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Ardent
Counseling
Compassionate and Caring Professional Help
Meet Our Counselors
We have several highly qualified and experienced counselors who are available to help you deal with all your life challenges
Emily Schmittel, Phd.
Keri Chekalas, MSc
Robert Rebecca, MPA
Emily Schmittel, Phd.
Licensed Professional Counselor
I have a doctorate in Couple & Family Therapy from Michigan State University. My clinical training allows me to treat a variety of mental health and relationship concerns with individuals, couples, and families. I also have experience working with children and adolescents. I approach therapy from a collaborative, strengths-based approach. Additionally, I integrate techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy and emotional skills training.I admire each person who makes the sometimes difficult decision to come to therapy to make their life more satisfying. It has long been my belief that everyone has something to gain from attending therapy.
Keri Chekalas, MSc
Licensed Professional Counselor
Keri has a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology and her experience includes working with adults, children, adolescents, and families as well as running group therapy. Previous work was working with children who have been exposed to trauma which led her to have a strong desire and interest in working with this population.Her past work experience has been in prisons working with adult incarcerated men, a crisis hotline working with callers through difficult situations and at a residential treatment center working with children and adolescents who are wards of the state and come from abusive and neglected families.
Robert Rebecca, MPA, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I’m happy you are taking the time to read more about me. Prior to coming to Ardent, I worked in a variety of mental health settings. Some of my most enjoyable and memorable experiences are with Ohio Department of Corrections, Thresholds, and City Colleges of Chicago.While I have had the opportunity to work with diverse people, most of my time has been spent with adolescents, students, young professionals, and adults. I have also helped people facing a wide range of challenges and problems. However, I have the most experience with those who are anxious, struggling to succeed at school or work, or having difficulties managing anger.I take a genuine approach to therapy in order to create a collaborative relationship where I focus on strengths. This approach lays a foundation for a prosperous relationship that offers the opportunity to create change.
“Thanks to Ardent for being there for us, during a time when we weren't sure there was an us. You helped us realize that we wanted an us, and that we both had to work to have it.”--
Shawn and Kimberly in Chicago
Ray Barkey, MA,LPC
Ray Barkey MA, LPC, MACC, MATHMPA, MA, LPC
Clinical Therapist and Pastoral Counselor
My practice utilizes several models of therapy; Clinical, Pastoral, and Clinical Pastoral combined; all with individuals, couples, families and groups. The spiritual aspects of mental health are considered in therapy only at the request of the client.I have significant interest in the issues that clients have when they have been harmed or traumatized by religious persons, ideas and institutions. Many of the clients that I work with are couples that are having communication and relationship issues. Teaching couples and families "How to Fight Fair" has become a large part of my practice. Working with clients and families in LGBTQ issues such as coming out, family acceptance, personality and sexual development, minority related mental health issues, religious trauma, and gender identity concerns is an important part of my practice.
TiJuan Fleming MA
TiJuan Fleming MA, CADC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I am a graduate of the Adler School of Professional Psychology and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor. I also have a degree in psychology from Roosevelt University.I have grown to understand that people have issues that they may be afraid to face, that lead them to turn to drugs and alcohol. Part of what I help clients do is realize the role they are playing in their own lives. If you’re afraid to take control, then you will continue to make unhealthy choices. In working to rebuild self trust and self worth, we discuss choices clients have been afraid to make, so they can move forward and leave their addiction behind.I work with clients to help them develop the best plan for their life style. Our time together is devoted to them and creating a positive future because the past is done— it’s time to move forward!