Hello! My name is Kaitlyn Cornell. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor, and the Owner of KC Counseling, LLC. In 2019, I started KC Counseling, LLC after my interest in working with eating disorders grew into an immense passion for working with those who struggle in their relationship with food and their body.

It’s no surprise that my passion for ED treatment is a result of my own struggles in my relationship with food and my body. I have so much empathy for those who may be struggling, and I understand this is not an easy process. Despite the turbulent journey that healing can be, I always hold hope that you can heal.

My approach to ED treatment is based on the Health at Every Size, Intuitive Eating, and Anti-Diet model. I am also certified in DBT, which is particularly useful in eating disorder treatment. I fully believe in building trust with your body in order to understand your nutritional needs. I understand the pressure that cultural fatphobia and weight stigma put on people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, sizes, and socioeconomic statuses. Through treatment, clients heal their struggles with food, embrace and celebrate their body size, make peace with food, and give their body and mind the respect it deserves.

kcornell@kccounselingllc.com

Shae Ellington is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her experience is primarily focused on trauma and crisis work with adults, as well as mood disorders, depression, grief, anxiety disorders, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Shae uses a trauma-informed, Health at Every Size lens to treat patients. Although her approach is eclectic, and individualized to the patient, she utilizes crisis response, ACT, CBT, DBT, and somatic work.

Shae is down-to-earth, empathetic, solution-focused, and passionate about equipping patients with empowering tools to move throughout the world and navigate the difficulties they face.

sellington@kccounselingllc.com

Hi! I’m Ashley Peters, a non-diet Registered Dietitian, and supervising RD here at KC. I have worked on a college campus for the last 6 years specializing in eating disorders, disordered eating behaviors, and intuitive eating. I understand that making an appointment with a dietitian can be very triggering based on a person’s history. Let me ease your mind that our sessions will provide a positive, inclusive approach to help you feel in control of your food, thoughts around diet culture, food rules and weight stigma. You CAN have a healthier relationship with food and not be consumed by intrusive thoughts all day. Please allow me to walk alongside you as you become in-tune with nutrition that feels good to you and your body.

apeters@kccounselingllc.com

Hi!! My Name is Domminique Kinnie. I go by Domm. I received my master’s in Clinical Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. I have experience working in various mental health settings including inpatient behavioral health facilities and hospital emergency rooms. I have worked with individuals with a variety of mental health diagnoses and trauma. I have a passion for working with children and enjoy using play and expressive arts to help my clients achieve their goals. I especially enjoy working with children and adolescents who are neurodivergent, have attachment concerns, and/or have been exposed to significant trauma.

Therapeutic approaches I use include therapeutic play, PCR Therapy (Parent Child Relationship Therapy), expressive arts, solution focused play, SIT (Sensory Integration Therapy), CBT, and DBT. I am also certified in TIC (Trauma Informed Care) and AMSR (Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk).

It is important to me that children and their families have a safe and judgement free space to address conflict and process their emotions. I want the therapeutic process to be a positive experience for everyone involved. My goal is to work with each client and collaborate as a team with their families to ensure the best possible outcome to achieve their therapeutic goals. Therapy at times can be frustrating and uncomfortable. As we explore past traumatic experiences and learn to sit with uncomfortable emotions, I encourage you to trust me and trust the process.

dkinnie@kccounselingllc.com

Dr. Ari Pence, MD, is a compassionate and dedicated physician providing part-time services at KC Counseling LLC. With a focus on integrating medical care into eating disorder treatment, Dr. Pence collaborates with the clinic’s multidisciplinary team to address the physical health needs of clients. Known for her patient-centered approach, she is committed to helping individuals achieve holistic recovery and improved well-being.

Hello! My name is Kim (she/her) and I am a clinician at KC Counseling. I completed my Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and received my undergraduate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois. Approaches I use include, but are not limited to, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and principles of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming provider and align with Anti-Diet, Intuitive Eating, and Health at Every Size principles.

My goal is to honor your self-determination and lived experiences throughout your healing process. In our time together, I aim to work collaboratively to help you achieve greater freedom with food and your body, as well as navigate any other challenges you are experiencing. I strive to provide a compassionate, calming therapeutic space where you are free to be your whole self. I believe each person’s unique strengths, cultural values, and experiences are an asset to their recovery journey. Let’s work together to help you fight back against your eating disorder!

kbyckowski@kccounselingllc.com

As a former Division 1 athlete, I understand the unique pressures athletes face when it comes to performance, body image, and nutrition. My personal experience with the demands of elite-level sports gives me a unique perspective and empathy when working with athletes struggling with eating disorders (EDs). I specialize in helping athletes navigate the complex relationship between their sport, their bodies, and their mental health.

I utilize a combination of evidence-based therapeutic modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Family-Based Therapy (FBT). These approaches allow me to personalize treatment and empower you with the tools to develop healthier coping mechanisms, regulate emotions, and shift harmful thought patterns.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in Health at Every Size (HAES), Intuitive Eating, and Anti-Diet principles. I believe that wellness should not be dictated by societal standards or restrictive diets. Together, we will work to heal your relationship with food, cultivate body neutrality, and help you develop the mental and emotional resilience needed to thrive — both as an athlete and as an individual.

Whether you're dealing with disordered eating, body image challenges, or the strain of balancing performance with personal well-being, I am here to guide you through recovery. With a collaborative approach, we’ll work together to create lasting change and help you reconnect with your true potential.

If you're ready to start your healing journey, I would be honored to be part of your recovery.

rkamps@kccounselingllc.com

Hi! My name is Paola Alcantara (she/her) and I am a clinician at KC counseling. I received my master’s in School & Clinical Counseling from National Louis University. I have worked in educational settings for the last 6 years as a K-12 Bilingual (Spanish) Educator where I learned how to navigate school systems, collaborate with professionals and most importantly create and maintain relationships with students and their families. My transition to becoming a trauma-informed counselor has allowed me to continue working with children, youth & adults with a variety of mental health diagnoses keeping in mind cultural and demographic needs.

Therapeutic approaches I use include, but not limited to, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, DBT skills (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, therapeutic play and expressive arts. My relationship with weight and body image throughout my life motivated me to pursue working in the field of ED treatment. I strongly align with the Health at Every Size, Intuitive Eating, and Anti-Diet Culture model principles that consider the importance between intersectionality and ED care.

I strive to utilize my passion as a clinician to provide a safe therapeutic space to process life’s challenges and work alongside you towards your vision of healing, joy and empowerment.

palcantara@kccounselingllc.com

No matter what you have done or gone through, you deserve to heal. I strive to provide a safe and accepting space for individuals to heal, grow, and discover themselves.

I went to school to be a social worker because your life is worth my time. I chose the path of psychotherapy because my personal therapy journey changed my life.

Before therapeutic intervention, I had no idea that life could be different, that MY life could be easier. In therapy I learned many things, including how to be happy alone, to respect myself, validate my own feelings, and be my own advocate. Most importantly, therapy helped me to UNlearn the negative beliefs and opinions about myself that were instilled into me in childhood. Our survival skills that once served us, may now be harmful to us. As a trauma survivor, I understand how hard it is to identify and let go of the behaviors that helped us survive the trauma.

Therapy does not magically make problems go away, and it may even feel uncomfortable, but it will help you heal and grow in order to function the strongest way you can.

I believe people are the expert of their life, and my role as a therapist is to be a curious and empathetic supporter. 

ccomerford@kccounselingllc.com

Hello! My name is MJ, and I use they/she pronouns. I am an MSW candidate and currently serve as the intake specialist for KC Counseling, where I guide clients through the initial steps of the therapeutic process.

As a therapist, I bring strengths in intuitive eating, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help clients shift their perspectives that align with their values and recognize the limitless power they hold to create meaningful change.

I am also a strong advocate for the Health at Every Size (HAES) philosophy, and aim to foster a compassionate, non-judgmental space that supports clients in their journey. Through my own experiences with disordered eating, I understand the challenges that come with creating change. My hope is to build a strong relationship with clients, empowering you to recognize your strengths and unlock your full potential.

I’m excited to support you as you take this important step in your journey with us at KC Counseling!

mjohnson@kccounselingllc.com

I’m Alex, a Registered Dietitian rooted in non-diet, intuitive eating, and Health at Every Size (HAES) principles. I received a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I studied feeding practices with children and worked directly with the college student population to combat diet culture messaging. From this I learned how our relationship with food is one of the first important relationships we have with our environment! And, as with any relationship, our relationship with food is complex and deeply personal. It takes courage to be willing to ask for help with your relationship with food and eating. I look forward to meeting you exactly where you are and holding space for where you want to go. Together, let’s navigate your path towards nourishment that supports your body, your life, and your wellness.

alundquist@kccounselingllc.com

Susannah Scaroni (she, her) graduated from the University of Illinois in 2022 earning a masters degree in nutritional sciences with a research emphasis in exercise physiology. Throughout her graduate program, she was involved in numerous studies that looked at the role of whole foods combined with physical activity on muscle protein synthesis. In addition, she examined various tools used by exercise scientists and how these may not be inclusive for athletes with disabilities. 

Susannah is a registered dietitian, as well as a 4x Paralympic wheelchair racer. She loves to use her experiences to help empower others to gain support and knowledge for ways that enable them to lead satisfying lives, while feeling confident that they can learn steps towards reaching their goals.

sscaroni@kccounselingllc.com

Hello! My name is Karinna, and I am an MSW candidate at the University of Illinois, where I graduated with a degree in Social Work and a minor in LGBTQ+ Studies. My journey in social work has equipped me with insights to support intentionally oppressed populations, and I am deeply committed to providing culturally competent and trauma-informed care.

In my practice, I utilize various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to tailor my methods to each individual’s unique needs. I strive to work from a decolonized framework, recognizing the broader implications of oppression and generational trauma that can impact mental health.

I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals on their journeys through eating disorder treatment. I believe in the importance of self-determination, providing a nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and aspirations. My goal is to create a safe environment for individuals to learn about themselves, discover their purpose, heal, and ultimately embrace their greatness.

I value building meaningful relationships within the therapeutic space, and I look forward to working together and learning from each other.

kveltze@kccounselingllc.com

Hi! My name is Danielle (she/her), and I am an MSW candidate at KC Counseling. I’m pursuing my MSW from the University of Illinois with a concentration on Mental Health. I graduated from my undergraduate program also from the University of Illinois with a degree in Social Work and a minor is Sociology.

During my path in social work, I have discovered my passion for not only helping people navigate their experiences but also building meaningful, therapeutic connections that support them throughout their journey.

I am focused on working through each clients’ unique pathway using therapeutic approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have a particular passion about working with the LGBTQ+ community.

I am committed to creating a comfortable, supportive, and inclusive environment for individuals. I am excited to support you through your journey!

ddroske@kccounselingllc.com