Counselors & Therapists
Meet our counselors and therapists! Our team aims to provide comprehensive counseling and therapy services, specializing in children and families facing depression and anxiety. We have a team of interns, therapists, and clinicians who work diligently on engagement, building trust in the communities we serve, and establishing relationships with those in need.
Colin is a Child & Family Counseling Supervisor at The Bridge Youth and Family Services. He has a dual master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Forensic Mental Health Leadership. Colin aims to provide mental health services for youth within Chicago’s suburbs. His specialties in counseling include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and Adlerian therapy.
Arnicci is a Family Stabilization Counselor at The Bridge Youth and Family Services. She graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She uses an eclectic approach to therapy, practicing from a person-centered perspective while utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- CBT and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-DBT. She has experience working with children and adolescents of all ages. As well as experience of working with individuals with intellectual disabilities that are high and low functioning.
Arniea is a counselor on the Family Stabilization Team at The Bridge Youth and Family Services. She received a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago. Arniea’s undergraduate study in Human Services provides her with a wide array of knowledge of services and programs relevant to serving her clients and their families. Arniea takes a multicultural point of view in session with clients and is passionate about examining how race, ethnicity, and further identifiers and cultural context influences clients’ worldview, experiences, and presenting issues. Arniea has experience in utilizing CBT and DBT, and training in TF-CBT.”
Maribel is a Bilingual Family Stabilization Counselor at The Bridge Youth and Family Services. She received her master’s in social work from Aurora University. Maribel specializes in forensic social work where she has experience with court involved youth and adults that may or may not have a substance use disorder or mental health condition. Maribel loves to work with clients utilizing CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), this allows youth to question their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs through problem-solving
Adrianna is a Bilingual Child & Family Therapist at The Bridge Youth and Family Services. She received her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Most of Adrianna’s experience has been working with children and adolescents and treating mood disorders, such as depression, and anxiety. One of her approaches to treating mood disorders is to utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Samantha received her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016 and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University in 2013. Samantha completed her internship at the Counseling Center of Illinois and provided services to court mandated individuals. Samantha’s experience in treating individuals with a variety of mental health conditions, includes but is not limited to: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders and PTSD. She has provided treatment to children, adolescents, adults, families and couples with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Samantha uses an eclectic approach with her patients which allows her to use the most effective methods to address each patient’s needs. She uses techniques and tools from a variety of theoretical orientations such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy. Samantha takes pride in meeting her patients where they are in their journey and providing the necessary tools and support to assist them in meeting their goals.
Ricardo is a Bilingual Child & Family Therapist at The Bridge Youth and Family Services. He received his master’s degree in clinical psychology in Mexico, Most of Ricardo’s experience has been working with clients all ages for over 20 years, Ricardo has experience in Crisis Intervention and treating Suicidal Ideations, mood disorders including depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, school issues, parent /child relationship issues and communication barriers. Ricardo utilizes varying counseling modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Play therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Alexandra Tapia is a bilingual therapist born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and raised in Kissimmee, FL, with nearly three years of experience working with children, adults, and families. Alex specializes in trauma therapy and certified in trauma-informed care. Additionally, Alex is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Therapy, all of which she uses to tailor her approach to each individual’s needs.
Alex is deeply passionate about working with children because she believes they are our future. By helping them build emotional regulation and providing them with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges, Alex aims to contribute to the creation of a compassionate, resilient, and emotionally balanced generation.
Lois is a Child & Family Therapist at The Bridge. She received her Master ‘s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Eastern Illinois University. Her work in the counseling field has involved varying populations and ages. Lois is passionate about youth and their families in transitional periods. She is also passionate about play therapy and believes in the power of play for all. She utilizes varying counseling modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing and aims to tailor all interventions to the specific needs of her clients.
Reagan graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with an MA in Counseling Psychology, Generalist concentration. She is passionate about working with teenagers, families, and young adults. Reagan has 2 years of experience working with teens and parents with a focus on depression, anxiety, trauma, ADD/ADHD, school issues, attachment, and communication difficulties.
Jackie Craig is a Case Manager at The Bridge Youth and Family Services. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work and background in psychology and criminal justice. She has worked as a youth mentor and has worked with the youth in juvenile justice system. Jackie is passionate about working with youth to help provide support and build connections with families.
Rachel is a current Clinical Intern at The Bridge and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Forensic Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Rachel wants to aid children and families in creating an environment that promotes a positive change as well as the tools to grow. Rachel uses cognitive – behavioral therapy with trauma – focus care.
Violeta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology with a minor in Sociology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Violeta has spent the past 5 years as an Executive Administrative Assistant managing administrative functions. Violeta’s future aspirations include specializing in high-conflict divorce cases, court-ordered therapy, and providing individual, group, and co-parenting therapy.