Bio

Hi, I’m Leslie, a passionate advocate, trusted confidant, and empowering, straight-talking Licensed Clinical Social Worker.


Parenting is messy; it’s not what you thought it’d be. How come everyone else makes this look so joyful? Simple? Fun? My experience during and after my first pregnancy overwhelmed, humbled, challenged, inspired, and surprised me. I thought I knew what I was signing up for; I took all the classes, picked my friends’ brains, and scoured the internet preparing for my little one. Then my son was born and the whole world tilted on its axis and began spinning backwards! He made me feel tremendous joy and utter ineptitude. I cried, I prayed, I stared at his sweet little face and sobbed because I didn’t know how we were going to make it.


You don’t have to continue to live in that darkness. Together, you will heal, learn, and thrive.


Perhaps your experience was a bit different. Your beautiful baby was born and then he/she missed some developmental milestones. No big deal, you thought; all kids develop differently. Then, someone mentioned early intervention. Next came preschool, kindergarten, or first grade and suddenly the teachers were talking in code about IEPs, 504s, and evaluations. This isn’t what you expected and you don’t know how to navigate this world.


I spent 12 years working in special education and I’ve been privileged to serve families who were thrown into a world where they weren’t sure which way was up and how to move forward. I can help you navigate the world of raising and advocating for your child with a disability. It’s a daunting, difficult, and remarkably rewarding blessing to parent a child with special needs, but it can also be sad, lonely, and defeating.


I’m here to support you through the challenges, joys, accomplishments, and failures of parenting.


I believe in being authentic at all times. I bring my whole self to the therapeutic relationship. I share your pain, your accomplishments, your challenges, your hopes, and your dreams. I believe in being genuine and ask the same from you. I’m someone who tells it like it is and supports you through it all. I’ll give you tissues, laugh loudly, curse, and wear comfy pants. If you’re easily offended, I’m probably not the right therapist for you. I am passionate, relentless in the pursuit of improvement, and dedicated to supporting you every step of the way!

Lived experiences

Antenatal depression, Postpartum depression, and Postpartum anxiety survivor

Specialties

Anxiety

Perinatal Anxiety

Depression

Perinatal Depression

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Psychosis

Birth trauma / PTSD

Location

Lombard, IL 60148

Hours of operation

Saturdays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Treatment methods

Eclectic

Consults

Office

Child friendly space

Yes