SERVICES
Who We Serve
We provide comprehensive mental health services to a diverse range of clients, including adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families.
We believe in providing quality mental health care to everyone and strive to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients. Our team of experienced professionals is skilled in providing a variety of evidence-based interventions tailored to each client's individual needs.
What We Do
Mental health is often overlooked but crucial to our overall well-being. The REC offers various services for individuals focusing on healing through psychotherapy, group counseling, evaluations, case management, and educational services.
We specialize in:
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ADHD
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Emotional Support Animal Assessments
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Group Counseling
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Life Skills Workshops
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Peace Circles
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Psychological Evaluations
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Psychological Testing
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Relationship Issues
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Restorative Justice
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Stress Management
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Substance Abuse
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Trauma
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Workplace Issues
How We Deliver
We offer teletherapy (virtual), phone, and in-person sessions with COVID-19 protocols in place. We comply with HIPAA regulations and guidelines.
Insurances We Accept
Currently accepting the following insurances:
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Aetna PPO
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Aetna Better Health
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Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
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Blue Cross Community Healthcare Plan (BCCHP)
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Meridian Health
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Molina Healthcare
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United Healthcare
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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ComPsych
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Curalinc
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Magellan
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United Healthcare
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ABOUT
Who We Are
Resource Education Center (REC) was designed to help individuals live healthier and holistic lifestyles. Our approach to trauma combines cognitive and behavioral processes by collaborating with clients to meet them where they are. We aim to develop meaningful relationships with our clients and help to restore balance, clarity, confidence, and calmness. Because healing is an ongoing journey, we provide additional resources and tools as needed. REC's core values are:
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Support
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Empathy
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Healing
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Mental wellness
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Mindfulness
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Collaborative problem solving
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Holistic
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Strength-based
Resource Education Center (REC) provides therapeutic services to individuals facing challenging situations. Our team works with individuals and families to facilitate change, personal growth, greater contentment, and personal effectiveness. REC also provides educational services to help students and parents with Individual Educational Planning (IEP) and 504s.
Meet the Team
Our team of professionals are committed to serving you.

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Erica A. Pugh, LCPC
Erica holds a Master's Degree in Juvenile Psychology and a Master's Degree in Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor(LCPC) in Illinois. Erica has worked with individuals for several years in the Social Services field and has significant experience working in schools, facilities, and community-based organizations.
She is passionate about providing services to individuals who have experienced trauma that has impacted their growth and development.

Case Manager II
Noel Alvarado, B.A.
Noel is a graduate of Purdue University. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Criminal Justice. After graduation, he relocated to New York City to pursue a career in criminal justice. After completing an internship with the New York Police Department, Noel returned to the Chicagoland area and began an extensive career working with adolescents. He has worked with youth in various capacities, such as supervising students with conduct issues in in-school suspensions, as a Health & Wellness teacher, and as a basketball coach.
After working within the public and private school systems, Noel began a career in Social Services. He has worked closely with the Department of Children and Family Services, where he provided home-based services for families of children and adolescents who were wards of the state. Noel has worked with youth in both residential & outpatient settings. He also has experience working with the senior population

Educational Liaison
Sharece Johnson-Finner, M.Ed
Sharece is a licensed and certified Middle School teacher. She holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Adult and Higher Education with an emphasis in Community Education and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Middle School Education with an emphasis in Reading and History. Sharece has spent the last 15 years teaching in Chicago Public and Charter Schools, where she serves at-risk youth in an urban setting.
She also spends much of her time consulting, coaching, mentoring new teachers, and providing one-on-one and small-group tutoring to students, emphasizing increasing literacy skills.

Mental Health Coach
Darron Randle, M.S, L.C.W.S.E, C.B.I, C.E.R.A.P
Darron Randle is a dedicated and experienced professional in social services with a specific focus on working with youth and adults who have experienced trauma. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from McKendree College (now McKendree University) and a Master of Science in Human Services Administration.
Darron is strongly committed to improving the lives of those he works with, as evidenced by his career trajectory. He has extensive experience in various aspects of social services, including Violence Prevention Interventions to reduce gang violence in the community. Darron has also completed assessments, worked with families, coordinated services, and facilitated Life Skills Groups. He has also ensured the safety of youth in the Department of Family & Children Services (DCFS) group homes and actively participated in treatment plans and discharge plan meetings.
Darron's certifications and training encompass a diverse range of skills. He is certified in Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocols (CERAP) and Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS). Additionally, he holds certifications in Ansell Casey Life Skills, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and CPR and has completed training in family ethics and social work principles.

Director of Curriculum & SEL Services
Kaitlyn Palmer, MFA
Kaitlyn Palmer is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the mental health sector, providing comprehensive wrap-around services to individuals in need. Her expertise extends beyond mental health, including years in organizational management. Kaitlyn has held numerous leadership roles, showcasing her ability to guide and inspire teams towards achieving common goals.
Her versatile skill set also includes developing and facilitating Social-Emotional curriculums across various states, reflecting her commitment to holistic education and mental wellness. Recognizing her unique talent for supporting individuals and enhancing operational systems, Kaitlyn transitioned into consulting. In this role, she combines her passion for providing support with her skill in system improvement, offering tailored solutions that benefit both people and organizations.
Kaitlyn's approach is solution-orientated, Strength-Based, strategic, and understanding the complexities within organizational spheres. Her goal is to foster environments where individuals can thrive while ensuring systems are efficient, effective, and outcome-producing.
Kaitlyn continues to make a significant impact through her consulting work, helping individuals and organizations navigate the intricate world of mental health and operational management.
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Mental Health Peer Specialist
Reginald Johnson
Reginald Johnson is a compassionate and experienced Mental Health Peer Specialist whose journey into the field is deeply personal and inspiring. Reginald brings a profound understanding and empathy to his role, offering support and guidance to others facing similar struggles.
Reginald has honed his ability to connect with clients on a meaningful level. He works with individuals by being patient, understanding, and firmly believing in their resilience and strength.
Over the years, Reginald has worked in various settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, and juvenile centers. He specializes in helping clients with life challenges, employing different interventions tailored to each individual's needs. Reginald's commitment to mental health advocacy extends beyond his professional role.
He frequently volunteers for community outreach programs, aiming to reduce stigma around mental health and increase access to care for underserved populations. Reginald demonstrates warmth, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to helping others achieve mental wellness and empowerment.

Billing Manager
Anjetta Johnson, M.S.
Anjetta is a Behavioral Health Billing Manager with ten years of diverse experience. Her passion for detail, numbers, problem-solving, and organization has allowed her to find her drive in this field.
Anjetta believes in working closely with mental health professionals to understand their billing needs and create a strong foundation for their overall business requirements. She constantly updates her knowledge of industry standards and invests in ongoing training to elevate her skill set.
Anjetta holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Alishia Flowers, LCSW
Alishia Flowers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned her Master’s degree from Governors State University and has been providing therapeutic services since 2015. She has a certification in grief education, specialized training in crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care.
Alishia is dedicated to supporting individuals through life’s most challenging moments by offering compassionate, evidence-based therapy tailored to each client’s unique experiences. Her approach focuses on building resilience, fostering emotional healing, and empowering clients to regain a sense of control, clarity, and balance in their lives.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Phylicia Noel, LCSW
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Phylicia K. Noel brings a grounded, compassionate, and holistic approach to mental wellness. With experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, identity exploration, and emotional overwhelm, she creates a therapeutic space that is both reflective and empowering. Her practice style blends clinical insight with authenticity, creativity, and deep respect for each client’s lived experience.
Phylicia believes healing is not one-size-fits-all and approaches therapy through a collaborative, person-centered lens that honors emotional safety, self-expression, and sustainable growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, mindfulness, emotional processing, and therapeutic creativity, she supports clients in strengthening self-awareness, navigating challenges, and reconnecting with the most aligned version of themselves.

Licensed Social Worker
Milan Walker, LSW
Milan is a dedicated mental health professional with experience supporting at-risk youth in school-based, residential, and community settings. He has worked with children and adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral, academic, and mental health challenges, including trauma, ADHD, behavioral disorders, and developmental delays.
Milan is known for his compassionate and supportive approach, strong communication skills, and ability to build positive relationships with youth, families, and school staff. He is passionate about helping young people develop emotional regulation, coping skills, confidence, and resilience while promoting overall well-being and academic success.
