Who We Are
Rachel Day Calvert, LCSW
Founder & Clinical Director
It has been a dream of mine to open up my very own mental health therapy practice and I cannot wait to share that passion with those around me.
I have been working in the mental health field since I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2018. I have had experience working in a variety of mental health care settings over the years.
My journey working in this field began when I was a mental health specialist at a residential for 7-21 year olds with emotional, mental, and behavioral health challenges. After some time there, I moved on to gain experience at a behavioral health hospital. Throughout my master's program at Dominican University, I was an intern working directly with local military families and at a VA working in the suicide prevention department. After receiving my master's degree, I started my career in private individual therapy and haven't left since!
I have experience working with all ages and different areas of mental health. My specialties include military, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, suicidal ideations, self-harming, etc. I understand that times can be difficult and I know I can’t change the world, but I will try everything in my power to change yours for the better and will be there to support you every step of the way!
847-309-0879
Bri Deckert, LPC
Therapist
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I received my Masters in Clinical Psychology – Counseling Practice at Roosevelt University. I have worked with many different populations and settings – from psychological testing to partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient settings and finally, private practice. During that time, I have worked with all ages. Currently, I enjoy working with the younger population, 13 and up.
I utilize a person-centered approach to therapy, focusing on the client’s strengths and attributes to help them improve, learn, and grow as an individual. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to identify and address problematic thoughts, behaviors, and concepts that may interrupt success in their life.
I use developmentally appropriate activities, interventions, and worksheets for all individuals that I work with. I have experience working with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, postpartum issues, life changes, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
I pride myself on creating a non-judgmental environment for my clients, while also making it a fun and safe place to be.
847-531-3477
Sammie Mayerck, LSW
Therapist
I am a compassionate and dedicated social worker with a deep passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges.
With years of experience in one-on-one therapy and as a clinical director, I have cultivated a strong foundation in patient-centered care. I specialize in treating a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, marriage and family concerns, parenting, OCD, grief, ADHD, and more.
My approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood. I believe in treating each individual as a unique person, and I tailor my interventions to meet their specific needs, circumstances, and goals. In addition to my work with individuals and families, I have experience in conflict resolution, including divorce mediation and navigating court systems. I also work with blended families, address pre/post-natal challenges, and support military members and their spouses. My experience extends to assisting the geriatric population and their caregivers, helping them manage transitions and age-related difficulties.
Through my practice, I strive to empower individuals to overcome their obstacles, build resilience, and realize their full potential. I am committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve, and I am always seeking ways to enhance my skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care for my clients.
847-531-3477
Jhoanna Vega Rocha, MA, LPC, QMHP, NCC
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Therapist
Jhoanna is a first-generation Mexican therapist who completed her Masters of Arts in Clinical
Mental Health Counseling at Bradley University. Jhoanna has extensive professional experience in the higher education setting, equity programming and events, leading formal psycho educational groups focused on domestic violence for women to social and emotional learning skills for children and community mental health services. Jhoanna pulls from holistic approaches to therapy, including therapeutic play techniques, strengths-based, attachment- based, Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) mindfulness and somatic techniques, as she believes in meeting clients where they are. Jhoanna understands that “therapy talk” can feel overwhelming and Jhoanna is dedicated to creating a nonjudgmental healing space to support clients’ own journey and engage in their current needs. She encourages exploring trauma through a liberation and culturally-responsive lens further welcoming generational wisdom, community resources, and intergenerational work within the therapeutic relationship. Jhoanna enjoys working with children, adolescents, and women navigating complex trauma, identity work, and supporting clients managing stressors related to
“adulting” and/or current circumstances.
You might work well with Jhoanna if you’re seeking someone direct, relational, emotion-focused,
and someone who sees you as a whole person and how your lived experience informs who you
are (including navigating all the systems - social, political, identities-based).
847-531-3477
Ariana Melesio,
BSN, RN, AA SANE
Intern
I am currently a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student with a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clarke University in 2019 and began my nursing career in the emergency department, where I spent four and a half years caring for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
During my time in emergency nursing, I became certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and a Trauma Nurse Specialist, allowing me to provide specialized, trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing medical emergencies, violence, and crisis. These experiences strengthened my belief that healing extends beyond physical health and highlighted the critical need for accessible, compassionate mental health care.
As I continue my education, I am committed to helping individuals feel seen, heard, and supported while reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel empowered to navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.
My goal is to give back to the community that has shaped me by providing high-quality, patient-centered care and advocating for greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance of mental health. I look forward to partnering with clients on their journey toward healing and overall wellness.
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Sincerely,
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Ariana
Bonnie Hughes, LAC
Intern
Hello everyone my name is Bonnie Hughes and I’m currently a graduate student intern for Midwestern State University. I specialize in helping overwhelmed people recognize the patterns in which they are trapped, without feeling ashamed, and help them to find their purpose once again in life. While I tend to be straightforward in sessions, I lead with compassion and curiosity. Together we can hold space to explore any worries or hurt that might arise together. You don't have to carry your story alone anymore. Together, we'll create a space where it can be heard, understood, and honored. I didn’t survive working in corrections and residential settings without a little something special, just like a hidden gem at your favorite thrift store. I have had two years working as a licensed addiction counselor who specializes in incarceration, trauma, and grief as part of the substance recovery process. I have experience with DBT, Somatic, and CBT therapies. And due to this I know I can help you accomplish whatever you are striving for through my experience and care. Reach out today for compassionate, direct care.
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Siddhi Patel,
RN, BSN, MPA
Intern
I am a registered nurse and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner student at Chamberlain University. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in India and later completed a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in healthcare at Pace University, NY.
Throughout my nursing career, I have gained experience caring for adults and older adults with a variety of medical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral health needs. In my current role as an Infection Control and Psychotropic Nurse, I collaborate with psychiatric nurse practitioners and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to support individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia, behavioral changes, and other mental health concerns.
My professional experience includes psychotropic medication monitoring, psychiatric care planning, behavioral health assessments, AIMS assessments, patient and family education, and coordinating individualized care. These experiences have strengthened my passion for mental health and reinforced my belief that every individual deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported.
My approach is compassionate, person-centered, strengths-based, and nonjudgmental. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can openly share their experiences, recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and work toward meaningful personal goals. I understand that every person’s mental health journey is different, and I value meeting clients where they are while allowing them to heal and grow at their own pace.
I am especially excited to join RDC Liberation because of its commitment to viewing psychotherapy as more than treatment. Therapy can be a collaborative journey toward healing, empowerment, freedom, personal growth, and meaningful change. RDC Liberation’s focus on trust, authenticity, individualized support, and evidence-based psychotherapy closely aligns with the type of mental health provider I hope to become.
As an intern at RDC Liberation, I look forward to learning from an experienced and compassionate team while strengthening my psychotherapy skills. I am eager to expand my knowledge of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques, and learn how these interventions can be individualized to meet each client’s unique needs.
My goal is to support clients in gaining insight, building resilience, identifying their strengths, and feeling empowered to make lasting changes in their lives. I look forward to walking alongside clients throughout their therapeutic journey and contributing to RDC Liberation’s mission of providing compassionate, respectful, and client-centered mental health care.
Minju You
BSC, MSC
Intern
Hello, my name is Minju You, and I am a graduate student in Counselling Psychology with a focus on Global Mental Health from University of Toronto. I have a background in BSc Physiology and MSc Psychiatry from McGill University. I have lived in South Korea, New Zealand, US, and Canada throughout my life, and this experience has deepened my passion for understanding people within the broader contexts of their relationships, cultures, communities, and life experiences. I believe meaningful support begins with understanding the whole person rather than focusing only on a diagnosis or difficulty.
My approach to counselling is compassionate, collaborative, culturally responsive, and person-centered. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. People are the experts in their own experiences, and therapy can provide a space to slow down, make sense of what we are going through, reconnect with our strengths, and create the possibility for meaningful change. I strive to create a warm and nonjudgmental environment for my clients. I hope to deepen my knowledge of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to assist clients with their individual needs. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating emotional difficulties, relationships, identity, trauma, and experiences of disconnection or isolation. I am also deeply interested in global mental health and the ways that culture, migration, community, and social circumstances can shape how we understand and experience mental health. I aim to bring cultural humility into my practice to ensure a therapy experience that is sensitive to each client’s identity and background.
As an Intern at RDC Liberation, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and to support clients as they navigate their own unique journeys.
Fred
Director of Operations
As the Director of Operations, I bring a unique blend of therapeutic, educational, and leadership experience to our practice. My background includes working in a therapeutic day school supporting children with emotional and behavioral needs, serving as a behavior specialist for children with autism, and leading youth programs as a former program manager at the Boys and Girls Club. I am also a coach for high school basketball, which continues to fuel my passion for mentorship and teamwork.
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At the practice, I oversee administrative operations, billing, and insurance — ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so our clients and clinicians can focus on care. I also manage our social media presence and community engagement efforts.
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If you have questions about billing, insurance, or general operations, feel free to reach out — I’m here to help!
779-247-4657
Shanaya
Office Manager
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As an Administrative Assistant at RDC Liberation, I play a key role in ensuring that our therapeutic team can focus on what matters most—providing exceptional care to our clients. With a strong background in office management and client relations, I bring organization, compassion, and professionalism to every aspect of our daily operations.
From coordinating appointments and maintaining client records to managing communications and supporting our clinical staff, I help to create a smooth, welcoming, and efficient environment for both clients and team members. My attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality ensure that every client interaction is handled with respect and care.
Driven by a passion for helping others and a deep appreciation for the healing process, I contribute to our mission by keeping our practice running seamlessly behind the scenes—allowing our therapists to focus fully on client well-being.
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847-531-3477 shanaya@rdcliberation.com