Meet Our Staff

Our Dedicated Team

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About us

Meet our dedicated team of professionals, ready to help you begin your healing journey.

Our Trusted team

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Ashley Johnnies, LCSW CEO/Clinical Director

I consider myself a generalist and want to try and help as many people as possible.

I’m a therapist who believes in meeting you exactly where you are.

Therapy with me is collaborative—I aim to create a space where you feel safe, empowered, and truly heard.

My approach is flexible, client-centered, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life. I take the time to get to know you before diving into any specific therapeutic method, so we can build trust and find what works best for you. I was inspired to become a therapist by someone who deeply impacted my own life. Now, I’m passionate about showing up for others in that same way. I love this work and bring my full energy, empathy, and commitment to every session.

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Gina Kozar, LSW Therapist

I have lived in the Lake County area for 34 years. I received my Masters in Social Work from Aurora University in 2023. My path to becoming a therapist came later in life, after years of personal growth, life experience, and witnessing firsthand how powerful it can be to have someone truly listen.

I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion,

understanding, and practical strategies for growth. My approach blends evidence-based techniques with a warm, client-centered style, creating a safe and supportive space for self-discovery and healing.

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Jenny Silvana Therapist

I earned my Master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Through my education and training, I have worked with a variety of clients and gained experience using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I especially enjoy supporting adolescents and young adults in navigating stress, anxiety, and depression, and helping them develop coping skills that allow them to feel more in control of their emotions and daily life.

I believe in creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard and understood. My goal is to walk alongside each person on their journey of growth, healing, and building resilience. I am passionate about empowering people to discover their strengths and to take meaningful steps toward living a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy listening to music, watching cartoons, spending time in nature, and finding simple ways to relax and recharge. These hobbies help me stay grounded and bring a sense of creativity and joy to my life, which I also love to share with the people I work with.