Our Clinical Staff

Dr. Aimee Koerner-Frank, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Naperville Office; Teletherapy

With over 25 years of experience, I have been honored to provide compassionate and effective therapeutic counseling to many exceptional clients. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at Vine Counseling Center, I take a client-centered, nonjudgmental approach to create a supportive environment for healing and growth. I offer individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults.

I have extensive experience supporting individuals with anxiety and mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensory integration challenges. I also specialize in helping individuals navigate interpersonal relationship concerns, divorce, and grief/loss. My passion lies in advocating for the intellectual, behavioral, and emotional needs of individuals with disabilities, giftedness, and twice-exceptional (2e) profiles, as well as those requiring home-based services.

Using a holistic approach, I recognize the importance of family well-being when working with children and adolescents. Treatment often involves developing parenting strategies and managing school-related challenges such as homework and school avoidance, bedtime struggles, and toileting issues (e.g., encopresis, enuresis). I also provide support for families navigating childhood complex trauma, helping children and caregivers process their experiences and build resilience.

I believe parents are the true experts on their children, yet the parenting journey can often feel overwhelming. Many families experience uncertainty about their child’s present challenges and future needs. As a parent of children with diverse educational and emotional needs, I bring a unique perspective to my work. I collaborate closely with families and school districts to ensure children and adolescents receive the appropriate educational and emotional support necessary for success. My goal is to empower families with the tools and resources to help their children thrive.

In addition to mental health concerns, I have experience working with individuals who face complex medical conditions and treatments. Managing chronic illness, medical trauma, and the emotional impact of ongoing treatments can be overwhelming for both individuals and their families. I provide therapeutic support to help clients navigate the extensive challenges associated with medical conditions, improving overall well-being and quality of life.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Moose Frank

Emotional Support Dog-In-Training
Naperville; Teletherapy

Moose Frank will be pursuing his training through WoofBeach Shore Professional Dog Services in Wheaton, IL. He is a great addition to the Vine Counseling Center team with his calm nature, adorably sweet face, incredible ability to zoom, strong dedication to snoozing, and extreme attention to detail (especially if it’s food related or something that shouldn’t be food, but he thinks it is). Moose accepted his lifelong position as a Good Boy with the Frank Family and Chief Canine Officer with the Vine Counseling Center team on October 10, 2022.

When Moose’s training is complete, his presence will provide comfort to individuals coping with the challenges associated with emotional and mental health conditions.

Heather Blanck, MS

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor/Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Downers Grove; Teletherapy

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. My passion is helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with warmth, understanding, and practical strategies for lasting change.

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, substance use, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, codependency, or loss, I am here to support you. I understand that each person’s journey is unique, shaped by experiences often outside their control. My approach is collaborative, working with you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a way that fosters self-awareness and resilience.

Using an eclectic blend of evidence-based therapies, including behavior-based techniques and motivational interviewing, I help clients develop healthier coping strategies and new ways of thinking. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable and heard—one that balances warmth, authenticity, and even humor when appropriate.

My goal is to empower you to build confidence in your ability to make meaningful life choices. I work with adults (18+) and offer flexible daytime and evening appointments both in-person and via a secure telehealth platform.

Taking the first step toward therapy can be difficult, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside you in this process. If you’re ready to explore how we can work together, I’d love to connect and see if we’re a good fit.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Karyn Byrne, MS

Licensed Professional Counselor
Naperville Warrenville Rd Office; Teletherapy

I am a therapist dedicated to offering you the guidance and support necessary to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and empowerment.

I work with a broad range of clients, both individuals and couples, who thrive despite difficult circumstances. For example, those enduring the emotional and mental journey associated with weight changes and health, stressful careers, chronic disease, addictions, postpartum anxiety and depression, relationships, generalized anxiety and depression, and the ongoing effects of trauma.

I graduated with my Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University and am currently a post-dissertation doctoral candidate in Community Psychology.

My counseling approach is holistic and integrative, incorporating evidence-based techniques from various therapeutic modalities and multimodal methods to meet your unique needs and goals. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. We will work collaboratively to help you gain insights, develop coping skills, and cultivate resilience to thrive during these transformative life challenges. I also help clients explore the impact of these changes on their sense of self and provide strategies for embracing and redefining self-concept and identity.

Kim Cho, MS

Licensed Professional Counselor
Downers Grove; Naperville; Teletherapy

I have experience with a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD and a variety of personality disorders. I also have a vast variety of experience in teaching and helping clients apply learned coping skills that can be used daily in your life. I have extensive counseling experience gained within an adult partial hospital outpatient program, including individual, group, family and couples therapy. Additionally, I have experience with clinical mental health treatment plans, teaching a variety of coping skills, researching additional counseling resources and helping connect clients with 12-step recovery programs. I earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University.

As a therapist, I utilize a variety of therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, reality therapy and existential therapy. My therapeutic experience thus far has shown that I am adaptable and flexible in helping you determine what counseling style works best for you. Simply put, my passion is helping others and I am here to help you. I believe that the therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist is the most valuable part of the therapy experience and that will also be an important component in the success of treatment.

My counseling approach is very person-centered, with a sincere and genuine focus on my clients. My plan is always to meet you where you are at regarding what you are ready to address in therapy, however, I will add that I am not afraid to positively challenge my clients to dig deeper if their potential is not being reached. For those of us that can relate to feeling “stuck,” my style is focused on helping you get “unstuck” by utilizing authenticity, empathy, compassion, trust and honesty during sessions. Movement in therapy is often difficult until we are uncomfortable enough to move and I am here to help you navigate that process.

I highly believe in the value and importance of self-care and making time for yourself. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling, reading, being outside, watching movies/tv series and spending time with friends, family, my husband, and my cat, Turbo.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Jim Frank, MA

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Naperville Office; Teletherapy

I am a mental health professional with over 20 years of experience working with individuals of all ages. My expertise lies in treating a wide range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and complex trauma. I have also worked extensively with individuals who struggle with addiction, as well as those whose lives have been impacted by addiction.

In addition to my clinical work, I have spent a number of years leading wilderness trips, working for Habitat for Humanity, and working at an inpatient hospital program to hone my therapeutic skills. This diverse background has helped me develop a non-judgmental and eclectic approach to therapy, allowing me and my clients to explore the best options for treatment.

As a parent of two children with differing needs myself, I am also well-equipped to support special needs parents through their own complex journey. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insight into their behaviors, and develop new strategies for coping and healing.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Jennifer Inserro, MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Naperville Office; Teletherapy

I am a big believer in people knowing their strengths and values. When clients understand their strengths, those strengths become an integral part of the healing process. When clients understand their values, they can create a vision for how they want to live. In my practice, I use strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I primarily work with adults who are learning to manage anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders as well as grief and loss, relationship issues and life transitions (e.g., to a new career). “Nothing changes, if nothing changes” is a quote that speaks to me. What excites me is the opportunity to work with clients who are learning to embrace change and developing a growth mindset toward life.

I have always had a passion for social justice and coaching people to explore their strengths. Working in a partial hospitalization program allowed me to develop skills in helping clients stabilize their mental health through a combination of individual and group therapy, combined with skill-building through psychoeducation. I also worked for a community-based agency where I gained extensive training and experience working with clients who were dealing with the trauma of domestic abuse. I am knowledgeable about programs offered in the western suburbs that can assist clients with a variety of needs. I hold two master’s degrees: one in social work from Aurora University and one in Public Service Management from DePaul University. Prior to becoming a licensed social worker, I worked for 20+ years in various corporate positions.

I am blessed to have a loving husband and three children in my life. I volunteer as a mentor for Bridge Communities, a program that provides stable housing, as well as at my church. In the past I was a licensed foster parent in the state of Illinois.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Michelle Lemrise, MSW

Licensed Social Worker
North Aurora; Telehealth

I have experience working with a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, eating disorders/disordered eating, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, and ARFID as well as supporting individuals through major life transitions such as divorce. As a result of my extensive experience working in a variety of mental health settings, I have developed the knowledge and skills necessary to support people in addressing their difficult and often complex challenges. I am a Licensed Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University.

My clinical practice uses a variety of behavior-based modalities to best fit the person and the struggles they are working to overcome. I am compassionate and understanding of the challenges we face in life. I bring that compassion to my sessions which enables people to feel comfortable and at ease quickly.

Everyone’s journey is different and I understand that and will work with you towards achieving your goals at your own pace.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Danny Living, MSW

Licensed Social Worker
Teletherapy

My therapeutic practice focuses on trauma therapy, addiction, mindfulness, creative visualization, meditation, and self-acceptance. I have a Master of Social Work from Aurora University, and am a certified Rapid Resolution Therapist.

My Vine Counseling Center practice includes limited weekend appointments for those looking for help with chronic “stuckness” from patterns stemming from trauma which thinking about or talking about hasn’t helped. Read more about the process below. The two-hour sessions are conducted in-person and incorporate the healing tones of the Tibetan singing bowl, which helps relax the body and mind and deepen and solidify insights and shifts during and after the session. Sound has been proven to enhance learning, concentration, and mental and physical health, creating a rich, powerful experience.

Does It feel like there’s a pattern? Sometimes, thinking and talking about your story or stories hasn’t worked to shift the beliefs and conclusions about the self and how the world seems to work. Do you have a sense of being stuck or a belief that “this or things like this keep happening to me?” Have related experiences/patterns reinforced the fears? Is the “sound” of your mind and “vibe” from the thinking and feeling negative, like a complaint or lament? Has talking about it not changed anything?

Stories have themes and themes are the belief templates like, “There’s something wrong with me,” “I’m not good enough,” “I’m a bad person,” “When I trust people, they hurt me,” “I don’t fit in,” “Nobody loves me,” “I’m a failure,” etc., and attached “feeling” signature(s) like, guilt, shame, anger, sadness.

Once the template and emotional signatures are identified and cleared, it impacts related stories and there’s no need to clear each story individually if there’s an underlying pattern, theme, or conclusion about the self that the stories reinforce like, “I’m a failure,” or “people always hurt me” — conclusions that are absolutes or generalizations, but are based on a few experiences.

To help, I use a process called Pattern Reflection Therapy (PRT) which is based on the principles of MRT (Memory Reconsolidation Therapy), but eliminates the pain of retelling stories, the need for holding back stories too painful to tell or “leaving other stories on the table” at the end of the session. PRT addresses patterns—patterns in the past and their “meaning.” PRT uses your intellectual curiosity and imagination to discover patterns, their origins, and eliminate limiting beliefs attached to them and can leave you feeling lighter, calmer, and clearer in as little as one session.

Each day, it is my hope that my work will help others and honor the gifts that my interests, passion, and experience has given me.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Amber Reeves, MA

Licensed Professional Counselor (In Process)
Naperville; North Aurora; Teletherapy

After earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology and dance theatre from Western Illinois University, I went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago.

I have extensive experience working with Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Trauma, Adjustment Disorders (e.g., divorce, job loss), Grief/Loss, Family Conflict, Couples/Relationship Issues, and Stress Management. In addition, I have also been trained in Family-Based Treatment to support those experiencing a variety of eating disorders/disordered eating.

I have worked in community mental health since 2016. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to provide individualized therapy to children, teens, and adults in an outpatient setting, lead anger management groups, as well as provide community-based counseling services for children and adolescents experiencing behavioral challenges at home and school. I have worked with students within a therapeutic day school setting utilizing the REStArT model as a way to work collaboratively with the student and their families to reach personal and academic goals.

In 2018, I was hired as a consulting expert for a software company and played an integral part in laying the foundation for their telehealth communication platform, which became an invaluable tool in the mental health world during the Covid pandemic. After leaving the consulting role, I transitioned to a role as a community mental health therapist in the City of Chicago serving under-represented populations. Working within a multidisciplinary team, I shared responsibility for providing rehabilitative behavioral health support services while developing trauma-informed, person-oriented treatment plan(s) that prompt resilience-oriented skills.

My passion is centered on building strong therapeutic bonds that allow clients to feel safe and supported as they work on their personal journey toward self-actualization. While my therapeutic approach can be varied to meet each client’s individual needs, I enjoy utilizing a psychodynamic and client-centered approach, while placing focus on a strength-based method that empowers the individual to achieve their identified goals.

Maddie Seversen, MA

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Teletherapy

I obtained my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wheaton College, with a specialization in trauma. My practice includes work with children, adolescents, and adults related to issues of depression, anxiety, trauma, sexuality, relational stress, identity, religion, and existential despair. I have experience working with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood dysregulation, trauma responses, adverse childhood experiences, sexuality, gender, youths exhibiting sexualized symptoms, painful life transitions, and strained family relationships. In addition, I have completed research centered around sexual and gender identity with specific attention to distress within familial and religious contexts.

I believe that effective child therapy requires engagement with the child’s family system and other systems related to their daily life and functioning. I have a collaborative approach to child therapy and believe in creativity and play as primary components of expression in the therapeutic process.

In working with adults, I am interested in delving into concerns of relational health, religious trauma, sexuality, and the impacts of society and systems on an individual. I work from a relational, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally sensitive framework. I build from a CBT and client-centered approach to therapy while being attentive to the impact of the past as it relates to current issues.

I aim to foster an environment of safety, creativity, and collaboration where individuals can feel empowered to grow and flourish

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Mimi Seversen, MA

Licensed Professional Counselor
Teletherapy

I see clients from a wide array of backgrounds dealing with various issues that have taken a toll on their ability to cope with life’s challenges. My prior experiences have engaged mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar, challenges regarding health and individuation within family systems, as well as experiences of trauma, violence and abuse. I’ve been honored to sit with people who carry the uniquely isolating weight of being in relationships or in families where alcoholism is present.

Much of my work is with immigrant parents and children of immigrants navigating traditional values and modern realities, with individuals in cross-cultural and socioeconomically-diverse relationships, those experiencing visa/legal stress and who may resonate with the feeling of being a foreigner in their own land. I have worked extensively with refugees, immigrants, displaced persons and asylum seekers in the US and Southeast Asia, many of whom have experienced multiple forms of past and present traumas including political torture and forced migration. I obtained my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wheaton College. I also hold certificates in trauma from Harvard’s Refugee Trauma Program, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, and Wheaton College.

My therapeutic style is grounded in concerns of justice. It is relational, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, and solution-focused through a narrative lens (meaning, we will together explore the nuance and depth of your story and let it inform our collaborative work towards change). I love walking with folks through the muck of dismantling shame’s power, and who as a result, make room to honor desire and growth. I will join with you in holding curiosity for your various identity intersections (racial, ethnic, gender, sexuality) and life experience. My space is LGBTQAI+ friendly, and I welcome people across the lifespan. If this resonates with you, please feel free to reach out to coordinate a first session.

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

Elizabeth Veeser-Sharer, MSW

Clinical Manager
Downers Grove; Naperville; Palatine

I have worked in a variety of mental health settings with the majority of my career working for non-profit organizations. A common thread through all of my positions has been ensuring individuals have access to high quality assessments, treatment plans, and services to support appropriately their mental health needs and goals. Populations I have worked with include children and families in crisis, children with differing needs, and sexual assault survivors of all ages.

Parenting children of differing needs myself necessitated reliance on the support of many therapeutic providers over the years and has given me insight into the client end of both physical and mental health treatment. I know firsthand how frustrating bureaucratic red tape, long wait lists, lack of communication, and time wasted with a poorly matched provider can be. My own experiences inspire me to support both clients and staff at Vine Counseling Center with streamlined business practices, accurate and easy-to-locate information, and direct, timely communication. Finding a therapist that is the best fit to support your, your child’s, or your family’s growth is the most important aspect of my job.

I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Boston College with a specialization in Community Organizing, Policy, and Administration. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family, walking our rescue dog, reading, and perennial gardening.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Tracy Wheeler, MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Downers Grove; Teletherapy

I am a big believer in people knowing their strengths and values. When clients understand their strengths, those strengths become an integral part of the healing process. When clients understand their values, they can create a vision for how they want to live. In my practice, I use strengths-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I work with adults who are learning to manage anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders, as well as grief and loss, relationship issues, and life transitions (e.g., to a new career). With couples and families, we work on assertive communication, conflict management, relationship repair, and learning to harness the strengths of the relationship to grow. “Nothing changes, if nothing changes” is a quote that speaks to me. What excites me is the opportunity to work with clients who are learning to embrace change and developing a growth mindset toward life. Working with adults who were adopted, as well as parents of adopted children, is a special interest of mine. I want my clients impacted by adoption to explore the layers of loss and identity in a safe space.

I have always been passionate about social justice and coaching people to explore their strengths. Working in a partial hospitalization program allowed me to develop skills in helping clients stabilize their mental health through a combination of individual and group therapy, combined with skill-building through psychoeducation. I also worked for a community-based agency where I gained extensive training and experience working with clients who were dealing with the trauma of domestic abuse. I am knowledgeable about programs offered in the western suburbs that can assist clients with various needs. I hold two master’s degrees: one in social work from Aurora University and one in Public Service Management from DePaul University. Before becoming a licensed social worker, I worked for 20+ years in various corporate positions.

I am blessed to have a loving husband and three children in my life. In the past, I was a licensed foster parent in Illinois.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers