Alexia Ford, LCSW

Ms. Ellen Ortiz is fully licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in multiple states. She has decades of life experience to support her 3 years of full licensure. Ms. Ortiz sees individuals from the perspective of the various environments they interact in and how it impacts them. Ms. Ortiz is enthusiastic about collaborating with clients under the care of one of our psychiatric experts in order to allow for a more complete and personalized approach for each individual's needs.
Ms. Ortiz began her education later in life at Elgin Community College then continued to acquire her bachelor’s degree from Argosy University with honors. Ms. Ortiz forged ahead and completed her Master’s in Family Counseling at the CACREP accredited graduate school, Northeastern Illinois University. Her training included the externship for Emotion Focused Therapy with Dr. Sue Johnson.

Ms. Ortiz incorporates therapy from a Solution Focused perspective including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Attachment theory.  Ms.Ortiz has been trained in Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed therapy. Her life experience and clientele have spanned all life cycles, races, and medical needs as well as honoring all varieties of human beings. She has also supported clients through medical diagnosis and end of life as well as grief.

Ms. Ortiz brings enthusiasm for each client based on the belief that each person has unique purpose, strengths and abilities on which to draw on. The client's abilities paired with tools and support acquired in therapy will lead each of her clients to a life they choose to enhance.

Rebecca Burns is a licensed clinical social worker with a vast range of experience working in the mental health field. Rebecca has worked directly with individuals of various backgrounds and age ranges. Rebecca attended Fordham University for her Bachelor's degree and attended Rutgers University where she received her MSW. To date, Rebecca has been practicing for 4 years as a clinical social worker in an outpatient setting. Over the years, Rebecca has worked with diverse clients seeking relief from a wide range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, OCD, childhood/adult trauma, relationship issues, personality disorders, life transitions, stress, and navigating loss and grief. Rebecca is trained and certified in cognitive-based therapies, including CBT and TF-CBT. Practicing from a biopsychosocial lens, Rebecca integrates evidence-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Strengths-Based Approaches to individualize treatment plans for each client. It is an important aspect of treatment to identify which approaches and interventions work best for each client's unique needs. Additionally, one of Rebecca's biggest priorities is to create the space for each client to build a trusting, non-judgmental and therapeutic relationship.

Eyerusalem Mulatu practices as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has provided over a decade of experience in treating clients with mental health, trauma, and substance abuse addiction in a residential, PHP and IOP level of care. Eyerusalem's passion is providing education on how childhood trauma impacts daily life, coping skills to maintain sobriety, confronting the past, and living a healthy life. Eyerusalem's goal is to ensure clients feel heard, safe, and secure with their right to confidentiality. She has identified creative ways to build therapeutic rapport in a telehealth platform to strengthen the virtual care experience. Eyerusalem is qualified in caring for the family as a whole and identifying underlying issues such as unresolved trauma that exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety. She empowers individuals on their road to healing. Eyerusalem is a Master's level clinician with over a decade of experience in treating Adults and Adolescents. Eyerusalem is also a post-induction therapist trained in the Meadows Model. In addition, Eyerusalem is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional specializing in treating childhood trauma. Eyerusalem uses a variety of modalities to help treat patients from CBT, Narrative, and DBT.

Jenna LaSpina is a licensed clinical social worker with 7 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults in nonprofit, community mental health, and group practice settings. She works with clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and perinatal mental health concerns. Her approach is grounded in psychodynamic theory while integrating ACT, DBT, and other evidence-based therapies tailored to each client’s needs.

Practicing with humility and curiosity, Jenna provides a supportive, judgment-free space where clients can safely explore their thoughts, emotions, and strengths. She values collaboration, self-expression, and fostering personal growth, helping patients feel heard and understood.

Jenna prioritizes building rapport from the first session, believing a strong therapeutic bond is essential for effective therapy. She collaborates with clients to develop personalized goals, focusing on self-understanding and equipping them with practical skills to lead more fulfilling lives.

Demetries North holds the position of Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience across mental health, substance use, and public health settings. He has worked extensively with adults, Veterans, justice-involved individuals, and underserved populations. Demetries currently serves in senior clinical leadership roles within community mental health and federal systems and has experience in outpatient, integrated primary care, forensic, and substance use treatment programs. He is a doctoral candidate in Health Administration with a focus on public health education and holds multiple state licenses, allowing him to provide care across several jurisdictions.

Demetries values collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect in the therapeutic relationship. He takes time to listen carefully and understand each client’s concerns without rushing or making assumptions. His approach is practical, structured, and supportive, with an emphasis on real-life progress. He works to create a calm, non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe discussing complex or sensitive issues, particularly when navigating stress, trauma, life transitions, or long-standing patterns.

Demetries begins with a thorough initial session focused on history, current concerns, strengths, and goals. He uses evidence-based assessment tools when appropriate and collaborates with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that evolve over time. Sessions emphasize skill-building, insight, accountability, and measurable progress, with regular goal reviews and coordination of care as needed.

Giulia Ferrero earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Women & Gender Studies at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and received her Master of Social Work from Columbia University with an emphasis in children, youth, and families. Giulia is licensed by the State of Texas as a master social worker (LMSW), and is dedicated to helping people who struggle with mental health concerns. She believes that change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. Giulia advocates a holistic approach when working with her clients and incorporates various treatment styles including, but not limited to, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, solution-focused, and psychodynamic. During her graduate program, Giulia worked extensively with children, utilizing play therapy techniques alongside a trauma-focused treatment approach. She specializes in individual therapy with an emphasis on issues such as PTSD, autism, stress, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, women's issues, family/relationship issues, life transitions, and personal growth. Giulia especially enjoys working with young adults and is committed to working with each person in a confidential, effective manner to help the individual accomplish his/her/their goals.