Meet The Therapists
Tracy Stone, LCPC, ICDVP
Therapy Studio: Owner and Lead Clinician
Hartgrove Hospital: Clinical Coordinator for School Based Services for Services
Tracy Stone is a Licensed Clinical Coordinator and received a Master’s Degree in Community and Agency Counseling from St. Xavier University. Currently, she is committed to making a difference helping the communities in Grundy and Will County.
Tracy also is working to build a program that can meet the mental health needs of students within a school setting and supervises clinical work for Hartgrove Hospital outpatient settings.
Tracy’s therapy approach embodies trust, compassion, Cognitive Behavioral, and Solution Focused techniques. Tracy brings a unique perspective to counseling due to her experience of working in corporate America and being a business owner prior to becoming a therapist.
Additional Certifications include: Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) and Perpetrator Abuse Interventions Program (PAIP) allowing her to be trained to counsel Domestic Violence Victims and Perpetrators; Certified Alcohol and Drug Certification trained.
Elizabeth Frantz, LCPC
Elizabeth Frantz is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a Master’s in counseling from Saint Xavier University. Elizabeth received a certification in Animal Assisted Therapy from Oakland University and is also a registered handler through Pet Partners. Elizabeth has experience working with adults dealing with mild to severe mental illness, as well as adults with developmental disabilities in outpatient settings. Elizabeth has worked in Community Agencies as a Mental Health Counselor, providing individual, group, couples and family counseling. Elizabeth has experience working with children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, ADHD, and Autism, in therapeutic horseback riding programs. Elizabeth has also worked for Hartgrove Hospital as a school-based therapist, with Kindergarten through 12th grade with students experiencing social, emotional and behavioral issues.
Elizabeth also has experience in animal care, enrichment and training. She received a Bachelor of Science with a psychology and biology major. She completed her internship at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago as a Marine Mammal Keeper and has spent years rescuing and rehabilitating wild and domestic animals. She is currently contracting with The Legacy Ranch and Sarah’s Stables, to offer Animal Assisted Therapy utilizing horses, miniature horses, ponies, cats and a variety of farm animals in a natural setting.
Elizabeth has been able to combine her passion for animals and helping others of all ages to deal with a wide variety of mental, physical and emotional issues across the lifespan. She believes in the human-animal bond and strives to use animals as interventions to treat a wide variety of issues, including depression, PTSD, trauma, attachment issues, trust issues, relationship issues, mood disorders, anger, communication difficulties, generalized and social anxiety, ADHD, poor impulse control, dysfunctional relationship patterns, domestic violence and self-esteem issues.
Additional certifications: Certified Animal Assisted Therapist Interventionalist, Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider.
Kathleen wormsley, lpc
My name is Kathleen Wormsley. I graduated with my masters in Human Service and Counseling in 2008 at National Louis University in Wheaten. I have been in the mental health field for the last 15 years. I have worked with children and adolescence with my strength in working with adults.
I have been trained in all therapies including person centered, cognitive behavioral, and dbt. I believe that there is one therapy for all, sometimes you have to take a pinch of this technique and a dash of that technique to find the best one that works with each client. Each client is an unique individual and must be treated that way.
I am very passionate in grounding techniques. I believe that when people are experiencing trauma, ptsd, anxiety, and panic attacks that grounding techniques can help bring a person to the here and the now. Some grounding techniques that I like to incorporate are deep breathing, essential oils, meditation, finding that safe place using all of your senses.
When I am not doing therapy I love to spend time with my husband and kids. Reading is one of my favorite past times as well as going on long walks, I am active in my community in being both a cub scout leaser as well as a girl scout leader.
Nicole Bandur, LPC
Nicole Bandur is a licensed professional counselor with a passion for helping and advocating for persons in need. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Aurora University in Aurora, IL. Soon after, Nicole received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. She has experience working with several populations including children, adults with chronic to severe mental illness, teen mom’s, young and older adults, with a soft spot for adolescents. She believes that building self-esteem and confidence in those teens who struggle today, helps to lay the groundwork for developing positive coping skills and tools to assist throughout life’s challenges. She has had over 10 years experience working with Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities in a social service setting.
Nicole believes a great deal can be achieved with compassion and kindness. Nicole provides a warm, welcoming, and empathic environment that allows the individual to feel comfortable and safe sharing his or her story. She uses a client-centered approach to tackling various problems, whether it be day-to-day stressors, adjustment, mental health concerns, or major life changes.
Nicole teaches Cognitive Behavioral and mindfulness techniques to promote and empower clients to recognize how thoughts and feelings shape behaviors and build skills to better cope with various situations. She has a proactive positive attitude when it comes to self-esteem building and overall health and wellness. She will take things at your own pace, helping you to set goals and build on your strengths. She understands things are not always black and white, there will always be setbacks or new challenges that arise. She will help you process trauma and past experiences and explore with you how they shape your current beliefs and perceptions, with the hope that you can build off that knowledge and work towards positive
change.
Stephanie Putman, LPC
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know” These are words that can impact a child’s life and even an adult can take heart in these words. This quote is from Winnie the Pooh, a silly old bear that if we listen closely to may change the way we think of ourselves. My name is Stephanie I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling From Olivet Nazarene University. As a trained professional I have a passion for working with children, adolescents, and adults.
I have experience working with youth and adults dealing with family issues, identity issues, behavioral issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, and self esteem/body image issues. These issues can lead us to feel disconnected from ourselves and the people we care most about. In my work I strive to guide individuals to a happier balanced life through a variety of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness which are customized to individual needs.
So whether your 8 years old or struggling somewhere in your 30’s I can help you make sense of the life you are boldly walking through. Counseling can help guide you to make empowering decisions and live a life you truly want for yourself. It is a brave step to reach out for support whether it is for you or your child. I encourage my clients to use their strengths and interests during treatment as I facilitate a safe, judgment-free space that provides room for healing and growth.
Julie Tenorio, LPC
Julie received her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University- Chicago. Prior to that, she attended Argosy University – Chicago, where she obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. She incorporates various theories into her work, including person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems. In addition to individual therapy, Julie has experience conducting couple’s therapy, family therapy, and psycho educational consultations. Julie’s overall goal for every client relationship is to help strengthen, heal, and empower each client to improve their overall well-being through the therapeutic relationship and self-exploration.
Specialties
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
Issues
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Behavioral Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Divorce
- Oppositional Defiance
- Parenting
- Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem
- Stress
- Suicidal Ideation
- Trauma and PTSD
Types of Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
- Family Systems
- Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
- Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
- Psychodynamic
- Relational
Deanna Blyth, LCPC
Deanna has been treating adolescents and adults who struggle with the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, non-suicidal self injury, and anger. Her focus is driven from a perspective that we are strengthened by our experiences and through these experiences we gain courage and confidence. Without our human struggles we cannot discover our hidden internal strengths.
Her passion stems from an Emotional Focus theoretical orientation. Through our attachment we learn to navigate the world. Through the discovering of the client’s strengths they can learn to effectively utilize and build the support systems that surround them. Encouraging the adoption of a healthy lifestyle from the physical, psychological, and sociological elements, this allows for the client to be able to safely reflect upon their current self and their circumstances. Within this journey they are empowered to embrace their present selves and free to determine their desired future.
As a previous teacher of adolescents, current Adjunct Professor and graduate of Roosevelt University with a master’s in Clinical Counseling, she has worked with a variety of settings with adolescents, young adults, and families that have presented with a variety of emotional, social, and behavioral concerns. In addition to teaching and counseling she is a trainer for The National Council for Behavioral Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and for Edwards/Elmhurst Hospital, including Linden Oaks Behavioral Health.
Amber Gilbertson
Amber is a Licensed Social Worker. She earned her MSW at Aurora University in 2016 with a
dual specialization in Advanced Clinical and Healthcare. Amber has experience in a variety of
treatment settings, including inpatient hospitalization settings, working with adolescent and adult patients, private practice, and domestic violence and sexual assault shelters for women and children.
Amber enjoys building a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients through kindness,
compassion, humor, empathy, and validation. While providing therapy, Amber strives to take a
strength-based approach with her clients while integrating cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness,
play therapy, and psychodynamic approaches in her work. Amber has prior experience working
with individuals, couples, and families with a variety of presenting issues (including
substance/alcohol use, co-parenting or parenting challenges, depression, anxiety, past
childhood trauma, domestic and sexual abuse, family dynamics, life transitions, and relationship
difficulties).
For fun, she likes to try new restaurants and enjoys spending time with her family. She loves to
have impromptu dance parties and play board games together with her kids.
Elizabeth Letterle, LPC
Elizabeth (Liz) Letterle is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her BA in Music Education from Illinois State University and her MA in Guidance Counseling/Psychology from Lewis University. She has had experience working in diverse roles such as a tutor, teaching music lessons, senior healthcare professional, hospice liaison, school therapist, and mental health counselor.
During her free time, Liz loves spending time with her blended family, singing, concerts, beach vacations, and is always open to trying new experiences! Having grown up in a large, blended family with eight siblings, she is passionate about helping blended families connect and thrive.
Lexie Stauber, LSW
Lexie Stauber is a Licensed Social Worker committed to advocating for those in need. Lexie obtained her Master’s degree in Forensic Social Work from Aurora University. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University.
Lexie utilizes a collaborative and compassionate approach to therapy in an effort to foster hope, healing and resilience. Lexie’s therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Strength-Based therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
Lexie enjoys working with children, teens, and young adults to navigate the challenges of life, whether they are personal, with family, or with peers. Areas of focus include anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, behavioral issues, building healthy relationships, and more.
Lexie enjoys spending time with her family and pets, traveling, volunteering, and playing the piano.
Jessica Thompson
Jessica Thompson, is a Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Masters degree from Wheaton College her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Francis University. She has worked with couples, families, and individuals that are experiencing communication, intimacy and sex issues, anxiety, life transitions, and identity struggles.
She believes that there are systems in place in our lives that can perpetuate unhealthy life and thought patterns. Jessica utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches to inspire positive change in clients’ lives. She is also a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator and works with couples in a premarital life stage.
Jessica is passionate about healthy change and creating a safe space for clients to experience acceptance and being understood. She believes life is a delicate balance and utilizes approaches that support systemic change. Jessica enjoys being excited about life and experiencing something new often.
Kalli Fuller
Kalli Fuller is a Licensed Social Worker committed to empowering and client centered care. Kalli obtained her Masters in Social Work with a focus in Trauma from Andrews University in Michigan. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University.
Kallis therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational interviewing, Strength Based theory, and Narrative Therapy. Kalli believes in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. Kalli enjoys working with children, teens, young adults, and women of all ages. My goal is to empower clients to gain self-awareness, develop coping strategies, pursue personal and professional growth, and work toward meaningful change.
In Kallis free time she enjoys watching Greys Anatomy, being outside, and board games with her family.
