Meet Our Therapists

Paul Martin, LCPC

Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychotherapist

Paul is a graduate of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and brings with him 11 years of experience in the Community Mental Health field working with children, tweens, teens, adults, families and couples.

Paul is bilingual in Spanish/English and has extensive experience working individually and in groups with children and teens with ADD/ADHD as well as working with families to gain the communication and coping skills necessary to understand this diagnosis. Paul has also worked with schools and other professionals to advocate for IEP and 504 plans.

Paul’s calm and easy demeanor are reflective of his decade of experience in Anger Management and Domestic Violence issues with men and women. Paul teaches the Live Respect curriculum coaching middle school and high school adolescents and young adults on concepts such as Toxic Masculinity and Healthy Manhood.

Paul utilizes insight, mindfulness, non-violent communication and various psycho-dynamic and cognitive therapies to help you invite harmony and tranquility in your life and regain the peace of mind you deserve.

Click here to view Paul’s video
Click here to view Pauls’s video “Screen Time and the Brain”

Shelby Morse, LCSW

Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychotherapist

Shelby earned her Bachelor degree in Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University. She has a background working within hospitals, crisis departments and outpatient behavioral health centers.

Shelby has worked with individuals ranging from ages 6 and older. She has training with providing crisis intervention, grief support and critical incident stress debriefing. Shelby has experience working with individuals and groups at various stages of life.

Her areas of interest include behavioral management, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, self-esteem, family conflict and life transitions. Her approach is individualized to meet her clients current needs and goals. Shelby provides an empathic and client-centered approach with psychoeducation and skill building techniques to help empower her client. 

Click here to view Shelby’s video

Kevin Smerko LCPC

Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychotherapist

Kevin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loras College and his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University. Kevin completed his internship at Beloit College and continued to serve the college population before serving the adult population through outpatient services in a community behavioral health center.

Kevin has experience serving individuals from adolescents to the senior population.
He has completed training in crisis intervention, brief therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy. He utilizes techniques from these areas to drive a person-centered and strengths-based approach when working with those he serves. Kevin has areas of interest that include mood disorders, symptom management, anxiety disorders, working with trauma, stress reduction, and adjustment disorders. Kevin views therapy as a process that can be brief or long-term depending on the need and works with each client to identify the best service setting and approach for them.

Outside of the therapy setting, Kevin and his wife Julia, along with their dogs Sumo and Tobias, are regulars of the dog park. Kevin also enjoys being immersed in the soccer community in Rockford where he continues to play a several days a week. 

Click here to view Kevin’s video

Jessica Olson, LCSW

Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychotherapist

Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She graduated with her Bachelors of social worker from Western Illinois University and her Masters of Social work from Aurora University with a 4.0 GPA. Jessica has over four years of experience working with the geriatric population but is happy to work with any age group. Jessica has experience working with individuals and families. Jessica is an ally of the LGBTGIAA community and is a safe space for all to be their true selves. Jessica has experience working in healthcare with various illnesses, hospice, and with grief support.

Jessica’s therapy approach is both client focused and strengths-based which will be tailored to meet the needs of each individual. Jessica is extremely empathetic and has excellent listening skills. She provides emotional support and guidance to all age groups. Jessica believes that every individual should have a safe place to heal from any life difficulties. She works with clients with anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulities, grief, and trauma. Jessica will use a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and strengths based approaches to support individuals during sessions.

Jessica believes the client is the “true” expert of their own life and sees herself as the guide/support along the way. She will be authentic and genuine during each session to ensure each individual is comfortable during sessions. Jessica is happy to be a therapist at Advanced Psychiatry of Elgin and is happy to work with each individual.

Click here to view Jessica’s video