CLINICAL DELIVERY SERVICES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Clinical Professional Counselor
Betty Williams is a bilingual/ bicultural (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She earned her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Latino Mental Health at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is warm, authentic, and empathetic. She has a particular interest in life transitions, relational challenges, grief, and trauma.
Betty focuses on strengths and resilience to challenge distorted thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors that can keep one stuck. She uses a holistic and culturally sensitive approach. She offers psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor
Cagney Cappelli is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor in the state of Illinois. He also is a Board Registered Mental Illness/Substance Abuse Professional. He received his Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling with a concentration in Substance Abuse from the Adler School of Professional Psychology.
Cagney has provided counseling, EAP, treatment groups, and assessment across a variety of settings including private practice, community mental health, and hospital settings. At the Four Winds Psychiatric Hospital, he worked with a dual diagnosis population facilitating therapeutic groups and providing individual counseling. He continued his experience in assessment and treatment planning, substance abuse psycho-education, group, individual, and family counseling at the Ravenswood Hospital and Community Counseling Centers of Chicago. He has experience working with severely emotionally disturbed (SED) children and adolescents as well as working with court-ordered DUI offenders. He has worked in the private practice setting since 2005, offering individual, couples, and family counseling.
My name is Dahiana Prokop. I am a bilingual (English & Spanish) board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who began working in the mental health field in 2008 as a Registered Nurse in the Adult and Geriatric inpatient units at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago, IL. I received my Master of Science in Nursing degree from East Tennessee State University College of Nursing in Johnson City, TN, and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing.
I am passionate about providing open-minded, empathetic, and comprehensive mental health care and substance use/abuse services to individuals across the lifespan. I follow evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observations, and intuition while relying on the principles of Holistic Care (whole person: mind, body, & spirit) and Mindfulness (non-judging, patience, fully present, trust, acceptance, letting go, & gratitude). It's my belief that building a strong therapeutic relationship with both clients and their families is essential to good and safe outcomes. I strive to provide a safe space where clients can be their full and most authentic selves, and I actively adapt to the needs of each client, developing individualized treatment plans based on client goals and desired outcomes.
As an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), my role includes but is not limited to being an educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and scientist. I provide various services such as psychiatric evaluations, medication prescriptions, medication monitoring/management, clinical collaboration, and patient/family education. I look forward to being part of your support team.
My name is Davena Beal. I began working in the mental health field in 1998 as a Registered Nurse in the Adolescent Inpatient Program at the Psychiatric Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN. In 2001, I moved to Chicago and began working as a Registered Nurse at Rush University Medical Center in the Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit. In 2016, I completed my Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree through Rush University College of Nursing and then began my career as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Comprehensive Clinical Services.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Dennis Keppeler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who obtained his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Chicago. Dennis has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. Dennis has a special interest in working with youth and young adults, and he integrates a variety of techniques and interventions, including Mindfulness Meditation and aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to provide support to his clients.
My name is Dinapoles Galvan. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, so I am bilingual in Spanish. I first came to the United States in 2003. I have been very fortunate to have met great mentors, like CCS Founder Dr. Martinez, that have allowed me to be in the position to help others. I am passionate about caring for underserved communities through compassion and empathy, and I look forward to supporting all of my clients and their families through their journey.
My education and training include: Associate's degree in Nursing from Wilbur Wright College in Chicago, IL; Bachelor's degree in Nursing form Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL; Master's degree in Nursing Education from Chamberlain University in Addison, IL; Post-graduate certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Doctoral degree in Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. I started my journey in mental health in 2012 as a Registered Nurse at a mental health inpatient unit for children and adolescents in Chicago. Since then, I have worked in various roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Nurse Faculty, Military Nursing, Dean of Nursing, Nurse Manager and now as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Aamir Safdar is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at the Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, and then went on to do a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Institute of Juvenile Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Safdar enjoys working with patients from all age groups but has a particular interest in the younger population. He uses the biopsychosocial model in his treatment approach. He has a global cultural perspective with his work history in countries including the USA, Canada, Great Britain, and Pakistan.
Dr. Andrea Bacon desires to see people living abundant, thriving lives. For those suffering from overwhelming emotional issues, this is difficult to do. Time, relationships, opportunities, and money are often lost due to the negative impact overwhelming emotions have on a person's life. Dr. Bacon has seen amazing results in people's lives through the evaluation and evidence-based treatment of these issues. Treatment often includes medication, therapy, medical evaluation, and psychosocial interventions. Dr. Bacon spends time with patients to assess medication effectiveness. She enjoys collaborating with other treatment providers to help patients recover. She is culturally agile and respectful of people's faith backgrounds.
Dr. Bacon attended Meharry Medical College where she graduated with honors. She completed her general psychiatry residency at the Ohio State University and her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Northwestern University. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Craig Kestenberg has enjoyed treating people of all ages and walks of life with their psychiatric issues since 2001. He is board-certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Kestenberg enjoys providing patients and their family members with the most appropriate patient-centered treatment options, which is based on his great medical knowledge from past training, continuing education, and a variety of clinical experiences.
His areas of clinical interest are fairly expansive and span the gamut of emotional issues that often manifest during the childhood and adolescent years. He often readily assists other physicians in order to provide the best care for patients, whether they are children, adolescents, or adults.
In addition to working in a private practice setting, Dr. Kestenberg looks forward to working in different community mental health settings. He also enjoys continuing to provide inpatient care and performing consultative work as a staff physician within the Edward Hospital and Linden Oaks Hospital system since 2011. He also has a zest for teaching and mentoring medical students.
Job Titles:
- President and Founder of Comprehensive Clinical Services
Dr. Daniel B. Martinez is the President and Founder of Comprehensive Clinical Services, P.C. He is Board Certified in adult and child psychiatry. He has also been certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University in 1990. He graduated in 1995 from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine and completed his training in child psychiatry at Northwestern Children's Memorial Hospital in 2000. He served as Medical Director for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois from 2001 to 2017.
Dr. Martinez has a faculty appointment as an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is the former Chair of the Child and Adolescent Committee for the Illinois Psychiatric Society (IPS). He participates on the IPS Telepsychiatry Committee and has been providing telemedicine for over 10 years. He belongs to numerous civic and professional organizations and has received many awards recognizing his contributions in many areas of service and academic achievement. He is a member of the Council on Minority and Mental Health Disparities for the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Martinez is the first author of the APA position statement, in review, of how the U.S. government should deal with a detained immigrant who has a mental illness. His main areas of interest include ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Psychiatry and the Law, Community Psychiatry, and Cultural and Spiritual issues in treatment.
Dr. Marjorie Girotti-Radzak is a Clinical Psychologist who earned both her master's degree in Counseling Psychology (with a concentration in Latino mental health) and her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
As a bilingual psychologist (Spanish/English), Dr. Girotti-Radzak enjoys working with a culturally diverse range of individuals across the lifespan and with varying concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive difficulties, bereavement, low self-esteem, emotional and/or behavioral regulation difficulties, identity stressors (race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion/spirituality, ability status, and sexual orientation), parenting stressors, and relational issues. She provides psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families.
As an integrative relational psychologist, Dr. Girotti-Radzak believes cultivating a strong therapeutic relationship is essential and is committed to providing a safe, supportive, collaborative, and non-judgmental healing space. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is an animal enthusiast, curious about all things related to psychology, and enjoys the creative arts.
Dr. Sheila C. Rao is a licensed, board certified Psychiatrist. She completed her residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 2003 and has practiced general Psychiatry since then in a variety of clinical settings. Dr. Rao has treated patients in Residential, PHP/IOP, community support programs, as well as outpatient clinics. She provides care for both acute and chronic mental health issues. Dr. Rao focuses on treating adult patients, as well as the elderly.
Dr. Rao strives to create an empathic environment for patients, who face the challenges of life stressors. In addition to providing medication management, her philosophy of care is that every patient has a unique set of circumstances and story that deserves to be heard. She provides an individualized approach to patient care.
I have been in practice for over 35 years and began work with CCS almost 10 years ago. My role at CCS includes working with individuals, families, and couples providing psychotherapeutic intervention. I facilitate CCS monthly Clinical Staff Meetings and also meet with our medical students. These students are performing their rotation in a psychiatric setting. My role is to meet with them, instructing them on our philosophy and belief in working with patients at CCS.
I am proud to be a part of the CCS team. We are a team of professionals that are committed to helping people with mental and emotional issues. In doing this, our mission is to dedicate our work toward upholding the belief that regardless of their problems, all people have dignity and are entitled to our best efforts. We communicate with one another to help clients progress and make the needed changes that bring them resolutions to their difficulties.
Eloisa Rosales is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and obtained a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Chicago in 2007. Eloisa previously worked with the DCFS system as a case manager. She also has experience working in a residential setting for individuals diagnosed with severe mental disorders.
In her current role as a Clinical Therapist, Eloisa provides treatment to children, adolescents, and adults. Eloisa is bilingual and bi-cultural (Spanish) however, she does provide therapy services to individuals of other ethnic backgrounds. Eloisa has facilitated several social skills groups with adolescents and adults. She has provided various workshops for parents including violence prevention, bullying, and parenting skills. Eloisa works very closely with families in order to educate them on mental disorders and how they can provide supportive services for their loved ones.
My name is Irma Funes and I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am originally from Puerto Rico and am fluent in Spanish. I received a Master's degree in Nursing with a Psychiatry specialty (Advanced Practice Nurse) from North Park University and a Master's degree (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) from Maryville University. I have over 25 years of healthcare experience and have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of disorders.
Job Titles:
- Board Certified Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Jacalyn Saracco is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received her Master of Science degree from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, in Peoria, IL. Jacalyn has several years of experience in Psychiatric Nursing, both in inpatient and outpatient settings, working with Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Geriatric Populations.
Jacalyn provides thorough evaluations in order to make the proper diagnosis and provide the best treatment options. Diagnoses may include, but are not limited to, Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Substance Abuse Disorders.
Jacalyn provides various services such as psychiatric evaluations, prescribing of psychotropic medications, medication monitoring and education. Jacalyn also collaborates with other providers and physicians in order to address the clients' needs to offer the best possible care.
Job Titles:
- Certified Physician Assistant
Jessica Lepe is a certified physician assistant. She received a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Dominican University in December 2018. Prior to that, she received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Jessica completed a clinical rotation at CCS during her training in physician assistant school and was drawn to the empathetic relationships between patients and their providers.
Upon finishing school, she decided to pursue a career in mental health. Jessica strives to make a personalized connection with each patient in an effort to find the best-individualized treatment. She is fluent in Spanish.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder of Chicago Voyagers
Jorge de Leon is a bilingual/bicultural (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). He holds a Professional Educational License (PEL) and has been working in education for over 20 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from Loyola University.
Jorge has extensive experience working with adolescents and he has experience working with individual adults and families who struggle with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, behavioral difficulties, relationship issues, and life challenges that impact daily functioning. He has experience in connecting people's spiritual dynamics as they align in their lives. He uses a psychoanalytic, client-centered, and strengths-based approach.
Jorge is the Co-founder of Chicago Voyagers, which has provided him with 15 years of volunteering within an outdoor experiential organization; he values and has knowledge of how people are positively impacted and changed by such experiences. Jorge's clinical skills and empathetic manner allow him to engage effectively with people, supporting their self-determination to achieve identified outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Kim Heil is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families.
Kim is a warm integrative psychotherapist who uses traditional and evidence-based interventions. She combines this approach with therapies that integrate mindfulness practice and principles for a specialized approach to meet individual needs and achieve desired outcomes.
Kim works with individuals struggling with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, and life transition challenges. Specialties include empowering individuals to overcome obstacles to improve relationships, increase self-esteem, cope with grief and loss, and change habits that get in the way of being your best self.
My name is Kristina M. Schaefer and I am a board certified Physician Assistant. I received my Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant studies from Touro University in Henderson, Nevada in 2011. Prior to that, I received my Bachelor degree in Molecular Biochemistry from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois. I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and have spent my entire career in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Throughout my career, I have worked in multiple fields of medicine, but all fields have one factor in common: everyone needs help in life. I am happy that my path has brought me into the mental health field. I find that to understand someone, it takes the willingness to listen. I treat all patients as I would want to be treated and think it is important to involve a patient in their own care. I love the innovations and breakthroughs there have been in medication management in the mental health field, but also know that medication is not always needed nor the answer. Sometimes, the solution is to work through the struggles in life and learn coping mechanisms instead.
With working in different fields of medicine, I have seen a lot of traumatic experiences people have survived. This has given me a deeper understanding of what can be done to help someone battling such trauma. I also have a passion for working with patients that have addictions, bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ADHD, mood disorders and schizophrenia. There is a lot of hard work needed to heal. I look forward to joining your journey and helping you find peace in your life.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Lariza Fenner is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). She has worked with people across the lifespan and has helped children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with mental illness, community violence, substance use disorders, and early relational trauma. She uses a collaborative and reflective approach in which the patient and therapist co-create the process of change. Lariza believes that people know themselves and their experiences very well, so she seeks to create a place where clients can be empowered to find the change they want in their lives.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Professional Counselor
Maria Valdez is a bilingual/bicultural (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Her background includes treating clients of all ages that have mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addictions, and family systemic difficulties.
Maria is committed to offering a supportive, non-judgmental environment in helping individuals, couples, and families improve their quality of life.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Professional Counselor
Mercedes Moreira Mayo is a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She completed her MA in Humanistic Body-Oriented Psychotherapy at Institute Integra and a BA in Psychology at Universidad Iberoamericana of Mexico City.
Mercedes has an integrative and culturally sensitive approach, in which the mind, body, spirit/soul/core, electric impulses, and relationships are interrelated as to who we are as a person. Her objective as a psychotherapist is to walk by your side and support you in this journey that is called life; to help you rediscover yourself, your needs, and what works for you; to be a support as you make any changes that you need, to process life events, and to shine as big as possible being your best self.
Mercedes works with adults and adolescents and addresses a wide variety of issues, such as: anxiety, depression, trauma, violence, cultural barriers, family and relationship problems, somatic affections, self-esteem, and grief.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience providing psychotherapeutic interventions in clinical, educational, and ministerial settings.
My principal focus has been providing supportive interventions to children, adolescents, and their families. I have a client-centered, cognitive-behavioral approach that identifies strengths and assets in order to address problems. I also work with adults and couples addressing a wide range of concerns, including relational conflict, anxiety, and the effects of trauma. I have expertise in guiding individuals that are searching and responding to the spiritual dynamics in their lives.
I received my Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Jane Addams College of Social Work, and my Master of Divinity (MDiv) from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. I have a Master's Degree in Education from NEIU and hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) to work as a school social worker as well as a school administrator. I have ten years of experience working in ministry, ten years of experience working as a school social worker, and seven years of experience working as a middle school administrator.
Rachel Mikula is a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, and life transitions. As an integrative, relational therapist, Rachel uses a collaborative, strength-based approach to promote and support healing, growth, and change in each unique individual.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ralph Romero is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and is a well-rounded therapist with experience in treating adults and children suffering from trauma, bereavement, and major mental illness. He also has extensive experience working with families and with people who are recovering from substance dependence. In addition to inpatient and outpatient mental health experience, Ralph has also worked with individuals and families in crisis. Ralph's approach to therapy is based on the strengths perspective and focused on motivating individuals to rediscover inner strengths to deal with life's challenges and adapt to changes.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Sophia Papageorge-Karvelas is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, and a Licensed Massage Therapist. She completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Professional Psychology at Roosevelt University and has a Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Studies. She is fluent in Greek and provides secular and Christian counseling.
Sophia has worked with children, couples, families, and adults across a range of mental health issues in both community health and private practice settings. While at the Hellenic Foundation, Sophia provided counseling and psycho-educational groups among a vast multi-cultural and socioeconomic population. She also assisted in various case management services like SSD, SSI, public aid, and immigration. In her private practice experience, she enjoys helping people navigate life adjustments, overcome dependencies, and make positive changes for better success.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Stephanie Lilly is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and her approach is holistic, allowing for individualized treatment plans that are supported by evidence-based techniques. She focuses on building a trusting, therapeutic relationship with clients to provide the optimal environment for positive change. She has advanced training in play therapy and behavioral modification therapy that brings excellent results while working with young children and their parents. She also works with adolescents and young adults struggling with self-injury, suicidal ideation, and mood disorders. Stephanie also enjoys working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
I am a bilingual/bicultural (Polish) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have been working in the Mental Health Field since 2013. I obtained my Master's Degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University Chicago. I have experience working with clients from age 5 into adulthood in a mental health community agency. I believe that one of my roles as a therapist is to help clients develop an increased self-awareness as they are the experts of their own lives. Each person is unique and different, and I work collaboratively with my clients to provide them with individualized attention, empathy, and competent treatment. I strive to create a comfortable and safe environment where clients can be vulnerable, open, and honest without judgment. I work with individuals who are experiencing life challenges, depression, anxiety, work-related stressors, self-esteem issues, mood disorders, and struggles in their interpersonal relationships. I utilize multiple approaches to help clients get through their challenges. Hours (Virtual) Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM