Kaitlyn Cornell, LCSW, CEDS-S, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor, and the founder and director of KC Counseling, LLC, a multidisciplinary eating disorder clinic in Champaign, Illinois, established in 2019. Kaitlyn is also the founder of Nourish to Flourish Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to eating disorder awareness. She is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the Social Work department.

Kaitlyn’s passion for treating eating disorders grew from her own struggles with food and body image, giving her deep empathy and understanding for those on the journey to recovery. She believes that healing, while challenging, is always possible, and she holds hope for her clients every step of the way.

Her approach to eating disorder treatment is rooted in the Health at Every Size (HAES), Intuitive Eating, and Anti-Diet models. Kaitlyn is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which she finds particularly useful in eating disorder treatment. She practices the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, taking a holistic and compassionate approach to healing.

Kaitlyn understands the impact of cultural fatphobia and weight stigma on individuals of all races, genders, sexual orientations, sizes, and socioeconomic statuses. Through her work, she helps clients heal their relationship with food, embrace and celebrate their bodies, make peace with food, and give their body and mind the respect they deserve.

kcornell@kccounselingllc.com

Hi!! My Name is Domminique Kinnie. I go by Domm. I received my master’s in Clinical Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. I have experience working in various mental health settings including inpatient behavioral health facilities and hospital emergency rooms. I have worked with individuals with a variety of mental health diagnoses and trauma. I have a passion for working with children and enjoy using play and expressive arts to help my clients achieve their goals. I especially enjoy working with children and adolescents who are neurodivergent, have attachment concerns, and/or have been exposed to significant trauma.

Therapeutic approaches I use include therapeutic play, PCR Therapy (Parent Child Relationship Therapy), expressive arts, solution focused play, SIT (Sensory Integration Therapy), CBT, and DBT. I am also certified in TIC (Trauma Informed Care) and AMSR (Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk).

It is important to me that children and their families have a safe and judgement free space to address conflict and process their emotions. I want the therapeutic process to be a positive experience for everyone involved. My goal is to work with each client and collaborate as a team with their families to ensure the best possible outcome to achieve their therapeutic goals. Therapy at times can be frustrating and uncomfortable. As we explore past traumatic experiences and learn to sit with uncomfortable emotions, I encourage you to trust me and trust the process.

dkinnie@kccounselingllc.com

Shae Ellington is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her experience is primarily focused on trauma and crisis work with adults, as well as mood disorders, depression, grief, anxiety disorders, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Shae uses a trauma-informed, Health at Every Size lens to treat patients. Although her approach is eclectic, and individualized to the patient, she utilizes crisis response, ACT, CBT, DBT, and somatic work.

Shae is down-to-earth, empathetic, solution-focused, and passionate about equipping patients with empowering tools to move throughout the world and navigate the difficulties they face.

sellington@kccounselingllc.com

Dr. Ari Pence, MD, is a compassionate and dedicated physician providing part-time services at KC Counseling LLC. With a focus on integrating medical care into eating disorder treatment, Dr. Pence collaborates with the clinic’s multidisciplinary team to address the physical health needs of clients. Known for her patient-centered approach, she is committed to helping individuals achieve holistic recovery and improved well-being.

apence@kccounselingllc.com

Hi, my name is Dan and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Psych NP. I offer psychiatric services to children 6 and up, adolescents, and adults of all ages. I believe that the relationship between provider and patient is a partnership. I am not the boss or an authority figure, I am a facilitator and guide. I help my patient's make treatment decisions based on what is important to them using the most up-to-date evidence based science I can find. I approach medicine from a whole body, holistic perspective. I understand the importance of sleep, nutrition, and exercise in mental health and general wellness. I utilize formalized psychiatric testing, pharmacogenomic testing, labwork, screening tools, supplemental therapy, and a whole lot of compassion and empathy to understand what is going on with my patients. 

I am passionate about mental health because I too struggle with mental illness and I know what it is like to feel unheard or being examined like a bug under a microscope. That shared experience helps me truly understand what mental illness can do to a person's life. I also understand that taking medication can be scary and isn't for everyone. I never shove pills down a patient's throat. If you don't like the idea of medications, I can still help with lifestyle recommendations or just help you answer any questions you may have. 

dfoutch@kccounselingllc.com

Hi! My name is Heather (she/her), and I’m the lead IOP Therapist here at KC Counseling. I received two bachelor’s degrees in social work and psychology, and I earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I handle all things IOP, including assessments, scheduling, individual sessions, leading therapy groups, and checking in on each client. 

In therapy sessions I like to utilize various evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Strengths-Based Approach all while having a trauma-focused lens. Each person’s experience with therapy may differ, so my approach with each client will be unique, collaborative, and based on your specific needs. I am committed to creating an inviting and comfortable environment so clients can feel safe to be vulnerable and authentic. 

I am passionate about working with people who struggle with body image concerns, eating disorders, and who feel the weight that external forces put on them to look a certain way. As someone who has struggled with body image myself, I understand how crushing that weight can feel. I align with Anti-Diet Culture and Health at Every Size principles and will be with you during every step of your journey to recovery. My hope is to build strong connections with clients and to help them feel supported as they work towards healing so their life can become brighter and better.

I’m so excited and honored to be part of your journey!

hsloan@kccounselingllc.com

Hello! My name is Susan Brown, and I am the Registered Dietitian and Lead IOP RD here at KC Counseling and KC Eating Disorder Clinic. In my role, I have the privilege of supporting clients in building a healthier relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves. I work closely with our team to provide individualized nutrition care and guide clients through the Intensive Outpatient Program with compassion and evidence-based practices.

I have been a Registered Dietitian for 25 years.  During this time, I have worked in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. I have worked with patients with a wide variety of health conditions, including eating disorders. I don't have a one size fits all approach, but rather an individualized one, meeting the person where they are.  I focus on helping the patient feel comfortable, establishing trust through empathy, encouragement, and consistent support.  I also use motivational interviewing and intuitive eating to help patients in their recovery.

I have faced some difficult health challenges and understand what it's like to not know when things will get better.  With strength, perseverance, and patience, I want my patients to see there is hope that brings you to a positive end and to a new beginning.  Let me help you in this journey of recovery.

sbrown@kccounselingllc.com

Susannah Scaroni (she, her) graduated from the University of Illinois in 2022 earning a masters degree in nutritional sciences with a research emphasis in exercise physiology. Throughout her graduate program, she was involved in numerous studies that looked at the role of whole foods combined with physical activity on muscle protein synthesis. In addition, she examined various tools used by exercise scientists and how these may not be inclusive for athletes with disabilities. 

Susannah is a registered dietitian, as well as a 4x Paralympic wheelchair racer. She loves to use her experiences to help empower others to gain support and knowledge for ways that enable them to lead satisfying lives, while feeling confident that they can learn steps towards reaching their goals.

sscaroni@kccounselingllc.com

Hi! My name is Holly and I’m a Registered Dietitian with over 5 years of experience specializing in the treatment of disordered eating and eating disorders. I have worked across all levels of care—including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), and outpatient settings. I have a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of recovery and can’t wait to work with you.

I focus on an individual approach to build safety around food and your eating experience. I believe in meeting each person where they are and helping you reconnect with your body's needs all while guiding you towards a life that aligns with your values and truest self. Whether you're taking your first steps in recovery or continuing to heal, I am dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, clinical insight, and unwavering support.

hisaac@kccounselingllc.com

Hello! My name is Kim (she/her) and I am a clinician at KC Counseling. I completed my Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and received my undergraduate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois. Approaches I use include, but are not limited to, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and principles of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming provider and align with Anti-Diet, Intuitive Eating, and Health at Every Size principles.

My goal is to honor your self-determination and lived experiences throughout your healing process. In our time together, I aim to work collaboratively to help you achieve greater freedom with food and your body, as well as navigate any other challenges you are experiencing. I strive to provide a compassionate, calming therapeutic space where you are free to be your whole self. I believe each person’s unique strengths, cultural values, and experiences are an asset to their recovery journey. Let’s work together to help you fight back against your eating disorder!

kbyckowski@kccounselingllc.com

As a former Division 1 athlete, I understand the unique pressures athletes face when it comes to performance, body image, and nutrition. My personal experience with the demands of elite-level sports gives me a unique perspective and empathy when working with athletes struggling with eating disorders (EDs). I specialize in helping athletes navigate the complex relationship between their sport, their bodies, and their mental health.

I utilize a combination of evidence-based therapeutic modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Family-Based Therapy (FBT). These approaches allow me to personalize treatment and empower you with the tools to develop healthier coping mechanisms, regulate emotions, and shift harmful thought patterns.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in Health at Every Size (HAES), Intuitive Eating, and Anti-Diet principles. I believe that wellness should not be dictated by societal standards or restrictive diets. Together, we will work to heal your relationship with food, cultivate body neutrality, and help you develop the mental and emotional resilience needed to thrive — both as an athlete and as an individual.

Whether you're dealing with disordered eating, body image challenges, or the strain of balancing performance with personal well-being, I am here to guide you through recovery. With a collaborative approach, we’ll work together to create lasting change and help you reconnect with your true potential.

If you're ready to start your healing journey, I would be honored to be part of your recovery.

rkamps@kccounselingllc.com

Hi! My name is Paola Alcantara (she/her) and I am a clinician at KC counseling. I received my master’s in School & Clinical Counseling from National Louis University. I have worked in educational settings for the last 6 years as a K-12 Bilingual (Spanish) Educator where I learned how to navigate school systems, collaborate with professionals and most importantly create and maintain relationships with students and their families. My transition to becoming a trauma-informed counselor has allowed me to continue working with children, youth & adults with a variety of mental health diagnoses keeping in mind cultural and demographic needs.

Therapeutic approaches I use include, but not limited to, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, DBT skills (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, therapeutic play and expressive arts. My relationship with weight and body image throughout my life motivated me to pursue working in the field of ED treatment. I strongly align with the Health at Every Size, Intuitive Eating, and Anti-Diet Culture model principles that consider the importance between intersectionality and ED care.

I strive to utilize my passion as a clinician to provide a safe therapeutic space to process life’s challenges and work alongside you towards your vision of healing, joy and empowerment.

palcantara@kccounselingllc.com

No matter what you’ve been through or what you’ve done, you deserve to heal. I strive to provide trauma-informed care in a safe, accepting space where both children and adults can grow, heal, and connect with their authentic selves.

I have a passion for working with individuals navigating body image concerns and disordered eating. My approach is rooted in compassion and evidence-based care, and I honor each client’s unique journey.

I pursued a career in social work because I believe your life is worth my time. I chose the path of psychotherapy because my own experience with therapy changed my life. Before starting therapy, I didn’t know that life could feel different. It helped me unlearn the negative beliefs I had internalized from childhood and discover a more empowered sense of self. As a trauma survivor, I understand how deeply survival skills can become ingrained—and how challenging it can be to let go of them once the danger has passed.

I am proud to be an LGBTQIA+ affirming provider and to practice from a Health at Every Size (HAES), anti-diet, body neutrality, and intuitive eating framework. My therapeutic approach is always individualized and may draw from a variety of modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the Gottman Method for couples counseling, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, and Strengths-Based approaches. I also enjoy incorporating art into sessions as a creative and healing outlet.

I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is to show up with curiosity, empathy, and support as we work together toward your goals.

ccomerford@kccounselingllc.com

Hi! My name is Alena (she/they), and I am a licensed social worker committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I also completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in behavioral neuroscience.

I take a collaborative and individualized approach to therapy, incorporating evidence-based methods such as Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts, emotions, and personal challenges. I believe healing happens through connection, self-reflection, and recognizing one’s own strengths.

Everyone’s journey is unique, and I strive to meet each client where they are, honoring their lived experiences and personal values. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, or struggles with self-image, I am here to provide guidance and support in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.

afishkin@kccounselingllc.com

My name is Jana Cornell (that’s right - Kaitlyn’s mother) and have joined the team at KC Counseling as the speech-language pathologist. I just began my 37th year as a school speech pathologist. I will be providing meal support and working on oral-motor issues.

My husband and I live in Springfield. In addition to Kaitlyn, we have four other adult children and seven (+) grandchildren.

I look forward to meeting y’all!

Hi! I’m Riley (they/she), one of the MSW candidates at KC. I am currently working on my master’s at the University of Illinois, where I also completed two bachelor’s degree programs in social work and gender and women’s studies. My focus area is on queer crip studies and postcolonial theory, specifically looking at how both of these ideas intersect with different theories of trauma. 

I have a particular passion for working with marginalized communities, specifically queer, gender expansive, and disabled populations. I understand that the ways in which institutions and structures of power overlap and force the mind and spirit into a vulnerable place.

I strive to provide trauma-informed care to my clients, combining an individualized approach with one that centers community wellbeing. I like to incorporate methods from liberation psychotherapy to ensure that the soul is at the forefront of treatment rather than individual symptoms. I combine these liberatory methods with evidence-based approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and art therapy techniques. My goal is to empower clients to build community and forge their own path towards liberation.

I am honored to help support you in any way I can!

ranton@kccounselingllc.com

Hi! My name is Emily, and I have the joy of serving as the Office Administrator and Certified Nursing Assistant here at KC Counseling and KC Eating Disorder Clinic. I’m often the first friendly face you’ll see when you arrive, the person responding to your calls and emails, and the one helping with vitals for clients in higher levels of care.

With a background in both nursing and administrative work, I bring a blend of compassion, organization, and care to help ensure our office runs smoothly and that every client feels welcomed and supported.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my six kiddos :)

Hi, I’m Mikayla—a dedicated Billing Specialist with a strong foundation in communication and organization, backed by a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University. I bring a detail-oriented mindset and a people-first approach to every task, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and a positive experience for both clients and teams. I’m passionate about creating smooth workflows and contributing to a supportive, solutions-focused environment.

mindfullyefficient@gmail.com