• Amy Y. Grabowski, MA, LCPC, ATR
• Katie Davis MS, RD, CSSD, LDN
• Erin Diedling, MEd, LPC
• Elizabeth (Beth) Hennessey, MA, LCPC, ATR
• Maureen McNichols, MS, EdS, LCPC
• Meghann Richko, CYT, MA, LPC
• Jennifer Schurman, MA, LPC
• Mari Schnitzius-Richko, ND, LCPC, AOBTA cp
• Linda R. Winter, JD, MA, LCPC
• Marketing Manager: Katie Patterson, MA, LPC
• Intake Coordinator: Maria Cicero, MA, LCPC

_________________________________________

Amy Y. Grabowski, MA, LCPC, ATR
Lakeview Office

• Director and Founder of The Awakening Center 1994
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• Registered Art Therapist
• Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago, 1986
• Author of "Imagine Being at Peace with Food, Your Body, Your Self”
• Recorded "Imagine Being At Peace..." a guided imagery, relaxation CD, 2005
• Sponsor of Midwest Annual Professional Conference for Eating-Disorders, 2008-present
• Professional member: The Academy of Eating Disorders
• State Board member: ANAD (National Ass’n of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
• Editor of ANAD’s newsletter 1984-1996
• Supervisor of Master’s level practicum students: Northwestern University, Adler School of Professional Psychology, DePaul University, et al; 1998-present
• Guest lecturer: Northwestern University, DePaul University, National Louis University, Elmhurt College
• Frequent presenter at professional conferences
• Appeared in newspapers, magazines, on radio and television
• Alumni Profile from UIC alumni magazine

“Having experienced recovery myself, I can empathize with the difficulties that my clients face during recovery. I know that eating disorders are not about food, eating or weight. Eating disorders stem from a lack of a sense of self, which causes one to feel empty, defective and out of control of life. Using a holistic approach, I help my clients recover their true sense of self, and learn to honor, even love, the person they were meant to be.”

• Newsletter articles by Amy Grabowski

Katie Davis MS, RD, CSSD, LDN

• Registered and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
• Owner of RDKate Consulting (www.RDKate.com)
• B.S. Dietetics, Michigan State University, 2006
• M.S. Human Nutrition with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology, Michigan State University, 2011
• Master's Thesis: Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Status and Dietary Intake in Overweight and Obese Female College Athletes Versus Sedentary College Students
• Professional Member: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Illinois Dietetic Association, West Suburban Dietetic Association, SCAN (Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists), NE (Nutrition Entrepreneurs)
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD): 1 of only 501 in the United States
• Previous Employment: Clinical, Division I Collegiate, and Community Clinic Dietitian
• Experienced speaker, writer, and group moderator
• Areas of Expertise:
• Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating
• Intuitive/Mindful Eating
• Sports Nutrition     
• Avid athlete: indoor rock climber, runner, snowboarder, and triathlete
• Avid international traveler: Argentina, Belgium, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Switzerland

"I believe that every food plays an important role in the maintenance of the body. I teach my clients appetite awareness and un-distracted eating, helping each person explore how the body is quite capable of telling us exactly what we need to be eating for the lifestyle we lead. I believe eating should be an enjoyable experience."

Erin Diedling, M.Ed., LPC        
Lakeview Office

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• M.Ed. Community Counseling Loyola University, Chicago
• Workshop leader: Healing for the Healers; Joy and Abundance
• Leader: Eating Disorder Support Group; Sexual Abuse Survivors Therapy Group
• Meditation Instructor
• Chicago Women Health Center: Counseling Volunteer 2003-2008
• Eating Disorders Professional Conference Presenter, 2008: Presenting Topic, “Impact of Vicarious Trauma Upon the Caregiver”
• Facilitator: Spirit In Flight: trauma retreat for airline flight crews involved with 9/11/2001
• Published in Journal of the American Academy of Psychotherapists: Fall 2002 On “Learning the Task of Psychotherapy”
• Trauma Consultation Group, WomenCare in Evanston, IL: 2004-2006 Completed 2 year training for trauma counselors with pioneers in the field of Traumatology
• Specialty training:
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Attachment Theory
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Career Assesment
• Imago Theory
• Clinical areas of experience:
• Trauma
• Sexual Abuse
• Eating Disorders
• Couple’s Therapy
• LGBT Communities
• Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Career Counseling
• Life Transitions and Relationships
• Unlocking Creativity

“When my clients come to see me, they are most often looking for freedom from a limiting pattern. Knowing my clients have the answers within them, I work effectively in our sessions through reflecting back their intrinsic gifts and abilities. This allows my clients to explore and clear the blocks and thus, have the life that they truly desire. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing my clients get the results they envision for themselves and watching them take joyful ownership of their lives.”

Elizabeth (Beth) Hennessey, MA, LCPC, ATR
Lakeview Office

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• MA Counseling Psychology / Art Therapy, Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, 2007
• Certified IFS Therapist
• Registered Art Therapist
• Additional Training: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Body Centered Mindfulness & Meditation
• Outpatient Expressive Therapist at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital
• Clinical areas of experience and specialty training:
• Eating Disorders
• Anxiety and Depression
• Self-Injury
• Adolescent and Early Adult Transitions
• Relationship Issues

"I strive to honor each client’s unique life experience by adjusting my clinical approach to best meet their individual goals for seeking therapy.  I hope to provide a safe and collaborative space for a client to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to work towards meaningful changes in their life.  I believe self-exploration can lead to a more balanced and enjoyable life experience by uncovering innate strengths that may have been misplaced by self-criticism through the years.  I feel so fortunate to join my clients on their life journey.”  

Maureen McNichols, MS, EdS, LCPC
Lombard Office

• Licensed Cinical Professional Counselor  
• MS Educational Psychology National Louis University, 1992
• EdS Educational Specialist, National Louis University, 1994
• Specialty training:
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
• Clinical areas of experience and specialty training:
• Eating Disorders
• Anxiety and Depression
• Women’s Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Adolescent and Early Adult Transitions
• Psychological Assessment
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Parenting Issues

 “I create a calm, safe, accepting environment for my clients, where together we can notice all their parts that have developed as a way of handling difficult or traumatic experiences. My belief is that all clients have at their core an amazing centered, confident place that when accessed frees them to lead their lives more confidently, courageously and peacefully.”

Meghann Richko, MA, LPC, CYT
Lakeview & DesPlaines Offices

• Licensed Professional Counselor (8/2011)
• MA Counseling Psychology: Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, 6/2011
• Professional yoga therapist
• Certified yoga and group fitness instructor
• Co-leader YogaTalk Group
• Recognized by the International Association of Yoga Therapists, Aerobic Fitness Association of America, and Zumba Instructor Network
• Trained and experienced: Yoga, Pilates, Zumba Level 1, 2, and Gold, and Cardio Step Aerobics and Strength Training
• Trained as Street Yoga Instructor, which involves teaching yoga and mindfulness to youth and families struggling with homelessness, poverty, abuse, addiction, trauma, and psychiatric issues
• Provides yoga and fitness services for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and sports performance
• Areas of experience and specialty training:
• Restorative & Chair Yoga
• Anxiety
• Mental Health
• Preventative Health
• Personal Growth
• Meditation
• Relaxation Techniques
• Stress Management
• www.backintobalance.biz

“Yoga Therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the philosophy, psychology, and practice of Yoga. My goal is to bring each individual personal well being, along with direction, encouragement, and support towards integration of body, mind, and spirit. I encourage clients to be true to themselves and to cultivate individual mindfulness through their yoga practice. Each client receives a yoga experience tailored to their own needs, supporting my belief that a safe and relevant yoga experience provides the body and mind the ability to heal and restore.”

Jennifer Schurman, MA, LCPC
Lakeview Office

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• MA Marriage and Family Therapy,  Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, 2006
• Leader of The Women's Eating Disorder Therapy Group
• Internship experience with Remuda Ranch in the Remuda Life extended care program
• Leader of Eating Disorder support group
• Clinical areas of experience and specialty training:
• Family Therapy
• Couples Therapy
• Eating Disorders
• Anxiety and Mood Disorders
• Adolescent and early adulthood transitions
• Relationship dynamics and issues

 “When working with clients I focus on fostering a collaborative relationship where clients can begin to explore the many dynamics related to a greater sense of self-awareness. I believe change and progress occurs as clients begin approaching themselves with a sense of compassion and confidence in their unique gifts. In cultivating a greater understanding of one’s history, patterns, and even purposes clients realize the choices in reaching their potential. I consider it a true privilege to support, encourage, and at times challenge clients as they build a life based in the foundation of authenticity.”

Mari M. Schnitzius-Richko, N.D., L.C.P.C., AOBTA cp
Lakeview & DesPlaines Offices

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• Licensed Naturopathic Doctor
• Body-Centered Psychotherapist
• Certified IFS Therapist
• Co-leader: YogaTalk Group
• Nationally Certified Zen Shiatsu Practitioner and Jin Shin Do Acupressurist
• Members of IFSA Internal Family Systems Association; AOBTA American Oriental Body Therapies Association and National Board of Certified Counselors
• Board Member for INN (IN Network Advisory Board for Health Insurance for Integrative Health Services)
• Association Lecturer on combining IFS and Chinese Medicine
• Public Speaker on Integrative Approaches to Wellness and Energy Medicine
• Clinical Areas of Expertise:
• Eating Disorders
• Depression and Anxiety Disorders
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues
• Life Transitions and Personal Growth
• Stress Management
• Body Therapies and Meditation Techniques
• www.centerforauthenticliving.biz
  
• http://bit.ly/InNetworkProviderMariR
  
• www.innetwork.pro
  
• www.backintobalance.biz

"My belief is that a truly optimum healing process relies on the awareness of the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of our journey. Each has to be addressed and applied to our work together. With direction, encouragement, and support in a nurturing environment, my interdisciplinary approach provides each individual with a deeper sense of “Self.” We can explore these aspects of healing through Traditional Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Body-Centered Psychotherapy and/or different forms of Body work. We will discuss which integrative approach fits for you. My vision for you is a true and long lasting healing process."

Linda R. Winter, JD, MA, LCPC 
 Lakeview & Downtown (Millenium Pk) Offices

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• MA Counseling Psychology Northwestern University, Evanston, 2007
• Certified IFS Therapist
• Facilitator of Adult & Teen DBT Groups, & Mindful Eating Group
• Coordinator of Eating Disorders Anonymous 12 Step Group
• Specialty training:
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Family & Group Therapy
• Clinical areas of expertise and specialty training:
• Eating Disorders
• Depression - anxiety
• Women’s Issues
• Sexual Abuse
• Self-Injury
• Relationship Issues
• Life Transitions

 “I take a collaborative and flexible approach to therapy. It all starts with truly listening to my clients so they feel understood. We work together to define their goals. I approach treatment in a style that best addresses my client’s unique needs.  Through compassion and curiosity I work to create a safe atmosphere where we can uncover the roots of problematic behaviors and attitudes and start on the path to transforming those behaviors so that life can be more fulfilling.”

Katie L Patterson, MA, LPC
Marketing Director

• Licensed Professional Counselor (6/2011)
• MA Clinical Psychology, Counseling, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, 2009
• Practicum Intern at The Awakening Center, 2008-2009
• Leader: Eating Disorder Support Group

"I am honored to be a part of The Awakening Center and its dynamic, resourceful, and compassionate team.  My passion lies in helping others awaken their souls and realize their infinite value as they strive to overcome life obstacles such as eating disorders, relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and understanding of the self.  Each person is on their own unique path when they find The Awakening Center, and my hope is that here they will find what they are so deserving of: peace, growth, recovery, wholeness, and freedom."

Maria Cicero, MA, LPC
Intake Coordinator

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• MA Counseling Psychology Boston College, 2005

Jerry Lind, Ph.D.

Our dear friend and colleague Dr Jerry Lind lost his courageous battle against cancer on July 12, 2008. At The Awakening Center he contributed his deep wisdom, gentle spirit, generous nature and capricious humor. All of us at The Awakening Center will greatly miss him. He will continue to be with us in spirit.