Meet the Good Therapy Team

About Abby Koch, LCSW Owner

Couples | Parenting Support | Anxiety | Depression | Life Transitions

As the owner of Good Therapy, Abby Koch, LCSW, is expert at creating a comfortable environment where every client feels safe sharing feelings in order to strengthen every step towards optimal mental health. Specializing in couples’ therapy and helping parents who struggle with anxiety, depression, and life transitions, Abby cares for an average of 20-25 clients per week, while finding endless inspiration in helping all of her clients realize their unique therapeutic goals.

Abby embarked on her career 20 years ago, after she earned her Bacherlor’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Iowa, followed by her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Chicago’s Loyola University. She began working at Thresholds, helping the severely mentally ill embrace their lives independently before her professional path led to her experience as a crisis worker for children and adults. She then gave her expertise in Early Intervention before volunteering in India, supporting children suffering extreme poverty.

Precious time away from the office is spent with family and friends, working out, and reading. Her best Sunday involves waking up early to work out, being an enthusiastic spectator at her children’s athletic events, followed by dinner at home with close friends.

Abby considers her mother, a single mom who raised two kids while working full-time, her hero because she demonstrated that no matter the challenge, you can accomplish anything. Her mother also instilled in Abby a unwavering work ethic and a drive to always help others.

Known by colleagues and clients for her genuine, authentic spirit, it’s practically impossible for Abby to even imagine pursuing any other profession, as she has known that this is the kind of work she has been called to do since she was in fourth grade. That call never disconnected.

Having worked as hard as she did to get to where she is today, Abby is a passionate advocate about her work, constantly driven to discover better support for her clients.

About Dr. Brittany Nelson, Psy.D., PMH-C

Perinatal Mental Health | Psychological Testing | Trauma | ADHD/Anxiety | Self-Esteem

Dr. Nelson holds a Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. With over nine years of clinical experience, she has volunteered in a domestic violence shelter, published research on teen sexual development, and is an adjunct professor. Dr. Nelson is certified in treating perinatal mental health disorders and has additional training in specialized stressors related to pregnancy, postpartum, and infertility.

As the Director of Psychological Services, Dr. Nelson conducts assessments for ADHD, learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and various mood and personality disorders. She provides psychotherapy, primarily using psychodynamic and interpersonal approaches, to help adolescent girls and women with trauma, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and identity/sexuality concerns. Dr. Nelson believes in an interactive, empowering approach to support her clients’ therapeutic growth.

Outside of work, Dr. Nelson enjoys activities such as spending time with her dog, traveling, being in nature, trying new restaurants, and cooking. She has a personal goal of visiting all U.S. National Parks, having visited 10 so far.

About Michelle Rogers, LCSW, EMDR

Addiction | Trauma | Grief | Anger Management | Dual Diagnosis

Alone, terrified, and worried that your life will never change? Ready for a change but apprehensive about the process? Sometimes getting help extends beyond family/friends. Addiction counseling includes addressing co-existing issues such as family, relationships, employment, education, spirituality, physical/mental health and legal concerns. Healing and growth begins with a collaborative, compassionate, yet direct approach to change. I walk with you as you work to gain self-awareness, self-esteem, and empowerment. I assist clients in finding hidden strengths, so they can overcome their challenges. My specialty includes addictions, co-occurring disorders – depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, anger, etc.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I embrace an eclectic and holistic therapeutic approach. Utilizing my clinical training, along with your dedication to your therapy, I can help you achieve peace and wholeness.

My experience includes working with adolescents, adults, and their families. I utilize motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, and mindfulness. I am accepting new clients. If you’re ready for change, call me today! It would be an honor to work with you. Day and evening appointments available.

About Heather Lemke, LCPC, NCC

Behavioral Concerns | Parent-Child Relationships | Stress Management | Communication | Social Skills

Heather Lemke has worked as a Clinical Therapist since 2009 and has been with Good Therapy since 2017. She specializes in behavioral concerns, social skill development, parent-child relational struggles, conflict resolution, the development of coping mechanisms, stress and anger management, and general communication support. A former Crisis Intervention Counselor, another area of Heather’s expertise includes working with young patients who have completed inpatient treatment.

Her educational background and training include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Concordia University – Chicago. Heather is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors, and she holds a Clinical Professional Counselor license (LCPC) with the state of Illinois.

Ultimately, when working with clients – whether children, teenagers, couples, parents, or families – Heather’s goal is to support and help them work through feelings, emotions, and experiences; establish personal goals for the present and future; and assist them in developing beneficial coping skills that can serve them well across many areas of their lives.

About Katherine Caputo, MSW

Children & Teens | ADHD | Autism Spectrum | Expressive Therapy | Anxiety

Katherine earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in psychology from Aurora University. She continued her education at Aurora University and graduated with her master’s degree in Social Work.

Katherine is experienced in working with children, teens, and adults with a wide range of needs such as neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. She specializes in a variety of therapeutic interventions that may include DBT, CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Family-Oriented therapy, and Expressive Therapy. She prioritizes creating an inclusive and trauma-informed environment where her clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. Her goal as a clinician is to provide support and guide the client through the trials and tribulations of their life.

In Katherine’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog Luna, family, and friends. Her hobbies include spending time in nature, meditation, yoga, and painting.

About Teryn Young, LSW

Children with Disabilities | Autism | Down Syndrome | Trauma-Informed Care | Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Teryn is a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University, specializing in School Social Work. Her undergraduate degree is in Social Work with a minor in American Sign Language.

Teryn has experience as an elementary school social worker, primarily working with students with mild to severe disabilities, including Autism, Down Syndrome, TBI, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing. She also has experience as a registered behavior technician in Applied Behavior Analysis. Teryn utilizes the client’s strengths and interests in her therapeutic approach, which may include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, play therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and mindfulness.

In her free time, Teryn enjoys being outdoors, practicing yoga, doing puzzles, and spending time with her cat and family dog.

About Samantha Thein, LSW, CADC, CODPI, CCTP

Trauma | PTSD | Addiction | ADHD | Mood & Personality Disorders

Samantha holds a Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University. She is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC), a Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CODPI), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Samantha has experience and training working with substance misuse and crisis intervention. Samantha’s current area of specialty includes trauma, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, depression, addiction, and mood and personality disorders among adolescents and adults.

Samantha takes a creative approach to therapy and utilizes her background in art. Her therapeutic philosophy is to empower individuals to be active in their therapeutic process by providing a comfortable and non-judgmental space to grow and heal. Samantha’s approach includes polyvagal theory for trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy interventions, and psychoeducation.

Samantha is a hockey mom who spends much of her free time at the rink. She has volunteered as a youth hockey coach and enjoys creating a fun and positive sports experience for kids. Samantha also enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors.

About JONATHAN SCHAUB, LPC

Depression | Anxiety | LGBTQIA+ Support | Adolescents | Mood Disorders

Jonathan has his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Adler University. He graduated with his Associate’s in Recording and Music Technology and went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Entertainment and Media Business. While his path to the mental health field may be unconventional, his life experiences have been influential in his decision to focus on the counseling profession.

Jonathan has found passion in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and the LGBTQIA+ community. He assists his clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

At some point in everyone’s life, they face difficult situations that can seem impossible to overcome. Jonathan’s goal is to create a relationship with his clients where they feel comfortable sharing in a non-judgmental environment. Jonathan believes in finding everyone’s strengths and using those as tools throughout their therapy journey.

In his free time, Jonathan enjoys being with his family, listening to music, and recording his podcast. One of his favorite things to do is go to a concert or a standup comedy show. Jonathan finds peace in taking yoga classes as well as finding a great trail to hike.

About Tim Baynes, LCSW

Children & Families | Young Adults | Seniors | Strengths-Based Therapy | CBT/DBT Approaches

Tim graduated from Loyola University with his Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in children and families. In his career, he has gained experience working with young adults, families with young children, seniors, and a variety of other groups.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Tim believes that therapy should offer an opportunity for people to explore a variety of aspects of their lives and identify the innate strengths that they possess.  Through this process, they can utilize these strengths to formulate strategies to tackle the most difficult obstacles in their lives.  Tim always meets his clients where they are, and allows them to be the experts in their lives as they work to build a safe, compassionate therapeutic alliance.

Tim utilizes a variety of clinical approaches including, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and a strengths-based approach.  As everyone he works with comes from a different place, he recognizes the need to have different approaches when approaching different problems.

When Tim is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, swimming, and cooking.  He is also a bit of a self-proclaimed nerd and loves staying up to date with all of the latest Marvel movies and TV shows.

About Emily Buckley, LSW, CADC

Substance Use | Trauma | Adolescents & Adults | Anxiety/Depression | Life Transitions

Emily received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University, with a specialization in Forensic Social Work. She also specialized in addictions and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Emily is passionate about working alongside teens & adults in navigating life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and substance misuse.

She believes that a therapeutic relationship must be built on a solid foundation and connection, instilling acceptance and a continued journey of meeting the client where they are at. Emily notes a major component of productive therapeutic treatment is found in establishing and providing an environment that is safe, attentive, and non-judgmental.

Emily has provided crisis intervention services at the Kane County Sheriff’s Office covering a wide range of populations including: domestic violence, homelessness, sexual assault, mental health, and substance use. She uses a strengths-based approach, while also utilizing motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based skills, solution-focused, person-in-environment, CBT and DBT. Still, Emily recognizes each client is unique and uses a collaborative approach with clients through education, problem-solving, and skill training. Her goal is to assist clients in making positive changes to improve their quality of life and better cope with emotional and behavioral concerns.

In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as spending time outdoors. She appreciates traveling and finds value in making the most out of new experiences and adventures.

About Kyle LoVecchio

Adolescents & Adults | Life Transitions | Anxiety/Depression | DBT & ACT Approaches | Identity & Self-Exploration

Kyle Lo Vecchio is a Masters student in Benedictine University’s Clinical Psychology program. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from North Central College. Kyle enjoys working with adolescents and adults who are trying to make an active change in their lives; and believes it takes courage to go to therapy and there is no wrong reason for it either. Whether you are having difficulty managing the ups and downs of life, wanting to feel seen and heard, yearning to learn more about yourself, needing new coping skills, or having no idea where to start, Kyle thinks together you can make a connection and in turn work towards achieving your goals and creating long lasting change.

Kyle offers a collaborative, nonjudgmental space. A space that is culturally sensitive, open, and fosters his client’s strengths. He has experience in the inpatient setting utilizing DBT and ACT therapies, but will also pull from many areas to meet the needs of his clients. Kyle believes that therapy can be intense so he wants sessions to also have lighthearted moments as a balance for that intensity. He thinks his humor is a strength and he can toe the line between serious and funny. He believes that talking about anything the client has an interest in is pivotal to the therapeutic relationship and can be exactly what they need in a moment. From television to sports, to music, and anything in between. Kyle looks forward to being an engaged participant in your experience.

Outside of counseling, Kyle is a Chicago sports fan and you can find him playing or watching basketball, football, and soccer. He also enjoys playing with his dog Chewie and is into Harry Potter, anime, and Star Wars. Kyle is also a sucker for a good dad joke and listens to stand up comedy and podcasts in his freetime.

About Dr. Michelle Platt, PhD., NCSP, BCBA

Neuropsychological Testing | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Learning & Intellectual Disabilities | ADHD | Child & Adolescent Assessment

Dr. Platt, Ph.D, NCSP, BCBA graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota with majors in Child Psychology and Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Deviance, a minor in Family Violence Prevention, and a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She earned a Doctorate in School Psychology from Northern Illinois University while also becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. With over 9 years working as a School Psychologist, she has evaluated students as young as 3 years old up to college students and adults for a variety of academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs. She has also published research on student empathy and Prosopagnosia. Dr. Platt conducts neuropsychological & psychoeducational testing for Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

About Megan Adamowski, Intake Coordinator

Client Onboarding |  Compassionate Intake Experience

Megan is passionate about making mental health assistance accessible for everyone. She is currently a Masters student working on receiving her license in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in order to one day be a practicing therapist. She has several years working in the mental health field. She has worked in environments with children, adults, and addictions counseling as a receptionist/intake coordinator. Megan understands that taking the initial step to begin counseling can be challenging and an impactful moment. You will be greeted with compassion and empathy when booking your initial appointment with her.

About SHANNON STRELKOV, Intake Coordinator

Client Support & Resource Navigation | Calm & Compassionate Intake Experience

Shannon came to Good Therapy Counseling with the intent to help people gain access to the treatments they may need. She understands that life can have its challenges and will provide calm and patient support to those she works with. Shannon graduated from Northern Michigan University with her Bachelors in Sociology and Human Services. She has experience working and volunteering with surivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence, as well as those struggling with addictions. Shannon understands the complexity of breaking down cycles and forming healthy routines. She will help assist clients wherever possible, so that they may be connected to the resources they require. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys working with animals and running agility with her dog.

About Jean Gibbs, MSW

Children & Adolescents | Attention/Focus Concerns | Anxiety | Depression | Emotion Regulation

Jean holds an MSW from the University of Illinois’ Jane Addams School of Social Work, with 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. She currently works full-time as a school social worker at a middle school, where she has been practicing for over a decade.

Jean supports clients struggling with a range of issues, including attention concerns, depression, anxiety, anger, behavioral problems, and emotion regulation. She meets clients where they are, helping them rediscover their strengths and work towards their goals. Jean’s compassion, empathy, and life experiences foster a strong therapeutic relationship as she guides clients on their journey of self-improvement.

In her free time, Jean enjoys spending time with her fiancé, two dogs, and four children. She also likes cooking, crafting, music, gardening, being outdoors, triathlons, reading, and spending time with her family.

About KERRY BLEUHER

Divorce Mediation | Parenting Plans | Financial Planning | Co-Parenting Support | Future-Focused Resolution

Kerry is passionate about helping couples work through the mediation process with a future-focused, results-orientated mindset. As a neutral third party, she believes mediation is an effective method for resolving parenting, settlement, and financial issues in a collaborative manner, on your terms. Mediation can help establish a positive foundation for your future. Through mediation, you are able to customize your divorce and parenting plan, allowing you to put your needs and your children’s needs first.

Kerry has her Divorce Mediation Certificate from Northwestern University, SPS and also brings over 25 years experience as a Financial Advisor. She has assisted couples with financial planning before, during and after the divorce process. She recognizes the importance of a good financial plan for each individual as they move forward.

Kerry is a proud parent to her four children and enjoys spending time at their sporting events. Kerry is also an avid college football fan and enjoys watching games with family and friends.

About ARI Rodriguez

Ari has her bachelor’s in clinical psychology from Dominican University in River Forest, IL.
She’s very excited to be at the end of her master’s program in the same field. Ari is a certified alcohol & drug counselor (CADC), and she specializes in clients who struggle with the idea of therapy. While she thinks therapy is pretty fun, she understands it can be scary to ask for help.

Ari has experience with a wide range of ages and topics including adolescence, grief,
anxiety, addictions, trauma, personality disorders, and more. She values individuality and understands no two clients are the same. Ari is known for her sense of humor and willingness to get into the trenches with her clients.

Ari uses an integrative therapeutic technique that is tailored to each person she works with. She has experience with narrative therapy, client-centered therapy, somatic therapy, trauma-informed therapy, play therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), and more.

If she’s not getting excited about how the brain works, Ari can be found reading, gardening, doing arts and crafts, or playing video games. She is also learning how to roller skate, so check the ground, too.

About Felicia DIAz

Felicia Diaz is a Master of Social Work student at Aurora University, specializing in Addictions.
Her work is about holding space for people to feel seen and supported in the complexity of
their lived experiences, staying attuned to the ways relationships, communities, and systems
impact mental health. Her clinical interests include working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+
community and those navigating adoption-related issues, substance misuse, trauma, ADHD,
anxiety, and identity formation.

Her approach is guided by the belief that people thrive when they feel a true sense of
belonging, and she’s excited to bring that same energy and care into her clinical work. She is
dedicated to building authentic, collaborative relationships with clients grounded in a deep
respect for each person’s values and unique story. Felicia strives to create a safe, affirming
space where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, tap into their inherent
strengths, and engage in the therapeutic process with confidence and self-compassion.

She looks forward to pursuing her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential and building a career in private practice.

When she’s not studying or working, you’ll probably find her hiking, playing board games with her family, hanging out with friends, or camping with her border collie Simon.