Safe Haven Counseling provides empathy, compassion,
dignity, and respect for all in the counseling setting.
Safe Haven Counseling PLLC consists of trauma-informed counselors fostering resiliency, healing, hope, and change. We operate based on a foundation of passion to serve others, while promoting respect, honor, and dignity in the counseling setting.
Ashley has a Bachelor of Science from National-Louis University and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Christian College. Becoming a counselor is a second career for her.
Ashley had a 20-year career in the healthcare industry prior to returning to school in 2016. Her previous work experience consisted of providing care for cancer patients in the field of radiation oncology. After enduring several system changes to this field, Ashley made the decision to return to school with the intention to pursue a different career path. Committed to the help professions, she decided to take her patient centered experience and earn a degree in counseling psychology.
Today, Ashley is not only the proud owner of Safe Haven Counseling PLLC, but a humble counselor to those in need of her services. Practicing from the lens of attachment theory, Ashley is passionate about building a secure attachment with her clients, motivated to support her client’s needs in a therapeutic setting, and is honored when she earns her client’s trust. Some of her specialties include substance abuse including process addictions, addiction recovery management, anxiety, bipolar, attachment issues, adjustment disorders, interpersonal relationship issues, grief, PTSD, complex trauma, and stage of life stressors. Ashley also provides couples counseling, specifically when addiction has caused harm to the relationship. Ashley is passionate about teaching couples about the recovery process of the relationship once an addiction is in remission and supporting the couple through this fragile process. Ashley supports couples through the lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Ashley has a passion to support first responders and their families. Being the wife of a firefighter has opened her eyes to the need of not only culturally competent counselors, but the vital backing of being a trauma-trained counselor. Ashley has been vetted by the 100 Club of Illinois, and you will find her on their approved provider list to support first responders and their families. She has received training to understand the culture of first responders and their families as well as trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. Ashley’s passions to help from the lens of attachment theory is the culture behind Safe Haven Counseling PLLC.
“The propensity to make strong emotional bonds to particular individuals is a basic component of human nature”. John Bowlby
Kristy has her bachelor’s in social work from Grand Valley State University with a focus on Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Early in her career, Kristy provided psychosocial skills for mentally ill nursing home residents and was a child welfare specialist for 10 years in a non-for-profit foster care agency.
Kristy returned to school in 2009 to pursue a master’s degree in social work with a focus on communities and families. Prior to her current role at Safe Haven Counseling PLLC, Kristy has an extensive background as an LCSW in the hospital setting. She has served as a psychiatric consult liaison in the emergency room, psychotherapist in outpatient intensive treatment program, discharge planner on an inpatient psychiatric unit, and a social work coordinator at a Trauma Level 1 hospital.
As an LCSW, Kristy is passionate about working with individuals in crisis, childhood abuse, substance abuse, substance abuse recovery, healthcare workers and first responders experiencing the effects of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Kristy provides counseling adolescents, and adults. Her primary therapy approaches include DBT, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and motivational interviewing. When working with couples, Kristy teaches couples the art of reflective listening and valuing one’s differences.
Transformation, Hope, Healing
Devon has 15 years experience with billing and coding. She provides billing support for Safe Haven clients by checking benefit eligibility for services, correcting any billing issues, and managing the billing process. Devon is here to help clients with any billing needs. If you have any questions for Devon regarding your bill, please contact her at
devon.baron@safehavencclientsecure.me
A little about Devon. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 29 years, has 2 daughters, and 1 grandchild.
Helping clients with billing needs.
Karen completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in mental health at Governor’s State University, followed by a master’s degree in health sciences & addiction studies at the same university.
Karen obtained her CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor) while working in various roles related to substance abuse and court services. Towards the end of her 24-year career as a Federal Probation Officer, she returned once again to Governor’s State University to earn her Master of Arts in Counseling in 2022.
She currently is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is actively working towards attaining her LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor). Along the way she has received certification as a trauma professional (CTP).
Throughout her years in the criminal justice system, she has focused primarily on those struggling with substance use and mental health disorders following a period of incarceration. Karen truly believes we are all worth second chances. Both her educational and work experience allows her to work with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds, as well as a variety of issues including mental health, substance use disorders, stress management, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and is knowledgeable in the culture of first responders.
Karen believes the therapeutic relationship is honest, open, and non-judgmental. Her primary theoretical approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy; and use techniques from Attachment-Based Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
As someone who made a major career change “later in life,” Karen firmly believes “you’re never too old and it’s never too late” to make a change. We are all worth
it!
“It’s never too late for a new beginning in your life.” Joyce Meyer
Honest, Open, Non-Judgmental
Christie is a compassionate therapist, helping adolescents and adults. Obtaining her Masters of Science in Counseling from National Louis University, Christie helps her clients manage their emotions and behaviors by using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Christie is passionate about providing a safe, supportive space where clients can explore challenges and build insight. Having a vast experience of helping teens, Christie helps them develop the language to express their inner experiences, strengthen self-advocacy, and build confidence while caring for their emotional needs.
Christie’s professional background includes a focus on multicultural students, exceptional learners, career counseling, and supporting clients navigate their educational stressors. Christie has experience collaborating with teachers, and families to foster an inclusive environment for the best interest of her clients.
Christie also supports adults navigating anxiety, stress, and life transitions by building coping skills and resilience.
Adolescents, Teens, Solution-Focused
Julia is a Pre-Licensed Counseling Intern completing her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Completing her undergraduate work in 2023, Julia obtained her Bachelor’s degree in social work from Illinois State University in 2023, and I currently a graduate student at Bradley University. Passionate about working with adults and adolescents, Julia supports individuals through a wide range of different life challenges, transitions, and emotions. Substance use disorders, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are conditions Julia provides counseling for. Julia welcomes clients from all backgrounds and with varying needs, and believe there is no concern that is too big or too small. Each person brings their own strengths into the counseling space and into their own therapeutic healing.
Julia primarily provides care from Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavior approach. Placing a strong value on the therapeutic relationship, Julia fosters a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.
Supportive, Empowering, Person-Centered
Cathy is a social work intern from Aurora University. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in health sciences & addiction studies at Governor’s State University. Cathy is a clinically focused mental health professional with extensive experience in trauma-informed care, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and substance use treatment. With over a decade of service across emergency departments, residential programs, and community-based settings, she integrates evidence-based modalities—including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing—to support individuals navigating complex behavioral health challenges. Catherine has developed therapeutic programming and provided direct clinical services to both children and adults. Her work is grounded in ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to advancing equitable mental health care. Currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Aurora University, she continues to expand her leadership in clinical social work and integrated behavioral health.
Trauma-Informed Care
Karen completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in mental health at Governor’s State University, followed by a master’s degree in health sciences & addiction studies at the same university.
Karen obtained her CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor) while working in various roles related to substance abuse and court services. Towards the end of her 24-year career as a Federal Probation Officer, she returned once again to Governor’s State University to earn her Master of Arts in Counseling in 2022.
She currently is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is actively working towards attaining her LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor). Along the way she has received certification as a trauma professional (CTP).
Throughout her years in the criminal justice system, she has focused primarily on those struggling with substance use and mental health disorders following a period of incarceration. Karen truly believes we are all worth second chances. Both her educational and work experience allows her to work with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds, as well as a variety of issues including mental health, substance use disorders, stress management, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and is knowledgeable in the culture of first responders.
Karen believes the therapeutic relationship is honest, open, and non-judgmental. Her primary theoretical approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy; and use techniques from Attachment-Based Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
As someone who made a major career change “later in life,” Karen firmly believes “you’re never too old and it’s never too late” to make a change. We are all worth
it!
“It’s never too late for a new beginning in your life.” Joyce Meyer
Karen completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in mental health at Governor’s State University, followed by a master’s degree in health sciences & addiction studies at the same university.
Karen obtained her CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor) while working in various roles related to substance abuse and court services. Towards the end of her 24-year career as a Federal Probation Officer, she returned once again to Governor’s State University to earn her Master of Arts in Counseling in 2022.
She currently is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is actively working towards attaining her LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor). Along the way she has received certification as a trauma professional (CTP).
Throughout her years in the criminal justice system, she has focused primarily on those struggling with substance use and mental health disorders following a period of incarceration. Karen truly believes we are all worth second chances. Both her educational and work experience allows her to work with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds, as well as a variety of issues including mental health, substance use disorders, stress management, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and is knowledgeable in the culture of first responders.
Karen believes the therapeutic relationship is honest, open, and non-judgmental. Her primary theoretical approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy; and use techniques from Attachment-Based Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
As someone who made a major career change “later in life,” Karen firmly believes “you’re never too old and it’s never too late” to make a change. We are all worth
it!
“It’s never too late for a new beginning in your life.” Joyce Meyer
a. We are trained counselors in the culture of the first responder profession
b. We support the families of first responders
c. Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD is offered if needed.
d. Vetted and approved clinician by the 100 Club of Ilinois
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