Dr. Jayne Braden

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Jayne A. Braden, has been working in the court system since 1993. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1999 and was licensed as a psychologist in 2000. Regular training with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology helps keep her skills up to date. Evaluations she completes for the court include Child Custody and Psychological, Specific Forensic Psychological, Fitness to Stand Trial, and Criminal Responsibility. FOID reinstatement evaluations as well as those for DCFS are also completed by her. She completes evaluations in several county courts including Boone, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, and Winnebago. Pre-employment, fitness for duty, and promotional examinations are also completed for local police and fire departments. Fitness for duty evaluations are also completed for local companies. The Braden Counseling Center opened in 2002 and has been providing services to individuals with different challenges with evidence-based treatments since that time. Dr. Braden is now offering EMDR therapy.

Brandie Smalley

PhD, PMHNP-BC

Brandie Smalley

Brandie Smalley has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2013.  Brandie is a graduate, Magna Cum Laude, of Kansas University, and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the National Honors Society for Nursing. She is board-certified to treat patients with mental illness of all ages. While practicing in St. Louis, she has experience working with patients in an inpatient and outpatient setting.

Brenda Butz

Chief Operating Officer & SMART Facilitator

Brenda Butz

Brenda graduated from Kishwaukee College with a degree in Office Systems in 2013, and has since worked at BCC. Brenda continues to push herself to learn and grow as the demands of her job do.

As a SMART Facilitator, Brenda is dedicated to helping people gain independence from harmful addictive behaviors through our safe, friendly, mutual support meetings, our science-based and secular SMART Recovery 4-Point Program® and our principles and tools, all of which are proven to help people overcome their addictive behavior.

Brenda is your contact for any of your SMART Recovery, financial issues or general questions. As she greets everyone with a smile you can rest assured you will be her most important client. Brenda is a valuable part of Braden Counseling Center.

Mallory Ludwig

Program Director
AODA Counselor, CRADC, SAP, PAIP

Mallory Ludwig

Mallory Ludwig is a Certified Reciprocal Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRADC), a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), and a Partner Abuse Intervention Program Facilitator (PAIP). She has been employed with Braden Counseling Center since August 2007.

She specializes in: DUI Evaluations, Alcohol and Drug Evaluations, Secretary of State Hearing documents, Substance Abuse Treatment, Partner Abuse Intervention (Domestic Violence Offenders)

Jane Gaitskill

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Richard McCoy

Counseling is a second career for Jane Gaitskill. For ten years she worked as a market research analyst in downtown Chicago, but found that to be increasingly unrewarding. At the age of 36 she entered Loyola University’s Masters program in Social Work.

Upon graduating, Jane’s first job was in Evanston Hospital’s Outpatient Psychiatry Department/Crisis Department. Subsequent positions included doing Emergency Room psychiatric evaluations for NorthShoreUniversityHealthSystems, doing in-home counseling with senior citizens and seeing clients in her private practice. She has been at Braden Counseling since 2018.

Jane has extensive experience working with people from a variety of religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds. She has worked with adults of all ages, couples, families in crisis, and children 11 years old and older, addressing relationship issues, mood disorders and psychotic disorders.

Jane primarily uses CBT and supportive therapies, but realizes that a “one size fits all” approach to treatment simply does not work. Given this, she brainstorms with clients to determine what works best for them.

She encourages input from her clients about the therapeutic process, regardless of whether or not that input positive or negative.

Victoria Peyton

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Vickie-Peyton

Vickie Peyton holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has spent 26 years working in healthcare counseling patients and their families who suffer from chronic and terminal illnesses. Vickie practices Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) along with Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) in the areas of depression, anxiety, guilt, worry, anger, self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness or being lost in life, effects of trauma, difficulty coping with chronic health concerns, miscarriage/childless, aging, life transitions, relationship/couples’ issues, loneliness, and compassion/caregiver fatigue.

If you are experiencing loss of any type, then maybe it is time to see a counselor who knows and understands the grief process and who will help you find life after loss. If you are experiencing an overwhelming stressful event that finds you uncertain with feelings of regret or brokenness, maybe it’s time to see a counselor who sees you more than a client, but a unique person. If you are looking for the opportunity to find goals or set new ones, maybe it’s time to see a counselor who believes in you and your aspirations. If you are spiritually broken, no matter your belief, and this has prevented you from finding inner peace, maybe it’s time to see a counselor who will provide a non-judgmental environment. If it’s that period of time when life is not going so well and you are ready to start your journey to emotional well-being, personal growth, reducing stress and learn new skills to cope and manage life, Vickie is ready to meet you and together begin the work to get you on the road of progress and begin (or restart) the journey to who and where you always wanted to be.

Christine Konecny

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Chrissy-Konechy

Chrissy is a Licensed Social Worker. She completed her Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 2018, and then went on to complete her Masters in Social Work in 2020. Throughout her graduate studies, Chrissy’s emphasis was mental health and counseling. Chrissy has had experience working in schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and private practice. Post grad, Chrissy worked as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Coordinator where she assisted her residents with coping through day to day life with a severe mental health diagnosis.

Chrissy believes that the therapeutic process is a collaborative one, both client and counselor work together towards a common goal. She challenges her clients to do the work both inside and outside of sessions. She works under the notion that all things in life are fluid, it’s how we move and progress through the fluidity that will determines our outcome. Chrissy is now offering EMDR therapy.

Kelsey Flynn

Masters of Social Work (MSW), PAIP

Kelsey-Flynn

Kelsey Flynn is a Pre-Licensed Therapist. Kelsey completed her Masters of Social Work Degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, following receiving her dual Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology at Michigan State University. Kelsey has experience working in the mental health setting within the school system and the community with children, adolescents, and adults through Individual, Family, and Group Therapy. Kelsey has experience working with the Department of Human Services Child Welfare System and youth in the Juvenile Justice System through her academic experience. Kelsey recently obtained her 20 and 40-hour certification towards becoming a Partner Abuse Intervention Program Facilitator (PAIP).

It is important to Kelsey to meet her clients where they are at. Each individual begins their start at different points in their lives and no path for better days will be the same for each individual person.

Bridget Irioogbe

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

Bridget-Irioogbe

Bridget Irioogbe is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, where she obtained her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. She has experienced working in both a mental health setting as well as in a collegiate setting where she collaborated with individuals to help them reach their personal and academic goals.

“Helping individuals with and without disabilities achieve their goals is my passion. In a counseling relationship, I believe it’s a joint effort to understand and be attentive to individuals’ needs, uniqueness and multicultural aspects.”

Paul Gallosa

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
PAIP Facilitator

Paul-Gallosa

Paul Gallosa has 5 years of experience in the helping profession working as a certified nursing assistant, supervisor at a group home, a client care representative for an employee assistance program, and a substance abuse and mental health counselor. He received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in 2018, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He received his Master of Science degree with a concentration in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University in 2021. Paul has experience working in both residential and intensive outpatient services in the substance abuse field and has mainly worked with adolescents and adults in both group and individual contexts. Paul utilizes person-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral approaches to treatment. Paul recently obtained his 20 and 40-hour certification towards becoming a Partner Abuse Intervention Program Facilitator (PAIP).

Amanda Cimaglia

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Amanda Cimaglia

Amanda is a Licensed Professional Counselor who completed her Bachelor of Arts in history and secondary education, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bradley University. Amanda spent the first part of her career teaching high school in Arizona and pre-school in Illinois. Her objectives are to be a counselor dedicated to effective, efficient, and equitable treatment of her clients through respectful, compassionate, and collaborative therapeutic alliances that aim to provide them with the most confidence and skills to help them achieve their goals and live their best possible lives. Her clients have consisted of individuals, couples, and LGBTQ persons, ranging from 9 years old and up, to treat a variety of mental health issues: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, anger management, and self-esteem. Amanda utilizes trauma-informed, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI) to encourage clients to grow both during and outside of sessions.

Amy Antczak

LPC, NCC, M.S. E.d.

Amy-Antczak

Amy completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Northern Illinois University, in 2018, and graduated summa cum laude. Amy also completed her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at NIU, in 2021. Amy has prior experience working as a counselor in training at the Community Counselor Training Center at NIU, where she primarily worked with students. Additionally, Amy has one year of experience working as a group facilitator for substance abuse counseling at Braden Center. Amy has experience working with depression, anxiety, social anxiety, life transitions, and anger management.

Amy believes unconditional positive regard, empathy, and acceptance are essential to the therapeutic relationship. Amy takes an integrative approach to counseling but likes to utilize cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) and person-centered theory the most. Amy likes to work collaboratively with her clients to find an approach that best meets the presenting concerns of each unique individual.

Saterae Terry

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Saterae

Saterae Terry is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Aurora University, earning her Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2014 and Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2016. She has continued to craft her service delivery overtime throughout her work with children, adolescents and adults in both residential and community settings. Saterae has a passion for delivering trauma-based services through a behavioral lens with a focus on ACT Therapy.

“Operating as a resource for my clients and having the privilege of assisting them in the process of molding the best version of themselves is most rewarding to me.” – Saterae

Dwayne Thomas

AODA Counselor, CADC, PAIP

Dwayne Thomas

Dwayne Thomas is a Certified Alcohol and other Drug abuse Counselor (CADC), whose previous clinical experiences have all been within long-term inpatient treatment, or correctional settings.  In helping to meet the treatment needs and goals of various mandated target-populations (DCFS, Drug-Court, IDOC, etc.), Dwayne brings years of case-management experience to the Braden team. Dwayne has successfully worked with many clients who were initially resistant to implementing change in their lives during treatment, by utilizing both Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT) treatment modalities, to help clients resolve their ambivalence to change, and engage in the treatment process.

David Jones

AODA Counselor, CADC, PAIP

Jones, D Pic

David Jones is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and obtained his CADC from Elgin Community College. He has experience working in an inpatient setting where he was assigned to a MAT unit (Medication-Assisted Treatment) and provided individual and group counseling services to patients who were suffering from addiction. He also has experience working in a detox setting and interned as a detox counselor as well.  David has a strong belief that effective treatment comes from a client-centered approach that is achieved by patience, compassion, and honesty from the provider.

“I believe that establishing a safe and non-judgmental environment creates a level of trust between the client and the provider that allows the client to express what they are going through with their provider in confidence. When a client and provider have this level of rapport with each other it opens up the client to the therapeutic process as the client gains insight into their problems. This insight fosters awareness and awareness is the first step toward change.”

Unique Malone

PAIP Co-Facilitator
Administrative Assistant

Unique Malone

Unique completed her BS in Psychology with a counseling minor from NIU in 2022. She wears many hats as administrative assistant and a co-facilitator for Sub Ab and PAIP. She plans on returning to school to complete her MSW.

Sylvia Crownhart

Office Manager

I came to DeKalb in 1991 to attend NIU. I met my husband there and we have been happily married since 1997. We made our home and raised our children here. I rejoined the workforce in July of 2017 after an extended absence as a stay at home parent. I was excited to land here at the Braden Center as an administrative assistant, and I am very proud to now hold the position as the Office Manager. I have drawn great inspiration from the wise words of Maya Angelou, so I share them with you, our clients, as you too begin journeys towards healing and brighter tomorrows.

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

~ Maya Angelou

What Our Clients are Saying.....

I called so many other counseling office first, either no one answer the call or no confirmed days for class, with Braden, right away, walk me through the process, fees and needed information, able to set up appointment next day to do the testing and schedule me the class right way. very helpful, not like some other place asked me to fill out so many medical forms although just 10 hours DUI Risk Education.I am really happy with them, they are also not charge as much as other company.
Lan Hankes
Lan Hankes
22:56 03 Oct 23
Everyone was very professional and kind!
Cody Neuschwanger
Cody Neuschwanger
16:49 18 Sep 23
Worked with Dwayne Thomas at the North Aurora location and couldn't be more satisfied with the respect and understanding he operated with. Really knows how to connect and convey the right message.
Bret Van Gampler
Bret Van Gampler
23:30 05 Sep 23
Very friendly and did a great job.
Matthew Quirk
Matthew Quirk
21:41 18 Aug 23
I appreciate the open dialogue allowing attendees to share their thoughts, which enriches the learning experience, but also to have the focused guidance of a counselor to ensure the point of topic.
Joe Freehill
Joe Freehill
18:44 04 Aug 23
I see Amanda Cimaglia and she is by far the most compassionate, respecting and caring counselor I've had. With all the craziness I'm going through she really keeps me grounded. Always listens to me and never ever rushes me but gives me time for her positive feedback.I've always had trouble trusting someone with my issues because I'd find out that the counselor did not go according to her perfession but listen to others to get something out of me. I never had once had that once with Amanda Cimaglia and she let's me work through things I need to at my own pace. And for that I thank her 😊 . She has my mental health at her best interest. Wish there was more counselors out there like her so others can have a safe spot to speak without judgment like I do.From the very bottom of my heart, thank you Amanada Cimaglia and Braden Counseling for having her on board. I'm sure all your staff and team members are just as compassionate ❤️
Maggie Opiola
Maggie Opiola
19:52 26 Jun 23
David Jones is an outstanding counselor. I feel very fortunate to have him as our Lead on Saturday Morning group sessions.
John Boehm
John Boehm
06:31 24 May 23
Staff was amazing. Everything was explained and all questions answered.
Wanda Sutton
Wanda Sutton
23:21 21 Apr 23
understanding compassionate reflextive knowledged tool based
happy holiday
happy holiday
20:10 09 Dec 22
Braden Counseling is a clinic we frequently refer to because of the clinical quality and comprehensive services. All interactions we have had with Braden have been very positive and helpful; excellent coordination of care.
Maggie Miilano
Maggie Miilano
16:57 02 Dec 22
Braden counseling is very good at what they do. They do great things. I’ve been through there system more then once, I recommend them all day every day. Take your pick. I’d say choose one these guys. Very friendly, never mess up and very interactive. If you need anything they are there. I have met a lot of the staff and they all are true and gifted. Thank you Braden counseling for your great works!
Cody Bell
Cody Bell
23:02 21 Sep 22
Dr.Braden is an incredible, sweet and motivating leader! I’m so blessed to have found her center to successfully get me through 10 years of care. Everyone should know if I overcame my many obstacles they can too! Work hard and put up a fight!
Lisa Tegeler
Lisa Tegeler
00:19 29 Jul 22
As an attorney, finding the right treatment center for my clients is critical to their success. I have been referring my clients to Braden Counseling for years. They are always hard working, professional, and accomodating.
Brian Mirandola
Brian Mirandola
16:59 26 May 22
I love my therapist at Braden, I always feel listened to and I look forward to my visits. All of the staff I've interacted with has been super friendly and helpful, and the environment is very calming. Best therapy center I have been to.
Devon Buza
Devon Buza
15:25 25 Jun 21
Very professional and they were extremely nice, I'm happy with my choice of going threw Braden counseling center for my classes!
gage butts
gage butts
19:43 07 Feb 21
Amazing place
Ralph Burton
Ralph Burton
16:30 30 Jan 21
Braden Counseling’s staff is outstanding! The counselor conducted herself in a very friendly, courteous, and professional manner. I was treated with dignity and respect. I was put at ease and the evaluation went smoothly, and efficiently. I would definitely recommend Braden Counseling for all of your personal needs.😊
Gregory Link
Gregory Link
17:16 21 Jan 21
Excellent first visit with Dr. Braden.
Gary Duffett
Gary Duffett
21:18 19 Dec 20
My son liked his first visit and is open to going back again.
Veris Nicole
Veris Nicole
22:36 12 Oct 20
Very friendly and welcoming staff. Highly recommend
Jennifer Rosales
Jennifer Rosales
21:50 29 Jul 20
I could not be more satisfied with braden counseling with thier help. Very patient with clients in crisis and need of thier help.
randall nuckles
randall nuckles
15:12 09 Jul 20
I truly got the help I needed here and I appreciate all the staff member for making it a comfortable environment to feel free to talk about what's on your mind and making sure you get the proper help you need.
Majah’s Mayhem
Majah’s Mayhem
19:30 20 May 20
Love the staff .. came here for help and they definitely made a point to take care of all my paper work I needed .. would highly recommend them mostly Nikki shes a great help with anything .. always so cheerfull here 🙂
miguel tovar
miguel tovar
00:58 17 Dec 19
All staff very nice, respectful, caring, patientWould definitely recommend
Zack Newby
Zack Newby
01:23 18 Nov 19
One word....AMAZING !Very Comprehensive and Professional service. I would Highly Recommend to any one in need.
Joseph Perry
Joseph Perry
16:58 10 Jul 19
Dr. Jane Braden was absolutely wonderful and help me though my whole dui process, made it easy and help me understand.thank you some much DR. Branden for everything, your the best !!!😜
Sean Battersby
Sean Battersby
18:46 12 Mar 19
Friendly staff, very professional and results driven
Jeffrey Kerner
Jeffrey Kerner
13:53 01 Aug 17
Caring staff. Dr Braden was extremely compassionate and supportive during a difficult time. Recommend to anyone!
T Anderson
T Anderson
21:54 06 Apr 16
Braden Counseling center has the finest professionals around. I'd highly recommend their services should a need arise.
Ndisox
Ndisox
03:03 29 Mar 16
Braden Counseling is amazing! Very kind, very friendly staff. Treated me as though I'd been family. I'd recommend them to anyone!
Jessica jorgensen
Jessica jorgensen
22:34 24 Mar 16
They have amazing staff. They listen and help out so much I would recommend them to anyone .
Brad Jorgensen
Brad Jorgensen
22:33 24 Mar 16
The staff is very welcoming and friendly and professional when you walk through the door!! I had been dealing with some anxiety for some time.... I am so glad I went to Braden counseling my first visit there I felt a sense of being welcomed and actually listened to!! Needless to say when I walked out the door I felt a weight off my shoulders I haven't felt in sometime!! So thank you to your wonderful staff!! I would highly recommend Braden counseling to anyone who is looking for a great counselor to talk with and help with your mental health!!
Deborah Mccoy
Deborah Mccoy
19:00 24 Mar 16
I was an emotional wreck when I first went. I was nervous and probably not making a lot of sense. The staff seemed to understand and immediately put me at ease. By the time I left, life just didn’t seem so bad. Thank you Braden Center for being there.
Pam Pascolini
Pam Pascolini
15:57 24 Mar 16
The staff is friendly and courteous. I was amazed at how helpful they were. These people are top notch and very professional. I would highly recommend this office.
Tricia Hernandez
Tricia Hernandez
15:45 24 Mar 16
Braden Counseling Center has always been wonderful. Their front staff is very kind and helpful and Dr. Braden is nothing but professional during all encounters I have had with her. Their facility and staff care about providing quality services to their clients. I highly recommend them.
Amanda Poturalski
Amanda Poturalski
13:56 24 Mar 16
Would give this place more then 5 stars if I could. I Highly recommend them. Staff is amazing there and so helpful .
Master Shake
Master Shake
21:57 23 Mar 16
I highly recommend Braden Counseling. All the staff there is amazing and very sweet 🙂
Melissa Stathis
Melissa Stathis
21:48 23 Mar 16
Highly recommend this place. Very helpful and always courteous. Ms. Rogers is the best and has excellent skills with people to help them through a multitude of problems.
Sarah Schuyler
Sarah Schuyler
20:37 23 Mar 16
Amazing place! The counselors have helped me through some of my lowest points & the girl at the front desk, Cindy, is always super helpful, kind & courteous. Highly recommend!!!
Jennifer Alexander
Jennifer Alexander
19:54 23 Mar 16