Our Compassionate Service Providers

 

Sara Lemke, MA, LCPC, CADC

CEO/Practice Owner/Founder

Practices in Woodstock and Crystal Lake

Sara is Revival Therapy’s founder. She decided in 2020 with the pandemic coupled by social and political unrest that there was a great need for more mental health services in her community.

She decided to leap and start her own counseling practice, Revival Therapy. With over 25 years of experience in the behavioral health industry, Sara is able to provide competent treatment for a multitude of issues that often bring individuals to therapy.

She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, as well as, being professionally trained in DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Her areas of expertise are: depression, anxiety, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, substance abuse issues, personality disorders, grief, divorce, PTSD, co-dependency, narcissistic abuse recovery, chronic pain and illness and life adjustments/transitions.

 
Sara Lemke, MA, LCPC, CADC, CEO, practice owner, and founder of Revival Therapy

Sara’s undergraduate education is in child development. Therefore, she not only works with adults, but children as young as age 5. She has a special passion for working with teens and their families. True to Revival’s mission and vision, Sara believes in authentic connections and compassionate care. Working collaboratively, Sara helps clients to build upon their strengths, tap into their resilience and find new ways to face challenges. Ultimately, leading others to a revived life of contentment, peace and purpose.

Jackie Barth, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

Practices in Crystal Lake

As a Licensed Social Worker with near a decade of experience in the social service and mental health industry, Jackie has an intimate understanding of how reaching out for therapy and being vulnerable can be a challenging and even an intimidating experience. Jackie’s goal is to create a safe and comfortable space that is free of judgement and where one can be their true, authentic self. She believes that every person can reclaim their positive sense of self and discover their own potential through inner work.

Jackie’s experience is vast ranging from adult and juvenile community mental health to working in residential treatment settings. She can provide competent treatment for children as young as age 5, teens, adults, and couples for a vast number of issues that often bring people to therapy. Her areas of expertise are: anxiety, depression, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, chronic pain/illness, grief, life adjustments/transitions, substance use disorders, PTSD, and narcissistic abuse recovery. Furthermore, Jackie utilizes a number of evidence-based techniques such as: cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction in her practice. Although Jackie loves working with adults, she has a special passion for working with teens and children whose mental health is impacting their schooling.

Jackie Barth, LCSW, clinical supervisor at Revival Therapy

Jackie believes that every client deserves to live a full, satisfying, and meaningful life revived from the pain that initially brought them to therapy. Working collaboratively, Jackie helps clients build upon their strengths and discover new ways to face life’s challenges. She is eager to be with you on your journey of beginning your revival.

Gillian Haygood, LPC

Accepting New Clients

Practices in West Dundee, starting 6-16-25

As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty-five years in the child welfare and behavioral health industry, Gillian has received extensive training in the impact of trauma. As a result, she has served as an expert trainer on this subject matter. Gillian recognizes that when one is impacted by trauma, they see the world around them in a different light than those around them. Also, frequently those impacted by trauma do not have an accurate view of themselves, not recognizing the strengths that they have. It is Gillian’s goal to help her clients to gain the accurate perspective of themselves that they have been lacking.

Gillian can provide competent treatment for children as young as 5 years, teens, adults, and couples. Gillian has vast experience and specializes in trauma recovery, grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, marital concerns, alcohol use disorder, life adjustments/ transitions, generalized stress, bipolar disorder, and domestic violence.

Gillian’s approach is rooted in evidence-based modalities such as: play therapy for children, positive psychology, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and creative expression. If the client should request, Gillian is also competent in including Christian approaches in therapy.

Gillian’s mission is to help people go from surviving to thriving. Working in collaboration with the client, she views her role as a skilled listener and teacher. Her ambition is to provide an environment where the client experiences unconditional positive regard and hope for emotional healing. As her clients learn new skills for coping and begin to see their internal narrative in a different light, hope and joy become their new mantra. She considers it a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the healing process that brings her clients to a place of experiencing a personal REVIVAL.

Gillian Haygood, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor at Revival Therapy

Macy Lossau, LSW

Accepting New Clients

Practices in Crystal Lake, starting 7-1-25

As a Licensed Social Worker and having experienced the incredibly transformative power of therapy herself, Macy understands how impactful therapy can be. She also acknowledges that making the decision to come to therapy can be challenging, and she commends you for your courage in taking this first step. Macy’s goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, judgment-free zone where you can find and express yourself authentically: the good, the bad, and perhaps the “ugly” included. Knowing that an environment where one can be their authentic self leads to healing and transformation.

Macy can provide competent treatment for teens and adults for a multitude of issues that bring people to therapy. She specializes in treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, co-dependency/people pleasing behavior, stress/life transitions, limited self-esteem, ADHD, grief, toxic relationships and narcissistic abuse recovery. Macy has a particular passion for working with teens and young adults, as well as, people who struggle with traditional “talk therapy” and who may be seeking a flexible and modern approach to psychotherapy.

While Macy has been classically trained and has experience in a variety of evidence-based modalities, she prefers a trauma-informed and person-centered approach that is unique to your needs and preferences. However, Macy is competent in incorporating additional modalities in session, such as but not limited to: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, and expressive therapy.

Macy wants to be alongside you on your journey, wherever that may be, and support you in ways that work for you! She finds this work to be more of a calling than a career. She is excited to be alongside you, fostering a positive, healing relationship and helping you achieve your REVIVAL together!

Rachel Mitchell, LCSW

Practices in Crystal Lake

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field, Rachel understands that starting therapy and being vulnerable can often feel overwhelming. Her goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can comfortably express your authentic self. She believes that everyone has the potential to cultivate their strengths and create a fulfilling life through self-discovery and emotional healing.

Rachel can provide competent treatment for both teens, adults, and couples for a vast number of issues that often bring individuals to therapy. She specializes in working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, co-dependency, relationship and boundary setting challenges, grief, stress, and life transitions. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stressors or confronting deeper issues, Rachel is dedicated to providing the support you need to find clarity and healing. She offers compassionate, individualized care that meets you where you are at without judgement.

Her approach is rooted in evidence-based techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, interpersonal therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Rachel believes in a collaborative process, working closely with her clients to identify practical strategies for healing while recognizing that you are the expert of your own life.

She believes therapy is not just a space to navigate challenges; it’s also an opportunity to grow, heal, and foster personal development. Rachel invites you to take the next step toward positive change, releasing what no longer serves you and creating a balanced, revived life.

Rachel Starke-Mitchell, LCSW, licensed clinical social worker counselor at Revival Therapy

Destinee Dankemeyer, AMFT

Professional Counselor Specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy

Practices in Woodstock and Crystal Lake

As a Marriage and Family Therapist and coming from a blended family herself, Destinee understands the complexity of family systems. She recognizes that each individual and each family has their own unique story and individual differences. As a result, she developed a passion for helping people of all different backgrounds navigate life’s challenges. Destinee approaches therapy with unconditional support and acceptance while guiding individuals to become the best possible versions of themselves.

Destinee can provide competent treatment for teens as young as age 13, young emerging adults, adults, couples, and families for a vast number of issues that bring people to therapy. Her areas of expertise are couples counseling, family counseling, depression, anxiety, ongoing relationship challenges, complex family dynamics, life adjustment/transition issues, codependency, and divorce.

Destinee Dankemeyer, AMFT, a professional counselor specializing in marriage and family therapy at Revival Therapy

Destinee attended Northern Illinois University’s well known and professionally respected Marriage and Family Therapy program and received hundred’s of hours of training in the most up to date and advanced clinical methods. She has been professionally trained and specializes in Bowen Family Systems Theory, Internal Family Systems Theory, Structural Family Therapy, Attachment Theory, and she has completed the second level of Gottman Couples Therapy methodologies.

Furthermore, Destinee believes in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can be their authentic selves and heal. Her goal is to help her clients develop new and healthy communication patterns and revive their life from the unhealed wounds of the past. Destinee describes her work as more of a calling than a career and she is eager to help you begin your revival today.

Julianna Evischi, LSW

Practices in Crystal Lake

Julianna comes to Revival Therapy after 6 years of working for two of the largest behavioral health providers in the Midwest. She is grateful for the counseling experience she gained from working for such dynamic employers, but felt her heart was truly in private practice vs. large organizations. As a Licensed Social Worker, Julianna believes that everyone has a unique story and acknowledges that beginning therapy can feel intimidating and even scary. She values a therapeutic environment built on mutual respect and trust, where one is free to be their authentic self. Further, Julianna believes in therapy that is focused on solutions towards healing while acknowledging that you are the expert of your own journey.

Julianna can provide competent treatment for adults and teens as young as age 13 for a vast number of issues that bring people to therapy. Her areas of expertise are:  anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, narcissistic abuse recovery/toxic relationships, co-dependency, disorder eating, life adjustments/life transitions, chronic stress related issues, and grief.

Julianna Evischi, LSW - Counsellor at Revival Therapy

Further, Julianna specializes in a number of evidence-based techniques, such as, but not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, somatic awareness techniques, SMART recovery, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

Julianna strongly believes that addressing one’s mental health is imperative to their overall well-being and should be approached just as seriously and comprehensively as one’s physical health. After years of counseling individuals, Julianna has witnessed the power of human perseverance. She invites you to take the next step towards reviving your life and releasing the things that no longer serve you.

Megan Williams, LSW

Practices in Crystal Lake

As a Licensed Social Worker, Megan understands that we all experience times where we feel overwhelmed, stuck, struggle with a negative mindset, and need guidance to find new ways to cope. Furthermore, she realizes that we often tend to prioritize our physical health over our mental health, increasing our chances of experiencing the “domino effect”. Megan encourages her clients to look at therapy as a consistent “check-up” purposefully focusing on both their mental health and overall well-being. She describes herself as an active and engaged therapist working closely with her clients to provide guidance, unconditional support and gain insight for dealing with emotional pain. Megan strongly believes in collaboration and works closely with her clients to develop a plan for care that meets their individualized needs.

Megan Williams, LSW, licensed social worker and counselor at Revival Therapy

Megan can provide competent treatment for adults, couples, and teens as young as age 13 for a vast number of issues that bring people to therapy. Her areas of expertise are, depression, anxiety, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, personality disorders, narcissistic abuse recovery, PTSD and trauma, body dysmorphia, self-esteem issues, life transition/adjustment issues, grief, relationship issues, interracial relationship issues, peer relationships, bodybuilding couple issues, infidelity recovery, and suicidality and self-harm. 

Megan utilizes several evidence-based techniques to assist her clients in their recovery, such as mindfulness, expressive therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and SMART goals.

Finally, Megan believes in a compassionate and non-judgmental approach built on trust. She encourages you to take the courageous step towards starting your revival and changing all that is no longer serving you. This is your opportunity for positive change and paving the way for a new you.

Sara Forster, LCSW, CADC

Practices in Crystal Lake

Offering Animal Assisted Therapy with her Certified Therapy Dog, Serj

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Sara has a deep understanding for those in need, who often go unheard and struggle to ask for help. She is committed to helping others find their voice, build upon their skills to live a revived life and allowing individuals the chance to see beyond their mental health struggles. Sara has worked in the McHenry County community for over 5 years advocating, educating, providing resources, and being a part of the day to day lives of those who are struggling.

Sara intimately understands and acknowledges the uncertainty that comes with attending therapy. She wants to be there with you in this first step, understanding that uncertainty and fear can be part of the therapeutic process. She encourages her clients to leap and take the first step afraid, if necessary, knowing that you are not alone.

Sara Forster, LCSW, CADC, providing animal-assisted therapy in Crystal Lake with her certified therapy dog, Serj

Sara can provide competent treatment for both teens and adults for a vast number of issues that often bring individuals to therapy. Her areas of expertise are depression, anxiety, mood disorders such as bi-polar disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, substance use disorders, suicide and self-harm, LGBTQ+, grief, and family systems theory. Sara specializes in a number of evidence-based techniques such as, but not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, and SMART recovery.

Sara’s non-judgmental, creative, and flexible approach allows for a safe environment where one can create their own path to achieve their revival. Sara patiently awaits your arrival to help you start the journey to the life you want to be living.