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, THERAPIST
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
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Jill Talavera, MA, LCPC, CADC, PCGC
Jill is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC). She received her B.A. in Psychology and her M.A. in Human Development Counseling with specialization in addiction from the University of Illinois at Springfield. She is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and one of only a few licensed Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor (PCGC) in Illinois.
She has over 15 years of experience working with adults struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and other life struggles. As the Clinical Director at Living Hope Counseling Center since 2017, she has years of experience supervising counselors. Additionally, she is the primary leader of the Anxiety and Depression care group at West Side Christian Church. Jill and her family are members of Hope Church.
Providing clients with a secure, trusting, and respectful environment to explore struggles, provide feedback, and develop strategies to enhance personal growth and well-being is most important to Jill. She uses a holistic approach to identify how physical, social, spiritual, emotional, and relational issues all impact a person and influence mental health. She also utilizes client centered, cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches with her clients while including faith and Bible teachings if desired.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 205
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 Reprogramming) Therapy and has used it working with trauma related issues. She also works in areas related to spiritual formation.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 203
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Katie Jasmon, MA, LCPC
Katie Jasmon has experience as a therapist in individual and group settings since 2018. She received her BA in Psychology from Benedictine University at Springfield and MA in Human Developmental Counseling from University of Illinois at Springfield. Katie has worked with children and adults in outpatient and partial inpatient settings. Katie has a passion for counseling individuals who struggle with ADHD, adjustment disorder, anger, anxiety, codependency, depression, grief, PTSD and other trauma related disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and overall life stressors. Katie has a wide range of experience so she can provide education and understanding to her clients.
Katie utilizes person centered, cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches based upon the needs of the client. Katie enjoys processing with her clients while creating a safe environment for a client to explore their needs for creating a happy life. Katie believes that establishing rapport and trust is crucial for a therapeutic relationship. Katie encourages her clients to be their true selves throughout the counseling journey and enjoys seeing clients utilize their strengths.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 201
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 PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Susan Gallagher, MA, LPC
Susan Gallagher is a Licensed 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). 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
Christopher Stevens, MA, LPC
Christopher received his B.A. Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Springfield and earned his M.A. Degree in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield. Christopher counsels both adolescent and adult individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. Christopher strives to create a safe and trusting therapeutic environment where clients can be heard and supported.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 206
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Melissa Blankenship, MA, LPC
Melissa Blankenship is Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor who has been working with individuals both in individual and group sessions. Melissa received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan for the past seven years with her experience in outpatient behavioral health settings. Melissa is experienced in providing counseling services to individuals who face difficulty with Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorders, Grief, Trauma Related Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Personality Disorders, and ADHD. Melissa’s therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. She is trained in Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing. Melissa approaches therapy looking at a person holistically to identify areas that impact a person’s mental health the eight dimensions of wellness to promote growth and recovery.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 209
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Ian Cox, MA, LCPC
Ian Cox is a licensed clinical professional counselor. He received his BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling at Lincoln Christian University. Ian has experience in providing individual, family, and group counseling to all age groups across the life span.
Ian aims to always provide a safe, comfortable environment to develop a strong judgement-free therapeutic relationship with his clients. Approaching the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - to foster personal growth and healing is vital to Ian. His methods include person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and Commitment therapy, family systems, mindfulness and trauma informed therapies, and solution focused approaches. With a theology-based education and a history of church servitude, Ian is also able to provide faith-based counseling if a client desires.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 208
COUNSELING INTERN
Kristin Toranzo, BS
Kristin is a bilingual (English and Spanish) counseling intern. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. Kristin is currently earning her MA degree in Counseling from Lincoln Christian University. She works with children, teens and adults 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 and seeks to incorporate these factors into counseling. She also includes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy in her sessions, along with the integration faith and spirituality when desired.
P: (217) 698-7150 ext. 207
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
BILLING/INSURANCE 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
Tori Slater
Tori has 10 years of office experience. She is a very motivated and organized individual. In her free time, she loves to play video games, read, and eat delicious food. Her favorite color is pink, and she enjoys her Starbucks runs.
Tori’s favorite thing about working at Living Hope is how her coworkers feel more like a family than coworkers. She feels a deep appreciation and admiration for her peers and always fills the office with laughter.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors contributes a diverse background to the operation and ongoing success of Living Hope Counseling Center. Board members are volunteers and are responsible for overseeing the organization's activities and contribute to the organization's mission, strategy and goals. The current Board of Directors are listed below.
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Linsay Gordon (2020)
PRESIDENT
Regional Account Manager
Tapestry Health
Springfield, Illinois -
Andrea Hester, BS, MBA (2021)
VICE PRESIDENT
Director of Operations
Clearfire, Inc.
Springfield, Illinois -
TREASURER
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Carla Powers (2022)
SECRETARY
Full Time Grandma
Springfield, Illinois
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Michele Buyan (2021)
Owner, Chairman of the Board
Bemco Mattress, Inc.
Springfield, Illinois -
Marin Lowder (2021)
National Field Trainer
Neurocrine Biosciences
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 -
Donna Reeves (2023)
Director of Community Engagement
Central Counties Health Centers
Springfield, Illinois -
Nathan Hall (2024)
Director, Business Operations
Springfield Clinic
Springfield, Illinois