Our Staff

Kevin Anderson

Kevin Anderson brings more than 25 years of experience working in the mental health profession to kp counseling working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families. He is a licensed clinical social worker and certified alcohol and drug counselor. Kevin’s experience includes inpatient and outpatient chemical dependency treatment and psychiatric hospital care.

An important aspect of his practice is redirecting and teaching individuals and families to see change in family dynamics as a crucial piece in working with psychiatric disorders. Kevin consults with physicians regarding medication management and to assist the flow of information between therapist, client, and doctor. He volunteers in various capacities with several schools and churches in the area.

Kevin enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife and teenage son. Spirituality is a significant part of his personal life and is intertwined into his professional practice as well.

Gail Logemann

Gail Logemann has been working with kp counseling since 2002, providing support in areas of remarriage and stepfamilies, divorce recovery, individual and couples therapy, dating and relationship coaching, and men’s and women’s issues. A Rockford native, Gail has a master’s degree in Applied Family and Child Studies, with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is licensed by the state of Illinois in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a certified Aroma Freedom Technique practitioner, using essential oils to trigger a permanent shift in how we view ourselves and the world.

In addition to having a Christ-Centered approach to therapy, Gail has had 8 hours of Co-Parenting Training for court-ordered P.A.C.T. for divorcing parents, 40 hours of training for the School Crisis Assistance Team, she has specialized training in suicide prevention, and has attended numerous seminars and workshops in areas of her clinical interests. Prior to joining kp counseling, she was a Wisconsin state-certified police officer and EMT, and a volunteer firefighter. She had a small private therapy practice in Sycamore and worked as a counselor in the CHANCE Program at NIU. She also taught undergraduate courses for the Department of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences at NIU for three years.

Gail attends Forest City Church and has served in the singles community in the greater Rockford area and was a “Big Sister” for several years.

In addition to her passion for marriages and families, Gail enjoys fishing, shooting, beading, cooking, reading, canoeing, and campfires. She currently resides in Rockford and has an adult son living in Madison, Wisconsin, and is in the “rough draft” stage of writing a book on red flags in dating and how to date smarter.

Karen Lauer

Karen Lauer joined the KP counseling team in October 2007. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who has extended training in the areas of loss and trauma, interpersonal relations, and child and adolescent development. Karen primarily works with individuals in adolescence through adulthood who are going through life transitions, stress, loss, and trauma. She also provides treatment for individuals struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression, those navigating relationships challenges, and those looking to become healthier in all aspects of their lives.

Karen received a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Iowa and a M.S. in Applied Family and Child Studies with a Specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University. While spirituality is very much a part of Karen’s life, she follows the client’s lead with their personal spiritual beliefs and strengths. Karen hopes that spiritual balance can serve as a guide both in and out of counseling to help individuals and families in their pursuit of health and healing.

Karen prefers to spend her personal time outdoors, traveling, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers, exercising, and being with her husband, family, and close friends.

Dr. Christina Warden

Prior to counseling individuals, couples, and families, Christina worked in our community for over 15 years assisting individuals and families in crisis, victims of domestic violence, victims of rape/sexual assault, and youth-at-risk. Christina had the profound privilege of working within end-of-life with patients and families for several years prior to private practice counseling and ultimately joining KP Counseling. Christina earned her Doctorate in Clinical Social Work at Aurora University in Aurora, IL, and she has been an adjunct professor teaching both bachelor’s and master’s level coursework in social work for over 12 years.

Christina and her husband will celebrate 22 years of marriage this year, and they are very busy with their four children who are all involved in multiple sports and activities. Beyond her faith, her family, her friends and her work, Christina enjoys reading, writing, volunteering and spending time outdoors. Christina enjoys speaking in the community on topics related to mental health and well-being.  She is dedicated to working as a conduit in others’ lives to promote understanding and healing. Christina identifies most with cognitive-behavioral therapy traditionally, but operates from several modalities specializing in couples work, grief work, memory work, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD or survivors of trauma and more. She is certified in TF-CBT, CISM and Critical Response work, and she is experienced in working with first responders and veterans. She is licensed in both IL and WI.

Amy Bruyn

Amy joined kp counseling in 2014, after spending seven years working as certified alcohol and drug counselor in the addiction field. Most recently, she worked for a local substance abuse agency as an evening supervisor overseeing crisis, detox, inpatient, and outpatient clients and staff. Amy also completed a one-year internship at a local hospice and grief center.

Amy obtained her B.S. in Community Health at Western Illinois University and completed her graduate work at National Louis University where she received her M.S. in Community Counseling.

Amy’s favorite activities outside of kp counseling include spending time outside, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.

One of Amy’s favorite quotes is from Mary Anne Radmacher, “The jump is so frightening between where I am and where I want to be… because of all I may become I will close my eyes and leap!”

Renae Johnson

Renae joined the kp counseling team in September 2015. She has an Associate Marriage and Family Therapy license and experience working with individuals, families, and couples in the areas of relationship issues, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and parent-child issues. Renae received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Masters of Science in Applied Family and Child Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from NIU.

In her spare time, Renae enjoys attending church, boating, and spending time with family
and friends.

Michelle McCabe-Schafer

Michelle joined KP in December 2018, bringing with her 6.5 years of experience working in various settings as a therapist.

Michelle received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Illinois State University and her Master’s Degree in Applied Child and Family Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University.

Michelle has worked as an outpatient intern therapist in community mental health and a therapist in both residential and inpatient settings. She has experience working primarily with adolescents and young adults to maneuver crisis situations and life transitions. She also obtained her CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification and has worked with adolescents struggling with substance abuse and addiction issues. Michelle has experience helping people navigate depression, anxiety, self-esteem, identity exploration, school-related stress, addiction (substance-related), body image, anger management, and relationship stressors. Michelle enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families.

Michelle approaches counseling as a collaboration between therapist and client. She strives to be a supportive change agent helping to guide clients towards their goals.

In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, reading, playing games, and traveling.

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Phil Curtin

Joining KP Counseling in 2019, Phil Curtin is a licensed clinical social worker who brings over forty years of experience as a school social worker and psychotherapist. Phil worked full-time for many years in the Lowell, MA school system, an urban district with a diverse ethnic and economically challenged population, many of whom were trauma survivors.

After twenty-four years of being a school social worker providing direct service to emotionally and behaviorally disordered adolescents, Phil became director of Lowell’s social work department. Here the main focus was educating the social work staff and his district colleagues about the growing understanding of trauma’s serious negative impact on learning and behavior and, more importantly, about the emerging treatment approaches that helped survivors overcome adverse experiences and restore emotional balance to their lives. In his last four years in Lowell, Phil taught trauma studies an urban education master’s degree program as an adjunct professor at Fitchburg State University.

In addition to his school position, Phil worked part-time in private practice for over thirty years providing individual, couples, and group counseling. Treatment issues addressed included anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, character issues, and difficult life transitions, all of which were informed by studies of trauma treatment, brain function, and human development.

Phil’s counseling philosophy centers on the belief that effective emotional self-regulation allows us to live our most functional and satisfying lives. Regulation of our emotions depends on concrete skills we can learn, practice, and enhance at any point in our life’s journey.

Phil earned his B.A. in psychology and philosophy at Boston College and his MSW at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. His internships were at a school for the hearing impaired and a Veterans Administration hospital where he first worked with traumatized war veterans.

Outside of work, Phil enjoys spending time with family and friends but also retains a passion for reading and learning about what makes us tick. Currently, he is studying neurofeedback with the intention of soon incorporating this promising modality into his practice.

Amanda Rezin

Amanda has spent most of her life in the Rockford area. She joined the kp counseling team in 2018. She will be working with individuals from adolescence to adults. Amanda helps clients with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, emotional struggles, self-destructing behaviors, self-esteem, trauma, and other life struggles. Her genuine and empathetic demeanor creates a comfortable environment for the client to discuss important issues. Amanda believes that therapy can help her clients improve their quality of life, reach personal goals, enhance interpersonal relationships, and increase their resiliency.

Amanda earned her Associates of Arts from Rock Valley College, Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Rockford University, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Judson University.

In addition to counseling, Amanda loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two children, gardening, playing basketball, working out, taking weekend road trips, walking her dog, and watching Netflix.

Kemper Hill

Kemper joined KP Counseling in 2020. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, (LCPC) and is certified as a Level 1 Theraplay play therapist.

Kemper was born and raised in the Rockford area and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Rockford University. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX.

Kemper works with children and adults ranging from three years old to adult. She has experience working with family issues, anxiety related issues, substance use, grief, trauma, depression, and child behavior issues, and parent-child issues. Kemper utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, including play therapy, art therapy, and animal assisted therapy with her certified therapy dog, Tucker.

Kemper has a passion to help others create and sustain a fulfilling purposeful life and works to help them learn to own their story and love themselves.

Outside of work, Kemper loves spending time with her family and friends, playing games, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors with her two dogs.

Tucker

Tucker is an English Yellow Labrador and has been part of the KP Counseling team since 2020. He is a certified therapy dog through Alliance of Therapy Dogs and has his Good Canine Citizen certification. 

Tucker works alongside his owner Kemper and comes to the Linden office each Monday. Tucker works well with young children and adults of all ages and needs.

You can be sure Tucker will always greet you with a wagging tail and a smile. 

Linda Kayser

Linda Kayser joined KP Counseling in August of 2020. Linda is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has experience working with individuals, families, and groups in the areas of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, domestic violence, trauma, parent-child relationship, adoption issues and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s of Education in Counseling from Northern Illinois University.

In her spare time, Linda enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Lindsay Pozzi

Lindsay provides individual & family counseling at KP. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults on a variety of issues including coping with depression, chronic pain, self-injury, anxiety, and substance use disorders. She has 17 years of experience in the Social Work/Mental Health field. Lindsay understands that seeking services can be difficult and she is here to help you through whatever you are facing.

Lindsay received her Bachelors of Science at Illinois State University and her Masters of Social Work at Aurora University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) in Illinois.

When she is not in the office, Lindsay spends time with her husband and son, enjoying the outdoors and nature, and watching the Chicago Bears with her family and close friends. She is a spiritual person who also is an avid orca lover.

Charlotte “Cheri” Reed

Charlotte joined KP Counseling in February 2021. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC), and with an adolescent treatment endorsement (ATE).

Charlotte has 17 years of working with adolescents, adults, children, and families in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, and recovery homes. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults with experience in addressing anxiety, depression, life transitions, personality disorders, substance abuse, parent-child relational issues, process addiction, low self-esteem, anger management, domestic violence, trauma, and LGBTQ-related issues.

Charlotte earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Northern Illinois University and went on to complete her Master’s Degree at National-Louis University. She uses a strength-based approach with cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectal-behavioral therapy, client-centered approach, and beliefs in helping people accomplish their own personal goals.

When not in the office, Charlotte enjoys spending time with her family, watching Marvel movies with her kids, cooking and baking, going on bike rides and leisure walks with her little dog, Walter.

Nikki Myers

Nikki is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Master’s degree in 2018 with a Graduate Certificate in trauma counseling. Nikki has a passion for trauma work and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as hypnotherapy, and is a level 2 trained Reiki practitioner. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families, treating a variety of mental health concerns and challenges. Nikki aligns with a Rogerian approach, consisting of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and authenticity for clients. She realizes that not one counseling approach works with every client, so she incorporates many different theories and interventions in her work. Nikki meets clients where they are at and helps them to reach their goals so they can live a more congruent, fulfilling life.

In Nikki’s spare time she enjoys spending time her family, friends, and her pets. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, and working in her yard.

Amara Rafiq

Amara Rafiq is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Bachelor of Science in psychology and her Master of Science in Education in Counseling degrees from Northern Illinois University. Additionally, she holds a Professional Educator License and has experience working as a school counselor—assisting middle and high school students with their social-emotional, academic, and college/career goals.

Passionate about her work in the mental health field, Amara helps individuals manage their mental health concerns. She is experienced in conducting both individual and group counseling sessions on topics including anxiety, emotional regulation,  stress management, and multicultural counseling. 

Using person-centered therapy, she emphasizes the use of a non-judgmental approach to counseling. She utilizes the core conditions of counseling—genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy—to support clients working through issues of distress. Amara’s goal is to help individuals live their best life and achieve personal fulfillment.

In her free time, Amara enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, volunteering, and giving back to her community. 

Amara is currently under the supervision of Sonya McDevitt, LCPC.

Betsy Sanchez

Betsy completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Augustana College and a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling through National Louis University. Betsy uses a strengths based approach to assist clients in solving problems and rebuilding connections with the end goal of working towards a more balanced future. She believes that giving a voice to one’s story is a huge part of working through past hurdles in life. Betsy uses an integrated approach using a variety of treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Therapy, Trauma Focused and Reality Based Therapy.

Betsy’s previous work history includes working with DCFS involved families as well as being a supervisor at a residential facility for individuals with persistent mental illness. Most recently working as a school therapist at a therapeutic school. Betsy has vast experience in working with: persistent mental illness, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Trauma and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Mood Disorders, relationship issues, self-esteem issues as well as the LGBTQ community. Throughout her career, Betsy has worked with adolescents and as well as adults. She has also assisted people in dealing with issues surrounding disabilities, multicultural issues, family dynamics, complex trauma and PTSD. Betsy has completed training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She is Bilingual, speaking Spanish and English.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her children and family. As well as traveling and reading.

Betsy is currently under the supervision of Amy Bruyn, LCPC.

Meredith Domanico

Meredith joined KP Counseling in July 2022. Meredith earned her Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Judson University.

Meredith describes life as a journey filled with great experiences, hard times, seasons we find ourselves celebrating, and ones we wish we could forget. It is her desire to help individuals find their true, healthy selves no matter what they are currently experiencing. She believes that all people are capable of growth and change. Meredith finds it an honor, joy, and privilege to get to know one’s story, understand their uniqueness, and journey alongside them.

Meredith particularly enjoys working with individuals 11 & up to help them navigate the season of life in which they find themself and any struggles that they might be facing. Though she tailors her therapeutic approach to the individual who sits across from her, the primary purpose is to create a strong, trusting relationship with her clients where they feel safe to talk about anything. Meredith’s goal is to empower individuals with the tools and support necessary to get to where they want to be. Meredith also integrates faith-focused interventions for those clients who desire that direction of care.

Outside the office Meredith enjoys spending time with her family and friends, tending to her numerous houseplants, and working out.

Meredith is currently under the supervision of Amy Bruyn, LCPC.

Adam Figlewicz

Mary Earle

Mary joined kp counseling in November 2022 but has been providing mental health services through various programs in Rockford for 8 years. Mary earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Memphis, her Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and obtained licensure as an LSW in May, 2022. Mary believes that you are the expert on your lived experiences with endless strengths and abilities. Mary utilizes a holistic and strengths-based approach in every interaction. Her goal is to meet you where you are, let you decide where you want to go, and help you get there on your terms. Mary is dedicated to promoting social justice, equity, and respect for all persons. She strives to provide an atmosphere in which you feel safe to find and express your story.

Mary has experience providing counseling and support to various populations in a variety of settings. She has worked with families and individuals coping with veterans’ affairs, homelessness, change/adjustment, persistent and progressive mental illness, domestic/intimate partner violence (DV/IPV), the child welfare system, substance abuse, co-occurring substance abuse and mental health diagnoses, complex, developmental, and intergenerational trauma disorders, grief and loss, chronic illnesses, anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, trauma-response personality and behavioral disorders, women’s health issues, and the LGBTQ population. Mary can offer tools and techniques for behavioral and cognitive re-framing for adolescents and adults struggling with ADHD, neurodivergence, and executive functioning disorders. She has experience with those families and individuals coping with body image and/or disordered eating behaviors (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, etc.). Mary utilizes a variety of therapy modalities based on your needs and preferences such as mindfulness and trauma-focused CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, family systems therapy, narrative therapy, and social justice/multicultural therapy.

In her spare time, Mary enjoys traveling, watching theater, spending time with family and friends, and working on her own personal and spiritual growth.

Mary is currently under the supervision of Ashley Phillips, LCSW.

Jessica Butcher

Jessica Butcher joined KP in 2023. She attended Aurora University where she graduated with her MSW in 2022 and later obtained licensure as an LSW. Her experience working with children, adolescents and young adults allows for versatile support in sessions. She has worked with individuals in the areas of bullying, life transitions, learning disabilities, anxiety and depression. When working with individuals, Jessica aims to build healthy therapeutic relationships with her clients in order to create a safe place to grow and heal. Her goal is to meet you where you are and empower you to get to where you want to be. She utilizes different modalities such as play therapy, narrative therapy and mindfulness techniques.

In her spare time Jessica enjoys baking and traveling with her family and finding another new adventure with her friends.

Jessica is currently under the supervision of Dr. Christina Warden, LCSW.

Kimberly Henderson

Kim joined the kp counseling team in 2023. She has earned her Associates of Arts from Rock Valley College, Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Rockford University, and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining the kp team she worked in the Rockford area primarily with children, adolescents, and their families dealing with a variety of issues.

Kim believes it is a privilege to journey with individuals and families as they may navigate the ups and downs of life. Kim will be working with individuals from adolescence to adults. She is available to help clients with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, emotional struggles, self-destructing behaviors, self-esteem, trauma, and other life struggles. She prioritizes empathy and validation and honors each person as an expert on themselves. Kim believes that her role as a therapist is truly as a guide to help her clients move toward healing and living more fully actualized lives.

Kim employs a variety of therapeutic techniques with her clients, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), solution-focused, and motivational interviewing approaches. Kim also values incorporating faith-based principles in therapy if clients desire.

In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time outdoors, expressing creativity through art, and watching Netflix. Along with spending time with friends and family and volunteering at her church.

Kim is currently under the supervision of Ashley Phillips, LCSW.

Gabrielle Cullen

Gabrielle is currently under the supervision of Amy Bruyn, LCPC.

Brian Fagan

Brian Fagan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), who earned his Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Prior to starting at KP Counseling, Brian worked in the addictions field where he gained experience working with clients struggling with substance abuse, as well as co-occurring disorders. Brian is also skilled in working with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, trauma, relationship stressors, and life transitions. Recognizing that positive mental health is impacted by all areas of life, Brian utilizes a holistic approach and addresses client issues through a biopsychosocial and spiritual lens. Brian integrates Cognitive and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy models to best help clients understand, change, and cope more effectively with challenging and unwanted thoughts, emotions and behaviors.

Additionally, he employs Existential-oriented modalities to assist clients in finding greater purpose and meaning in their lives. Using this philosophy, Brian provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to honestly examine their lives and identify the skills and mindsets necessary to overcome barriers and move towards fostering a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Adina Johnson

Adina Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. Adina has clinical experience working with adults and adolescents with a wide range of presenting issues including grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, self-esteem, career issues, cultural adjustments, personality disorders, life transitions, and relationship concerns. Adina has training and experience in premarital therapy – focusing on communication, conflict resolution, personality types, family influences, stress, intimacy, and finances. Adina utilizes a variety of theoretical orientations and adapts her treatment style for each client’s individual needs. She primarily utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Systems Therapy. Adina believes a collaborative and honest therapeutic relationship is the key to successful therapy outcomes.

She utilizes a holistic approach, looking at the client’s individual personality traits, environments, relationships, and past experiences to together gain a fuller understanding of the client’s current needs and therapeutic goals. As a therapist, Adina provides a genuine, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for clients to process the challenges of every day life.

Angela Sourounis

Barbara Noonan

Barbara Noonan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a specialist in working with couples, adults, adolescents, and in conducting art therapy. Barbara specializes in grief/loss, family-of-origin issues, relationship concerns, depression and anxiety. Barbara also enjoys helping individuals with social adaptation difficulties and life transition issues. She earned her Master of Arts in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute and completed a Two-Year Post-Graduate Certificate in Marital and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University while working as a student therapist.

Barbara has a direct and honest style – whether working with couples or individuals – and makes use of her sense of humor in relating to clients. One of her primary goals is to help clients grow and to strengthen and develop their sense of self and realize their own potential.

Christina Cerk

Christina Cerk is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Chris earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Trinity University. She has extensive experience in working with adults, including the elderly population, and adolescents in a multitude of settings.

Prior to joining Urban Balance, Chris spent the majority of her career working with clients that have addictions and/or severe and persistent mental illness. Chris describes her approach to therapy as client centered, and utilizes elements of Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist clients on their journey towards emotional well-being. Primary areas of interest also include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship issues and life transitions. Chris is also passionate about working with clients that are experiencing cross-cultural issues.

Jim McNamee

Jim McNamee is a Licensed Clinical Professional  Counselor with a Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Community Counseling from Loyola University of Chicago. He has over fifteen years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children and families.

Prior to joining Urban Balance, Jim has worked in outpatient mental health, school and community based settings, both as a therapist and clinical supervisor. He has helped people of all ages work through trauma, depression and anxiety, as well as major life transitions. Additionally, Jim works with adults within the LGBTQ community and understands the unique challenge this population faces. Having completed training in Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Relational Psychotherapy, he uses an integrated model to best meet the needs of his clients. Jim works collaboratively with clients to determine the best way to assist them, and he believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most important element in promoting change and growth.

Clients can expect a warm, accepting environment and the use of humor and mindfulness techniques as a way of improving symptoms and setting a path for psychological wellness.

Julie Walden

Julie Walden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, possessing 20 years of experience and training in a variety of approaches to counseling, which enable her to tailor techniques to clients’ various and specific needs. She specializes in helping clients process and move past traumatic experiences that hold them back from achieving their goals, or simply from being who they want to be. She can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and grief and loss.

Julie is trained in using creativity to express and process experience (Art Therapy certificate, Northwestern University), in family systems (MA, University of Chicago), in Child & Adolescent Mental Health (certificate, University of Illinois), and has also earned the IATP Clinical Trauma Professional certificate. Additionally, Julie has completed the Gottman Method Level 1 training in couples therapy. Prior to private practice, Julie worked in a variety of settings, including juvenile justice and foster care, medical social work and psychosocial rehabilitation.

Julie is a compassionate, respectful, LGBTQ-friendly, and faith-friendly therapist who considers it a sacred privilege to share her clients’ diverse journeys.

Katie McBroome

Katie McBroome is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of clinical experience working with adult individuals and couples. Katie earned her Masters degree in clinical social work from Loyola University in Chicago. Katie utilizes a client-centered and strengths-based approach, drawing on Solution-Focused and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques. In her sessions, Katie provides a safe and collaborative space to explore a variety of clinical issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, anger, addictions, self-esteem and women’s issues. She has extensive experience with bereavement, stress management, crisis counseling, and issues related to work/life balance. By participating in the counseling process, Katie can help you to develop your strengths, change negative patterns, and build new skills to approach life’s challenges with renewed energy and resilience. She works with each individual to develop concrete plans and techniques to meet their unique needs and create meaningful change.

Koren Ayres

Koren Ayres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy to adults and adolescents. She provides an atmosphere of understanding and respect, and values a holistic and creative approach to therapy. Koren has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient/outpatient hospital settings and residential treatment. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and a secondary Master’s in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in London, U.K. Koren’s international exposure has strengthened her cultural awareness and sensitivity.

She enjoys working with diverse clients and has interests in anxiety, depression, trauma, family of origin issues, grief and loss, interpersonal conflict, and career/life transitions.

Koren utilizes an integrative style, applying a variety of approaches including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Strengths based, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, to best meet the goals and needs of each client. With compassion and empathy, she creates a collaborative, supportive, and safe space.

Michael Purszke

Michael Purszke is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with a variety of adult and young adult populations, specializing in family and relationship issues, marriage and couples counseling, depression, anxiety and life transitions.

He also has a background working with traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors, using a Strength-based perspective promoting independence, integration, and empowerment. Utilizing a Psychodynamic approach, he further joins techniques from Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as having a background in art therapy, body movement, and yoga. Creativity, trust, and acceptance that promote collaboration serve to guide his clients to achieve their therapeutic goals in a safe setting emphasizing self-growth and lasting insight. Michael earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Vernalynne De La Rosa

Vernalynne De La Rosa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 12 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, couples and families.

Dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment to help each client increase self-awareness, Vernalynne strives to empower clients to overcome their problems and work toward wholeness and growth. Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, Vernalynne provides culturally-sensitive treatment incorporating Client-Centered, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral, and other therapeutic modalities to best address the clients’ presenting issues.

Vernalynne’s clinical specialties include mood disorders and anxiety disorders, dynamics related to emerging adulthood, families with acculturation issues, family of origin concerns, life transitions, and relational issues. Vernalynne earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College and continues to expand her clinical skills to better serve her clients.

Laurie Fester

Laurie Fester is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a person-centered approach to therapy which focuses on building the therapeutic relationship with clients.

Laurie serves adolescent and adult clients by providing a safe space to share their struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. Laurie incorporates a faith-based approach for those who wish to include that aspect in their journey.

Laurie earned her bachelor’s degree from Rockford University, and her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Judson University.

Prior to joining KP Counseling, Laurie worked in the field of hospice care for over 10 years gaining an intimate understanding of the emotional impact of end of life and the grief surrounding it.

In her time out of the office Laurie enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking, volunteering at her church, and traveling.

Dennis Delfosse

For some, making the decision to begin psychotherapy is not easy. Dennis has been guiding individuals and couples in this process for overs 20yrs. He has offered support to those struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use problems, difficult relationships, and problematic anger. But there are also those who are just dealing with everyday life problems: Grief and Loss, Occupational Difficulties, Parenting Concerns, etc. With these problems you will appreciate his solution-focused approach.

Beyond his masters degree, Dennis further trained at the Adler School. During this multi-year training period, he refined his psychotherapy skills and participated in a 1yr Fellowship Program under the direction of Arthur Freeman-EdD, earning a certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and Research. He has a specialty designation in anger resolution therapy.

You should know that Dennis is a husband and a father. He is a US Air Force Veteran, a fly fisherman and sails lakes as often as he can. In your sessions with Dennis, you will see how he has blended the psychoanalytical and CBT processes. Your therapeutic experience will have purpose, a vision and offer new insights. Dennis sees adolescents, adults of all ages, and couples.

Samantha Karrel

Bio Coming Soon