Megan Smith, MSW, LCSW
Megan Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an extensive background in therapeutic work with children and families. She conducts both individual and group sessions, specializing in supporting children who face emotional, behavioral, or social challenges. Megan is a strong advocate of play as a powerful therapeutic tool that enables children to realize their potential and express themselves more effectively. She views parents and educators as crucial partners in the therapeutic process, maintaining consistent communication and collaboration with them (as well as with other service providers such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school staff) to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each child and to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Megan holds a Master of Social Work from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago (2004) and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from Illinois Wesleyan University (2001).
Her professional experience includes roles as a preschool teacher, school social worker, a district wide social-emotional instructional coach, and a child and adolescent therapist. While she addresses a wide range of issues, her areas of expertise include grief, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Trauma, and attachment concerns related to abuse and neglect. Megan’s therapeutic approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, often integrating Child-Centered Play Therapy with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through methods such as play, art, and discussion. Additionally, she incorporates Sandtray Play Therapy, Brainspotting, and the DIR/Floortime approach as needed to facilitate expression and promote progress.
Christine Yu, MSW, LCSW
Christine believes positive and trusting relationships are essential in therapy. Her warm nature and strengths based approach allows clients to feel seen, heard, and understood without judgment. Christine enjoys working with children, adolescents, and their families to help support a wide range of behaviors and challenges, including anxiety, adhd, autism, emotional regulation, and problem solving skills.
Christine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Master in Social Work from Jane Addams School of Social Work at University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition, Christine is a school social worker. She is knowledgeable about MTSS, 504, and IEP processes; and is able to assist with school related issues.
Nazree Williams, MPH, MSW, LSW
Nazree Williams is a licensed social worker dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming space where individuals feel safe, find relief, and can truly express themselves. She actively listens to their stories and supports them as they work together toward their goals. Recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique, Nazree infuses sessions with creativity and a touch of fun, making therapy both engaging and effective. With a background as a scientist and medical researcher, she brings a deep sense of curiosity and focus to her therapeutic practice to facilitate an understanding of the underlying needs and neurobiological processes impacting behaviors.
Nazree holds a Master of Social Work from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, and a Master of Public Health from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. She is passionate about working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her diverse experience includes supporting children and their families in community healthcare settings with conditions such as PTSD, neurological injuries, and developmental delays. In her community mental health work, Nazree has helped children navigate challenges such as anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, and social difficulties, providing them with the tools they need to thrive emotionally and socially.
Nazree employs a variety of therapeutic approaches, based on individual needs, to help clients view their challenges from new perspectives, empowering them to make positive changes and foster healing.
Jesse Heng, MA, LPC
Originally from the northside of Chicago, Jesse (he/him/his) received his bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2014, and his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Northeastern Illinois University in 2022 . He has spent years supporting youth, and their families while working and volunteering at local nonprofits in the Chicagoland area. Through his clinical experience in school- based settings, Jesse has knowledge in helping youth deal with anxiety, depression, substance use, and gender dysphoria. His work focuses on meeting youth where they are and providing empathy. He believes that everyone should have a space for non-judgement and healing. With a Trauma Informed approach, Jesse utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Choice Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy. Jesse is dedicated to helping youth find peace and healing through support, awareness, and education. In his free time, Jesse enjoys learning, basketball, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and food.
CONTACT INFO
Email: info@yourpeacewithin.org
Phone: 847-250-0277
Location: 111 Lions Drive, Suite 220, Barrington, IL 60010