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

Grace A

Dr. Grace is the Executive Director of Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago. Dr. Grace is a licensed clinical psychologist and received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. She has experience providing therapeutic services across professional settings such as in community mental health, hospital, clinic, and private practice. Dr. Grace also has held various leadership roles in ministry settings including mentoring, discipleship, financial management, and conference planning.

As a therapist, Dr. Grace strives to create a safe and supportive environment in which a collaborative and goal-oriented relationship can develop. Through this safe and supportive relationship, Dr. Grace assists people in increasing awareness of themselves and begins the journey of healing, growth, and change. Dr. Grace works with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across all life stages. She seeks to build collaborative relationships and safe environments for her clients.

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

Dr. Grace Ahn-Im, Psy.D.

Executive Director / Clinical Supervisor / Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Primary Areas of Care: Children, Adults, Couples, Life transition, Depression, Anxiety, and Identity Concerns

Christine C

Chris specializes in anxiety and depression concerns, mood disorders, and life transitions. Her experience ranges from working in outpatient hospital settings, community mental health centers, and private practice. She has a depth of knowledge in addressing our current national crisis of opioid addiction.

Her approach is collaborative and focuses on a client’s strengths to find solutions to their problems. She addresses clients' emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues using evidenced-based cognitive-behavioral therapy. Chris integrates spirituality and Christian perspectives when requested.

Chris received her master’s degree in clinical psychology with a concentration in addictions. Her passion for helping others led to her vocation of becoming a clinical therapist. Her belief is that each of us has unique gifts and our life journey is to discover them, this leads to true happiness.

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

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

Peonita H

Dr. Harris has practiced in the field for 18 years. Dr. Harris has been an ordained minister for over 20 years and has served in leadership throughout her professional career. She has experience in leading women’s ministries and pastoral counseling ministries. She has also trained women for leadership in ministry and spearheaded training for lay-ministers in pastoral care.

Dr. Harris’s goal is to embrace the uniqueness of all individuals as she assists them to discover and live out their divine purpose. She is committed to the movement of de-stigmatizing mental illness and the integration of faith and practice. She has many years of experience in working with distressed couples, couples recovering from infidelity and betrayal, and survivors of sexual trauma and working with couples and partners recovering from the impact of sexual addiction.

Dr. Harris has a bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute. She has a Master’s in marriage and family therapy and is a certified sex addiction therapist. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University. Dr. Harris is also a clinical fellow of AAMFT and a certified Daring Way™ facilitator.

Additionally, Dr. Harris is an alumna of the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium where she received specialized clinical training in the integration of faith-based practice and psychology.

Rev. Dr. Peonita Harris, Psy.D., LMFT, CSAT, CDWF

Post-Graduate Fellowship Program Director / Diversity Inclusion Specialist / Clinical Supervisor

Primary Areas of Care: Couples, Sex Addiction, and Spiritual Integration
Location(s): Vernon Hills

Sierah A

Sierrah Avant is a doctoral intern who has received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in the same field. Her clinical interests involve helping youth receive the treatment and assistance they need to improve their functioning through education, community support, and mental health services. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to promote and support marginalized youth and their systems well-being through targeting and overcoming their presenting barriers in the classroom, community, and mental health.  

Sierrah is a part of the American Psychological Association and specifically the Child and Adolescent Division. She uses various techniques in her treatment, such as Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivation Interviewing, Art Therapy, Mindfulness, and Meditation. Her specialties include children and adolescents, especially marginalized youth having difficulties with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Trauma, Learning Difficulties, Emotional Dysregulation, and Family Difficulties.

Sierrah loves to travel, dance and is a foodie.

Sierrah Avant, M.A.

Doctoral Intern

Primary Areas of Care: Children, Adolescents, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Trauma, Learning Difficulties, Emotional Dysregulation, and Family Difficulties.

Kendall B

Kendall specializes in working with children and adolescents who struggle with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges throughout daily life. Some areas she focuses on are issues related to trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, school stressors, anger management, and family and peer relationships.

Kendall has experience working with children in different settings, including school and group settings. In addition to working with children and adolescents, Kendall has experience working with adults who are challenged by daily life stressors, such as relationship issues, work/life balance, and various mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Kendall obtained a master’s degree from the University of Toledo in clinical mental health counseling. Through her schooling and experience, Kendall has established techniques to help provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for individuals to feel comfortable and safe. She believes developing a positive therapeutic relationship is key to the success of counseling for individuals.

Kendall utilizes a number of evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, play therapy, and art therapy to help individuals accomplish their goals.

Kendall has a passion for traveling and enjoys painting and drawing, taking long walks with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.

Kendall Brickman, M.A., LPC

Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Children, Adolescents, and Emerging Adults

Monica C

Monica is guided by a strong desire to help people work through things that are getting in the way to live a more balanced, fulfilled, and authentic life. She assists those individuals who feel stuck, trapped, broken, or lost by their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

She is passionate about working with people who are curious about themselves and those who want to explore and understand what’s behind their depression, anxiety, body image issues, low self-worth/esteem, relationship issues, hopelessness, trauma, or shame.

From the initial session to all subsequent visits, clients can anticipate that Monica’s central goal will be to assist them toward living and sustaining intentional, meaningful, vibrant, and wholesome lives with hope, education, healing, direction, and growth. Monica empathically engages her clients while supporting them in their endeavors as they define and refine their true selves.

She considers therapy a gift; the opportunity to journey alongside clients as they disclose their innermost anguish and pain; being able to bear witness to those things and then helping to guide them toward hope, healing, and transformation is truly an honor. Aside from helping clients accomplish their goals, she also assists each client in uncovering their unique cargo; this cargo encompasses a client’s unique strengths, talents, and abilities, which they each uniquely contribute to the world.

For those comfortable integrating Christian themes and perspectives, she is pleased and privileged to help drive therapy forward where clients can discover the grace, belongingness, compassion, and freedom that God unequivocally extends to all people.

Monica graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in psychology along with a specialization in neuroscience and graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling. She is a national certified counselor (NCC) and an active member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA).

In her free time, she enjoys reading, attending live music events and spoken word, baking, and catching up with family and friends.

Monica Caldwell, M.A.

Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Adolescents, Couples, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Life Transitions

Rachael E

Rachel is passionate about working alongside adolescents and adults who are struggling to cope with life challenges and transitions. Rachel strives to create a welcoming environment where clients can openly express their perspectives and experiences.

She has obtained her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from North Park University. Her approach to counseling is person-centered therapy emphasizing human experiences while integrating cognitive behavioral therapy when appropriate. She enjoys being a resource for clients in their journey toward growing and accomplishing their goals.

Clients can expect Rachel to be attentive and provide empathy while collaborating to establish where they are at and where they want to be.

She loves to spend quality time with her family and friends, enjoy nature, try new things, and compete in sports.

Rachel Eberling, M.A.

Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Adults, Life Transitions, Children, Adolescents, Anxiety, and Depression

Nicholas G

Nicholas is a master-level clinician. Attending Catholic schools his entire life, he finished his educational career at the Loyola University of Chicago where he obtained his master’s in social work. Nicholas’ approach is person-centered and solution-focused, utilizing empathic understanding, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and spiritual understanding. Importantly, Nicholas utilizes a unique combination of these treatment modalities that revolve around “meeting you where you are at”.

Nicholas has strived to have these values and practices shine through while treating the community over the past years. A key tenant of Nicholas’s practice is to “utilize empathy through grace and humility in order to build on a client’s own potential”.

In his free time, Nicholas enjoys teaching himself how to play the ukulele and the harmonica. He also enjoys taking classes in martial arts and self-defense.

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

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

Kevin G

Kevin has served as a Pastor and in nonprofit leadership for 18 years. He has experience with relationships, loss, trauma, and crisis situations. He has a particular interest in emerging adults.

Kevin offers a space of grace and acceptance as he works with his clients to pursue a place of wellness. He helps clients discover their worth and purpose so that they can find meaningful and hope-filled lives. For those who desire the integration of spirituality, Kevin blends his pastoral background into his therapeutic care.

Kevin earned his bachelor’s in Bible from Cedarville University and his master’s in Christian formation from Wheaton College and his master’s in Counseling Psychology from North Park University.

In his free time, he enjoys reading, travel, golf, and spending time with his family.

Kevin Gwin, M.A.

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

Shannon K

Shannon specializes in providing therapy individually with adults and emerging adults. She has over eight years of experience working with grief and loss, specifically, and is also trained in domestic violence and gender issues.

Shannon obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work from Dominican University. As a therapist, she is dedicated to creating a safe and calming space for people to explore their needs on a journey to healing and wellness. She has a relational style of therapy that looks to client’s goals, experiences and strengths in order to meet the unique needs of each individual. She works collaboratively out of strengths-based, trauma informed, solutions-focused approach, utilizing evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Clients can expect Shannon to meet them where they are with empathy and intuition. She has experience working with clients across gender, ethnic, generational or religious differences. Her practice is informed by her faith and she believes spirituality can be a vital piece of the therapeutic process when a client is open to the concept.

Shannon loves spending time outside, reading and exploring Chicago with her family.

Shannon Krabill, M.S.W., LCSW

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

Brain P.

Dr. Brian Post received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College and is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. He enjoys offering psychological assessments to both celebrate who people are and assist them in areas where they struggle. He can help clarify a person's mental health diagnosis, give in-depth personality descriptions to promote growth, evaluate preparedness for bariatric surgery, fulfill adoption requirements, and determine readiness for missions and seminary training.

Dr. Post’s primary role at Cornerstone Counseling is to assist in the training of future clinicians. He is a supervisor for the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium, which emphasizes the integration of faith-based practice and psychology.

Dr. Brian Post, Psy.D., LCP

Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Psychological Assessments and Spiritual Integration

Zach S

Zach enjoys working with a diverse population and tailors the therapeutic environment to meet each client where they are to address their specific and unique needs. Clients can expect a holistic model of therapy that aims to acknowledge the relationship between mind, body, and spirit, while also being challenged to discover their full potential individually, relationally, and spiritually.

Zach specializes in working with adults whose day-to-day functioning is being impacted by anxiety, depression, and/or sexual addiction as well as children who are experiencing emotional or behavioral inconsistencies like symptoms of ADHD. He utilizes evidence-based interventions to support the client’s welfare, drive improvement, and relief from symptoms.

Zach has always felt led to assist others in discovering their purpose/meaning, which ultimately guided him into the field of psychology. Zach earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Chicago State University.

Zach enjoys spending meaningful time with his family, listening to music, watching great television, exploring the world, and playing sports/competitions.

Zach Seifert, M.A., LPC

Community Partnership Coordinator / Clinical Supervisor / Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Anxiety, Depression, Children, Family Systems, and Sexual Addiction

Shannon.S

Shannon specializes in working with couples and families. When working with clients, Shannon comes from a place of curiosity and actively listening to their stories. Shannon has a welcoming personality and works to create a safe space, so the client feels comfortable exploring different areas of their lives and emotions that come up. Shannon works in collaboration with her clients to determine their path forward. She views clients from a systemic and holistic perspective.

Shannon received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler University. Shannon has completed her level 2 credential in Gottman Training. She is also trained in prepare enrich, a great tool for premarital counseling.

In her free time, Shannon enjoys traveling, reading, rock climbing, and catching up with her family and friends.

 

Shannon Spethman, M.A.

Therapist
Primary Areas of Care: Couples and Families
Location(s): Main Office and Vernon Hills

Patricia T

Patricia specializes in working with individuals challenged with emotional trauma. She has experience working with children, parents, and instructors in educational settings. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Psychotherapy, she is committed to helping others identify their strengths, establish and accomplish their goals.

Patricia has passion for helping others she has dedicated much of her life to the service of others. Patricia earned both her B.A. in Sociology and her MSW from Chicago State University.

In her free time, Patricia enjoys spending time with her family and friends and spending time outdoors.

Patricia Taylor, M.S.W.

Therapist

Primary Areas of Care: Anxiety, Depression and Trauma

Jermaine T

Dr. Thomas specializes in working with individuals struggling with early relational trauma, depression, and couple issues. His treatment approach is integrative, as he incorporates perspectives from psychodynamic theory, emotion-focused therapy, the Gottman method, Adlerian therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Dr. Thomas believes that our early experiences, particularly our early relational experiences, lay the foundation for how we view others, the world, and ourselves. He strives to help individuals recover from the pain of their past, and he has a passion for working with individuals who seek to learn more about themselves and desire to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Dr. Thomas is especially passionate about helping clients form a better relationship with God and fully experience His grace.

Dr. Thomas obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgetown University and his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Adler University.

His style of therapy is relational, and clients can expect that he will explore their issues with them without judgment. It is his aim to create a safe space in which clients feel comfortable working through difficult private issues, as he provides support along the road to healing.

A fun fact about Dr. Thomas is that he really enjoys playing basketball and participating in obstacle course runs.

Dr. Jermaine Thomas, Psy.D.

Clinical Supervisor / Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Primary Areas of Care: Early Relational Trauma, Depression, and Couples

Stephanie T

As an inner-city Chicago native, Stephanie has had much experience with youth and women who have suffered loss and trauma. She has a deep value for connecting the hurting to healing and sharing hope in moments when hope seems lost.

As such, Stephanie is passionate about working alongside under-resourced adults and adolescents who struggle with regulating emotions, including anger, sadness, uncertainty, anxiety, effects of trauma, women’s issues, and depression. Stephanie is also passionate about addressing issues within relationships as well as spiritual concerns.

Stephanie views connectedness and spirituality as essential aspects of human development and healing. Stephanie also has an interest in working with life and work transitions.

Clients can expect that Stephanie will meet them where they are emotionally and spiritually. They can expect that Stephanie will guide them to think critically and holistically about concerns to increase self and other-awareness and implement strategies for a healthier well-being.

Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from DePaul University and her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Trinity Christian College.

Stephanie loves writing and performing poetry and was the recipient of the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award of 2012.

Stephanie Rose Torres, M.A., LPC

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

Our Interns

Kenisha A.

Kenisha is well versed when it comes to servicing individuals within the inner city of Chicago. Kenisha has both worked and volunteered mental health and community services on the Southside and Westside of Chicago. With a background in Case Management coupled with material and skills learned in higher education, Kenisha uses her clinical judgment when helping individuals with depression, PTSD, anxiety, grief and loss and other stress related disorders. Kenisha has background in working with individuals with chronic mental health disorders and intellectual disabilities.

Kenisha attended Chicago State University where she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology. With the desire to fulfill her lives purpose of helping other, she knew that was not the end of her educational journey. Kenisha currently attends Governors state university where she is working to obtain her Masters in Clinical Psychology. In the future Kenisha plans build build her own independent that’s provides counseling and therapy to children in the DCFS system and or foster care system. As someone who has gone through the DCFS system, Kenisha understands the complex emotions and identity crises children/adolescents go through during those stages in life and wants to help heal then through use of CBT, DBT approaches and use of unconditional positive regard and empathy.

Fun Fact: Kenisha is an oratorical speaker and writer.

Kenisha Adams

M.A.  Intern

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

Abi C.

Abi is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Loyola University Chicago. Her intentional, and assertive, but gentle spirit helps you feel secure and comfortable right from the beginning. Abi’s sense of wonder invites you to explore your strengths and empowers you to share your story with the intent of restoring clarity and confidence.

She invites you into a holistic and integrative therapeutic approach by tailoring interventions based on each of your needs and goals. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic therapy to help you explore your unconscious as it relates to behaviors and ultimately cultivating resiliency. Abi understands that you are an individual with unique beliefs and values that are interconnected to broader social and cultural contexts. She encourages you to embrace the beautiful, complex, and gifted person you are.

Fun Fact: Abi loves long boarding.

Abi Castro

M.A. Intern
Primary Areas of Care: Children and Adolescents, Anxiety, and Depression

Taina F.

Taina received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in the same field at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She has an interest in helping at-risk children and youth. These interests are why she decided to complete her internship at CCCOC. Taina has a certificate in child welfare practice and has had experience working with children in a nonprofit setting.

She uses various techniques in her treatment, such as Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, Play Therapy, Systems Theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Problem-solving Model, Task-centered Practice. Her specialties include children and adolescents, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and family difficulties.

Taina is heavily involved in her church, loves to travel, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Taina Fernandez

M.S.W. Intern

Primary Areas of Care: Children and Adolescents, Life Transitions, Anxiety, Depression, and Family Difficulties

Cristian G.

Cristian is currently in the master’s level social work program Loyola University. Cristian was drawn to CCCOC due to its mission of providing care and services that are accessible to the community. He also notes that the Christian aspect of the organization was also a contributing factor to his final decision. He explains that his faith is very important; therefore, I was thrilled to be part of this agency.

Christian is involved in his community and assists with community outreach and education. ’s clinical interests include working with adolescents and trauma.

Cristian enjoys going on long hikes and camping during the fall weather.

Cristian Garcia

M.S.W. Intern

Primary Areas of Care: Adolescents and Emerging Adults

Alicia H.

Alicia values authenticity, kindness, and connection, which is reflected in her clinical work. She delights to hear her clients' stories and come alongside them to thoughtfully process how to move forward. Alicia helps people find hope and remain buoyant in the engulfing waves of life.

She resonates with Cornerstone's vision for all people to have access to tools to maximize their potential for holistic well-being. She is completing her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Trinity International University.

With a client-centered approach, Alicia includes aspects of narrative therapy, attachment theory, and evidence-based interventions through a strength-based and compassionate lens. She views a person holistically and incorporates spiritual aspects when requested.

Fun fact—Alicia loves cooking and while she lived in North Africa, Alicia almost mastered making Moroccan couscous.

Alicia Havens

M.A. Intern

Primary Areas of Care: Depression, Life Transitions, Women's Issues, Trauma, Grief, Emotional, and Spiritual Abuse

Caroline O.

Caroline (she/her) believes that the therapist-client relationship is most effective when clients know that all of their identities are welcomed and celebrated. She is committed to providing a compassionate, non-judgmental, trauma-informed environment where clients can openly examine their mental health, who they are, what they believe, and how their experiences and interactions with society affect their lives. She enjoys working with clients from all walks of life but particularly clients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, college students, and folks who are discovering (or re-discovering) their religious/spiritual identity. Caroline is passionate about working at Cornerstone because of their commitment to holistic, social-justice-oriented care.

Caroline is completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Park University. She utilizes an integrative approach that pulls from existential, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), feminist, and person-centered therapies.

Caroline is on a mission to find the best chai latte in Chicago and loves ice cream, live theatre, reading, and playing with her dog, Fig.

Caroline Ost

M.A. Intern

Primary Areas of Care: LGBTQIA+, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation, Religious Trauma, Emerging Adults, and Sex Therapy

Marissa R.

Marissa has a passion for working with children, adolescents, and emerging adults who want assistance with anxiety, depression, anger management, and/or related mental health challenges. She integrates strength-based and solution-focused practices into her work while also pushing her clients towards both personal and professional growth. Empowering her clients through a therapeutic lens, she finds to be a great way to guide her clients and to promote positive change. Marissa has previous experience educating others about sexual violence awareness and diversity/inclusion related topics. Her foundation aligns with the social justice component of Cornerstone Counseling Center’s mission statement.

Marissa is from a small town in Central Illinois and recently moved to Chicago. She is currently attending Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago to complete her master’s degree in School Social Work.

Marissa enjoys watching football, going on walks with her dog Griz, practicing yoga with her cat Junior, and baking sweet treats.

Marissa Ruiz

M.S.W. Intern

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

Jane S.

Jane is studying social work at UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work. As Jane is now in her second year of school, she felt Cornerstone was a perfect fit based on its commitment to provide quality mental health services, which are not only uniquely exceptional, but also accessible to all through its client access program.

Jane received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood education from The University of Vermont and has worked as a teacher and residential counselor in Vermont. She decided to move back to Chicago where she could gain experience in more urban settings and pursue her social work degree.

While using strength-based perspective, Jane is passionate about fighting the stigma against mental health and explores diverse family systems in conjunction with transactional relationships through a psychodynamic lens. Jane works primarily with families, children, and those struggling with mental health and substance use disorder.

When Jane is not working, she enjoys taking Pilates and spending time with friends and family.

Jane Sussman

M.S.W. Intern

Primary Areas of Care: Families, Children, and Substance Use Disorder

Ilse V.

Ilse believes that true change and healing comes 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, Ilse has special interest in working with immigrant populations. Other clinical interests include anxiety and mood disorders, intergenerational trauma, mindfulness, and mental health accessibility. As a former teacher, she also has experience working with children and adolescents.

Ilse draws from a variety of theoretical approaches, including existential therapy, person-centered therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. She is bilingual and enjoys working with Spanish-speaking clients.

Ilse earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Baylor University and is completing her Master’s degree in community counseling at Loyola University Chicago. She is also a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).

In her free time, Ilse enjoys reading, trying new foods, and playing with her cat, Fifi.

Ilse Vielma

M.A. Intern

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

Dominique W

Dominique is dedicated to her life-purpose of helping people heal fromadverse childhood experiences, and grief, anxiety, PTSD, depression and/or related mental health challenges. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, she places an emphasis on healthy communication between couples and family members and assists individuals with navigating emotional suppression through various means of Expression.

With a systemic lens, Dominique integrates Experiential Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, with holistic practices and expressive arts therapy. She incorporates concepts from Internal Family Systems (IFS), by empowering the SELF.

Dominique has worked with children and adolescents for over ten years, as well as created and facilitated group therapy sessions for community members of all ages. Dominique aims to collaborate with clients, creating Balance, Self-Love, and healthy Expression, fostering human growth and development. Dominique is a California Native, new to the Chicago area. She is completing her Master’s program in Marriage and Family Therapy with the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University.

Fun Fact: Dominique is an identical twin.

Dominique L. Walker

M.A. Intern
Primary Areas of Care: Children & Adolescents, Emerging Adults, Intimate Partner Violence, Couples, and Families

Our Support Team

Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago

Veronica has over 20 years of extensive operations management experience in nonprofit organizations and charter schools. She is excited to contribute and support Cornerstone’s organizational growth, philosophy, goals, and objectives.

In her spare time, she enjoys teaching young girls and women the importance of self-care through dance fitness classes in her community along with volunteering her time to various donation drives, events, and fundraisers throughout the year to help children from low-income families.

Veronica Perez

Office Coordinator / Academic Liaison

Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago

Spreading awareness, sharing information, and connecting with others through technology and social media are some of Jessica’s passions, and these are also reasons why she wholeheartedly supports the mission and vision of Cornerstone. Having the opportunity to utilize her skills in marketing and communications allows her to help further Cornerstone’s vision by using social media networks to share and connect people to Cornerstone.

Jessica earned her B.A. in communications with an emphasis on contemporary media studies from Trinity International University and her M.A. in relational communication from DePaul University. She enjoys working with others through team-building challenges and experiences while also spending quality time with her husband and family.

For fun, Jessica likes going on short road trips, playing pool, and journaling from time to time.

Jessica Wheeler, M.A.

Marketing & Events Director 

Lauren M.

Lauren earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Spanish and Legal Studies from Northwestern University. She upholds Cornerstone's mission of social justice through her passion for helping others and desire to make mental health resources more accessible for all members of the community. In her position as Intake Coordinator, she aims to make every new client feel welcomed and supported when pursuing services at Cornerstone. For fun, Lauren enjoys taking her dog Moose to the beach, roller-skating and reading.

Lauren Miller

Intake Coordinator