Phone

(773) 739-0992

Email

info@contemporarywellness.org

B.Dawn Spahr LCPC
  • Master of Science in Human Services in Counseling
  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

“Our greatest need is to be seen.” Marianne Williamson. My goal as a counselor is to be someone who sees and understands. We are all individuals and have many complexities. Our needs and struggles are unique. I hope to provide support, encouragement, and strategies for living life well. It can sometimes be challenging to reach out and ask for help. Sometimes, things get in the way, and we hesitate. I understand that, and I hope to work with you to help you feel comfortable. 

I have been a therapist for 20 years and find this to be the most rewarding experience. I have worked with people from all walks of life, across all ages and stages. I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and related mental health concerns. I am comfortable working with individuals, couples, and families. I have a heart for parents and provide parenting support, including families with special needs children and adoptive families. I have crisis intervention experience and can provide resources and support as needed.

We will create a treatment path tailored to your needs, utilizing modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-focused therapy, and more. Counseling is definitely not one-size-fits-all. Making that first call is the most important step you can take. My door is open, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Dawn’s experience: Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy; counseling for children, adults, and older adults; Crisis Intervention in the Emergency Room;

Candace "Candy" Sanders Arguello LPC,NCC,CDVP
  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Licensed Professional Counselor
  • National Certified Counselor
  • Certified Domestic Violence Professional

You are the expert on your own life. My role is to enter your story, listen deeply, and accompany you as you explore the complexities of your identity and how you want to present yourself in the world. In our work together, we will focus on expanding your self-awareness, building resilience, and reconnecting with a sense of purpose and agency, especially when things feel overwhelming or hopeless.

I am dedicated to helping you find meaning, authenticity, and hope as you face life’s challenges. I specialize in assisting adults who are navigating significant transitions and those recovering from trauma, including domestic violence and narcissistic abuse. Additionally, I enjoy working with adults with ADHD, where we explore the unique strengths and challenges associated with this experience.

For clients from BIPOC and other marginalized communities, I recognize the additional burden that injustice and cultural expectations can create. My commitment to social justice is integral to my work, and I aim to create a safe, affirming space where you can explore all facets of your identity and experiences. Together, we will work toward your goals in a manner that respects your unique context and aspirations, helping you find a pathway to healing, growth, and empowerment.

In addition to my clinical work, I am a 200-hour certified instructor through the Yoga Alliance and strongly believe in the healing power of movement. Incorporating elements of mind-body awareness, I work with clients to explore how movement can serve as a tool for grounding, self-regulation, and healing. Whether through traditional therapy or mindful movement, I aim to help you tap into your body’s innate wisdom as we work through your unique journey toward healing and wholeness

Candace’s experience: counseling for individuals, couples, and families; work with young adults and adults recovering from domestic violence; supporting young parents, and postpartum support for mothers; case management and community mental health.

Fabiola Felix MSW,LSW
  • Master of Social Work
  • Licensed Social Worker

​Deciding to seek therapy can bring up uncomfortable emotions. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be your authentic self and feel supported throughout your healing journey. Life is full of unexpected changes, and we may feel lost or question our abilities along the way. This can interfere with maintaining positive relationships with ourselves and the people we care about. 

I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life transitions, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, healing from childhood traumas, dealing with personality disorders, grief, anxiety, and depression. I work with teens, adults, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities. 

My approach depends on your needs, whether that means being here to listen or helping you build the skills you need to cope with emotional struggles. Some of the therapeutic techniques I like to use are Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Informed approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness.

I would be honored to be part of this journey with you!

Fabiola’s experience: counseling for individuals, couples, and families; work with children, teens, young adults, and adults; community mental health; school social work

Grazyna "Gabi" Petersen LCSW,CADC
  • Master of Social Work
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Addiction Counselor

The stress from everyday life can be overwhelming for people of any age, and it can come from a surprising number of sources. Prolonged stress can lead to depression and anxiety, and we may not be sure where it’s coming from or what to do about it. If you are feeling hesitant about starting therapy, know that asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness.

I see young adults (+21), adults, and seniors. My special interest is depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem, trauma, addictions, immigration, acculturation, and adjustment.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on recognizing and challenging distressing thought processes and behaviors, replacing them with more realistic and positive ones to reduce depression and anxiety. The Psychodynamic approach examines the deeper sources of these behaviors. Mindfulness means observing and naming thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in an objective, nonjudgmental way. In my work with clients, I use various techniques derived from CBT, Psychodynamic, and Mindfulness.

In addition, as a Certified Addictions Counselor, I offer therapeutic services to those struggling with addictions or needing support in maintaining sobriety.

I was born in Poland, and moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture gave me a broader view of life’s experiences.

As we work together to find roots and solutions to your problems and issues, I will guide you through this process with kindness, compassion, and empathy.

Grazyna’s experience: counseling for individuals and couples; case management and counseling for seniors and their families; severe mental health and substance use disorders; crisis intervention in the Emergency Room; adjunct professor at the university, teaching Social Work.

Isabel Krause LCSW
  • Master of Social Work
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker

You are doing your best as a caregiver, but sometimes you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about how to best support your child through emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. Navigating these difficulties can feel impossible without support. That’s where I come in. I specialize in working with children and their caregivers, creating a warm, relationship-centered environment where your family can feel truly understood and empowered. 

My approach is built on compassion, connection, and practical strategies designed to meet your child’s unique needs. Using play, creativity, and meaningful connection, I meet children where they are and help them build essential social and emotional skills that will serve them for a lifetime. I also strongly believe in partnering closely with caregivers, providing you with practical, real-life tools and insights that make a tangible difference outside the therapy room. My goal is to support your family in creating a nurturing, resilient environment where your child can thrive.

With a professional background rooted in school social work and family-based services, combined with my personal experience navigating developmental differences as a parent, I bring both professional expertise and authentic empathy to our work together. I understand firsthand how challenging this journey can be, and I am committed to being a compassionate guide along the way.

Reaching out for support is a significant and courageous step, and you don’t have to do this alone. Together, we can create a positive, supportive path forward.

Isabel’s experience: counseling for individuals and families; group support for teens; School Social Work supporting special education students and families; crisis intervention;

Alea Gaynor MSW,LSW
  • Master of Social Work
  • Licensed Social Worker

You don’t have to have everything figured out to start therapy. You don’t even need to know exactly what’s “wrong.” Often, therapy begins simply with the feeling that something isn’t working, and a desire for things to change.

If you—or your child—are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or a major life transition, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck. Past experiences, difficult family dynamics, or sudden loss can shape how you see yourself and the world around you.

You might come to therapy knowing you want to feel better, even if you don’t yet know what that path looks like. Whether you want to process past hurt, build confidence, manage big emotions, or simply have a safe space to be heard, you don’t have to carry it alone.

My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and centered on you. I don’t view therapy as a process of “fixing” you or telling you what to do—because you are not a problem to be solved. You are the expert on your own life.

Together, we’ll move at your pace to make sense of your experiences, build practical coping tools, and nurture a deeper sense of self-worth. Working with children, teens, and young adults, my goal is to help you understand where you’ve been, feel grounded in who you are today, and gain the confidence to navigate whatever comes next.

Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to slow down, gain clarity, and build a life that feels authentic to you, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Alea’s experience: counseling for individuals and families; group support for adolescents and teens;

Jelome Shine Carlos MSW,LSW
  • Master of Social Work
  • Licensed Social Worker

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, I offer a compassionate, safe space where you can openly explore your emotions and navigate life’s challenges with support. I believe no one should face life’s struggles alone, and I am dedicated to helping you honor your past experiences, embrace your challenges, and empower yourself to create a future you desire — all while gaining a better understanding of your actions and emotions.

Recognizing that early intervention is essential to helping young minds flourish, I provide child therapy to help children build confidence, manage their emotions, and develop healthy coping skills through playful, creative, and developmentally appropriate techniques.

My personalized, integrative approach employs evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, trauma-informed care, and creative methods to foster self-exploration and personal growth.

I understand that asking for help can be difficult, and I’m grateful you’re willing to take this step. I would be honored to hear your story.

Jelome’s experience: counseling for individuals and families, teenagers, young adults, and adults with various mental health challenges; crisis intervention; severe mental health and substance use disorders; care coordination and systems navigation; case management.

J. Alison Greene MS,LPC,CADC
  • Master of Science in Education in Counseling
  • Licensed Professional Counselor
  • Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Addiction Counselor

Life is a beautiful journey, but it can also be complicated and overwhelming. That’s why I’m here to help you navigate through the challenges and succeed in life. With my expertise in self-esteem, addictions, anxiety, depression, motivation, relationships, trauma, educational and professional goal setting, and planning, I can guide and empower you to achieve your goals.

I believe that everyone is unique and diverse, which is why I use a variety of approaches tailored to each person’s needs: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I also utilize Rational Emotive Choice, which is very useful when working with people who struggle with self-confidence, addiction, and co-occurring disorders.

Whether you’re a teenager, young adult, adult, or older adult, my services are available to you. I strive to provide a supportive, non-judgmental, and safe environment where you can express yourself and feel heard and appreciated.

Apart from my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my family and animals, gardening, and volunteering. I also like to golf and have started learning to play the piano. I am grateful for each day, so I try to live life to the fullest and appreciate every moment.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Let me help you find your strengths and overcome your challenges.

Alison’s experience: educational, career, and personal counseling for college students; substance abuse counseling; work with young adults and adults with various mental health challenges.

Veronica Felix MSW,LSW
  • Master of Social Work
  • Licensed Social Worker

* * * Telehealth only * * *

Reaching out for help can be a challenging yet powerful act of courage. I’m here to create a safe space where you can reflect on your thoughts and experiences with clarity and insight. When life gets busy, it’s easy to push your mental health aside, which can leave you feeling disconnected or out of control. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and work through the challenges holding you back.

I work with teenagers, young adults, and adults navigating a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, trauma, self-esteem struggles, life transitions, and women’s health concerns, particularly related to pregnancy and postpartum care.

My approach is all about meeting you where you are and focusing on what’s happening in your life right now. Together, we’ll explore your thoughts and feelings and how they show up in your day-to-day experiences. I support your journey using tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed Care, and Solution-Focused Practices. Through our work, you’ll tap into your inner strength, find more peace, and regain a sense of control, helping you feel more like yourself again.

I am also bilingual and offer therapy in Spanish, recognizing the unique cultural and linguistic needs of the Latinx community. I understand the importance of having open and safe spaces to discuss mental health, and I’m committed to providing compassionate care that respects and values your cultural background.

Veronica’s experience: counseling for individuals and families, teenagers, young adults, and adults with various mental health challenges; school social work; Member of Project Success

Tracie Francis AA,CPC
  • Associate of Arts in Psychology & Business
  • Medical Billing Certification

As the Billing and Administrative Coordinator, I am dedicated to maintaining organization and ensuring smooth operations. I manage billing and provide office support to promote efficient workflows. I take pride in my attention to detail and in delivering reliable assistance to both the team and our clients.

I’m here to help however I can and keep everything running smoothly!

You can contact me with any billing and insurance issues or questions at

  • (773) 739-0636 or
  • tracie@contemporarywellness.org