Careers - centennialcounseling

Victor Epperson, MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Specialties

Men’s issues
Children & Adolescents
Couples & Families
Spiritual Development

Education & Certification

Eastern Illinois University
MS in Counseling

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
BA in Sociology

Victor takes a practical, down to earth approach to working with people. Having worked as a guidance counselor in a school he has a lot of experience and enjoys working with kids and adolescents using play and experiential activities to build trust with them. He enjoys working with family systems as well and is creative about meeting families where they are at and supporting as well as challenging conversations about how families can be the best they can be. Victor also enjoys working with couples as they sort through whatever flavor of life’s “stuff” they are dealing with. He is empathetic and works to help couples see things from different perspectives.

On a personal note Victor enjoys time outdoors building things and art with his family. He enjoys woodworking, fishing and making fishing equipment.

Areas of Speciality: couples issues, masculine development, ADHD, spiritual concerns, and recovering from shame.

Populations Serving include Children 5+, Adolescents, Families, and Co-Parenting

Jennifer Geltz, MSW, LCSW, Director

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialties

Children 8+, adolescents, families
Womens’ issues
Addiction and Recovery
Trauma

Education & Certification

Aurora University
MSW Master of Social Work

Illinois State University
BSW Social Work

Jennifer Geltz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in the Sandwich office of Centennial Counseling Center. Jennie’s positive focus on people’s strengths and helping people grow new areas of coping for life’s challenges is part of her passion for working with people.

Jennie obtained in bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Illinois State University in Normal, IL, and a Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University in Aurora, Il with a focus on working with school systems and adolescents and families in their community.

Jennie has experience working with individuals, groups, and families providing therapy in a community mental health and addiction treatment agency as well as working with school districts. She has led youth groups and large events for youth around drug and alcohol prevention as well as recovery-oriented community events. Jennie specializes in working with women, men, adolescents, and families around co-occurring mental health problems and drug and alcohol problems. Helping to motivate clients to change in these often difficult areas in one’s life as well as focusing on the person’s goals and desires for help are areas of focus in starting a therapeutic relationship. Jennie works with families to educate them on what their loved one is experiencing and then takes problem-solving to the next level by helping families through conflict management towards positive growth.

Area’s of specialty are: Anxiety, Bi-Polar, Depression, Drug and Alcohol Problems, Trauma and impact on both women and men, LGBTQ population, adolescents and transition of life phases and wholistic life wellness.

Bernadette Collins, MS, LMFT, CFLE

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certified Family Life Educator

Specialties

Parenting and Family Life Education
Trauma, Grief & Loss
Family & Couples Therapy
Life Transitions
Premarital / Prepare & Enrich Assessment

Education & Certification

Northern Illinois University
MS Marriage & Family Therapy
MS Applied Family & Child Studies
BS Psychology

Prepare & Enrich Facilitator
60-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Certification
Gottman I & II Training

Bernadette understands that in order to help facilitate growth in an individual, couple or family they need to be in a safe place. Each person’s goal is distinct and important. She works with each client where they are at and helps them identify coping mechanisms and other skills that will allow them to have a healthier future.

Laurie Cox, PhD, LCPC, CADC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Specialties

Adolescents, young adults, middle aged, older adults
Phobias, trauma, sexual abuse, PTSD, grief and loss
Addiction and Recovery, Relapse prevention
Alternative approaches to health
Assessment

Education & Certification

PhD, Health Psychology
MS, Art Therapy and Psychology
BS, Psychology
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

Laurie is passionate about creating a therapeutic relationship based on genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard while utilizing traditional, alternative, and holistic therapeutic approaches to healing.

Jessica Novak, MSW, LCSW, CADC

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Specialties

Children 8+, adolescents, young adults, middle age, older adults
Women’s issues
Addiction and Recovery, Relapse prevention
Faith based
Grief and loss

Education & Certification

Aurora University
MSW Master of Social Work
BSW Social Work
CADC- Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor

Jessica Novak is passionate about empowering children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate life’s trials, tribulations, and transitions. She is innovative, down-to-earth, and aims to create a safe, nurturing environment as she engages clients with empathy, humor, and a direct and non-judgmental approach. Jessica works alongside her clients, encouraging and helping them find hope on their individual journey to peace and restoration. She offers a non-denominational Christian counseling approach for individuals seeking this.

Christina M. Cortes, MSW, LSW

Licensed Social Worker

Specialties

Parenting
Anger Management
Trauma/PTSD
LGBTQ
Intimacy/Sex Positive

Education & Certification

Aurora University
Masters in Social Work

Academy of Art
BFA, Bachelor in Fine Arts

Christina is passionate about helping others gain new skills, be empowered, and feel understood. This is done through a client-centered, positive focused approach using CBT, Solution-focused, mindfulness, DBT, and expressive arts. She works with the mind and body while integrating spirituality if it serves the client. She has experience working with disabilities and sensory issues and specializes in working with children as young as five through young adulthood. She is honored to walk this journey with you to heal and grow.

Lindsey Smith, MSW, LCSW

Lindsey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialties

Anxiety
ADHD
Trauma
BiPolar Disorder
Depression

Education & Certification

University of St. Francis
Master in Social Work
University of St. Francis
Bachelor in Social Work

Lindsey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who prioritizes using a warm, authentic, and evidence-based approach. Her crisis work with patients in hospital settings and therapy settings has allowed her to be well rounded in seeing the big picture for clients in their whole wellness. Lindsey meets clients where they are at and is creative with approaches to helping including using play therapy, mindfulness and DBT skills. She is passionate about decreasing the stigma around mental health and creating a space where clients feel comfortable working towards lasting change.

Areas of Speciality include: Anxiety, Depression, BiPolar Disorder, ADHD and trauma.

Populations she enjoys working with include Men, Women with trauma backgrounds, children 7+ and adolescents and family systems.

Tiffany Markelz, MSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialties

Anxiety
Substance use disorders
Trauma
Stress management
Relational issues

Education & Certification

Aurora University
MSW Master of Social Work
Northern Illinois University
Bachelors in Psychology
Waubonsee Community College
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Tiffany has experience working with individuals, groups, and families providing therapy in an addiction treatment agency and community mental health agency.

Tiffany specializes in working with co-occurring mental health concerns. Tiffany works with families to educate them on what their loved one is experiencing and bridging conflicts with open communication. Tiffany strives to develop a safe environment for clients utilizing a mindful holistic approach. She assists clients with self-empowerment, understanding the family system impact, and growing through the transitions of life.

Personally, Tiffany enjoys yoga, reading, and doing crafts in her spare time. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

Areas of specialty are: Anxiety, substance use disorders, trauma, stress management, and relational issues

Populations Tiffany enjoys working with include Men and Women with trauma in childhood, Adolescents and family members.

Scott Gleeson, M.A.

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Specialties

Trauma & Complex PTSD
Couples/Relationship
Men’s Issues
Depression & Anxiety

Education & Certification

Northwestern University
MA Psychology
Illinois State University
BS Journalism

Scott enjoys working with clients of diverse struggles and backgrounds, from adults of all ages to adolescents and children. Through both a psychodynamic perspective and cognitive behavioral approach, his goal is to foster a safe environment of acceptance and depth through empathic dialogue.

Scott has experience working in a variety of mental health settings, where he developed a focus on trauma and relational dynamics. He has an extensive background in group therapies and is a Gottman-certified couples’ therapist. At Centennial, Scott collaborates with clients to develop strategies that create hope and healing in the short term and generate meaningful, lasting change in the long term.

Scott also works as a clinical supervisor to counselors-in-training at Northwestern University, his alma-mater. Prior to entering the mental health field, he enjoyed a decade-long career in journalism where he won multiple writing awards by The Associated Press and NLGJA. He currently writes feature stories for Counseling Today to bridge his past and present careers

Maria Santiago, MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialties

Trauma & Sexual Abuse
Adolescent/Young Adult Issues & School Issues
LGBTQ+ Issues
Bilingual (Spanish/English) & Bicultural (Latine’)

Education & Certification

Aurora University
MSW, Social Work
Northeastern Illinois University
BSW, Social Work

My professional experience has varied from working in community mental health, private practice, substance abuse clinics for mandated clients to being the clinical director of a school for teens with mental health issues. I have also engaged in therapy with survivors of trauma (physical, sexual, emotional and interpersonal) as well as individuals who struggle with chronic mental health issues. My trauma informed care perspective of therapy includes a pragmatic approach to continual improvement of my client’s mental health.

The majority of my clients are first time clients to therapy and have or are experiencing a mental health urgency or emergency. I strive to help my clients navigate the difficult times and move on to thriving in their lives as they begin to learn strategies to living a better life.

Understanding that everyone that comes to therapy is looking for change is the approach that I take when initiating services with clients. I look for strengths that are innate in my clients and work to build with them in order to formulate a cohesive approach to care.

My “big picture” approach is that “best care and best practice starts with the relationships that are built in therapy”.

Angela Heyen, MA, ALMFT

Associate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Specialties

Attachment Loss, Self-Esteem
Multi-Cultural/Diversity
Couples
Parenting/Families

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
MA, Marriage & Family Therapy

Loyola University
MA, Education
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
BS, Psychology

Angela is passionate about helping others. Her professional background in various fields and environments has allowed her to appreciate different perspectives while providing guidance and support. Angela’s hope is to provide personal growth and find lasting healing and restoration.

Timothy Buhrt, PsyD, CEO

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Specialties

Aging & Older adults
Psychological Testing & ADHD
Life Transitions & Grief/Loss
Complicated Trauma & Abuse

Education & Certification

Rosemead School of Psychology
PsyD Clinical Psychology
MA Clinical Psychology

Wheaton College Graduate School
MA Clinical Psychology
MA Systematic Theology

Hamline University
BA Psychology

Psychotherapy is a personal experience that combines both art and science. Through the process of exploration, Tim works diligently to understand the experiences in life that contribute to a person’s current desire to enter therapy. Whether addressing difficulties that occurred long ago or a painful event that happened recently, Tim is highly interested in assisting others to develop a path in life that is more satisfying for them. In addition to administrative and supervision responsibilities at Centennial, Dr. Buhrt is an adjunct professor at Wheaton College Graduate School in the Marriage & Family Therapy program.

Daniel Beard, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialties

Children
Men’s issues
Grief and Loss
Couples and Family Therapy

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
MA Marriage & Family Therapy

Oral Roberts University
BA History

Daniel believes in looking at life through the lens of relationships. He strives to provide a place to look at how relationships affect our world views and inform our decisions. His goal is to support and empower clients and offer relational tools to approach problems proactively.

Debra Ernst, MA, LCPC

Licensed Social Worker

Specialties

Parenting
Eating Disorders
Mood/Anxiety
DisorderAnger
Management/Addiction
Trauma/Personality Disorders

Education & Certification

University of Iowa
Bachelor in Fine Arts, Journalism

Roosevelt University
Master’s in Business Administration
Master’s of Art in Community Counseling

It can be difficult and frustrating to engage in behaviors that do not elicit the outcome that we intended. Many times we are unaware of these behavior patterns that we engage in let alone why we do so. I love working alongside clients to explore these patterns and dynamics to gain an understanding of why we do what we do and what needs we are trying to get met. We can then identify more effective ways of getting our needs met that bring us closer to the meaningful life that we all long to live. I utilize therapeutic skills and interventions from DBT, ACT, and CBT. I have spent a number of years working with multi-symptomatic clients in higher levels of care. I consider it an honor to be invited into someone’s world to explore their suffering and create meaningful change.

Sarah Turner, MA, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Specialties

Trauma, abuse, PTSD, and grief
Young Children through Adults
Emotional Regulation and Behavioral Issues
Attachment and Codependency
Treatment Resistant Depression

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
MA Clinical Psychology
BA Psychology

When life is complicated and chaotic, Sarah enjoys entering into the eye of the storm with individuals and providing a safe place where they can reconnect with their inner wisdom and bravery. Sarah integrates the research of psychology and trauma with the messy nature of human life to create a unique, holistic, soulful therapy endeavor for each child, adolescent, and adult with whom she works. When children are struggling, Sarah provides both the child and their parents with skills and support while they navigate toward growth and healing. Sarah has a gentle and honest approach and is committed to walking alongside her clients through the pain, frustration, or anxiety into a fuller, more meaning-filled life.

Lindsay McAndrews, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialties

Adolescents
Couples
Spiritual Concerns

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
MA Marriage & Family Therapy
MA Christian Formation and Ministry

Baylor University
BBA Business Administration

ALMFT, Associate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

It is my hope that therapy will be a place that my clients experience true healing and growth, regardless of the journey they find themselves on. I believe that sharing with clients in both of lifes joys and suffering is one of the greatest privileges and an honor I do not take lightly. I believe that as people, we are relational by nature, and thus I like to approach therapy from a systemic perspective that takes into account an individual’s context in order to tell the whole story of who they are. I am interested in walking alongside men and women who are experiencing the weight of anxiety and depression and are looking for someone who will understand the hidden part of the heaviness they carry. I also have compassion for understanding adolescents who are struggling to navigate all of the unique changes and struggles that are often present during these pivotal and formational years. Finally, I love working with families and couples, working collectively to assist them in restoring predictability and order in their lives and relationships.

John Deku, MS, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Specialties

Social anxiety, phobias, OCD
Acute / chronic depression
Grief and Loss / Life Transitions
Worrying

Education & Certification

Eastern Illinois University
MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling
BS Psychology

John believes that a customized plan must be invented for every client; but listening and understanding are always the first steps. He believes that the best outcomes are found when combining modern psychological research with a personalized approach for each individual. John entered the psychology field to combine his passions for listening and helping others. He aims to make these passions evident in every session.

Marko Tunjic, LCPC, CADC, EMDR

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Specialties

Identity Formation
Attachment and Boundaries in Relationships
Recovering from Addiction and Trauma
Cross Cultural Transition

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
MA Community Mental Health Counseling
MA Theology
BA Social Work

My approach to therapy is informed by my diverse educational, cultural and spiritual background along with curiosity that helps me to stay immersed in the stories of people I work with. I want my clients to experience me as being genuinely interested in them and passionate about all the ways they can build up motivation, skills, and resources for change, recovery, healing, and growth.

Kesha Ainsworth, MSW, MBA, LSW

Licensed Social Worker

Specialties

Anxiety & Depression – CBT,
Trauma – Life Transitions
Family – Parenting
Substance Abuse/Process Addictions

Education & Certification

Aurora University
MSW, Social Work

Aurora University
MBA, Business Administration

Kesha believes that each client possesses the strengths needed to resolve life challenges, and her role is to help clients navigate their experiences to arrive at their own best solutions.

Vivian Rendas, MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Specialties

Children & Adolescents
Parenting
Adults/Relationship Issues

Education & Certification

Judson University
MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Judson University
BA, Human Services

Vivian believes that therapy is a safe place for exploring beliefs, behaviors, feelings, and relationship issues to move toward being a healthier version of yourself while resolving painful emotions.

Pat Somers, PhD, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Specialties

Attachment, Adoption, Infertility
Life Transitions, Grief and Loss
Trauma, EMDR
Mindfulness, CBT, DBT

Education & Certifications

Walden University
PhD, Clinical Psychology

Liberty University
MA, Counseling

University of Illinois
BA, Psychology

Jim Otepka, MS, LMFT

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Specialties

Families
Couples
Aging & Life Transitions

Education & Certification

Northern Illinois University
MS, Community Mental Health Counseling

St. Mary’s University of Minnesota
BA, English

“I believe that our fundamental role as therapists is to create with our clients a safe & trusting relationship within which they can begin to construct, or re-construct, life narratives that honestly make sense to them.”

Taryn Colarusso, MSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialties

Trauma & PTSD, Grief/Loss
LGBTQ+
Couples counseling
Mood disorders, OCD, Anxiety

Education & Certification

Aurora University
Master of Social Work

Aurora University
Bachelor of Social Work

Taryn uses a client-centered approach to provide a safe space for individuals and couples seeking help. She uses a multitude of therapeutic interventions catered to fit individual needs. She aims to help clients discover their values, strengths, and add meaning to their lives. She believes that active listening, validating, and forming a good therapeutic relationship is key to helping individuals on their journey toward healing.

Cameron Young, MA, MTS, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialties

Couples, attachment, divorce
Men’s Issues
Spiritual concerns
Process addictions

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
MA Clinical Psychology

Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
MTS Theological Studies

Cornerstone University
BA History

Life can be tough, confusing, even painful. At times, all of us need someone to help share the burden, a safe place to let down and figure it out. I have dedicated my life and training to helping others do that through church ministry, 12 Step groups, teaching and now, professional counseling. Among my particular passions are helping couples find their way back to strong, safe, loving connection and adults heal and grow. If I can help, I would consider it a privilege to be invited to walk a stretch of your journey with you.

Eileen Sullivan, MSW, LSW, CADC

Licensed Social Worker
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Specialties

Young adults—dual diagnosis
Womens’ issues—codependency, infertility, adoption
Older adults and aging
Addiction and Recovery

Education & Certification

Aurora University
MSW Social Work
LSW Social Work

Adler University
Advanced Alcohol and Other Abuse Counselor

Fordham University
MSEd Mental Health Counseling

Boston College
BS Lynch School of Education
Elementary Education /Human development

Eileen Sullivan is a client centered therapist whose aim is to create a safe, trusting supportive environment where clients can bring their pain and feel less alone in this process. She explores healing through strength based / solution focused approach that will help clients navigate their life by achieving their goals and potential. Eileen’s focuses on building a compassionate and safe environment where clients can develop a collaborative relationship. She uses a an eclectic approach that integrates a variety of evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy(DBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Amy Heiman, MS, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Specialties

Womens’ Issues
Children and Adolescents
Couple and family therapy
Divorce, grief and loss

Education & Certification

Indiana State University
MS Marriage & Family Therapy

University of Iowa
BA Psychology

Clinical member of American Association for Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT)

Amy feels honored to be part of helping people heal and grow over the past two decades and values the therapeutic relationship. Relationships shape us, challenge us, and fulfill us. Amy’s background and training in family systems provide a framework for working with individuals, couples and families. Amy believes in the power of positive psychology, changing narratives, utilizing strengths, focusing on solutions, and aligning our actions with our values as tools to gain a better of ourselves and our relationships, to leverage change, and to promote healing and personal growth.

Mary Clarke, MA, LCPC, CADC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Specialties

Substance abuse and Recovery / Codependence
Anger Management
Trauma /Life Transitions
Men’s and Women’s Issues

Education & Certification

DePaul University
MA Counseling Psychology
BA Psychology

About

Mary Kay Clarke earned her master’s degree in counseling from DePaul University in 1991 and is board certified in addiction treatment. Mary Kay brings a compelling foundation of experience to her practice and her motivating approach to therapy is fueled by enthusiasm, empathy, and a sincere compassion for her clients. Whether you are seeking freedom from stress, personal healing, or need a change in perspective, Mary Kay’s approach brings to light your unique life situation. Ready to challenge you, Mary Kay wants to help you build upon your strengths and fine-tune the areas of your life that need a better response.

Mary Kay’s goal for each client is not only based on encouragement and tailoring an action plan, it is based on a genuine respect for your life. With a mindset of looking at life as an ever-evolving process, Mary Kay believes that small changes will bring big results in the vitality of your life. Your goal should not be perfection, rather exploring ways to make positive and assertive choices to reach your own personal contentment.

Mary Kay has experience working with a variety of chemical dependency, mental health, dual diagnosis, marital/family, military, educational, and court-ordered programs. Mary Kay has worked in the judicial system, private practice, and several hospital systems on every level of care. She was also a consultant for the military specializing in trauma, deployment, and re-integration.

Mary Kay has been a member of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association since 1991 and is certified in critical incident stress management.

Colin Eggleson, MA, LMFT

Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialties

Mens’ Issues
Adolescents
Couples and families
Grief and loss

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
MA Marriage & Family Therapy

Taylor University
BA Psychology

Colin is passionate about helping couples, families, and individuals communicate more effectively, experience different ways of relating to one another and see new perspectives. Colin is interested in making changes that not only impact the individual, but also impact those they find themselves in relationship with.

Kimberly Eldridge, MSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialties

Play therapy & Autplay
Attachment & Anxiety
Children & Adults
Expressive Activities

Education & Certification

Kennesaw State University, Georgia
MSW Masters in Social Work

Georgetown College
BA Psychology

Registered Play Therapist
Theraplay Informed Therapist

Kimberly desires to journey alongside individuals, children, and families to feel heard and understood, and utilize their strengths to experience empowerment, positive changes, and connection. Using play therapy, Theraplay informed practice, and expressive activities Kimberly helps a person process experiences that can be overwhelming at times and provides parent support to find helpful and meaningful ways to approach difficulties and life. Kimberly also assists others in exploring their faith and the manner in which spirituality affects their daily life. By examining all areas of life, Kimberly strives to contribute to personal growth and increased satisfaction in relationships.

Tina Cooper, MSW, LCSW,CADC, CAMS-II

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Certified Anger Management Specialist

Specialties

Addiction and Recovery
Anger Management
Codependency
Life Transitions

Education & Certification

Aurora University
MSW Master of Social Work
BS Recreation Administration

MRT, Moral Reconation Therapy

Tina’s approach to therapy is strength based, empowering, and interactive. Tina believes in the importance of meeting the individual where they are in life, and that successful change is possible. Tina assists her clients in gaining new skills, and connect with resources to support positive progress towards their goals. Tina is eclectic utilizing multiple approaches that often include cognitive-behavioral, narrative, systems, step work, client-centered, psychoeducation, solution, and motivational interviewing.

Katie Leibman, MA, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Specialties

Adolescents and Adults
Anxiety and OCD
Life Transitions
Spiritual Issues

Education & Certification

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
MA Counseling Psychology

University of Wisconsin – Madison
BA Psychology

Katie has worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of mental health settings over the past 15 years. Her passion lies in helping others become more self-aware and grow in areas of their life where they feel stuck or frustrated Katie uses a down to earth approach to therapy; relying on humor, stories and a genuine curiosity about others to create a comfortable environment for her clients to be supported and challenged. Katie uses a variety of tools including ACT, DBT and the Enneagram Personality Typing System.

Trude Holli, MS, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialties

Relationship counseling/Uncoupling
Mood/emotional regulation
Women’s desire and sexuality
Stress Management

Education & Certification

Northern Illinois University
MS Marriage & Family Therapy

Arizona State University
BA Broadcast Journalism

Certified Advanced Hypnotherapist

It takes courage to begin therapy. And hope, even when you feel the most hopeless. Trude invites you into private conversations on how to cope with the roadblocks that hinders joy and participation in life, in relationships and with ourselves. She’ll collaborate with the part of each person that desires change and wants new directions. If you and your partner struggle to connect, Trude offers you both a safe place to practice new steps to take.

Nicole McDonald-Martinez
MSW, LCSW, ACAS

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialties

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Behavioral issues in children and adults
Chronic pain and health issues
Difficult life transitions

Education & Certification

Dominican University
MSW Master of Social Work

Illinois State University
BA Psychology

ACAS Advanced Certified Autism Specialist

Nicole is passionate about assisting individuals and families through difficult times, emotional crisis, or painful life transitions. She strives to provide each client/family with a warm, secure, and nurturing environment to promote healing in their lives. Using an integrative approach, Nicole provides clients/families with the necessary tools and strategies to facilitate change in their life in a compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative way.

Steven Smith, MSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialties

Trauma and PTSD
Older adults and life transitions
Couples
Grief and loss

Education & Certification

Aurora University
MSW Master of Social Work
BA Criminal Justice

Member Northern Illinois-Critical Incident Stress Management Team (NI-CISM)

All of us, from time to time, experience issues in our lives that can feel overwhelming. Steve’s primary goal, as a therapist, is to assist clients to address their unique issues. By establishing a safe, and welcoming therapeutic environment, clients will feel confident enough to face their unique challenges. No one treatment modality is suited for every client, or situation. Steve will work with clients to find what best suits their particular situation. Steve always works from a strength-based perspective, in order to establish a solid foundation for the client to work from personally.

David Norton, PhD, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialties

Older adults
Couples
Men’s Issues

Education & Certification

University of Wisconsin – Madison
PhD Child & Family Studies

Taylor University
MA Marriage & Family Therapy

Houghton College
BA

David founded Centennial Counseling Center in 1985. He retired from ownership in 2019 and still sees his long-term clients at Centennial. After 20 years of teaching, David also retired from his responsibilities as Guest Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Wheaton College Graduate School. Professionally now, David spends his time consulting with other mental health practice owners, doing occasional professional workshops and writing.

Patrick Morrison, MSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Specialties

Grief and loss
Relationship issues
Older adults
Workplace challenges

Education & Certification

University of Illinois – Chicago
MSW Master of Social Work

Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
MS Journalism
BS Journalism

Patrick works with individual adults, couples & older adults. He utilizes an eclectic approach that is specifically tailored to fit each client’s needs. Patrick’s forte is brief, solution-focused treatment. He also serves clients who access their company-sponsored Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

Tina Cooper, MSW, LCSW,CADC, CAMS-II

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Certified Anger Management Specialist

Specialties

Addiction and Recovery
Anger Management
Codependency
Life Transitions

Education & Certification

Aurora University
MSW Master of Social Work
BS Recreation Administration

MRT, Moral Reconation Therapy

Tina’s approach to therapy is strength based, empowering, and interactive. Tina believes in the importance of meeting the individual where they are in life, and that successful change is possible. Tina assists her clients in gaining new skills, and connect with resources to support positive progress towards their goals. Tina is eclectic utilizing multiple approaches that often include cognitive-behavioral, narrative, systems, step work, client-centered, psychoeducation, solution, and motivational interviewing.

Jennifer McKay, PsyD, Director

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Specialties

Children and adolescents
Trauma
Grief and loss
Self harm

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
PsyD Clinical Psychology
MA Clinical Psychology

Malone University
BA Psychology

In her practice, Jennifer McKay approaches each client as unique and seeks to understand their goals for therapy. She works with individuals, families and couples throughout the lifespan to address their concerns, difficulties and the transitions that come with life. She seeks to help clients address the emotional distress of past & present hurts, develop tools to successfully navigate their current contexts & experience new avenues toward wholeness. Jennifer also directs our PsyD practicum program, which helps to train the next generation of psychologists to provide quality compassionate care for clients.

Ariel Eads, MA, ALMFT

Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialties

Trauma
Womens’ Issues
Couples and families
Grief and loss

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
MA Marriage & Family Therapy

Taylor University
BA Communications

Ariel is passionate about creating a safe space for clients to gain self awareness as they begin to find and understand their true selves. She cares about helping her clients find their voice and explore the brokenness and difficulties they might be experiencing by way of life transitions, grief or distress in relationships.

Ingo Weigold, MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Specialties

Men’s issues/Young Adults
Couples
Sexuality
Grief and Loss/Life transitions

Education & Certification

Benedictine University
MS Clinical Psychology

University of Michigan
BS Computer Engineering

Ingo enjoys assisting individuals in developing a greater understanding of themselves in order to engage in a life that is congruent, powerful, and meaningful. He considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients struggling with life transitions, especially teenagers and adult males, while helping them to find their voice and to establish healthy boundaries. Ingo welcomes the opportunity to engage with couples in therapy by encouraging them to cultivate an awareness of each other and their relationship. With an extensive background in various group therapies, Ingo believes that the dynamic of here and now interactions enables clients to set in motion positive changes in the moment while inspiring each other to grow. Prior to joining Centennial Counseling, Ingo was involved in technical sales and project consulting.

Kyle Smith, MA, LCPC

Clinical Professional Counselor

Specialties

Adolescents and Young Adults
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
Spirituality

Education & Certification

Argosy University
MA Community Counseling

Judson University
BS Human Services

The exploration of experience, conflict, and relationship in finding meaning, hope, and growth are key in the practice of therapy for Kyle. He works to create a safe space for adolescents, young adults, families, and individual adults as they work to grow and overcome obstacles, changes, and loss in the development of their own unique narrative.

Krista McDunn, MA

Specialties

Children
Adolescents
Young Adults
Parenting

Education & Certification

Judson University
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Illinois Wesleyan University
BA Psychology

Hollyn Michaels, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Specialties

Body image, disordered eating
Trauma, PTSD
Self harm
Suicide

Education & Certification

Wheaton College
PsyD Clinical Psychology
MA Clinical Psychology
BA Psychology

Hollyn believes therapy is a collaborative process. She aims to to walk alongside clients to help figure out what is and is not effective for them in order to help clients get unstuck and moving toward their values again. She uses a relational approach to work with clients and believes that the relationship built with clients is central to helping create change. Hollyn also frequently uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), both of which are empirically validated treatment modalities for a wide range of psychological problems, including anxiety disorders, depression, self-injury, and eating disorders.

Careers at Centennial

There are 3 ways to join our clinical staff