Lu Rocha, MA, MSW, LCSW, RYI (Founder)
Lu is a bilingual Spanish speaking trauma therapist. Her professional experience includes more than twenty years of counseling, organizing, activism, and advocacy within the Latinx community and other marginalized communities. Lu identifies as a Latina with indigenous roots, first born generation in the United States, a proud daughter of a Brazero. She is the founder of Multicultural Consulting Services, a for-profit business dedicated in helping institutions make their services accessible to everyone.
Lu is dedicated in addressing trauma from a cultural perspective, while using methods that are evidence-based and trauma-informed. She works with clients from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and has experience in providing services to youth who have experienced and/or witnessed family and community violence. Her professional aspiration is to support the growth of providers of color in the mental health field so that communities of color can have more options in obtaining services that align to their cultural beliefs and values.
About the Team
No longer taking new clients
Lu Rocha, MA, MSW, LCSW, RYI, SEP (Founder)
Lu is a bilingual Spanish speaking trauma therapist. Her professional experience includes more than twenty years of counseling, organizing, activism, and advocacy within the Latinx community and other marginalized communities. Lu identifies as a Latina with indigenous roots, first born generation in the United States, a proud daughter of a Brazero. She is the founder of Multicultural Consulting Services, a for-profit business dedicated in helping institutions make their services accessible to everyone.
Lu is dedicated in addressing trauma from a cultural perspective, while using methods that are evidence-based and trauma-informed. She works with clients from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and has experience in providing services to youth who have experienced and/or witnessed family and community violence. Her professional aspiration is to support the growth of providers of color in the mental health field so that communities of color can have more options in obtaining services that align to their cultural beliefs and values.
Tamara Fermaint, Biller/Community Liaison
Tamara Fermaint has been in the health care field for over 30 years as a registered dental hygienist. She has experience in providing patient care services in hospitals, private practice, and community settings.
She brings with her a commitment to advocate for individuals living with mental health illness, LGBTQ community members, people affected by homelessness, and children with learning disabilities, obtain quality services and support.
Tamara is excited to join Lu Rocha Counseling Service as their new insurance biller and care coordinator.
Briana Wright, Psychotherapist, LCSW
Currently not taking new clients
Briana is an advocate and therapist. Her professional experience includes 20 years of serving young children, adolescents, and communities, including providing home visiting services, training and technical assistance, and counseling. Briana has provided professional development training on working with schools, substance abuse prevention, and supporting trauma impacted families, engaging community leaders, youth, and volunteer development.
As a therapist, Briana wants to collaborate by listening to concerns and challenges, while establishing a healthy rapport. Through these conversations, she hopes to cultivate a consistent and honest dialogue. Collectively, with the individual, Briana creates a space of safety and trust. She employs a blend of therapeutic approaches, which includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Strength-Based, and Reality, to yield a more holistic approach to achieving your goals and desired outcomes.
She has experience in providing support to individuals experiencing challenges with anxiety, anger management, depression, grief, healthy-relationship management, life management and post-traumatic stress. Briana has a desire to assist individuals in the process of self-discovery, empowerment and development of strategies that improve your mental and spiritual health.
Gema Gaete-Tapia, Psychotherapist, M.S., LPC
Gema is a bilingual Spanish-speaking counselor, advocate, and Racial Healing Practitioner. She was born in a small desert town in northern Chile. Her family was forced into exile and settled in Little Village, Chicago in 1976.
Gema has over 20 years of experience in youth development, community organizing, and education. In her years of working with community youth and in her own personal healing journey, she struggled to find mental health providers of color. Therefore, in 2015 Gema decided to add her little grain of sand and
contribute to our individual and collective healing and help fill this void by pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.
Gema’s core values include equity, self-determination, and honoring each other’s humanity. In this spirit, she will collaborate with you to create a supportive, safe, and empowering environment where you are an active participant in exploring and addressing your concerns. This process may include narrative and/or art therapy, as well as the practice of meditation and breathing techniques. Gema is devoted to providing a culturally relevant and accessible, trauma-informed, mental health practice.
Dulce Sanchez, Psychotherapist, MSW
Dulce is a bilingual Spanish-speaking psychotherapist who graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Northeastern Illinois University. Dulce is a first-generation immigrant, living in the U.S. since 2000, and she is currently a DACA recipient.
Dulce's passion lies in supporting BIPOC community members, 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, children, and teens and helping them understand their mental health.
Dulce focuses on:
-emotional awareness
-anxiety
-depression
-anger
-self esteem
-time management
-healthy boundaries
-healthy relationships
She is eager to help and provide a safe environment for all of her clients. She hopes to make a change and help members of marginalized communities see the importance of mental health in all stages of life. Dulce includes meditation, yoga, and clients' religious/spiritual practices (if any) into treatment.
Currently not taking new clients
Samekquel is dedicated to creating a safe, affirming space for individuals and families, especially those from Black and Brown communities, who are navigating the lasting impact of trauma.
She recognizes that healing is not one-size-fits-all and works with people across the lifespan to build a path forward that honors culture, identity, and lived experience. Warmth, humor, and authenticity are at the heart of Samekquel’s approach.
She believes therapy should be a space where clients can truly exhale, a place to feel seen, not judged. Whether it's a child learning to name their feelings, a teen discovering their voice, or an adult unpacking years of emotional weight,
Samekquel walks alongside them with compassion and clarity. She integrates real-life, culturally mindful coping strategies that extend beyond the therapy session, helping clients manage stress, reconnect with joy, and build lasting resilience. Her goal is to support healing in ways that are empowering, practical, and deeply personal.
Lana Sestovic, Psychotherapist, M.S.
lana@lurocha.org
Lana is a psychotherapist who earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. Born in Serbia and Montenegro, she moved to Chicago at the age of 12, an experience that shaped her deep empathy and cultural sensitivity. As a first-generation immigrant, Lana brings a distinctive perspective to her work, connecting with clients navigating cultural transitions, identity, and belonging.
Lana has specialized training and experience in trauma-informed care, relational work, depression, anxiety, and sex therapy. She works with children, adults, and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, with a strong passion for supporting immigrants and marginalized communities. Her professional background includes serving as a utilization review specialist at a mental health clinic and working in various school and community settings.
In her therapeutic approach, Lana is committed to meeting clients where they are in their healing journey. She focuses on fostering emotional regulation, effective communication, and healthy boundaries, while creating a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal from past wounds, navigate life transitions, and build resilience—empowering them to grow into their most authentic selves.
Samekquel McGill, Psychotherapist, LCPC
Jessica Saldana, Psychotherapist, MSW
Currently not taking new clients.
Jessica Saldana is a bilingual Spanish-speaking psychotherapist with a Master’s in Social Work from Dominican University. As a first-generation Mexican American, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work, guiding individuals through the process of healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Jessica is dedicated to supporting BIPOC community members, 1st and 2nd generation, children, teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and life transitions. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, utilizing evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy while grounding her practice in somatic techniques. Jessica honors the role of spirituality and ancestral wisdom in the healing journey, creating a space where clients can reconnect with their bodies, reclaim their stories, and find empowerment in their healing process.
Ben Xing, Psychotherapist, M.S.
ben@lurocha.org
Ben, a fluent Mandarin-speaking therapist, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago with majors in Psychology and Criminal Law and Justice, and his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University.
Ben brings a distinctive perspective shaped by his experience working with at-risk teens and previous classroom engagements. Hailing from an immigrant background, he deeply values the significance of community support. Ben is dedicated to leveraging his empathy and expertise to make a meaningful difference in his community.
Note: Ben is already on the existing website as Ben Xing, M.S. Psychotherapist, with ben@lurocha.org and a headshot. So you do not need to create him from scratch — update his existing listing with Lu’s new bio.
Rodolfo Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant & Intake coordinator
rodolfo@lurocha.org
Rodolfo Rodriguez is a bilingual Spanish-speaking Administrative Assistant committed to advancing mental health services and advocacy for underserved communities. Growing up in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, Rodolfo witnessed the profound impact of systemic challenges on mental well-being. This awareness drives his passion for connecting individuals and families to critical resources such as therapy services, domestic violence support, and housing assistance. His hands-on experience at a family advocacy center in the Back of the Yards neighborhood equipped him with the skills to support clients facing mental health challenges and navigate the complexities of the DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) system, making him a trusted advocate for holistic care.
As a DCFS Housing Youth & Family Supervisor with a national organization in Illinois, Rodolfo ensures that mental health services remain central to his work in promoting stability and well-being for youth and families. His academic background—a master’s degree in justice administration and public safety and a Bachelor’s degree in justice studies—strengthens his ability to address the intersection of mental health, advocacy, and justice. By fostering partnerships, expanding access to mental health resources, and empowering clients, Rodolfo’s unwavering dedication creates lasting change, ensuring that vulnerable populations have the tools and support they need to thrive.
Frank Belizaire. Psychotherapist, LCSW
frank@lurocha.org
Frank brings over eight years of experience in social work, including six years in community mental health. He takes a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to identify effective coping strategies for managing symptoms and navigating life’s challenges.
Frank views clients as the experts in their own lives and is passionate about supporting them in rewriting their personal narratives to foster healing and growth. His therapeutic style is rooted in unconditional positive regard, empathy, active listening, and a healthy dose of humor.
He integrates evidence-based practices such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing to support client progress.
Frank’s ultimate goal is to empower clients to the point where they no longer need his services—ideally putting himself out of a job—and equipping them to become healers within their own communities.
JoAn Vargas-Herzfeldt - Psychotherapist, LCSW, CADC
JoAn is a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist. Her educational background includes undergraduate studies in psychology and intercultural communication with a Latin American focus. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work with a Mental Health concentration from the Jane Addams School of Social Work.
She is a Certified Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC). While she enjoys working with diverse populations, the bulk of her experience comes from working with the Latinx community members, the military, and individuals struggling with substance use. She also enjoys working with women navigating the challenges of motherhood. Her experience comes from working in programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Healthy Families of Illinois, and postpartum depression programs.
Her approach to therapy is solution-focused and goal-oriented, collaboratively creating treatment plans for change. Her intentions as a therapist are to create a non-judgmental and safe environment where she can support self-efficacy to promote behavioral change by incorporating motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and solution-focused therapy, while utilizing strength-based strategies and the principles of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). She helps her clients manage their symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, addiction, and anger management to make positive behavioral changes.
Tyler Firlit, Psychotherapist, M.A.
tyler @lurocha.org
Tyler holds a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. He integrates Person-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic practices within a trauma-informed framework to support clients navigating anxiety, depression, and complex trauma.
His therapeutic style focuses on the collaborative exploration of lived experience, core values, and identity. Tyler strives to help clients build healthier connections with themselves, their families, and their communities. Believing that no one should face life’s challenges alone, he is dedicated in providing a genuine, nonjudgmental environment where every client feels safe, heard, and empowered.
Lauren Migas, Intern
Lauren is a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy and Practice. Originally from Central Illinois, she is passionate about supporting individuals through difficult life changes and transitions. Her experience working with teens and young adults inspired her to pursue a career in therapy. She approaches therapy with curiosity and an open mind, creating a space where clients feel heard and supported. She believes in recognizing each client’s unique strengths and experiences while working together to develop coping skills, navigate challenges, and support healing.
Jeanette Rodriguez, MSW Psychotherapist
jeanette@lurocha.org
Jeanette is a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist with a Master of Social Work degree from Northeastern Illinois University. She is passionate about creating a warm, supportive, and trauma-informed environment where clients feel safe exploring their experiences, emotions, and personal challenges.
Her approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each individual’s unique story. She strives to build strong therapeutic relationships that help clients develop insight, strengthen coping skills, and recognize their own resilience and strengths. Her goal as a clinician is to support clients in navigating life’s challenges while promoting healing, emotional well-being, and meaningful personal growth.
Trinidad Morin,
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
trinidad@lurocha.org
Trinidad is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. She works with adults who feel
overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or simply navigating the complexities of life. Her mission is clear: to provide a space where clients feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Trinidad brings a warm, grounded presence to therapy, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness-based strategies. Her approach is collaborative and practical—whether
unpacking old patterns, building new coping skills, or creating space to pause and reflect. With Trinidad, clients are never alone in the process of healing and self-discovery.
Abby Duquaine - Intern
Abby (she/her) is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). Her interest in psychology and experience volunteering with survivors of addiction and trauma inspired her to pursue a career in counseling. She believes in approaching counseling from a trauma-informed, gender-affirming, and culturally responsive lens.
She provides a welcoming and nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore and deepen their understanding of themselves using a collaborative approach that centers your needs and goals. She is passionate about working with clients who are looking to better manage anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, disordered eating, or everyday life. She believes everyone is capable of growth and change when they are made to feel heard, seen, empowered, and supported.
Daniela Torres - Intern
Daniela Torres is a bilingual Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Chicago State University. As a counselor-in-training, she is dedicated to helping clients feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout their healing journey. She values building genuine therapeutic relationships and believes counseling should be a safe space for growth, self-exploration, and positive change. Her interests include trauma-informed care, anxiety, self-worth, and promoting emotional wellness in diverse communities. Daniela approaches counseling with empathy, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity while encouraging clients to recognize their strengths and resilience.
Conor Williams - Intern
Conor is a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University. He grew up on the West Coast but has lived in Chicago since 2008, and part of his counseling journey is a desire to give back to the city that is his adopted home. He is a career-changer with an extensive background in Learning & Development as well as team management, who felt a calling to move into a field that would allow him to help others in a more lasting and meaningful way.
Conor works from a perspective of curiosity, kindness, and hope, with a goal of building a safe and supportive environment for every client.
Kim Alligood - Intern
Kim is a graduate student in the clinical mental health program at Northeastern Illinois University. After building a career in education in New York, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, she decided to pivot from teaching to counseling to pursue her passion of helping others in a new context.
Bilingual in Spanish, Kim is committed to providing a safe space where clients of all backgrounds can grow.
Laura Andrade - Intern
Laura is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Northeastern Illinois University.
She grew up in Northwest Indiana, where her experience as a Central American immigrant fostered a deep appreciation for the ways sociocultural contexts shape identity and influence the way we experience ourselves, others, and the world around us. She has spent the past three years supporting youth development programs and previously worked in a supportive role within a community mental health organization.
As she continues her training, Laura is committed to cultivating a counseling practice grounded in curiosity and a genuine interest in each person’s unique experiences, walking alongside clients as they navigate life’s changes and explore what feels meaningful to them.
Maria Marquez - Intern
Maria grew up in the South Side of Chicago and is happy to give back to the communities that have shaped her identity in a powerful way.
She loves music and getting movie recommendations, especially if they are psychological thrillers.
Maya Lehmann - Intern
Maya (she/her) is a second-year graduate student at the University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.
She has spent the last seven years working in social services with immigrants and refugees before transitioning into graduate school to focus on mental health services.
Maya is passionate about improving mental health for marginalized people specifically focusing on issues of internalized racism, colonial mentality, and trauma from migration.
Her goal is to provide a therapeutic space for healing, belonging, meaning-making, authenticity, and emotional growth.
Satoe Sudira - Intern
Satoe is a social work graduate student at Northeastern Illinois University with experience in corporate, education, caregiving, and mental health settings.
She has supported clients ranging from late childhood to late adulthood through individual mental health support and wellness and socialization activities.
Bilingual in Japanese and grounded in both Eastern and Western cultures, Satoe takes a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach centered on safety, peace, and connection.
She is passionate about helping clients recognize and nurture their own strengths and inner resilience. Outside of work, she enjoys nature, karaoke, and spending time with family and friends.
Jonah Paesky - Intern
Jonah is a first-year graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy and Practice. He holds an undergraduate degree from Dickinson College, and a Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises from Northwestern University.
He has spent the past five years working in Development for Lyric Opera of Chicago, one of the city’s largest arts non-profits. His varied background in arts and mental health has led him to pursue a career in therapy.
Originally from Illinois, Jonah is passionate about serving communities in the greater Chicagoland area through comprehensive, personalized care. He firmly believes in the power of building trusting and authentic connections to facilitate healing and personal growth.
Toi Davenport - Intern
Toi Davenport is a graduate student at Adler University pursuing dual Master of Arts degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Forensic Mental Health Leadership.
Her professional experience in social services has allowed her to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges, medical concerns, crises, and major life transitions.
Therapy should be a safe, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, identify strengths, and work toward meaningful change. She is especially interested in trauma-informed counseling, emotional wellness, crisis support, and serving individuals impacted by systemic barriers or the justice system. She approaches her work with compassion, authenticity, and respect for each client’s lived experience.
Bella, Certified Therapy Dog
Hi, I’m Bella!
I’m a two-year-old rescue pup, originally from Louisiana—yep, I’m a Southern girl! I spent the first part of my life in a shelter (not the most exciting place), but everything changed when I was rescued in 2024. Now, I live with a loving family and my best buddy, a very wise (and very old) chihuahua who’s teaching me all the secrets of being adorable and slightly dramatic.
These days, I’ve got a new job I take very seriously: I’m a certified therapy dog! That means I get to hang out at Lu’s office and help humans feel calm, seen, and loved. I’m great with other dogs (big or small, I don’t judge), and while I’m not quite sure what to make of cats yet, I’m politely curious and always on my best behavior.
If you see me in a session, feel free to say hi—I’ll be the one wagging my tail like it’s a full-body workout. Whether you need a cuddle, a quiet presence, or just someone to nap next to you while you talk things out, I’m your girl.
Can’t wait to meet you!
Lu's Method of Therapy
Lu prefers to provide therapy from a strength-based approach. This form of therapy emphasizes a person’s self-determination and strengths. It is a philosophy and a way of viewing a client as resourceful and resilient in the face of adversity. To help clients improve their mental health, Lu utilizes diverse inclusive therapy (DIT), which includes talk therapy and other modalities that have been proven to be effective and beneficial.
DIT includes:
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Talk therapy
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Breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga, which are proven to improve one’s mental health. And as a registered yoga instructor (RYI), trained in therapeutic yoga, Lu teaches her clients how to use these tools to better manage anxiety, anger and other overwhelming emotions and sensations.
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Understanding how trauma and anxiety effects the body, brain, and one’s overall health is important; therefore, Lu teaches her clients how the effects manifests within the body.
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Lu believes that having a spiritual practice is important in one’s healing, so when appropriate, Lu addresses spirituality in her therapy sessions. This may include conversations on connecting with one’s ancestors, practicing traditions or rituals, smudging etc.
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Historical trauma (HT) is an emotional and psychological wounding experienced by a group/community across generations and within one's lifespan. When appropriate, Lu believes it is important to explore how historical trauma is currently affecting one’s mental and physical health.
