Meet the Team
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Angel Hernandez Ianakiev
Owner, LCSW, CADC, PMH-C
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Founded Anchor Counseling Inc in 2016.
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20+ years of experience
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Certified in Perinatal Mental Health, EMDR, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapist.
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Works with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions.
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Specializes in Women's Mental Health with training in Domestic Violence, Infertility and Perinatal Mood Disorders.
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I believe healing happens in safe, nonjudgemental spaces where you can be seen and heard. I'm here to help you reconnect with your strengths and move forward with clarity.
Olivia Espinosa
LCSW, PMH-C
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Perinatal Mental Health Certification
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Connects well with both adolescents and adults
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Utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is trained in EMDR to treat PTSD, C-PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Major Depression Disorder (MDD) and more
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She creates a safe and validating space for her clients to process, plan, and be encouraged each step along the way.
Sara Madrid
LPC, NCC
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Bachelor's degree in Psychology
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Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Licensed Professional Counselor
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Trauma Certificate, Enneagram Coach, and Typing Specialist
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Art Therapy and Play Therapy
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Sara meets clients where they are with curiosity and compassion. She sees therapy as a tool to help restore your view of yourself and others.
Lindsey Redmon
LPC
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Licensed Professional Counselor
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Over 10 years of experience with children, adolescents and families.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Child-Centered Play Therapy and Trauma Informed Care.
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She believes that therapy is not only for the child, but for the family unit and offers guardian support.
Alexis Czarnecki
LCPC, CCTP-II
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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
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Clinical Trauma Professional-II
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapist.
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She has experience working with adolescents who were committed to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.
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Works with individuals adapting to life transitions, experiencing current or past trauma, competing with mood and/or compulsive disorders, and those struggling to connect in therapy services.
Chloe Carlson
LPC, NCC
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Licensed Professional Counselor
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapist
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She practices a trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach to counseling.
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Offers Reiki and Sound Healing sessions
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Utilizes mindfulness and attachment-based interventions to meet the needs of her clients.
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Chloe is passionate about healing and the sacred power of relationships. She believes that authentic relationships with can be catalysts for meaningful change.
Rachel Kowalski
LPC
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Licensed Professional Counselor
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Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief, Shame, Self-Esteem, Body Image, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Disordered Eating
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Rachel understands that taking the first step towards seeking help can be a courageous act and she is here to provide unwavering support every step of the way.
Jessica Novak, LCSW, CADC
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
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Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist.
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Over 25 years of experience providing Therapeutic services
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Works with adults, first responders, veterans at the Elburn location
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General mental health concerns, women’s issues, life transitions, grief/loss, and first responder mental health.
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Non-denominational Christian counseling or can utilize a Christian counseling approach for individuals seeking this.
Colleen Eberle
LCPC
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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
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Began her career in counseling at the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
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Experience conducting individual, group, family therapy, and crisis intervention with juvenile males and females struggling with trauma, mood disorders, and the various obstacles faced throughout incarceration.
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Colleen believes strongly in the power of the therapeutic relationship, meeting clients where they are at, and helping them realize their potential.
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Danielle Jenkins
LSW
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Licensed Social Worker
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Master's degree In Social Work
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Level 1 training in Gottman Couples Therapy
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Works with adolescents and adults of all ages.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Behavioral Therapy
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Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Borderline Personality, Life Transition, Trauma, Shame and Guilt
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She is deeply committed to establishing a secure and non-judgmental environment where clients can freely express themselves as they navigate through their journey.
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Ivonne Estrada
LSW
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Licensed Social Worker
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Master's degree In Social Work
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Experience working with children, adolescents and young adults
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, Play Therapy, Trauma Informed
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Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Self-Esteem Issues, Life Transitions, Grief/Loss, Trauma, BIPOC support, ADHD & Autism support
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She understands life can be challenging at times and is passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space to reflect on and navigate those changes.
Nora Whitlock
LCSW
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Master's Degree in Social Work
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Over 15 years of experience in the mental health field
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapist at our Elburn location
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She mainly works with adults especially those who are neurodivergent, moving through big transitions, carrying grief/loss, or navigating complex trauma.
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Combines attachment‑based, mind-body connection, experiential, and narrative approaches.
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Can integrate non-denominational Christian faith into the work.
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Nora believes in authentic connection and offers a safe, steady presence, walking with clients through their healing journey as they grow and thrive.
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Brooke O'Neill
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-Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide through ANFT
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-Certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR
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-Nature-based wellness facilitator
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-Mindfulness practitioner
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-Creates inclusive, judgement-free experiences
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-Passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves through nature
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-Skilled at holding space for reflection, stress reduction, and healing
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-Experienced in guiding individuals and groups
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-believes in the healing relationship between people, nature, and community
Heather Stenwall, MBA
Social Media Manager
Heather is our Social Media Manager. Her role is to help us get our resources out to the community. She loves that her job involves learning about ways to help as well as making cute animal videos along the way. If you are ever interested in learning more about a topic, she is happy to create a new resource for you. Just head to our contact us page to get started!
Beth Gardner
Administrative Assistant & Equine Assistant
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Client Care
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Answers Insurance questions
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helps manage payments
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cares for our herd
Jessica Wade
Administrative Assistant
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Client Care
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Helps with insurance issues or problems with copays.
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Helps manage payments
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She is very knowledgeable in a wide range of areas related to client care and is determined to work together with clients to ensure they receive the best care and leave with a happy and positive experience.
Dixie
Therapy Horse
Dixie is a 18-year-old Halflinger Friesan cross mare. She is a big girl with a huge heart. She loves chasing Shiloh away from food, kids, and ear scratches. She had lived with the same family for most of her life before coming to Anchor Counseling.
Blue
Therapy Horse
Blue is only 4 year old but is the largest of our herd standing at 69 inches! He joined us last Fall. He is half-Percheron breed which are known for changing colors as they grow. If you met Blue last year, you probably saw a Black horse. After his recent coat shed, he is now a gorgeous silver color. He is a gentle giant and loves to be a part of your mental health journey.
Shiloh
Therapy Horse
Shiloh is a 18 year old, Palomino, Quarter Horse gelding. He was purchased by Anchor Counseling's owner, Angel, in 2022. Angel recently resumed riding again after 20 years off. Shiloh is said to have lived as a ranch horse in Oklahoma before being sold at an auction. He loves treats, having his ears scratching, and playing follow the leader. He can sometimes be a little nervous but enjoys spending time with his people and horse friends.
Nacho
Therapy Donkey
Meet Nacho, our pint-sized hero rescued from a kill pen last fall. Once part of a petting zoo, his past is a mystery. At just 3 years old, he's the youngest in our herd, weighing over 200 lbs. Despite his petite stature, Nacho's spirited personality and adorable antics make him the heartwarming baby of our Anchor Counseling. Join us in celebrating his second chance at a joyful life!
Baby Ruth
Therapy Miniature Horse
Baby Ruth is a 9 year old, Miniature Horse who recently joined the Stable Minds Herd. She is a Pinto, with brown and white color. She is pint sized, and very sweet and sassy.
Maeve
Therapy Dog
Maeve is a 9 year-old American Staffordshire Terrier. She participated in the Illinois Youth Center-Warrenville's Project Pawsitive Future Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program helping the youth of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice's IYC-Warrenville achieve their therapeutic goals. Therapist Lexie Czarnecki helped train Maeve. After completing her American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test and training, Lexie adopted Maeve in July 2017. Check out the quick video to learn more!