Our Staff
Get matched with the counselor that best suits your needs.
Counselors
Living Hope helps people regardless of their ethnicity, faith background or beliefs. We don’t “push religion” on anyone. However, Living Hope is a Christian organization; our counselors are all active Christians. Learn more about our beliefs on our About Us page.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Glynnis Shryock, MA, LCPC
Glynnis received her B.A. Degree in Communications/English from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri and her M.A. Degree in Counseling Ministry from Lincoln Christian University. She has been employed in Christian ministry for 35 years. Glynnis specializes in anxiety and depression disorders, co-dependency, assertiveness and boundaries, emotionally destructive relationships, grief and loss issues, spiritual formation, divorce adjustment and stress management. Glynnis counsels adult individuals ages 21 and up. (No couples or marriage counseling).
Therapies offered include cognitive behavioral therapy, assertiveness training, strength-based counseling, brief solution-based counseling, and holistic stress management. Additionally, Glynnis consults as a speaker at local churches, workshops and conferences sharing on issues of emotional health and spiritual life.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 200
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Roberta Mangano, MA, MSW, LCPC
Roberta received her M.S. from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota and her M.S.W. from the University of Kentucky. Roberta has been involved in counseling within the church for over 15 years. She has experience working with men and women individually, couples and adult families. She has been trained in John Gottman’s Evidence Based Marital Therapy. She has also been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy and has used it working with trauma related issues. She also works in areas related to spiritual formation.
No Longer Accepting New Clients
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 203
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Sarah Zenk, MS, ALMFT
Sarah received her M.S. Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling Therapy from Capella University. Sarah works with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, communication issues, infidelity, emotional abuse, ADHD, blended family issues, divorce and separation, and grief and loss. Sarah counsels couples, families, and individuals ages 12 and up. She also provides group therapy.
Sarah approaches therapy from a systems perspective that evaluates how people are impacted by the systems in which they are embedded (e.g., family, school, work environment, religion, and culture). Therapies offered include Gottman, narrative , contextual, emotionally-focused, solution-focused brief therapy, intergenerational, experiential, collaborative, and MRI brief therapy. Sarah has been involved in Christian ministry for 15 years and she is the Care Groups Coordinator at Hope Church.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 210
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Susan Gallagher, MA, LCPC, NCC
Susan Gallagher is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She received her BA and MA in history from the University of Illinois Springfield, her MLIS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and her MA in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield. Susan is also a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS) and EMDR-trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She has experience with individual and group counseling of adults with drug and alcohol addictions, anxiety, depression, and grief.
Her approach is client centered utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing while providing a confidential, safe, and judgement free environment for her clients.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 202
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Nancy Merlo, MSW, LCSW
Nancy is a Spanish speaking, bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Concordia University - River Forest, and her Master of Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois - Chicago. With over 10 years in community advocacy and mental health, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults. Nancy has served families as an adolescent youth director in the church, has reunified families in DCFS, and has practiced as a community mental health therapist.
Nancy strives to provide individuals and families with a safe and trusting therapeutic environment, allowing each client to address their needs at a comfortable pace. Her approach to therapy incorporates a client centered and systems theory approach, recognizing the needs and strengths of the individual and family system. Nancy has experience working with individuals and families on stress management, depression and anxiety disorders, anger management, behavioral and conduct disorders, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other trauma
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 204
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
ADAM WHITFORD, MA, LPC
Adam Whitford is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin Platteville, and earned his Master’s Degree in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield.
Adam has been providing individual, group, family, and telehealth therapy since 2016. He has experience working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, at-risk behaviors, and clients who need guidance with wellness. Adam strives to create a safe and trusting therapeutic environment where clients can be heard and supported.
Adam utilizes therapeutic interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Gestalt therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Adam incorporates a holistic approach in therapy and provides faith-based counseling by the request of the client.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 208
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
KRISTI VEACH, MA, LCPC
Kristi is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She received her B.S. in Psychology and Sociology from Illinois College and her M.A. in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield. She has experience in providing individual, family, and group counseling to all age groups across the life span. Kristi has experience working within outpatient treatment settings, as well as experience in a school setting.
Kristi utilizes a person-centered approach utilizing play therapy, trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches based upon the needs of the client. Her goal is to provide clients with a safe and comfortable space to process their feelings and experiences by promoting empathy and respect. Supporting clients by offering unconditional positive regard is most important to Kristi in the counseling relationship. She has experience working with children and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, anger management, behavioral disorders, grief, trauma, and other life struggles.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 206
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Kristin Toranzo, MA, LPC
Kristin is a bilingual (English and Spanish) counselor. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO and her Master of Arts in Counseling from Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, IL. Kristin works with people struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma related disorders. She seeks to provide a warm and trusting environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. Kristin considers how physical, spiritual, psychological, and social issues all affect the mental health of an individual. Kristin utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as well as techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Person-Centered Therapy in her sessions, along with the integration of faith and spirituality when desired.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 207
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Lindsey Rahe, MA, LCPC, NCC
Lindsey is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate mental health including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and behavior disorders. With a BA in Exercise Science and MA in Community Counseling from Missouri Valley College, she views mental health as integrating the mind, body, and spirit.
Over the last seven years, Lindsey has supported clients across the lifespan, specializing in life stressors and behavioral challenges. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, person centered approach, and solution focused brief therapy to meet clients' unique needs. Her goal is to provide a space to encourage individuals to find healing and take intentional steps towards purpose and growth.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 213
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Rebekah Theilen, MA, LPC
Rebekah received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. After many years of being a stay-at-home mom to her kids, she returned to school to receive her Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois-Springfield.
As a Christian Rebekah believes in bringing Christ’s healing lovingkindness and presence into the therapy room. She believes that therapy works best when clients can have a compassionate view of their situation while also having a willingness and commitment for growth and change. Special therapy interests include couples and groups, cycle tracking in premenopausal women, fostering and supporting sexual wholeness in women and men, as well as incorporating somatic techniques into traditional therapy for treating emotional pain, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Rebekah has completed Levels 1 & 2 in Gottman Method couples therapy training. She is currently working toward certification to become an integrative somatic practitioner.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 201
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Krista Bivens, MA, LPC
Krista is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois Springfield and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She works with adolescents (ages 13+) and adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, and adjustment-related stress. With a special passion for supporting teens and young adults, Krista strives to create a space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they work through life’s challenges and build greater confidence, resilience, and emotional wellness.
Krista’s approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. She draws from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and attachment-based interventions. In addition to traditional talk therapy, Krista incorporates creative and expressive modalities, somatic strategies, and clients’ personal interests to support emotional processing, self-discovery, and healing. She values authenticity, empathy, and trust in the therapeutic relationship, and when desired by the client, thoughtfully integrates spirituality and faith into the counseling process.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 209
COUNSELING INTERN
Lyndsey Pliska, MSW
Lyndsey received her Bachelor of Science degree in Intercultural Studies with an emphasis in English as a Second Language (ESL) from Johnson University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Liberty University. Prior to entering the counseling field, she spent several years working in education and nonprofit settings, teaching English as a Second Language and serving refugees, immigrants, and diverse populations.
Lyndsey works with children, adolescents, adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment-related concerns, life transitions, and emotional regulation difficulties. In addition to her outpatient counseling work, she serves part-time as a therapist and group facilitator at a residential recovery center, supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and recovery. She has a special passion for supporting foster and adoptive families, individuals impacted by trauma, and those seeking healing from difficult life experiences. As a newly licensed foster parent, Lyndsey is passionate about helping children and caregivers build healthy, secure relationships and strengthen family connections.
Lyndsey strives to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, discover their strengths, and move toward lasting growth and healing. Her approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based.
Lyndsey incorporates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and attachment-based interventions. She has a particular interest in the mind-body connection and utilizes nervous system regulation strategies informed by Polyvagal Theory, mindfulness, and somatic approaches to help clients better understand and respond to stress, anxiety, and trauma. When desired by the client, Lyndsey also welcomes the integration of faith and spirituality into the counseling process.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 212
Administrative Staff
BUSINESS MANAGER
Kathy Hutchins
Kathy has a BA in Biology/Secondary Education from Augustana College, a Master of Divinity from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is an ordained minister in the American Baptist Churches, USA. She has 40 plus years of ministry and leadership experience. In her spare time, Kathy enjoys reading, writing, cooking, college basketball and NFL football.
Kathy finds Living Hope’s mission and vision of providing professional counseling from a faith-based perspective to all people regardless of financial circumstances, ethnicity or faith background to be an option that is greatly needed in our community. She hopes to help LHCC continue and to grow in fulfilling this mission.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 101
INSURANCE/BILLING SPECIALIST
Cindy Warren
Cindy has 20 plus years of office experience and a B.S. in Organizational Leadership. She is a mother to 6 children and calls her family The Brady Brunch. She loves spending time with her family and friends, seeing concerts and attending her children’s events. She also enjoys running and spending time outdoors with her husband.
Cindy loves Living Hope because her coworkers feel like family, and she has made friendships that will remain with her for many years to come. She is dedicated and personable and lights up the office with her smile.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Kristen Wenneborg
Kristen was born and raised in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. She has three associate degrees: General Studies, Pastoral Leadership, and Media and Communication. Kristen spends most of her time at home with her 4 pets and adoring husband. She loves to write books, poetry, and whatever flows out of her brain onto the page.
Kristen enjoys working at Living Hope and plans to stay for a long time. She loves the familial atmosphere and the friendships she has made in the office. She always hopes to bring a smile to everyone she meets and desires to create a warm and loving atmosphere as the point of contact in the front office.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Karen Kelly
Karen was born in Florida into a large family and moved to Illinois when she was 7 years old. She has since married her best friend and is raising one of her two grandsons who definitely keeps her on her toes. She is a free spirit and loves spending time with her family and her dog.
Karen feels blessed to have found a place to work that is as welcoming as Living Hope. She loves that she is able to feel at home at the office and is free to walk in her faith openly. Karen is encouraged by the passion her coworkers have for other people and the familial environment. She hopes to work for Living Hope for a long time and serve her community as best she can.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
-
Linsay Gordon (2020)
PRESIDENT
Regional Account Manager
Tapestry Health
Springfield, Illinois -
Marin Lowder (2021)
VICE PRESIDENT
National Field Trainer
Neurocrine Biosciences
Springfield, Illinois -
Carla Powers (2022)
SECRETARY
Full Time Grandma
Springfield, Illinois -
Michele Buyan (2021)
Owner, Chairman of the Board
Bemco Mattress, Inc.
Springfield, Illinois -
Jennifer Sergent, MA, CADC (2023)
State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Springfield, Illinois -
Courtney Wood, MA (2023)
Public Service Administrator
State of Illinois Bureau of Behavioral Health
Springfield, Illinois -
Heather Kaylor (2025)
CpHT Billing Specialist
HealthDIrect
Springfield, Illinois