Clinicians
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone.
All of our clinicians at Mindful Transitions, LLC. have a masters degree in mental health counseling and are licensed in the state of Illinois. Each therapist offers their own approach to counseling and has a different background and specialty area. Please take a moment to read about each clinician to see which therapist you connect with and would like to be scheduled with. We can also recommend a therapist based on your reasons for seeking counseling.
Learn More About Kerry
Kerry Hampton M.A, LCPC, CCMHC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
My passion in life is to help others work through difficulty, finding strength and resources they never knew they possessed. As a therapist, I believe each individual is the expert in their lives and counseling helps to find the answers to problems from within through discussions, interventions, guidance, and support.
As the founder and owner of Mindful Transitions, I have over 10 years of experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitalizations, outpatient therapy, and private practice. I have experience working with adolescents, teens, young adults, and older adults. I also have experience working with couples and families. Some of my areas of particular interest include postpartum issues, women’s mental health, teen stressors, college challenges, career help, communication difficulties, anxiety, depression, cancer diagnoses, grief and loss, life transitions, family conflict, and many other life challenges. As your therapist, I will always strive to help you feel supported, validated, and comfortable with the counseling process.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), and have a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Governors State University. I recieved my bachelors degree in counseling from Saint Xavier University. I am also a nationally certified counselor. I operate from an integrated theoretical approach and incorporate aspects of several theoretical perspectives to fit the client’s needs. I see each person as an individual and work together to determine the goals and areas of concern that will be focused on in therapy.
Learn More About Nicole
Nicole Boswell M.A., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
“You are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, and SMARTER than you think”
– Winnie The Pooh
I would love to invite you in to explore, learn, and grow in ways you might not have known you were capable of. It might be scary and uncomfortable but my wise friend Refiki once said, “The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.” It is your choice! And I am here to help you with that choice and that journey!
Hello! My name is Nicole Boswell and with over 10 years working in a variety of clinical settings such as inpatient behavioral health, a residential facility, DCFS agencies, and private practice, I am committed to helping children, adolescents, and adults learn how to navigate life’s challenges. Unfortunately, therapist’s are not magicians. We can not make all life’s stressors go away, but my main goal is to help you and/or your family learn ways to overcome the obstacles life throws at you so that you can be well equipped to have a successful, enjoyable life. My integrative approach helps guide me to adapt my skills and techniques towards your unique, individualized interests, needs, and concerns.
If you couldn’t tell, I am a big Disney fan and I have used the many movies, books, and songs to connect with people on a therapeutic level. So it might seem like we are just talking about the latest tiktok trend, slaying dragons in D&D, anime, video games, books, etc. but through your specific interests we can not only have fun but we can tackle some of life’s less enjoyable aspects.
In addition to my therapeutic orientations, I have found that utilizing creative techniques and activities such as play, art, mindfulness and meditations offer beneficial outcomes for holistic growth. Some of my areas of particular interest include anxiety/panic/phobias, depression, postpartum issues, improving child-parent relationship, teen stressors, family conflicts, personal growth, family therapy, self-esteem, ADHD, parenting challenges, emotional regulation, and many other challenging areas. It is my honor to work with you to uplift and restore you back to the best version of yourself.
Learn More About James
James Kapost M.A., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
My life boils down to service, and I want to be of service to you. I have worked off and on as a paramedic for over 15 years, I was a cop for about 3 years, and I was in the Army for 8 years including a little over a 1 year in the National Guard. I have had a number of struggles throughout my life and I was blessed with being introduced to someone who literally saved my life and I want to pay that forward, since I can never fully repay them for everything, they did for me.
In fact, it was their idea for me to go into this line of work. How can I help you? I bring a great deal of experience from my other careers and life experiences. That being said, the focus of my studies and life experience is on trauma and sports psychology. I have a special understanding of Veteran, First Responder (Cops, Medics, & Fire), and the Medical communities. I also played high school football and basketball; I wasn’t a pro, but I understand teamwork and many of the stressors associated with sports psychology and have focused studies on sports psychology. Additionally, my time in the Army had many similarities to those of athletes away at college or even pros who deal with the stress of travel and being away from family and loved ones. My time in the Army gives me a window into the dynamics of college and/or professional sports teams filled with alpha males.
I completed my internship at the Road Home Program at Rush: The Center of Excellence for Veterans and their Families known worldwide for its work with PTSD. There I worked with a wide range of specialties including PTSD, grief/bereavement, family and couples, anxiety, depression, Bi-Polar, adolescents, young adults, substance use disorders, crisis/trauma, OCD, anger/stress management, major medical changes in life, and those adjusting to the many curve balls life sends our way. I work with men, women, children nine to young adulthood, adults, and couples/family problems.
Learn More About Lexi
Lexi Gregorash, PhD, LPC, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor
“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” – Brené Brown
As a therapist, I value the significance of building a strong therapeutic relationship, as the foundation for clients’ growth and development. I strive to create an environment that fosters collaboration, compassion, and connection, to empower clients to be their own agents of change.
I have over 5 years of clinical experience in community and private practice settings. I have experience working with adolescents and adults. Particular areas of interest include: anxiety, depression, empowerment, grief, helping professionals, life transitions, multicultural concerns, trauma, and women’s health and well-being.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). I received both my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and my doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Governors State University. My foundational approach to therapy is rooted in Person-Centered theory, with integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and utilization of other approaches to meet clients’ individual needs.
Learn More About Jessica
Jessica Cooper M.A., LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have a background of working over 10 years in a treatment facility for youth with trauma and behavioral struggles, as well as working in private practice. This experience has helped me gain much understanding in working with trauma, overcoming unhealthy patterns, and the experience of human pain. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in the sacred space of therapy to be able to be there for so many people in overcoming challenges and pushing through the growing pains of change to experience the benefits of growth.
I have been married for 10 years and have 5 children. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, doing diy projects at home, reading good books, collecting plants (you can never have enough plants), renovating old furniture, and watching tv series. I have a passion to love people and bring awareness, understanding, connection, healing, and acceptance. Finding our way through life’s curveballs can be hard, and we were not meant to do it alone. I am passionate about connecting with people to inspire hope, growth, and healing.
I can provide therapy that targets areas such as: trauma, depression, anger management, relational difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and loss, identity confusion, repressed childhood experiences, shame, mindfulness, stress management, and family generational trauma. I provide play therapy such as sand tray, projective art exercises, and non-directive and directive play. I also provide biblical based therapy upon request only. I work with children, youth, adults, individuals, couples, all relationships, and families.
WIth the collaborative teamwork between you and I, I am hopeful and committed to empowering you to reach the goals you have for yourself.
Learn More About Monica
Monica Sanchez, LCPC, NCC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Do you need a safe, non-judgmental, empathic space to process the stressors you are currently experiencing in life? My goal as a life-experienced counselor is to provide that space for you. As a Latina counselor, it is essential for me to understand a client’s worldview which includes experiences from their cultural upbringing and their individual life experiences. I want to help remove the stigma of seeking mental health help.
I am passionate about Women’s Empowerment and helping clients find their true authentic selves. I also enjoy assisting people to navigate through relationship issues which can be hard. Whether it is processing the dynamics of your relationships with others, yourself, or family dysfunction, I am here to help you. We all have life adjustments or life transitions that can be difficult to navigate, and I am here to support you. If you want to start working on addressing your stress, anxiety, and self-esteem, and work on empowerment, I am here for you!
I work with adults in assisting with life adjustments, life transitions, anxiety, relationship issues, family dysfunction, empowerment/self-esteem, codependency, and inner child work.
Learn More About Scarlet
Scarlet Konczyk M.A., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Scarlet’s approach as a counselor is to create a comfortable, welcoming and safe environment for every client. The space she strives to crate is one where the client wand counselor work together as a team to improve the client’s mental health or cause of distress. Every client will have a different therapeutic experience based on their needs and goals. Scarlet has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of diagnoses. She has worked with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, self-esteem issues, stress, issues related to life transitions, school issues, peer relationship issues, women issues, easting disorders and body image, as well as worked with couples to transform and create meaningful partnerships. Scarlet’s background in sports and as elite gymnastics coach allowed her to connect with children, teen and young adult athletes who may be struggling with the stress and pressure of their sport. Scarlet’s goals is to offer an open, genuine space for you to express yourself and grow in to the person you would like to be.
Learn More About Samantha
Samantha Eiler M.A., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I emphasize a collaborative approach to therapy. My goal is to work with you to identify goals and ways we can work to help you achieve your goals. It is my belief that therapy needs to “fit” for you, to be helpful. I draw heavily on Person Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my work. I will primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address problems involving anxiety and depression. However, I also firmly believe that a Person Centered approach, which highlights the importance of understanding and respecting your feelings and perspectives, is a key part of treatment. My stance is non-judgmental. I strive to work with all my clients to help each of you achieve your goals and develop more effective ways to cope with the stresses and challenges that are often part of our lives.
Working with Children and Adolescents
In my work with children I utilize play therapy techniques as a means of helping children express their thoughts and feelings. For many children talk therapy is difficult, as children, and even younger adolescents, may have difficulty identifying and verbalizing their feelings and concerns. Therefore, I will use play therapy to help children express their concerns. I also focus with children and adolescents on strengthening their coping skills and developing a more positive self-image. I seek to involve parents in the treatment process to help you identify ways that you can better assist your child or adolescent.
Working with Adults
I am experienced in working with a variety of adult issues including grief and loss, depression, anger management, anxiety, relational issues, woman issues including infertility, and eating disorders. My goal is to help you feel more confident in expressing your feelings and thoughts, assist you in coping with stress in healthier ways, and work with you to identify solutions to the problems you are facing. I have a particular interest in working with women’s issues, including the challenges posed by infertility and the complexities of balancing work and family life.
Learn More About Kahley
Kahley Gavin M.A., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
My favorite part of therapy is the look my clients face when they realize someone is genuinely listening for the first time and cares about their concerns. As a therapist, it is my ultimate dream to be able to build a space for my clients to grow, change, and develop in whatever way they want to without scrutiny or judgement .
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the field for about 2 years now. I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with my Bachelor degree in Psychology and my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. I specialize in trauma informed care and I work with adults, adolescents, and couples. I have also worked with concerns such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, life transitions, self esteem, grief, and eating disorders.
My theoretical orientation is Person Centered and I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy within session to help clients understand, manage, and ultimately reduce the concerns that impact their ability to function how they would like inside thier daily lives.
Learn More About Melissa
Melissa Howard, LPC, LPMT
Licensed Professional Counselor
As a person-centered counselor, I believe that every individual has the capacity for growth, healing, and resilience when provided with a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment. My role is to walk alongside clients as they navigate life’s challenges, honoring each person’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals.
I work with children ages 5–10 using Child-Centered Play Therapy, a developmentally appropriate approach that allows children to express themselves, process emotions, and build confidence through the natural language of play. I strive to create a nurturing space where children feel accepted, understood, and empowered to thrive.
In addition to working with children, I provide counseling for adults experiencing anxiety, life transitions, grief, and bereavement. Whether you are navigating a significant loss, adjusting to a new chapter in life, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, I offer a collaborative and empathetic space where healing can unfold at your own pace.
With more than 18 years of experience as a board-certified music therapist, I have supported individuals and families through complex medical, emotional, and end-of-life experiences. This extensive clinical background has shaped my compassionate, holistic approach to counseling and deepened my understanding of the profound impact that illness, loss, aging, and life transitions can have on individuals and their loved ones.
My other areas of specialty include perinatal bereavement, supporting individuals and families through the profound grief of pregnancy and infant loss, as well as senior wellness, helping older adults navigate the emotional, relational, and life changes that accompany aging with dignity and purpose.
I am committed to meeting each client with authenticity, respect, and compassion, believing that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful and lasting change. Together, we will work toward greater understanding, resilience, and hope.
Learn More About Ann
Ann Marie Zakos, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Ann Marie Zakos is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science Degree from National Louis University. I provide aholistic approach to therapy as well as atrauma informed approach.
I work with teens and adults and treat anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, addictions, and grief. I use CBT, DBT, and Solutions Focused therapy to help clients reach their desired goals and outcomes.
I also specialize in helping individuals navigate through toxic relationshipsand learn empowerment tools to aid in transformation, change, and recovery.
In addition, I incorporate my background in integrative healing modalities such as Reiki and Mindfulness to accompany talk therapyto heal the whole person mind, body, and soul.
When I’m not helping to transform people’s lives, you can find in me in nature. I love biking, hiking, playing golf, tennis, and cheering on all Chicago sports teams!
Learn More About Lauren
Lauren Mock, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Hello! My name is Lauren Mock. I am a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 9 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of settings, including residential care, inpatient treatment, private practice, and nonprofit organizations.
My professional journey includes completing my internship working with sexual assault survivors, which deeply shaped my commitment to providing trauma-informed, empathetic care. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their experiences.
I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University and utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Client-Centered therapy. I tailor my approach to meet each individual’s unique needs, helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, eating disorders, and relationship concerns.
I believe in fostering self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful growth. Whether you are seeking healing, clarity, or new coping strategies, I am here to walk alongside you and support you in creating lasting, positive change.
Learn More About Daniel
Daniel Lopez, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
With over 10 years of clinical experience across residential treatment, PHP, IOP, community mental health, and inpatient settings, I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, PTSD, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, creative, and grounded in evidence-based care, drawing from TF-CBT, ERP, CBT, ACT, and DBT to help clients better understand themselves and move toward meaningful change.
I believe therapy is more than symptom management—it is a space for exploration, processing, problem solving, and growth. I strive to create an environment where clients feel supported, challenged, and empowered to build practical skills while also deepening insight into their experiences. Whether we are working through overwhelming emotions, intrusive thoughts, trauma, or major life changes, I tailor treatment to each individual’s needs, strengths, and goals.
I value authenticity and connection in the therapeutic relationship and aim to help clients feel seen, understood, and capable of creating lasting change in their lives.
Learn More About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Farnesi LPC, ATR-P
Licensed Professional Counselor
Liz has her Master of Science in Counseling Art Therapy from PennWest University and holds a Master of Arts degree in Drawing and Painting. Liz’s relational person-centered approach to art therapy emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, where the therapist and client collaborate in a supportive environment. Liz works with children, adolescents, adults, and families encouraging clients to express themselves creatively while feeling understood and accepted, facilitating personal growth and emotional healing. Recognizing that each person’s experiences are unique, Liz draws on multiple theoretical approaches to tailor her methods to the specific emotional and physical needs of every individual.
Having spent over twenty years as a full-time middle school art teacher, Liz has gained a profound understanding of adolescents and families in educational environments, which complements her work as a therapist. Through her own art, she has been able to process and heal and has witnessed its similar impact on others. Regardless of age or experience, art provides a means to convey and process emotions and experiences that are hard to verbalize.
Liz enjoys a variety of activities in her free time, including spending time with family and friends, drawing, photography, gardening, reading, and watching sports.
Her favorite quote, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” by Pablo Picasso, reflects her belief in art’s transformative ability to bring clarity, peace, and healing.
Learn More About Willie
Willie Chavez, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Bilingual (English & Spanish)
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), I am committed to providing a warm, inclusive, and supportive space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, allowing me to connect with and support a diverse range of individuals and families.
I have experience working with youth and adolescents, facilitating groups, and supporting individuals experiencing behavioral disorders, anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma. My approach is trauma-informed and person-centered, recognizing that each client’s story, strengths, and goals are unique. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients develop practical skills, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build resilience.
I believe that healing begins in a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, respect, and collaboration. My goal is to create an environment where every client feels heard, valued, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope.
Learn More About Erica
Erica Guzman, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Bilingual (English & Spanish)
Erica is a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist. She achieved her master’s in social work from Dominican University, with a concentration in Health and Well-Being.
Erica’s professional goal is surrounded by her first-hand experience with oppression and marginalization as a born immigrant herself. She wants to help her clients, by being able to understand and empathize with them. It is important for her to create a safe space where her clients can process, heal, and reach their goals.
Erica has 7 years of experience working to support youth within their communities who are involved with both the child welfare and juvenile justice system. She helps them cope with childhood trauma as well as any current mental health need, prevent future criminal behavior and develop a support team for them. In addition, she has 3 years of experience in private practice working with adolescents and adults.
A key focus of Erica’s work is breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, which still remains a taboo subject in many households.
Erica’s approach is client centered, and she is very compassionate about her clinical role. She empowers clients by strengthening their social and behavioral skills and developing a healthy support system. Erica uses various approaches such as CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing with clients that are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions and cultural concerns. Erica has a wide range of experience with adolescents from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, couples and kids ages 10-13 years of age who are facing life transition challenges.
Learn More About Erika
Erika Morales, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Bilingual (English & Spanish)
I am a Licensed Social Worker dedicated to supporting adolescents, adults, and families through life’s challenges with empathy, structure, and evidence-based care. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you are the expert of your own story. My role is to provide a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental space where growth feels possible and change feels attainable.
As a bilingual therapist, I provide services in both English and Spanish. I understand the importance of culturally responsive care and the comfort of expressing yourself in the language that feels most natural to you. I strive to create an environment where clients from diverse backgrounds feel understood, supported, and empowered.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, family conflict, academic or work stress, and relational challenges. I also support caregivers navigating parenting stress, communication barriers, and complex family systems.
My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, trauma-informed care, and strength-based interventions tailored to each client’s needs. I focus on building emotional regulation skills, improving insight, strengthening coping strategies, and helping clients create meaningful and sustainable change.
My goal is to help you build resilience, increase self-awareness, and move forward with confidence and clarity.
