Staff
Whether you're looking for a 50-minute therapy session to fit into your day (in the office or virtual), after school hours for the kiddos, critical support for your teen... maybe you're ready to get to know yourself better, or dive deeply into issues that have been with you from family-of-origin... maybe you're new to talk therapy or maybe you've tried it all and are ready to explore our ketamine options... we've got a unique staff with the education, experience and passion to meet you where you are... and help you walk forward into your life more empowered and encouraged.
~ Browse our bios below ~
and let us know if you'd like a free 15-minute consultation call
Getting matched with the right therapist is a big part of starting therapy that lasts
RICHARD CLARK, CRNA, APRN
Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Approach
As a healthcare professional who has seen great need and great opportunity in addressing mental health, my deep-seated passion lies in helping individuals embrace a more comprehensive approach to their overall well-being. I believe in the power of various elements, including diet, mindfulness, exercise, meditation, and targeted strategies such as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) to enhance one's health and vitality.
What truly inspires me is witnessing the incredible transformation of individuals who, after enduring years of suffering, manage to break free from the shackles of depression, pain, and despair. Ketamine treatments in conjunction with the assistance of a professional therapist has been a tremendous tool in helping facilitate these breakthroughs, particularly ones clients never thought were possible for them.
Training
I am a Board Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). My educational journey includes a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a Masters of Biology with a specialization in anesthesia from the University of Missouri. I am also a proud member of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, & Practitioners (ASKP3), and I hold the designation of a Certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Provider through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.
Rick is our team’s prescriber for our Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy program. He works with clients to assess their appropriateness for Ketamine and manages the medical side of our KAP program. [You can also find Rick at AyaFusion Ketamine in Downers Grove.]
BINITA M. DONOHUE, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Approach
When it comes to making changes in life, getting from Point A to Point B is often not a linear process. The journey toward our hopes and goals often involves diving into uncharted seas. Therapy can help you face those waters, anchor in your values, and learn about yourself and the systems in which you live.
Binita believes that therapy is a collaborative process that includes both support and challenge. She has deep knowledge of trauma and incorporates trauma-focused and trauma-informed approaches in her counseling. Her integrative, multimodal approach helps people uncover their true and full identities in all aspects of their lives.
James Baldwin writes: “History is not our past. It is our present. We carry our history with us. We are our history.” As an immigrant to the United States, Binita understands that, with or without our permission, race and culture have profound impacts on our lives. Exploring the unspoken scripts and expectations that come from those identities can lead to transformational experiences of growth and wellness.
Binita loves thinking about ideas and their connection to the mind, body and spirit of people.
Credentials
She currently is on faculty at Loyola School of Social Work and the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice at University of Chicago. Binita also provides clinical supervision and consultation to Post-MSW students seeking licensure.
[BINITA only accepts self-pay clients at $185/hr; available in-person or virtual]
REIGN ERICKSON, LSW
Psychotherapist
Approach
I am a compassionate and engaged therapist who focuses on working with children and adolescents. I have experience working with kids as young as 4 years old, and employ methods rooted in developmental insights and biological sensitivity. When you do therapy with me, you will be able to see my values of all people having strengths, resilience, and worth. And I am honored to aid with healing and authentic growth.
My approaches to therapy include mindfulness, body regulation, play therapy, and DBT. My expertise encompasses trauma, crisis intervention, and addressing domestic violence. I am interested in working with those who are eager to understand themselves, family dynamics and patterns, and collaboratively discover their path to growth.
Training
I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and received my Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and my Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Indiana University Bloomington. I am currently working towards my clinical social work licensure (LCSW). I use the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, a developmentally-informed and biologically-respectful approach, when working with children.
Reign also acts as our Intake Administrator. We're happy to have her take your calls and Contact Form inquiries and help get your matched to an available therapist.
[REIGN works with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, CIGNA/Evernorth and self-pay; available in-person or virtual]
GRACE HARRINGTON, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Approach
Warmth, compassion, education and curiosity are values that drive me as a therapist and a person. I focus on developing a safe relationship so we can openly and honestly explore the issues that brought you or your loved one to therapy. This foundation of trust aids our work together towards resolution. I use humor and empathy often, as I believe both laughter and difficult emotions are important parts of the human experience for healing.
My areas of interest include life transitions, body image, anxiety, depression, relational struggles, difficult family dynamics, exploring religious and spiritual identity and difficulties created by racism or other trauma. I work with those age 12 and up. I use the therapeutic approaches of DBT, ACT, and CBT to give you direct tools to manage. I use Internal Family Systems theory, Trauma-Informed Care, and Systems Theory to help you understand yourself more fully to move towards growth and fuller living.
Training
I received my Masters in Social Work in 2019 with a Clinical specialization and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have extensive experience leading groups for young adults requiring a higher level of care.
[GRACE: in-network w/ Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, CIGNA/Evernorth, United Healthcare; available in-person or virtual]
MARIANA MARTINEZ, LCPC
Psychotherapist
Approach
I am passionate about supporting those beginning their journey of healing. I am a bilingual-bicultural psychotherapist, who promotes interpersonal growth, while focusing on strengths and resilience.
I take an existential, client-centered approach when working with individuals. This allows me to support clients in understanding their human nature and experience, which at times can be overwhelming, resulting in depression and anxiety. Bringing a safe, open and connected space to the counseling room is a key factor in therapy. I work well with those who have a strong desire to understand themselves and their experiences.
Training
I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
[MARIANA: in-network w/ Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA/Evernorth, United Healthcare; available for virtual sessions only]
SARAH PEREZ, LCPC
Psychotherapist
Approach
Life can be full of overwhelming challenges. Through therapy I can help you overcome these struggles and work towards meeting your own personal goals, improving your quality of life. I work with individuals and families (ages 12 and up) who are looking for symptom relief, personal growth, or to improve their relationships.
I have experience treating a wide range of presenting issues including managing and reducing anxiety, stress, and depression, improving self-esteem, processing grief, loss, or trauma, addressing relationship challenges, managing adjustment difficulties, and making healthy lifestyle changes.
My approach to therapy is integrative and collaborative to meet the individual needs of each client. I draw from several treatment models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Mindfulness concepts, Family Systems, and a strength-based, client-centered approach to promote emotional healing, healthy skill building, and sustainable change.
Training
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and received my Masters in Counseling from Illinois State University.
[SARAH: in-network w/ Blue Cross Blue Shield; available for virtual sessions only]
WENDY ROMAN
Therapist
Approach
We often find ourselves feeling overwhelmed because life is happening way too fast and hitting us way too hard. Finding someone to talk to, and that you trust, can be difficult. I have experience working with children, youth, and adults who have experienced trauma. My areas of interest include anxiety, trauma, and grief.
My approach to therapy is meeting the individual client where they are by providing them with a safe and confidential space to express themselves. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. I believe clients have the power to change and grow when getting the assistance they need to improve their emotional well-being.
Training
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at National Louis University. I received my bachelor’s degree in Human Services from National Louis University.
[WENDY works with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, CIGNA/Evernorth and self-pay]
MANDY ROSS, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Approach
I provide support for adults and adolescents who struggle with symptoms related to ADHD, such as Executive Functioning, and Self-Regulation. I am also available to work with adults who may be living with a person with ADHD (e.g. child or partner) and are looking for skills and strategies for the home environment as well as emotional support for their own journey.
I am passionate about overall wellness and believe that the connection between emotional, mental, and physical health is a tight braid in which each strand blends into the next and the strength of one affects the strength of the whole. I encourage mindfulness, movement, and self-care and challenge clients to recognize and combat negative thinking patterns.
Training
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master degree from Jane Addams College of Social Work at UIC. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Sociology from Northwestern University as well as 18 hours of Secondary Health Education from Northeastern University.
In addition to my academic work, I am a licensed School Social Worker and have experience supervising Master level interns for Social Work. Areas in which I have sought additional training to improve my practice include: ADHD, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gender Identity, Anti-Racism, and Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm. I am also a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).
[MANDY: in-network w/ Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA/Evernorth, United Healthcare; available for virtual sessions only]
AUTUMN STARKS, LCSW
Founder and Psychotherapist
Approach
As you're looking for a therapist you might be wondering how do I know if this person can really help me? Will they get me? Fit is so important when seeking to begin therapy, so let me share who I am a good fit for as a therapist.
Clients who benefit most from my approach are smart, capable and insightful. They tend to be deep thinkers/feelers, who, despite all their strengths, still struggle with their mood, stress or just "making sense of it all." Together we use an approach to therapy that is calm and meditative one moment and playfully refreshing the next. My clients are down to do the deep work of self-exploration and aren't afraid to laugh and find joy in the process.
I love joining with clients (either online or in person) and bearing witness to their growth and development. You won't hear me dispensing answers or advice, but I will continue to invite you into a process of self-discovery and curiosity. That way you will be able make decisions that align with the core of who you are.
I work especially well with those who are experiencing a change or questioning of their faith or religious beliefs. I am committed to creating a neutral space for you to uncover your own wisdom in the realm of spirituality.
In addition to traditional therapy, I provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through a partnership with an area infusion clinic. Ketamine is an evidenced-based treatment approach for those with Major Depressive Disorders, as well as anxiety and PTSD. If you have any questions about Ketamine treatment and if it could be a good fit for you, please reach out.
Training
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and received my Masters of Social Work from Boston University. I received my Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from Hope College in Holland, Michigan.
In addition to my academic studies, I have pursued training in Internal Family System (IFS Level 2 Graduate), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and other creative/expressive therapies. I have a special clinical interest in Complex PTSD and other disorders resulting from religious trauma and spiritual abuse. I am certified in Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.
[AUTUMN only accepts self-pay clients at $200/hr or see Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy price sheet; available in-person or virtual for Illinois residents]
MICHELLE TAUFMANN, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Approach
I have had the privilege of working as a therapist in private practice for the past eight years, specializing in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Taking an eclectic approach to therapy, I incorporate a range of techniques, including body-based/somatic practices, mindfulness, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Over the years, I've accumulated extensive training and personal experience in mindfulness and meditation. My journey has led me to work with meditation and spiritual teachers across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. This deepens my understanding of the profound benefits these practices can offer.
Training
My formal education includes a Master of Arts degree from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago, as well as an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. More recent training has centered around psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with an emphasis on ketamine treatments alongside the power of therapy to address often more difficult cases of anxiety and depression. It can also be a tool toward opening a greater path toward mindfulness and improving the overall quality of life.
Michelle is a part of the Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy team at Starks Therapy Group. She is available for Ketamine related services including KAP, preparation and integration services.
JEN ALDRICH
Administrative Assistant
Really happy to be here, supporting clients coming in seeking therapy for themselves or a loved one. And supporting a team of clinicians who are capable, compassionate, equipped and ready to meet you where you are in those moments. A right connection at the right time can be so powerful.
I am here to help navigate the billing and insurance process. And work with our website, social media, and other places that work like a front door in today’s world.