A Team of Dedicated
Mental Health Professionals

CCOCC’s professional staff is made up of a culturally and ethnically diverse group of master’s and doctoral-level therapists who are committed to offering high-quality counseling services. While we each operate from a solid Christian perspective, we are also respectful and sensitive to clients’ varying beliefs and worldviews. All therapists have experience and expertise in working with a wide variety of clinical settings, client concerns, and spiritual, cultural, ethnic, and diversity issues.

Each therapist also has training and expertise in dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, singleness, life transitions, relationship concerns, and traditionally underserved populations. As a whole, the therapists at the Center provide individual, couples, and family therapy, consulting, seminars, and assessments.

All interested parties are directed to our main phone number (312) 573-8860, and the intake coordinators match the appropriate therapist with the client’s needs and desires. The following list provides an idea of the therapist you may be working with.

Our Clinical Team

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I am the Executive Director of Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and received my degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. I have experience providing therapeutic services across professional settings such as in community mental health, hospital, clinic, and private practice. 

As a therapist, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment in which a collaborative and goal-oriented relationship can develop. Through this safe and supportive relationship, I assist people in increasing awareness of themselves and begin the journey of healing, growth, and change. I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across all life stages. I seek to build collaborative relationships and safe environments for my clients.

I utilizes evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. I also consider my client's unique context and cultural (e.g., race, gender, SES, community, spirituality) background and integrates these constructs in my treatment.

Dr. Grace Ahn-Im, Psy.D.

Executive Director / Clinical Supervisor / Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Primary Areas of Care: Depression, Anxiety, Life transition, Women's Issues, and Identity Concerns

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I am the Clinical Director, a supervisor and a licensed clinical professional counselor with Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago. I work with clients who want to change their thoughts and behaviors that keep them from experiencing fulfilled and genuinely happy lives. I focus on creating a safe space to develop a therapeutic relationship with you. I use a direct approach, more action-oriented that helps you gain clarity of “how I got here” and moves you towards your goals. I treat stress and anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, and alcohol and other substance use issues. My experience ranges from working in outpatient hospital settings, community mental health centers, and private practice. In addition, I will integrate spirituality and Christian perspectives at your request.  My passion and gift for helping others led to me to my calling, becoming a clinical mental health therapist. My belief is that each of us has unique gifts, and our life journey is to discover them, and it is then that we can feel content and enjoy our lives. 

Christine Collins, M.A., LCPC, NCC, CADC

Clinical Director / Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Addiction, Mood Disorders, and Life Transitions

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I strive to create a safe and welcoming therapeutic environment through building a strong, nonjudgmental alliance with each client as we work together to identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. I am passionate towards working with individuals through life transitions. I have experience working with anxiety, grief & loss, and depression. I take pride in providing clients with a space to learn and implement healthy coping mechanisms, adaptive thought processes, and self-care practices. I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before moving back home to receive my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, reading by the lake, and trying out different locally-owned coffee shops around the city.

Adisson Ams

Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: adolescents, young adults, life transitions, anxiety and depression

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I am a CACTC graduate and a bilingual psychologist. I am currently serving as the assessment supervisor for Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago. I have extensive training and experience in evidence-based treatments for anxiety and depression in youth, and have worked both in schools and community clinics. I also enjoy providing comprehensive psychological evaluations that can help individuals learn about themselves and gain access to resources. My motivation is to serve others with love and compassion, just as Jesus did.

Dr. Nicole Colon-Quintana, Ph.D.

Therapist

Specialties: Psychological Assessment

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I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, and Identity integration. I am a seasoned Master level psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. As graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, I earned a Masters in Clinical Social Work and I hold a certification in Addiction Treatment (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor). With a decade of experience, I have extensive experience in the mental health field ranging from working with young adults in small groups, addiction recovery clinics, private practice, and for the past 6 years, with Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago. As a therapist my approach is person-centered and solution-focused, utilizing empathic understanding, collaboration, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. I engage clients in multimodal approaches in treating various mood disorders. With my Social Work training I am able to effectively and therapeutically integrate each client's unique personal and environmental context while recognizing the role of faith, community, gender, sexuality, and racial background into the therapeutic setting. Overall, I try to utilize a unique combination of these treatment modalities that revolve around ‘meeting you where you are at and growing from there’. 

Nicholas Guerrero, M.S.W., LCSW, CADC, C-DBT

Clinical Supervisor / Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Addiction, Emerging Adults, Anxiety, and Depression

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I offer a space of grace and acceptance and work with my clients to pursue a place of wellness. I work with clients to discover their meaning and purpose so that they can live hope-filled lives believing that “where there is help, there is hope”.  My approach is relational in nature allowing time for the client to discover what solutions uniquely fit the client. I patiently allow my clients to work at their pace with an understanding that “healing is a marathon”. I served for two decades in pastoral ministry and nonprofit leadership. For those seeking spiritual integration, I blend my pastoral training and experience into your therapeutic care. I hold a Bachelor’s from Cedarville University, a Master’s in Christian Formation from Wheaton College, and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from North Park University. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, travel, playing golf, watching college football, and spending time with my family. 

Kevin Gwin, LPC, M.A.

Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Couples, Emerging Adults, and Life Transitions

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I am a Doctoral Intern in Clinical Psychology at Midwestern University, where I also earned my M.A. in Clinical Psychology. My clinical interests include working with adolescents, supporting Black clients through culturally informed care, and helping individuals navigate trauma, depression, and anxiety. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including grounding strategies, mindfulness meditation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Human-Centered Therapy, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of my clients. In addition to therapy, I have training in diagnostic assessment, which allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of a client’s strengths and challenges to better guide treatment.

Outside of the therapy room, I am new to Chicago and enjoy exploring everything the city has to offer, from trying new foods to discovering local events. I also love reading and maintaining an active lifestyle through fitness, which helps me bring balance and energy into my work with clients.

Chiamaka Ihejirika, M.A.

Doctoral Intern

Specialties: Children, adolescents, trauma, depression and anxiety

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and approaches therapy relationally, putting clients at ease in a safe and calm environment. I provide person-centered therapy that is trauma-informed and strengths-based. I work collaboratively with individuals and couples who are struggling with grief, anxiety, life transitions, spiritual distress and trauma. I take great care to help clients name their own needs and find therapeutic strategies that make sense to you. I specialize in grief, loss and end of life issues. I hold a Domestic Violence Training Certificate, Level I Gottman Training for Couples and am Internal Family Systems informed. In my free time, you'll find me exploring Chicago with my family and hanging out at the lake with a great book.  

Shannon Krabill, M.S.W., LCSW

Clincial Supervisor / Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Grief/Loss, Couples, Domestic Violence, Gender Issues, Depression, and Anxiety

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I am a Post-Doctoral Fellow who has experience providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults in various settings, including community mental health centers, schools, after school programs, and private practice. I have provided mental health care for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, as well as other challenges and life stressors. I embrace a strengths-based approach when working with individuals and hope to help you engage in your capacity for introspection, reflection, and self-awareness to better understand your past, present, and future. I also aim to foster hope, healing, and meaning for every client I encounters.

Keturah Platt, Ph.D.

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Primary Areas of Care: Children and Adolescents, Anxiety, Depression, 

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As a dedicated clinical psychologist, my expertise lies in assisting individuals grappling with childhood trauma, depression, race-based trauma, and marital issues. My therapeutic approach is integrative, combining elements from various theoretical perspectives such as psychodynamic theory, emotion-focused therapy, the Gottman method, Adlerian therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

I believe early experiences significantly shape our outlook on life, and I am committed to aiding individuals in healing from past hurts. Clients can expect a partnership in a judgment-free zone, where I provide supportive guidance for their healing journey. Additionally, in an effort to foster spiritual growth, my approach also centers around improving clients' relationship with the Divine.

I hold a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, and a doctoral degree from Adler University.

Besides my profession, I am a devoted family man, an avid reader of history, a writer, and I enjoy staying physically active. My personal experiences enrich my therapeutic approach, providing a holistic perspective on healing and growth.

Dr. Jermaine Thomas, Psy.D.

Clinical Supervisor / Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Primary Areas of Care: Developmental Trauma, Depression, Race-Based Trauma, and Marital Discord

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I seek to create a safe space for clients to deepen their awareness of self and others, and work toward a healthier way of interacting with the world. My experience has primarily been focused on adults and emerging adults surrounding a wide variety of concerns, including trauma, loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, as well as spiritual and relational concerns. I draw from attachment theory as a basis for understanding how primary relationships impact one’s worldview, while exploring and resolving the related thoughts, emotions, and behaviors — drawing heavily from tools of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Clients can expect a client-centered approach — a focus on congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding. 

Stephanie Rose Torres, LCPC

Clinical Supervisor / Bilingual Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Trauma, Women's Issues, and Depression

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I believe that true change and healing come from a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust, empowerment, and agency. As such, clients can expect a safe, non-judgmental environment in which to examine their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and ultimately arrive at their own solutions. As a first-generation American, I have special interest in working with immigrant populations. Other clinical interests include anxiety and mood disorders, intergenerational trauma, mindfulness, and mental health accessibility. I'm also a former teacher and enjoy working with adolescents. I work from an eclectic theoretical approach rooted in person-centered, existential, and cognitive behavioral therapies. I'm bilingual and work with Spanish-speaking clients. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Baylor University and my Master’s degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. In my free time, I enjoy reading, trying new foods, and playing with my cat, Fifi. 

Ilse Vielma, M.Ed.

Bilingual Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Trauma

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As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am passionate about seeing people become whole. I specialize in helping women move from being worried and stuck in a rut with low self-esteem, to self-confidence, connectedness, and intentional engagement in all life areas. I have focused training in the integration of spirituality including healing prayer and craft this experience to fit your desires.  I value your cultural/ethnic identity and help you further discover and integrate parts of yourself.  I commonly help with anxiety, depression, relational challenges, trauma, work/life balance, parenthood, and preparation for marriage. I earned a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. 

Dr. Kara White, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Primary Areas of Care: Women's Issues, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Relational Challenges

Our Interns

Samiya Collins-Donelson

Annie Kate Oliver

Xitlally Perez-Azmitia

 

Lucas DiPasquale

 

Our Support Team

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I earned a BA in Music and Hispanic Studies from Vassar College. I am honored to support an organization committed to integrating faith and practice, helping people spiritually, emotionally and mentally with an equity focus.

I have served in various administrative roles in the non-profit sector including event planning for large conferences and organizing outreach efforts in the community. Additionally, I am very active in college ministry, the PTA, special education advocacy work, and writing, directing, and acting in various community theatre projects.

Kristin Weed

Medical Biller

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I am the assistant medical biller in Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago. In 2003, I received a nursing degree at Seoul Women's college of nursing. After graduating, I worked as a RN at Song-Do hospital ICU and a chemotherapy unit for 5 years. In 2008, I moved to the US and worked as a RN and medical coder in home health care. I believe mental health is important and was drawn to the mission and vision of Cornerstone. I love to knit, spend time with family, and explore different cultures.

Chu Jane Yang

Assistant Medical Biller

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Anna Skeie

Intake Coordinator

I’m the Intake Coordinator at Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago, where I have the privilege of connecting individuals and families with the mental health support they need. I hold a BA from DePaul University, where I studied Women and Gender Studies and Applied Psychology. My academic work focused heavily on Reproductive Care Justice; a field I remain deeply passionate about. I’ve always envisioned a career where I could champion social justice and uplift communities, and I’m grateful to fulfill that dream at Cornerstone. I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces and advocating for equity in mental health care. Outside of work, I find joy in spending quality time with my loved ones—whether it’s my family, close friends, or my beloved cats. I also enjoy exploring creative outlets like thrifting, discovering new restaurants, and expanding my knowledge to better serve the communities I care deeply about.