Meet Our Team

Donya is the founder of Alternatives Counseling, creating the agency in 1991. She began with a vision of promoting healing for people who had been harmed through sexual or physical abuse, and preventing future victimization by helping people who had harmed others develop the motivation and skills to live abuse-free lives. Although retired from direct counseling, Donya continues to provide clinical supervision and direction for our SOTP program.

Libby’s philosophy is that each client should be approached with respect, compassion, and non-judgement. The client-therapist relationship is at the core of her work. The support of a strong therapeutic relationship provides space to heal and change. Mutual trust and understanding helps us to work through issues that are brought to therapy. Libby treats each client as an individual who will bring their own unique experience to the therapeutic relationship.

Libby feels it is a privilege to be a part of your therapeutic process. She is devoted to helping her clients heal and work toward the life they want in whatever way she can. By holding a safe space that is judgement-free, receptive and reflective, Libby hopes to help clients find a way to healing.

Jacki has been with Alternatives Counseling since 2018. Her primary role is in business administration, where she focuses her time making sure the needs of the agency, clients, and staff are fulfilled.

Mackenzie holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through McKendree University. She takes an eclectic approach to therapy with therapeutic approaches in person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness approaches. Mackenzie provides individual therapy and facilitates groups in the Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP). She works with adults and teens who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health concerns. Mackenzie creates a safe space for all members of the community, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community members. Mackenzie actively seeks new training opportunities to learn and expand her approaches and skill set.

Cyndee has over two decades of experience as a Master’s level professional social worker, with a primary focus on the provision of trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive mental health services, to individuals and families across the life span. Cyndee has experience working with diverse populations, in a variety of settings including community mental health centers, residential facilities, behavioral healthcare, schools, and the child welfare system. Cyndee utilizes a collaborative, person-centered approach to counseling; drawing upon cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, narrative, and systems-based theories, but always willing to incorporate interventions and practices from other schools of thought, to best meet the needs of each client under her care. Cyndee provides trauma-focused individual and family counseling for children and adolescents who have been interviewed at the Madison County Child Advocacy Center.

Grace earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Prior to joining the counseling team at Alternatives, Grace gained experience assisting families in the adoption process and supporting youth within the foster care system. Her main approach to therapy is person-centered while using elements of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy to help children and adolescents feel seen and empowered through any challenges they may be facing.

Kayla earned her Master’s degree from Lindenwood University. She is a holistic clinician, understanding that there are many parts of individuals that need to be witnessed and accepted. Prior to her professional counseling degree, Kayla earned a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology and worked in healthcare as a wellness coach. Her experiences have led to significant interest in Somatic therapy, which promotes a focus on healing through the mind-body connection during sessions. Kayla also incorporates therapeutic techniques from DBT and mindfulness-focused approaches.

Melissa has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a member of the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse. She facilitates group treatment of sexual offenders, as well as working with adults in individual sessions. With an understanding for the uniqueness of each client and their path to growth, she utilizes an eclectic approach to treatment, leaning on person-centered, cognitive-behavioral and logo-therapy.

Patty has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and over 30 years experience in the mental health field.  Her primary focus of care is children and families who have experienced some type of trauma or abuse.  “To instill hope, provide education, and help families through difficulties is paramount.”  Patty uses client centered approaches, play therapy strategies, TF-CBT concepts, and skill building based on a child’s social, emotional, and developmental functioning.  Patty provides trauma informed care for children and adolescents who have been interviewed at the Madison County CAC.

Kelly earned her Master’s degree from the University of Illinois in Social Work. Kelly’s approach to therapy is centered around identifying and supporting the natural strengths found in all children, adolescents and adults. She believes that focusing on individual strengths creates the confidence needed to challenge one’s negative thoughts and feelings. Her primary focus when working with clients is to help them identify their emotions, become comfortable with these feelings, as well as develop healthy coping skills. Kelly primarily works with children and adolescents and has worked with clients who have struggled with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and adjusting to life transitions.

Shelby holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University Colorado. She is a member of the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse and provides both group and individual treatment for sexual behavior problems. Shelby also provides individual services for adults and teenagers struggling with depression, anxiety, complex trauma, and other mental health concerns.

Samantha earned her Master’s degree in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She conducts PAIP intakes, collaborates with outside resources, and manages a variety of administrative tasks. Samantha’s professional focus is on designing and developing new programs, as well as coordinating updates for current programs within the agency. Samantha's passion is educating the public about intimate partner and family violence, its negative effects, and the positive intervention and prevention strategies that can be used to support healthy relationships.