Dr. Stacey Belmont (She/They), PhD — Clinical Director/executive director

Dr.Belmont@belmontdac.com

708.406.9870

Dr. Stacey Belmont is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for a variety of problems including: panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety, depression, anger management and domestic violence, ADHD, and health-related concerns (such as fertility, weight-loss, and pain management). Additionally, they work with individuals who are experiencing distress related to sexual orientation/identity concerns, and issues in work, family, and romantic relationships.  They see adults and adolescents aged 12 and up.

As a predominantly CBT and ACT therapist, they emphasize empirically-validated treatments (those supported by research) in their practice.  In addition to CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), they have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which focuses on mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation.  They also have training in relational approaches.

When Dr.Belmont is not at work, they can be found designing and creating stained glass windows and glass on glass mosaics, exploring the world underwater and learning new skills while SCUBA diving, baking elaborate birthday cakes for their children, cooking new recipes, traveling to new places, and spending time with their family.

Krista Mersino (She/Her), LCSW — assistant Director of Clinical Training/Clinical Supervisor/SEO Strategist

KristaM@belmontdac.com

847. 220.4908

Krista specializes in treating anxiety disorders (including OCD, phobias, and PTSD), borderline personality disorder, and supporting women and LGBTQIA+ folks navigating life transitions such as pregnancy and postpartum, marriage, relationship changes, career shifts, and family adjustments. Her approach is warm, validating, and person-centered—she sees her role as a guide walking alongside clients, offering support, skills, and honest reflections as they move toward the life they envision. Trust and transparency are at the heart of her work, and she is committed to creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel truly seen and understood.

Drawing from DBT-informed therapy, CBT, ACT, ERP, CPT, and mindfulness-based approaches, she tailors therapy to each client’s unique needs—whether that means learning practical skills, processing difficult experiences, or developing tools for long-term resilience.

In Krista’s spare time, she likes to pretend that she’s on “The Great British Bake-Off” and attempts to bake overly-complicated desserts. She also loves spending time training her dog, Rhubarb, playing card games with friends and taking care of her plants. She continues to hope that one day her lemon tree will actually produce at least one lemon.

Korie Poe (she/her), LCPC, CADC — Director of Internship Training/Assistant Director of Clinical Training/Clinical Supervisor

KorieP@belmontdac.com

312.620.4534

Korie utilizes cognitive-behavioral strategies while incorporating mindfulness-based techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her goal in therapy is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can work together to identify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be holding you back from your greatest potential.  Whether you’re an adolescent, young adult, or older adult Korie acknowledges the importance of one’s cultural identity and creates an open space for culture to be a part of your healing process and treatment plan.  Korie specializes in working with addiction, coping skills, low self-esteem, life transitions, feelings of guilt and shame, depression, and anxiety disorders (including GAD, OCD, BFRBs, and PTSD/trauma).

Between sessions, Korie is scouring Goodreads for her next book, trying new restaurants, walking with her dog, and traveling—ideally somewhere with both a great hike and delicious food. 

Amber Hegewald (She/Her), LCPC, CCTP — Clinical Supervisor/Staff Therapist

AmberH@belmontdac.com

708.397.6980

Amber has experience working with children, families, and adults in a variety of settings with various clinical needs. Her areas of interest include working with multicultural issues, depression, anxiety disorders (including OCD), behavioral challenges, interpersonal problems, low self-esteem, trauma, emotion regulation, social challenges, identity development, and adjustment challenges in clinical, home, and school-based settings. Amber is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) through the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)

Amber utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies and integrates Cultural Relational Theory into her work with clients. Her goal in therapy is to provide a compassionate environment that allows clients to be the expert of their journey in their lives and find their place within their environments, identity developments, and their pursuits of wellness.

TY Oreskovic (he/him), LCPC — Marketing and Outreach Coordinator/Staff Therapist

TyO@belmontdac.com

828.419.0451

Ty has a passion for helping individuals discover themselves, their needs and values, and ways to achieve their goals. He believes that change comes from within, and strives to create a collaborative space where you can comfortably grow. In sessions with Ty, you will notice an integration of evidence-based practices like CBT, Exposure, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused techniques that create a robust experience capable of equipping you with both the insight and skills to succeed long after your final session.

Ty specializes in using a combination of psychoeducation, CBT, and exposure therapies to treat anxiety. This kind of treatment is difficult, but it isn't complicated. Together, you'll learn to overcome challenges related to OCD, panic, social anxiety, and more. Ty frequently collaborates with you on your treatment and uses creative, technology-forward strategies.

Prior to becoming a therapist, Ty attended The University of Tennessee, City University of Hong Kong, Brock University, and Western Carolina University. He also worked as an after-school counselor, a study abroad advisor, and a teaching and research assistant. In his free time, he enjoys international travel, cooking, board games, and playing soccer.

Laura Bowling/Bown (She/Her), LCSW — Social Media Coordinator/Staff Therapist

LauraB@belmontdac.com

872.267.4641

Laura strives to create a safe environment for connection, healing, and growth. Through utilizing a person-centered and social justice framework she provides culturally responsive care that validates all aspects of identity. She has experience working with children of all ages, adolescents, and young adults in school and clinical settings. Laura uses mindfulness practices through DBT interventions, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, and ACT. She also incorporates elements of psycho-education into sessions, helping clients to understand the biological mechanisms at-play during certain processes, for a better understanding of the connection between our brains and our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She uses a client-led approach by tailoring each intervention to best achieve the goals defined by the patient.

Laura primarily sees clients experiencing symptoms of anxiety (including OCD, GAD, and social anxiety), depression and trauma (including PTSD). She has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and is a licensed clinician. She loves being outside, reading, her cat and dog, and watching reality TV.

Mara Pollard (She/Her), LPC—Staff Therapist

MaraP@belmontdac.com

872.267.1282

Mara utilizes values-based approaches to help her clients live their most fulfilling life. With a particular interest in ACT and DBT, she works to help individuals move toward their desires and goals confidently. She provides clients with empowerment and self-assurance so that they have the ability to feel their very best. Mara ensures that her clients feel safe, comfortable, and cared for by creating a space that is led by compassion and understanding. She believes in the power of personal narratives and allowing each individual to tell their story free of judgement, shame, or guilt.

 Mara has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She also has experience working with adults through life and vocational transitions. Mara specializes in working with clients who face anxiety, depression, OCD, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and ADHD.  

 Mara looks forward to helping her clients every step of the way, from identifying the cause of each challenge, to implementing behavioral and thought related changes.  Outside of providing support to her clients, she enjoys cooking, going for walks along the lakefront, hanging with her niece, and trying new restaurants throughout the city. 

Molly Porter (She/Her), LCSW — Staff Therapist

MollyP@belmontdac.com

708.405.9553

Molly has experience working with adults and teens navigating traumatic life experiences, and transitions. When working with clients, she utilizes a blend of Mindfulness-Based CBT, ACT, and Trauma-Informed modalities to gain a deeper understanding as to why clients may be experiencing certain symptoms. Molly practices under the belief that we all have complex and unique stories that require a similar starting treatment plan – honoring a person within their environment. She focuses on supporting and empowering clients, offering clients the freedom to process their journey in ways that feel most beneficial for them, while utilizing evidence-based practices. It is most important for her to create a safe, authentic, and accepting space where clients can feel both valued and free to show up as their true selves.

Molly graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Master’s in Social Work where she specialized in Trauma Treatment. She is a licensed Tennessee as well as Illinois. Her work interests include treating anxiety (including OCD, GAD, and social anxiety), depression, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, life transitions, self-compassion, and managing social challenges.

Dillon Dostal(He/Him), LPC — Staff Therapist

DillonD@belmontdac.com

312.869.2401

Dillon graduated with his M.S. in Clinical/Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2018 and has experience working primarily with adults and young adults in a variety of settings, including intensive outpatient programs.

Dillon’s goal in therapy is to provide his clients with a safe and non-judgmental space to feel seen, heard, and validated.  Dillon is also passionate about reducing the stigma that surrounds the idea of seeking mental health and strives to normalize each individual’s experience during their sessions. Dillon also emphasizes the importance of one’s culture and intentionally creates a safe space for individuals to integrate and acknowledge their cultural identity while on their healing journey in therapy.

Dillon’s areas of interest include working with individuals experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, college transition, and LGBTQIA+ issues.  Dillon also has experience working with substance abuse, and is in the process of obtaining his Certified Drug and Alcohol Counseling (CADC) certification.  Dillon takes a person-centered approach in his sessions and likes to integrate a variety of evidence-based coping skills, mainly pulling from CBT, DBT, ACT, Strengths-Based, and Solution-Focused treatment modalities.

Lizzie Loring (she/Her), LSW, CADC—Staff Therapist

LizzieL@belmontdac.com

Lizzie’s therapeutic approach is client-centered and strengths-based, focusing on collaboration and respect for each person's unique journey. She uses CBT techniques to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and achieve their personal goals.Over her years in the field she has worked with a variety of clients with a multitude of diagnoses and issues, ranging from but not limited to addiction, alcoholism, anxiety (including OCD, GAD, and Social anxiety), bipolar disorder, eating disorders and depression. She also has experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and LGBTQ teens. Lizzie has worked in various settings, including schools, mental health facilities and community based practices and is passionate about advocating for social justice and equity.

She believes in the transformative power of support and connection, and strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space for her clients. Whether you are facing personal challenges, family issues, or seeking guidance in your mental health journey, Lizzie is looking to help.

Madeleine Garlisch (She/her), LPC—Staff Therapist

MadeleineG@belmontdac.com

872.221.4058

Madeleine takes a person-centered, culturally sensitive approach to therapy. She is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can be their authentic selves while exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. With a focus on building trust, Madeleine fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, empowering clients to engage in their personal growth and healing journey.

Madeleine’s therapeutic approach pulls from ACT, CBT, DBT, and Strengths-Based treatment modalities, tailoring her approach to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Madeleine has experience working in community mental health, where she has worked with individuals ranging from 5-60 years of age facing a variety of challenges. She is particularly passionate about working with teens and adults struggling with anxiety (including OCD, GAD, and social anxiety), interpersonal problems, life transitions, emotion regulation, depression, and trauma (including PTSD). 

Madeleine is here to provide guidance, support, and practical tools to help you move forward. Through her warm, empathetic approach, she strives to create lasting change and help clients build a sense of emotional well-being and fulfillment in their lives

Alanna Tessarolo (She/Her), LCSW—Staff Therapist

AlannaT@belmontdac.com

312.890.2507

Alanna is passionate about helping others discover what a value-driven, meaningful life looks like for them while utilizing evidence-based treatments to help them achieve the life they want to be living. Alanna specializes in treating anxiety disorders (including OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, etc.) through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Alanna also specializes in working with eating disorders and mood disorders. She values and encourages the process of self-discovery, and has worked extensively with the LGBTQIA+ community. Alanna sees patients from adolescence through adulthood and she creates a collaborative, supportive, compassionate, and honest space to discuss any life transitions, current struggles, and goals. 

Alanna is creative in her ways of expanding on strengths, coping skills, creating goals and steps to achieve those goals, and in providing psychoeducation to fully understand the “why” behind therapy. Therapy can be a lot to commit to (emotionally and physically), however Alanna loves to find ways to bring laughter, brightness, and joy to the space. Her goal in therapy is to help clients find their own version of what a meaningful life looks like and to take the steps needed to get there.

To learn a bit more about Alanna, for starters, she loves her dog, Oliver, like it’s her child! She loves a good meme, and enjoys lots of crafts and a good gym workout! 

Rebekah Jacobi (She/her), LPC—Staff Therapist

RebekahJ@belmontdac.com

847.906.3247

Rebekah works with clients to identify and utilize their strengths to help them reach their goals. She believes that each individual takes a role in authoring their own life story. Within this life story are a collection of messages received from oneself, others, and society that impact perception and the ways in which an individual operates in the world. Rebekah accompanies her clients as they gain understanding and insight into themselves and find ways to take control over their own narrative. 

Prior to counseling Rebekah worked with adolescents and teens as a teacher. Her time in the classroom motivated her to pursue a career change where she could provide support to kids and families in new ways.  Rebekah has experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan. Her work is grounded in person-centered principles and she pulls from CBT, DBT, Play, and Narrative therapy depending on what is most appropriate for the client and what they are working on. Rebekah works with anxiety, depression, trauma, and executive functioning challenges as well as interpersonal relationship difficulties and life transitions.

In her free time Rebekah enjoys spending time creating art, getting creative in the kitchen and caring for her garden.

Kamryn Honhorst (She/her), LSW—Staff Therapist

KamrynH@belmontdac.com

872.222.6765

Kamryn takes a strengths-based, collaborative approach to therapy, meeting each client where they are in their journey. She is committed to creating a safe and respectful space where individuals of all ages can feel supported, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences at their own pace.

Kamryn integrates evidence-based modalities such as ACT, CBT, and DBT, always tailoring her approach to the needs and goals of each individual. Drawing from a trauma-informed perspective, she works to ensure that clients feel grounded and secure as they navigate challenges and begin to make meaningful change. She believes that every person has unique strengths and values that can guide healing, and she works alongside clients to identify and build upon these resources.

Kamryn has experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and addiction. Her goal is to collaborate with clients to uncover what matters most to them and to develop strategies that foster resilience, growth, and emotional well-being. Kamryn strives to help each client feel seen, respected, and capable of creating a more fulfilling life.

Nicole Houde (She/Her)—Counseling Intern

Intake@belmontdac.com

Nicole is a counseling intern and a third-year Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at DePaul University. She has experience supporting children and families in both clinical and educational settings, where she developed skills in fostering emotional safety, encouraging healthy communication, and building strong, trusting relationships. Nicole approaches her work with warmth and thoughtfulness, and prioritizes building trust. She is particularly interested in working with clients navigating life transitions, stress, and interpersonal challenges, as well as anxiety disorders. Nicole is passionate about creating supportive environments where clients of all ages feel seen, respected, and empowered to explore their goals.

Reagan Ammon (She/Her)—Counseling Intern

Intake@belmontdac.com

Reagan is in her final-year of graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University. Believing that healing begins with genuine human connection, she works collaboratively with each client to explore what feels most meaningful and helpful to them.

Reagan blends compassion and humor in her work—helping clients reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges. Drawing primarily from a person-centered approach, Reagan also integrates other strategies and tools tailored to each individual’s needs, making the process flexible and client-driven.

Passionate about fostering self-awareness and growth, Reagan hopes to walk alongside clients as they discover new ways of relating to their thoughts and emotions, deepen their understanding of themselves, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Hazel, The Wonder Dog — Chief Morale Officer

Hazel, is our resident therapy dog. She has over 10 years of experience bringing smiles to people’s faces, providing companionship, making people laugh, and offering support to those who need it. She is particularly helpful for those who struggle with anxiety. She is a lover of people, treats, her cat-siblings “Pickle” and “Benny Waffles,” her dog-brother, “Obi,” and attention.