UB Founders & Lead Therapists

Joyce Marter - Lori Hall

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Meet UB Founders

Joyce Marter and Lori Hall founded Urban Balance LLC, and directly oversee all aspects of UB's growing counseling practice locations. They share a mission to create a practice of talented therapists with complementary specialties, as well as create an affordable counseling practice that assists clients with insurance billing services. Both Joyce and Lori head the Chicago office. Joyce is in charge of the Evanston office, and Lori heads the Lake Geneva office.

UB Staff

Aysha Ali, LCPC
Chicago Office

Aysha Ali is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with eight years experience in helping to create positive change for children and adolescents, individual adults, couples, and families in community counseling agencies, schools and private practice . She specializes in depression, anxiety, women's issues, personal development, career & family life balance, and work induced stress reduction. Through her experiences as a doula, she is able to offer unique techniques regarding pre and post pregnancy related concerns. She focuses on issues related to relationships, GLBTQ identity, as well as cultural and racial identity. Her approach is client-centered and cognitive-behavioral based while utilizing tools of expressive therapy. Aysha earned her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Northwestern University as well as a certification in Art Therapy allowing her to utilize art as an effective exploration of emotions.

Martha Arnett, LCSW
Evanston Office

Martha Arnett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fourteen years of experience providing therapeutic services to adolescents and adults from diverse cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Martha specializes in the treatment of mood disorders, relationship issues, life-cycle challenges, chronic pain, grief and loss, pre and post-natal support, parenting and self esteem issues. Working primarily from The Internal Family Systems Model (IFS), Martha helps individuals, couples and families navigate life's transitions, explore and heal internal road blocks and build upon personal strengths. Martha earned her Masters of Social Work degree from The University of Michigan and has received extensive post-masters training in Internal Family Systems through The Center for Self Leadership.

Rene Berlind, MA
Evanston Office

Rene Berlind is a psychotherapist with comprehensive experience treating adults, adolescents and couples. She combines a psychodynamic approach to treatment with empathy to provide clients with a safe and supportive therapeutic environment in which to explore concerns. Rene treats people dealing with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions. She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University where she also completed training at The Family Institute. Rene also holds an MBA and has more than 15 years of business experience in the corporate world.

Amy Broitman, LCSW
Chicago Office

Amy Broitman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with twenty-eight years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples, families and groups. Amy specializes in treating anxiety, depression, communication and relationship problems, sexual abuse and trauma. Amy's practice has included leading long term groups for incest survivors and giving seminars for trauma and recovery to other therapists. Amy places great importance on creating a safe and non-judgmental environment in which clients can freely explore their feelings and the sources of their stress. Her clients feel understood and supported, and, as a result, achieve a better understanding of themselves, enabling them to achieve personal growth and positive change. Amy earned her Masters degree in Social Work from New York University School of Social Work.

Heather Brown, MS
Lake Geneva Office

Heather Brown is a counselor and psychotherapist specializing in individual, group, and adolescent therapy. Heather specializes in self-esteem, school, peer, family, and life transitions. She combines spiritual, practical, intellectual, emotional and psychological aspects to her counseling approach. Heather focuses on cognitive-behavioral based therapy while utilizing expressive-creative therapies, including play, art, photography, and music techniques. Heather earned her Masters of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and her Bachelors of Science degree from Northland College.

Carrie Carren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Carrie specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, self-esteem, addictions, adolescent issues, family and relationship problems, and behavioral concerns. Her approach combines psychotherapy and the use of experiential therapy as a means of building trust, communication, decision-making, and teamwork through individual and family treatment. She has many years experience in providing psychotherapy, facilitating teams course programming, psycho-educational workshops, crisis counseling, and group therapy. Carrie earned her Master’s of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago with a primary focus on adolescent and family therapy.

Christine Dobbins, LCPC
Evanston Office

Christine Dobbins is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience in providing therapy for individuals and couples. She specializes in treating mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues and adult life transitions. Utilizing a collaborative, nonjudgmental and client-centered approach, she focuses on assisting clients in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their concerns so that they are more empowered to effectively cope and make positive changes. Christine has a strong background in community mental health and she earned her Master of Education in Counseling from Loyola University.

Alexandra Fox, LPC
Chicago Office

Alexandra Fox is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience providing therapy for adults, adolescents, families and couples. Alexandra specializes in treating anxiety, depression, self esteem concerns, women’s issues, adult life transitions and couple conflict and intimacy. Alexandra utilizes a psychodynamic approach to therapy in conjunction with mindfulness techniques to provide clients with the skills to feel more present at work and in their everyday lives. Understanding how people develop their own characteristic patterns of behaving, feeling and thinking informs her clinical work. Alexandra earned her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University.

Jill Eaton, LCPC
Chicago Office Manager

Jill Eaton is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a specialist in treating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief/loss, relationship concerns, self-esteem, and working with men and women with food and body issues. Using an empathetic and nurturing approach, Jill creates a supportive, non-judgmental , and safe therapeutic environment in which she and her clients can collaborate and explore. Jill earned her Masters of Science in Counseling from National-Louis University and completed post graduate training in experiential therapy.

MaryLu Halperin, RN, MPH, MA
Chicago, Evanston & Libertyville Office

MaryLu Halperin is a psychotherapist and registered professional nurse with over 25 years experience in the health care industry. Her practice is oriented to psychodynamic psychotherapy with an emphasis on relational-analytic therapy. She combines her knowledge of psychotherapy and healthcare to help clients work through depression, anxiety, stress and other symptoms often associated with physical illness, trauma, sexual abuse and eating disorders. In addition, she has experience working with relationship issues, mood disorders, anger management, social phobia, stage of life transitions, bereavement and organizational psychodynamics. MaryLu obtained a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University where she completed a two-year externship at The Family Institute followed by advanced externship training at The Lakeview Center for Psychotherapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Illinois.

Michelle Heyden, LCPC
Chicago Office

Michelle Heyden is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 7 years post-graduate experience facilitating individual and group therapy with children, adolescents, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. Michelle provides an individualized and non-judgmental space to explore obstacles hindering clients from personal and creative self-fulfillment. Michelle’s areas of specialty include: anxiety, depression, creativity, relationships, self-esteem, and grief. Michelle’s approach is client-centered, goal-oriented, holistic, and collaborative while drawing on a theoretical background of cognitive-behavioral, relational, psychodynamic, and expressive arts therapies.  Michelle graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Masters of Arts degree in Art Therapy.

Brandy Kenworthy, LCSW
Chicago Office

Brandy Kenworthy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in areas of mood and anxiety disorders, abuse and loss, relationship concerns, adolescent mental health/behavioral issues, and adjustment to life transitions. Brandy provides an empathetic and goal oriented approach to therapy. This supportive approach highlights the importance of the therapeutic relationship in facilitating personal growth through self understanding. Brandy earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Michigan State University. Brandy has clinical experience working in residential treatment and outpatient community mental health settings.

Jennifer Larson, LCPC, NCC
Chicago Office

Rachel Levitsky, LCSW
Evanston Office

Rachel Levitsky is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with comprehensive experience providing therapy for individuals (children, adolescents and adults), couples and families. She specializes in chronic illness, grief counseling, pre/post partum issues, as well as anxiety and depression. Rachel utilizes a client-centered, psychodynamic approach to empower clients to make positive changes in their lives. Through her extensive experience working at adoption agencies, schools, and medical centers, she has treated a broad range of issues such as infertility, academic challenges, school stressors, the loss of a loved one, and other life challenges. Rachel earned her Masters of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. Rachel also has extensive experience helping her clients cope with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Suzy McClure, LCSW
Chicago Office

Suzy McClure is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who uses the relational-feminist model to help clients gain awareness of the roles and the dynamics present in their relationships. Her warm and compassionate style supports her clients in the areas of depression, relationship issues and trauma. Suzy has expertise in helping clients heal from trauma such as sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse as well as physical and emotional abuse at the hands of a caretaker or partner. Suzy earned her Masters in Social Work from Loyola University and underwent a two-year post-graduate clinical training program at Womencare Counseling Center. She has been in practice for over seven years, in a community mental health setting and a private practice devoted to women's issues.

Jennifer McComb, LMFT
Evanston Office

Jennifer McComb is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with ten years experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Her collaborative, client-centered, compassionate approach to therapy fosters an atmosphere where clients feel safe, supported, and challenged to explore a range of presenting concerns and interpersonal issues. Jennifer specializes in treating problem gambling, substance use/abuse, couple and family relationships, sexual intimacy, and family-of-origin issues. Jennifer earned her M.Sc. degree in Family Relations in Human Development, with a specialization in Human Sexuality from the University of Guelph. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Purdue University and supervises therapists-in-training.

David McCracken, MA

David McCracken is a counselor and psychotherapist who is especially interested in the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, and relationship issues. David utilizes an integrative approach drawing on psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, relational, and mindfulness practices as appropriate for each client. He holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and has done graduate work at the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

DNancy Mitchell, LCPC

Nancy Mitchell is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and relational therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy. Nancy works with adults and adolescents using a client-centered appoach to create a safe therapeutic environment for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, relationship problems, substance abuse, life transition concerns and women's issues including pregnancy and post-partum issues.  Nancy believes in the power of narrative and uses a collaborative, supportive style to guide clients in their journey towards health and balance.  Nancy earned a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and was selected by Northwestern as a supervisor for therapists-in-training at The Family Institute.

Alexis Murray, LCPC
Chicago  Office

Alexis Murray is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who graduated from Boston College in 2001 with a Master's in Counseling Psychology. She works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, and uses many skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Alexis is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and specializes in anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, substance abuse issues, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as grief and loss. She has experience working at rape crisis clinics, psychiatric hospitals, emergency rooms, residential treatment, and private practice.

Ailsa Nielsen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She has experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, professionals with addictions, patients with head trauma and other disabilities and relationship concerns. Ailsa also has experience with psychological assessment in a variety of clinical environments. She uses an eclectic and psychodynamic approach and establishes a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship with clients to facilitate the trust necessary to explore clinical concerns. Ailsa has also provided art therapy services for adolescents in a therapeutic day-school environment. She received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.

Barbara Noonan, LCPC
Chicago Office

Barbara Noonan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a specialist in working with couples, adults, adolescents, and in conducting art therapy. Barbara specializes in grief/loss, family-of-origin issues, relationship concerns, depression and anxiety. She earned her Master of Arts in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute and completed a Two-Year Post-Graduate Certificate in Marital and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

Gail Richman is a psychotherapist and Licensed Professional Counselor with experience treating adults, adolescents and couples. She brings a psychodynamic approach to the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. She also has experience working with issues of creativity and creative blocks. Gail's approach is warm, caring and collaborative, and she provides a safe therapeutic environment conducive to self-exploration. Gail earned her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology with academic disinction from Northwestern University.

Sarah Roane, LCPC
Chicago Office

Sarah Roane is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with individuals and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work/life stress, eating disorders, and addictions. She utilizes a collaborative, strengths-based approach. Sarah also has extensive experience as a trainer, management consultant, and with providing CISD. Sarah earned her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Northwestern University and has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including community mental health and employee assistance.

Margot Schneider, AMFT
Chicago Office

Margot Schneider is a licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with experience providing therapy for individuals, couples and families. She has extensive knowledge of family systems and utilizes a holistic approach while providing a safe and client-focused atmosphere. She specializes in treating issues related to anxiety, stress management, anger, pre-marital, sexual intimacy, infidelity, divorce, grief/loss, life transitions, and parent/child or sibling conflict. She focuses on empowering clients to make positive change and develop an individual identity within the context of romantic or familial relationships. Margot earned her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. 

Lisa Stanton, LCSW
Chicago Office

Lisa is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who uses a relational model and humanistic approach in working with people who have relationship/life issues, mood disorders, anxiety, addictions and trauma histories. She works collaboratively in a client-centered approach utilizing people's strengths in the healing process. Lisa focuses on emotional safety in her work with clients in a non-judgmental environment to enhance the quality of people's lives. She has extensive experience in the community mental health and child welfare fields that has helped inform the importance of relational work. She specializes in trauma recovery with men and women who are survivors of early childhood trauma or traumatic loss. She has experience in diverse cultural environments and has worked in the social service field for 17 years. Lisa graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in New York City.

Jim Statler, LCSW
Chicago Office

Jim Statler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience providing psychotherapy and counseling to individuals, couples and families across the lifespan in an outpatient mental health setting. Jim’s expertise lies in the treatment of depression, anxiety, anger, grief and loss, family of origin issues as well Men’s and GLBTQ issues and trauma. Jim believes that the change and balance that people seek in their lives happens within the context of the relationship between the client and therapist. Jim’s approach is eclectic, incorporating psychodynamic, relational and cognitive behavioral techniques. Jims’ client feels understood, supported and challenged in a safe, confidential and non judgmental environment. Jim earned his Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago and has completed his post graduate training in the Adult Psychotherapy Training Program at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. Jim’s undergraduate degree is from St. Bonaventure University in upstate New York.

Christine Vacin, MSW, LSW
Chicago Office

Christine Vacin is a Licensed Social Worker who specializes in treating adolescents and adults to overcome issues with mood and anxiety disorders. Christine utilizes a psychodynamic and strength-based approach to explore and work through problems concerning self-confidence, anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, self-identity, and relationship dynamics. Christine also uses experiential therapy to explore various underlying life experiences which may offer a new perspective to process these issues. She strongly believes in developing a safe, trusting relationship in a warm, non-judgmental environment with her clients. Christine graduated from Loyola University Chicago with an MSW and a specialization in children and families. She received her B.A. degree in Psychology from Wheaton College in Massachusetts.

Stephanie Whitman, LAMT
Lake Geneva & Evanston Office

Stephanie Whitman is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology from the University of Michigan, a J.D. from Washington and Lee Law School and a Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Stephanie's approach to helping clients is collaborative and solution-focused. She uses a combination of insight-oriented therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients understand issues and develop tools to solve problems. Her approach is non-judgmental and she seeks to create a safe and comfortable environment in which to explore issues. Stephanie works with individuals, couples and families in such areas such as depression, anxiety, anger management, communication issues, infidelity, compulsive behaviors, parenting skills and life transitions.

Angie Winkler, LCPC
Chicago & Evanston Office

Angie Winkler is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specializes in individuals dealing with depression, bipolar disorder, loss, trauma or abuse, family-of-origin concerns, adoption issues, concerns related to adolescence and young adulthood, and personal or family crisis. Angie utilizes a blend of client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic approaches in therapy. She has a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and clinical experience in community mental health, psychiatric hospital, child welfare, and educational settings.