CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY
STAFF AND THERAPISTS
As experts in the field of psychology and counseling, the Center for Creative Arts Therapy team offers you and your family comprehensive clinical services. Learn healthy and proactive ways to achieve wellness and balance in your lives through personal attention, compassionate communication, creative therapeutic interventions, and professional counseling to achieve the best outcomes for success. Learn more about us below.
Azizi Marshall, MA, LCPC, RDT-BCT, EAT
Drama Therapist & Expressive Arts Therapist
Two Master of Arts Degrees in Community Counseling & Theatre,
Northeastern Illinois University
Adjunct Faculty, Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
PREPARE/ENRICH Certified Couples Therapist
Board Certified Trainer/Registered Drama Therapist
Registered Expressive Arts Therapist
Past Board Member, North American Drama Therapy Association
Specializations
Adolescents, High Achieving Women, First Responders, Divorce and Separation, Teens on the Spectrum, Trauma, Grief and Loss
Actor, Dancer, Director
Leslie Kane, MA
Director of Education & Community
Leslie earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling through Minnesota State University, and is currently an Assistant Theatre Director at Lemont High School. She is responsible for connecting people in the broader community by cultivating relationships with students, businesses, schools, and other relevant mental health and arts organizations.
Ciara Athy, MA, LPC, ATR
Art Therapist - Provisionally Registered
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling: Art Therapy, Adler University
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art & Psychology, Adrian College
Specializations
Art Therapy, Children, Adolescents, and Adults, Anxiety & Depression, Trauma, Emotional Regulation
Artist, Painter, Figure Skater
Pamela Slane, PhD, LCPC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, A-AT
Dance/Movement Therapist & Expressive Arts Therapist
Doctorate in Philosophy in Expressive Clinical Therapies, Lesley University
Master of Arts Degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, Columbia College in Chicago
Graduate Laban Certified Movement Analysis , Columbia College in Chicago
Animal-Assisted Therapist, Animal Behavioral Institute
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist
Certified in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
American Dance Therapy Association Member
Pet Partners Association Member
Specializations
Children, Adolescents, Emotional Regulation, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Trauma Recovery, Depression, Behavioral Disorders, Mood Disorders, Crisis Intervention, Self-Harm, Self-Identity, and Anxiety.
Dancer, Child Supporter, Artist
Nisha Paliwal, MA, LCPC
Expressive Arts Therapist (in-training)
Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Community Counseling
Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology
Specializations
Behavioral Issues, Multicultural Issues, Identity Exploration & Development, Work Stress, Work-Life Balance, Burnout, Identity, Exploration & Development, Adjustment, Trauma, Grief & Loss, Self Worth
Creator, Artist, Crafter
Rupa Kantorek, MA, LCSW
Expressive Arts Therapist (in-training)
Master of Social Work Degree in Social Work Administration, University of Chicago
Bachelors of Social Work Degree in Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Specializations
Trauma, Anxiety, Interpersonal Violence, Immigration/Acculturation, Teens, Special Needs, LGBTQIA+, Multiculturalism, Grief & Loss, Parenting, Launching & Life Transitions
Musician, Dancer, Vocalist
Dorothy Larsen, MA, LPC
Art Therapist
Master of Arts Degree in Art Therapy, Washington University
Bachelors of Arts Degree in Studio Art, Grinnell College
Specializations
Spanish Speakers, Siblings of People with Disabilities, Children and Teens, Emotional Regulation and Distress Tolerance, Life Transitions, Families, Caregivers, and Seniors
Artist, Muralist, Painter
Katie Nelson, MA (in progress)
Drama Therapy Intern & Marketing Specialist
Bachelors of Arts Degree in Theatre Performance and Communication Studies, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame
Specializations
Children, Teens/Adolescents, Adults, Trauma, Self Worth
Actor, Director, Theatre Lover
Angelica Hardman, MA (in progress)
Art Therapy Intern
Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fine Arts, University of Illinois at Chicago
Specializations
Children, Teens/Adolescents, Adults, Trauma, Self Worth
Artist, Painter, Avid Reader
Shannon Kett
Office Administrator/Medical Biller
Shannon offers billing support for our clients and their families while maintaining HIPAA compliance, sensitivity to insurance claims and challenges, and expert customer service.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
Let us support you and your family through compassionately creative counseling and arts-based psychotherapy services. Give us a call today to learn more about creative arts therapy (art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, dance/movement therapy, expressive arts therapy) in the Downers Grove, Hinsdale, DuPage county and Chicago area! Feel free to call us at (847) 477-8244 or email us.
We are located in Downers Grove and frequently see clients from Downers Grove, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hickory Hills, Hillside, Hinsdale, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oak Brook Terrace, Oak Park, Riverside, Villa Park, Warrenville, Westchester, Westmont, Wheaton, Willowbrook, Woodridge, and Western Springs.
Counseling and arts-based psychotherapy for individuals, groups and families looking for help with children, adolescents, stress, relationships, motherhood, creative parenting interventions, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief/bereavement, autism, communication, caregiving, terminal illness, and career counseling.