Grand Oaks Behavioral health
Behavioral Health Therapists In Northbrook
Professional Profiles
Our highly qualified, state-licensed psychologists and psychotherapists average more than 15 years of experience in their respective fields. Our behavioral health therapists in Northbrook and Libertyville are a group of experienced psychologists and psychotherapists who have specialized training, are recognized by national professional organizations, and are here to serve you as trusted therapist Northbrook professionals.
Read the profiles below to learn more about our behavioral health providers:
CAROL DREYER, LMFT, LCPC
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
ELLEN RODMAN, M.S. LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
BELLA SISARICA, MA LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
NANCY DEWEESE, MA LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
MARINA SHAKHMAN, PSY.D., M.A.
DEBRA P. WOLFF, PSY.D.
MARISA KUNZ, PSY. D.
CHRISTINE PETERSEN, PSY. D.
ANGELA EADS, PH. D.
FRANCES PACHECO, PSY.D., BCFE
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Pacheco received her doctoral degree from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as a major and Fine Arts minor from Barat College. Dr. Pacheco is a consulting psychologist for Advocate Condell Medical Center. She works with numerous primary care physicians and insurance companies.
She has extensive experience in private practice, hospitals, and schools, providing psychotherapy for children, adults, families, and couples. Dr. Pacheco provides individual, couples and family therapy, working with communication issues, parenting, stress management, anxiety, and depression.
Dr. Pacheco is a provider of forensic services to the Lake County Illinois Court, conducting court-ordered custody evaluations, divorce mediation and facilitates a therapeutic reunification program for children and their parent. Dr. Pacheco’s specialty clinical caseload has consisted of issues surrounding marital conflict, assisting and consulting with couples contemplating separation and divorce and working with children of divorce, as well as providing divorce mediation. She has also provided therapy for the courts pertaining to other issues when ordered.
She has also been an adjunct professor for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Barat College and Columbia of Missouri College. She has worked extensively with local graduate schools training doctoral and masters level therapists.
Dr. Pacheco uses a Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral approach to therapy to better facilitate her patient’s understanding of themselves, their families and their environment, in order to make personal positive changes in behavior, thoughts, and feelings. She is adept at changing her approaches to therapy as the needs of the patient may warrant, presenting a more eclectic, open view to the therapy process.
JAUREN D. KELLY, PSY. D.
Dr. Kelly received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Biology from Western Illinois University. She went on to obtain her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology and her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Forest Institute of Professional Psychology. Dr. Kelly is recognized by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.
While working on her Doctoral degree Dr. Kelly completed her APA-Approved Internship at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (Akron, Ohio). Her first inpatient rotation was at Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Hospital in Akron, Ohio where she provided treatment for patients suffering from head and spinal cord injuries. Her second inpatient rotation was at Massillon Psychiatric Center, a state facility. There she worked with patients found not guilty by reason of insanity and those found unfit to stand trial. Dr. Kelly then worked in private practice for over ten years in Chicago. She has had privileges at a number of Chicago hospitals and provided both inpatient and outpatient services. She later worked at the Veterans Administration specializing in treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and has extensive experience and training in treating trauma of all types.
Dr. Kelly has experience working in a variety of settings and has provided individual, marital and family therapy. She has also lead a variety of groups. Her primary theoretical background is in Cognitive-behavioral therapy. Past clients have described her as compassionate and genuine.
BENJAMIN MICHAELS, PSY. D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Michaels is a Licensed Clinical psychologist. He received his Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts and his Master’s and Doctorate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. His clinical experience includes both therapy and psychological testing. He has provided clinical care to adolescents, adults, and couples in a variety of settings (private practice, school, community mental health).
Dr. Michaels has experience working with a variety of presenting issues such as mood/anxiety issues, substance abuse, interpersonal distress, domestic violence, trauma, ADHD, life transitions, and developmental disabilities. He has additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, which he utilizes with couples, and extensive experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Michaels approaches clinical care from a collaborative, client-centered perspective and provides a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. He recognizes the value of a strong therapeutic relationship and works to develop and maintain a positive therapeutic relationship with each person. Dr. Michaels helps clients develop greater personal insight and to identify healthy strategies to manage distress or improve their quality of life.
CAROL DREYER, LMFT, LCPC
Carol Dreyer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. She received her undergraduate education from Avila University in Kansas City and her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from National University in La Jolla, Ca. Carol also has a two-year post-graduate certification from The Family Institute at Northwestern University specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Carol’s experience includes counseling in a College environment, agencies, a major cancer treatment hospital, and 15+ years in Private Practice. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she specializes in couples and families in all stages of distress and conflict including, divorce, re-marital, pre-marital, infidelity, sexuality concerns, family problems, parenting, blended families, empty nesters, and dealing with aging parents. Using a visionary approach, she will work with you to find solutions that fit your goals and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses while keeping your main goals and objectives at the forefront of your work together.
Carol also works with clients encountering disabling anxiety, panic disorder, depression, bipolar disorders, anger, job/life stressors, and life transitions, grief, and loss. From her hospital experience of 19 years, Carol has a special interest in working with chronic and terminal illness, whether it’s yourself, family member, or a friend.
Carol uses various treatment approaches which include Family Systems Therapy, Internal Family systems therapy (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBT). Carol has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples therapy and uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Carol uses a non-judgmental consultative approach and has a warm and welcoming demeanor.
Carol is an active clinical member of the following professional organizations:
- American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
- Illinois Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
- Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association
- Illinois Counselor Association
- Alumni of the Family Institute at Northwestern University
ELLEN RODMAN, M.S. LCPC
Ellen Rodman is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Iowa State University and her Masters of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology. Given her rehabilitation background, Ellen initially worked with individuals with severe and traumatic injuries as well as chronic & persistent illnesses. This gave her a unique perspective on life and greater appreciation for what we have versus what we do not have. This taught her to work with individuals utilizing a strength-based model. Ellen also utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach as well as solution focused and mindfulness approach in her practice. Ellen does not believe that any one approach works for all, as each and every person is unique and different.
Ellen has over 25 years of experience working in hospitals, clinics, community mental health centers, colleges and private practices. She has worked with individuals, families, and couples with a wide range of issues: anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, marital issues, divorce & separation, relationships/families, adjustment, substance abuse, parenting, grief and loss, gender identity, LGBTQ,and trauma. She has extensive experience working in crisis situations in particular crisis intervention. In addition, she has experience providing clinical supervision for clinicians both on an individual level and organizational level. Ellen believes counseling is a journey and that journey begins with the therapeutic relationship. That being said, Ellen believes a therapeutic relationship is one that has compassion, caring and empathy, all of which, will empower one to make the changes necessary to become a more happy and fulfilled individual.
BELLA SISARICA, MA LCPC
Bella Sisarica is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois in Chicago, and her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Loyola University. Bella has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She is also an experienced group therapist and student supervisor. Bella’s areas of expertise include working with individuals struggling with anxiety, adjustment issues/life transitions, borderline personality disorder, emotion regulation, divorce/separation, interpersonal relationship difficulties, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.
On the most fundamental level, Bella believes that meaningful change happens within the context of a trusting relationship. Therefore, she provides a compassionate, collaborative and nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their challenges as they navigate forward. Through this process of growth and healing, individuals learn new skills, behaviors and insights. Bella operates from a strengths-based perspective and utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach which combines Client-Centered, Family Systems, Solution- Focused, and Mindfulness with evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She also recognizes the value of humor as a therapeutic tool and understands that individuals need more than clinical jargon to overcome life’s struggles. Bella believes that treatment interventions should be designed to meet the unique needs of the individual, with her role being to support and to empower each individual in creating and defining their most meaningful life, while strengthening their capabilities.
NANCY DEWEESE, MA LCPC
Working from a person-centered approach, Nancy utilizes evidenced-based therapies (including CBT, DBT, ACT) integrating interventions to equip her clients with new coping tools, as well as insight into the origins of their difficulties that have led to ineffective thinking and beliefs and maladaptive behaviors. She also integrates the latest findings on neuroscience. Much of her experience has been working with children and youth in an active counseling process where they explore feelings, beliefs, developmental needs, behaviors and set healthy goals by using their strengths to navigate the uncertainties in their life. Nancy’s work also includes individuals, couples, and families in broken or struggling relationships to improve or restore their emotional bonds. Her training includes mood disorders, trauma, adjustments to changing and new expectations, grief and crisis, relational, ADHD, family and group dynamics.
DAISY MORALES, MA LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Daisy is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree from Loyola University Chicago. Daisy has worked with children, teens, young adults, adults, and their families in a variety of settings, including private practice, therapeutic day schools and community mental health centers.
Daisy has experience working with individuals that have experienced complex and generational trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship conflict, and other behavioral concerns. Her goal is to promote a safe and nurturing setting for clients while fostering a collaborative approach to identify individualized needs to improve their quality of life.
Daisy utilizes an eclectic approach, drawing from various evidence-based therapies, including Narrative Therapy, inner child work, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Person-Centered.
REBECCA RICE, LCSW, R-DMT
Rebecca Rice is a licensed clinical social worker. She earned a B.A. in psychology from Cornell University and her M.S.W. from the University of Maryland while simultaneously earning a masters degree in dance/movement therapy at Goucher College. She also trained in dance at the University of Michigan, where she performed, taught and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Rebecca has extensive experience working with families and parents of children with special needs. For several years she worked to help parents identify developmental delays in children under age five and teach parents to address specific developmental deficits. She later worked as the social worker
at the Early Childhood Autism Academy within the Jewish Child and Family Services organization, where she worked with children and their families (siblings, parents, and grandparents). She also practiced as a therapist at the Virginia Frank Child Development private therapeutic day school in Chicago.
Rebecca also has extensive experience working with adults and couples who struggle with relationship issues, work/life balance struggles, and life transitions. She has helped individuals with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, body image, illness, anger, grief, and loss by cultivating a supportive, trusting relationship and helping her clients explore the feelings and issues causing them to feel compromised in their lives. Rebecca incorporates her dance/movement therapy background to help clients recognize the connection between their feelings and body tension and guides them through ways to safely release those tensions.
Rebecca’s clinical approach applies elements from different therapeutic models, including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, the Gottman model for couples, and family systems therapy. Most importantly, Rebecca believes that with empathy and insight, she can help clients to improve their self-awareness and their self-image, to develop better coping skills, and to experience more joy in life.
Rebecca is an active member of the following professional Organizations:
National Association of Social Work (NASW)
American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)
ABBY MEREL, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
CAMILLA PHILIPPE, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Camilla received her Bachelors in Social Work from Western Illinois University, completed her Masters in Social Work at Aurora University and recently earned her LCSW. She has worked extensively in a multitude of settings including mental health facilities, nursing homes, and homeless shelters.
Camilla has an interest in working with children, and experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. She specializes in anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship concerns, low self-esteem and chronic mental illness. Camilla uses Mindfulness based treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Positive Self talk, and Strengths based approaches as her treatment approaches. Camilla is compassionate, non-judgmental and an empathic listener. She believes in personal growth and a collaborative therapeutic relationship to create treatment plans to assist clients in achieving their goals.
MARY CATHERINE NAVARRO, MSW, LCSW
Mary Catherine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters’s degree from Aurora University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults of all ages, and the Latinx community. She has a background in hospitals, schools, and foster care. Currently, Mary Catherine also provides her services as an Oncology Social worker at a local Cancer Center.
She enjoys working with individuals who are managing multiple life/work stressors, processing childhood traumas, experiencing anxiety and/or depression, living with cancer or other health diagnoses and/or terminal illnesses. Mary Catherine is confident working with school-age children and is able to provide them with a safe and encouraging space to express themselves and learn the tools needed to manage big emotions.
She believes that each person’s therapeutic journey should be individualized to meet their specific needs. Mary Catharine strives to form a partnership with each of her clients to create a safe and non-judgmental environment that fosters growth and healing. This collaboration promotes mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Mary Catherine uses various treatment approaches which include Mindfulness-based treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Social Skills Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
In her free time, Mary Catherine enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and advocating for social justice.
It would be Mary Catherine’s pleasure to walk alongside you as you embark on this journey together.
LEORA GOLAN, MSW, LSW
Leora Golan earned her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University of Chicago, with a specialization in mental health. She previously attended Stockton University and received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work, with a minor in Childhood Studies. She has a diverse clinical social work background through work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and active-duty service member/veteran populations. Leora specializes in Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, low self-esteem, stress management, trauma, and addictions. Through practice experience and certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Leora utilizes a trauma informed scope, to better understand, assess, and identify a client’s needs. She also uses a bio-psycho-social approach to adapt therapy to meet individual goals and formulate correlated interventions.
Leora does not believe that there is a “one size fits all” ability in therapy, therefore she presents an eclectic method, to best fit specific client’s therapeutic needs. Some of the clinical orientations that Leora integrates include, strength-based approach, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, exposure therapy, and play therapy. Additionally, Leora understands that one of the most crucial components of achieving meaningful change in therapy is building a therapeutic alliance. In this respect, Leora offers a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative, and compassionate space for clients to process their emotions and work through their adversities.
JENNIFER FERMAINTT, LPC
Jennifer Fermaintt, a first-generation, bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA, and further pursued her education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. During her studies, Jennifer specialized in Latinx Mental Health, recognizing the importance of individualized, unique mental health treatment.
Jennifer’s dedication to individualized care is reflected in her eclectic therapeutic approach. She draws from a range of modalities and frameworks, including narrative therapy, feminist therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and client-centered therapy. She tailors her methods to suit the unique needs of each client including the utilization of a variety of treatment models that were created by people of color, for people of color. With experience working in private practice and outpatient clinics, Jennifer is comfortable and skilled in supporting individuals of all ages, couples, and families with a wide range of issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, job/life stressors, grief and loss, adjustment, and racial and cultural identity development.
Guided by her commitment to healing and liberation, Jennifer believes in collaborative work with her clients. She provides an inclusive space where individuals can explore their understanding of self and the world around them. Jennifer’s bilingual abilities and cultural sensitivity allow her to effectively bridge the gap between diverse communities and mental health services, ensuring that every client feels seen, heard, and understood regardless of who they are and how they identify. Her ultimate goal is to empower clients on their therapeutic journeys, helping them achieve their desired outcomes and embrace a sense of well-being.
MONICA KOZIOL, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Monica is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with a clinical specialization dedicated to providing one-on-one and group support to adults and families. She specializes in working with adults, children, couples, and families facing trauma, substance abuse, and relationship distress. Her treatment modalities include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. She also actively uses strength-based and collaborative approaches. Monica also applies Gottman Method Couples Therapy from The Gottman Institute.
In addition to her therapeutic work, Monica is a leader in the educational field advancing social-emotional learning (SEL) best practices among educational stakeholders from students to administrators. She has served as a Diverse Learner Director of Curriculum and Instruction specializing in Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Response to Intervention (RtI) approaches. In the educational realm, she has professional experience as a behavioral and academic counselor in elementary and middle schools and as a diverse learner teacher in primary and secondary schools.
Some leisurely things you can find her doing embody playing beach volleyball, pickleball, traveling, doing yoga and guided meditation. She also enjoys reading to spark her ingenuity.
Monica has a master’s degree from DePaul University accredited by the American Social Work Board.
KELSEY SALSMAN, MA LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Honey Clover
Meet Honey Clover, our new office companion and therapy dog! Honey is an Australian Shepard/Terrier Mix who will steal your heart with his wagging tail and big golden eyes. Honey is gentle and affectionate with kids of all ages. On his off time, Honey enjoys lounging in the sun, making new friends, and spreading joy wherever he goes. Honey is a therapy dog trained at Bark University and TOPS kennel, and AKC certified. Honey is also currently in the process of being affiliated with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
