Meet Our Team

Veronica Martinez, LCSW

Veronica is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. She has over 16 years of experience as a school social worker, working with children, families, and staff.

Veronica also has also worked in psychiatric hospitals and with community agencies. Her role included assisting families in accessing services such as public aid and social security among others as well as referring to services as needed.

She worked in foster care and has knowledge of DCFS and the juvenile court system.

Veronica has experience working with children and adolescents who are experiencing trauma or illnesses such as depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, amongst others. She has worked with children who have suffered a loss or trauma, as well as those who have anger issues. Member of the National Association of Social Worker's.

DePaul University: BA in Psychology

University Illinois Chicago: Masters in Social Work

Therapist and Business Partner at A Better Day, LLP.

Ruth Vincent, LCPC, NCC

rvincent@abdtherapy.com 224-725-3299

Ruth is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She enjoys working with individuals, couples and families to build healthy communication and relationship skills. Ruth utilizes an individualized approach to assist each client in achieving his/her therapy goals.

Ruth has over 25 years of experience working with children, parents, and teachers supporting them on a variety of issues. She spent eight years as a bilingual special education and elementary education teacher. For more than seventeen years she worked with students & families as a school counselor, addressing needs that include career exploration, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self injury, OCD, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and developmental delays. She has experience with evaluations and advocacy for IEPs and 504 Plans for students in both public and private schools.

When needed, Ruth assists families in linking to community resources to address needs such as legal, housing, and medical. Ruth has presented at the annual Illinois School Counselor Association Conference. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor with the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA), and the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA). TeleMental Health (THTC) certified.

University of Dayton: Bachelor in Elementary & Special Education

Columbia College Chicago: Masters in Multicultural Education

Northeastern Illinois University: Masters in School Counseling

Therapist and Business Partner at A Better Day, LLP.

Stephanie Manjarrez LCSW

smanjarrez@abdtherapy.com 619-786-0641

Whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, or just need someone to talk to, Stephanie provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore what you're going through and work together toward hearling and growth. Her approach is grounded in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a belief in every person's capacity for growth and healing. Stephanie is available to listen, support and work together with you to create lasting, positive change.

Available for in person appointments at our Des Plaines location or telehealth on M/T/Th evenings and Saturdays. Accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna, United Healthcare/Optum, Pathways HMO, Curalinc EAP, self-pay, and out of network clients.

Stephanie is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in anxiety, depression, and communication skills. She has extensive experience working with students and families in school and foster care settings. Stephanie speaks Spanish.

Southern Illinois University: Bachelors of Science Social Work

Aurora University: Masters of Social Work

Therapist: A Better Day, LLP

Dr. Rita Balaporia, Ed. D, LPC

rbalaporia@abdtherapy.com 224-408-0714

Seeking support for yourself or for your child/adolescent? Dr. Rita can explore the strengths within yourself in order to find balance, improve confidence/self-esteem, and instill positivity. She can support you with stress management, feelings of loneliness, alleviating sadness, worry, and fear. Together, you can explore your concerns and work towards a solution of finding grounding and peace.

Dr. Rita's specialty areas include individuals with stress management, anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD. She have over 15 years experience conducting evaluations and providing therapeutic services to children/adolescents (ages 6 to 22 years) and families in both school and clinic settings.

Available for in person appointments at our Des Plaines location on T/W/Th evenings and Saturdays. Accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna, self-pay, and out of network clients.

Therapist: A Better Day, LLP.

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