Emma Furman is a committed professional with a passion for equitable access to mental health care and trauma-informed practice, blending somatic and behavioral principles to serve each individual. Emma is a Licensed Social Worker who holds a master's degree in social work, a Master of Fine Arts in poetry, and a master's degree in library and information studies. Emma is a creative writer with a background in higher education administration who returned to school for social work, seeking deeper connection with those in need of care. She understands the importance of people becoming the authors of their own stories and focuses on empowering individuals and destigmatizing mental health struggles. Emma sees clients in our Skokie office.

Hardik Kotak (he/they) is passionate about helping people heal from their traumatic experiences. Hardik combines his charismatic style and welcoming nature to create a safe space where individuals feel comfortable trusting him with their most vulnerable emotions. Hardik believes in a present-focused, past-honoring and future-oriented approach and uses evidence-based treatments to help individuals heal. He specializes in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and combines many other therapies (ACT, DBT, RO-DBT, Liberation Psychology) into an eclectic approach that is aimed at serving each person’s needs. Hardik meets with clients in our Skokie office and through Telehealth.

Megan K. Lerner is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in practice for over 15 years. Megan began her career as the first overnight Med/Psych social worker in Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago (which became Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital). She was an outpatient therapist at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and served as the Clinical Coordinator of the Trauma Treatment Service, a multidisciplinary team providing evidence-based treatment to childhood trauma survivors. Megan and the team led various forms of trauma-specific mental health care interventions. Additionally, she has been awarded several grants to support this initiative and has taught provider wellness and trauma-informed care to providers all over the country.

Jackson Santy is a Licensed Social Worker who earned a master's degree in social work from Loyola University in Chicago, specializing in advanced clinical practice. He trained at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago in the outpatient Psychiatry Department and the Suicide Prevention and Research Collaborative (L-SPARC). Jackson specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma and individuals struggling with suicide-related challenges. A self-proclaimed ’Bro-cial Worker,’ Jackson strives to promote healthy masculinity among male-identifying clients and to improve the ways male providers create welcoming, inclusive environments for clients across the gender  pectrum. Jackson meets with clients in our Skokie office, as well as virtually.

Tia Wallace, (she/her) has an established history in healthcare. A paramedic in the early years of her career, she moved on to be a paramedic tech in a Chicago ER & trauma center to facilitate completing her undergraduate studies in Anthropology. After graduation, she pivoted to administrative support with a local healthcare system, beginning with patient access and eventually working with operations support for a group of nurses and social workers creating successful post-hospitalization treatment plans for high-risk patients. Tia joined KWCTR as coordinator in spring, 2024.

Rachel Cohan (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical 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.

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.

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.

Dr. Alysa Slay is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience. She specializes in the treatment and assessment of children and adolescents, particularly around ADHD, learning disorders, anxiety, trauma and depression. Dr. Slay has worked in many clinical settings, including psychiatric hospitals, therapeutic day schools, foster care, residential treatment and outpatient mental health. She has served as the training director for doctoral level clinical psychology externs and interns. In 2021, the program she leads was the recipient of the Association of Chicagoland Externship and Practicum Training (ACEPT) Outstanding Training Site of the Year Award. Dr. Slay is the recipient of the Ken Jacobson Professional Excellence Award.

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.