Bruce Frens, MS Chief Executive Officer
	Bruce has served as CEO of the Center since 1998.  It has continued to grow and broaden its services under his leadership.  Prior to joining the Center, Bruce was director of Christian Family Outreach Center in New Jersey. He earned a BA in Biology at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI and an MS in Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

Duane Kapp,  MA, LMFT Chief Operating Officer

Duane has been involved in the development and management of professional counseling services for over 30 years. During that time he was also a full-time faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. He was also, part of that time, the Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program. As a professor, owner and/or director of a number of counseling practices, as well as maintaining his own private therapy practice, he has had many years of experience integrating God’s love and Scripture with the professional application of psychology. As Chief Operating Officer Duane has the on going opportunity to work with Christian professionals as they bring the knowledge, care and therapy of God’s truth to a hurting community and world. As a part of Chicago Christian Counseling Center he is committed to establishing mental health counseling offices in communities wherever God shows a need for a Christian, professionally skilled, loving therapist. Along with the whole professional staff, Duane is working to provide mental health services from a Christian perspective. Duane earned a BA in Psychology at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ and an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. Duane has also completed PhD coursework in Human Behavior and Leadership at United States International University (Alliant), San Diego, CA.

Natalie Adair, MSW, LCSW
Chicago office
	Natalie is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent the last 3 years working in community mental health. She has experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds facing a variety of issues. Her experience and interests include helping individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship concerns, trauma and grief. She values the important role faith plays in an individual's journey towards healing. She also has experience supporting individuals and families coping with serious medical conditions. Natalie has experience in crises assessment and counseling. Natalie received a BA in Psychology from Taylor University, Upland, IN and earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL.

   

Steve Augustus, MA, LCPC
Orland Park and South Holland offices
	Steve has extensive life experiences including jobs from steel worker to chemist and overcoming personal and family losses. He has volunteered at the National Runaway Switchboard, was a big brother for a child for 8 years through the Big Brother/Big Sisters of Lake County and was the founding chairman of the BIGS volunteer network there. He has been a lay minister through his church since 1992. He works with a wide range of issues and ages and specializes in anxiety and depression, and couples counseling. Steve received his Masters in Professional Counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Schaumburg, IL.

Joy Bocanegra, MA, LPC
Orland Park office
	Joy enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults on an assortment of issues including anxiety, depression, grief, co-dependency, women’s issues, divorce recovery and stepfamily concerns. Passionate about group work, she has facilitated groups on various topics including depression, body image, caring for aging parents, and spiritual growth. A freelance writer, Joy has published several articles in the Single-Parent Edition of Focus on the Family magazine. Joy earned both her BS in Psychology and her MA in Professional Counseling from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL.

Elizabeth Elgersma, MSW, LCSW, NASW, ACSW
South Holland office
	Elizabeth has worked in a number of counseling centers in Michigan, Western Illinois and the Chicago area.  She works with a variety of ages and problem areas, but she specializes in Marital and Parenting concerns, Bereavement and Divorce recovery. She received a BA in Psychology from Hope College in Holland, MI and an MSW in Clinical Social Work from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI.

   

Arlene Gardner, MS, LCPC, LMHC, NCC
South Holland office
	Arlene’s clinical experience includes work with families, married and pre-marital couples, children, adolescents, individuals and groups. She has a heart for people and one of her passions is helping others realize their potential in Christ via counseling, education and motivational speaking. She provides services to overcome issues of depression, anxiety, abuse, body image, parenting, separation, divorce, loss and grief. She obtained her initial license in 1995, her second in 2003 and her NCC in 2007. Arlene earned her MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL and received her BA from Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL.

 
 

Janet Irvine, PsyD Clinical Coordinator
Orland Park and Waukegan offices
	Dr. Janet Irvine has expertise working with children, adolescents, families and adults with a variety of psychological issues. Expertise areas include diagnosing and treating attentional disorders, bi-polar disorders, and behavioral disorders in both children and adults. As a former special education teacher, she frequently works with children with special needs and assists parents to develop management skills both at home and at school. Janet also is skilled in using psychological testing and has taught classes in this area at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL. She has served as a consultant to other mental health providers and has trained students and supervised agency staff. Dr. Irvine is available to make presentations to schools, church groups, and other organizations. She received her BA in Speech & Hearing from State University of New York, New Paltz, NY, her MS in Special Education from University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, WI, and her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL.

Diane Kapp,  MA, LMFT
Orland Park office
	For over 20 years, Diane has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with individuals, couples, and families in professional, church, and hospital settings. Diane and her husband, also an LMFT, offer marriage seminars designed to either address specific requested needs or focus on more general issues such as enrichment. Helping her clients learn to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and loss while maintaining intimacy in their significant relationships is a focus of Diane's work. She has also worked with families whose lives have been touched by severe and persistent mental illness. Having lived in the Southwest as well as the Southeast, Diane is now returning to the Chicago area where she was born and raised. Diane earned her M.A. in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA and received her B.A. in Psychology from Biola University in La Mirada, CA.

 

Marj Kooy, MDiv, BCC
Evergreen Park and Schererville offices
	Marj hopes always to bring to light the truth of God's love into the midst of our everyday joys and struggles. She has worked with people who have suffered loss and grief. She has been a women's health, oncology, and children's chaplain. She has often worked with people during times of transition. Marj is passionate about racial justice and often counsels people of color. She appreciates the healing power of support groups. Marj received her M Div from Chicago Theological Seminary and took her clinical pastoral education at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Rev. Kooy is a Board Certified Chaplain and ordained in the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

 

Kimberly Kooyenga, MSW, LSW
Blue Island and South Holland offices
	Kimberly is an Illinois Licensed Social Worker who enjoys working with children and adolescents on a number of concerns, including life changes, grief, depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues. She also has experience working with adults dealing with a variety of concerns including stress and anxiety, broken relationships, and the emotional aspects of dealing with health complications. Kimberly has her BA in Psychology from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA, where she volunteered as a student leader in student outreach and ministry through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. In 2009, she completed her Masters in Social Work at Loyola University in Chicago. While working towards her master degree, she provided counseling and supervised visitation services at a community family service agency in Chicago. During her second year of graduate work, she provided counseling and supportive services for children and families coping with pediatric cancer at the University of Illinois Medical Center through the American Cancer Society. She is currently working towards her licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

 

Michelle Krepps, MSW, LCSW
New Lenox and Orland Park offices
	Michelle enjoys working with children and adolescents and their families.  Michelle has worked as a school social worker and has her Type 73 Certification and she is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Michelle specializes in child and adolescent issues and has experience working with students who are diagnosed with disorders of learning, ADHD, ADD, Autism spectrum disorders, depression, generalized anxiety, school phobia, oppositional disorders, and bipolar disorders. Michelle has also worked with adolescents and families in dealing with issues as they relate to dealing with mental illness, life crises and adoption. Michelle received a BS in Health Information Management from Illinois State University, Normal, IL, an MBA in Healthcare Services Administration from Webster University, St. Louis, MO, and an MSW in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University, George Williams College of Social Work, Aurora, IL.

 

Debi Mitchell, MS, LMFT
Schererville office
	Debi’s previous experience includes individual, couples, and family counseling. Debi has extensive experience working with adolescent behavioral and emotional issues, family counseling, grief/loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, and working through difficult adjustments to life changes. Her greatest desire is to reflect the light of Christ in the midst of life’s dark moments. Debi earned her B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, IN.

 

Traci Noble, MSW, LCSW
Schererville office
	Traci is an Indiana Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the North American Association of Christian Social Workers (NACSW). She has a broad range of experience within the community mental health system working as a therapist in both outpatient and day treatment settings. Traci also has experience in church based counseling and is PREPARE/ENRICH certified. She enjoys working with children and adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges, and also works effectively with women dealing with anxiety, depression, and broken relationships. Traci earned a BSW  from Taylor University, Upland, IN and an MSW at Indiana University School of Social Work, Indianapolis, IN.

Roger L. Parks, PsyD
Schererville office
	Dr. Parks has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL, a Certificate in Organization Development from Benedictine University, Lisle, IL, and a Certificate in Personal Life Coaching from the Institute for Life Coach Training (Christian track). In addition to over 19 years of clinical and consulting experience, he has taught at Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and is currently an Adjunct Faculty member at Argosy University, Schaumburg.  Dr. Parks' current interests are personal and life coaching, servant leadership development, and spiritual formation.

Eva Ponder, PsyD, LCSW
Schererville office
	Eva is passionate about helping people in their close relationships and also loves to work with individuals who have a broad range of concerns. She has experience with a diversity of people and issues in the context of both private practice and not for profit settings. Eva earned her Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.  She is currently working on a PsyD degree at Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL.

Ursula Saqui, PhD, LMFT
De Motte and Schererville offices
	Dr. Saqui’s passion is using evidence-based solution-focused strategies to move individuals, couples, and families toward their goals. Ursula is experienced in helping clients with a variety of issues including relationship difficulties within families and couples, gender and sexuality concerns, anxiety and depression, life transitions, and problems resulting from trauma and health issues. Dr. Saqui also has a special interest in providing support to community and business leaders and military personnel who need healing and renewal in a confidential place. Dr. Saqui earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Purdue University Calumet and her Doctorate in the same area from Purdue University. In addition to her work as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, she also leads a talented group of researchers in their work with businesses, communities, and non-profit organizations as President of Saqui Research LLC.

Lynne Scherschel, MS, LMFT
Schererville office
	For twenty years Lynne has been working as a marriage and family therapist to facilitate God's healing of individuals, families, and marriages. She has considerable experience working with people who have experienced childhood trauma and those who are encountering issues of death and loss, parenting, divorce, and step-families. Lynne is also certified in Prepare/Enrich and is available for pre-marital as well as marital counseling. Lynne earned her BA in Psychology and French from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN and her MS in counseling from Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, IN. Additionally, she completed a two-year postgraduate training program in marriage and family therapy and is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Scott Smith, MA, LCPC
Mokena and New Lenox offices
	Scott enjoys working with adolescents and adults on a variety of issues. Scott’s passion is working with pre-marital and married couples using the Life Innovations Prepare-Enrich program. He also partners with churches to develop marital programming which includes pre-marital, marriage enrichment, and developing marriage mentors from within the church body. As a seminar director for the Life Innovations Prepare/Enrich program, Scott trains clinicians, clergy, lay people and students for Prepare/Enrich provider certification.   Scott was recently named director of a 3-year federal Suicide Prevention grant through Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL.  Scott received his BA in Psychology from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX and earned his MA in Professional Counseling from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL.

Sarah Spurlock, MA
Orland Park office
	Sarah enjoys working with both individuals and groups as well as children and adults. She has past experience working with adolescents and young adults coping with developmental and transitional problems. Sarah has training in play therapy as well as extensive training in treating both process addictions and chemical dependency. She enjoys working with clients to overcome general anxiety and depression, operating from a solution-focused and holistic approach. She is also PREPARE-ENRICH certified to provide pre-marital and couples counseling. Sarah received her BA in Intercultural Studies from Taylor University in Fort Wayne, IN and her MA in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, CA.

 

Amy Stuart, MA, LCPC
Lombard,  Orland Park, and Plainfield offices
	Amy likes to work with individuals and couples as well as children and adolescents dealing with a variety of issues.  Some areas that she particularly enjoys working with include anxiety, anger management and depression.  She is also PREPARE-ENRICH certified to provide pre-marital and couples counseling. Amy received her BS in Communicative Disorders from Northern Illinois University in De Kalb, IL and her MA in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL.

Karen Suppes, MA, LPC
Crete office
	Before joining the staff, Karen served for four years on staff with Youth for Christ working with high school and junior high kids. Now Karen works with children and teens as well as adults in a variety of areas including anger management, depression, and development issues. She also co-facilitates CONNECT, a group program to help preteens develop healthy social skills. Karen earned her BA in Communication Studies from Taylor University in Upland, IN and her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL.

 

Karla Taylor, MEd, LPC
South Holland office
	Karla has worked with couples, families and individuals for over 20 years. Her foundational experience in academic, agency and ministry settings lends a broad perspective to clients facing various life challenges. Theoretically, Karla is a Humanist and a lifelong learner who believes that education is the key to understanding human conditions. She is committed to ongoing training in order to offer clients contemporary knowledge and therapeutic techniques. Clients struggling with anxiety, anger management, bipolar disorder, divorce, grief, marital challenges, separation, transitions and work related stress often achieve positive outcomes when working with Karla. She holds a MEd in Human Services and Counseling from DePaul University and a BA in Communication Arts and Sciences from Michigan State University, East Lansing MI.

 

William Zilinski, MA, LCPC
Evergreen Park office
	Bill possesses clinical experience working with adult, geriatric and adolescent individuals as well as in group therapies in outpatient and inpatient counseling environments. He specializes in offering Relationship, Coping and Life Transition counseling for couples, individuals, families and through therapy/support groups. Bill’s particular passion is for working with couples to effect positive change in their relationships. He also offers community outreach through interactive psychoeducational seminars/workshops on various topics. Compassionate, competent, committed and flexible to unique client needs. Bill earned his masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. He received his BA in Organizational Psychology at University of Illinois at Chicago, IL.

 

Last updated: 6/8/10