Our Team
While each member of our practice specializes in something unique, we are each dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, empathically driven care. We strongly affirm all LGBTQIA2S+ identities, and we are committed to anti-racist beliefs and practices. Your safety and trust are paramount to the values of Gemstone Wellness, and we are ready to support your journey to a happier and healthier you.
"I love working with other psychologists and group practice leaders. We are a rock for so many, and it can be particularly hard for us to recognize how much we need our own support, too."
-Dr. Jenny Martin-
Dr. Jenny Martin- Founder
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PsyD) she/her
-Jenny is accepting new self pay clients, or those using their out of network insurance benefits. Jenny currently offers telehealth appointments in all active PsyPact states.-
Jenny is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with adults who have been touched by depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, purposelessness, and issues related to sexuality and gender expression. She is particularly passionate about working with empaths and highly sensitive individuals, and she greatly enjoys working with other therapists.
Jenny is committed to issues related to social equity, and she holds a strong interest in exploring the parts of self that have experienced marginalization/oppression. She strives to continually evolve in her allyship to BIPOC and she believes that exploring the systemic ways that people experience suffering is an essential part of working towards mental health. In addition to her wide array of clinical training, Jenny possesses an extensive background in the arts, specifically in music, and she enjoys incorporating creative mediums to facilitate emotional expression.
Jenny’s style of practice is influenced by existential, feminist, and psychodynamic approaches. The development of mindfulness, self-reflection and intentionality are important aspects of her approach, with a focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where individuals feel safe to deeply explore. Jenny focuses on the development of insight and self-compassion, while also recognizing cultural and historical factors that impact wellness. She strives to provide a genuine, accepting atmosphere for a deep therapeutic relationship to flourish.
Jenny received both her Masters Degree and her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Music and Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. Jenny is a member of PsyPact and is able to provide virtual therapy in these states.
Jenny has also used her experience and expertise in anxiety management to create an educational and inspirational workbook to help normalize and work through anxiety struggles. Her sister, Kristen Martin, an artist and successful Broadway actress, created powerful and symbolic watercolors that accompany each chapter and help to elevate the interactive experience. Their artistic and educational labor of love is available on the Anxiety Workbook page of this site. Proceeds help support suicide prevention efforts.
(773) 977-8560
"I love working with grief and loss as strange as that may sound! Grief is such a universal experience and I am passionate about helping people understand and move through theirs."
-Andrea Santiago-
Andrea Santiago- Co-Owner
Clinical Director and Licensed Clinician (LCPC, NCC) she/her
-Andrea is accepting new clients with BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO and self pay plans. Andrea is available for both in person and telehealth appointments.-
Andrea is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a board-certified National Certified Counselor. With a focus on grief, loss, and life transitions, Andrea is dedicated to guiding individuals through these challenging times. She understands that experiences of death, grief, and major life changes often prompt a profound pause, providing invaluable opportunities for re-evaluating one's identity, purpose, and meaning. Andrea offers compassionate support to help individuals manage the emotional and psychological challenges associated with these experiences, including anxiety and depression.
Andrea avoids a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Instead, she customizes each session to fit the client's unique needs, utilizing a diverse range of therapeutic methods. Her approach includes Existential Therapy, Mindfulness-based interventions, Gestalt Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. She also carefully considers cultural factors and socio-political-economic influences that shape each client's life, identity, and perspective.
Andrea is committed to empowering clients in a warm, non-judgmental setting. She creates a space where clients can fully experience and process their emotions, including the more difficult and painful ones, while finding meaning amid loss and transition. Andrea believes that a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship provides a safe environment for individuals to confront their pain and begin healing. She supports clients in reconnecting with what has been lost or is ending and helps them move forward with renewed purpose. Throughout this journey, Andrea guides clients in personal growth, learning, and discovering a new sense of meaning.
In addition to her therapeutic services, Andrea offers immigration psychological assessments for those seeking asylum in the United States. These biopsychosocial assessments can play a crucial role in immigration cases involving Extreme Hardship Waivers, VAWA, DACA, U-Visas, and T-Visas. Each assessment, which can take up to 3 hours, is available in one comprehensive session or three one-hour sessions. Andrea, fluent in Spanish, provides these assessments at a rate of $1000.
Andrea earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and offers therapy in both Spanish and English.
(312) 291-1730
"I love using art and creative therapies to help my clients feel safe to explore. There are so many ways to heal and I am here for all of them!"
-Michelle Cabrera-
Michelle Cabrera
Therapist (MA) she/her
-Michelle is accepting new clients with BCBS PPO and self pay plans. Michelle is available for both in person and telehealth appointments.-
Michelle is a masters level pre-licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist. Her previous clinical experiences include working with adolescents, young adults, and adults learning to cope with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, stress, trauma (PTSD), identity exploration, and relationship issues. Michelle also specializes in working with people affected by religious trauma.
Michelle’s treatment tends to include a number of different approaches that will tie into each individual’s unique and specific needs. Ranging from Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Michelle is also adept at incorporating the use of mindfulness, existential, holistic, and creative based interventions. When appropriate, Michelle enjoys incorporating Art Therapy in her sessions as a tool to effectively help with the facilitation of emotions that might be too challenging to explore verbally.
Michelle believes that her nonjudgmental and empowering approach helps her clients feel comfortable, valued, and motivated to reach their goals. Michelle also holds a high standard for inclusivity in both her personal life and work space. Being a first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in Chicago, she has been enriched by surrounding herself with diversity. She is committed to the pursuit of anti-racist beliefs and works to decrease the stigma associated with mental health in both her personal and professional endeavors.
Michelle received her Masters Degree in Clinical Art Therapy from Adler University and completed her Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Roosevelt University. Michelle is fluent in both English and Spanish and offers services in both.
708-505-2022
"Trauma and substance abuse often go hand in hand. I am trained to work with both. I want my clients to know that I am their ally and am rooting for them every step of the way. There is always hope!"
-Alina Trinidad-
Alina Trinidad
Therapist (LPC, CADC) she/her
-Alina is accepting new clients with BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO or self pay plans. Alina is available for telehealth appointments and offers in office visits on Fridays.-
Alina is an EMDR trained Licensed Professional Counselor. She is also a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Her previous clinical experiences include working with adults struggling with substance use disorders in various treatment settings. While working with this population, she has gained experience in working with co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, identity exploration, emotion regulation, bipolar disorder, stress sensitivity, grief, disturbed sleep, impulse control and trauma. Alina works to provide a safe and non-judgmental space to create a trusting therapeutic relationship with her clients. She approaches all clients with unconditional positive regard in an effort to foster a sense of support and optimistic outlook within the therapeutic process.
Alina approaches therapy from a cognitive and client-centered perspective. She believes that an individual’s thought content and perspective are large and powerful variables in the process of change. Alina utilizes several interventions that are based on the specific needs of each client. Alina uses interventions from frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Additionally, Alina’s EMDR training allows her to treat individuals who have experienced trauma, assisting them in working towards alleviating distress associated with traumatic memories.
Alina is committed to the pursuit of anti-racist beliefs and practices, and decreasing the stigma associated with all mental health related diagnoses and treatment. She aims to shed light on the valuable insight and self-exploration that can be gained through the process of therapy. Alina believes that a person’s worldview is shaped by a variety of variables that include social, biological and psychological factors that result in unique sets of strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
Alina obtained her Masters in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and her Bachelor’s in Psychology from DePaul University.
(773) 217-0387
"Bring on all things polyamory, kink, and LGBTQIA2S+. This is my world and my wheelhouse, and I am so passionate about helping these clients find their most authentic selves."
-Stef Stone-
Stef Stone
Licensed Therapist (LCSW) she/they
-Stef is currently accepting new clients with BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO or self pay plans. Stef offers both in person and telehealth appointments.-
Stef is a queer-identifying Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. She has experience in treating grief, loss, anxiety, stress, trauma, ADHD, impulse control, self-esteem and topics related to sexuality, sexual health, and gender identity. Using her skills and experience, Stef works to create anti-racist, sex-positive, non-judgmental, and queer-friendly spaces that foster growth and exploration for all people.
Stef approaches therapy from a collaborative perspective where the client is encouraged to actively participate in their goal setting and treatment. To fit the specific needs of each client, she uses a combination of therapeutic approaches that include: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Harm-Reduction, Mindfulness, Art Therapy, and Psychoanalytic Therapy. Stef believes that the foundation of an impactful therapeutic relationship lies in the ability to build trust and authenticity.
Stef is passionate about supporting and advocating for marginalized communities in both her professional and personal lives. She recognizes the impact of social and environmental injustice on the well-being of her clients and works to incorporate social and reparative justice into her practice. Stef believes strongly in the importance of community, and hopes to help people connect better with themselves and others.
Stef obtained her Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland.
(224) 707-1526
"Sex and intimacy can be some of the hardest parts of life to navigate. I love helping. It is so rewarding to see couples grow both together and individually."
-Brittany Gray-
Brittany Gray
Licensed Therapist (LCPC) she/her
Admin and Intake Coordinator
-Brittany is accepting new clients with BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO or self pay plans. Brittany offers both in person and telehealth appointements.-
Brittany is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She is passionate about working with adults and couples of all sexual orientations and sexual identities as they navigate the many challenges of intimacy. Life transitions, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, identity exploration, relationship issues, and sex related issues are some of Brittany’s areas of clinical focus. She is also experienced with grief, trauma (sexual and non), and kinky/open/consensually non-monogamous/polyamorous relationships.
Brittany aims to create a safe, non-judgmental space to build deep and lasting trust with her clients. She believes that growth and change begin with a strong therapeutic relationship, which she helps to foster with her warm, inviting energy. Brittany operates from a sex-positive perspective so her clients feel comfortable discussing any and all sex related topics, and she is passionate about understanding the entirety of her clients’ experiences and identities.
Brittany approaches therapy from an emotion-focused perspective. She believes that the examination of emotions is critical to cultivating a meaningful life, and that our feelings provide limitless information and guidance, if we learn to understand them. Brittany tailors her interventions based on each unique client’s needs, using elements of Relational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Attachment Theory when best suited.
Both personally and professionally, Brittany celebrates multicultural diversity and strongly believes in the importance of a socially equitable society. She is committed to the pursuit of anti-racist beliefs, behaviors, and systems. Brittany possesses a strong awareness of the ways in which social factors can profoundly influence a person’s experience, and she actively seeks to acknowledge and process these facets with her clients.
Brittany obtained her Masters in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Spanish from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
312-600-5637
"I’m dedicated to empowering clients from diverse backgrounds to find their voice. Through compassionate guidance and tailored support, we embark on a collaborative journey of self-discovery."
-Stephanie Hernandez-
Stephanie Hernandez
Therapist (LPC) she/her
-Stephanie is accepting new clients with BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO or self pay plans. Stephanie is available for both in person and telehealth appointments. -
Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a bilingual, bicultural therapist and second generation Mexican-American. Her previous clinical experiences include individual counseling from adolescents to adults. Her clinical experience expands on a variety of issues from anxiety, depression, trauma, intergenerational trauma, family conflict, self-esteem, life adjustments, immigrant communities, grief, self-worth, shame and body positivity. She aims to create a safe space where voices can be heard, barriers can be broken, and moments of vulnerability and healing can be promoted. She not only empathizes with her clients but is also committed to compassion therapy and mental health practices through healing and education.
Stephanie's goal is to work collaboratively with clients to create an empathetic space where they can share their feelings and work through learned patterns to discover what best serves them today. Together with her clients, she initiates the healing process by fostering self-awareness, exploring the past, gaining empowerment, and creating meaningful changes in their lives and relationships. She strives to create a safe environment where clients can be their authentic selves, feel heard, and feel validated when discussing their unique experiences. Stephanie applies an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating psychodynamic methodologies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She also employs interventions including compassion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, internal family systems, and mindfulness techniques.
Stephanie obtained her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Park University and her Bachelor’s in Psychology from North Park University. She is also a part of AMCD, The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development.
(708) 365-9633
"I want my clients to feel like they’re being taken seriously. There’s nothing better than feeling truly seen and respected for who you are."
-Ginny Chesson-
Ginny Chesson
Therapist (LSW) they/them
-Ginny is accepting new clients with BCBS and self pay plans. Ginny is available for telehealth appointments.-
Ginny is a Licensed Social Worker. Ginny enjoys working with adults across the age spectrum in areas including grief and traumatic loss, substance use disorders, anxiety, loneliness, and emotion regulation. Ginny particularly enjoys working with queer and trans folks, and with those engaged in non-traditional relationship configurations such as non-monogamy and polyamory.
Ginny takes a person-centered, feminist approach to therapy, recognizing that one of the most valuable outcomes of this work is the sense of agency and empowerment that comes with identifying what needs to change in our lives, and getting the support needed to make those changes. Ginny’s warm, nonjudgmental attitude—and strong belief that each of us are the experts in our own lives—creates space for clients to determine their own objectives for healing and growth, and to ultimately leave with the tools they need to navigate the ups and downs of life. Ginny utilizes techniques including motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and DBT skills and works to match their tools with each client uniquely.
Ginny believes that our mental health is inextricable from the systems we live in, and encourages clients to make these connections where relevant in their own lives. They are conscious of the ways in which the field of mental healthcare has harmed individuals and furthered the aims of these oppressive systems. Ginny actively works to reduce the power imbalance inherent to the therapeutic relationship, and is committed to personal and political growth that benefits their clients and community.
Ginny received their Masters Degree in Social Work at DePaul University and their Bachelor’s in Theater and Creative Writing from Hampshire College.
ginnychesson@gemstonewellness.
(708) 374-7341
