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Mark Myers, LCSW,CADC (Gurnee and Crystal Lake)

Mark Myers received his Master of Social Work Degree from Loyola University in 1987. He has been practicing in the helping profession since 1981. He is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1990. Also, since 1988, he is a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor. Mr. Myers provides counseling to individuals, couples, and adolescents for a variety of areas including: drug and alcohol abuse, parenting issues, marital issues, depression, anxiety, and anger issues. He presents workshops and consultations to mental health professionals and the community from the mental health and addictions fields.

Professional Orientation
His professional approach focuses on behavior and thought. Mr. Myers uses strategies to enhance problem solving skills, communication, and coping skills. According to research findings, there is a strong relationship between our thoughts and our emotions. By understanding and becoming more aware of this relationship, individuals will be able to redirect unproductive thought and behavioral patterns. Mr. Myers also encourages tapping into our own resources using handouts, readings, and therapeutic exercises. He works in partnership with individuals to change behaviors and thoughts. This approach allows individuals to continue to grow even after therapy ends.

Mr. Myers has provided numerous presentations to schools, business professionals, and community members. He has offered lectures in the following areas: substance abuse, anger management, communication skills, stress management, general wellness, and steroid abuse. He has also consulted to school districts, hospitals, corporations and agencies in various capacities.

Education

BA: Northeastern Illinois University (1983)

MSW: Loyola University (1987)

CADC: 1988

LCSW: 1990

Publications

Exercise Addiction and Steroid Abuse. January 1990 (Hazelden Publications).

Affiliations

National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists

National Association of Social Workers

Janet Nelson Myers, LCSW (Crystal Lake)

Janet Myers earned her Master of Social Work Degree from Loyola University in 1992. She is also a type 73 certified School Social Worker. Mrs. Myers offers counseling to individuals, families, couples, and groups as well as school advocacy. Mrs. Myers works with children, adolescents, adults, and parents on a variety of different issues including: behavioral concerns, parenting issues, depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, anger management, chronic pain and illness, marital issues, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. She provides supervision to individuals, agencies, and groups to help facilitate licensure and professional growth. Mrs. Myers is available to present workshops and consult with mental health professionals, parent groups, schools, and the community.

Professional Orientation
She works with individuals, families, groups, and couples to address thoughts and behaviors that become problematic. Mrs. Myers utilizes interactive strategies that help people develop their own resources to encourage more adaptive problem solving, coping skills, and patterns of relating to others. Identification and intervention with unproductive behaviors and thoughts impact emotions enabling clients to improve their quality of life. She believes in the capacity of individuals to change and overcome the unique challenges they must face.

Mrs. Myers works with children, teens, and adults who experience depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, chronic pain and illness patients using a holistic cognitive-behavioral approach in an effort to alter perceptions of physical and emotional pain. She encourages clients in using religious/spiritual, creative, social, community resources and the like to facilitate lasting psychological changes.

Mrs. Myers consults to school districts and is adept at assisting parents in navigating the somewhat complex special education system. She has provided presentations to school groups, parent groups, and professionals on anger management, the role of the school social worker in the school setting, behavior management techniques, identifying depressed and suicidal teenagers, stress management, developing internal resources, and how to find help for children in trouble.

Education

1994 Licensed Clinical Social Worker

1992 Type 73 Certificate

1992 Masters of Social Work Loyola University

1986 Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Lake Forest College

Affiliations

Illinois Association of School Social Workers

National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapist

Janine Kasner, LCSW (Gurnee)

Janine Kasner holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois. Ms. Kasner is experienced and trained to work with adults, adolescents, and children. She has expertise with a variety of mental health concerns including depression, stress, anxiety, grief and loss, addictions, physical and sexual abuse, self-esteem, relationship issues, and life transitions. Prior to entering the therapeutic profession, Ms. Kasner worked in several professional settings including a law firm and a public relations agency. She offers a unique perspective and understanding to the issues facing individuals in the workplace. Ms. Kasner also brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a sense of humor to her work.

Professional Orientation
Ms. Kasner firmly believes that the cornerstone of therapeutic success is the ability to build a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship with clients and to apply this relationship toward the client's goals in treatment. She believes in creating and maintaining a safe and supportive environment, in which clients have the opportunity to explore their experience, develop self-awareness and insight, recognize and develop strengths, and use these strengths toward improving their lives. Her treatment style is creative and flexible as she tailors her approach to each client's unique needs.

Education

BA: University of Chicago (1990)

MA: University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration (1999)

LCSW: State of Illinois (2002)

Patricia Richter, LCPC (Gurnee)

Patti Richter received her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 1998. She has been a state Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2000, and has been counseling adolescents and adults for the past 7 years. She received a graduate certificate in eating disorders in 1999 and has been active in working with clients and the mental health community on eating disorders issues. She serves on the Chicago Board of ANAD (Anorexia Nervosa and Associate Disorders), has led eating disorder support groups, has presented workshops and given talks to student groups on eating disorders. Ms. Richter has helped people with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety and panic, anger, mood disorders, and physical/sexual abuse. She works with individual clients, couples and families.

Professional Orientation
Ms. Richter believes that everyone has the capacity to heal past wounds and to discover within themselves strengths and resources to change and improve their quality of life. She imparts a strong sense of hope and belief in the person and provides a safe and supportive environment to allow people to heal and grow. She uses an interactive approach to identify causes of negative beliefs and unwanted behaviors, and to develop strategies to better manage their lives. Ms. Richter believes people are the best judges of their own needs and therefore should take an active role in the therapeutic process. She encourages regular evaluation of the process, asking for feedback on strategies that are helpful and those that do no work for them.

Ms. Richter employs a variety of techniques, designed to meet the unique personalities and needs of individuals. She places special emphasis on how people relate to others, and how negative beliefs about themselves affect such interactions. She is trained in hypnotherapy, EMDR and Neuro Emotional Technique (NET).

Education

BA - Lake Forest College

Masters in Counseling - National Louis University

Graduate Certificate in Eating Disorders - National Louis University

Illinois Teaching Certificate

Affiliations

ANAD

Heart Centered Hypnotherapy

Jean Kinney Vargas, LCSW (Gurnee)

Jean Vargas is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 1997. Ms. Vargas provides treatment to adults, children, adolescents, families, couples and groups.

Professional Orientation
Ms. Vargas' background is in community mental health with extensive experience with children, families and parenting issues. She provides counseling to individuals with a variety of concerns including: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Eating Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, BiPolar Disorder, Relationship issues, Terminal Illness, and Adjustment Disorders. Ms. Vargas has also provided supervision to individuals seeking state licensure and professional growth. She is eclectic in her approach to therapy, drawing on different theoretical models according to each client's individual needs. Ms. Vargas works in partnership with each client and considers the therapeutic relationship one of the most important tools to bring about change. She believes in a strength-based approach and often assists clients in recognizing their unique strengths in an effort to create increased self-awareness.

Education

LCSW, State of Illinois (1999)

MSW Loyola University Chicago (1997)

BS Psychology, Florida State University (1995)

Affiliations

National Association of Social Workers

Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work

Nancy Peterson Walz, LCSW, ACSW (Gurnee and Crystal Lake)
Nancy Peterson Walz, LCSW, ACSW is a graduate from Loyola University at Chicago where she obtained her Masters of Social Work degree. She has twenty-two years experience working in the social services field, which includes thirteen years experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also a Certified School Social Worker.
Professional Orientation
Ms. Walz has extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups; her experience includes working with individuals who have diverse clinical diagnoses, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gay/lesbian populations, and developmental disabilities. She works with individuals who range in age from 7-70 years. Ms. Walz uses an individualized multi-disciplinary approach based upon the assessed needs of her clients. She is proactive and uses a wellness model therefore helping her clients understand that their limitations can be used as a tool to create personal growth and can also help them to understand their own needs and potential. Ms. Walz also has extensive experience working with parents whose children are disabled or who have special needs. She is very involved in working with children and adolescents who are victims of bullying. Ms. Walz is a member of an anti-bullying committee in her own community. She has also facilitated several divorce groups and has given presentations regarding divorce related issues for local community groups.
Education

2003 Type 73 Certification for School Social Work
1994 Academy of Certified Social Workers
1993 Licensed Clinical Social Worker
1991 Masters of Social Work Loyola University
1981 Bachelor of Science Degree Western IL University

Affiliations

National Association of Social Workers

Ellie Gross LCPC, CADC (Gurnee)
Ellie Gross received her bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois and taught elementary school for five years. She went on to earn her masters degree in Community and Family Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University. After receiving her degree, she became a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor. She is a state Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and for the past sixteen years, has been counseling youth and adults with mental health and/or addiction issues. During her extensive career, she helped people with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, anger, mood disorders, trauma, physical/sexual abuse, grief, and drug abuse/addiction. Ms. Gross is comfortable working with individual clients as well as marital or family units. She believes that therapy can assist people in overcoming the barriers that prevent their dreams and goals from becoming a reality. Ellie provides that assistance with warmth and compassion.
Professional Orientation
Ms. Gross believes in the strength of the human spirit! Her therapeutic style creates an atmosphere which promotes healing and growth to those parts of us that have been wounded or impeded in some way. Ms. Gross draws from her experience in different therapeutic models tailoring her approach and interventions to meet the unique needs of each client. She has found that including art therapy, experiential activities, or the mind/body connection often accelerates the pace at which clients achieve their goals.

People become more aware of themselves by understanding their thoughts, their feelings, or their behaviors. Awareness creates choice, and choice creates possibility. Ms. Gross helps each client discover their possibilities as a step toward enhancing their life.
Education

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - State of Illinois
Substance Abuse Certification - National-Louis University
Gestalt Therapy Training - Gestalt Institute, Chicago
MA Community & Family Counseling - Northeastern Illinois University
BS Elementary Education - University of Illinois

Affiliations

Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association
N.E.T. (Neuro-Emotional Technique)

Warren Purkel, Ph.D. (Gurnee)
Warren Purkel is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been practicing in the Chicago area for over ten years. He has provided psychotherapy for adults, children, adolescents, and families in a variety of clinical settings. He also has expertise in the area of psychological evaluation. Warren received his B.A. from Princeton University, and his Ph.D. from the Derner Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies, in New York.
Professional Orientation
Warren’s clinical orientation draws upon psychodynamic theory and the family systems model. He focuses with clients on appreciating their abilities and mobilizing their strengths, which may otherwise be overlooked in times of stress or crisis. His practice has included the treatment of anxiety and depression, family conflict, career issues, major life transitions, and matters of faith. He views therapy as an active collaboration between the therapist and client, to promote healing and growth. This is done with an awareness that small changes in a person’s behavior can lead to significant shifts in the larger situation. Warren also has an interest in helping clients tap into their own creativity, for problem-solving as well as personal enrichment.
Education

B.A.: Princeton University (1979)
Ego Development research group: Washington University (1982-84)
Ph.D.: Derner Institute for Advanced Psychological Studies (1990)

Affiliations

The American Psychological Association

Susan Jacobs, LCSW, MBA (Crystal Lake)
Susan Jacobs earned her Masters of Social Work degree at Loyola University and her Masters of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois. Ms. Jacobs has a vast array of experience and is trained to work with adults, adolescents, couples and children. She has worked with folks who have had a variety of concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, loss, life transitions and relationship communication issues. Susan has extensive experience in the helping field including Inpatient hospitalization, Outpatient, Insurance, and Employee Assistance.
Professional Orientation
Susan is a strong believer that change is a result of self empowerment, education and support. Susan believes that each person is unique and requires a holistic approach to create change. She feels the therapeutic relationship is one where the client can explore and confront their challenges in a safe environment working with their therapist as a coach.
Education

L.C.S.W.: State of Illinois (1998)

M.S.W.: Loyola University (1996)

M.B.A.: Northern Illinois University (2005)

B.S. Family Social Services (Minor in Art and Criminology): Northern Illinois University

Affiliations

National Association of Social Workers

National Organization of Women

MaryPat Keller, LCPC, MAAT (Gurnee)

MaryPat Keller received her Master of Arts in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute in 2002. She obtained her licensure as a Clinical Professional Counselor from the State of Illinois in 2005. Ms. Keller counsels in both Spanish and English. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her experience is with clients of all ages struggling with depression, anxiety, behavior, and emotional problems, ADD, trauma, and other difficulties. Ms. Keller works with parents of children displaying behavior problems, to offer guidance and pragmatic, targeted interventions to help their children learn increased self-control. She also specializes in working with victims of domestic violence and their families.
Professional Orientation
MaryPat Keller counsels using verbal, narrative, and/or art therapy. Clients are encouraged to explore various therapeutic modalities in order to enhance understanding of self. Art Therapy is based on the premise that people learn how to express themselves visually before verbally. Where words fail, artistic expression can succeed. Clients are also welcome to use only verbal counseling if they are more comfortable. Ms. Keller believes that counseling should be an experience where the counselor provides guidance and accompaniment on the journey of healing and self-exploration. She believes that children need familial support in order to change, thus family participation in therapy is encouraged.
Education

2005 Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
2002 Master of Arts in Art Therapy, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
1999 Bachelor of Science in Art, English, and Spanish, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Affiliations

American Art Therapy Association
Illinois Art Therapy Association
Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association

Ann Sumpter, LCSW (Crystal Lake)
Ann Sumpter earned her Master of Social Work degree at Arizona State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois. She has a vast array of experience working with adults and children in rural and urban settings. Ann has enjoyed working with diverse populations with a variety of concerns. She has training and experience with individuals, couples, family and play therapy. Ann has worked in mental health settings with crisis management, trauma treatment, play therapy, serious mental illness and school-based groups. She has practiced in several culturally rich areas of the United States, as well as, abroad.
Professional Orientation
Ann believes that all people have the wisdom within themselves to overcome most obstacles in their lives. She believes that a partnership between the client and therapist that includes education, support, and safety can create an environment rich for client change. Ann believes that children also have these growth capabilities through supportive play therapy and child/family education. She feels that working as a team with other involved support systems is a must to ensure continuity of care.
Education

2002 Licensed Clinical Social Worker

1999 Master of Social Work, Arizona State University

1996 Bachelor of Psychology, Southern Illinois University

Affiliations

National Association of Social Workers

The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA)