New Light Therapy Clinic

Director, New Light

Sally joined JPA in August 2023. Sally graduated from Loyola University of Chicago and is a licensed clinical social worker and an adjunct professor at the Erikson Institute.

Sally has extensive experience treating infants, children, adolescents, and families, as well as providing clinical consultation, training, and supervision. Sally had the privilege of learning Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) from one of the model creators, Patricia Van Horn, and is a rostered CPP clinician and supervisor.

Before joining JPA, Sally spent almost 20 years with JCFS Chicago where she learned about the power every person has within themselves and how a therapist can help that power become known and rise to the surface to be a source of energy for the changes we each long for.

In her free time, Sally enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with her animals.

New Light & School Based Therapist

Marilyn joined JPA in July 2021. Marilyn graduated with a a Bachelor of Arts from Knox College in 2027, and a master’s degree in social work from Erikson Institute in 2022. Prior to JPA, Marilyn’s experience includes an internship with Circle and Ciphers, Volunteering with AmeriCorps & City Year Chicago as a mentor and tutor in a CPS school, and an internship with Erikson Center for Children and Families.

At JPA, Marilyn provides individual and group therapy sessions in our partner schools, and sees clients through our New Light clinic. Marilyn has a cat named Corazon, and in her free time enjoys biking, dancing, traveling, music, and spending time with family and friends.

Marilyn is “All in for Kids” because: “I believe that all children regardless of race, class, or sexual orientation should have access to mental health services such as therapy.”

New Light & School Based Therapist

Meredith joined JPA in September 2019. Meredith graduated from Lawrence University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology (2012) and Erikson Institute with a Master of Social Work (2017). Prior to joining JPA, Meredith worked for Family Service of Lake County in their outpatient counseling program and at Jewish Child and Family Services providing support to adolescents that experienced trauma including abuse and neglect.
At JPA, Meredith provides individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. In her free time, Meredith enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, and spending time outdoors.
Meredith is “All in for Kids” because: “I have felt passionate about working with children since I was an adolescent and have been working with them ever since. I, not only genuinely enjoy spending time with and supporting children, but I also feel that it is a crucial and vulnerable stage in life where a consistent, caring, empathetic adult can greatly impact the trajectory of their lives.”

School Based Therapist

Ronny joined JPA as an intern in August 2022 and took her current position in June 2023. Ronny graduated with a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University in 2023. Prior to joining JPA, Ronny worked as a counselor to individuals experiencing behavioral health issues as well as a family advocate to individuals experiencing domestic violence.

At JPA, Ronny provides individual and group therapy to students and collaborating connect with the students’ caregivers and teachers to holistically support each student. In her free time, Ronny enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, and going to the beach.

Ronny is “All in for Kids” because: “I am passionate about being the support and space our students in underserved communities need to identify, process, and manage the many challenges they may have faced that affect their mental well-being.”

Therapist

Grazyna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years of clinical experience working with young children, women in their transition to motherhood, and adolescent young women. Grazyna completed the dual degree, MS in Child Development, MSW program at Erikson Institute and Loyola University in 2014. Prior to joining the team at New Light, Grazyna has worked within the CPS high school system with teens who are pregnant and parenting and in community mental health, primarily serving early childhood clients and their parents. She has also worked as an independent Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, providing staff with classroom observations, teacher trainings, and parent workshops, as well as brief treatment sessions for families. She has extensive knowledge of school systems and Head Start. Before pursuing a career in mental health, Grazyna worked in childcare.

New Light Clinician

Catherine joined JPA in 2024. She believes that as creatures of habit, people sometimes find it challenging to access the space and resources they need in order to affect change. Catherine is passionate about working with adults and adolescents to support them in achieving increased balance and happiness within the orbits of life: work, romance, joy, and family.
Catherine is experienced in working with adolescents and adults impacted by substance abuse, trauma, depression, and anxiety. She is certified in EMDR and has experience working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Catherine believes that the work done in therapy can reconnect individuals with their true selves, their goals, and with a renewed excitement for the future.

Therapist

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a powerful act of strength and courage. The road to healing may seem daunting, especially when it involves sharing your story with someone new. I’m Jenny Logan (She/Her/Hers), a licensed social worker, and I’m here to walk alongside you, providing guidance and support to make this process feel a little less intimidating.

In our sessions, I focus on fostering a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable at your own pace. I know that opening up can take time, especially when there’s fear of being judged. Together, we’ll work collaboratively and with curiosity, using a relational approach that lets you take the space you need. My core values in therapy include humor, self-compassion, empowerment, knowledge, and authenticity.

I hold a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on youth, family, and community from Erikson Institute. Before earning my MSW, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in psychological studies with a second concentration in human services. With nearly 10 years of professional experience, my work has taken me through diverse environments, including homeless shelters, residential and transitional living programs, substance use treatment, community mental health centers, PHP/IOP settings, and community outreach initiatives.

My expertise centers on trauma, substance use, co-occurring disorders, and mood and anxiety disorders.
I’ve worked with clients facing a range of diagnoses including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic attacks, major depressive disorder, C-PTSD, PTSD, chronic health conditions, and attachment wounds.

I practice from a trauma-informed lens, drawing from approaches like CBT, DBT, and ACT. My experience includes supporting clients with self-esteem and self-worth, ERP, anger management, emotion regulation, mindfulness, crisis management, safety planning, suicidal ideation, coping skills, motivational interviewing, life transitions, parenting, values work, stress management, grief and loss, and interpersonal difficulties.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse populations, including refugees, survivors of domestic violence, individuals across the gender spectrum (LGBTQIA+), marginalized communities, homeless youth, survivors of violence, and those who have survived the foster care system.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this healing journey alone. I’m here to offer support, guidance, and a safe space as we work together toward your well-being.

Permanency Planning Evaluation Coordinator

Amy joined JPA in January 2020. Amy graduated with a master’s in social work from Rutgers University. Prior to joining JPA, Amy worked in multiple child welfare and therapeutic settings providing direct care and assessment services to children and families who have experienced various forms of trauma.
At JPA, Amy is part of the Child Welfare. They conduct permanency assessments for children and families who are involved with DCFS, interview participants, conduct caregiver/child observations, complete extensive document reviews, and complete a lengthy report that summarizes our findings and our recommendations for the families.
Amy is “All in for Kids” because: “To quote Frederick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” We live in a complex world that places multiple demands on children and families, and it is critical that they be provided with resources to allow them to thrive.”

New Light Clinician

Stephanie joined JPA in November 2023. Steph is originally from Mexico City where she earned her Bachelor’s in psychology. She moved to Chicago to complete her MSW from Erikson Institute with a focus on infant and early childhood development.

Stephanie has extensive experience working with toddlers and preschool children in a clinical and school setting. She also works at JCFS Chicago as a clinician with children and families involved in the child welfare system. Stephanie is passionate about working with children and their families, helping them reach their full potential in all spheres of their lives.

During her free time, Stephanie enjoys cooking, reading, visiting museums, exploring restaurants, and spending time with her friends and family.

Mental Health Consultant & New Light Therapist

Amanda joined JPA in 2022 as an intern and took her current position in January 2023. Amanda graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and social policy from Northwestern University in 2006; a master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from City College of New York CUNY, in 2009 and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2022. Prior to joining JPA, Amanda was a High School Mathematics teacher for 15 years.
At JPA, Amanda provides mental consultation to teachers and classrooms at JPA partner schools and provides therapy sessions through JPA’s New Light clinic. In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading, traveling, and going to restaurants, museums, and concerts.
Amanda is “All in for Kids” because: “I believe that all children deserve access to opportunities to learn, grow and develop their dreams. As a former teacher, I have witnessed so many barriers to children’s learning. It is so important for students to feel safe and have their social emotional needs met before they can move on to learning academic content. Addressing the harm of poverty, violence, and racism is crucial to make an impact for all children to create and achieve their goals and dreams.”