested in research surrounding neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Clarissa works with clients of all ages to be a support system for them. She has had the opportunity to work with a broad adult population seeking consultation for various neurocognitive and psychological disorders, including anxiety, ADHD, ASD, dementia, and depression. She is able to support parents needing assistance with behavior planning as she has a behavioral analysis background. While Clarissa’s experience thus far has been centered on adult populations, she is eager to work with and support clients of all ages and walks of life. Her willingness to grow and improve allows her to assist others in doing the same.

Vannesa is an Advanced Therapy Extern who joined Pathways in August 2024. She previously received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Arizona University in 2017 and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University in 2019. Vannesa received a Master of Education degree in Psychology in 2021 and is currently working towards her doctorate in School Psychology at The Chicago School.

Vannesa is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in a variety of settings including general education, therapeutic day schools, hospitals, and nonprofit community mental health organizations. Some of her roles have been as an intensive community case manager, therapist, and emergency therapist. Vannesa is an experienced therapist who has worked with a diverse population of clients in all age groups, including those facing complex challenges such as Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Attachment and Trauma-Related Issues, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Additionally, Vannesa has experience working with client populations labeled “difficult” or “resistant” to treatment and who often display externalizing behaviors, such as At-Risk Youth, DCFS cases, and Court-Ordered services.

In both individual and group settings, Vannesa integrates therapeutic approaches that encourage clients to be active participants in their lives and build self-awareness through present-moment experiences in a safe, authentic, and nonjudgemental space. These methods foster self-compassion, reduce inner conflict, and promote personal growth, empowering clients to deepen their self-understanding and cultivate healthier relationships with themselves and others.