Addiction Treatment Staff

Northern Illinois Recovery Center works tirelessly to provide clients with the best addiction treatment possible. We employ an industry leading addiction treatment staff of physicians and licensed clinicians. They make it their number one priority to develop successful addiction therapy services for each person they see. Our staff also has deep ties to the community and can facilitate necessities such as housing and employment. Take a minute to get to know the addiction treatment staff that has your back on the road to recovery.

No matter your situation, the addiction treatment staff at Northern Illinois Recovery Center is equipped to help. Our compassionate team provides focused therapies and proven treatments to give each client an effective recovery plan! Call us at 855.786.1978 today for help changing your life!

Chris Gleason

Chief Executive Officer 

Chris Gleason is the Chief Executive Officer at Northern Illinois Recovery Center where he leads all aspects of the business. Chris has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Judson University, a Master’s degree from Argosy University in Community Counseling, and is a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He has held numerous leadership position over the past 25 years in the field and has worked in all levels of substance abuse and mental health treatment. Chris co-led a team of therapists recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) receiving the SAMHSA Science to Service Award in 2010 for co-occurring treatment for adolescents. Chris is a sought-after presenter on co-occurring, opiates, and community integration, where he has spoken at the local, state, and national levels. He is also an adjunct professor at Aurora University in the School of Social Work with a focus on substance use and co-occurring. He practices a servant leadership approach with a recovery focus, as he has been sober for over 30 years and believes in the power of the human spirit to change. When not at work, he enjoys spending time working on his Jedi skills, finding random pieces of paper on the ground, which people love to leave for him, and finding new grilling recipes.

Caitlyn McClure, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Director

As clinical director at Northern Illinois Recovery, Caitlyn leads three groups each week. She facilitates the Trauma Recovery, Family Systems, and Connections groups. Caitlyn completed her bachelor’s degree in counseling with a focus on addiction in 2014 and her Masters in Social Work with a specialization in trauma in 2015. Since then, she has explored the intersection of addiction and trauma and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Social Work degree to improve community and professional understanding of the far-reaching impacts of trauma. Caitlyn has experience working with bereavement, trauma, mental health, and substance abuse with youth and adults in community-based and outpatient settings. She also is experienced in crisis management and deescalation strategies.

Jenny Wagner LCPC, CADC

Clinical Supervisor

Jenny Wagner LCPC, CADC; is the clinical supervisor at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor and a certified alcohol and drug counselor with twenty-two years of experience in treating patients with dual diagnosis or substance use disorders. She has worked in many different levels of care; residential, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and aftercare programs. She has also worked in various positions; from providing individual, family, and couples therapy in a private practice setting to managing all levels of care as the clinical director of an addiction treatment center.

Jenny prefers direct patient care and being a primary therapist to continue to be on the front lines to help patients transition through treatment with the skills they need for recovery. Her areas of expertise include; substance use disorders, sensory regulation, strategies to manage anxiety and depression, self-esteem issues, and codependency.

Jenny holds a Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology from The Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She is on the executive committee for the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Elgin to provide prevention efforts in her community. She volunteers with several organizations helping children and teenagers in foster care.

Kaylaa McGinnis, CADC

Business Development

Kaylaa McGinnis she has experience in the healthcare, addiction and mental health field spanning over the past 15 years. Her background includes; clinical services, case management, marketing, sales and outreach with a demonstrated history of improving culture, employee retention and patient engagement. Kaylaa is a consistent leader, successful in evaluating, assessing and building healthcare teams, improving leads, data and revenue.

Shira Greenfield

Group Therapist, ACT and Relationships

Shira Greenfield is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her Master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa in 1985. Since then, she has worked as a therapist, a crisis intervention worker, a group facilitator, and an educator. Most recently, she was the Clinical Manager of Behavioral Health Services for Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital. Shira is honored to be a part of NIRC and loves the positive energy of the staff.

Holly Magalin

Group Therapist

Holly Magdalin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She currently holds a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and has a background in Communicative Disorders both from Northern Illinois University. Holly has 6 years of professional experience working beside people struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Her experience includes working in an inpatient facility as a chemical dependency primary counselor, an outpatient therapist, working with individuals, groups, and families battling their mental health, and supervising a clinical team. She comes with an eclectic approach with an emphasis on DBT, CBT, and Person-Centered therapies.

Maegan Schultz

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Maegan Schultz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Master’s of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health from UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work. Maegan has experience working in medical social work, community based mental health, and outpatient mental health services with both youth and adults. She also has experience working in crisis intervention and management. Maegan currently runs the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group and utilizes a person-centered approach.

Amy Golemis

Art Therapist

Combing her art background of 20 years and her own recovery experience, she strives to help clients increase self-esteem, self-awareness and a feeling of success in artistic expression. With a focus on helping a person practice introspection and healthy coping skills, Amy believes creative expression is a skill that can benefit those in recovery for the rest of their lives.

While uncovering the many layers of trauma and change that led to her own addiction she has discovered a need and passion to share her experience, strength and hope with others. She is thrilled to work alongside individuals with the same dedication to being a part of the recovery solution here at Northern Illinois Recovery Center.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids, art, design, and all things DIY from cooking, gardening, remodeling & crafts.

Erin Fowler

Counselor

Erin Fowler is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Erin received her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education and History from Cornell College. Erin received her CADC education from Elgin Community College. Erin is currently attending George Williams College for her Masters in Social Work and will graduate in August 2020. Erin has worked in the mental health and substance abuse field for the last 14 years. Erin has a variety of experiences working with children, adolescents and adults.

Luciana Lorusso

Primary Therapist

As a Primary Therapist at Northern Illinois Recovery, Luciana runs the Evening Intensive Outpatient Program as well as leads the Shame and Resilience group. Luciana completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a specialty in addiction in 2008 then continued her education to obtain her certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. In 2015, Luciana’s passion grew for the gift of recovery where she began Program Development and built the Addiction Recovery Track curriculum for multiple recovery locations. Luciana has worked in many levels of care; Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization Programs, and Intensive Outpatient Programs. After 10 years of experience, Luciana’s preferred therapeutic approach is through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.

Debbie Smith, M.Ed., LCPC

Contract Therapist
Debbie leads 4 groups each week at NIRC. She facilitates DBT Skills, Anger Management, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Stress Management. Debbie earned her Masters in Counseling degree from Loyola University. She has clinical experience working in the behavioral health field in McHenry County for the past 18 years as a therapist and supervisor. She specializes in the treatment of adults and teens with emotion dysregulation that have engaged in high-risk behaviors including, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, aggression, self-injury, substance abuse, and poor decision making. Areas of expertise include personality disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, family and relationship conflicts, stress management, and self esteem.

Gina Lawrence

Contract Therapist
Gina Lawrence is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She currently holds a Masters in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is also a Certified Recovery Support Specialist and Certified WRAP facilitator. Gina has six years of professional experience working with people struggling with mental health and substance use issues. Her experience includes working in community mental health, supervising a clinical team, and private practice. Her therapeutic approach utilizes techniques from CBT, DBT, and Person-Centered.

Jesse Cervantes

Director of Operations

Jesse Cervantes is the Director of Operations at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. He has built strong roots in the Recovery Community throughout the Northern Illinois area. After overcoming a long strenuous battle with addiction himself, he found a passion for helping others and has dedicated his life to giving back to those in recovery. Jesse oversees the Residential Program and works vigorously with the Clinical Director to ensure successful operation of the programs offered at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. Jesse’s goal is to provide support to clients while they begin their journey into a new way of life. He is excited to be part of our clients’ discovery of themselves and all they can do throughout their treatment. In Jesse’s free time, he enjoys spoiling his niece Violet, photography, and living his best life.

Charles Sullivan

Director of Admissions

As the Director of Admissions for Northern Illinois Recovery, Charlie Sullivan works alongside the clinical, intake, and medical teams. He is the first voice and face to meet incoming clients. Charlie ensures that each client has a smooth transition from their initial phone call to getting settled in their house. He is also a resource for clients to utilize throughout their stay.

Charlie also works with billing and insurance companies to determine initial benefits verification and assists families in navigating the often-challenging financial details. He is an integral part of the entire admissions and intake process.

Through his personal recovery, Charlie has found his true passion lies in helping others on their road to recovery. His highly-developed people skills help clients feel at ease the moment they step through the doors at Northern Illinois Recovery.

Michael Laurenzo

Admissions Coordinator

As the Admissions Coordinator for Northern Illinois Recovery, Michael Laurenzo works directly with the clinical & medical teams. He is the first point of contact for new clients, and his job is to make sure that each client has a smooth transition from their initial phone call to their admission date. Additionally, Michael is also a resource for clients to utilize throughout their stay, because not only is he in recovery, but he also came through our program himself. In his free time, Michael enjoys hanging out with his Son, watching & playing sports, and traveling.

Francesa Casillas

Medical Coordinator

Throughout nine years, Francesca has dedicated her time and service to the recovery community throughout different organizations while obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Due to Francesca’s personal experiences, she has an undying dedication to helping individuals overcome mental illness and addiction. She is happy to be working at Northern Illinois Recovery with a team of individuals that have the same dedication to changing the lives of others. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, spending time with her dogs, and participating in social and political activism.

Michelle Djus, CADC

Case Manager

Michelle Djus works as a case manager for Northern IL Recovery Center. Michelle currently holds her CADC and has worked in the substance abuse field for over 3 years. Michelle is dedicated to helping others achieve sobriety. She is an active member of the recovery community and has overcome her own struggles using the resources and support available in the local area. Michelle is currently enrolled at Aurora University and plans to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree of Social Work in the spring of 2020. Michelle is an advocate for self-care, healthy boundaries, and life balance. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and doggies, reading fantasy novels, and taking camping trips. Michelle is excited to be a member of the NIRC team and believes that the program they offer helps lay a solid foundation for clients to build the life they dream of having.

Joshua Rich

Case Manager
Joshua Rich is a Case Manager at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. Joshua has over 2 years of experience working in the substance abuse field. With his work experiences and his own journey in recovery, Joshua is dedicated to helping everyone he works with the best opportunity to maintain long term sobriety. Joshua has experienced freedom from his own addiction from working the 12 Steps and applying them to his life daily. That passion shows in his work here at Northern Illinois Recovery Center in working to meeting the client’s case management needs and running a 12-step focused group weekly to help the clients understand the 12 steps and apply them to their life effectively. When Joshua is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, volunteering in a prison ministry and going to school to complete his Masters in Divinity at Midwestern Theological Baptist Seminary.

Nick Knab

Case Manager
Nick Knab works as a Case Manager here at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. With first-hand experience in the battle against substance use disorder recovery, helping others who suffer from the condition has become his biggest passion. Nick has spent the last 3 years working in the field in Crystal Lake and has extensive training as a Recovery Coach. Nick works diligently each and every day to share with our clients the experience, strength, and hope in sobriety that has provided him with a life of happiness, fulfillment, and direction. Nick’s favorite part of working at NIRC is being part of a cohesive team that is so utterly dedicated to helping clients live the beautiful lives that they deserve. In his free time, Nick enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.