Meet Us

Jenna Sobin LSW

Services Provided: Therapy

Hello! My name is Jenna and I am a behavioral health therapist who graduated from Aurora University with a masters degree in social work in 2020. I have worked with a diverse population of clients including at risk youth, children, young adults and adolescents in a school setting. I work to help treat clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and abrupt life changes and counsel individuals to reroute negative thinking patterns and create positive life outcomes.

Abbey Simmons, LCSW

Services Provided: Therapy

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working in community mental health and the child welfare system. I believe that everyone deserves a life that is joyful and fulfilling. Therapy can be a tool to help you find balance and happiness when life’s challenges become too overwhelming to manage alone. Mental health is an important component of overall health. Just as you would see a doctor if you were physically ill, going to therapy when you are struggling with your mental health can address symptoms and provide relief.

Taking the step to seek help can sometimes feel scary or overwhelming. I want to make that step easier for you by offering an open minded, empathetic, supportive, and judgement free space for us to develop a therapeutic relationship that makes you feel safe and seen. Together we will work on identifying the root cause of your current struggles, set goals, and work through any barriers you may face to accomplish those goals. I will meet you where you are at, and strive to help you reach your fullest potential.

My special interests include anxiety, depression, life transitions, LGBTQIA+, oncology, and infertility issues.

Lexi Piccatto, LCSW

Services Provided: Therapy

My name is Lexi Piccatto and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been in the Social Work field since 2019. I began my career working in substance abuse and this is where my passion for therapy began. I went deeper into the clinical realm and began working in community mental health. In community mental health, I worked with individuals starting from 5 years old to older adulthood. In addition to individual work, I was also a facilitator in a group setting, which is both an empowering and enlightening therapeutic experience.

Throughout my continued clinical experience, I found that there is a special place in my heart for helping adolescents flourish. I believe that young individuals are filled with so much potential. It is just a matter of having people in their life who are willing to plant the seeds to allow the potential to grow. This passion brought me to my next endeavor, which was working with juveniles on probation and their families. This opportunity was the perfect steppingstone to fully immerse myself into the therapeutic world. Within my practice, I have found populations that truly ignite my passion in the therapeutic setting. Although I love working with all populations, I particularly enjoy working with children, adolescents, and young adults.

I have a strong passion for working with eating disorders and body image issues. I continue to immerse myself into the always developing trainings and resources in this community, with the intent to provide my clients the best support and guidance. In addition to that passion, I also enjoy working with individuals through life transitions, anxiety, grief, emotion regulation, behavioral issues, and management of interpersonal relationships. My office is a safe space for those apart of the LGBTQ+ community, as this is another population that I enjoy working with. 

The therapy modalities that I utilize is determined on a case-by-case basis. I initially venture toward a person-centered approach, allowing clients to gain comfort in the therapeutic setting. Modalities I frequently practice include but are not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and Trauma Focused CBT (TFCBT). I am always open to exploring different modalities dependent on my client’s needs. With that noted, I am willing to refer individuals, if I do not feel as though I can meet their therapeutic needs.

If you feel like we may be a good therapeutic match, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Danielle Stoddard, LCPC

Services Provided: Therapy

I believe that we are all worthy to pursue a life of fulfillment and happiness. Of course, there are bumps in the road. That is where I come in . I enjoy working with my clients and assisting them overcome their obstacles. I began my journey 15 years ago as a crisis worker. I helped people at their lowest feel safe and hopeful. I enjoy working with my clients as they gain an understanding of their problems and the causes. I then help them develop an action plan to eliminate this problem, and give support along the way.

I use a variety of treatments in my sessions based on my client’s needs. I am trained through the BECK Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute. I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tic Disorders, supported by the Tourette Association of America. I have recently been trained in Brainspotting, Brainspotting is a rapid, effective therapy that works with trauma as well as performance and sports enhancement. It is quite different than talk therapy as it helps people come to a physical and psychological homeostasis. My career has led me in many directions and has provided me with experience and knowledge in a variety of fields. My special interests include Mood Disorders, anxiety, grief, divorce, parenting, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and college/career planning.

Jessica M. Dergance, LCSW

Services Provided: Therapy

I believe that therapy provides an opportunity for healing and growth. I focus on cultivating a nonjudgmental and supportive environment that opens the door to self-discovery. We will work together to understand what might be getting you “stuck” in reaching your goals. We will draw upon your strengths to develop a healthier way of coping with the challenges that you are facing. We will focus on a balance of relieving specific symptoms that you are experiencing as well as finding the root causes of those symptoms to empower you with lasting insight. Many times the challenges that you are facing are rooted in the complexities of the relationships in your life. We will work together to identify these issues and resolve them to promote lasting change.

I have experience in working with clients deal with a variety of issues including depression, mood disorders, anxiety, difficult relationships, addiction, loss and grief, career concerns and life transitions.I also have extensive training in trauma and can use supportive practices as well as evidence based interventions to help you overcome traumas that you have experienced in your life.I have a passion and commitment to using mindfulness based skills as well to help individuals find relief in current symptoms that they are dealing with. Mindfulness can also be a path to giving you space to slow down and evaluate what your goals are that you plan on pursuing. Above all, I hold a deep respect for client’s individuality and recognize that each therapeutic relationship will evolve in its own unique way.

Traci Midnight, LCSW

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years experience working with couples, teens, adults and families. My compassionate and direct communication style helps develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship. I offer a non-judgmental, supportive environment, which facilitates growth and change. I believe in every person’s right to determine his or her future. I work with each person, couple and family on an individual basis to develop goals to work toward. I believe that helping people enhance their self worth, improve coping skills, develop insight and practice mindfulness skills will help move toward balance and will build a foundation for a less conflicted and more authentic life.

Lauren Holt, LCPC

I believe therapy can help a person work through any life problem they may be experiencing. I believe that therapy can help a person relieve current symptoms that are being experienced. It is also important to get to the core root of the problem causing those symptoms in order to heal. I consider it best to help a person work through different avenues in their life to find happiness by utilizing effective coping skills to diminish future symptoms. Through a therapeutic alliance, we will work together to find you a healthy life balance.

I have been working as a therapist since 2008. I have experience working in an outpatient setting and inside of a correctional facility. I am trained in crisis intervention, marital therapy with emphasis in conflict resolution, verbal de-escalation, substance abuse counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. I am trained in Clinical Hypnosis, which can be utilized along with other treatment modalities for problems with decision making, treatment of some phobias, some addictions, anger, and anxiety. I have experience with trauma informed therapy.

I enjoy working with adults who may need help with addiction, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship/marital problems, career conflict, and grief and loss issues. I am a firm believer that how we perceive and look at things in life guides our behavior and attitude. Therefore, I have a passion in helping you find an alternative to your current thought process to grow and achieve your goals. A lot of therapy is about self-realization and finding your own inner peace.

Alexis Bakr

Master’s Level Intern

Hello, my name is Alexis Bakr, and I am a National University Student working toward my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My career started out in the medical field working as a nurse’s aide. Through that experience, I found my passion for mental health and wellness. Those experiences gave me a desire to pursue education in the mental health field. 

I believe that we are all learning and growing through our life journey and throughout this journey we have ever changing needs and goals. My person-centered approach aims to empower and encourage clients throughout the therapeutic process. When we are faced with challenges in life, it can be difficult to manage on our own. While I have a focus on marriage and family therapy, I also have a special interest in working with people who have experienced trauma in their lives and helping them heal.

Therapy can assist us during challenging times by offering a safe space to share feelings and thoughts. My goal as an intern is to work alongside my clients in reaching their goals and growing with them throughout this journey. 

Dr. Josie Dawe

Dr. Josie Dawe is a doctorally prepared, double board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, who works with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with mood and anxiety disorders.

Josie has experience treating a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and thought disorders and specializes in depression, ADHD and anxiety.

Josie is currently on faculty as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at Rush University in the Psychiatric Mental Health, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program. She has extensive clinical experience in developmental and behavioral pediatrics and psychiatry. She brings a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation and treatment approach to her practice.

Josie prioritizes a therapeutic relationship with her clients with a focus on medication management. She will also spend time getting to know you as a person and determining the aspects of your life that may be contributing to the way you feel. Josie values the combination of mediation management AND therapy interventions.  Dr. Josie Dawe will encourage her clients to be working actively with a therapist as well as with her on medication interventions.

Sara Troccoli

MSW candidate, Billing/Scheduling Specialist

Sara Troccoli holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and is currently working on her master’s degree to pursue her dream of becoming a therapist. She will join Life Balance’s team next year as a therapist, so stay tuned for that! Currently, Sara is supporting our office by assisting our office manager in scheduling and addressing billing issues. Sara has a long history of working in the mental health field and has a vast knowledge in billing/insurance issues and can also assist you with scheduling appointments.