Our Team

Katie McCarthy, LCPC, ATR-BC, CADC, PMH-C

Katie founded The Balanced Center, LLC in 2018. She received a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Adler School of Professional Psychology (now Adler University) in 2005, and a Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling in 2007. She has since served in a variety of settings including intensive mood and eating disorder treatment, area schools and community mental health. She has extensive training in the areas of infertility, perinatal mental health, eating disorders and substance abuse. Katie has also supervised clinicians new to the field for over 15 years. Katie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Board Certified Registered Art Therapist, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and is Certified in Perinatal Mental Health. Yoga, dance and time spent in nature are part of Katie’s practice of maintaining balance. Katie works with adults and, in addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and Blue Choice, Katie is also credentialed with Lyra. To contact Katie, email katie@thebalancedcenter.com.

Nina Esshaki, LCPC

Nina aims to create a comfortable and trusting environment for clients to reflect upon and process emotions and events. Nina’s practice emphasizes strengths-based, collaborative work in areas including anxiety, depression, relationship issues and life transitions. She uses an integrative approach that draws on training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as creative techniques and other treatment modalities. Nina recognizes that therapy requires courage and commitment, and she believes that it’s never too late to work towards a fuller, more meaningful life. Nina holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. She later received a Master of Counseling Psychology at National Louis University. Long walks, yoga and early bedtimes help Nina to maintain balance. Nina works with adolescents and adults, and, in addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Choice, Cigna/Evernorth, she is also credentialed with Lyra. She is licensed in both Illinois and Michigan. To contact Nina, email nina@thebalancedcenter.com.

Jeanne Kelso, LCPC

Jeanne received her Master of Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University. Jeanne’s areas of clinical interest and expertise include trauma response, depression and anxiety, disordered eating, supporting the LGBTQ population and life transitions including marriage, parenthood, divorce and cancer diagnosis. While Jeanne’s clinical practice is informed by training in evidence-based practices and extensive study of psychodynamic and attachment theory, her therapeutic relationships have a foundation of compassion and empowerment. With warmth, humor and intelligence, Jeanne joins the client in a secure and kind relationship that can unlock the possibilities of growth and change. Jeanne works with adolescents and adults. Jeanne is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. To contact Jeanne, email jeanne@thebalancedcenter.com.

Lauren Spehr, LCSW, CCLS

Lauren’s passion for supporting children and their families began in 2012 when she led Child Life Services for NorthShore Hospital Systems Home Hospice and for The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab where she provided education and psychosocial support to patients and families. She went on to earn her Master of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago in 2019, while honing her skills in crisis intervention and navigating complex family dynamics in community mental health. Specialties include supporting young children with anxiety, behavior concerns, sleep disruptions, illness and those suffering a loss. Lauren is trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Experiences), informing her crucial guidance to parents and caregivers. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and also maintains her Child Life Specialist Certification. Lauren achieves balance in her life by prioritizing sleep and quality time with people. Lauren works with children ages 5 and up and their parents. To contact Lauren, email Lauren@thebalancedcenter.com.

Marny Zimmer, LSW, J.D.

Marny received her Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago, a Juris Doctor (J.D) from the University of Chicago Law School, a graduate degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and an undergraduate degree from the University of Norte Dame. Marny’s studies focused on the use of mindfulness and connection to foster a strong therapeutic connection and help clients work towards a life aligned with their values. Marny uses a client-centered and strength-based approach to create an empathetic space that is free from judgment. Marny’s practice includes approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the Gottman Method. She is trained in suicide prevention, crisis intervention and couples work. Her prior experience include community violence prevention and trauma-informed practice. Marny works with individuals age 9 and up, as well as couples. To contact Marny, email marny@thebalancedcenter.com.

Barb Caines, LCSW, PEL

Barb meets the adolescents and families with whom she works with a depth of compassion, humility, and a caring sense of humor. She has over 25 years of experience providing care in the full continuum of adolescent treatment including private practice, inpatient treatment, therapeutic day schools and most recently a lengthy tenure in school social work. Throughout, Barb gained valuable understanding and familiarity with community resources, barriers to treatment, social dynamics and supporting the whole family. A variety of therapeutic approaches inform her work including CBT, DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Theory, Internal Family Systems and Psychodynamic theory. She is also trained in providing skill-based DBT groups, as well as process oriented groups. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and maintains a Professional Educator License. Barb works with children ages 12 and up, as well as their parents and caregivers. To contact Barb, email barb@thebalancedcenter.com.

Adrienne Eynon, LCSW

Adrienne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of experience supporting children, adults and families in school and private practice settings. Adrienne received her Master of Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago and her Bachelor of Psychology from Middlebury College.  Adrienne prioritizes building a trusting relationship and caring environment where clients feel accepted, understood, safe and empowered to create opportunities to find the balance and change they are seeking. Adrienne’s areas of focus include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss, transitions, ADHD, relationships, social skills and emotional regulation. She is adept at partnering with parents, schools and children to enhance children's emotional, behavioral and academic success. Adrienne finds balance and joy through spending time with her family and children, endurance running, walks with her dog, a good meal with friends, and spending time outside in nature whenever possible. To contact Adrienne, email adrienne@thebalancedcenter.com.

Mary Thomas, LCSW, PEL

Mary was drawn to social work by her desire to help adolescents and adults develop emotional self-awareness, strength and resilience as they move towards independence. She uses a calm, reassuring and down-to-earth approach to connect with her clients and to empower them to identify the best path forward. Mary’s expertise includes working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma, as well as those navigating complex family dynamics and life transitions. Additionally, she has worked extensively with youth struggling with grief due to significant loss.  Mary draws on a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic theory. Mary has worked at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview and Kelvyn Park High School in Chicago. She currently works at Northwood Middle School in Highland Park.  Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has her Professional Educators License. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, and has bachelor’s and graduate degrees from Drake and Northwestern Universities, respectively.  To maintain balance, you’ll find Mary cheering on her favorite sports teams, walking/jogging in the forest preserve, absorbed in a good book or catching up with family and friends. To contact Mary, email mary@thebalancedcenter.com.