My career path began at a very young age as a professional performing artist. This path led to being an original cast member in a prevention education touring theatrical ensemble group. As a member of this group, I provided prevention education on matters such as sexual assault, domestic violence, drug abuse, bullying and more. I love and encourage the idea of incorporating creativity in a therapeutic setting to enhance brain health and overall wholistic wellbeing. My certification in emergency medical dispatch, and training in crisis intervention contributes to a level of understanding of the challenges medical professionals, first responders and caregivers often face. As a preschool teacher, I learned quickly the positive impact and benefits of play on early and late childhood development.
A fascination with stages of development, behavior and neuroscience led me to pursue Communication Science and Disorders. I understand how detrimental it is when individuals do not get the support needed. My background in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Communication Science and Disorders contributes to an appropriate therapeutic approach. It provides a fitting tool kit that nurtures lifelong skills and will help with navigating and coping with stressors in life. My journey leading up to this very moment allows me to provide compassionate service to neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. The main goal in therapy is first to ensure and provide a safe secure therapeutic environment that meets your needs. My main therapeutic approach is (CBT) cognitive behavioral therapy. However, I incorporate and draw upon other evidence based approaches to improve the efficacy of treatment. This glimpse, I hope sets the stage for you to feel a little more comfortable in the therapeutic process with me.
“When people start to feel a little more comfortable in the face of uncertainty, their minds start to find freedom by discovering new sources of hope.” -Izzet Parmaksiz
SPECIALIZATION AREAS:
Young Children to Adult (Ages 4 and up)
Gifted and High Ability Learners
Twice-exceptional learners
LGBTQIA
Depression
Anxiety
Autism
ADHD
Social Skills
Self-Esteem
Parent/Child Relationships
Grief/Trauma
Narcissistic abuse recovery
EDUCATION:
B.A. in Arts (Northeastern Illinois University, 2004)
BHS in Communication Science and Disorders (Governors State University, 2013)
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Capella University, 2024)
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
American Counseling Association
American Mental Health Counseling Association
World Council for Gifted and Talented Children
LICENSES
Counselor in Training, (CIT), Missouri
Jana is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor. She is under the clinical supervision of Andrea Schramm, LPC (MO #2013041567).