New Leaf Resources
Select a Profile
- Aneece Alicea, MA, LMHC
- Jeff Berdine, MA, LMHCA
- Larry Deffendoll, MS, LMHCA
- Becky Duncan, MS, LMHC, NCC
- Judy Farwell, MA, LMHC, LCPC
- Jessica Gipp, MA, LMHCA, NCC
- LaSaundra Gordon, MA, LCPC
- Kiessa Hamilton, MSW, LSW
- Caryn Johnson, MA, LCPC
- Norm LeClercq, LMFT, CADC, CSAT
- Darla McKim, MSW, LCSW
- Michaela Padilla, MS, LMFT
- Denise Williams, MA, LPC
Aneece Alicea, MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Aneece works in the Crown Point office and specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression, mental health issues in individuals with developmental delays, emotional management in children, relationship concerns and life transition issues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Purdue University
Master of Arts in Counseling - Dallas Baptist University
License and Professional Memberships
L.M.H.C. Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Experience
Aneece has practiced in a variety of social service settings including therapy agencies, church settings, and residential homes. Not only has Aneece practiced as a Mental Health Counselor but also as a Behavior Specialist providing behavior management services to individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
Therapy Focus
The populations that Aneece provides services to include children and adolescents, adults, individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and individuals with depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, and life transition issues. Aneece uses a cognitive-behavioral and rational-emotive-behavioral approach to therapy. “My goal is to support individuals in finding the freedom to become the healthiest version of themselves using practical application and Biblical truths. I believe that the way we perceive ourselves, others, God, and the world affects how we feel and how we experience life. We often underestimate the power of laughter. Laughter helps us to see joy in the little things in life. And joy gives us the strength to heal and conquer any obstacle that may come our way.”
Activities
Aneece enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time she enjoys watching a good movie with her husband, playing with her toy poodle, and having a good laugh with family and friends.
Jeff Berdine, MA, LMHCA
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Jeff works in the Crown Point office with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, addictions, stress management, relationship issues, trauma, and adapting to changing life stages.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Anthropology - Purdue University
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Liberty University
License and Professional Memberships
L.M.H.C. Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
Experience
Jeff has experience working in a mental health agency with a diverse range of clients. He has worked with individuals from all walks of life, including children, adolescents, adults, and individuals in the late stage of life - across a variety of concerns.
Therapy Focus
Jeff enjoys working with adults at every stage of life. He works with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, relationship issues, parenting strategies, and changing life stages. Jeff uses a variety of approaches; including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy, and motivational interviewing. He uses a holistic approach to incorporate every aspect of the person's life through therapy.
Jeff believes in staying grounded in the present moment and having grace, love, and acceptance towards ourselves and the world around us. "My goal is to help each individual become the best version of themselves, one step at a time."
Activities
Jeff enjoys spending time with his friends and family outdoors, going on walks, and hiking through the woods. He plays guitar and piano, and likes to play disc golf and go on bike rides with his son.
Larry Deffendoll, MS, LMHCA
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
Larry works in New Leaf's Crown Point and Wheatfield offices with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, veteran needs, relationship issues, and trauma.
Education
Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Sciences - Bellevue University
Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Bellevue University
License, Professional Memberships and Certification
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
Member of American Counseling Association
Member of Indiana Counseling Association
Experience
Larry has experience working in both individual and group clinical settings with a diverse range of clients. He has walked with clients through an array of mental health journeys including addiction and trauma. Larry has served clients ranging from adolescents, up through individuals in later stages of life.
As a veteran of the United States armed forces himself, he also understands the very specific needs of our armed forces or veteran clients who serve or have served to defend our country.
Therapy Focus
"I believe that a different therapy must be constructed for each patient because each has a unique story." -Irvin Yalom
Larry says that "our struggles are our struggles", and with that in mind, implements evidence-based treatment approaches that when combined with elements of creativity can create an overhead view that helps the client successfully navigate and overcome obstacles unique to their individual story.
Activities
In his spare time, Larry enjoys spending time with his family, working out, playing video games, listening to and playing music, cooking, and either watching or attending Chicago Bears football games.
Becky Duncan, MS, LMHC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor
Becky works in the Crown Point office and specializes in working with children and adolescents. Her areas of interest are relationship issues, family issues, school issues, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and human sexuality.
Education
Bachelors of Arts in Education - Purdue University Calumet
Masters of Science in Education and Counseling - Purdue University Northwest
Masters of Science in Education and Counseling - Purdue University Northwest
License, Professional Memberships and Certification
Certified Licensed Mental Health Counselor
National Certified Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Certification in Expressive Arts
Certified Indiana School Counselors License
Certified Indiana Teaching License
Member of American School Counselor Association
Member of American Counseling Association
Experience
Becky has experience working in elementary, middle school, and high school counseling as well as residential homes and private practice. She has worked with children as young as toddlers, as well as adolescents, young adults, and families. As a former teacher and school counselor, Becky has a variety of experience with different populations in various settings.
Therapy Focus
Becky works with each client and family as a team to give the best treatment possible. Becky uses expressive arts to assist in therapy. She uses person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and art therapy. Becky says, "I am passionate about helping people feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves in therapy. I use art to help clients express themselves in a way that they may not have ever been able to do before."
Activities
Becky enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has four nieces and one nephew that she loves being around. She enjoys playing with her family's new kittens, Hamilton and Eliza. She also enjoys volunteering at her church in the children's ministry, reading, watching movies, and creating art in various ways.
Judy Farwell, MA, LMHC, LCPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Judy provides therapy for children, adolescents and adults in the Crown Point office with a particular interest in play therapy, childhood therapeutic interventions, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief/loss and women’s issues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Dordt University, Sioux Center, Iowa
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, Illinois
License and Professional Memberships
L.M.H.C. Licensed Mental Health Counselor
L.C.P.C. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Experience
Judy has many years of experience working with individuals and families as a school-based and outpatient mental health therapist. She also has several years of administrative experience working in a special education therapeutic day school and residential program.
Therapy Focus
Counseling from a holistic perspective, as well as drawing from her education and life experiences, Judy uses a multi-modal approach to therapy. During the therapy session, she seeks to provide a personable therapeutic relationship with each of her clients, in a safe, non-judgmental space, where clients are welcome to share and explore their life experiences. With the belief in God’s restorative healing power, she journeys with her clients through the process of restoration, hope and healing in their lives.
Activities
Judy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking in nature, flower gardening, reading, traveling, listening to and playing music.
Jessica Gipp, MA, LMHCA, NCC
Mental Health Counselor Associate
Jessica works in the Crown Point and Wheatfield offices and specializes in working with teens and young adults. Areas of interest/specialties include: family issues, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, addictions, women’s issues, life transitions, and spirituality issues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Purdue University Northwest
Master of Arts in Education and Counseling - Purdue University Northwest
License and Professional Memberships
L.M.H.C.A. Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
National Certified Counselor
American Counseling Association Member
Certification in Expressive Arts Therapy
Certification in Addictions Counseling
Experience
Jessica completed her 900 hours of internship at the Purdue Community Counseling Center, located in Hammond, IN. She also has experience working with teens at the Lake County Juvenile Center in Crown Point, IN. She has been leading an online support group for Adult Children of Family Dysfunction for 8 years. Jessica is currently working on completing her certification in Addictions Counseling.
Therapy Focus
Jessica uses person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, guided self-help, mindfulness based cognitive therapy and art therapy when working with clients. Jessica wants to help others find the tools to bring about healing and growth to improve overall quality of life.
Activities
Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends. She grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and enjoys visiting when she is able. Jessica adopted a dog named Wellington who is a border collie mix from a local humane society last year. She enjoys taking Wellington to the park to play frisbee and catch. Jessica also enjoys swimming, creating art, attending car shows, and watching the Chicago Blackhawks play. Jessica’s faith is very important to her, she enjoys listening to Christian podcasts and keeping others in prayer.
LaSaundra Gordon, MA, LCPC
Child, Adolescent & Adult Therapist
LaSaundra works in the Lansing office and
specializes in bipolar disorder, depression and mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, stress and adjustment issues, marital, family & relationship issues, divorce related issues, grief & loss, anger, attachment issues, self-esteem and trauma recovery.
Education
Bachelor of Science – Chicago State University, Chicago, IL
Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL
License and Professional Memberships
LCPC – Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
ICA - Illinois Counselors Association
IMHCA - Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association
IACFC - Illinois Association for Couples and Family Counseling
Experience
LaSaundra is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at New Leaf Resources in Lansing, Illinois. LaSaundra has worked in outpatient community mental health as well as in the outpatient office setting. She works with individuals, couples, families, and children of all ages dealing with grief and loss, attachment issues, self-esteem, trauma recovery, phase of life issues, bipolar disorder, depression and other mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, stress and adjustment issues, marital, family & relationship issues, divorce-related issues, anger, and behavior problems and issues within the family system. LaSaundra has run multiple psycho-educational support groups including women's empowerment, anxiety, and grief and loss.
Activities
In her spare time LaSaundra likes reading and gardening. LaSaundra is also very actively involved in her church and currently leads the Christian Education Ministry.
Kiessa Hamilton, MSW, LSW
Licensed Social Worker / Mental Health Therapist
Kiessa (Kesa) works in the Crown Point office, specializing in the treatment of trauma, including: sexual and emotional/psychological trauma, Bipolar Disorder, sexually harmful youth, anxiety, and depression.
Education
Master of Social Work - Indiana University Northwest
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - DePaul University
LSW - Licensed Social Worker
Licensed Minister
Experience
Kiessa has worked in the social services field for over 20 years and has experience working with the elderly, youth, adults, and families. Her professional expertise is in the areas of developmentally, emotionally and mentally disabled individuals; as well as youth/children with behavior, mental health, severe trauma and substance-use disorders. Volunteer positions have included working community hotlines, mentoring, and advocacy for victims of rape and domestic violence.
Therapy Focus
Kiessa works with families, adolescents, young adults, emotionally dysregulated individuals, those with mood disorders, and those dealing with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues and life transition issues. She uses varying modalities and evidence-based practices based on the needs of the client.
"My desire is to affect as many people as I can in this world, and to help facilitate emotional, spiritual, and mental healing and growth. I am a teacher at heart and that comes out in my counseling. My motto that I live and teach by is: 'Love Thyself, Know Thyself, Stay True to Thyself'. I believe there is good in everyone, and you are never too far from God. I work to encourage others to obtain or regain the life God desires for them, in a nonjudgmental way."
Activities
Kiessa enjoys spending time with loved ones, especially her 6 grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys community volunteering, watching stand-up comedy, relaxing, sitting outside and watching TV. She always enjoys cuddling with her dog Shaggy.
Caryn Johnson, MA, LCPC
Adult and Adolescent Therapist
Caryn works in the Lansing office and specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, stress and adjustment issues, self-esteem issues, adolescent and family issues, and grief and loss.
Education:
Bachelors of Arts, Psychology - Governors State University
Masters of Arts, Counseling - Governors State University
License and Professional Memberships:
LCPC - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
ICA - Illinois Counselors Association
IMHCA - Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association
ICA - Illinois Counselors Association
IMHCA - Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association
Experience and Therapy Focus:
Caryn is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at New Leaf Resources in Lansing, Illinois. Caryn has worked in outpatient community mental health, mental health residential settings, and acute mental health settings. She works with adolescents, teens, individuals, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, stress and adjustment issues, mood disorders, communication issues, and self-esteem. She uses a range of therapeutic techniques from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution Focused approaches and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). She has experience providing group therapy with adolescents and adults including anxiety, stress management, and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy).
Activities:
Caryn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the movies, photography, reading, and visiting surrounding cities and state parks.
Norm LeClercq, LMFT, CADC, CSAT
Clinical Supervisor, Marriage & Family Therapist
Norm works in the Lansing office and specializes in the areas of men's issues, couples work, substance and sexual addiction, adult child issues, trauma work (DID) and spirituality issues.
Education
B.A., Eastern Illinois University, Art Studio
M. Div., Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Lombard, IL
Clinical Pastoral Education St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI and Abbott Northwestern Hospital/Christian Children's Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
Clinical Training Program in Marriage and Family Therapy, Genesis Therapy Center, IL
License, Certifications and Professional Memberships
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certified Addictions Counselor
Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist
Clinical member and Approved Supervisor, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Experience
More than 25 years of experience at New Leaf Resources helping families cope with addictions, mental illness, and severe family problems. Has provided individual, couples, group, family therapy and systems advocacy.
Therapy Focus
In the past, Norm has led recovering couples groups, co-dependency groups, ACOA groups, and men’s groups. Does couples work, men’s issues, adult-child issues including co-dependency, substance and process addictions, trauma work including dissociative identity disorder and spirituality.
“I am most passionate about the promotion of life and the relevance of the teachings and way of Jesus in pursuing it. I see in my work at New Leaf a continuing opportunity to participate in God's never-ending redemptive activity. The way of the Spirit is the way of life, and my personal responsibility as a therapist is to place my training, gifts, and personhood in the service of the work God is already doing in each client's life. I want my clients to know that I am a fellow traveler. I have benefited from being in therapy and will continue to make personal use of it when I need to. As a therapist I am committed to promoting my personal health as well as my professional skills. Furthermore, my faith and continuing experience of the way of the Spirit inform my work, my values, and how I relate to those I work with.”
Activities
When not at New Leaf, Norm enjoys spending time with his wife, cartooning, drawing, playing with their ferrets and viewing a good movie.
Darla McKim, MSW, LCSW
Family Therapist
Darla works in the Wheatfield office and specializes in the areas of child separation/attachment issues, adoption, adolescent issues/self-esteem, behavior management in children, relationship concerns and life change/transition issues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - IUPUI
Master of Social Work - Indiana University
License and Professional Memberships
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
National Association of Social Workers
Experience
Darla has served in a variety of social service settings including agencies and home-based organizations. She has held positions such as Adoption Specialist, Foster Parent Trainer, Support Group Coordinator/Leader and Behavior Management/Support for families of children with special needs and/or developmental delays.
Therapy Focus
Darla believes in the strengths perspective with a cognitive behavioral approach. “I strive to always keep in mind that each individual is unique and made in God’s image. Helping them to discover their strengths and coping mechanisms and how to use them are important tools that I like to focus on.”
Activities
In her spare time, Darla enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is married and has three children who occupy most of her free time. “I enjoy being part of their busy schedules.”
Michaela Padilla, MS, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Michaela works in the Crown Point and Wheatfield office, with a variety of clients including children, families, couples, and individuals. Michaela's areas of interest include attachment issues, anxiety, depression, emotions, family transitions, familial stress, adjustment issues, self-esteem, grief/loss, spirituality, and relational issues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Lee University, Cleveland, TN
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy - Lee University, Cleveland, TN
License, Professional Memberships and Certifications
LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
AAMFT - Association for Marriage and Family Therapy - Clinical Fellow
PREPARE/ENRICH - Certified Facilitator
Experience
Michaela has worked with many populations of clients including couples, individuals, and families. In previous clinical experience, Michaela has worked closely with children and adolescents dealing with attachment issues, anxiety, anger, adoption/fostering transitions, conflict, depression, grief, social skills, and trauma. Michaela has also worked with couples in preparation for marriage. As part of her training in graduate school, Michaela was given the opportunities to help lead and facilitate social skills workshops for children, behavioral group sessions with children, and a marriage weekend workshop for couples.
Therapy Focus
Michaela works closely with each client's needs and is integrative in her therapeutic approach. Overall, Michaela uses a relational and holistic form of therapy, including; attachment-based therapy, experiential therapy, emotion-focused therapy, play therapy, art therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. "It is important that each client feels acceptance and safety, as they go on their therapeutic journey. My goal is to help them see and live out their God-given strengths, resiliency, potential, and worth."
Activities:
Michaela loves spending time with her close friends and family. She is heavily involved at her church and likes to volunteer in several ministries including the youth group, Royal Family Kids Camp, Kingdom Family Youth Camp, and more. In her free time, she enjoys game nights, movies, hiking, and baking.
Denise Williams, MA, LPC
Marriage and Family Therapist
Denise works in New Leaf's Lansing office. She specializes in working with families and couples on relationships, as well as helping those experiencing crises of faith.
Education
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology - Trinity Christian College
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Chicago State University
Experience
Denise has a special interest in working with those who have experienced grief and loss, disrupted attachments, parenting issues, marriage/family problems and spiritual growth concerns. As a part of her graduate training, Denise worked with college students providing clinical treatment through individual/couples therapy, support groups, and educational workshops. In addition to her clinical training, Denise has provided pastoral care and spiritual guidance to individuals and their families for the past 10 years as an ordained minister. Denise is experienced in working with PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal ideations, substance and sex addictions, grief and emerging adulthood.
Therapy Focus
Denise believes that there exists incredible healing power in the human relationship experience. She uses an integrative approach, influenced by a variety of therapeutic models, to help clients recognize and utilize their own strengths. Denise uses a warm, empathetic and passionate approach in attending to the needs of each client, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore and root out emotional roadblocks to health and wellness. Denise is committed to developing a healthy therapeutic partnership with the client, and to journey together with them as they navigate their path to wholeness.
Activities
In her spare time, Denise stays busy with her husband and 4 children. She plays an active role in her local community and school district, and also helps her spouse co-pastor a growing church.