For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call 815-730-4891.

The following counselors are currently accepting new clients.

Mary Novak, MA, LCPC
mnovak@cc-doj.org
(Downers Grove location)
Children, Adolescents and Families, Child and Trauma Treatment, Grief and Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Relationship Problems

Mary is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with abused and neglected children, foster parents/caregivers and biological parents.  Mary is also a teacher and is able to work well with children who are struggling academically.  Mary is an expert advocate with the school systems.   She provides a safe and nurturing counseling setting which allows children to open up and process grief. She works to help them cope and adjust to the chaos and disruptions that occur in life.  Mary specializes in helping families work through transitions and prioritize the needs of children when decision making.

Emily Zajda, AMFT, CAMS-I
ezajda@cc-doj.org
(Downers Grove, Joliet and Daybreak locations)

Works with: Couples, families, adults, children, adolescents, parenting, anger management, individuals, groups, pre-marital counseling.

Emily has her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She obtained her Master’s Degree from The Adler School of Professional Psychology. Emily is currently working towards her Marriage and Family Therapy License. She worked with Hands of Hope for her clinical internship and is now working at the Joliet and Daybreak locations. Emily provides therapy to individuals, couples, families and groups. While Emily uses a variety of techniques and theories with clients she believes in providing a supportive and trusting environment for her clients. This safe environment allows for clients to become more self-aware in order to make adjustments to manage their life stressors and symptoms.

Individuals, Children, Adolescents, Veterans, Families and Groups
(Mindfulness Certification)

Brandon is a Masters level and state Licensed Social Worker (LSW,MSW) specializing in Holistic, Integrative and Mindfulness therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Integrative Restoration (IRest) Therapy. Brandon enjoys serving diverse populations seeking tools for relief and recovery from symptoms of suffering related to depression, anxiety, behavioral health, abuse, physical and emotional trauma, acute and post-traumatic stress, various dependencies, chronic pain, insomnia, self-harm and more.

Brandon received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with double-minors in Social Work and Addictions Studies. He went on to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree with Holistic & Integrative Practice concentration, before attaining his state board licensure in Social Work (LSW). Brandon holds Certification in Mindfulness for the Helping Professions and he is currently a Level 5 Chinese Qi Gong student and IRest/Yoga Nidra teacher in-training.

Brandon’s approach to serving marginalized individuals, groups and cultures is grounded in his deep compassion and fundamental appreciation for all clients, as living, whole-beings, consisting of many unique and dynamic parts (mind, body, spirit), and capable of creating miraculous change and loving interconnectedness. Guided by an open heart and mind, Brandon experiences breakthroughs right alongside his clients, as a professional – supporting client journeys toward holistic wellness, for life.