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Calming Corner
THERAPY
(630) 277-9731 x 1
The Team
Who We Are
Bridgette Maurino, LCSW
Owner & Therapist
Bridgette Maurino is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University. Bridgette works with clients ranging from children, adolescents, adults, and parents struggling with depression, anxiety, mental illness, substance abuse, self-esteem, anger management, as well as those coping with relationship issues.
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Bridgette's passion is working with children, adolescents, and young adults using a variety of different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Soultions Focused, play therapy, art therapy, and aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
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Bridgette has also worked in a wide variety of settings such as: after-school programs, juvenile justice departments for domestic violence, hospitals inpatient psychiatric units, hospital emergency rooms, and PHP (Partial Hospitalization Programs) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).
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In her free time, she likes to spend time with her husband, children, and family. Bridgette enjoys crafting, doing art projects/home renovation projects, and cooking.
630.277.9731 x 0
Denise Michels, LPC
Therapist
Denise Michels is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Northern Illinois University. Denise works with adolescents (late elementary, middle and high school students) and their families to help navigate struggles with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma, anger, self-esteem, relationships and executive functioning.
Denise has 20 years of experience working with children, young adults and families. Through this, she has learned the significance of positive rapport, advocacy and building strong support systems in order to empower our youth. Denise strives to understand the struggles behind each client in order to promote personal growth within the client. Using an eclectic style of therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused and Person-Centered Therapy, Denise focuses on catering each session towards the clients’ goals and personality.
Denise enjoys being outside whether she is going for a run or taking a walk. Her favorite time is spent with her family, including her husband, two children and two dogs, Nellie & Knox. She also enjoys reading a good book, connecting with friends and traveling.
630.277.9731 x 702 denise@calmingcornertherapy.com
Emily Taylor, LPC
Therapist
Emily Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University. Emily’s passion is working with children and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, self-injury, trauma, and mental illness. She uses various therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy.
Emily believes providing children with a safe and supportive environment allows them to express their emotions and deal with challenging situations. She has experience working with people of all ages in Crisis Intervention, Partial Hospitalization Programs, and Outpatient Therapy.
During her free time, Emily loves spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She also enjoys reading and any opportunity to spend time in the sun!
630.277.9731 X 701 emily@calmingcornertherapy.com
Amy Penar, LSW
Therapist
Amy has a B.A. in Psychology and her MSW in Social Work. She is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Amy has been a School Social Worker for 14 years and has worked with students from Pre-School to Transition Age. She provides therapy services for children and teens using an integrated approach tailored to the unique needs of each new client. There are so many changes that happen as children grow and develop, and Amy is here to help with these transitions. Amy believes that change happens when people are given the support, they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives.
Amy enjoys working with children to support kids in learning to manage their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. There is a focus on building relationships that allow her clients to explore their experiences and feelings to support them when challenges come along. Amy provides an environment of compassion and support to help individuals and families overcome obstacles to move forward and thrive.
Amy earned her B.A. in Psychology from Northern Illinois University in 1996. Amy is also a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Illinois. She graduated from the Aurora University with her graduate degree in Social Work
630.277.9731 X 5 amy@calmingcornertherapy.com
Maureen Mitchell, LPC
Therapist
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Maureen Mitchell is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Northern Illinois University. Maureen works with adolescents (middle and high school students), adults and families who are struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, school refusal, self-injury, and mental illness.
Maureen has experience as a (current) school counselor and also as a teacher. Maureen’s experience working with middle school and high school students over the last several decades has given her ample understanding of adolescents, their families, and the issues they face in today’s world. Maureen uses evidence-based practices to help her clients work through their current struggles and set-backs and live a more fulfilled life.
During her free time, Maureen enjoys spending time with her husband, three daughters and two dogs. She is a lifelong runner and loves to spend time traveling and being outdoors.
Maureen@calmingcornertherapy.com
630.277.9731 x 700
Steve Geati, LCSW
Therapist
Steve Geati is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in social work from the Jane Addams College of Social work at University of Illinois in Chicago. Steve has over twenty years of experience working as a school social worker with elementary through high school
students as well as serving as the director of a substance abuse agency.
He currently practices as a high school social worker working with students with IEPs and general education students. Steve currently works with adolescents, families and adults with a range of mental health concerns including ADHD, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum, obsessions, anger management, and interpersonal conflicts. He works with individuals who have experienced significant life stressors and are looking for positive ways of coping. He provides both short-term and long-term therapy for individuals seeking healthier methods of understanding and dealing with a variety of life issues.
During his free time, Steve spends time with his wife and three kids, plays hockey and coaches soccer. He loves traveling, trying new foods and drinking coffee.
Steve@calmingcornertherapy.com
630.277.9731 x 6
Anita Funkhouser, LCPC
Therapist
Anita Funkhouser is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Heidelberg University. I work with clients ranging from children, adolescents, adults, and parents who are dealing with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-injury, adjustment disorders, grief/loss, anger management, and mental Illness.
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Anita works as an intake worker in the ER of a hospital doing behavioral health assessments. Anita also worked at Little City Foundations for 6 years working with adolescents. Her therapy style is active and goal-oriented, teaching cognitive-behavioral techniques. Her goal is to help you reach your desired solution. She believes that all people are cable of change and have it within themselves to make any changes necessary to build a better life.
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In her free time, Anita enjoys spending time with her cats and family. Anita loves planting flowers and working in the garden. Anita has a love for traveling.
630.277.9731 X 2
Samantha DiCostanzo, BA
Billing Manager
Samantha DiCostanzo is a pre-licensed therapist who will graduate from Aurora University with a Master's in Social Work in August 2024. She also has a Bachelor's in Business and Marketing and a background working with small businesses. After ten years in the marketing industry, Samantha followed her passion for helping others and changed her career path, beginning to work to become an LSW.
During her master's program, Samantha has gained valuable experience in a variety of mental health settings. She has interned at local hospitals, working with families in a Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation setting, and with adults in Mental Health Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs. This diverse experience has equipped her with a broad skill set and adaptability in her practice.
In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, crafting, exploring new restaurants with family and friends, and traveling to a new city every chance she gets.
630.277.9731 X 703 samantha@calmingcornertherapy.com
Rachel Barry, M. Ed
Practice Director and Educational Advocate
Rachel Barry is a special education teacher who has worked with students with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities, as well as students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has a Masters in School Leadership and has worked in schools for 12+ years.
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As an educational advocate, Rachel helps families understand the options available in the school setting, advocates for the necessary services for the student, and helps families communicate with school teams.
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Rachel’s passion is helping parents and students get the best education services possible and helping parents navigate the, oftentimes, complex world of schools.
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Currently Rachel teaches at a school for students with behavior disorders who need a highly structured, therapeutic environment, as well as providing advocacy services for families in need of support.
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Rachel has also taken on the Role of Practice Director and is responsible for all our new admissions. Rachel will pair the client with the best fitting therapist.
630.277.9731 X 1