Our path
Working with you
Founded in 2016, the mission of Mindful Wellness is to help people feel better and lead more fulfilling lives.
Our skilled team of therapists are trained in techniques proven to relieve discomfort and actualize long lasting change.
Located in the heart of Berwyn's Depot District, with daytime, evening, and weekend hours, we are able to provide better access to quality therapy services.
We make counseling affordable by accepting most major insurance plans.
Meet our staff
Jolene Altman MSW, LCSW
Over the years of working with people in intense times of pain, conflict, loss, and hopelessness, I
have seen that people possess the ability to heal when given the opportunity to process their
experiences in a safe environment. Working with adults, adolescents, and families in a variety of
capacities, I provide a supportive yet challenging environment in therapy, helping people to move
toward growth, understanding, and positive change. I believe that understanding existing strengths,
supports, barriers, and behavior/thought patterns assists people with accessing change. In my work, I
facilitate a collaborative process of identifying goals, working toward self-understanding, and
ultimately actualizing changes that people desire.
I specialize in treating infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety/PTSD, life-stage issues,
relationship issues, attachment, trauma, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, depression,
anxiety, and family disruption. I provide individual therapy to adults and adolescents (ages 15 and
older) and family therapy.
My practice takes a unique approach to each individual, tailoring each treatment plan to meet your
needs.
I earned my Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2006 and my LCSW in 2007 and have
been in private practice since 2008.
Monica Umlauf MSW, LCSW
I believe that most people, at some point in their lives, may face challenging issues, be it job or
family stress, relationship issues, death, or illness. My philosophy as a practitioner is to help
those dealing with such issues to find support and help in facilitating change where it is needed in
order to relieve some of the strain and enhance life experiences. My style is compassionate and
individualized. While therapy should always be a forward progress, the pace of therapy should be
suited to the individual.
I work primarily within a cognitive/behavioral framework, examining ones belief systems and thought
processes to identify possible hindrances and negative behaviors as well as strengths. I consider my
methods a goal-oriented team process, in which I help the individual to develop coping skills and
utilize one's strengths.
In my practice, I take a holistic approach to helping individuals to manage sometimes difficult life
situations. I have an open worldview and non-judgmental outlook.
Gricel Serrano LCPC
I believe that everybody has the power and ability to better their own lives. Sometimes people seek
guidance to achieve their goals—and that is where a therapist can help. I have several years of
practice working with clients who have experienced trauma, transitions, and other difficult
circumstances. Through an eclectic framework, I utilize various therapeutic techniques to better help
clients identify their triggers while processing trauma and utilizing coping skills to improve
well-being.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, I have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and
with diverse mental health needs. I am trained to work with issues related to domestic violence and
trauma with both adolescents and adults along with a number of other non-trauma related issues. These
include life changes, depression, and anxiety.
I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Roosevelt University in 2011 and my Master
of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2014.
Susie Moya LCSW, ICDVP
I view therapy as a spa treatment of the mind and body as individuals walk through their journey of
healing to improved wellness. I believe everyone has personal strengths to help them overcome life
challenges, including traumatic events. As a multicultural bilingual therapist, I have over a decade
of experience working with diverse families who have been impacted by trauma. Since earning my MA
degree, I have provided trauma therapy to adults and children who have been affected by interpersonal
violence, including domestic and sexual violence. I also have experience providing therapy to
individuals with concerns related to: low-self- esteem, depression, anxiety, parenting, attachment,
identity development, and stress management.
In my practice, I recognize the impact of stress and trauma on the mind and the body. My style is
friendly and compassionate. I provide therapy using a strengths-based and holistic approach. I
collaborate with the client to recognize their personal strengths and, to explore the roots of their
thoughts and feelings associated with their presenting concerns. I use mindfulness techniques to help
individuals practice self-awareness of stressful factors on their body, and to help them increase
positive coping strategies. I also use a blend of other modalities that are individualized to the
client’s needs. I am comfortable in providing therapy in English and Spanish.
I earned my Master of Arts from The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration in
2011 and my LCSW in 2014.
Hilary Gilway LCPC
I am inspired daily by the strength and courage people show while overcoming life's difficulties. I
believe therapy can create hope, healing, and self-understanding. With encouragement and support,
people can better manage life’s challenges and surprises, cope with its disappointments and learn
self-compassion.
With genuine care and empathy, I believe people can begin a healing
process to relieve sadness, anxiety and pressure from life’s stressors. With relief, people feel
better and can move forward and make positive changes in their lives.
I have more than 6 years of experience working with emerging adults and adults managing life and
career transitions. My goal is to make a genuine connection to help people start the path to healing
and take important steps towards their goals. My interests and expertise include: identity
development, managing conflicts, relationships, loss and various issues related to stress, anxiety and
depression.
I utilize a strength-based perspective, frequently use a cognitive behavioral
framework and identify with solution-focused counseling, when appropriate. My practice and approach is
based on a person’s individual needs and consultation. I believe in discussing needs and goals
together with clients to create a recommended and individual treatment plan.
Laura Rae Venditti LCPC
Laura is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from
Saint Xavier University, where she minored in Pastoral Ministry. She obtained her M.A. in
Gerontological Counseling from Adler University, formerly Adler School of Professional
Psychology.
Laura has serviced clients from 5 years old through the age of 90 in academic,
clinical, and nursing home settings. While conducting therapy within a client-centered climate, using
the tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Laura assists clients in discerning choices that
will render them relief from their afflictions. Laura helps her clients identify obstacles, and
explore solutions, believing that if you want something to change, you have to change something.
Maria G. Perez LCSW, CDVP
Life can often feel overwhelming and unmanageable. I can help navigate those feelings by providing a safe
and nurturing space. Often times those feelings stem from unresolved issues; let me help you find the root
of what may today be affecting your self-esteem, job, family, relationships, etc.
Through my
years of experience in working with individuals of different age groups and backgrounds, I have learned that
each person is unique and requires a different treatment approach. I have experience using a number of models,
such as CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, and meditation to name a few.
I acknowledge
that only you have the power to heal yourself – I can only provide the tools. When it comes to working
with young children, my approach is family focused therapy, recognizing the importance of familial relationships
for long lasting change and treatment process. It is through empowerment of all the systems that change can
begin to happen.
I am bicultural and bilingual in Spanish. I have provided services to diverse
populations in the past. Know that when you come to me. I will provide a space that is non-judgmental, warm, and inviting.
Victoria Manning LCSW
I’m a gentle, compassionate therapist who loves to help people on their journey to healing. I believe the experience of exploring
one’s personal history in a safe and supportive environment is the pathway to insight. My main objective is to provide that safe
place for you to explore the hurt places as well as inventory the strengths you bring to face the situations and emotions that are
hard to investigate. As you gain insight into what is going on in your life that is causing you pain, stress, guilt, anxiety, and
fear or feeling “stuck”, we can establish a plan to courageously try new ideas and behaviors. Since many of the emotional burdens we
carry have deep roots in our early experience with family, I will help you look at those messages and how they may limit your potential.
I have experience with addictions (both chemical and behavioral), anxiety and depression, self-esteem, family and marital
problems, empowerment, grief and loss, trust and abandonment issues, LGBTQ informed, trauma, adolescent & emerging adult issues,
interpersonal problems and self-compassion.
I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Jane
Addams School of Social Work. I’ve been a practicing clinician since 1988 in outpatient and residential settings.