Our team of qualified, knowledgeable, and compassionate mental health providers is dedicated to helping you navigate life’s obstacles and achieve emotional well-being.
Muhammad Nouman Azhar, M.D.
“I founded Shifa Therapeutics with the main goal of offering support, compassion, and encouragement to help with recovery and growth to children, adolescents, and adults. I have a strong desire to walk with a person in their journey and provide as much as I can to help people reach their own unique goals toward overall wellness.”
Medical Education:
Nishtar Medical College
Nassau University Medical Center
University of Arkansas
Board/License Certification:
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Primary Specialty:
Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry
Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Postpartum Mood Disorder, PTSD, Anger Management, Relationship and Intimacy, Senior Issues (Aging), Personal Growth
Rebecca J. Mortland, Psy.D.
“I believe psychological evaluations are helpful in understanding the nature of the problem and providing treatment recommendations that meet the individual's needs. My goal is to provide a warm, authentic, encouraging, and collaborative experience to help my patients achieve health and wellness.”
Graduate Education:
Adler University of Professional Psychology
Board/License Certification:
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Primary Specialty:
Clinical Psychology
Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Psychological Assessments, Psychological Evaluations, Child Psychology, Anxiety Disorders, Adolescent Psychology
Advanced Nurse Practitioners
Aniema Ekong, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, MSN, CNL
“My approach involves facilitating recovery through patient-centered care, incorporating evidence-based practice interventions, as well as treating patients and families with empathy. I value respectful, nonjudgmental, collaborative, active relationships that are goal-oriented and outcome-driven. I believe recovery from mental illness is possible, and maintaining good mental health is a lifelong process involving hard work.”
Graduate Education:
University of Missouri, Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
Saint Xavier University, Master of Science in Nursing
Board/License Certification:
American Nurses Credentialing Center/Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™)
Clinical Nurse Leader Certification
Primary Specialty:
Family Psychiatric Mental Health
Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Depression, Mood Disorder, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Panic Attacks, and Psychotic Thought Disorders
(10 years and up)
Therapists
Katherine Dolewski, MSW, LCSW, TTP
“I work diligently and enthusiastically to create a safe and secure space for clients to experience growth toward their treatment goals. I encourage clients to explore their lives honestly to uncover ingrained emotional or behavioral responses that may no longer be effective. Once the need for change is recognized, growth becomes possible, and difficulties become more manageable. I am passionate about empowering individuals to realize their inherent potential and partnering with them on how best to utilize their strengths to lead a more fulfilling life.”
Graduate Education:
Aurora University, Master of Social Work
Board/License Certification:
Licensed Clinical Social Work
Primary Specialty:
Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Self Esteem, Relationship Challenges, Emotional Regulation, Behavior Issues, and Educational Advocacy. Therapeutic modalities include: CBT, DBT, Somatic Exercises, Touch Therapy
BRIANNA PHILLIPS, msw, LSW
“As a mental health professional, I hold the belief that human behavior is a form of communication. In therapy sessions, I work closely with my clients to identify and understand their unique behaviors and develop strategies to improve their ability to cope with life’s hardships. By modifying these behaviors, we can better navigate life’s challenges and achieve our goals.”
Graduate Education:
Aurora University, Master of Social Work
Board/License Certification:
Licensed Social Work
Primary Specialty:
Licensed Social Worker
Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Anxiety, Depression, behavioral issues, relationship challenges, educational advocacy, 504 plans, IEP development
nICOLE DANZELL, BA, MHS, ALMFT
“I've always had empathy for those going through trying periods in their lives. I acknowledge that in difficult times, we all require a little additional support. My mission as a counselor is to assist you in becoming your most ideal version of yourself. I want you to know that you are capable of making a difference. I am eager to work together with you to attain mutual goals through individualizing my approach to match the needs of individuals, couples, and families.”
Graduate Education:
Capella University, Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy
Board/License Certification:
Associate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Primary Specialty:
Marriage & Family Therapist
Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Family Conflict, Grief, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Marital and Premarital, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Racial Identity, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Spirituality, Stress, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma and PTSD, Sexuality, and LGBTQ+
amy miller, msw, lcsw
“I believe therapy is a collaborative and empowering process. My goal is for clients to feel connected within the therapeutic relationship and their own sense of self as they navigate a journey of growth and healing. Providing a trusting, empathetic, and non-judgmental space allows my clients to explore deep emotions, past trauma and complex issues. I strive to support my clients through a myriad of feelings, challenges and life choices, while helping to cultivate confidence and a deeper sense of connection in their lives. Creating space for clients to articulate their lived experiences, from their own perspective, forms the cornerstone of effective and meaningful therapy.”
Graduate Education:
Aurora University, Master of Social Work
Board/License Certification:
Licensed Clinical Social Work
Primary Specialty:
Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Anxiety, Attention Deficit, Behavioral Issues, Conflict Resolution, Depression, Educational Advocacy, Executive Functioning, Grief/Loss/Bereavement, LGBTQ+, Life Coaching, PTSD, Self Esteem, Social Emotional Awareness, Stress, Trauma
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Therapy Intern (s)
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SAMI NOLAN, BA, MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK CANIDATE
Primary Specialty: Sami provides therapeutic support using a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered approach to children, adolescents, and adults who present with anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship challenges, trauma, and life transitions.
Secondary Specialty: Affirming support for individuals exploring nontraditional relationship structures.
Medical/Professional Education: Sami received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from North Central College in 2020 and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Social Work at Aurora University.
Board/License Certification: MSW Intern under clinical supervision.
Clinical Interests/Practice Focus: Sami is especially passionate about trauma-informed care, attachment and relationships, emotional regulation, identity development, and helping clients recognize their strengths while building healthier coping skills and more fulfilling relationships.
Hours Available: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 11am-5pm
Care Philosophy: I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and exploring their experiences honestly. I believe meaningful growth can happen when clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to recognize their strengths, better understand their patterns, and work toward changes that feel authentic and manageable.
AUTUMN GUNNELL, BA, MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK CANDIDATE
Professional Education: Autumn received her Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Michigan in 2025. She is currently a second-year Master of Social Work student in the Clinical Social Work program at Aurora University and is expected to graduate with her MSW in spring 2027.
Practice Focus: Autumn is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and working collaboratively with individuals to help them recognize their strengths and potential.
Clinical Interests: Anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, emotional regulation, coping skills, life transitions, stress, suicidal ideation, ADHD, life coaching, athletics.
Hours Available: Monday 9-4pm; Wednesday 9-4pm; Thursday 9-2pm
Care Philosophy: As a mental health professional, empathy and understanding are two of the most important qualities to bring into my interactions with clients. My approach involves using a person-centered and trauma-informed framework to better understand clients from a comprehensive lens and to formulate plans best suited for their needs. I am passionate about helping individuals recognize that mental health challenges are a part of being human and empowering them to use their built-in strengths to create meaningful change in their lives.