Our Team

Joanna Sullivan, LCSW

Owner/Director of Clinical Operations

Helen Schaeffer, LCSW

Community Support Specialist

Erin Cantu, LCSW

Clinician

Lisa Rae

Operating Administrator

Amanda Berbaum Aussem, LCSW

Clinician

Laura Argentine, LCSW

Clinical Training Specialist

Jill Panavelil Mathew, LCSW

Clinician

Joanna Sullivan, LCSW

Owner/Director of Clinical Operations

I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois in Chicago.  I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1993, and have worked in the field of social services since 1982. Over the course of my career, I have worked with children, adults, and families across the lifespan, in several different programs. My clinical experience includes individual, group, and family therapy, parenting skills training, and cognitive training.

In addition to my clinical experience, my career has given me the opportunity to gain knowledge and expertise in many administrative areas, including national accreditations, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, risk management, staff training, organizational planning, and policy development.

Lisa Rae, MSW


Operating Administrator/Masters in Social Work

I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lewis University and a Master’s Degree in social work, specializing in Gerontology, from Aurora University. I have over 30 years of health care leadership experience. Before opening my own company, I worked in senior living communities for over 14 years, holding roles of an Assisted Living Director, Resident Services Director, Assistant Executive Director and Executive Director. During this time, I had many unique and rewarding experiences advocating and overseeing care for all residents. I enjoyed creating positive connections with residents, families and staff through compassion, collaboration, and teamwork. In 2012 I became a Vice President at a therapy practice that provided memory therapy and psychotherapy for the geriatric population. I also was responsible for management of the practice, hiring and marketing. I currently own LFT Management, LLC and I am the Operating Administrator for Cognitive Care Counseling, PLLC. I am responsible for marketing and expansion of the practice, human resource management, and many other areas of the business management. I recently completed hours that are required to become a licensed clinical social worker and will be taking the state exam soon. Until I obtain my clinical license, I provide counseling and psychotherapy services under the supervision of my business partner, Joanne Sullivan, LCSW.

Laura Argentine, LCSW

Clinical Training Specialist/Clinician

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals and families for over 25 years. I specialize in treating cognitive impairments, mood disorders, behavioral difficulties, and grief/loss issues. I am also the Clinical Training Specialist for new team members.

I provide my clients with psychoeducation, stress management techniques, transitional skill development, and emotional/behavioral therapy to help them deal with the various changes and challenges that have been presented to them. I work collaboratively with other professionals who are involved with my clients, as well as family members and advocate for them as needed to provide the best comprehensive care that they deserve.

Amanda Berbaum Aussem, LCSW

Clinician

I graduated in 2000 with a Master’s in Social Work, specializing in mental health. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and for the past fourteen years, I worked in the emergency room with patients of all ages who are in crisis. This involved extensive individual and family contact. I have also provided clinical supervision to graduate students in their master’s program.

I enjoy giving back to the next generation by being a mentor. My goal is to get to know people and have a little fun along the way. When not working I love traveling around the world. My favorite place is Africa, where I have been on five photography Safaris.

Helen Schaeffer, LCSW

Community Support Specialist/Clinician

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Workers since 1992. I have had advanced training in substance use, counseling and working with clients and families. Additionally, I have worked with all age groups in clinical, educational, and child welfare settings. I am also a Community Liaison Specialist and work closely with senior living team members.

I have several years of experience working with clients that have cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, grief, and many mental health disorders. I am a strong advocate for my clients and work closely with family members and healthcare associates.

Jill Panavelil Mathew, LCSW

Clinician

I am a Licensed Clinical social Worker. I graduated with a master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University in New Jersey and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from William Patterson University, also located in New Jersey.

I have extensive clinical experience in a multitude of mental health issues. Whether it be clients suffering from depression, anxiety, dementia, or clients struggling with psychosocial stressors such as life changes and end of life issues. I thrive to help them gain their highest level of functioning. I have worked with individuals of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of settings. My passion is to create a therapeutic alliance with clients, to empower them with insightful knowledge of their mental health, to teach them appropriate coping skills to improve their social-emotional functioning, and to help them achieve their goals.

Erin Cantu, LCSW

Clinician

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago, Bachelor’s degrees in Social Welfare and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a LL. M in International Human Rights Law from the University of Nottingham, England.

I have over 20 years of experience working in mental health and social services with an array of populations. I have assisted families with children recently diagnosed with disabilities. I have provided crisis intervention to victims of sexual assault and to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. I also have experience providing counseling to individuals who are chronically ill, those dealing with memory impairments, and those facing end of life issues. I provide support to individuals, families, and groups.