FOUNDERS

Clinical Associates

Amy Vree, LCSW

Senior Clinician

Amy graduated from the University of Chicago with a Master's degree in Social Work and earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan. She has extensive clinical experience working with both adult and adolescent populations.

Prior to joining True Mind + Body, Amy worked with underserved, high-risk teenagers, young adults and their families in alternative high school and teen health center settings. She has experience working with clients around anxiety/depression, self-esteem and relationship issues, self-injury, life transitions, trauma and postpartum depression.

Amy believes that the therapeutic relationship is extremely important and works to build a safe, supportive foundation with her clients.  She uses a strength-based approach to help clients break unhealthy patterns, develop more functional coping strategies, create change and to generally feel more comfortable and balanced in their lives.

Becky Novack, M.A.

Becky provides Executive Functioning Coaching as well as Special Education Advocacy for children and adolescents. Becky's goal is to give her clients the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond. She has extensive experience teaching students strategies in getting organized, self-regulation, long term planning, maintaining focus, and in developing the social skills they need to be strong self advocates.  Becky has always had a passion for helping unique learners develop into independent, confident young adults.  Her approach incorporates research based strategies with student centered goal setting to achieve measurable success for all children and adolescents.  

Becky worked as a full-time Special Education teacher for 8 years.  In addition to her University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Becky earned her Masters degree as a Reading Specialist from Concordia University and obtained her graduate education certificate in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education from the American College of Education.

Benjamin Taour, LCPC

Benjamin graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science with a Master of Science in clinical counseling and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Illinois State University.

Benjamin specializes in working with children and adolescents coping with anxiety, depression, substance use/abuse, trauma and interpersonal/familial relationship issues. He has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a wide range of settings, including schools, community health centers, and hospital settings. Benjamin’s clinical approach is grounded in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) while also utilizing a family systems lens. He believes in meeting the client “where they are” and working collaboratively to meet their unique goals. Above all else, he believes the relationship between the therapist and client drives the therapeutic process forward.

In addition to traditional talk therapy, Benjamin specializes in Activity-Based Therapy for children and teenagers who would benefit from therapy in a more active, sporty environment rather than a formal office setting. Activity-Based Therapy takes place in a “sport’s court-like” environment and combines movement-based activities such as playing catch, hoops, soccer, and darts with other psychotherapeutic techniques.

Betsy Rubenstein, LCSW, MS

Senior Clinician

Betsy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Master’s degree in Social Work and Erikson Institute with a Master of Science in Child Development.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Miami University.

Betsy has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in health care, school, and community agency settings.  In her individual and group therapy work, Betsy specializes in self-esteem, peer and family relationships, body image, anxiety/depression, life changes, and the development of healthy coping skills. Betsy’s previous role was the director of children and adolescent programing at a cancer support center. She ran a comprehensive educational and supportive program for children and families affected by illness. Additionally, Betsy was the former Program Director of Girls in the Know, a non-profit organization designed to educate and empower mothers and their pre-teen daughters.

Through her therapeutic approach, Betsy aims to help her clients gain self-awareness and develop the skills to confidently manage future challenges.

Christopher Kelley Daniels, LMSW

Christopher is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) skilled in both expressive therapy and talk therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. He earned a Master of Science in Social Work (Advanced Clinical Practice) from Columbia University's School of Social Work. At The Art of Well-Being, Christopher provides inMotion Therapy, specializing in supporting children and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, post-traumatic stress, and ADHD. At True Mind + Body, he focuses on talk therapy for adolescents and adults seeking support with depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, identity exploration, and substance use. Christopher also has extensive experience providing psychotherapy to LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, offering compassionate and affirming care tailored to their unique needs.

Christopher approaches therapy with the belief that collaboration is key and that there is no singular formula for mental health. He utilizes creative conceptualization, humor, and an integrative approach informed by psycho-dynamic and polyvagal theory to create unique spaces where clients can process their lived experiences, relationships, and identities effectively. His interest in embodiment and creative movement is rooted in his advanced training in Somatic Experiencing, as well as his background in dance, having studied at Joffrey Ballet School and earning certification from London Contemporary Dance School. When clients are interested, Christopher incorporates creative movement as a therapeutic tool, recognizing the power of physicality to enhance self-awareness and healing. His intention in all therapeutic relationships is to empower clients to recognize their expertise of self and identify internal and external resources to support their well-being.

Dana Cohen, LCSW

Dana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelors in Social Work and from University of Illinois at Chicago with a Masters in Social Work. Dana has been practicing Social Work in many different settings such as non-for-profit agencies, community mental health, and therapy clinics.

While Dana has experience working with clients of all ages, her passion and expertise is working with children and adolescents. She specializes in supporting clients coping with anxiety, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, behavioral concerns, self-esteem, trauma, and difficulties developing social skills. Dana incorporates a wide array of play therapy strategies, with a strong emphasis on building trust and rapport through creative and fun interventions that peak the child’s personal interests. Dana views family involvement as pivotal for client progress in order to bridge the gap between skills worked on in therapy sessions with clients’ lives at home and at school. 

Jackie Bernfeld, LCPC

Clinical Supervisor

Jackie is a clinically licensed counselor and art therapist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She received her Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Psychology from Adler University and her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Psychology from Middlebury College.

Prior to joining True Mind + Body, Jackie worked as an Art Therapist in school, hospital, and community agency settings, treating a diverse range of clients. She works with those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, family structure, spectrum disorders, and interpersonal relationships.

Jackie is an integrative therapist and draws from traditional verbal therapy and art therapy, when appropriate, to align with individual needs and preferences. She strives to promote self-reflection and an increased awareness of psychological barriers through CBT and art therapy based interventions while helping clients manage and cope with inter- and intra-personal stressors.

Katie Stempel, Masters Level Clinical Intern

Katie is currently completing her master’s in social work, LMSW, at Loyola University. She previously earned her business degree from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, where she also focused on psychology. Before joining True Mind + Body, Katie gained experience as a clinical social worker intern at a residential home, supporting young adults with various mood disorders. She also has experience working with teens with developmental disabilities, helping them develop social skills through programs focused on physical activity and life skills.

Katie is passionate about supporting children and adults through issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, developmental differences, and trauma. She believes in a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and follows the client’s lead. Using strength-based therapy, narrative therapy, and a systems perspective, Katie meets her clients where they are, helping them achieve their goals.

In her free time, Katie enjoys yoga classes and exploring meditation and mindfulness techniques. She plans to pursue yoga training certification upon graduation to integrate yoga and meditation into her therapeutic practice. As a runner, Katie appreciates the connection between physical activity and mental health, recognizing movement's positive impact on overall wellness.

Laura Campbell, LCSW, PEL, M.A., M.Ed

Laura is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been practicing in various settings for over 20 years, including schools (k-12), police departments, and other inpatient/outpatient settings. She has also been a professor in the behavior sciences and graduate level courses in social work for over 10 years (including at TMB’s Co-Founders’ alma mater, University of Chicago).

Laura has vast experience working with children, adolescents, couples, families, and groups. Her speciality areas include body dysmorphia, eating disorders, social challenges, ADHD, anxiety and other areas that impair the well-being of a developing person. Laura is passionate about creating an empowering clinical relationship that supports clients in building a strong sense of self and increased awareness of their emotional regulation and innate ability to work through issues. Laura utilizes holistic methods such as cognitive behavior therapy, play therapy, family systems approach, narrative therapy and social thinking models to support her clients. 

Laura earned her masters degrees in Social Work and Administration / Education from Loyola University, Chicago, and her bachelors degree in economics at the University of Guelph in Toronto, Canada. Originally from Canada, Laura enjoys living in the Chicagoland area with her three kids She welcomes all clients to her practice.

Mike Gortowski, LCPC, MA, MS

inMotion Program Director

Mike is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who earned his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance from Adler University.

Mike specializes in working with children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation issues, trauma, and transitional and relationship issues. Throughout his career, Mike has experience working with a wide demographic of clients and families that come from a vast array of different backgrounds and experiences. Mike’s clinical approach is grounded in an eclectic philosophy, to better serve the uniqueness and individuality of the clients and families that he serves. His clinical experiences include communicating with clients through inMotion Therapy, directive and non-directive play therapy, narrative therapy, art therapy, music therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and reality therapy.

In addition to counseling, Mike is also an experienced Mental Performance Consultant. Through his work, Mike has helped his clients pursue excellence in sport, exercise, and career through mental skills conditioning. Mike has experience working with clients of all ages and sport backgrounds from college tennis to youth soccer and is driven by the goal of helping his clients discover the best version of their performance and themselves.

Pamela Costis, LCSW

Pamela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Master’s degree in Social Work. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and minor in Psychology from Carthage College.

Pamela specializes in helping teenagers and adults of all ages with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, emotion regulation, and interpersonal issues. Since joining True Mind + Body, Pamela has found a niche in working with young adults adjusting to various life changes, such as end of high school, starting college, life after college, career exploration, dating, and generally transitioning into adulthood. Additionally, Pamela has a special interest and background in helping individuals and families around grief and end-of-life issues and navigation of the healthcare system. Prior to joining True Mind + Body, Pamela received extensive clinical experience in hospitals and hospice and rehabilitation centers. 

Her clinical approach is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy, while also utilizing a systems lens. Pamela believes in meeting her clients where they are at, and using a strengths-based perspective when working with clients to meet their goals. Through her therapeutic approach, Pamela aims to help her clients gain self-awareness, develop healthy coping mechanisms, positively connect with others, and use their learned skills to feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives.

Patrick Geraghty, LCSW

Pat is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulty with emotion regulation, and interpersonal/familial challenges. He has worked with this population in a variety of settings which includes schools, hospitals, and the child welfare system. Pat’s approach to therapy is humanistic in nature. He values the therapeutic relationship and meeting the client where they are. Pat strives to provide the environment to promote empowerment and personal growth.

In addition to traditional talk therapy, Pat specializes in Activity-Based Therapy for children and teenagers who would benefit from therapy in a more active, sporty environment rather than a formal office setting. Activity-Based Therapy takes place in a “sport’s court-like” environment and combines movement-based activities such as playing catch, hoops, soccer, and darts with other psychotherapeutic techniques.

Pat graduated from Aurora University with a Master of Social Work degree, and he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from DePaul University.

Rachel Kaufman, MSW

Rachel is a social worker with extensive experience working with children and adolescents in schools, community mental health centers, non-profit organizations, and summer camps. She is passionate about supporting youth through various issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship distress, low self esteem, body image issues, identity concerns, life transitions, and behavioral challenges. 

Through a warm and collaborative approach, Rachel utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and expressive techniques to help clients to enhance their self-awareness and resilience. Rachel's understanding of creative healing approaches was cultivated while working at SkyART, an arts-based community mental health center in South Chicago, which now shapes her practice. At True Mind + Body, Rachel’s therapeutic approach often includes cooking, art making, and theater/improvisation. Rachel is dedicated to fostering genuine self-expression and autonomy among her clients, ultimately empowering them to navigate their lives with confidence. 

Rachel holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Outside of therapy, Rachel enjoys teaching children's cooking classes, spending time with loved ones, inventing new recipes, strength training, and outdoor adventures.

Shannon Shahinian LCSW, NMT Level I

Shannon is a licensed social worker (LCSW) specializing in working with children, tweens, and families.  Graduating from Loyola University Chicago with a Masters in Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Dance, Shannon has considerable knowledge in child development, childhood trauma, arts-based therapy interventions, and play-based therapy techniques.  Catering treatment approaches to individual clients and treating the “whole person” is of great importance to Shannon.

Previously, Shannon worked as a pediatric social worker at an intensive interdisciplinary therapy clinic, providing individual and group therapy for children and caregivers.  She has experience collaborating with family members, other therapy experts, and school systems to ensure quality care for all of her clients.  Shannon is passionate about working with children experiencing the effects of trauma, anxiety, developmental differences, self-regulation challenges, stressful family dynamics, and strained relationships.

Shannon gravitates toward therapy approaches that emphasize the therapeutic relationship and follow the client’s lead.  She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), Intentional Relationship Model (IRM), and Developmental Individual-differences and Relationship-based Model (DIR) to best support clients’ needs.  With an open mind and love for creativity, Shannon’s goal is to support the family unit and spark positive changes in children’s lives.  

Sonya Taylor, MS, NCC, LPC, E-RYT 500

Sonya has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Additionally, she has an advanced certification in yoga psychology and has been teaching and sharing therapeutic yoga for over a decade. At True Mind + Body, Sonya provides traditional talk therapy as well as yoga therapy, specializing in supporting teenage girls and women dealing with interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief, career and life transitions, and adjustment and family issues. Prior to joining TMB, Sonya worked in community mental health, recruiting, training, international coaching, mindfulness education, yoga, and meditation in both the corporate and private sector serving adults and adolescents.

Sonya is an integrative therapist who is passionate about using the holistic practices of meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, yoga, talk therapy and somatic movement to connect the body, mind, and emotions, recover from trauma and mental health challenges, and realize inherent internal worth. She is adept in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), therapeutic yoga, and somatic awareness. Sonya believes that change is a complex journey navigated at one’s own pace, and is passionate about creating a safe environment for insightful growth.

Sophie Schneider, R-DMT, MA

Sophie, a registered dance/movement therapist (R-DMT) and soon to be licensed professional counselor (LPC), holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in dance/movement therapy from Lesley University. She brings a wealth of experience from diverse settings, including hospitals and elementary schools, as well as a passion for using positivity, creativity, playfulness, and a sense of adventure throughout the therapeutic process. 

In her work with toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, and families, Sophie navigates issues like emotion regulation, behavioral challenges, social skills development, and academic stress. Sophie skillfully addresses a wide spectrum of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment disorders, while also providing support to individuals facing medical challenges. She is deeply passionate about creating supportive environments where young individuals feel empowered to explore their thoughts and feelings, fostering resilience and healthy coping strategies.

Sophie tailors therapy to each client's unique needs and interests, incorporating movement, games, art, music, or storytelling for personalized engagement. Believing deeply in individualized care, she creates a space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and valued through attentive listening and attunement. In addition, Sophie recognizes the power of dance/movement therapy, especially for nonverbal expression. Through movement, clients can communicate emotions, experiences, and needs that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Sophie’s approach empowers clients to explore new possibilities for healing and growth within a safe and creative therapeutic environment.

Stephanie Olafson, LCSW

Clinical Director

Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with her Master's degree in Social Work and her Bachelors degree in Psychology.

Stephanie specializes in working with pre-teens, adolescents, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, spectrum disorders, ADHD, body image issues and life transitions. Her background includes working in schools, private practice and community agency settings treating a diverse range of clients.

Stephanie utilizes a holistic approach, meeting each client where they are at and developing a plan that works best for them while integrating different modalities of therapy in order to best reach them. She primarily utilizes a strengths based approach with cognitive behavioral therapy in order to help the client build realistic and healthy coping strategies and build and maintain healthy relationships with effective communication. She is excited to begin to integrate active therapies into her practice.

Zach Lebowitz, LCPC

Zach is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). He graduated from DePaul University with a Master’s degree in Counseling. He earned his Bachelor of Arts, also from DePaul, in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. Prior to joining True Mind + Body, Zach worked with traditionally underserved and often high-risk male youth for several years in Chicago Public Schools. He has experience working with clients around concerns of anxiety and depression, trauma, peer and family relationships, life transitions, stress and anger management.

Zach’s clinical approach is grounded in the foundation of the Cognitive Behavioral model but begins with the client-centered approach: providing an unconditional positive regard and working to build rapport and understanding between client and clinician. Zach utilizes a strengths based approach, seeking to identify positive and healthy skills that are already being utilized. He believes that education is an integral part of the therapeutic process, teaching and developing functional and healthy coping skills while working toward agreed upon goals and positive change.

Zach believes in a holistic approach to heath and specializes in “Active Talk Therapy” for children and teenagers who would benefit from therapy in a more active, sporty environment rather than a formal office setting. Active Talk Therapy takes place in a “sport’s court-like” environment and combines movement-based activities such as playing catch, hoops, soccer, and darts with other psychotherapeutic techniques.

Zoe Rhodes Nitsun, LMSW, Registered Yoga Teacher, Institute of Integrative Nutrition Coach

Zoe earned her master’s degree in social work from Boston University and her Bachelor of Arts from Williams College as a Psychology major and Asian studies Minor.

Zoe believes in a holistic therapeutic approach that tailors the therapy to the individual and enjoys working with children, adults, and parents. Using mindfulness, activity, and/or strength- based cognitive therapies, Zoe meets her clients where they are and helps empower them to discover the best versions of themselves.

Prior to joining True Mind + Body, Zoe worked as an assistant clinical social worker in a public school district on the North Shore to support middle schoolers with a variety of social and emotional learning differences including Autism, ADHD, ODD and PTSD. Before pursuing her love for therapy, Zoe spent over two decades teaching yoga, meditation and mindfulness to children and adults of all ages. Zoe is a Registered Yoga Teacher and has traveled the world learning from different Yoga masters. Additionally, Zoe serves as a Yoga mentor and yoga teacher trainer. With her love for health, as well as her degree from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Zoe has helped hundreds of people in the healing power of good food and nutrition. Additionally, as a former collegiate runner, she very much believes in the healing power of physical activity.

Administrative Team

Lena Weszelits, Office Manager

Lena@truemindbody.com