TURNING POINT - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Residential and ARCHES Program Coordinator
Alexis King, residential and ARCHES program coordinator, completed her bachelor's degree in family and child studies with an emphasis in family social services from Northern Illinois University. Alexis has experience working as a case manager and working with clients in residential programs to promote their independence. She is passionate and dedicated to the field of social services and mental health.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
Ann Raney has worked as a clinician and administrator in community mental health for nearly 30 years. With advanced degrees in social work and religion, she has taught at the University of Chicago, is a graduate of Leadership Evanston, and maintains a private psychotherapy and consulting practice. Her clinical interests include relational therapy, spirituality, and mindfulness. Her position at Turning Point includes staff supervision and consultation as well as administrative oversight. She believes that all members of the agency team benefit from understanding all aspects of the agency's mission to provide quality care to the community.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Member of the Administrative Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Business Executive
Brian Clarke is a versatile business executive with expertise in all areas of corporate, legal and administrative affairs. He specializes in businesses undergoing major transitions, including mergers and acquisitions, business integration, strategic planning, litigation management, corporate governance and more. He currently serves as senior vice president and chief purpose officer, responsible for ESG initiatives at Veolia North America, where he previously served for several years as chief executive officer. He has also served as senior vice president for business integration for Aegion Corporation, and as a partner at Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather and Geraldson.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- School Psychologist
Candice Hughes, a school psychologist and a licensed clinical professional counselor, is a professor of school psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she has worked since 2009. Dr. Hughes also serves in an adjunct position for the university's international psychology program by teaching the Germany field experience course for the master's level and doctoral students preparing to work internationally with specialties in either trauma or systems/organizations. She previously worked for 10 years as a mental health specialist in three different international schools in two European countries, Germany and Switzerland. This led to her development of a specialization in facilitating diversity, equity and inclusion opportunities in schools with diverse student populations and for supporting individuals and families during their cultural transition into school communities as foreign newcomers. She has served as a longstanding board member and previous president of the north suburban chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). A longstanding member of the noon Rotary Club of Wilmette, she served for almost two decades as chair of the international committee.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Manager and Vice President of First Bank Chicago
David Putrus is the Bank Manager and Vice President of First Bank Chicago in Skokie. Born and raised in Skokie, David is past president of the Skokie Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of the Skokie Community Foundation. He is also active within the Village of Skokie Zoning Board of Appeals Commission, the current Chairperson of The Education Foundation, the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley, and The Douglas Center. David has a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School of Banking.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
David Rosario received his BA from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin and moved to Skokie 30 years ago. He recently retired after a 41-year career as Chicago area representative for Western States Envelope and Label. He has also served as assistant director of La Casa de Esperanza, a social service agency in Wisconsin, and has volunteered with several local organizations. Dave has been involved in local school district 73.5 as a board member and as president.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Diana Juarez has served the Skokie community for 10 years, first as director of the Niles Township Schools' English Language Learner Parent Center and currently as the coordinator of family services and engagement for Skokie School District 68. She is in the first generation of her family to attend college and received her degrees in communication and linguistics. She was born and raised in Chicago and currently lives with her husband and son in Skokie.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Human Resources and Payroll Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Living Room Coordinator
Erica Betts is one of our Living Room coordinators. Her bio will be available shortly.
Jennifer Sultz has over 25 years of experience working with Chicago nonprofit organizations in executive leadership positions involving administration, development, and event coordination. Her responsibilities include oversight of Turning Point's development efforts including marketing and community outreach and all aspects of fundraising. Jen currently serves as president of the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley. She has a strong background in the visual and performing arts and serves as an alumni volunteer for Grinnell College.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Professional Counselor
Jessica Hernandez is a licensed clinical professional counselor and a first generation, bilingual Latina from Chicago. She received her master of arts in community counseling from Argosy University of Chicago. Jessica demonstrates 10+ years of experience in providing individual, family, and group therapy in a variety of settings such as community mental health centers, medical clinics, and inpatient hospitals. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families to address concerns related to depression, anxiety, crisis, self-esteem, grief, trauma, adjustment disorder, behavioral problems, relationship difficulties and life transitions.
Joe Flint, LCPC, has worked with nonprofit organizations for nearly 40 years in communications, development, and mental health services. In development, Joe enjoys matching the interests of individuals, corporations, and foundations to make an impact with clients needing human services, health care, and education. A psychotherapist, Joe has his own private practice serving individuals and couples. He holds an MA in Community Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University, along with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from University of Illinois Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Director of Clinical Services
Julie Rooney, director of clinical services, is a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 20 years of experience treating couples, families, and individuals. She is trained as a marriage and family therapist by Arizona State University, which provided her with a systemic and integrative approach to psychotherapy. Since 2015, Julie has worked in management roles at Turning Point and was the groups program coordinator from 2017 to 2021. In addition to her clinical and management roles, she has provided clinical supervision to interns as well as clinical staff and is passionate about providing the highest quality supervision to her supervisees. In her clinical work, Julie utilizes a strengths-based, client-centered approach to support her clients in achieving their individual goals, fueled by a belief that we all possess the ability to change our stories and live the lives we desire. Julie's clinical interests include women's issues, parenting, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma recovery, and couples and family therapy.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Kathleen Occhipinti held a faculty position for over 21 years with St. Joseph Hospital and Northwestern University Family Medicine Residency. Currently she maintains private counseling and consulting practices. She has worked with a variety of educational and non-profit organizations, as well as for-profit businesses. Her areas of specialization include trainer and coach in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness for peak performance (mPEAK), professional and leadership development, change in the workplace, and stress management.
Kelly Fritz, groups coordinator, works with children, adolescents, and adults. She received a master's degree in counseling from Northwestern University. In her coursework, she specialized in children and adolescents. Kelly uses an integrative approach that emphasizes psychodynamic and person-centered principles. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relational issues.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Outpatient Coordinator
Kelly O'Meara, an outpatient coordinator, is a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about providing a space for people where they can be seen, heard, and supported. Kelly graduated with a master's in social work from University of Illinois Chicago specializing in mental health. She has experience working with adolescents, families, and adults addressing concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and life transitions. Kelly's therapeutic approach is integrative, person-centered, strengths-based, and psychodynamic and utilizes skills from DBT and CBT modalities. Kelly strives to individualize each therapeutic relationship and center each client's needs.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
Kelly Schuler has over 20 years of strategic and tactical leadership experience within the healthcare field. She earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration at Marquette University. In the role of chief operating officer, Kelly oversees financial activities, administrative staff, and business operations.
Kendall Wolfe (he/him) is one of our coordinators for The Living Room. Kendall received his bachelor of social work (BSW) and master of social work (MSW) from Indiana University. Kendall has worked extensively in community and non profit spaces for the last 15 years, with a special interest in community mental health, harm reduction, LGBTQIA+ services, and services for people living with HIV.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice President of the Board of Directors
Margaret Kray spent over 40 years providing human resource communication consulting to over 100 organizations. In 2019, she retired to start the next chapter of her life. She has an MBA in human resources management and is a long-time resident of Skokie.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Facilities and Finance Specialist
Martina Cortez has experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and families. Her areas of expertise include mood disorders, addiction, and anxiety. She also has extensive experience with training and supervising students and clinical staff. She uses a psychodynamic and client-centered approach, with a recovery-oriented focus. She believes that the most important thing she can bring to the therapeutic experience is an empathic and non-judgmental perspective that allows people to feel comfortable and safe. She has more than 20 years of experience in community mental health.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Maya Devakiamma is a dynamic, transformational leader in technology strategy and execution. She specializes in people leadership, culture change, driving digitization through technology integration, building high performing teams and developing diverse talent. She currently serves as a senior director at CVS Health leading the technology strategy and delivery of Aetna Commercial insurance portfolio. She also served as a senior technology leader for digital transformation at Discover Financial Services and Nielsen. She has the enthusiasm, experience, strong technology foundation, and the ability to thoughtfully lay out the vision, and execution to bring success to any organization.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Open Access Coordinator and Preceptor
Melissa Iavarone is our open access coordinator and preceptor. As open access coordinator, Missy is responsible for the overall coordination of the referral and admissions process. Missy's role as preceptor involves welcoming new therapists and facilitating their learning in regard to meeting clinical objectives. Missy received her BA in psychology and went on to earn her master of social work degree while working as a case manager at Turning Point. Missy believes in meeting clients where they are with compassion, empathy, and communication.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Nives Bernardi is recently retired from her work as a healthcare consultant, working in system development and implementation within the healthcare arena. She attended Loyola University of Chicago, receiving both a BS in Psychology and a MSW degree. Nives volunteered with the American Youth Soccer Organization for over 25 years and is also an active volunteer with the Salvation Army food pantry.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President of the Board of Directors
- Compliance Officer at Maryville Academy
Randall Roberts retired from his position as compliance officer at Maryville Academy, a nonprofit child and family welfare agency, in June of 2017. Previously, he served for 30 years in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office as an assistant state's attorney. Randy has concentrated his legal practice for most of his career in Illinois criminal, juvenile, and child welfare law. He also has obtained a certification in healthcare compliance. Randy received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Loyola University of Chicago. He served as an elected village trustee for the Village of Skokie from 2001 to 2021. He and his wife Margy have been Skokie residents for over 30 years and are the proud parents of three young adults, Elizabeth, Kevin, and Sarah.
Rayna Trayanova, business manager, manages the support staff and works with all clinical staff. She also manages facilities needs and has been the primary contact for multiple large-scale construction projects on-site. She is fluent in Bulgarian and has some knowledge of Russian and Serbian.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Executive Director of Skokie Public Library
Richard Kong is the Executive Director of Skokie Public Library. In addition to serving on the Turning Point Board, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, and he is a member of the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley and the Kiwanis Club of Skokie Valley. Richard is a recognized leader in the professional library community and has previously served as an executive board member of both the Public Library Association and the Illinois Library Association. Richard received his BA from Oberlin College, and advanced degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and the University of Michigan School of Information.
Ronit Peikes manages the human resources department at Turning Point and is involved in the hiring of new staff, maintenance of personnel requirements and records, and ensuring compliance with employment-related laws and standards. In her clinical work, she works with adult clients. Her areas of interest and expertise include working with individuals with depression, bipolar disorder, women's issues, and anxiety, as well as running therapy groups.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Partner at Porte Brown LLC
Scott Kaplan is a partner at Porte Brown LLC. He specializes in family owned businesses and nonprofit audit preparations, in which he works closely with clients to ensure that they comply with federal and state regulatory requirements. He is currently a member of the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club and the Kevin Kaplan Foundation, and has served on the board of the Evanston Mental Health Association.
Job Titles:
- Director of Mobile Crisis Response
Simone Wilson is a highly accomplished professional with a master's degree in social work and LSW certification from Governors State University. Possessing over two decades of experience, Simone is an expert in child welfare, substance abuse care, therapeutic treatment for individuals with mental disabilities, and trauma-related disorders. With certifications in CADC, CODP1, and NCRS, Simone excels in providing necessary assistance and support to clients facing societal disparities, empowering them to achieve mental wellness. Simone works toward simplifying trauma-related events for facilitators, educators, and individuals experiencing secondary traumatic stress symptoms and supports the staff who help individuals in crisis focus on reducing emotional and physical trauma responses.
Job Titles:
- Compliance Coordinator
- Member of the Management Team
- Compliance Coordinator and Intake Team Lead
Stephanie Bright is our compliance coordinator and intake team lead. Stephanie has a BSW degree in social work and has extensive experience working with all ages and in a variety of settings. Stephanie joined the Turning Point team as a case manager before moving into her current role. She believes strongly in client centered care and deeply appreciates the opportunity to work with and support the Turning Point client community.
Tathiana Martinez is an outpatient coordinator and bilingual therapist. Tathiana graduated from Northwestern University with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Tati's therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, person-centered, and dialectical behavior skill usage, though is flexible to individual's preference. Her clinical interests include trauma, acculturation challenges, family systems, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Tati is dedicated to helping others creating a nonjudgmental environment for clients to feel welcomed and safe.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Retired and a Florida Real Estate Agent
Vincent Smith is now partially retired and a Florida Real Estate Agent living in Tampa, Florida. Before retirement, Vince managed a marketing team providing digital marketing programs for financial services organizations. He also served in a number of consulting, product management and business development roles for companies providing digital marketing, supply chain automation and logistics management solutions. He has an MBA in Finance & Marketing and has prior experience in non-profit Board membership. Vince and his wife Nancy are the parents of two daughters, Lauren and Rachael, and were longtime residents of Deerfield, Illinois.