Lotus WELL - About

Meet the Wellness Team

Vanessa Stephens

My therapeutic partnership is based on mutual respect. Sessions are individualized for your distinctive needs. I believe therapy is a process that require a collaborative approach. With empathy, and mutual respect with no judgement, I will work with you to find overall wellness.

James Ellerbe

Assistance in life is often needed and desired but seldom sought. There is a place of hope for the heart and a person who wants to find their way. When we get out of our way, we find freedom from suffering and begin to embrace the change, transition, and transformation to a new reality of life.

My background has afforded me more than 15 years of experience providing excellence in service, guidance, support, and coaching of life from a holistic view of life. I hold multiple master's degrees from different Christian-based schools and worked in an interfaith environment as a Hospital Chaplain, which has provided me a spiritual foundation to search for solutions from suffering.

The holistic approach considers the interdependency of the personal, professional, and spiritual presence in our lives. This approach uses Psychoanalytic, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Based, and Motivational Interviewing therapies to build esteem and inner strength for future bouts of darkness. A holistic approach may also reveal the cause and effect each may have on overall lifestyle and personal history. This approach also helps gain perspective of traumas and sufferings that may come from systemic family structure or acceptance.

Janine Smith

I earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rosemont College. Journey to Lotus offers a true-to-life approach to counseling; creating an environment where everyone is free to discuss life stressors in an understanding/judgement-free environment. I aspire to be a Licensed Professional Counselor, with a concentration in the children, adolescent and the aging out population. Over the course of 20 years, I have provided direct care in the school setting, older adults in residential treatment facilities and crisis intervention services. My clinical approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and holistic therapy that include mindfulness and meditation.

Through my experience, I have learned that life's stressors can have a profound effect on us all. How we navigate those stressors can determine how we progress in our careers, our relationships and achieve personal goals. As your therapist, the objective is to work collectively with my clients, in a culturally sound manner, to devise manageable plans to help navigate those barriers.

Lakesha Smith

I earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, a nationally accredited counseling program. Counseling enables individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop mental health wellness by seeking the support of a competent therapist. I currently work with adolescents and adults in a private practice setting. My therapeutic approach is integrated approaches like CBT, solution-focused & psychodynamic modalities. I identify as a collaborative therapist who provides a culturally sensitive approach along with LGBTQ + concerns. I utilize a naturalistic and strength-based approach to work with you without making you feel judged.

As a therapist it's my mission to provide a safe environment where we can alleviate your stressors while reaching your goals.

Sydnee Jacques

I am a Masters Level Clinician currently seeking licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I use an eclectic approach pulling from various theories/practices. The majority of my style, however, stems from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe it is extremely important to help my clients raise awareness around their thoughts and feelings first, then provide psychoeducation on evidence-based research and interventions to support them, and implement those strategies into their daily lives to successfully change their thoughts and behaviors.

For those seeking help, I offer a comprehensive evaluation and a goal- oriented personal treatment plan in an empathic and compassionate environment. Let's get to work and embark on this therapeutic journey together!

Crystal Johson

Crystal Johnson is a Mental Health Clinician who earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling, with a concentration in Trauma Studies. She is the Founder and CEO of Beauty4Ashes LLC, which is a purpose place dedicated to empowering the lives of teenage girls.

Over her 10+ years as a dedicated provider working with individuals, groups, and families, Crystal has garnered numerous awards and certifications in Domestic Abuse, Suicide Prevention, and Grief and Loss. Her passion is working with women, youth, and individuals impacted by domestic violence.

Mary

Mary Celeste is a Psychotherapist with an interest in Humanistic and Person-Centered care. After receiving her B.A.in Psychology from LaSalle University, Mary attended Antioch University, where she completed her M.A. in Clinical Psychology.

Mary Celeste has worked in the Mental Health field for over 20 years, including considerable experience in Substance Abuse treatment. She enjoys working with adults and older teenagers.

Katherine Kim

Katherine Kim earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, and is training to eventually be a full-time Licensed Professional Counselor. She hopes to support clients navigate difficult periods in their lives, while setting also realistic and affirming goals toward well-being. She also has a background in college admissions counseling and holds an MBA.

Danielle Nesmith

Danielle Nesmith is a Resident-in-Counseling (RIC) with 15 years of experience assisting children, teens, adults, and seniors who are faced with the negative effects of anxiety, depression, ADHD, poor coping skills, grief, chronic stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, sexual abuse, Stress, PTSD, women's issues, and more.Danielle earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Rosemont College. Her career began in 2007, when she started working with delinquent adolescents, providing individual/group counseling and mental health treatments. In 2015, she transitioned to social work, where she offered service to clients of all ages, providing resources and therapeutic services when needed to ensure their safety and emotional stability. Her most recent experience was working with adolescents struggling with addiction as well as a multitude of undiagnosed mental health conditions. Danielle believes that therapy is about much more than applying clinical principles and methods: It's about building a therapeutic relationship with clients centered on empathy and unconditional positive regard enabling healing and growth.

Whether you're struggling with personal, professional, or familial issues, she will work to empower and guide you towards wellness while accommodating your unique needs. Danielle offers a growth-promoting environment, in which clients will feel comfortable to open up about their inner-most thoughts and feelings. As a young professional of color, she understands the lingering stigma surrounding mental health services. Danielle's goal is to provide quality care for those in need while helping to normalize therapy and self-care.

Kadija Barrie

Kadija Barrie is a Resident in Counseling who has worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults dealing with problems like trauma, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. She has 13 years of experience in the mental health field and is committed to equipping her clients with coping strategies for managing their everyday life stressors.

Kadija received her master's in clinical counseling from Rosemont College. She meets her clients where they are in their healing process and uses active listening skills while providing positive affirmations to best support her clients. She also assists them with setting realistic goals by coaching and allowing them to self-reflect on their presenting problem(s).

As an immigrant from West Africa, Kadija has endured a lot of trauma and is very aware of different cultural backgrounds; therefore, she has the ability to transition from one perspective to another while building a strong connection with you. She is driven to reach the immigrant population, which is less likely to seek mental health treatment due to their lack of trust and a deep-seated belief that professional mental health treatment is non-existent.

Education :
Rosemont College
Master in Clinical Counseling

Specialties :

Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Trauma Related
Mood Disorders
Relationship Issues
Paranoia

Keneeka Jones

Keneeka Jones is a licensed massage therapist and body contouring specialist. Her passion is to help women and men who are looking to change their outward appearance. She offers noninvasive body sculpting treatments that are designed to reshape the body by targeting excess fatty tissues in your body that can be a hard to get rid of through traditional diet and exercise. Ultrasound cavitation being the most popular is safe, painless and requires no downtime. In addition to noninvasive treatments, Keneeka offers post op massages and homecare services to women and men who've recently undergone plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck. In an effort to give her clients a more pleasurable experience during what can be a painful time she has produced her very own THC CBD infused pain relief cream which helps to significantly reduce or completely relieves pain during and after your massages. In addition Keneeka is also trained in Swedish, deep tissue and prenatal massages. Massage can be therapeutic for many reasons whether you're looking to lower stress or manage pain. No matter your reason, Keneeka is passionate about helping people feel their best and reach their wellness goals.

Don't let your mind bully your body ~ Unknown