Kim has been working in the field of counseling for 25+ years. Kim has had the pleasure of working with individuals from many walks of life with various issues. She has worked with very diverse populations including federal pre-trial, post-conviction and probation clients, all areas of substance abuse issues, drug testing, anger management, EAP services, rapid response emergency services, grief/loss, domestic violence, family services, marital, youth, and spiritual counseling. Additionally, Kim has extensive experience working in the area of high conflict co-parenting-divorce issues.

Kim’s experiences include supervised visitations, custodial evaluations, Guardian ad Litem work as well as post-decree high conflict counseling and certified Parenting Time Coordinator. Kim is a liaison for attorneys, courts, government agencies and families when facilitating this role. Kim has educated many families on proper parenting skills and techniques.

This extensive experience in working with diverse populations makes Kim unique in that she has a well-rounded variety of skills and talents, education, certifications and relationships within the community to meet the needs of the clients she counsels.

Nicole has worked in the field for 10+ years. She has experience working on a 24 hour acute psychiatric inpatient unit, as an addiction counselor for an Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) Facility, as well as an addiction counselor in a Medication Assistance Treatment Outpatient Program. Nicole has worked in the Lake County Community Corrections Addictions Program as well as working with individual clients. Nicole has had the pleasure of working with such diverse populations over the years in the field. She has worked clients both younger, older, and everything in between.

“I have never felt more at home then I have at Awakenings Counseling Center. This is a facility I will continue to stand behind because I know that we are giving 100% of who we are as people and individuals to our clients as a whole. “

There is nothing more than being able to help those in need of guidance and facilitation. To be able to help teach them healthier ways to cope and navigate life so they can live the best life they could imagine.

You name it- we have seen it. There is nothing that would stop Nicole from being there to listen, encourage, navigate, and facilitate her clients.

Lisa received her MS in Psychology with an Addictions specialization in June of 2022. She specializes in Substance Abuse Group and Individual Therapy, PTSD, Anxiety/Depression, Grief/Loss, and other general mental health concerns, using CBT and DBT techniques.

Lisa works closely with military individuals and has served both as Active Duty Army and currently serves in the Indiana National Guard with a Medical unit.

Lisa has spent 22 years volunteering as a coach and mentor for LGBTQIA+ individuals and has experience in several areas unique to the community.

“We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.” ~Carl Jung

Melody has 5 years of experience working in the mental health field with adults, children, couples, and families. Melody holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling, as well as a specialization in Addictions Counseling.

In addition to her experience in outpatient practice, Melody has worked with individuals in correctional settings in substance abuse groups as well as individual sessions. She has experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, addiction, family/ relationship conflict, stress, and grief.

Melody utilizes treatment modalities including, but not limited to CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, as well as techniques in Psychodynamic Therapy. She strives to utilize her skills to encourage growth in her clients in a safe, non-judgemental environment all while meeting the client’s therapeutic goals.

Javiera graduated from IUN in 2018 and earned a Master’s in Clinical Counseling with a specialization in Addictions Counseling. She has years of experience observing and navigating mental health and addictions issues.

Javiera currently runs the Substance Abuse Program at Lake County Community Corrections- Work Release Program as well as substance abuse groups at Awakenings. This allows Javiera to do what she excels at, which is listening and being able to help those who are struggling find the healthier and better path for themselves and their families. Javiera enjoys seeing growth in her clients, but also watching clients recognize the growth in themselves.

Just remember to breathe, we are here to help you figure out the rest!

Carlotta is a Substance Abuse Counselor at Lake County Community Corrections Work Release program. Working at Awakenings allows Carlotta the chance to exercise passion and creativity with her clients. Her philosophy is looking at the whole of the individual and not just the addiction. We have to return whole people back to a whole life. With the help of GOD, the trust of our clients as a team, Carlotta believes we can do it.