In-Person & telehealth
Getting to Know Us
Stephanie Maszak, LCSW, CCTP, CADC
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work at Aurora University. I have over 20 years of experience working with adults and youth in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings.
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As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals, I have particular expertise in assisting people coping with the effects of traumatic experiences. I have extensive training in multiple interventions specifically focused on assisting survivors of abuse and neglect in childhood. I am also passionate about working with individuals exposed to trauma in the military and law enforcement. My use of trauma-focused therapies provides deep levels of healing and recovery.
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Additionally, as a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, I know how important it is for individuals to have support during the recovery process. Sobriety is key to healing from underlying pain and suffering, and I understand the complications of trauma and substance abuse. Through assessment I am also able to help determine what level of care is needed for individuals who want to quit using.
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My integrative approaches are aimed at helping you access characteristics of your authentic self. I will foster trust within the therapeutic relationship that provides a safe space to address problems that impact mental health.
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I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who believes in offering a safe place for everyone to feel included and accepted.
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Models of Treatment: Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Expressive Therapies, and Person-Centered & Strengths-Based Therapy​
Melissa Kain, LCSW, CADC
she/her/hers
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My experience includes co-occurring disorder counseling, mental health counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and intake coordinating. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work at Aurora University.
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Additionally, as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I am passionate about helping people find freedom in recovery. I have extensive knowledge and experience with supporting those working the 12 Steps. Through assessment, I am able to help individuals determine the appropriate level of care needed. I work with a very diverse range of people in recovery, and I strongly believe in treating my clients as individuals, not as a diagnosis. We work collaboratively on goals for treatment and personal recovery. I take a client-centered and trauma-informed approach in therapy that adds a level of care that helps you know you are fully accepted.
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I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who believes in offering a safe place for everyone to feel included and accepted.
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On a personal note, I am a Christian, and I believe having faith in a higher power and utilizing spirituality in therapy can truly be transformative. That being said, I do not push my beliefs on others and am able to support individuals with spiritual beliefs that are different than my own.
In my free time, I love animals and enjoy spending time with my children and family, especially when we can get outdoors. I enjoy listening to music, reading, and I’m an avid football fan.
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Models of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, 12-Step Facilitation, Harm Reduction, Person-Centered Therapy, Expressive Therapies
Ryan Chrisman-DeNegri, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Taylor University and my Master's degree in Social Work at Aurora University. I have experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, psychosis and post traumatic stress disorder. Other areas of experience include addressing challenges related to trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions.
My background includes working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, outpatient group work, and case management. I have worked in non-profit organizations, residential programs, community mental health agencies, and school systems.
I believe the answers to life’s challenges are within each individual, and my greatest joy is partnering with others to uncover any pieces that need to be addressed. Life is experiential, and I will often challenge my clients to seek and explore in order to find the answers. I utilize an integrative approach to health and wellness, and I believe challenges that impact the mind often impact the body and vice versa.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my wife and my daughter. I am an artist (mostly abstract, found art and polaroid photography), and I am an avid runner. This year I am trying to run over 1500 miles!
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Models of Treatment: Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)
Yvonne Rios, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work at Aurora University. Throughout my career I have worked in a variety of settings working primarily with adults and specializing in crisis intervention. I have experience working with individuals who have struggled with depression, anxiety, anger/frustration tolerance, and post traumatic stress. Other areas of practice include working with individuals who have experienced grief and loss, trauma, and general life stressors or transitions.
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I believe in working together to build a collaborative and honest working relationship in an effort to best help each individual meet their independent goals. I use a person-centered approach to meet each individual where they're at from the initial assessment and throughout treatment. I enjoy highlighting strengths and encouraging individuals to use them in session as well as within everyday life.
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Outside of work, I am a mother, a wife, and a dog mom. I enjoy spending time with my immediate and extended family. I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with my friends and neighbors, playing with my dogs, and going to Disney.
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Models of Treatment: Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Anne Rodgers-Sullivan, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with diverse populations, including victims/survivors of interpersonal violence, homeless veterans, and those who have experienced mental health challenges. I have worked in a variety of settings including non-for-profit organizations (domestic violence agencies, homeless veterans, residential, and outpatient community mental health), as well as private practice. I received a Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in Human Services at Judson University and a Master's Degree in Social Work at Aurora University.
I have extensive experience with crisis intervention, women’s issues, domestic violence, grief & loss, and life transitions. I also have experience providing services to those who have struggles with a variety of mental health issues including struggles with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and issues pertaining to self-esteem, relationships, family conflict, parenting, and stress management. I provide services to youth, adults, and families. I strive to work collaboratively with clients to restore hope and rebuild lives through authentic, trusting relationships. I utilize an integrative approach while focusing on individual strengths and empowerment while providing a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment and relationship.
In my spare time, I have a passion for vegetable gardening and creating healthy, wonderful meals from the fruit of my labor. I liken the process of gardening to therapy; taking all the resources, nurturing, pruning, working hard, growing and achieving an outcome resulting in endless possibilities.​
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Models of Treatment: Somatic Experiencing, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Non-Violent Communication, Family-Focused Therapy, Expressive Therapies
Dawn Byrne, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in mental health counseling. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and my Master's in Social Work from Aurora University. I have experience working in a variety of settings and with diverse populations of all ages. I spent the majority of my career in non-profit organizations including community mental health agencies, residential treatment centers, and domestic violence agencies. I have a passion for mental health counseling and serving vulnerable populations. I can treat a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and post traumatic stress disorder. I have extensive experience with crisis intervention, domestic violence counseling, grief and loss, medical trauma, and life transitions. ​
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My approach to therapy is person-centered and collaborative in nature, working together to meet your personal treatment goals. My goal is to provide an environment where you feel safe, accepted, understood, valued, and respected. I utilize trauma-informed and holistic approaches, considering your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, children, and extended family. One of my hobbies is baking and decorating sugar cookies to tap into my creative side. I also enjoy classic and antique cars.
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Models of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Getting Help
LIFE is full of challenges, but you do not have to face them alone.
Counseling/therapy could be a helpful way to deal with these challenges.
This Life Counseling is dedicated to helping you discover solutions for managing life's difficulties.
We offer a variety of interventions to meet your unique needs in order to support you on your journey through THIS LIFE.
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This Life Counseling is here to help!
Take the first step . . .