GUIDING LIGHT COUNSELING - Key Persons
My name is Candice Moreno. I have been working with Guiding Light Counseling since November of 2020. In May of 2021, I had obtained my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with my concentration in Child and Adolescents from Lewis University. During my educational experience, I had interned at Aunt Martha's Youth Services in the Joliet community by providing individual/group counseling services for youths with a history of trauma. In addition, I was also an intern at Guiding Light Counseling to continue to build upon my counseling experience. Both my personal and professional goals reflect who I am, where I come from, and what I hope to contribute to society in the lives of others. One of the goals includes my commitment to working with children/adolescents from domestic violence backgrounds and a passion for guiding adolescents who struggle with substance abuse, particularly with underserved minority communities. My future professional goals include achieving the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification. Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and of course, my dog. I love visiting new places and trying new things, such as exploring new restaurants or visiting local museums.
My name is Faryal Mushtaq and I am a student currently enrolled at Benedictine University striving towards my Master's in Clinical Psychology. This is my fourth year in the program and first year working with Guiding Light Counseling as an intern. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My hobbies include reading, writing, and eating. I really hope to grow with Guiding Light Counseling with this opportunity! I'm also looking forward to meeting the students and their families!
My name is Gloria Castro and I am a clinical intern at Guiding Light Counseling. I am currently completing my master's of arts in clinical mental health counseling, with a concentration in child and adolescent counseling, at Lewis University. I will be completing my internship within Guiding Light Counseling, working with the Valley View School District program. I am excited to begin my counseling career.
My name is Kierstyn Piper and I am currently working on completing my master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lewis University. I am a clinical intern with Guiding Light Counseling. My emphasis in school is on children and adolescents. In my free time, I love to watch movies, hang out with my friends, and go on vacations like to the beach or the mountains. I am very grateful for this opportunity and excited for this upcoming year!
My name is Lauryn Lewis and I have been working with Guiding Light since 2021. I received my Masters in Child and Adolescent Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University in 2022. I am currently working towards state licensure. I completed my internship at Guiding Light and am looking forward to continuing providing therapeutic services and support throughout the Valley View school district. I understand that beginning therapy can be scary and acknowledge that therapy is hard work. By encompassing a client centered approach, my goal is to provide individuals and families with the autonomy and support that we all need to share our life stories. I am committed to providing a safe, compassionate, and validating environment to encourage and facilitate change and move towards acceptance. I believe in incorporating my client's favorite hobbies (art, music, crafts, mental & physical exercises) as coping strategies and interventions to provide a therapeutic process that supports self-care, compassion, and healing. I often turn towards play therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients uncover and process how their experiences shape the quality of their lives. I am passionate about working with individuals (ages 5+) who are struggling with anxiety,
Job Titles:
- Clinical Supervisor
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Matthew Caston is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with several years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide variety of personal and clinical issues (mood, anxiety, behavior, life transition, men's/women's issues, personality, relationships, trauma, etc.). As a therapist, Matthew strives to meet people "where they're at." His overarching goal as a clinical supervisor and therapist is to assist counselors-in-training and clients with recognizing their potential and how they can transform lives. He works with parents, coaches, teachers, students, and families to help them move in the direction they most need to create the change they seek.
My name is Nadia Durrani. I am an intern with Guiding Light Counseling. I am a graduate student at Lewis University and will graduate in August of 2023, with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and a concentration in children and adolescents. I am also a yoga teacher in training and will complete my training November of 2022. Through my own journey of self discovery and mental health struggles, I have developed a deep empathetic understanding and motivation to help others. Life can be challenging, and I strive towards being a source of light to those who seek it. In my free time I enjoy practicing yoga, reading, exercising, and spending time with my twin daughters. I love traveling, warm climates, and palm trees.
My name is Paola Morales-Cassidy and I am an intern for Guiding Light Counseling! I am currently attending Concordia Chicago University in the School Counseling field with a LPC! I have been working with students for over 10 years! I began as a Preschool School Assistant Teacher, a Preschool Teacher, a Substitute Teacher, and now Counseling!
I have always loved working with children and their families.
My husband and I have been together for six wonderful years with our five cats! I am a very indoors person so I really enjoy relaxing activities such as reading, writing, drawing, animating videos, playing video games, cross stitching, and sewing, and I'll see what I can find next!
My name is Susan Sperling. I am an intern with Guiding Light Counseling. I am a graduate student at Lewis University and will graduate in December, 2021, with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and a concentration in children and adolescents. I have a desire to help promote healthy social, emotional and behavioral practices in a safe environment. I believe this will contribute to the individual success of students and their families.
In my free time I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, and hiking. I love being outdoors, traveling to new places and experiencing new things. I enjoy working with the students, their families and staff at Valley View School District.