Meet the team behind Sunflower Counseling
We’re Here to Support You
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Kristin Bailey, LCSW, PMH-C
Hello! I am grateful you're taking this first step in your healing journey, this shit isn't easy! How would it feel to believe in yourself? Feel less drained? Dig out of that hole? It is possible (read that again), and I am here to support you through this (messy) healing journey.
I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health, and a passion helping parents navigate life transitions, pregnancy, postpartum, adoption, infertility, loss, and parenting. You do not have to do this alone! I provide a warm and safe space to process and heal. So bring your coffee and comfy clothes, it makes digging through all the shit a little easier.
I feel it is important to meet my clients where they are, use compassion and grace when exploring difficult areas and topics. My office is a judgement-free, comfortable and safe place, where ALL feelings are valid. I look forward to being a support in your journey!
When I am not working, you can catch me relaxing or walking outside, reading a book, cooking playing with my very imaginative 7 year old son, or watching all things Disney. I am excited to work with you! --Kristin
I offer telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
I offer in office appointments in Bourbonnais & Clifton.
Contact me today! KristinBaileyLCSW@gmail.com -
Kristina Billadeau, LPC
Hi and welcome!
I'm really glad you're here. Reaching out for support is a big first step, and it takes a lot of courage—so kudos to you for showing up.My goal is to create a warm, judgment-free space where you feel safe, heard, and empowered. I believe healing works best when it's collaborative, supportive, and at your pace. You don’t have to have it all figured out—none of us do! Sometimes we just need a little extra help navigating life.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, dealing with the ups and downs of parenting or pregnancy, grieving a loss, going through a big life transition, working through past trauma, or just feeling disconnected from your true self—I’m here for it. And for you. Life’s messy, and adulting in this wild world is no joke. We’ll sort through it together—with compassion, curiosity, and hopefully some laughter along the way.
Outside of the therapy room, I love getting outside, experimenting in the kitchen, bingeing crime docs and cooking competitions, singing (very off-key) to my favorite playlists, hanging with family, and loving on my four-legged freeloaders.
I’m looking forward to connecting and walking alongside you on your journey. --Kristina
I offer telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
I offer in office appointments in Bourbonnais.
Contact me today! Kristina@Sunflower-Counseling.net -
Amy Bridgeman, LCPC
Hi there — and welcome!
My name is Amy Bridgeman. I am a part-time therapist working with children, teens, and families in a warm, supportive practice setting. With over 25 years of experience in both school and counseling environments, I bring a deep understanding of child and adolescent development — along with a genuine passion for helping young people grow, heal, and thrive.
My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy techniques, and a strengths-based, client-centered perspective. I tailor each session to meet the unique needs of the child or family, always aiming to create a safe and encouraging space where meaningful growth can happen.
Some common areas I support include:Anxiety and stress ; Depression and mood concerns ; Emotional regulation ; Behavioral challenges ; ADHD and executive functioning ; School-related issues ; Family transitions (divorce, loss, relocation) ; Social skills and peer relationships ; Self-esteem and identity development ; Trauma and grief ; Foster care experiences
Whether your child is struggling with big emotions, navigating a difficult time, or just needs a trusted space to be heard, I’m here to help — with heart, humor, and practical tools that can make a difference. Call today to make an appointment!
I offer telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
I offer in office appointments in Bourbonnais.
Contact me today! Amy@Sunflower-Counseling.net -
Molly Ferris, LCPC
Hi there! I would be honored to hold space as you take steps in your journey towards healing. Know that you are wise and throughout the counseling experience you will discover this truth and learn to trust yourself. We will work to build insight and awareness around thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Too often we label these guideposts as “good” or “bad” but what if we paused and took a nonjudgmental, curious approach? I primarily work with adults navigating mood disorders, anxiety, life transitions and grief and loss. I’m very passionate about parenthood, pregnancy, and postpartum. When I'm not working, I love spending time with my family, drinking good coffee, walking along the river, troubleshooting my sourdough starter, or reading a good book. I look forward to working with you! --Molly
I offer telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
I offer in office appointments in Bourbonnais.
Contact me today! Molly@Sunflower-Counseling.net -
Savannah Straw, Pre-Licensed Counselor
*Coming Soon!*
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Maria Valarezo, LCSW
My name is Maria Valarezo. I am a licensed clinical social worker. My approach with clients is to be genuine, warm, and non-judgmental. As a social worker, I provide guidance and resources to clients. I see clients as experts of their experiences. When I think about what brings people into therapy, I think of what James Earl Jones said once. “One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can’t utter.” I seek to work with clients to process unresolved issues/concerns and to learn how to reclaim their lives.
I have worked as a counselor in the non-for-profit sector for 13 years and in the private practice sector for 2 years. Most of my work has been trauma
focused, life transitions, and grief and loss.
I received my graduate degree from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice at the University of Chicago. --Maria
I offer telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
I offer in office appointments in Bourbonnais.
Contact me today! Maria@Sunflower-Counseling.net -
Sara Youssef, LPC
Hello! My name is Sara Youssef. I am happy to be with Sunflower Counseling and serve the Kankakee county community. I am a high school teacher by day, and a counselor by night. I went to the University of Illinois for my bachelors in history and education, and eventually found my passion in teaching psychology. That led me to get my masters in clinical psychology at Governors State University, where I became a LPC. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, binge-watch true crime documentaries, and take long walks with my dog.
If you find yourself needing someone to listen, validate, and encourage you, I love to ask all the questions. To me, therapy is the safest space to empower yourself through reflection and building self-awareness. I can be your partner and mentor in doing so. --Sara
I offer telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
I offer in office appointments in Bourbonnais.
Contact me today! SYoussef@gmail.com