Therapists / Clinical Team
Amber Meeke, LCSW CADC
Amber is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addictions Counselor. She strives to create an environment that promotes trust, safety, and honest communication. Amber understands that reaching out for help is a big step and can often be overwhelming, especially when dealing with uncomfortable feelings and challenging moments in one’s life. She begins her work from a space that recognizes the uniqueness of each person who comes into the office- acknowledging that everyone is looking to heal, grow, and improve their abilities to respond to internal and external stressors.
Beginning from a space of nonjudgmental acceptance allows the collaboration between Amber and her clients to develop with a foundation rooted in reverence and integrity. Amber is experienced in the cultivation and maintenance of effective care for those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, transitional issues, grief, substance abuse, and adjustment challenges. Amber strives to navigate each day demonstrating kindness, honesty, and respect for every person she is given the opportunity to meet.
In addition to working as a therapist, she serves as an adjunct professor, teaching future social services and addiction counselors more about the history of substance abuse treatment and how to provide clinical support for people living with substance use disorders. Throughout her career in social work, she has helped folks struggling with active addictions navigate the path through recovery, facilitated group work for those living with substance use or mental health challenges, and has also worked as a case manager for folks navigating life post hospitalization for severe mental health challenges.
Amber earned her master’s degree in social work, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) credentialing, and a Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorder Professionals (CODP) Certification from Aurora University.
Daniel Garcia , LPC
Finding your way through tumultuous moments can feel like a daunting task and an uphill battle. It can be a lonely experience to hurt and feel misunderstood. When your journey becomes difficult and the world starts to feel a little colder, I would like to help. Though at times it may be difficult to see, everyone has the capacity to live a meaningful and rewarding life, which is truly remarkable and beautiful.
Taking the first step and finding a therapist can be an intimidating process, and there’s a lot to consider. I hope I can address some of those concerns. I have a master’s degree in community counseling psychology from Loyola University and my clinical experience has allowed me to work with, and alongside individuals struggling with a multitude of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. I use REBT and CBT in my approach to therapy. By focusing on cognitive-behavioral aspects of therapy we can discover ways to resolve intrapersonal disturbance and interact in the world in a more adaptive and goal-oriented manner. I respect that your story is uniquely yours and yours to tell, as such, I also include elements from narrative therapy and existential therapy.
You are getting ready to embark on a wonderful endeavor through the exploration of the self. Therapy can be scary. Therapy asks you to be vulnerable and trust the person that is sitting across from you while you confront painful events and memories in your life, and that takes a monumental amount of strength. As you make a thoughtful choice in deciding on the therapist you entrust with your care, it would be my privilege to be that person."
McKenna Noyes, LCPC
McKenna Noyes is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She graduated with her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University in 2019. Throughout her life, McKenna has been aware of the challenges people face and she has experienced her own struggles. She found that being the light of hope and support for her family and friends was something she could do for a career. McKenna has learned about herself and the things she wants to be for others based on what she wants others to be for her. Now, with her education and understanding, she can utilize her skills to help people through their journey. McKenna utilizes person-centered therapy, trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and art therapy techniques. In a clinical setting, she has provided skills to aid anything from anxiety to psychosis. McKenna is adaptable and will provide an integrated approach to work best for each client. She strives to help individuals develop useful strategies for coping with life. With McKenna’s vast experience and knowledge base, working together with her could be helpful for any part of your life’s journey.
Amber Brennan, MSW
Amber Brennan is a Social Worker. Amber is a graduate of Aurora University with a Masters degree in Social Work with special concentration in School Social Work. The helping profession is a personal journey for Amber as she chose to pursue a career based on a desire to give back to individuals who may have shared similar struggles. Amber has worked with a variety of clients throughout her career and remains adaptable with therapy techniques. Some of her theoretical focuses are solution focused therapy, trauma informed therapy, play therapy, client centered, and focusing on meeting the needs of the client. Amber is flexible and willing to learn and adapt with the client’s wants and needs for them to gain the most out of their therapeutic journey. She strives to make each session fit with what the client needs while also creating a therapeutic alliance so they can feel supported in their journey to healing. Amber hopes to grow along with the client as they work together to navigate through this new chapter.
Jason Sterwerf, MS, LCPC
Jason is a Clinical Counselor and the Founder / Clinical Director of Landmark Therapy, LLC.
Jason brings his personal authenticity and a calm integrity to his work, which allows clients to feel more at ease and encouraged to work with him in therapy. A strong attenuation to the dynamic between people makes him uniquely suited to provide counseling on couple’s issues, men’s issues, and adolescent issues. In addition to 10+ years of clinical experience, he brings a breadth of skills from his personal experiences as a husband and father of seven.
Jason provides direct services that treat or address issues related to anxiety/panic and stress, adolescence, blended/stepfamilies, the child welfare system, adoption, substance use treatment, and the impact of the criminal justice system. His vast number of connections in the community allows him to introduce clients to additional resources as needed.
In addition to his practice, he is building a program as the Social Service Coordinator for the McHenry Police Department to improve law enforcement responses to mental health and substance use disorders. He has developed a passion for working clinically with First Responders and Veterans.
Prior to his current endeavors, Jason was the Director of the Office of Special Projects for the 22nd Judicial circuit in Woodstock, IL, where he was responsible for Adult Drug, Mental Health, Veterans, and DUI Courts. His program was awarded over $2MM in grant funding to implement programs, improve treatment outcomes for participants, conduct testing for transmittable diseases, assist with housing options, and reunification of family members.
The Specialty Courts in McHenry County were also selected to be one of ten mentor courts for the National Drug Court Institute in the U.S. to teach best practices and how to effectively manage treatment programs.
Jason earned his M.S. in Community Counseling (now M.S. Counseling: Illinois) from National Louis University.