We offer individual counseling, family counseling, and group therapy during which a variety of different approaches is used. Mindfulness, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT, DBT), Art Therapy, yoga, interactive games and role-plays, field trips, and meditation practice are some of the tools that are used in the outpatient treatment.
A Bridge Back counselors and staff come to work to make a difference in their patients’ lives, taking each individual as a whole and complete person and designing a treatment plan in order to aid them in achieving their goals of recovery from an addiction and address their mental health issues.
I’m Alissa, I am pursuing my career as a CADC at Oakton Community College. I have a passion for helping people. I embarked on my own recovery journey over 2 years ago. I am looking forward to utilizing both my personal experience and my training to help others. I am very passionate about recovery, mental health, and self-care. In my spare time, I like to read, spend time with my family, and when I can I like to travel.
Katya Shcherbakova, Clinical Supervisor
I’m a therapist who specializes in working with a wide age range of clients, from adolescents to adults up to the age of 65. My therapeutic approach is rooted in complexity, recognizing that each person’s journey is unique and multifaceted. As an immigrant, I understand the difficulties of figuring who you are is complex and influenced by culture, family structure, and generational trauma.
I am passionate about helping my clients thrive and embark on a path of personal growth. I enjoy working with adult clients who are ready to gain insight into their lives, behaviors, and patterns. I firmly believe in our capacity for self-healing, and through a collaborative approach, we can unlock powerful insights and achieve personal growth. My therapeutic style is direct, yet warm and compassionate. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can begin their therapeutic journey.
Drawing from my training in EMDR, I am currently working towards my certification in this transformative modality. I have found it extremely helpful in moving clients out of a place of feeling stuck. In addition to EMDR, I integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices into my sessions. These evidence-based approaches provide practical tools for challenging negative thoughts, fostering self-awareness, and cultivating healthier coping strategies.
I find meaning in working with individuals grappling with substance abuse, eating disorders, mood disorders, OCD, trauma, and toxic relationships with self and others. I am dedicated to supporting my clients as they uncover their inner strength and develop the skills needed to lead fulfilling and authentic lives.
I am an animal lover, involved with one-tail-at-a-time (OTAT), enjoy living in the city, cooking, and live music.
Amanda Patino, Schedule Coordinator
My name is Amanda and I have a passion for helping others and spreading love and light. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and a good thrifting haul. I’m proud to be supporting the mission here at A Bridge Back!
Alina Gorodnia, Counseling Intern
I’m Alina, a passionate counseling intern dedicated to fostering mental wellness and growth. As I pursue my training, I aspire to create a supportive space where individuals can explore their emotions, navigate challenges, and embark on a journey toward healing and self-discovery. I am fluent in English, Russian, and Ukrainian.
Maritza Rosales, Case Manager
I’m proud to say I’m a Spanish-speaking case manager offering assistance at A Bridge Back! I am currently studying at the University of Lake Forest College, in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Mental health matters greatly to me because every individual deserves to be seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their challenges. I am committed to raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being and reducing its stigma.
Kayla Skoniecke, Administrative Assistant
My name is Kayla. I’ve been working at A Bridge Back since 2020. I was the front admin scheduling coordinator for four years and recently became a case manager. I am excited for this new role and helping patients one on one. My goal is to provide a nonjudgmental, empathic, open space for others. I have a strong passion for mental health and self care. I am a huge animal lover. I have a pet cat named Layla. What I am most proud of at A Bridge Back is our message and meeting those where they are at.
Sandra Kozel, Outreach Coordinator
I am all about love and life. I believe that the force that is moving us to do things and causing us to be alive is love. Love is our greatest source of energy and it is the energy I make sure to apply to everything I do. While I believe in love, I also am grateful for life. Not just my life, but all the life around me. I bring these factors to my family at A Bridge Back every day. While I am out in the field, my love for life drives my passion of helping any soul that comes to my attention and the others that will be affected by my words. I always think of how I can bring them into the A Bridge Back family where they will be treated as a beautiful entity filled with love and life, so we can be THAT bridge that brings them on to their next journey.
Harold Maglente, Case Manager
My name’s Harold, a case manager for A Bridge Back with 6 years experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. I’m exceptionally motivated in helping those in Recovery being that I’m in Recovery myself. I have 8 years of clean/sobriety time under my belt. Although A Bridge Back’s treatment derives from “Harm Reduction,” I truly believe in complete Abstinence.
Sasha Zvodinsky, CADCc, Counselor
Sasha is an addictions counselor who works with individuals and groups. He earned his Strategic Intervention Coach certificate at Robbins-Madanes Training school and graduated from the Year of Transformation Program at Wright Foundation For the Realization of Human Potential. Sasha has led numerous workshops on Social/Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership and taught at City Colleges of Chicago for over 14 years.
Specialties: Recovery from alcohol and drug addictions, Emotional Intelligence, Coping with stress and anxiety, Conflict resolution, Strategic planning, and Relationship challenges.
I have always been fascinated by human behavior. I’ve gone through my share of trials and tribulations and learned that resilience could be learned. I’ve understood that pain is often a necessary element of change, but it’s up to me how much pain I’ll go through before I make that change. I help patients recognize and acknowledge their challenges, see their limiting beliefs, and create new, empowering beliefs that will become the new core of their personalities. My goal is to help patients understand that they already have everything they need to live fulfilling lives.
Olga Goncharova, CADC, MHP, MA, Counselor
Olga is a Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a master’s in transformational leadership and coaching at Wright Graduate University. She has 18 years of experience with individual and group counseling.
Specialties: Substance Misuse, Codependency, Couples/ Family Counseling, Childhood trauma, Spirituality, Health and wellness, Suicide prevention
I believe that God gave me another chance in life and I feel that it is my purpose to share the message of recovery with others. I struggled with addiction and mental illness for many years. When I finally surrendered and asked for help I met great caring people who helped me on my journey of transformation. They inspired me to become a counselor so I can show people how to live happy and healthy lives. Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone who has gotten enough courage to ask for help to improve their life. I enjoy the moment when a patient realizes they are worthy of living a beautiful, fulfilling life.
Natasha Shatayeva, Counselor
Certified Alcohol and Drug counselor who provides individual and group counseling for adults.
Specialties: Court and Secretary of State evaluations, DUI Risk Education, Substance Abuse Treatment Services
My goal is to help clients get their driver’s license back and help clients with substance use disorders navigate the complex and tough process of recovering from their problem. I guide them to understanding the underlying causes of their addiction, educate them on how it affects them mentally and physically, and assist them in seeking treatment.
Dr. Mikhail Gurovich provides psychotherapy counseling and intensive case management in outpatient and inpatient settings. His specialties include addiction counseling, domestic violence and mental health counseling in individual, family, and group therapy modalities. Dr. Gurovich worked as a clinician for over 15 years, providing counseling to outpatient and inpatient clients. Dr. Gurovich has earned multiple professional certificates in Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States. He has taught professional development courses for medical professionals and clinicians in Russia and UK.
Brendan Wagner, Director/Counselor
Brendan is a Substance Use Counselor/DUAL Diagnosis Counselor who provides individual therapy and group counseling for adults. He is the Operations Director that runs the day to day of all facility needs.
Specialties: Substance Use, DUAL Diagnosis
I am passionate about recovery and helping improve one’s quality of life. I have spent the past 10 years of my life seeking recovery for the first 4 years as a chronic relapser. Due to my addiction I have experienced homelessness, pain, isolation, and destruction to my family. For the past 6 years I have been able to maintain recovery and a positive attitude due to the environment I am able to create and maintain through like minded people. It is my mission to help people who struggle with substance use and their families avoid mistakes and pain I have gone through myself.
