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Nina Rickett-Green, MSW As a transnational, transracial adoptee, Nina understands firsthand the need to create a solid foundation of identity and purpose amidst feelings of being misunderstood, unrepresented, and alone. Nina felt the experience of an adoptee as one always living in the in-betweens, but the more she lives the more she learns that every single person knows the feeling of being “not enough” of something. As a lifelong reader and writer, Nina naturally employs the power of story and metaphor in the therapeutic space to co-write a new narrative with her clients, one in which they are the protagonist of their lives. Nina completed her second-year Master’s level clinical internship at Family Horizons prior to joining the team as a therapist. She received her MSW at the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams School of Social Work, and created her own Bachelor of Arts major entitled “Social Change: Activism and Agency” with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Studies at St. Olaf College. Nina is passionate about helping people understand and overcome experiences of trauma, familial conflict, and internal struggles to uncover what lies at the root and how we can begin to nurture regrowth. You can expect Nina to use a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic techniques, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to address issues of anxiety and mood disorders, divorce and attachment concerns, and self esteem in settings of individual, family reunification and co-parenting therapy. With a background in nonprofit and social justice work, Nina will bring in questions about the many varying intersections of identity one may carry and how that has affected their selfhood. Education & Background Masters in Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago Bachelors of Arts, St. Olaf College Clinical Specializations Anxiety & Mood Disorders Family Conflict & Divorce Child Therapy Additional Expertise Adoption & Attachment Eating Disorders Trauma & PTSD Life Transitions & Stress

Library & Resources A curated selection of our team's most recommended reading and other resources to compliment the process and support your growth. Trauma & PTSD What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, & Healing by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn Mood & Anxiety When Panic Attacks by Dr. David Burns It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn Child & Adolescent What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, & Healing by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn Trauma & PTSD This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Mood & Anxiety This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Mood & Anxiety This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors.

Contact 4311 N Ravenswood Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60613 917 W 18th Street Chicago, Illinois 60608 (847) 865-8440 info@familyhorizonscounseling.com First Name Last Name Email Phone What brings you to Family Horizons? Send Thanks for submitting!

Tony Silker, MSW, LSW Feeling tired? Maybe you've tried some new things: you've read the book, talked to the expert, put in the long hours. But things just aren't clicking. Becoming who you want to be can be an exciting process, but just as often it can feel painful and frustrating. Eventually, we all feel longing for more in our jobs, relationships, and in ourselves. Even though this longing can hurt, it can also revitalize your verve for life and inspire you to develop your voice. Pain can help shape our character and provide fertile ground for experiencing triumph. Tony is passionate about supporting clients in personal transformation, because it feels good to grow. He is uniquely qualified to assist individuals in helping professions and human-facing leaders. He offers a unique view into your personal narrative to provide practical adaptions and existential support. He also holds expertise working with high-conflict interpersonal issues in settings including: family, work, and spiritual communities. You and Tony might be a great fit if you're looking for a therapist who is gregarious and engaged. He loves to laugh, but also believes it's crucial to help clients find real-world adaptions that work for them. He wants you to experience success. Finding the way forward can be fun and invigorating with the right companion. During initial sessions, Tony enjoys the process of helping clients to map out their inner world. Often, seeing your context from a new person's point of view can alleviate pressure in the first few sessions. After establishing a firm relationship, you and Tony will work together to identify new ways to respond and direct your environment. Most of his clients begin experiencing relief in symptoms in the first month or two. Education & Background Masters in Social Work, University of Illinois Chicago Child Custody Evaluation Training, AFCC 40-Hour Illinois State Certified Domestic Violence Training Member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Bachelor of Arts, Moody Bible Institute Clinical Specializations Family Conflict Compassion Fatigue Men's Issues Additional Expertise Anger Management Anxiety & Mood Disorders Divorce Domestic Violence Grief Life Transitions Parenting Peer Relationships Spirituality Trauma & PTSD

Natalia Obrochta, MSW Intern Natalia is a first-level intern at Family Horizons receiving advanced training on the intersection of family law and mental health. Natalia is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a strong background in psychology and extensive experience working with adolescents and children. Natalia earned a degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and is currently a graduate student of social work at Loyola. Natalia gained invaluable experience in wilderness therapy and at a residential treatment facility, working closely with struggling adolescents to support their emotional and behavioral development. This hands-on experience honed in Natalia's skills in crisis intervention, counseling, and building therapeutic relationships. Currently, Natalia works as a paraprofessional at an elementary school, where she provides specialized support to kindergarten students in special education. Outside of work, Natalia is passionate about rock climbing and camping, finding joy and relaxation in the great outdoors. Natalia also cherishes spending time with friends and family. Education & Background Masters of Social Work, Loyola University Chicago (Expected 2026) Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Loyola University Chicago (2021)

Sharon Alvarado, MSW Intern Sharon is a second-level intern and master's-level clinician at Family Horizons receiving advanced training on the intersection of family law and mental health. Sharon is currently a Program Specialist for the Mentorship & Workforce Development Team at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Sharon graduated with a double BA in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has been working in program coordination and development for 5+ years. Sharon is a Chicago Native, currently living on the Northwest Side of the city. She loves to go on adventures, travel, and explore different coffee and food shops throughout Chicago. Sharon is very passionate about empowering Chicago's youth and working towards improving the quality of healthcare services available in under-resourced neighborhoods. In Sharon’s current role, she mentors and oversee over 500+ students yearly, engaging students in various programming with their team and be able to expose them to unlimited careers in healthcare. She also runs communications and social media for her team. Sharon has always had an interest in healthcare, which has landed her to pursue to apply to Graduate School for a master’s in social work. She is entering her last year as a grad student at Loyola University in the MSW Program. Sharon is a first gen student, and is looking forward to graduating and earning her degree Spring of 2025.

Spencer Palmer, MSW Intern Spencer is a second-level Intern at Family Horizons, receiving advanced training on the intersection of family law and mental health. Spencer earned a degree in Sociology from Illinois State University. Right from the start, he learned he valued helping people through the unforgiving systems of oppression. Spencer dove headfirst into the field of youth services at a youth shelter home with Aunt Marthas. This prepared him for the life-changing experience of working in a residential treatment facility. Working with youth in this capacity garnered a new perspective on the resilience of young people whom experienced trauma. As an assistant teacher at Thresholds Therapeutic Day School, he gained an understanding of the challenges faced by young adults with mental illnesses. This led to a career at Illinois Youth Center as a Department of Juvenile Justice Specialist. With over a decade of valuable experience in social services, he is enthusiastic about advancing his skills to enhance the mental well-being of those serviced and service providers. Spencer recognizes the significance of prioritizing the journey over the goal and advocates for the transformative power of emotional intelligence. He is committed to empowering adolescents and teens, bringing a strong drive to help young people conquer life's challenges. In his previous internship, he worked with adults seeking mental health support through individual and group therapy, specializing in grief. Spencer is a University of Illinois Chicago student pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree specializing in Child and Family practice, furthering his commitment to improving the well-being of youth, adolescents, and their families. Spencer believes active listening is critical to building a trusting relationship where clients feel heard and understood. Through mindfulness and many other approaches, he guides clients toward acceptance, allowing them to process their emotions in a healthy, constructive way. Whether working through anxiety, stress, or life transitions, he aims to equip clients with the tools they need to cope and thrive. Outside of therapy, Spencer is a dedicated father passionate about creative expression and staying grounded. He enjoys DJing, exploring the arts, practicing yoga, meditation, and reading. These interests inform his therapeutic work, reminding him of the importance of balance, creativity, and self-reflection. He strives to help clients find their ways to express themselves and heal.

Sara Harris, MSW Intern Sara is a second-level intern and master's-level clinician at Family Horizons receiving advanced training on the intersection of family law and mental health. She is pursuing a Masters of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago in the Advanced Clinical Track. Sara is passionate about working with adolescents and adults to provide clinical mental health services. Sara has previous experiences working with individuals and families, specifically in foster care and community mental health, that have helped deepen her therapeutic skills. In a prior internship with Chicago Advocate Legal, Sara gained an invaluable understanding of the intersection of social work and law. Sara graduated with a double BA in Psychology and Dance from Hope College. Sara deeply appreciates work focusing on the mind and body connection, which inspired her to become a Pilates instructor. Sara was born and raised in Illinois and enjoys living in the city. A few hobbies include walks, workout classes, traveling, and reading memoirs. Specifically, Sara is passionate about providing therapeutic services for women of color. Sara is in her final year of grad school and looks forward to graduating in Spring 2025.

Marlene Arteaga, MA, LPC As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Marlene brings warmth, compassion, and understanding to her work with clients and families. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, exhausting, and filled with obstacles. Marlene places emphasis on building trust and rapport with each person. She is a firm believer that each person deserves to work with someone whom they can trust and freely open up with. Marlene's approach to therapy is to help individuals overcome those obstacles, reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and their world. She finds that there is a huge importance in ensuring that each person can find their voice and is able to use it to advocate for their needs. As a result of her history of working at Chicago Public Schools, Marlene has extensive experience helping children work towards and meet their goals. Marlene enjoys working with teens and adults on a variety of issues ranging from ownership and accountability to relationship issues, and generational differences. She uses a multicultural framework with all of her clients and offers individual, family, and couples therapy. Marlene has experience working with children, teens, and adults on a variety of issues ranging from ownership and accountability to relationship issues and generational differences. She uses a multicultural framework with her clients. Education & Background Licensed Professional Counselor Gottman Method Couples Therapy Trained – Level 1 & 2 Member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health, Chicago State University Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Sociology, Central Michigan University Member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Clinical Specializations Child & Adolescent Divorce & Separation Co-Parenting & Couples Additional Expertise Anxiety & Mood Disorders Grief & Loss Personality Disorders Racial Identity Relationship Issues Thinking Disorders

Kate Dawson, MSW, LSW Kate holds dual roles at Family Horizons, combining her expertise as a psychotherapist with her role as Intake Coordinator. In her clinical work, she provides compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy to clients, while as the Intake Coordinator, she skillfully manages the entire intake process, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience for all new clients within the practice. She works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families navigating complex life transitions, attachment challenges, and various behavioral and emotional difficulties. Kate's warm and non-judgmental approach combined with her knowledge and implementation of evidence-based interventions allows for transformative change. She has extensive experience and training in working with survivors of trauma, domestic violence, and crisis intervention. She understands the complexities of the legal system, and compassionately supports families through difficult seasons of life, whether that be separation, divorce, co-parenting, or adoption. Kate received her Master's in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, specializing in Advanced Clinical Practice. She completed her first-level internship with Family Horizons, followed by her role as a Student Clinician, eventually becoming a Child & Family Therapist with the team. Kate completed her clinical internship at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago within the Pritzker Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, where received advanced training and served as a primary therapist within the Partial Hospitalization Program. Kate is also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), with specialized experience in trauma-informed practice and children's yoga. She has been certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, a clinical assessment tool and approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform her work with children and families. Kate has also received training in Theraplay, which guides her work in child-caregiver attachment and bonding. Education & Background Masters in Social Work, Advanced Clinical Practice, Loyola University Chicago Bachelor of Social Work, Loyola University Chicago Licensed Social Worker, State of Illinois Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and Certified Children’s Yoga Teacher Level One Theraplay & Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), Theraplay Institute Member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Phase I Training Parenting Coordination Training, AFCC Clinical Specializations Complex Trauma & PTSD Child and Adolescent Play Therapy Mood and Anxiety Disorders Additional Expertise ADHD Domestic Violence Family Conflict LGBTQIA+ Life Transitions & Stress Women's Issues

Jessica Dawson, MSW Intern Jessica is a first-level intern at Family Horizons, receiving advanced training on the intersection of family law and mental health. During her career, she has held both professional and volunteer roles in the non-profit sector, focusing on supporting families and children. Her particular areas of experience include grant writing, donor relations, fundraising, and strategic planning. Previously, Jessica was a member of the founding leadership team for Cristo Rey New York High School (recently celebrated its 20th anniversary), overseeing development and securing substantial funding for the school’s launch. Most recently, she has been involved with Connections for the Homeless in Evanston and HotFutbol in Port Au Prince, Haiti, facilitating volunteer efforts and community partnerships in support of these organizations. In addition, she is an active member of her local Moms Demand Action chapter, advocating for public safety measures against gun violence. Upon completion of her MSW, Jessica hopes to continue working with families and children, focusing on supporting caregivers of young children ages 0-5. In her free time, she loves to read literary fiction, spend time with family and friends, and walk her two black Labradors, Linden and Judo.

Erin Fowler, MA, MSW Intern Erin is a first-level intern at Family Horizons receiving advanced training on the intersection of family law and mental health. Erin is a mid-life career changer who obtained her first master's degree at the University of Chicago in 2006. She has since spent 18 years working in visual arts administration and programming. Currently, Erin is pursuing her Masters in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago, with an interest in working with either teens or in palliative mental health. Erin's decision to transition into clinical social work and therapy social work a stems from a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing challenges. This motivation has been a thread in her personal and volunteer life since her youth and was further strengthened by her involvement in various non-profit social service organizations, where she actively engaged with diverse communities and witnessed the transformative power of therapeutic interventions. Having spent nearly 20 years in the visual arts, Erin has honed her skills in relationship management, empathy, and communication, which she believes are integral qualifications for a therapist. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated an ability to bridge diverse perspectives and foster an understanding and appreciation for the human experience through art. Erin loves open water, travel, yoga, animals, art, architecture, and good books. She lives in Evanston with her husband, two kids, two cats, and dog. Education & Background Masters in Social Work, Loyola University Chicago (Expected 2026) Master of Arts in Humanities, University of Chicago (2006) Bachelor of Arts in History of Art, University of Michigan (2004) Adjunct Lecturer, The Art Institute of Chicago (2008-2016) Mom's Demand Action (2023-Present) University of Chicago Urban Education Institute Partner's Committee (2015-2020) Young Women's Leadership Charter School (2011-2015)