Our Team

Katie McCarthy, LCPC, ATR-BC, CADC

Katie founded The Balanced Center, LLC in 2018. She received a Masters 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 and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Yoga, dance and time spent in nature are part Katie’s practice of maintaining balance. Katie works with adults and is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Choice, Cigna/Evernorth and 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 and master degrees from Northwestern University. She later received a second Masters in Counseling Psychology at National Louis University. Long walks, yoga and early bedtimes help Nina to maintain balance. Nina works with adolescents and adults and is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Choice, Cigna/Evernorth and Lyra. To contact Nina, email nina@thebalancedcenter.com.

Jeanne Kelso, LCPC

Jeanne received her Master’s Degree in 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 and is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Choice and Cigna/Evernorth. 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 Masters in 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. She is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Choice and Cigna/Evernorth. To contact Lauren, email Lauren@thebalancedcenter.com.

Marny Zimmer, LSW, J.D.

Marny received her Master’s in 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. Marny is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Choice and Cigna/Evernorth.

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 is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Choice and Cigna and works with children ages 12 and up, as well as their parents and caregivers.