Sarah Buino, LCSW, CADC, CDWF is the founder of Head/Heart Therapy, Inc. She is a licensed clinical social worker, certified addictions counselor and a Certified Daring WayTM facilitator. She holds a masters degree from Loyola University in Chicago and specializes in shame and substance abuse.

Sarah has served as a therapist at Presence Behavioral Health’s Addicted Professionals Program, working with attorneys, executives, nurses, and physicians struggling with substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma.

Before Presence, Sarah performed clinical work with adolescents and their families at Alternatives, Inc., a community mental health agency in Chicago that’s widely recognized for its youth-driven programming. There, she tapped her skills as a musician to develop musical intervention groups for substance abusing youth. She later shared her musical intervention work at the International Association for Social Work with Groups conference in 2010, the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Conference in 2011 and was published in the journal Social Work with Groups in 2010.

Sarah became part of Loyola University’s School of Social Work adjunct faculty in the fall of 2015. She currently teaches Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders  and Clinical Practice in Addictions to master’s level students. She is committed to relating the pharmacology and clinical work of addiction in a relateable way to foster passion for chemical dependency work.

Sarah was honored by NASW’s Illinois Chapter by being awarded Emerging Leader for 2017. The Emerging Leader is an “early” career social worker who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, expertise, and dedication to the profession in the state of Illinois, whose contributions enhance practice knowledge and/or the capacity of the profession and the human service to obtain resources and influence.

Sarah has always valued authenticity as a critical component of whole-hearted living. Since hearing Dr. Brené Brown speak in the winter of 2009, she has been sharing the concepts of shame-resiliency, authenticity and vulnerability with her clients. She has completed training with Brené Brown’s team and is a Certified Daring WayTM facilitator (CDWF). The Daring WayTM is a highly experiential methodology based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. The method was developed to help men, women, and adolescents learn how to show up, be seen and live braver lives. The primary focus is on developing shame resilience skills and developing a courage practice that transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. It can be facilitated in clinical, educational, and professional settings and is suitable for work with individuals, couples, families, work teams, and organizational leaders.

Sarah is also knowledgeable about the benefits of various alternative and complementary techniques for wellbeing, and is a certified Reiki Master. Reiki is a form of energy healing that encourages the release of oxytocin to reduce pain and increase the body’s ability to repair itself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

In her spare time, Sarah is a musician and sings in a variety of musical groups around the city of Chicago. She loves fitness: yoga, weight lifting, and just about anything that gets her off the couch. She also loves tattoos and changing her hair cut and color often.

You can reach Sarah by email at sarah@headhearttherapy.com.

Claire Jolly Volenik, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and holds a masters degree from Loyola University in Chicago. She specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, women’s issues, relationship issues, eating disorders and has considerable experience in substance use treatment.

Prior to her work at Head/Heart, Claire was a therapist and supervisor at Thresholds, one of Chicago’s largest community mental health organizations. At Thresholds, she worked with individuals living with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. She has almost 10 years of experience in the mental health field serving individuals with wide ranging issues. She is dedicated to creating a safe therapeutic space to explore vulnerability, while expanding individual growth, resiliency, and self-awareness.

Claire has found the heart of therapeutic work lies in meeting clients where they are and supporting individuals as they identify what they already know to be true. She views every client through a strengths-based, trauma informed, and holistic lens. Claire believes in a compassionate, integrative approach to managing life’s stressors and overwhelm with a focus on mindfulness-based work. She strongly believes in the power of integrating the cognitive, physical and spiritual elements of the self.

When she’s not in the office, Claire practices yoga and generally enjoys everything that gets her moving. She loves spending time with friends and family and enjoying this beautiful city.

You can reach Claire by email at claire@headhearttherapy.com

John Codd, LCSW, CADC is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified addictions counselor. He holds a masters degree from Loyola University in Chicago and specializes in shame, substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, plus family and identity issues.

John has worked as a therapist in many areas of practice (inpatient, outpatient and schools) for more than 20 years and has experience working with individuals, adolescents, couples and families – helping clients find solutions to a wide range of challenges – and helping them change patterns that no longer work for them. John recognizes that each course of treatment is personal and unique. He is committed to establishing open and collaborative therapeutic relationships, offering a safe, nonjudgmental, supportive environment for growth and change.

John works with each client to determine unique treatment goals that respect their rights to self-determination. He believes enhanced self esteem, improved coping skills and a more informed decision making process are the foundation for a less conflicted, more joyful and more authentic life. John offers an integrative approach beyond traditional therapy — including mindfulness-based interventions and clinical hypnosis — to build and support an individual’s self awareness and regulatory skills. John’s unique skills can help clients better recognize and use a range of responses to life’s challenges.

In his spare time, John practices tai-chi and meditation. And when not doing these things, there’s a good chance he’s enjoying science or mystery fiction.

You can reach John by email at john@headhearttherapy.com.

Kelsey Jablonski, MSW, CADC, received her Masters of Social Work from Loyola University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from DePaul University in psychology and human development. Kelsey specializes in substance abuse, self-esteem, family dynamics, and mindfulness. Prior to working at Head/Heart, Kelsey worked with adults struggling with substance abuse and mood/anxiety.

Kelsey recognizes that each personal struggle holds its own uniqueness and understands the importance of meeting each client exactly where they are at. Kelsey uses mindfulness in helping to reduce cravings and to pay attention to thoughts and emotions as they arise. Kelsey is passionate about being open and attentive to the present moment and helping clients to establish and practice their own personal values. Kelsey also has experience with 12-Step facilitation and enjoys helping clients incorporate aspects of 12-Step recovery into their lives.

In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys traveling, hanging out with her new French bulldog puppy, and spending time outdoors.

You can reach Kelsey by email at kelsey@headhearttherapy.com

Leslie Frondorf, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and holds her Masters of Education from DePaul University in community counseling. Leslie specializes in substance abuse, process addictions, mood disorders, codependence, women’s issues, and life transitions.

In addition to working for Head/Heart, Leslie is currently a primary therapist at Positive Sobriety Institute, a substance abuse program for professionals in downtown Chicago. Leslie has also previously worked in private practice specializing in process addictions.

Leslie has always held a passion for the therapeutic process and believes in the power of therapy. She understands the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is essential for progress to be made. There is no one size fits all therapist! She takes a person centered approach as well as recognizing the need for coping skills and mindfulness. She strives to create a safe environment through authenticity, trust, directness, and of course a little humor. Through this, Leslie believes that one can achieve a state of contentedness and peace that we are all constantly searching for.

In her off time, Leslie enjoys spending time with her two dogs, spinning for physical and emotional well being, watching bad reality TV, and being social with friends.

Leslie can be reached at leslie@headhearttherapy.com

Omar Guzman, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker. He received his Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal, Law, and Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Omar specializes trauma and mood disorders and is fluent in Spanish.

In addition to his role at Head/Heart Therapy, Omar is a therapist at Children’s Home and Aid in Englewood where he serves adolescents and their families struggling with trauma, substance use, familial discord, and mood disorders. Omar has previously worked in outpatient, inpatient, and correctional facilities and has experience working with adults.

Omar’s work paradigm is that each client has his or her own distinct journey in life. Within their respective journey in life, each client is equipped with gifts, will be presented with obstacles, will receive the aid of helpers, and will be presented with choices to make. Omar values self- determination, authenticity, and safety in his collaboration with clients. Omar utilizes psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectal behavioral therapy, problem solving, and coping skills to assist clients achieve their goals.

In his spare time, Omar enjoys ballroom dancing, reading, watching sports, and staying physically active.

Omar can be reached at omar@headhearttherapy.com

Tessa Mandala, LCPC, E-RYT 500, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and registered yoga teacher. She received her Masters of Education in community counseling from DePaul University in June 2015 and holds a Bachelors Degree from Colorado State University in psychology and human development and family studies. Tessa specializes in substance abuse, addictions, mood and anxiety disorders, LGBT issues, and mindfulness/yoga. Prior to graduate school, Tessa worked extensively with at-risk youth through mentoring programs in Fort Collins, CO.

In addition to her role at Head/Heart Therapy, Tessa has previously worked as a primary counselor at an intensive outpatient program in Chicago, IL serving individuals struggling with substance abuse. Tessa recognizes that recovery is a unique journey for each individual, so she meets the client where they are, and works with them to develop a recovery program that meets their needs. She understands the importance of the therapeutic alliance and strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental space.

Tessa first became passionate about the psychological and physical benefits of yoga during graduate school. There, she combined her aspirations to work with individuals in recovery as a mental health therapist with studying the philosophies of yoga and its benefits for individuals in recovery.

To further her practice and love of yoga, she received her 200-hour yoga teaching certification from CorePower Yoga in 2014. She has additional training in yoga for PTSD through YogaFit. She has experience teaching yoga classes to high school-aged youth and facilitating yoga groups at an outpatient treatment center for individuals in recovery from substance abuse. Tessa recently completed her additional 300-hrs towards her 500-hour E-RYT certification and is currently working towards her 800-hour IAYT-accredited yoga therapist certification through Inner Peace Yoga Therapy. Reach out to Tessa to learn more about her current teaching schedule.

In her spare time, you will find Tessa trying out yoga inversions, baking or spending time with friends. As a native of Arizona, she also loves to explore new areas of Chicago!

You can reach Tessa by email at tessa@headhearttherapy.com

Vanessa Gamino, MA, is a professional counselor. Vanessa earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Argosy University, Washington D.C and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Psychology, Family Studies and Human Development. In both Virginia and Chicago, Vanessa provided crisis intervention as well as recovery-focused individual and group therapy to adults, adolescents and families suffering from a wide array of mental illness and complex trauma. Vanessa is trained in Dialectic Behavior Therapy.

Vanessa specializes in depression, anxiety, complex-trauma, and unresolved family-of-origin issues and has over six years of experience working with individuals from all walks of life. Her approach is holistic, emphasizing the mind, body, and spirit connection. Vanessa believes that everyone, at some point in life, becomes stuck and with the right amount of support and gusto, can learn how to create and foster a healthy meaningful life. Therapy work is strength-based, collaborative, and uniquely tailored as no two people are alike. Vanessa works to create insight and connect the relationship between beliefs and the subsequent behavior patterns and emotional responses in an effort to deepen your understanding of your capabilities and choices in life. 

For over ten years, Vanessa has incorporated running to assist with her own mood management. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, Vanessa offers the unique opportunity to incorporate movement into the treatment paradigm in the form of walking/jogging/running. For those struggling with depression and anxiety, a regular running routine has been shown to be just as effective as antidepressants. There is an established and growing body of research that describes changes in the brain structure and chemistry that create a lasting mood boost accompanied by an energized outlook on life. From personal experience, Vanessa found that clients seem to enjoy being outside in nature, client and therapist, side-by-side. If you are interested, let’s talk about how a regular running routine can enhance the mental health benefits of talk therapy. “Runner” is defined as a person who runs/jogs at any pace. Our pace will be conversational.

Vanessa is originally from Arizona, so if the sun is out, you can find her outside! You can reach Vanessa by email at: vanessa@headhearttherapy.com

Stephanie Ceranec, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and holds a masters degree from DePaul University in Chicago. She specializes in trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders and mindfulness. Stephanie has completed the Level 1 training of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.

Prior to Head/Heart Stephanie worked in a residential treatment center focusing on co-occurring disorders with an underlying experience of trauma. Here Stephanie served as a therapist and supervisor to the eating disorder team. She also has experience working in different settings such as the Chicago Public School system and in recreational therapy serving individuals with special needs.  

Stephanie believes that therapy should be done collaboratively and through trust. Stephanie shows up authentically through curiosity, compassion and humor in the therapeutic process. She uses a holistic, person-centered and body connection approach to meet the individual needs of the client.

When Stephanie isn’t at the office, she’s working to practice what she preaches by caring for herself through rest, yoga, nature and community.

Stephanie can be reached by email at stephanie@headhearttherapy.com.

Sarah Buino, LCSW, CADC, CDWF is the founder of Head/Heart Therapy, Inc. She is a licensed clinical social worker, certified addictions counselor and a Certified Daring WayTM facilitator. She holds a masters degree from Loyola University in Chicago and specializes in shame and substance abuse.

Sarah has served as a therapist at Presence Behavioral Health’s Addicted Professionals Program, working with attorneys, executives, nurses, and physicians struggling with substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma.

Before Presence, Sarah performed clinical work with adolescents and their families at Alternatives, Inc., a community mental health agency in Chicago that’s widely recognized for its youth-driven programming. There, she tapped her skills as a musician to develop musical intervention groups for substance abusing youth. She later shared her musical intervention work at the International Association for Social Work with Groups conference in 2010, the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Conference in 2011 and was published in the journal Social Work with Groups in 2010.

Sarah became part of Loyola University’s School of Social Work adjunct faculty in the fall of 2015. She currently teaches Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders  and Clinical Practice in Addictions to master’s level students. She is committed to relating the pharmacology and clinical work of addiction in a relateable way to foster passion for chemical dependency work.

Sarah was honored by NASW’s Illinois Chapter by being awarded Emerging Leader for 2017. The Emerging Leader is an “early” career social worker who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, expertise, and dedication to the profession in the state of Illinois, whose contributions enhance practice knowledge and/or the capacity of the profession and the human service to obtain resources and influence.

Sarah has always valued authenticity as a critical component of whole-hearted living. Since hearing Dr. Brené Brown speak in the winter of 2009, she has been sharing the concepts of shame-resiliency, authenticity and vulnerability with her clients. She has completed training with Brené Brown’s team and is a Certified Daring WayTM facilitator (CDWF). The Daring WayTM is a highly experiential methodology based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. The method was developed to help men, women, and adolescents learn how to show up, be seen and live braver lives. The primary focus is on developing shame resilience skills and developing a courage practice that transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. It can be facilitated in clinical, educational, and professional settings and is suitable for work with individuals, couples, families, work teams, and organizational leaders.

Sarah is also knowledgeable about the benefits of various alternative and complementary techniques for wellbeing, and is a certified Reiki Master. Reiki is a form of energy healing that encourages the release of oxytocin to reduce pain and increase the body’s ability to repair itself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

In her spare time, Sarah is a musician and sings in a variety of musical groups around the city of Chicago. She loves fitness: yoga, weight lifting, and just about anything that gets her off the couch. She also loves tattoos and changing her hair cut and color often.

You can reach Sarah by email at sarah@headhearttherapy.com.

Tessa Mandala, LCPC, E-RYT 500, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and registered yoga teacher. She received her Masters of Education in community counseling from DePaul University in June 2015 and holds a Bachelors Degree from Colorado State University in psychology and human development and family studies. Tessa specializes in substance abuse, addictions, mood and anxiety disorders, LGBT issues, and mindfulness/yoga. Prior to graduate school, Tessa worked extensively with at-risk youth through mentoring programs in Fort Collins, CO.

In addition to her role at Head/Heart Therapy, Tessa has previously worked as a primary counselor at an intensive outpatient program in Chicago, IL serving individuals struggling with substance abuse. Tessa recognizes that recovery is a unique journey for each individual, so she meets the client where they are, and works with them to develop a recovery program that meets their needs. She understands the importance of the therapeutic alliance and strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental space.

Tessa first became passionate about the psychological and physical benefits of yoga during graduate school. There, she combined her aspirations to work with individuals in recovery as a mental health therapist with studying the philosophies of yoga and its benefits for individuals in recovery.

To further her practice and love of yoga, she received her 200-hour yoga teaching certification from CorePower Yoga in 2014. She has additional training in yoga for PTSD through YogaFit. She has experience teaching yoga classes to high school-aged youth and facilitating yoga groups at an outpatient treatment center for individuals in recovery from substance abuse. Tessa recently completed her additional 300-hrs towards her 500-hour E-RYT certification and is currently working towards her 800-hour IAYT-accredited yoga therapist certification through Inner Peace Yoga Therapy. Reach out to Tessa to learn more about her current teaching schedule.

In her spare time, you will find Tessa trying out yoga inversions, baking or spending time with friends. As a native of Arizona, she also loves to explore new areas of Chicago!

You can reach Tessa by email at tessa@headhearttherapy.com

Tracy Magers, LCSW, CADC, CDWF, EMDR. She is a licensed clinical social worker, certified addictions counselor and a Certified Daring WayTM facilitator. She holds a masters and bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago.

Tracy joined Presence Behavioral Health’s Addicted Professionals Program at the conclusion of her internship in 2008, working with attorneys, executives, nurses, and physicians struggling with substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma.

She worked various therapeutic positions and became a full-time clinician post MSW graduation. Prior to a career change, Tracy owned and operated as successful small business.  Ultimately, she brought her business acumen and social work ethics to her role as program manager of the professionals’ program.

She opened a private practice in 2018 and facilitates a women’s group for a RCOSA a safe, structured, supportive, and enriching post treatment, community-based living environment.

In 2014 She has completed training with Brené Brown’s team and is a Certified Daring WayTM facilitator (CDWF).  She brought The Daring WayTM to PHP and IOP treatment.

The Daring WayTM is a highly experiential methodology based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. The method was developed to help men, women, and adolescents learn how to show up, be seen and live braver lives. The primary focus is on developing shame resilience skills and developing a courage practice that transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. It can be facilitated in clinical, educational, and professional settings and is suitable for work with individuals, couples, families, work teams, and organizational leaders.

She values collaboration, empathy, directness and always some humor in both her professional and personal life. Experience has taught her that all of us, every walk of life, can use help with issues that keep us in an unfulfilled or stuck place. She has worked with clients from all circumstances, sexual orientations, beliefs and backgrounds. She welcomes all.

Contact Tracy at: tracy@headhearttherapy.com

Stephanie Ceranec, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and holds a masters degree from DePaul University in Chicago. She specializes in trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders and mindfulness. Stephanie has completed the Level 1 training of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.

Prior to Head/Heart Stephanie worked in a residential treatment center focusing on co-occurring disorders with an underlying experience of trauma. Here Stephanie served as a therapist and supervisor to the eating disorder team. She also has experience working in different settings such as the Chicago Public School system and in recreational therapy serving individuals with special needs.  

Stephanie believes that therapy should be done collaboratively and through trust. Stephanie shows up authentically through curiosity, compassion and humor in the therapeutic process. She uses a holistic, person-centered and body connection approach to meet the individual needs of the client.

When Stephanie isn’t at the office, she’s working to practice what she preaches by caring for herself through rest, yoga, nature and community.

Stephanie can be reached by email at stephanie@headhearttherapy.com.

Victoria Aron , MSW, received her Masters of Social Work from Loyola University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from DePaul University in psychology. Victoria specializes in substance use disorders, positive self-reflection, mindfulness, and spiritually. Before working at Head/Heart, Victoria engaged in work with individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental health concerns.  

Victoria believes in the importance of cultivating hope and excitement in every individual. Victoria works to create therapeutic spaces where her clients can feel safe, cared for and heard. Victoria uses motivational techniques to uncover her client’s passions and life path. Victoria  has professional experience with many modalities of substance use disorder recovery such as 12-step, Refuge Recovery and SMART Recovery.

In her free time, Victoria can be found somewhere in nature, hanging with her dog Frankie and boyfriend, listening to some old rock n’ roll and drinking Grapefruit LaCroix.

You can reach Victoria by email at Victoria@headhearttherapy.com

Taylor Johnson, MSW, is a graduate from Loyola University Chicago and holds a master’s degree in social work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and sociology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is currently completing her alcohol and other drug counseling certification (CADC) at Loyola as well.

Taylor specializes in working with substance use disorders. Prior to working at Head/Heart, she completed clinical internships at the Lincoln Park Professionals Program and Harborview Recovery Center in St. Joseph Hospital. She has worked with clients in various stages of recovery from alcohol and other drugs, and she is excited to work with Head/Heart clients in the Pathos program. Taylor also enjoys working with mood and personality disorders. In addition, as an adoptee herself, she is extremely interested in assisting people and families of adoption and foster care.

Working from a biopsychosocial perspective, Taylor recognizes that mental health and substance use issues have no single root cause and no single universal solution. Instead, these issues should be approached on a case by case basis, fully considering the unique situation each person is in. With her background in biological science and social science, Taylor truly understands the importance of connecting one’s body, spirit, head, and heart.

In her free time, Taylor loves to read, paint, travel, watch movies, and get active outdoors in any way possible. You can contact Taylor at: taylor@headhearttherapy.com

Cyrus Martin is our Intake Coordinator at Head/Heart Therapy. Cyrus is a Master of Social Work and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.  He earned his Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston Downtown and later completed his MSW at Our Lady of the Lake.  Cyrus was born and raised in Houston, Texas and now serves his community by providing intake services at The Lovett Center.  He has been working deep within the community for over 10 years providing outreach, clinical services, and developing therapeutic alliances with community stakeholders.  Cyrus’s MSW degree specializes in Hispanic and Latino cultural competence and he prides himself on his relationship building skills with multicultural communities.  Working with a wide range of clientele from adolescents to specialized female populations, he has been fortunate to develop a broad clinical reach with family therapy, substance abuse, trauma, grief, and professionals seeking help.  Cyrus has experience utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in tandem with motivational interviewing (MI) approaches to connect with clients.  Possessing additional certified skills in cannabis youth treatment (CYT) and seeking safety (SS), Cyrus is equipped with expert knowledge and skills related to evidence based criteria.  Working to develop an ecological perspective and treat clients from a holistic approach allows Cyrus to develop meaningful interventions for both people and communities.  Dedication and commitment are Cyrus’s two pillars of focus and he thrives on communicating with and helping those in need.