Meet our Therapists

Jessica is a licensed marriage and family therapist committed to treating individuals, couples, and families. Her clinical interests lie in treating couples’ issues in periods of transition (preparing for marriage, parenthood, or divorce), perfectionism, loss, and issues related to family business relationships or entrepreneurship.

Jessica uses a systemic and strengths-based approach in working with clients and the relationships they have in their lives. Using an integrative model of change, she highlights the strengths of different theories to fit the client’s identified needs. She believes there are constraints in a client’s life that impedes his or her ability to identify and reach goals. Using this perspective, she is able to begin on a behavioral level to work on changes in action, and if the client continues to feel stuck, the treatment continues to address cognitions and underlying emotions, to identify where progress is constrained.

Jessica is both a nurturing and direct therapist, displaying patience with the process of treatment and providing a safe and secure relationship with which clients can process their vulnerabilities. With a client’s aspirations in mind, she holds him or her accountable for the change they desire and moves with them on their path to achieving their goals.

Jessica received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester with a thesis focus on close relationships. She received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at Northwestern University. She has extensive training in crisis intervention, clinical and research experience regarding manifestations of trauma in children and adults, experience in couples’ issues (particularly regarding marriage prep, infidelity, loss, and infertility), and family relationships across generations in the context of a business environment. In addition to her clinical work, Jessica pursues her interests in supervision and clinical training as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and as a member of the group supervising faculty for the MSMFT program at Northwestern University.

To make an appointment with Jessica directly, contact her here.

To see blog posts by Jessica, click here.

Megan is a licensed marriage and family therapist committed to treating individuals, couples, and families. Her clinical interests lie in treating anxiety, depression, abuse and trauma, difficult family relationships, eating disorders, and other body/weight-related issues.

Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, Megan views all difficulties systemically and works to shift both individual and relational patterns in order to provide comprehensive, long-lasting results. Trained in an integrative model, she understands that one size does not fit all and can tailor the treatment plan to fit each client's unique strengths and challenges. Moreover, she appreciates the need for efficient, cost-effective treatment. As such, treatment begins with a focus on direct, behavioral change and moves into deeper analysis of emotion, thoughts, and past experiences only as needed.

Megan is a straight-forward, pragmatic therapist who treats clients as equals, taking their concerns into account throughout treatment. At the same time, she provides a warm, safe space in which clients can feel supported and accepted throughout the process of growth and change. While she ultimately holds clients accountable for the change they seek, she sees herself as both a provider of information and a secure base from which clients can explore new ways of moving through the world.

Megan received her bachelor's degree in Psychology and English from Northwestern University. She received her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at Northwestern University. She has extensive clinical training in depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, family of origin issues, relationship issues, and couple conflict. In addition to her clinical work, Megan is also an Individual Supervisor for the MSMFT program at Northwestern University and is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.

To make an appointment with Megan directly, contact her here.

To see blog posts by Megan, click here.

Natalie is a licensed marriage and family therapist committed to working with individuals, couples, and families.  Some of her clinical interests include managing life transitions, relationship issues, working through family of origin, trauma, and bereavement experiences, improving self-esteem, and working with those impacted by chronic medical issues, mental illness, or disabilities in their family system.

Natalie’s approach is integrative and direct, tailoring treatment to meet the collaboratively-defined goals and needs. She incorporates warmth, genuineness, and humor into her work, aiming to create a space where diverse client systems feel comfortable engaging in critical thinking and introspection. Natalie believes in the importance of integrating past and present experiences, helping clients feel strengthened and more satisfied both individually and in relationships with others. She helps clients access greater understanding and resiliency to create long-standing, meaningful change. 

Natalie received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at Northwestern University. In addition to her extensive clinical training, Natalie has many years of experience working with couples, families and individuals affected by autism. Natalie is also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, serving as an Individual Supervisor for Pinnacle and the MSMFT program at Northwestern University.

To make an appointment with Natalie directly, contact her here.

To see blog posts by Natalie, click here.

Priscilla is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) committed to working with individuals, couples, and families.  As part of her specialties and professional interests, Priscilla works with adults and couples experiencing relationship and intimacy issues, sexual difficulties or dysfunctions, pre-marital counseling, infidelity, trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Priscilla works with a holistic and client-centered approach, as she believes that a client’s environment strongly impacts their emotional, physical, and mental state. She helps couples and families to understand and respect one another, acknowledge, define and negotiate their differences, and resolve conflicts into safe, supportive, and healthier relationships. Priscilla focuses on a couples’ pattern of behavior and connection to one another, and uses their narrative to shape their communication of needs and develop a more emotionally supportive cycle in the relationship.

Priscilla earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in Puerto Rico and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler University in Chicago. She has also completed the Certificate program at the University of Michigan/Sexual Health Certificate/Sex Therapy Certificate and is a certified PREPARE/ENRICH (premarital preparation program) facilitator. Priscilla is bilingual in Spanish and has experience treating individuals of multiple cultural backgrounds. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and friends, dancing ballet, running, and riding her bike around the city. 

To make an appointment with Priscilla directly, contact her here.

To see blog posts by Priscilla, click here.

Priscilla trabaja con individuos, parejas y familias de diferentes culturas. Como parte de sus especialidades e intereses profesionales, ella trabaja con adultos y parejas que tienen problemas de relación e intimidad, dificultades sexuales, infidelidad, trauma, ansiedad, depression, manejo de enojo, abuso de sustancias y comportamientos adictivos.  

Ella trabaja con un enfoque centrado en el cliente, ya que cree que el entorno de las persona tiene un fuerte impacto a su estado emocional, físico y mental. Priscilla ayuda a que las parejas y las familias se comprendan, respeten, reconocan y definan sus diferencias para resolver los conflictos en las relaciones. Ella trabaja con sus clientes en descubrir patronos de conducta que les ayude a a tener un comportamiento más saludable.

Priscilla obtuvo su Bachillerato en Psicología en Puerto Rico y su Maestría en Terapia Matrimonial y de Familia de la Universidad Adler localizada en Chicago. Ella también obtiene una Certificación en Sexología/Salud Sexual de la Universidad de Michigan y es una facilitadora certificada en el programa de preparación pre-matrimonial PREPARE/ENRICH. En su tiempo libre, le gusta pasar tiempo con su esposo y amigos, bailar ballet, correr y montar su bicicleta por la ciudad.

Para hacer una cita directamente con Priscilla, puede ponerse en contacto con ella aquí.

Jeffrey is a licensed marriage and family therapist committed to treating individuals, couples, and families. Jeffrey's clinical interests include working with couples around issues such as preparing for marriage, infidelity, betrayal and strenuous transitions in their relationship. He also holds extensive experience in treating those affected by anxiety, trauma and day-to-day stressors. Additionally, he holds a great interest in working with first responders, veterans and military families, and how their service has impacted their relationships with others.

Jeffrey came into the field to assist others in living a more fulfilled and meaningful life. Whether this includes internal struggles or issues with those important people in our lives, Jeffrey takes a caring and methodological approach when designing an individualized treatment for his clients. He enjoys incorporating a lighthearted and straightforward approach to help his clients feel both motivated and comfortable to produce change. He focuses on the strengths of each client and their relationships to produce long standing change in their lives.

Jeffrey received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Drake University in Iowa. From there, Jeffrey attended St. Cloud State University in Minnesota to obtain his Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally, he completed his Masters thesis studying veterans’ intimate relationships and their families. Jeffrey is also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor for individual clinicians and is certified in PREPARE-ENRICH's Premarital Education program.

To make an appointment with Jeffrey directly, you can contact him here.

To see blog posts by Jeffrey, click here.

Gianna is a licensed marriage and family therapist committed to working with couples, individuals, and families. Some of Gianna’s clinical interests include relationship and intimacy issues, sexual difficulties or dysfunctions, infidelity, family of origin issues, and women’s issues.

Gianna works with an integrative and strengths-based approach, while incorporating mindfulness and holistic principles. Gianna believes therapy is a collaborative process between herself and her clients. She uses a warm, directive, and authentic approach to create a safe and supportive environment that invites clients to build insight and achieve balance. She empowers clients to accomplish their goals, while utilizing their strengths for change. Gianna strives to be a source of motivation and commitment for clients as they navigate the ebb and flow of life.

Gianna received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Indiana-Bloomington, with a double minor in Psychology and Human Sexuality. She received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University with extensive clinical training in integrative and systemic models at the Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic. Gianna is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and in addition to her clinical training, she is certified in Yoga-Informed Psychotherapy training.

To make an appointment with Gianna directly, you can contact her here. 

To see blog posts by Gianna, click here.

Sausha is an associate marriage and family therapist committed to treating individuals, couples, and families. Sausha’s clinical interests include working with youth and their families ages 0-22, pre-marital couples, issues of spirituality and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

 Sausha believes that the therapeutic relationship is one of the biggest indicators of change, which is why she strives to create a safe, warm space in which clients can feel seen and heard. She places importance on understanding a client’s context and meets them where they are in the therapeutic process. Once a relationship is established, she compassionately challenges and collaboratively works with clients to recognize and identify the constraints that might be hindering their goals. She works from an integrative, strength-based approach and empowers clients to reconstruct or create new narratives that bring about understanding, healing, meaning and a stronger sense of self. Sausha hopes to help clients realize that they are not defined by their struggles, but rather are human beings first and foremost.

 Sausha received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco, with a double minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies and Child and Youth Studies. She received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Prior to joining Pinnacle Counseling, Sausha worked at an interdisciplinary clinic that specialized in providing services to children, teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has extensive training in DIR/Floortime®Therapy, Social Skills group work, social/emotional challenges and familial, couple and sibling relational issues. Sausha has experience in treating clients of various cultural backgrounds, especially Spanish speaking clients.  

To make an appointment with Sausha directly, you can contact her here.

To see blog posts by Sausha, click here.

Sausha es una terapista que trabaja con individuos, parejas y familias. Sus intereses clínicos son trabajando con jóvenes y sus familias de 0 a 22 años, parejas prematrimoniales, problemas de espiritualidad y discapacidades intelectuales y de desarrollo.

Sausha cree que la relación terapéutica es uno de los mayores indicadores de cambio, por eso, ella se esfuerza por crear un espacio seguro y cálido en que los clientes puedan sentirse vistos y escuchados. Ella le da importancia a entender el contexto de un cliente y se los encuentra donde están en el proceso terapéutico. Una vez que se establece una relación, ella desafía compasivamente y trabaja en colaboración con los clientes para reconocer e identificar las limitaciones que podrían estar obstaculizando sus metas. Trabaja desde un enfoque integrador, basado en la fuerza, y capacita a los clientes para reconstruir o crear nuevas narrativas que generen comprensión, curación, significado y un sentido más fuerte de sí mismo. Sausha espera ayudar a los clientes a darse cuenta de que no están definidos por sus luchas, sino que son humanos sobre todo.

Sausha recibió su Bachillerato en Psicologíade la Universidad de San Francisco, con una doble menor en Estudios de Género y Sexualidad y en Estudios de Niños y Jóvenes. Recibió su Maestría en Terapia Matrimonial y Familiar del Instituto Familiar en la Universidad de Northwestern. Antes de unirse a Pinnacle Counseling, Sausha trabajó en una clínica interdisciplinaria especializada en brindar servicios a niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes con Autismo. Ella tiene formación extensivo en Terapia DIR / Floortime®, liderando grupos sociales, desafíos sociales/emocionales y problemas familiares, de hermanos y de pareja. Sausha tiene experiencia en el tratamiento de clientes de diferentes culturas, especialmente clientes que hablan Español.

Para hacer una cita directamente con Sausha, puede ponerse en contacto con ella aquí.

Crystal is a licensed professional counselor committed to treating individuals, couples, and families. Her professional interests include treating children with emotional or behavioral issues, adults struggling with life transitions, co-parenting, family of origin dysfunction, couples’ issues, self-compassion, trauma, and anxiety. 

Crystal uses a holistic and client-centered approach to collaboratively design and guide the therapeutic experience. Highly driven by mindfulness-based principles, sincerity, and humor, she strives to create a therapeutic climate that is safe, supportive, and culturally inclusive for all to pursue change. Crystal places high value in the art of introspection, thus transferring this skill to empower individuals, couples, and families to unapologetically embrace their unique journeys while simultaneously striving to evolve into healthier and more fulfilled versions of themselves. 

Crystal received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Webster University. Prior to joining Pinnacle Counseling, Crystal worked in an intensive outpatient therapy program where she provided therapeutic services to children and families struggling with severe behavioral and mental health challenges. She has extensive experience in trauma-informed care, positive parenting methodologies, and family system dysfunction. In addition to her clinical work, Crystal is in pursuit of attaining a PhD in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on childhood and adolescent development.

To make an appointment with Crystal directly, you can contact her here.

To see blog posts by Crystal, click here.

DJ is a licensed marriage and family therapist whose clinical interests include couples/family conflict, social and cultural stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and meaning making.

DJ uses an integrated, person-centered approach that draws upon CBT, Gottman, and Narrative Therapy techniques. He uses these techniques to identify skills, build upon strengths, and reduce negative symptoms. DJ understands that therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. He has successfully worked with families, teens, and adults from diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. DJ blends humor, knowledge, passion, and compassion to help couples, families, and individuals in an ever changing world. 

DJ received his B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Central Arkansas. He earned his M.A. (with honors) in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northeastern Illinois University. Prior to joining Pinnacle, DJ worked as an outpatient clinical counselor treating couples, families, and individuals who struggled with anxiety, depression, anger management, sexuality and gender, substance use, grief, and PTSD. DJ also has extensive knowledge in the fields of secondary education and college readiness.

To make an appointment with DJ directly, you can contact him here.

Matt is a licensed marriage and family therapist who enjoys working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. His specialties include reducing anxiety, managing grief, and de-escalating anger. He also works with couples and singles around improving communication, rebuilding trust, increasing emotional connection, and goal setting in relationships. In addition, Matt runs a New Moms support group! Read more and sign up here.

Matt gives honest feedback, and uses warmth and humor while holding clients accountable in a safe and supportive environment. He helps his clients work toward their specific needs and to revisit the patterns in their lives. He pays attention to overlapping social and family systems, past and present, to better establish the future his clients want. Knowing that the quality of the partnership between therapist and client is the strongest indicator of success in counseling, Matt prioritizes client growth, strength, and trust.

Matt received his MA with honors in Couples and Family Therapy from Northeastern Illinois University. He was a therapist intern at UCAN Chicago, supporting families and individuals. Prior to becoming a therapist, Matt worked at multiple crisis intervention call centers, helping people get the resources to manage their immediate needs.

To make an appointment with Matt directly, you can contact him here.

Shemari is an associate marriage and family therapist whose clinical interests include eating disorders, identity exploration, navigating life transitions, coping with sociocultural stress, and managing couples’ conflicts.

Shemari brings a collaborative approach to therapy that is grounded in authenticity, directness, and compassion. She allows her clients to effectively explore and examine their therapeutic needs and thrives on being a resource for diverse populations. In a safe and supportive environment, Shemari approaches problems systemically to identify and deepen emotional understanding as clients dive into the intersectionality of their identities. 

Shemari received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Gender Women Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; she received her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at Northwestern University. In addition to her clinical training, Shemari has worked in residential treatment settings helping clients experiencing eating disorders.

To make an appointment with Shemari directly, you can contact her here.

Hannah is a licensed marriage and family therapist committed to working with individuals, couples, and families using a systemic and multicultural framework. Her clinical interests and specialties include issues related to mood, work with the LGBTQ+ community, grief and loss, relationship communication issues, life stage transitions and identity development, and trauma related to race, sexuality and gender. 

Hannah utilizes a culturally informed, structural approach to therapy. Her collaborative style incorporates humor, compassion, and curiosity to help her clients reach the goals that effectively serve their unique identity, context, and environment. Ultimately, her work is rooted in the belief that all people are capable of change.

Hannah received a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Florida State University and a Master’s of Family Therapy from Mercer University. Her clinical work and research experience have included private practice and an integrated primary healthcare setting that emphasized a collaborative approach to overall health and wellness. 

To make an appointment with Hannah directly, you can contact her here.

Kamille is an associate marriage and family therapist committed to providing therapy to couples, families, and individuals. Some of Kamille’s clinical interests include working with high-conflict couples, socio-cultural issues, trauma, high-achieving minorities, and identity development.

Kamille uses an integrative and collaborative approach, and tailors her work to each client’s specific needs and goals in the context of their life. She believes that through the client’s will to change and through cultivating a strong therapeutic relationship, therapy can catalyze effective and beautiful change. Kamille is warm and direct, uses humor in her sessions, and embraces complexity. Kamille values and strives for culturally-sensitive, responsive, and humble therapy. 

 Kamille received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Adventist University in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. She is also an avid traveler has lived and studied in Argentina for one year to learn Spanish. In addition to her extensive training, she is certified in PREPARE-ENRICH’s premarital educational program.

To make an appointment with Kamille directly, you can contact her here.

Jillian is an associate marriage and family therapist that works with individuals, couples, and families to address a wide range of challenges. Jillian has a particular passion for working with adolescents and their families to help navigate the demands of being a student, and the strain it can put on the entire family. Some of her clinical interests include work around self-esteem and identity, managing life transitions, emotion regulation, perfectionism, and seeking greater fulfillment.

Jillian’s collaborative and direct approach to therapy creates a safe and warm environment with space for exploration. While working together, Jillian works from a strength based lens meeting clients where they are to embrace and empower each individual's personal experiences. She brings humor into the room and focuses on building a genuine relationship. 

Jillian received her B.S Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Human Services from the University of Georgia. She received her M.S in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at Northwestern University. While at Northwestern, Jillian also was part of the Mindful and Behavior Therapy program where she worked with clients experiencing trauma, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and self-harm under the Dialectical Behavior Therapy model. She is committed to working with a diverse range of clients and values making therapy as personal and accessible for all.

To make an appointment with Jillian directly, you can contact her here.