Elaine Kersten Children's Center

Ruth has more than 30 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked at JCFS Chicago since 1989, overseeing policy administration for the Counseling and Refugee Resettlement programs, while mentoring social work students and clinicians. Her philosophy is to empower with guidance and support, resulting in a safe, trustworthy environment for clients. She strongly believes in the power of relationships and the ability to make change. She also believes there are ways to help people dealing with life transitions to sustain fulfilling lives.

David is a licensed clinical social worker who works with children, adolescents and adults. His expertise includes treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse, family therapy, work place/school-related problems and trauma. He works side-by-side with clients to overcome life challenges, implement change and empower each individual’s potential to thrive.

Edie is a licensed clinical social worker known for her empathetic and individualized approach to helping clients achieve their goals. She works with individuals, families and couples, specializing in grief, depression and anxiety disorders. Edie uses a relationship-based approach to help clients understand the meaning behind their feelings and behaviors, while helping clients learn coping techniques.

Dr. Hill is a licensed clinical psychologist whose areas of interest include assessment and treatment of emotional and behavior problems in young children, particularly disruptive behaviors. Dr. Hill utilizes family therapy, parent-child behavior management training and cognitive behavioral therapy

Dr. Todras is a clinical psychologist who works from both the Northbrook and West Rogers Park offices. She obtained her degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2008 and completed her pre-doctoral internship at Palos Behavioral Health Professionals in Palos Park, Illinois. Her areas of clinical interest include child and adolescent assessment, anxiety and disruptive behavior disorders, parent training, and play therapy. Dr. Todras strives to create a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment and practices primarily from a cognitive-behavioral and family systems approach. Dr. Todras volunteers with A Home Within, a non-profit organization that provides mental health treatment to individuals who have spent time in foster care. Dr. Todras is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Pauline is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with children, adolescents and adults.  She is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, adoption related issues, school-related problems, grief, loss and trauma.  Pauline has extensive experience and training in working with children under five and their parents.  Pauline works collaboratively with her clients to restore a sense of hope and competency to manage life’s challenges.  Pauline is also fluent in Greek.  

Ewa works with individuals, couples and families impacted by separation and divorce. Her other areas of expertise are depression, anxiety, bereavement and parenting. She utilizes family system therapy, which provides supportive, interactive relationships with clients. Ewa is bilingual and sees both English and Polish-speaking clients.

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

As divorce specialist, mediator and coach, Tami helps individuals and families learn new ways to cope with divorce and separation issues. She uses a holistic approach for families in transition, always working towards improving strengths, rather than focusing on problems. She is committed to helping build resources and support networks for families and individuals faced with the challenges of divorce and separation.

Maureen works with individuals and families in one-on-one sessions to provide strategies to strengthen money management skills and the ability to make realistic financial assessments of daily expenses. She assists in developing and managing budgets, planning for the future and accessing important community resources.

Juli works with children, adolescents, and adults as well as couples and families struggling with a breadth of issues. Her empathic style builds relationships to help provide clarity, support, and insight. As part of the divorce specialist team Juli helps individuals and families learn new ways to cope with divorce and separation issues focusing on improving individual and family strengths, working collaboratively to help manage these challenging transitions.

Jacki is an experienced group therapist who works with adolescents, individuals, couples, families and groups. She creates a safe environment for clients, where they feel understood, supported and encouraged to make constructive changes in their lives.

Hillary works with children, adolescents and adults to promote positive social, emotional and psychological functioning and foster healthy relationships. Hillary brings an understanding of developmental processes, an appreciation for the significance of relationships and a sensitivity to the nuanced experiences and feelings of others to her practice.