Meet the Dayrise Team

Jami Aitken, LCSW

When we opened Dayrise in the Chicago area, we sought a leader who embodies our core values of Integrity, Compassion, Empathy, and Dedication. We found that in Jami Aitken, LCSW, a seasoned mental health professional who has been serving individuals and families since her graduation from Western Illinois University’s School of Social Work in 2000. 

Jami’s diverse experience spans outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings, where she has developed a specialization in depression, anxiety, trauma, and family therapy. Her goal as the director of our clinical team is to foster open communication, build supportive connections, and create strategies for mental well-being tailored to each client’s needs. 

Jami also holds an additional degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams School of Social Work, with formal training in CBT, further strengthening her expertise. 

Megan Bomicino, LCPC

Megan brings a wealth of experience working with clients facing co-occurring mental health challenges, including athletes navigating sports-related pressures and life transitions. A former collegiate athlete herself, Megan understands the stressors unique to athletes as well as individuals in life transitions. Her expertise in sport and health psychology and trauma-informed care allows her to help clients gain insight, build resilience, and develop skills for a meaningful life. 

Megan earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology with a specialization in sport and health psychology from Adler University and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bowling Green State University. She is licensed in Illinois as a Clinical Professional Counselor. 

Megan’s Experience: 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Sports Psychology

Ray Chukwudi, LSW

Ray Chukwudi is a calm, compassionate, and intentional therapist with 10 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, families, and caregivers across a variety of settings, including clinics, schools, homes, and universities. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and relationship challenges. Ray integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care to help clients develop emotional awareness, build coping skills, and strengthen their support systems in a safe and empowering environment.

Ray earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington and holds a BA in American Studies from Carleton College. Her therapeutic approach focuses on collaboration and trust, allowing space for each client’s unique story and goals to guide the process. Ray has a special passion for working within family systems, particularly around the child/guardian or client/support person relationship. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing happens through connection, understanding, and intentional practice.

Outside the therapy room, Ray finds joy in music—she’s a lifelong vocalist and active choir member. She also enjoys reading hardcover books, walking, practicing yoga, and visiting museums. Ray brings creativity, resilience, and a deep respect for the therapeutic process to every client interaction.

Ray's Experience

• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD
• Trauma
• Relationship Challenges
• Family Systems
• Coping Skills

Rayven Cornelio, LCSW

Seeking support takes courage, and Rayven believes therapy should feel like a place where you don't have to carry everything alone. As a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she strives to create a warm, authentic space where clients feel comfortable being themselves while working toward meaningful growth.

Over the years, Rayven has gained experience in private practice, inpatient treatment, outpatient PHP and IOP programs, and group therapy settings. She enjoys working with individuals who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the many complexities that come with being human.

Rayven received her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work and her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Benedictine University. Her approach is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and collaboration, helping clients recognize their strengths and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and balance.

Areas of Focus

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress & Burnout
• Life Transitions
• Couples Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Emotional Regulation
• Communication & Conflict Resolution
• Crisis Intervention
• Personal Growth & Self-Discovery

Kailyn Donovan, LCSW

Kailyn brings a wealth of expertise to her practice, with a background in child welfare and trauma work. Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and PTSD, she is EMDR certified and uses a client-centered approach, incorporating cognitive-behavioral techniques, developmental models, and relationship-focused frameworks. Kailyn’s compassionate approach creates a safe, collaborative environment where clients can explore coping skills, social connections, and personal growth. Outside of work, Kailyn enjoys Reformer Pilates and cheering on her husband, Kyle, at his professional golf tournaments.

Kailyn’s Experience

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD
• PTSD
• Trauma-Informed Care
• EMDR

Rhealee Fernandez, LSW

Rhealee graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Master of Social Work. She is passionate about supporting clients as they navigate difficult past experiences and recognize the resilience within themselves to overcome obstacles. Her background includes experience in community mental health, case management, and job coaching, along with training in trauma-focused interventions. She takes a trauma-informed approach, utilizing DBT, ACT, CBT, Prolonged Exposure, psychodynamic therapy, person-centered therapy, and queer-affirming therapy to create a supportive environment where clients feel valued, understood, and empowered. When not working, Rhealee enjoys reading psychological thrillers, weightlifting, and spending time with her cat, Veruca.

Rhealee’s Experience

• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Gender Dysphoria
• Body Dysmorphia
• LGBTQIA+ Support
• Self-Esteem

Kelsey Fontano, LCPC, CADC

Kelsey graduated from Roosevelt University with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and has specialized training in DBT, ACT, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and family systems approaches. With experience across outpatient settings, she supports clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and more. She also holds her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential. Passionate about fostering self-discovery, Kelsey creates a safe, empowering environment where clients feel understood and motivated to grow. Kelsey’s personal experiences enrich her empathetic approach. Outside of therapy, she enjoys baking, crafting, and spending time with her dogs.

Kelsey’s Experience

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Substance Abuse
• Eating Disorders
• Personality Disorders

Brooke Hennessy, LCPC, ATR

Brooke (she/her) is a creative and compassionate therapist who supports adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, eating disorders, and life transitions. She earned her Bachelor of Science in General Psychology from Western Michigan University in 2016 and her Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2019. Brooke has experience across multiple levels of care, including psychiatric inpatient hospitals, residential treatment, PHP, IOP, and hospice settings, working with clients across the lifespan and diverse communities including LGBTQ+, non-binary, BIPOC, and trauma survivors.

Brooke utilizes Art Therapy alongside person-centered and strengths-based approaches to help clients connect with their inner resilience and create meaningful change. She also incorporates DBT, ACT, CPT, and ERP-informed interventions into her work. Brooke is passionate about building a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship where creativity can foster self-compassion, healing, and personal growth. Outside of therapy, she enjoys quilting, figure skating, and spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter.

Brooke's Experience

• Anxiety & Depression
• Trauma
• Grief & Loss
• Eating Disorders
• Substance Use Disorders
• Life Transitions
• Self-Esteem & Self-Actualization
• Art Therapy

Colleen Horgan, LCSW

Colleen Horgan (she/her) is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades in the field. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University. Throughout her career, Colleen has supported individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of challenges—including trauma, anxiety, depression, co-occurring disorders, and addiction recovery. She holds multiple certifications in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and trauma-focused care.

Colleen’s therapeutic approach is eclectic and person-centered, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Rooted in Rogerian principles of unconditional positive regard and empathy, she creates a safe, judgment-free space for clients to heal, grow, and rediscover their inner strength. She is especially passionate about working with women and trauma survivors, helping clients navigate life transitions, build coping skills, and cultivate self-worth.

Outside of therapy, Colleen finds joy in time spent with her husband, their young daughter, and their two energetic dogs. A proud Swiftie, Colleen loves attending concerts and traveling with her family to create lasting memories.

Colleen's Experience 

• Trauma & PTSD

• Anxiety & Depression

• Co-occurring Disorders & Addiction Recovery

• Personality & Mood Disorders

• Family & Couples Counseling

• Women’s Issues

• Grief & Loss

• Crisis Intervention

• Stress & Anger Management

Lauren Hughes, LSW

Lauren Hughes, LSW, earned her Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University in 2024. Her clinical experiences prior to Dayrise included grief counseling, group psychoeducation, and high-acuity mental health treatment. Lauren is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and grief therapy for individuals of all ages.

Lauren’s therapeutic approach blends evidence-based techniques and client-centered care. She empowers clients to overcome barriers, align with their values, and build meaningful lives. When not working, Lauren enjoys reading romance novels and walking her therapy dog in training, Poppy.

Lauren's Experience

• OCD
• Phobias
• Anxiety Spectrum Disorders
• Grief Counseling
• Neurodiversity
• Mood Disorders

Mariam Ideis, LPC

Mariam brings 10 years of experience across crisis management, clinical therapy, and community-based settings. She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Christian College and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Health Education, also from Trinity. Her background spans a Federally Qualified Health Center on Chicago's Southside, a non-profit clinical practice in the southwest suburbs, and direct work with survivors of domestic violence, where she provided individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and advocacy services.

Mariam tailors each session to the individual, drawing from Adlerian Psychotherapy, CBT, person-centered, and solution-focused approaches. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP) with deep experience supporting BIPOC and Arab American clients, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those navigating complex trauma. Outside of therapy, Mariam enjoys cooking with friends, writing poetry, journaling, and keeping a skateboard in her trunk year-round.

Mariam's Experience

• Complex Trauma & Domestic Violence
• Anxiety & Depression
• ADHD
• Eating Disorders
• Suicidal Ideation
• Substance Abuse
• LGBTQ+ Support
• BIPOC & Arab American Communities

Cyndi Marquez, LPC

Cyndi Marquez is a compassionate therapist dedicated to supporting adolescents, young adults, and families through life transitions, anxiety, relationship challenges, and ADHD. With experience in community mental health, private practice, and DCFS residential care, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her work. Cyndi integrates Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches to help clients set meaningful goals, build coping skills, and move toward the version of themselves they aspire to be.

Cyndi earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago in 2023. As a bilingual clinician and advocate for underrepresented communities, she is especially passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and breaking down the stigma around mental health. Her therapy style is grounded in empathy, representation, and empowerment—creating a space where clients feel heard, supported, and capable of change.

Outside the therapy room, Cyndi enjoys watching scary movies, eating spicy food, and exploring new adventures with her son. Her personal experiences growing up in a culture where mental health was stigmatized continue to inspire her commitment to advocacy, representation, and healing.

Cyndi's Experience 

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Life Transitions
• Relationship Challenges
• Adolescents & Young Adults
• Coping Skills & Goal Setting

Liz Pusateri, LPC, NCC

Liz is a warm, thoughtful, and genuine therapist with experience supporting children, teens, adults, and families across both community mental health and private practice settings. She has worked with clients from diverse cultural, religious, gender, and sexual identity backgrounds, addressing a wide range of challenges including anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, trauma, and behavioral issues. Liz integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help clients process emotions, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build practical coping skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. She uses art and play in her work and takes an individualized approach to treatment. She also offers family counseling, parent coaching, and—when requested—pastoral counseling that draws on her Christian/Catholic background.

Liz earned her Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2022 and completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling there in 2024. She brings a client-centered and holistic approach to therapy, prioritizing a safe and comforting space where clients feel truly heard. Liz believes in collaborative goal-setting and encourages clients to step outside their comfort zones to foster growth and resilience. She is especially passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, and trauma stemming from difficult family dynamics. Outside of therapy, Liz enjoys crocheting and can often be found working on blankets, sweaters, and cardigans she makes herself.

Liz's Experience 

• Anxiety
• OCD
• Depression
• ADHD
• Trauma
• Behavioral Issues
• Family Counseling & Parent Coaching
• Pastoral Counseling

Cameren Rutz, LCSW

Cameren is a direct, empathetic, and solution-focused therapist with expertise in supporting teens, college-age, and adults across a variety of settings, including: clinics, schools, homes, transitional programs, and universities. She specializes in treating anxiety, mood disorders, life-transitions, and interpersonal challenges. Cameren integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Informed Care to help clients navigate stressors or unresolved wounds.

Cameren's therapeutic approach focuses on collaboration, self-determination, and challenging clients to change patterns that are no longer serving them properly. She invites an authentic space to explore thoughts and feelings, reconnect with values, and build the tools to move toward a more fulfilling life.

Outside the therapy room, Cameren finds joy being in nature and participating in her outdoor hobbies such as snowboarding, motorcycle riding, and taking her dogs to parks.

Cameren's Experience

• Anxiety and Depression
• Interpersonal & Relationship Challenges
• Men's Mental Health
• Life Transitions
• Crisis Stabilization
• Neurodivergence Support

Amanda Scott, LCPC, NCC

Amanda is a licensed professional counselor with ten years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults. With specialized training in anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder, she draws from her background in education to help clients build coping skills and pursue meaningful life changes. Amanda’s therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that growth comes from feedback, not failure, and she encourages clients to work toward their personal goals. In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading, time with her dogs, and audiobooks. 

Amanda's Experience 

• Anxiety
• ADHD
• OCD
• Life Goals

Quentin Smith, MSW

Quentin is a compassionate and experienced therapist who supports children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, grief, ADHD, substance use challenges, and life transitions. He earned his Master of Social Work from Governors State University in 2013 and brings years of experience across inpatient mental health, military substance use programs, child and family services, and developmental disability support settings. His work has included supporting individuals impacted by abuse, foster and adoptive care experiences, gender identity concerns, and postpartum depression.

Quentin utilizes a person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to help clients build resilience, develop coping skills, and achieve meaningful goals. Known for his empathetic and easygoing style, he is passionate about creating a supportive therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to create positive change.

Quentin's Experience 

• Trauma & PTSD
• ADHD
• Foster & Adoptive Care
• Gender Identity Support
• Grief & Loss
• Postpartum Depression
• Substance Use Challenges
• Child & Family Services

Becca Wagner, LCSW

Becca brings 8 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families across school, outpatient, and camp settings. She earned her Master's in Social Work with a Clinical Concentration from the University of Chicago and holds a double bachelor's degree in Psychology and Child Study & Human Development from Tufts University. Her background spans autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment concerns.

Becca draws from a strengths-based, relational approach incorporating psychodynamic therapy, CBT, ACT, DBT, attachment theory, family systems, and solution-focused methods. She is warm, practical, and enjoys incorporating humor in her work with teens. Outside of therapy, Becca loves soccer, ceramics, cooking, yoga, pickleball, and walks with a good audiobook. 

Becca's Experience 

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD & Learning Disabilities
• Anxiety & Depression
• Trauma & Attachment
• Grief & Loss
• Life Transitions
• Crisis Prevention

Barbara Weeks, LSW

Barbara (she/her) is a compassionate, client-centered therapist who supports adults and older adults as they navigate grief and loss, life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges. She earned her Master of Social Work from Aurora University and brings clinical experience from an inpatient behavioral health setting, where she supported individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, acute mental health challenges, and crisis situations.

Barbara integrates evidence-based approaches, including DBT, CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based strategies, to help clients develop emotional regulation skills, strengthen resilience, and build practical coping tools. She is a Certified Grief Educator through the David Kessler Program. Barbara is especially passionate about supporting individuals experiencing grief and major life changes, as well as providing affirming care to the LGBTQ+ community. As a breast cancer survivor, Barbara brings a personal understanding of resilience, hope, and the complexities of navigating life’s unexpected challenges to her work.

Barbara's Experience

• Grief & Loss
• Life Transitions
• Relationship & Interpersonal Concerns
• Depression, Anxiety & Stress Management
• Gerontology
• Mind-Body Integration
• LGBTQ+ Support

Atavia Whitfield, LSW

Atavia Whitfield is a Licensed Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting youth, young adults, adults, and older adults across a variety of clinical settings. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University’s School of Social Work and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grinnell College. Her experience spans outpatient mental health clinics, inpatient facilities, schools, after-school programs, and home-based environments, where she has provided individual therapy, assessments, treatment planning, and crisis support.

Atavia utilizes evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and DBT-informed interventions within a trauma-informed and strengths-based framework. She works with clients navigating anxiety, life transitions, stress, trauma-related concerns, emotional regulation challenges, and relationship difficulties. Known for her calm and collaborative style, Atavia creates a supportive yet goal-oriented space where clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and develop practical tools for meaningful, lasting growth.

Atavia's Experience 

• Anxiety & Stress Management
• Life Transitions
• Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills
• Academic & Workplace Stress
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Relationship & Interpersonal Concerns
• Adjustment Across Developmental Stages

Chloe Zunkel, LSW

Chloe brings nearly 5 years of experience across a range of settings, including youth programs, foster care group homes, school social work, and community mental health. She earned her Master of Social Work from Aurora University and holds a Professional Educator License (PEL) and Crisis Intervention Prevention certification. Her background spans work with at-risk youth, unhoused adults with severe mental illness, and students from PreK through 8th grade, giving her a broad lens on how trauma, environment, and support systems shape mental health.

Chloe takes a person-centered, strengths-based approach, drawing from CBT and allowing clients to lead the process at their own pace. She has a particular passion for working with adolescents and young adults affected by trauma, and she brings creativity into sessions when clients are open to it. Outside of work, Chloe enjoys the outdoors with her toddler, searching for bugs and taking walks, along with doodling, crafting, and making jewelry.

Chloe's Experience 

• Trauma & Foster Care
• Anxiety & Depression
• ADHD & Autism
• Bipolar Disorder & Schizophrenia
• LGBTQ+ Support
• School-Based Mental Health
• Crisis Intervention

Vanessa Segura, LSW

Vanessa earned her Master of Social Work with a specialization in mental health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and brings 4 years of experience across a wide range of populations, including immigrants and refugees, foster care, teen parents, young children, and high school students in PHP/IOP programs. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and holds a Mental Health First Aid certification in Spanish. Rooted in her own experience growing up in a Latinx household, Vanessa is passionate about destigmatizing mental health in communities of color and creating spaces where people feel safe seeking support.

Vanessa takes a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach and draws from DBT and CBT to meet each client where they are. She works especially well with middle and high schoolers, young adults, and people of color navigating mood disorders, identity, parenting, body image, and life transitions. Outside of the office, Vanessa enjoys indoor cycling at CycleBar, exploring forest preserves, junk journaling, and spending time with family.

Vanessa’s Experience

• Communities of Color & Latinx Clients
• Mood Disorders & Emotional Regulation
• Trauma & Foster Care
• Teen & Young Parents
• LGBTQ+ Support & Identity
• Body Image & Self-Harm
• Immigrants & Refugees

Genice Pryor

Genice (she/her) brings a unique blend of experience in healthcare support and event management to Dayrise Wellness. With over ten years as a personal assistant in healthcare, she has honed her skills in client support, administrative management, and compassionate care. Her deep commitment to mental health stems from a strong belief in making resources accessible and free of stigma. Genice is dedicated to fostering environments where clients feel accepted, heard, and empowered to take steps toward a healthier life.

In her free time, Genice enjoys a range of creative pursuits, from jewelry-making to balloon art. She’s an avid reader, particularly of murder mysteries, and loves watching documentaries. Cooking and hosting gatherings are her passions, creating memorable experiences for friends and family. A fun fact about Genice? She’s a reptile lover and proud caretaker of a 13-year-old ball python named Lady Py.

Thrilled to be part of Dayrise, Genice is excited to contribute to its mission, advocating for accessible mental health care and enhancing outreach within the community. She looks forward to helping expand Dayrise’s impact and ensuring that clients feel valued on their wellness journey.

Emily Vickers

Emily Vickers (she/her) brings a strong background in psychology and mental health support to Dayrise Wellness. With experience in patient care coordination, intake support, and mental health research, she is passionate about ensuring clients have a smooth transition into care. Emily has a particular interest in Cultural Psychology and how cultural influences shape behavior and mental well-being. She is committed to making mental health resources accessible and helping individuals take the first steps toward healing.

In her free time, Emily enjoys taking her chihuahua to the dog park, reading, thrifting, and crafting. She also loves completing puzzles and hammocking when the weather allows. A fun fact about Emily? She’s a true connoisseur of denim jackets!

Excited to be part of the Dayrise team, Emily looks forward to guiding clients toward the care they need and being a supportive presence throughout their journey. She is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and empowering experience for every individual seeking support.