JCFS Clinicians and Psychologists

Dr. Ball is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides therapy and psychological assessment for individuals and families. She specializes in women’s and peripartum mental health, helping individuals navigate pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and fertility-related concerns. Dr. Ball also treats anxiety, panic, and phobias using evidence-based, trauma-sensitive, and culturally responsive approaches, and works with families to strengthen communication and navigate complex dynamics. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2024 and completed her predoctoral internship at the University of Chicago Medicine. Dr. Ball sees clients in our Northbrook office. 

Kelsey provides therapy for individuals, couples, families, children and groups. She uses a trauma-informed approach to counseling rooted in empathy and understanding. She is interested in mindfulness and is open to exploring personal values of the people she supports, as well committing to actions that align with those values to foster personal growth. Kelsey sees clients in West Rogers Park as well as virtually. 

Victoria is a licensed clinical social worker who received her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from the Erickson Institute, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre performance from the Chicago Conservatory of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Victoria utilizes a developmental and relationship-based approach when working with people of all ages, drawing upon her love of storytelling and collaboration to foster self-awareness, coping skills and confidence. Victoria approaches therapeutic work from a strengths-based framework, using a combination of approaches that include child-centered play therapy, psychodynamic and trauma-informed therapy. She sees clients in our Skokie office.

Rachel Cohan (she/her) is a Licensed Social Worker focused on helping people address the root causes of their struggles. She received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois Chicago and has been working as a therapist both within the child welfare system and privately. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults and couples. Rachel takes a person-centered approach to mental health, utilizing strengths-based intervention therapy, solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing to help people meet their personal and treatment goals. She believes in creating a safe, open, non-judgmental space, so they are more comfortable and able to freely express themselves. Rachel sees clients at our Northbrook office as well as virtually.

Silas Dameron is proud to be working with the Outpatient Behavioral Health Team, providing services for individuals and families at the Knapp Center in West Rogers Park, while also participating as a counselor in the REACH program. Silas received a master's degree in counseling from Adler University and has a background in addiction and substance use treatment, with an emphasis on solution-focused, trauma-informed care. He believes therapy is a collaborative process, driven by the unique needs of each individual, with his role being to help you to write the story of your life.

Dr. Barbara Danis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in the treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in young children, particularly disruptive behaviors. Dr. Danis uses family therapy to help parents understand their child's behavior within developmental context, and to promote effective strategies for regulation of children's emotions and behaviors that are sensitive to the specific and unique needs of all families. She has provided training in specialty clinics for preschool-aged children with behavior challenges since 2001.

Devorah provides therapy to individuals, couples and families. She uses a strength-based approach and provides a safe, compassionate environment from which people can challenge themselves to move towards growth and a shift in perspective. Devorah is interested in the mind/body connection and is open to exploring spirituality and creativity with clients as a method for change. She meets with clients in West Rogers Park.

Joey works with adults, adolescents, children, families and couples. Using an empathic, relational approach, he helps people make sense of their experiences, identify and build on their strengths, and clarify and work toward their goals.

Edward is a licensed clinical professional counselor with expertise in helping families and individuals with issues surrounding sexual abuse. He also works with offenders, both in the community and in prison systems. He is trained to testify in court proceedings with children who are wards of DCFS, and in termination of parental rights hearings. Edward also counsels children and adults coping with grief.

Hillary Manaster is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has experience working with young children, adolescents, adults and families. Hillary is a psychodynamic clinician who draws from developmental and trauma informed perspectives. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Erikson Institute and a master’s degree in early childhood risk and prevention from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is deeply committed to supporting individuals and families with diverse needs and experiences and dedicated to working with people to enhance social-emotional functioning, promote healthy relationships and foster positive developmental outcomes. Hillary sees clients in our Northbrook office.

Ewa is a licensed clinical social worker with over two decades of clinical experience in family services agencies. She received her master’s degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago. Ewa has worked with young adults, as well as with the geriatric population. Trained in Bowen’s Family System theory, Ewa provides integrative counseling services to support individuals with parenting and co-parenting, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, marriage and relationship issues, separation and divorce, life transitions, and work-related issues. She offers individual, couples, and family therapy tailored to work collaboratively with the individuals she supports and to address their unique needs in a supportive environment. She believes that those she supports are an integral part of the therapeutic process, which focuses on restoring a sense of hope and helping clients manage life’s challenges. Ewa is bilingual and provides counseling in both English and Polish. She meets with clients in our Northbrook office as well as virtually. 

Jean is a psychodynamic therapist who works with adolescents, adults, and couples struggling with a range of issues. Her empathic approach helps people understand their current functioning and gain insight with the goal of providing a corrective emotional experience. Jean’s clinical interests are depression, anxiety, addiction, gender identity, grief and loss, marital/partner concerns.

Elizabeth Sachs began her career working in community mental health agencies in 1992. She received her master's degree from Loyola University in Chicago and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, Liz completed her clinical internship with Northwestern's Partial Hospitalization Program, providing intensive therapeutic services to teens and adults. Liz has a calming, empathic approach and utilizes a variety of treatment methods, including Psychodynamic, Relational and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her clinical specialties include counseling adolescents and adults with a variety of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, stress management, grief, addiction and life transitions. Liz meets with clients in our Northbrook office.

Dr. Madeleine Schwartz is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who conducts comprehensive psychological assessments and provides therapy services for children, adolescents, parents and families. Although she sees a range of presenting concerns, her areas of expertise include treating anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD and executive functioning, social difficulties and childhood behavioral challenges. Dr. Schwartz operates from an integrative lens, tailoring treatment to fit each individual and family, often drawing from cognitive-behavioral and relational orientations. She has a strong background in neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessment and can help families navigate special education services. Madeleine sees clients in our West Rogers Park and Northbrook offices.

Darby Spector provides therapy for individuals of all ages, couples and families. She employs a trauma-informed approach to counseling, fostering a safe and compassionate environment. Darby is committed to understanding people’s unique experiences and challenges, helping them build resilience and navigate personal growth. She prioritizes open communication and active engagement, guiding individuals toward effective strategies for positive change. Darby sees clients at the Knapp Center in West Rogers Park.

Edie Sue Sutker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked for JCFS since 2002. Edie Sue is known for her empathetic approach, as well as her skill in ‘meeting people where they are’ to help them achieve their goals. She specializes in treating people suffering from grief and loss, trauma, depression and anxiety disorders, working with individuals, families and couples of all ages. Edie Sue uses a variety of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral and Acceptance Commitment therapies, as well as a trauma model developed in Israel. She earned her master's degree in social work at Loyola University in Chicago, and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Edie Sue sees clients in our Northbrook office.