Meet the Team
Areta Wasiunec, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Areta is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Areta graduated from Saint Xavier University in Chicago with a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology, and went on to receive her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
Areta has experience working in the inpatient behavioral health setting as well as the outpatient counseling setting. Areta has experience working with adolescents, adults and families. She has experience working with a variety of diagnoses and symptoms, including, but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief, conflict, behavioral issues, emotional issues, and relationship issues. She has worked with clients who have extensive trauma histories and has utilized a multitude of trauma programs with her clients.
Areta views mental health as one part of the puzzle piece and has a passion for helping clients implement healthy lifestyle choices into their daily lives. She believes taking control over one's life takes courage, but with the right tools, anything can be possible.
Rick Recera, Licensed Professional Counselor, MACC, CADC
In our journey towards finding the meaning of life, we stumble into different levels of challenges. On several occasions, we might find ourselves at the crossroads of doubt, despair, confusion, sadness, and hatred. I believe when we cannot find the answers on our own, it is okay to talk about what we are going through and seek help.
Rachel Bertrand, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Rachel graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a Bachelor's degree in English, Secondary Education. She went on to receive her Master's degree in Counseling from Roosevelt University. Rachel taught English at Palatine High School and then was a Guidance Counselor at Hoffman Estates High School. While working with high school students, Rachel gained experience working with adolescents and their families on a variety of areas including: anxiety, depression, teen pregnancy, gaining social/emotional skills, study/organizational skills, goal-setting, and career planning. Rachel also worked at Harper College in their Academic Success Services meeting one-on-one with students for sessions on time management, executive functioning skills, and motivation.
Rachel believes in the integration of body, mind, and spirit. She is a Certified 250h Holy Yoga instructor. She also has a one year certification in Spiritual Direction. She currently has a Level 1 Reiki attunement and is working towards Level 2 attunement. Overall, Rachel would like to offer clients a holistic counseling experience that meets them where they are at and supports them body, mind, and spirit.
Krissy Bergles, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Krissy Bergles is a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Earning a Bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University, Krissy has worked for the last 10 years as a school social worker in a south suburban high school. While working as a high school social worker, Krissy has gained experience working with adolescents and their families on a variety of areas including; anxiety, depression, substance abuse issues, gaining greater self-awareness, social/emotional issues, executive functioning skills, and decision making skills. Overall Krissy would like to offer assistance to clients in a safe and comfortable environment to work towards achieving their goals.
Judith Legorreta, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Judith is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) focused on collaborating with individuals to strive for balance in their life. She has received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Judith received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University in Chicago, Illinois.
Judith has experience working with families, children, adolescents, and young adults by providing a space for individuals and families to process through different life experiences including trauma, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. She strives to promote the overall wellbeing of individuals by empowering them to lead authentic lives. Judith has experience working with individuals that are exploring different aspects of their identity, cultural backgrounds and next steps in life. Judith is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Judith leads therapy in a non-judgemental, goal-oriented way for individuals to gain awareness about their previous attitudes, beliefs and lifestyle choices that led them to the present. By learning from the past, one can learn how to make lasting changes in their life.
Kailee Falvo, Licensed Social Worker
Kailee is a dedicated and compassionate social worker that holds a degree in Social Work from UW-Whitewater and earned her Masters at Aurora University. With over 5 years of experience in District 54 as a School Social Worker, she specializes in
working with individuals ranging from ages 3 to 25.
She possesses an LSW certification and is well-versed in addressing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD-related disorders. However, what truly sets her apart is her ability to connect with clients.
Comfort and relaxation for her clients is a priority for Kaillee, recognizing that a strong connection and trust are foundational to successful therapy. She strives to build strong and meaningful relationships with those she works with, ensuring that they feel heard, valued, and supported.
Kailee firmly believes that the client is the expert in their own life, and as a clinician, her role is to empower them with the tools and support they need. To foster a positive therapeutic environment, Kailee skillfully incorporates humor into her sessions, understanding that a touch of laughter can be a powerful tool for healing and building strong relationships.
Melisa Roberts (she/her/hers), Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Melisa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is inspired that you have begun the search to find support for yourself or loved one, as seeking therapy is a vulnerable step. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois–Chiacgo Jane Addams. Melisa spent several years as a school social worker in a therapeutic elementary school prior to working as a high school social worker in a western suburb for the last 15 giving her ample experience with children, adolescents, and families from a variety of demographics. Through her work as a school social worker, Melisa has gained experience working with children/adolescents and their families in a variety of areas including: anxiety, depression, substance abuse issues, gaining greater self-awareness, social/emotional issues, executive functioning skills, decision making skills, Autism/Spectrum, and LGBTQ. Melisa is excited to meet her clients where they are at and to create a safe space for individuals, family and groups on their journey.
Areta is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Areta graduated from Saint Xavier University in Chicago with a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology, and went on to receive her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
Areta has experience working in the inpatient behavioral health setting as well as the outpatient counseling setting. Areta has experience working with adolescents, adults and families. She has experience working with a variety of diagnoses and symptoms, including, but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief, conflict, behavioral issues, emotional issues, and relationship issues. She has worked with clients who have extensive trauma histories and has utilized a multitude of trauma programs with her clients.
Areta views mental health as one part of the puzzle piece and has a passion for helping clients implement healthy lifestyle choices into their daily lives. She believes taking control over one's life takes courage, but with the right tools, anything can be possible.
Rick Recera, Licensed Professional Counselor, MACC, CADC
In our journey towards finding the meaning of life, we stumble into different levels of challenges. On several occasions, we might find ourselves at the crossroads of doubt, despair, confusion, sadness, and hatred. I believe when we cannot find the answers on our own, it is okay to talk about what we are going through and seek help.
Rachel Bertrand, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Rachel graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a Bachelor's degree in English, Secondary Education. She went on to receive her Master's degree in Counseling from Roosevelt University. Rachel taught English at Palatine High School and then was a Guidance Counselor at Hoffman Estates High School. While working with high school students, Rachel gained experience working with adolescents and their families on a variety of areas including: anxiety, depression, teen pregnancy, gaining social/emotional skills, study/organizational skills, goal-setting, and career planning. Rachel also worked at Harper College in their Academic Success Services meeting one-on-one with students for sessions on time management, executive functioning skills, and motivation.
Rachel believes in the integration of body, mind, and spirit. She is a Certified 250h Holy Yoga instructor. She also has a one year certification in Spiritual Direction. She currently has a Level 1 Reiki attunement and is working towards Level 2 attunement. Overall, Rachel would like to offer clients a holistic counseling experience that meets them where they are at and supports them body, mind, and spirit.
Krissy Bergles, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Krissy Bergles is a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Earning a Bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University, Krissy has worked for the last 10 years as a school social worker in a south suburban high school. While working as a high school social worker, Krissy has gained experience working with adolescents and their families on a variety of areas including; anxiety, depression, substance abuse issues, gaining greater self-awareness, social/emotional issues, executive functioning skills, and decision making skills. Overall Krissy would like to offer assistance to clients in a safe and comfortable environment to work towards achieving their goals.
Judith Legorreta, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Judith is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) focused on collaborating with individuals to strive for balance in their life. She has received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Judith received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University in Chicago, Illinois.
Judith has experience working with families, children, adolescents, and young adults by providing a space for individuals and families to process through different life experiences including trauma, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. She strives to promote the overall wellbeing of individuals by empowering them to lead authentic lives. Judith has experience working with individuals that are exploring different aspects of their identity, cultural backgrounds and next steps in life. Judith is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Judith leads therapy in a non-judgemental, goal-oriented way for individuals to gain awareness about their previous attitudes, beliefs and lifestyle choices that led them to the present. By learning from the past, one can learn how to make lasting changes in their life.
Kailee Falvo, Licensed Social Worker
Kailee is a dedicated and compassionate social worker that holds a degree in Social Work from UW-Whitewater and earned her Masters at Aurora University. With over 5 years of experience in District 54 as a School Social Worker, she specializes in
working with individuals ranging from ages 3 to 25.
She possesses an LSW certification and is well-versed in addressing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD-related disorders. However, what truly sets her apart is her ability to connect with clients.
Comfort and relaxation for her clients is a priority for Kaillee, recognizing that a strong connection and trust are foundational to successful therapy. She strives to build strong and meaningful relationships with those she works with, ensuring that they feel heard, valued, and supported.
Kailee firmly believes that the client is the expert in their own life, and as a clinician, her role is to empower them with the tools and support they need. To foster a positive therapeutic environment, Kailee skillfully incorporates humor into her sessions, understanding that a touch of laughter can be a powerful tool for healing and building strong relationships.
Melisa Roberts (she/her/hers), Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Melisa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is inspired that you have begun the search to find support for yourself or loved one, as seeking therapy is a vulnerable step. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois–Chiacgo Jane Addams. Melisa spent several years as a school social worker in a therapeutic elementary school prior to working as a high school social worker in a western suburb for the last 15 giving her ample experience with children, adolescents, and families from a variety of demographics. Through her work as a school social worker, Melisa has gained experience working with children/adolescents and their families in a variety of areas including: anxiety, depression, substance abuse issues, gaining greater self-awareness, social/emotional issues, executive functioning skills, decision making skills, Autism/Spectrum, and LGBTQ. Melisa is excited to meet her clients where they are at and to create a safe space for individuals, family and groups on their journey.