Therapists
Mark Gorzkowski, MS, LCPC: Clinical Director
Mark Gorzkowski is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Mark received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana and his Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. Mark is also a graduate of the International OCD Foundation Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). Mark has worked in the mental health field since 2005, and has experience in private practice, inpatient, partial hospitalization, and crisis management. Mark completed his internship at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in the Center for Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He also previously worked at Linden Oaks Hospital in the Adolescent Inpatient Unit and the Assessment & Referral Center. Mark’s practice focuses on the treatment of individuals (age 16 and older) struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, phobias, social anxiety, depression, self-injury, interpersonal conflict, trauma, and emerging adult issues (such as college transitions and independent living). Mark is known by colleagues in the field for his compassionate yet direct approach, along with his ability to balance empathic listening with skill building, education, and guidance. In his free time, Mark enjoys watching baseball, playing basketball, woodworking, and watching Marvel movies.
Ronda Skilton, MS, LCPC: Assistant Clinical Director
Ronda Skilton is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She offers individual therapy to adolescents and adults, as well as marriage & family therapy. Ronda is also a Gottman trained Level-3 couples counselor. Ronda’s areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, relationship problems, self-injury, school refusal/anxiety, attachment issues, and family conflict. Ronda also has experience working with school districts regarding Individual Educational Plans (IEP) to help families find the best possible placement for their student for both their educational and therapeutic needs. “I enjoy developing trusting and supportive relationships with my clients. I explore new ways for them to express their feelings, and I tailor my therapeutic interventions to fit each individual client's needs. My goal is to provide quality behavioral health services and provide an opportunity for individuals to lead fuller, happier, and healthier lives. My approach to therapy is solution-focused. I understand that finding relief is an important priority in life. I provide a non-judgmental and caring atmosphere, where you can develop positive coping skills for difficult situations, as well as alleviate stress.”
Colleen Mertens, MA, LPC, CADC
Colleen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. Colleen received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Elmhurst College and Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University. Colleen received her Addictions Counseling Certification at the College of DuPage. Colleen has been working in the Mental Health field since 2014, working in a variety of settings including at-home behavioral therapy, outpatient opiate/other substance use treatment, and inpatient crisis management. Colleen is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy. Colleen has a special interest in working with individuals and families struggling with substance use issues. Colleen provides therapy to adolescents and adults struggling with substance use, depression, and anxiety as well as children (5 and older) with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and on the Autism Spectrum. Colleen believes in fostering a collaborative and creative environment to inspire change and personal growth. Colleen assesses for distinct needs and goals to direct therapy sessions in an individualized way.
Colleen is currently accepting new patients.
Ann Hostetter, MA, LCSW
Ann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Bachelors of Arts Degree from DePaul University, and Masters in Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois at Chicago. Ann completed her internships at Catholic Charities and Lutheran Family Services, both located in Chicago. Ann has worked in the Mental Health field since 2007, and has experience in outpatient therapy, in home therapy, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and has been trained in crisis assessment and management. Ann previously worked at Home Psych Services, Thrive Counseling Center, and Leyden Family Services. Through these experiences, Ann has practiced individual, group, and family counseling. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Ann currently provides individual therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families with a focus on those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, phobias, interpersonal issues, and change of life issues (postpartum, coping with loss). Ann has extensive experience in school settings and has a special interest in working with children, adolescents, as well as parents who are struggling with parental stress. Ann is also trained and experienced in using play therapy as a modality for the youngest clients. Ann believes that building a foundation of trust and respect is crucial in the therapeutic relationship. She believes that each individual has a certain set of strengths and works with them to use those strengths as well as learned skills, to help improve mood and overall well-being. Ann provides empathetic care while also being solution focused. Ann is also passionate about continuous growth and improvement as a clinician. As a result, Ann prioritizes staying informed on the most up to date interventions and research and participates in regular consultation and training.
Giovanna Spata, MA, LPC
Giovanna (Gia) Spata is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), crisis intervention, and group therapy practices. Giovanna received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Roosevelt University-Chicago, and later received her Master of Art in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University-Schaumburg. Giovanna completed her practicum at Amita Health Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights in the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program. Giovanna more recently worked as a SASS worker for the DuPage County Health Department providing crisis intervention services to clients presenting in hospital emergency rooms, group homes, schools, and in-home services. Giovanna currently offers individual therapy to clients (age 12 and older) struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm behaviors, grief and loss, difficult life transitions (e.g. end of life issues, transitioning into college or adulthood), and anger management. She is also particularly passionate about working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. Giovanna is known by coworkers for being conscientious, empathic, compassionate and hard-working. In her free time, Giovanna enjoys kickboxing and being around nature.
Giovanna is currently accepting new patients.