Meet the team - S R AND R COUNSELING

NOW OFFERING EMDR VIRTUALLY AND IN PERSON!!

Susan Ryan-Michalak, Founder, CEO, Clinical Director, Advocate, Counselor, Supervisor, MA, LCPC, NCC, LBS1, EMDR Trained Clinician

Susan grew up in Chicago and graduated from: De Paul University and Governor's State University, MA

She has a passion in helping others achieve their goals and live better lives.

She holds licenses in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and earned a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling. She worked for years in private practices, schools, residential, emergency settings, partial hospitalization, and advocacy.
She has extensive experience in: depression, anxiety, trauma, adults, adolescents, individual, couples, teens, (cutting, excoriation, hoarding), children, special needs, IEP, 504's, pain, anger, self esteem, binge eating, autism, facilitating groups: DBT, CBT, ACT.

EMDR, ERP therapy, trained, body dysmorphic , anorexia, school refusal, marital issues, divorce, phobias, OCD, academic failure, coping and overcoming childhood fears, adjustment, co-dependency, sexual assault, childhood abuse/trauma, relationship issues, communication, assertiveness, suicidal ideation, sensory processing disorders, and social skills, job stress, bullying, as well as helping parents with special needs children.

Virginia Nachtwey, LPC, CADC

I grew up in Chicago and graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am licensed as a professional counselor, and also certified as an alcohol and drug counselor with over 10 years experience.

I have worked in outpatient and residential care with individuals in the substance use community, dual diagnosis, and behavioral health care for anxiety, depression, substance use, goal-setting, mood disorders, relationship issues, trauma, grief, relapse prevention, core-beliefs, thinking distortions, self-advocacy and problem-solving.

I aspire to client centered and trauma informed care working with motivational interviewing, CBT, solution-focused, stages of change, mindfulness, relaxation and stress reduction. We work together in developing life skills and establishing family and environmental support for a balanced lifestyle.

Laura Kramarz, MS, LCPC, LLC

Laura specializes in ADHD, anxiety, depression, emotional behaviors, and divorce. She is trained in EMDR and works well with children, teens, adults, and families.

Tom Schlieske, LCSW

My approach is to assist clients in developing various ways of dealing with mental/emotional stressors and embrace life transitions. I've specialized in issues pertaining to autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, and divorce.

Thiesha Ricketts, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Thiesha is experienced with working with teens, adults, families and couples as well as working in hospitals.

Cathy Szaflarski, LCSW

I was born and raised on the southside of Chicago. After earning my degree in Early Childhood Education from SIU, I went on to complete my Master’s in Social Work at Governors State University. My career has taken me from schools, where I supported students as a social worker, to the fast-paced environment of the emergency department as a clinician.

I’m dedicated to providing client-centered, trauma-informed care, drawing from techniques like motivational interviewing, CBT, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and stress reduction strategies. I have a strong passion for helping others thrive. Together, we’ll work on building life skills and creating a lifestyle that feels right for you. Let’s work as a team to achieve your goals!

Josefina Reign, LCSW

Josefina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who takes a holistic approach to working with her clients. Josefina is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and is committed to providing her clients with the care and attention they need. She uses Evidence Based practices when working with clients and tailors specific approaches to meet each client's needs. The decision to seek help can be both an intimidating and exciting one. It is a unique journey of enlightenment and healing. This journey is made easier when we have someone who will take it with us. Allow Josefina to embark on that journey with you.

Christina, COO and Co-founder

I grew up in Chicago and graduated from Moraine Valley Community College and Capella University. I am also a certified grief/life coach and medical biller, studying to be an LCPC. In addition and most importantly, I am your claims and insurance liaison, advocating for you!

Kibibi Jordan, MS, MBA, LCPC, NCC

I have had the pleasure to work with diverse populations of different cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientation and genders that exhibit a wide range of presenting issues. I find counseling as a true calling to assist individuals in enhancing their quality of life. It is a true honor to me to become a part of my client's lives as a partner to success toward their ultimate goals.

Mustafa Jabri, Licensed Professional Counselor

I am a client centered clinician focused on therapeutic relationships. I am fluent in Arabic and working with Middle Eastern and similar cultural demographics is in alignment with personal cultural experiences where I hope to help couples or families from those cultures find answers to their issues. I am open to working with men’s issues (sexual, marital/relationships, career,) athletes needing motivation for competitive events or recovering from injuries.

Trust is an integral part of my relationship with clients. Throughout our time together clients and I will work together to find solutions or overcome their low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and anger. I also have experience training and working with psychosis, self-harm, and suicidal/homicidal ideation. I implement a CBT modality to build insight on client mental health concerns and support medication management in cooperation with psychotherapy. I am interested in everlasting refinement of my current knowledge while gaining experience in new treatment approaches such as EMDR and ERP to treat trauma-based diagnoses.

Cassie Cipriani, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ms. Cassie Cipriani is an esteemed psychotherapist who offers counseling services virtually and at SR&R Counseling, Inc in Palos Heights, Il. She provides a non-judgmental space for clients to understand their thoughts and emotions.

She specializes in counseling tailored to client's needs and goals through evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Ms. Cipriani focuses on helping them build emotional resilience and achieve personal growth.

Her virtual sessions also allow for accessibility and flexibility for those seeking mental health support. She is well-known for her expertise empathy, and dedication to client-centered care.

Paulette is our Co-founder, Office Manager and Director of Human Resources.

If you need assistance, please call us at (773)796-4048.