(815) 828-5407 | admin@riviercounseling.com
Sara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has been in the field of mental health since 2007. During this time she has worked in university mental health, substance abuse & detoxification, residential treatment, community mental health, and private practice.
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Sara received both of her degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also was employed in multiple capacities. Sara earned her Bachelor degree in Psychology, and her Master degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Assessment and a focus in Mental Health. Sara was also an SBIRT Scholar during her time in graduate school, giving her a unique skill set in assessing and treating substance abuse.
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Sara's practice is generalized, and she sees individuals of all ages and needs. She has a particular passion for assisting individuals who suffer from trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, ethical non-monogamy & polyamory and the LGBTQ+ community.
Sara is a Brainspotting Practitioner which allows her to assist clients in identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, and other symptoms. ​
Samantha Brock, LCPC
Director of Internships & Mental Health Clinician
Email: samanthabrock@riviercounseling.com
Samantha is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. Samantha is our Clinical Supervisor, providing support to our new clinicians as well as continuing to provide great care to her full caseload.
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Samantha received her Bachelor degree in Psychology from Illinois State University, and her Master degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler School of Professional Psychology. Samantha has spent the time working towards her license and practicing in the mental health field primarily in a community mental health setting.
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Samantha’s practice is generalized, and she sees individuals of all ages and needs. She has a particular passion for working with children and adolescents. In addition, she enjoys serving individuals who struggle with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.
Taylor Krull, LCPC
Clinical Supervisor & Brainspotting Practitioner
Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor.
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Taylor earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and her Master of Science in Counseling, both from Eastern Illinois University. Taylor has an extensive background working in the school setting, as she was a school counselor for over 4 years. This gives Taylor the unique ability to advocate for the youth on her caseload.
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Taylor's practice is generalized. She works well with clients of all ages, and loves the diversity of different issues and challenges on her caseload. Taylor particularly enjoys working with relationship issues, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, and family counseling.
Taylor is a Brainspotting Practitioner which allows her to assist clients in identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, and other symptoms.
Casey Ryan, LCSW
Mental Health Clinician
Email: caseyryan@riviercounseling.com
Casey is a Licensed Social Worker, holding a Bachelor and Master Degree in Social Work from the University of St. Francis.
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During her time in the field, Casey has worked intensely with the substance abuse population, the Court Mandated Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP), in Hospital Crisis Intervention, and inpatient and outpatient mental health programs.
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Casey meets people with compassion and an open mind. She sees the person as a whole and discovers internal and external stressors to support the client as they explore where they would like to improve. Casey’s most used theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, however she actively seeks out new treatment approaches when working with each individual client.
Alicia Cameron, LSW
Mental Health Clinician
Email: aliciacameron@riviercounseling.com
Alicia is a licensed Social Worker. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s degree from Aurora University.
Alicia brings a compassionate and open-minded approach to therapy, grounded in years of experience as a medical social worker in the hospital setting. Her background in healthcare has given her a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face during times of stress, illness, and transition.
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She enjoys working with both adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and life transitions, helping them build resilience and find balance. Alicia has a special passion for supporting women as they navigate pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and the unique transitions of motherhood.
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Alicia’s therapeutic style is warm, supportive, and collaborative. Primarily using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful patterns and develop practical skills for change. At the same time, she values flexibility and draw from other approaches to meet each client’s unique needs.
Alicia strives to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward the life they want to live.
Jesse Rodriguez Hammond, MS Ed Psy
Mental Health Clinician, Doctoral Intern
Email: jessehammond@riviercounseling.com
Throughout his school career, Jesse has studied and focused on understanding childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, and counseling. Jesse takes a holistic approach to counseling, using person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. He believes parents need to be supportive and part of the mental health team for their children.
Jesse has a deep understanding and knowledge about how to support children in their journey towards mental well-being. He has been a foster parent to 15 children, six of whom he adopted. Jesse graduated Magna Cum Laude with his bachelor's degree in child psychology and was on the President's List with a Master of Science in Educational Psychology. Jesse is currently working on his doctorate at the American International College and provides counseling for adolescents and teens with anxiety, depression, those who have experienced trauma, and who are at-risk.
He has had papers reviewed and published by the American Psychological Association and the British Psychological Society. Jesse is an adjunct professor of Psychology at Illinois Valley Community College as well as a part-time instructor through the University of Illinois, providing online training to biological and foster families.
Ashley Southcomb, LPC
Mental Health Clinician
Email: ashleysouthcomb@riviercounseling.com
Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma-informed care and EMDR therapy for teens and adults. With a compassionate and grounded approach, Ashley helps clients move from emotional overwhelm to clarity, resilience, and healing.
With over 15 years in education as a Special Education Teacher and Behavior Specialist, Ashley brings extensive experience working with adolescents and adults in mental health and educational settings. This background gives her a unique blend of clinical insight and behavioral expertise.
Ashley holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, as well as a Master’s in Special Education and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Lewis University. She is trained in EMDR and integrates this evidence-based therapy into her compassionate, client-centered practice.
Ashley supports clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions. She is particularly skilled at helping teens and young adults build emotional awareness, self-esteem, and healthy boundaries.
Brendan Keska
Mental Health Clinician, LSW
Email: brendankeska@riviercounseling.com
Brendan is a Licensed Social Worker. He has worked in the mental health field since 2019 in a variety of settings including assisted living, residential treatment, crisis services, and inpatient treatment. Brendan received his Bachelor degree in Psychology and Master Degree in Social Work both from Lewis University.
Brendan’s practice is generalized, but he most frequently refers to the CBT, DBT, and humanistic approaches. He believes that all individuals have the innate ability to thrive by gaining awareness of strengths, motivations, and purpose. He also considers nutrition, genuine relationships, and mindfulness as core tenets of mental wellness. He sees individuals of all ages and needs.
Brendan has a particular passion for assisting individuals with issues in older adulthood, chronic health conditions, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ challenges. Brendan enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, and traveling when possible in his free time.
Morgan Wiedeman, LPC
Mental Health Clinician
Email: morganwiedeman@riviercounseling.com
As a licensed professional counselor, Morgan offers individualized and compassionate counseling to help you find insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Morgan believes that each person has the capacity for self-awareness and growth that can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness based interventions.
Morgans areas of expertise include working with those experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, incarceration, trauma, eating disorders, and body image issues.
Throughout her time in the field, she has had the opportunity to work within the Illinois Department of Corrections as well as community mental health agencies.
Morgan graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in psychology from University of St. Francis and a Master Degree in clinical mental health counseling from Governors State University.
Angelina is a Licensed Social Worker earning both her Bachelor and Master degree from Lewis University. She is passionate about supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of children and adolescents. Her approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges young people face today.
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Angelina brings experience from her time as a School Social Worker, where she worked closely with students, families, and educators to manage IEPs and 504 plans as well as provide direct support to help students thrive both academically and emotionally.
Angelina is​ committed to creating a safe and supportive space where kids and teens feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Whether she is helping a child build emotional regulation skills, supporting a teen through anxiety or depression, or working with families to improve communication, my goal is always to help clients feel understood and equipped with tools for lasting growth.
Shafeen is a Licensed Social Worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work. Her passion lies in supporting children and adolescents as they navigate complex emotional experiences and develop resilience. She has extensive experience working with youth in the foster care system, helping them process trauma and manage social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Shafeen’s therapeutic approach is rooted in humanism — she believes every child is unique, inherently worthy, and capable of growth. Her sessions tend to focus on the whole child, aiming to foster healing in a safe, compassionate space that honors their individual journey.
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When it comes to children, Shafeen likes to administer play therapy, using creative, child-centered techniques to help young clients express themselves, explore their emotions, and build healthy coping strategies. Whether it’s through play, conversation, art, movement, or emotional support, she is willing to walk alongside each client and family as they work toward healing.
When she is not in a session, she can be found reading a good book, watching movies, or enjoying a peaceful walk — ways she can recharge and stay grounded so she can show up fully for her clients.
Suzzanna is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership. Her expertise centers on occupation-related clinical issues such as burnout, stress, anxiety, and trauma. Suzzanna work with individuals navigating the pressures of their careers and personal lives, helping them build resilience, restore balance, and find healthier ways of managing challenges.
Suzzanna is also a sex therapy practitioner, supporting clients who want a more holistic path toward healing and growth. Whether it is navigating intimacy concerns, moving through trauma, building a stronger sense of body confidence, or exploring intimacy barriers within one's relationships, she work alongside you to break down stigmas and create space for real change. Suzanna's approach is warm, collaborative, and focused on helping you reclaim confidence in yourself.
Tara is a Licensed Registered Dietitian. She received her Bachelor’s in Dietetics from Lipscomb University and completed her Dietetic Internship at Illinois State University. She is licensed in both Illinois and Iowa. She has over 5 years of practice in both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. She has experience with a variety of populations including diabetes, weight management, food allergies, eating disorders, comprised gut health, pre and postnatal, oncology, kidney and heart disease.
She is passionate to help her clients improve their overall quality of life through nutrition. She has a holistic approach to care. She focuses on addressing the root cause of the problem. She believes diet and lifestyle is not a one size fits all. Tara and her clients work together to evaluate their nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep to develop a plan catered toward their individual needs for successful outcomes. She strives to be your biggest cheerleader while also providing support and accountability.
Sandy Nicolas, Intern *Telehealth Only*
M.S. Clinical Mental Health
Sandy Nicolas is a master’s-level intern currently pursuing her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After completing her practicum in New York, Sandy is now continuing her internship with a strong commitment to providing empathetic, culturally responsive care through a telehealth platform.
As an emerging clinician, Sandy is passionate about supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. She welcomes clients from all backgrounds and life stages, working to create a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental space for healing and growth.
Her therapeutic approach is rooted in person-centered therapy and incorporates cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and a trauma-informed lens. Sandy values collaboration, authenticity, and the belief that healing is a journey taken together.
She is honored to be a part of each client’s process and looks forward to supporting their mental health and overall well-being.
Alex Nieves, Intern
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling & M.S. in Sport & Human Performance
Alex is in his third-year as a master’s student at Adler University, where he is pursuing dual degrees: an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and an M.S. in Sport & Human Performance. Currently, he is gaining hands-on experience as a mental performance consultant intern at Benedictine University.
Driven by a passion for helping others discover, plan, and achieve their goals—both in sport and in life—Alex takes a person-centered, holistic approach to care. He emphasizes the individuality and strengths of each client, striving to create a supportive environment that fosters growth and self-awareness.
Alex is particularly passionate about working with high school and college students, recognizing this period as a pivotal time for identity development and personal growth. He is also deeply committed to advocating for and supporting individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, aiming to provide equitable access to mental health and performance services.
Delphia Brewington, Intern
Master in Social Work
Email: delphiabrewington@riviercounseling.com
Delphia is a seasoned counselor with over 40 years of experience supporting individuals across a wide range of settings, including group homes, mental health departments, personal care homes, and residential programs for teens and young adults. She has also provided long-term counseling services within faith-based communities and currently mentors individuals in court-ordered anger management through the Anger Adjuster Group.
Delphia has a strong background in working with clients facing grief, trauma, abuse, and life transitions. Her clinical interests include grief counseling, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and recovery from sexual and physical abuse. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Theology from St. Leo University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at the University of St. Francis.