Shannon Hart, PhD, LCSW

Shannon Hart, PhD, LCSW is a Behavioral Health Manager whose areas of expertise include working with adults, especially women, with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and significant life transitions. She is also an LBGTQ ally. She earned her MSW from Aurora University in 2019 and has been practicing since that time. She previously worked in education for over 30 years. Of her therapeutic approach, she says.

I believe we all have within ourselves the resources we need, but sometimes we need a guide to help us find and believe in ourselves enough to use them. To do this, I use various client-centered techniques, including cognitive restructuring, integrating mindfulness and meditation practices, encouraging life-affirming activities, and exploring and processing past experiences in order to integrate them into a more healthy present and future.

Dr. Michael Raida, MD

Dr. Michael Raida is a Psychiatrist specializing in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and psychiatric symptoms associated with dementia. Dr. Raida graduated from The Chicago Medical School in 2001 and completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry from Duke University in 2005. In 2006 he completed a Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry at Northwestern University. He has been practicing since 2006 at Independence Health & Therapy. Of his therapeutic approach he says, “I believe in the value of the 30-minute medication management appointment. I think it is essential to know the psychosocial aspects of a patient’s story in order to make the most thoughtful medication decisions.”

Jenn Balleto, LCPC

Jenn Balleto, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Jenn received her Bachelor of Psychology degree from Argosy University in 2010, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 2013.  Jenn provides therapeutic services for adolescents and adults who are experiencing challenges related to, depression, anxiety/panic, mood disorders, mental health crisis, and additional life transitions and stressors; with an expertise in the areas of grief/loss, trauma, and traumatic loss.

Jenn believes in a collaborative treatment approach, understanding that every client brings with them their own unique and individual experiences and therefore, the therapeutic support provided to each client must also be unique and individualized. In practice, Jenn incorporates a variety of evidenced-based treatment models through a trauma-informed lens to best meet the support needs of her clients.

Jenn facilitates a monthly support group for suicide loss survivors and is a member of the McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force. Jenn is also available to provide education to the community on mental health and suicide prevention; she is certified Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) Instructor, an evidenced based suicide prevention program, as well as, a certified instructor of the ACE Interface Curriculum, a program designed to build resiliency by educating communities about the impact that adverse childhood experiences have on our health and wellness.

Jennifer Boston, LCSW, MSW

Jennifer Boston, LCSW, MSW is a Behavioral Health Therapist whose areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma. She graduated from Aurora University in 2019. She has worked in McHenry County for over 20 years in education and the nonprofit sector where she assisted individuals from a variety of backgrounds with different needs and challenges, such as immigrants, victims of domestic violence, those with learning disabilities, and those with mental health issues. Of her therapeutic approach, she says:

I utilize evidence-based practices and an integrative approach choosing interventions based upon each individual’s needs. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness practices.

Katie Graham

Katie Graham, LSW, MSW, QMHP is a Mental Health Therapist & Community Support Specialist specializing in Gerontology, Stress, Coping Skills, Adolescents, Adoption, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Narrative Therapy. Katie earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2022, followed by her Master of Social Work degree and licensure in 2023, all from the George Williams College of Aurora University. She has been working in the industry since 2022.  Katie has experience running group therapy, individual therapy with adults and adolescents, and client intake assessments. Of her therapeutic approach she says,

I am committed to helping individuals find ways to create or continue creating their own unique sense of independence through providing a safe environment to explore personal values, emotions, and beliefs. I am passionate about the basic need for human connection, allowing people to be heard and seen and feel heard and seen. I believe in helping clients find their strengths and setting goals to help clients grow and heal through life’s obstacles. 

Using a strength based and person-centered approach, I hope to give clients a safe place to authentically be themselves and for clients to create meaningful changes in their lives and acceptance of life circumstances. 

Diane Grant

Diane Grant is a Community Support Specialist who specializes in brain injury and mental health. She earned her BA in Social Work from Luther College in 1985. She has been working in the industry since 1986. Her therapeutic approach is “to increase independence and improve the quality of life of others through providing support, linkages, and education focusing on individual needs and goals.”

Tiffany Mok, MACC, QMHP, LPC (pending)

Tiffany Mok is a Behavioral Health Therapist specializing in clinical counseling throughout the lifespan. She has her LPC pending after earning her MA in Clinical Counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2012. She has been working in the field since 2015. Tiffany also has experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Tiffany’s philosophy is this:

When a bowl is broken in Japan, it’s put back together with its crack being filled with gold, creating a beautiful lining. This indicates that when something has suffered damage and has a history, it makes it more beautiful. It’s up to you to paint your struggles with gold and make it beautiful and inspiring. People are not broken beyond repair. We can choose to wear our scars proudly as a badge of honor. Every next level of life will demand a new you. Sometimes, it takes being broken to become new again. “There is a silver lining” to many things, but there is always a gold lining to everything if you choose to see it.

Christina Murphy

Christina Murphy is a Memory Care and Adult Day Health Program Manager whose area of expertise is dementia and memory care. Christina began her career with IHT as a CNA 18 years ago while she was a nursing student. Growing up with a grandmother with dementia, she became passionate about helping the geriatric population and their families. One of Christina’s primary approaches to memory care utilizes the Montessori method for dementia and ageing.

“I believe in providing complete honesty to individuals and their families. My approach is to treat every individual with respect, which means offering kindness and the freedom to make choices. It’s important to give them the dignity they deserve after everything they’ve been through.”

Heidi Reynolds, RN

Heidi Reynolds, RN is a Registered Nurse serving the clients in our Adult Day program. She graduated from the ADN program at Harper College in Palatine in 1997 and then returned to college for her BSN at Walden University. She received her BSN in 2018, graduating Cum Laude. She has been a practicing nurse for 27 years. She started her nursing career at a small outpatient clinic, then moved on to Mt. Sinai on the west side of Chicago, working in their Labor & Delivery Department. When asked about her therapeutic approach, she says,

I treat my patients/clients how I would want one of my family members to be treated.