Meet the Staff

Leah (she/her) is the Director of Student Health and Wellbeing and an LCPC. She is a 2009 graduate of Illinois College and a 2011 graduate of Illinois State University. She was a member of the IC women's basketball team and golf team. She likes fantasy/sci-fi, hiking & nature, ASMR, board games, and chai tea. She dislikes in-person shopping and hot/humid weather. 

Leah believes that "it's ok and normal to struggle--and there's no weakness or shame in getting help. Asking for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Everyone is worthy of a safe, unbiased, and productive opportunity to process life experiences--and you can do that here." 

Rebecca (she/her) is an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional and the Assistant Director of Health and Wellbeing. She enjoys live music, traveling and adventure. Each year she attempts to travel to a new country and do something adventurous when given the opportunity. 

Rebecca believes "Health and Wellbeing is needed to live a life that thrives and to be in a society that is prosperous. In order to be a productive member of society, a good citizen, and lead a fulfilling life knowledge of health and positive wellbeing practices is vital. " 

Jonna (she/her) is the "Empower Your Life" Program Coordinator, which is part of a SAMHSA grant with a goal to help de-stigmatize mental health and create a community of support. She is a 1994 and 1999 graduate of University of Illinois Springfield and a 2009 graduate of Walden University where she received her PhD in psychology. Jonna loves animals, nature photography, Fighting Illini basketball, and reading. She dislikes drama, disorganization and olives.

Jonna believes that "We have to stand up for those who are not in the room,  be the voice for those with no voice. We have to be a part of the solution, not part of the problem". 

Jonna's favorite quote is "Be the change you wish to see in the world". (Ghandi) 

Kristi (she/her) is Chesley Health and Wellness's Health Services Coordinator. She graduated in 2005 from Blessing School of Radiology in Quincy, IL and has several years of medical experience. Kristi is typically the first person you see when walking into Chesley and assists with scheduling students, collecting health forms and helping out the whole team with whatever they may need. She enjoys enjoys traveling, music, reading and spending time with family. She dislikes traffic, long lines and sushi.  

Her favorite quotes are: 

 “For what it’s worth it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you find you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” - F Scott Fitzgerald

“ Be happy in the moment. That is enough.” - Mother Teresa

Nicole (she/her) is an LCSW and Mental Health Counselor at CHWC. She is a 2018 undergraduate of Western Illinois University and 2019 graduate of University of Illinois - Champaign. She likes Food Network, running and dogs. She dislikes mosquitos and chocolate ice-cream.  

Nicole believes "we were made to do life together with others, and that's exactly what we are here for. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there is no shame in reaching out. Nothing is too big or too small to work through together." 

LaNise Kirk (she/her) is an LPC and Mental Health Counselor at CHWC. She is a 2020 graduate from Illinois College and 2023 graduate of University of Illinois-Springfield. LaNise loves music, watching Alabama football (Roll Tide), and is a devoted animal lover.  She enjoys singing, spending time with her family, movies, and trivia.  She dislikes cold weather and butterscotch.

LaNise believes that in order to find a true balance in living life, it is necessary to gain a centered perspective of self and who a person is at their true core.  LaNise's counseling orientation is Existentialism, which focuses on living in the present moment, keeping oneself grounded in values and belief systems, and the philosophy that hope is essential to live.  "I believe that once we are at peace with who and where we are as human beings, the other pieces of our lives will come to find where they belong in our hierarchy of priorities.  I also believe whole-heartedly that to experience life in an authentic way we must find our joy, practice peace, and always, always, continue to hope."