Find Your Therapist | Specialist
Christina Poe
Therapist, LCSW
With over 25 years of experience in counseling and social services, I specialize in providing compassionate support to individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges. I hold a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois, focusing on advanced clinical practice, and I am dedicated to helping clients achieve emotional and mental well-being.
My approach integrates evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques, all tailored to each client’s unique needs. I assist clients facing relationship challenges, depression, trauma, and stress, with specialized support for individuals with disabilities and those involved in child welfare services.
With over 19 years of marriage, I bring personal and professional insights to my work with couples, focusing on rebuilding trust, enhancing communication, and fostering strong connections. I also offer faith-based counseling for clients wishing to integrate their spiritual beliefs into their healing journey.
In addition to my therapy practice, I am a published author and educator with a passion for advocacy and holistic well-being. I strive to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space for all clients.
Let’s work together to find your path to healing and growth. My ideal clients are motivated individuals seeking clarity, emotional healing, and healthier relationships. If you’re ready to break free from negative patterns and build a fulfilling life, I’m here to support you on your journey.
Sheronda Smith-Williams
Therapist, LSW
Sheronda Smith-Williams is a devoted counselor, social worker, and servant leader with a lifelong passion for empowering individuals, families, and communities. Born in Boston and raised in Champaign, Illinois, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
For more than two decades, Sheronda has dedicated her career to supporting youth and families through both community-based and school-based roles. As a school social worker at Garden Hills Academy, she advocates for students and their families, helping them develop the social-emotional skills and support systems needed to thrive academically and personally. She also serves as program coordinator at the Urbana Neighborhood Connection Center, where she leads initiatives such as the College and Career Program and the Summer Youth Employment Program, providing young people with tools to build brighter futures.
Guided by her deep faith and commitment to service, Sheronda has been actively involved in her church for over 37 years, serving as Sunday School Superintendent. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she upholds the values of sisterhood, service, and excellence in every area of her life. Known for her compassion, leadership, and resilience, Sheronda is passionate about walking alongside people in their journeys, helping them discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their fullest potential.
Dr. Candace Gwin
Director of Educational Programs, Ph.D.
Dr. Candace Gwin is an educator, curriculum designer, and literacy specialist with over two decades of experience supporting diverse learners across K–12 and higher education. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction and multiple advanced degrees in literacy and educational leadership. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, college professor, and digital learning support specialist, consistently integrating research-based practices with practical strategies that meet students and professionals where they are.
Candace brings her expertise in curriculum development, assessment, and instructional design to her collaboration with TLC Therapy Solutions, where she works alongside social workers and therapists to create engaging, effective, and trauma-informed educational resources. Her passion lies in building learning experiences that not only strengthen skills but also empower individuals to connect, heal, and thrive.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Candace is a writer, speaker, and mentor dedicated to helping others discover innovative pathways for growth. Her approach blends creativity, evidence-based practice, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education and therapy working hand-in-hand.
Dr. Wamaitha Sullivan
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
With over 30 years of community and nursing experience across hospital, clinic, and community settings, I am deeply committed to serving others through compassionate, holistic care. My philosophy centers on caring for the whole person with compassion, connection, and respect, meeting each individual where they are, and supporting them in reaching their fullest potential.
I believe wellness begins with education, trust, and addressing the root causes of illness. My integrated approach bridges physical and emotional health to promote balance and lasting healing.
I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and maintain dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My practice includes the treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress, while also providing preventive health, chronic disease management, women’s health, and care for children, adolescents, and older adults.
For more than a decade, I have served at The Free Love Clinic, where our compassionate team provides free, integrative care that unites physical and emotional wellness through prevention, empowerment, and compassion. My practice draws upon spirituality, prayer, mindfulness, meditation, and lifestyle approaches to healing.
Rooted in the belief that community is central to wellness, I strive to build environments that embrace collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and holistic support—empowering every individual to live well in body, mind, and spirit.
Carolyn “Nicole” Johnson
Therapist, LSW
With over 20 years of experience as a licensed social worker, specializing in mental health, child welfare, addiction, aging, and special education, I help individuals and families heal, grow, and thrive through compassionate, trauma-informed care. I'm dedicated to supporting children, adults, the elderly, families, and communities through empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practice.
My work focuses on empowering clients to recognize their strengths, navigate life’s challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change. With experience across mental health, child welfare, addiction recovery, special education, and aging within the elderly population, I provide therapy and support for individuals facing mild to profound mental health challenges, developmental delays, substance use or addiction concerns, and the unique cognitive, emotional, and social transitions that come with aging. My approach integrates trauma-informed, strengths-based, and solution-focused frameworks, along with techniques from motivational interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-I).
I strive to create a safe, collaborative environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether working with children, veterans, couples, parents, older adults, or groups, my goal is to promote healing, growth, and resilience through trust and connection. In addition to therapy, I offer psychoeducation, advocacy, coaching, parenting support, and adoption support for all families—with a special focus on multiracial adoptive families navigating identity, belonging, and attachment.
I also provide guidance and advocacy for families and children involved in special education, helping them understand their rights and access the resources needed for success. My practice is rooted in respect for each client’s unique story and the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal and thrive. I believe that recovery and wellness are lifelong journeys—and that with the right support, every person can move toward greater well-being, self-understanding, and fulfillment.
Candace Godbolt
Therapist, LCSW
Candace Godbolt is a dedicated clinical social worker and professional counselor specializing in providing an empathetic therapeutic approach in the following core disciplines: mental health, individual, marriage and family, and grief counseling services. She spent the first 15 years of her professional career working in various forms of research in both corporate and academic settings before finding her true niche and transitioning to social services.
Candace has a Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in mental health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has extensive experience working with culturally diverse populations in homeless and domestic violence shelters, various governmental housing programs, and in rehabilitation counseling for the severely disabled community. She utilizes a variety of therapy interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and motivational interviewing to empower the client to set goals, overcome barriers and emotional conflicts, and develop positive coping strategies.
Candace has an adult son who is autistic and severely developmentally disabled. She has developed personal expertise in helping caregivers to overcome stress, anxiety, guilt/shame, and feelings of social isolation. She can also provide Christian counseling, which incorporates biblical precepts in a therapeutic setting. She provides empathetic support and guidance to promote overall well-being.
Dr. Carileigh Jones
Sociologist, Ph.D.
Dr. Carileigh Jones is a sociologist and mentor dedicated to supporting adolescents and families, especially those navigating trauma and limited resources. She earned her PhD in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she studied resilience, social systems, and the structures that impact youth opportunities.
Carileigh has extensive experience counseling young people, leading community-based research on violence prevention, and designing trauma-informed programs that strengthen families and communities. She has worked closely with schools, non-profits, and faith-based organizations to create spaces where youth feel safe, valued, and empowered.
Grounded in her Christian faith, she approaches therapy with compassion, patience, and a holistic perspective. She believes healing is possible through relationships, faith, and practical support. She is committed to helping adolescents and families recognize their God-given worth and potential.
