Who We Are

We see you, we hear you and we can help.

Gina Johnson MSW, LCSW

Owner, consultant, therapist, speaker, LEGO enthusiast

Gina Johnson earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. With advanced certifications in trauma and loss, she brings over 25 years of experience helping people of all ages improve the quality of their lives. 

Gina is the author of two books, Let’s Make It a Habit: Train Your Brain to Navigate Negativity and Blueprint: Take On a Life of Your Own. She is currently working on her third book with developmental editor AJ Harper, with the working title You Can’t Think Your Way Out of This: Hope Is Found Through the Body. 

Gina is the Founder and CEO of Blueprint, a mental health practice in Champaign, where she leads and supervises a team of more than 15 clinicians who provide counseling to individuals and groups. Since 2019, she has also served as a Faculty Field Instructor for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work. 

In addition to her clinical work, Gina has developed five courses (each six to eight weeks in length) designed to help participants better connect with and develop their authentic selves through the learning and application of key psychological skills such as awareness-building, self-regulation, self-talk, mindset, self-confidence, and optimism. In 2021 and 2022, Blueprint Level 1 was offered through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Illinois. 

Gina has also developed the Self of Self Framework and is currently working on creating a certification program that will allow therapists to become trained and certified in this modality. 

She has been invited to speak for teams and groups across several departments at the University of Illinois (including the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine) as well as organizations and corporations such as Busey Bank, Heartland Coca-Cola, Hilton Garden Inn, Mills Breast Cancer Institute, and Surface 51. Gina is also speaker at the University of Illinois School of Social Work, where continuing education units (CEUs) are offered for practicing therapists and social workers. 

In 2025, Gina graduated from HEROIC, a globally recognized public speaking and thought leadership training institute based in Lambertville, New Jersey. She also completed the elite Top Three Book Workshop, a 14-week live book development and publishing course.

Lindsay Haitz MA, LPC, ACC

Counselor, coach, event planner, creative

This work is a lifelong journey of healing and growth.  My approach to therapy/coaching is to be future-focused on your growth/goals and address the healing that needs to occur along the path forward.  The things that you need to “let go” of (and that are no longer serving you) will inevitably pop-up as we focus on where you want to go and who you want to be. 

For many years, I felt like someone forgot to give me a copy of the “rules” for life.  My goal became to help and understand myself and then support others who felt this way. 

I had a difficult childhood, marked by pain and trauma. When people ask me “where I am from” I am not sure how to answer it because we moved all across the US (i.e. GA, IA, MI, OH, TN, FL, CO, MA).  

I wanted to find a way to be stable, happy and thrive but I had no idea how.  

Life is hard. It’s messy. There are parts of my journey that I am embarrassed about. Some are big. Some small. We all have pieces of ourselves and our life that when we put it down on paper, in black and white, don’t look “good”. 

There are choices I have made that I would go back and do differently now, if I could.  But I can’t.  You might feel this way too. 

So what do we do? How do we reconcile the best that we could do (with the knowledge we had at the time) and what we would do differently now.  

I believe pain is our greatest gift because it shows us the areas that we are out of alignment.  We need to acknowledge the psychic pain we have because it is telling us something. Something that we deep down want to know. 

We could all benefit from a therapist/coach in our lives. I have one!  I am always striving to find creative ways to continue my inner work while making things practical and fun! 

In short, my vision is to help you better know yourself, accept yourself and then be yourself in your life.  I would love to support you on this journey. 

Ian Hulette, MSW, LSW

Avid Learner, Therapeutic Partner, Curious Human

I strive to offer an alternative to traditional psychotherapeutic concepts.  The world has changed, needs and expectations have changed, so why shouldn’t psychotherapy?  There is quite a block to progress when you go into a session today with high hopes, only to be met with antiquated structures and outdated dynamics from 50 years ago.  The fundamentals are good, but psychotherapy is ever-evolving.  Let’s try something different!

I firmly believe that Shame is the primary driver of negative behaviors, negative thinking, and modern struggle in Western culture.  We experience shame differently here because our society is all about the individual.  We all feel shame but are often unaware how it lurks in our mind, prompting and prodding.  I know shame! As a survivor of severe childhood trauma, significant rural poverty, multiple combat tours in the Army, homelessness, addiction, and even incarceration for substance use, I understand how shame can shape and destroy a life.  But, there is hope in resilience.  It takes work.  It takes un-learning what we have been taught.  It takes courage.  Together, we can work to explore and build the skills needed to move effectively and healthily through shame.

My approach combines foundational talk therapy and shame resilience with psychological skill-building based around the neuroscience of how the brain/mind works.  We have been taught the mind and body are separate. I believe the mind is as much the body as any organ. Since we remember the past, we believe we can predict the future.  But all of that ruminating and anticipating removes us from the very life we are living in the here and now, the Present.  All of that mind/body separation and thinking combines to form anxiety, depression, demoralization, envy, and shame.  My favorite therapeutic tool is questioning: Why? Where did we learn that? Who does that serve?  How helpful is that?  Zen Buddhism instructs that we are better off unlearning something every day.  Let’s work to reintegrate your mind and body in the Present!

I hope we can journey together through all of the memories, relationships, excitements, disappointments, sadness, anxieties, and elations of your life in an effort to unpack the blocks and tear down the defense that hides the beautiful experience that is you.  You are worthwhile.  You are valuable.  You are human.  Let’s bring you to life!

Madison Chamberlain MSW, LSW

Counselor, social worker, loves reading, cat mom

As a therapist, I’ve discovered that true empowerment comes from realizing that we hold the reins of our own lives.

My passion lies in guiding clients to recognize their strength and autonomy, helping them embrace their authentic selves without judgment or skepticism.

A key aspect to this journey is the practice of self-acceptance and forgiveness. Just as we extend compassion to others, it’s crucial to extend that same kindness and understanding to ourselves.

Having struggled with my own battles with anxiety, depression, body image struggles, and an eating disorder, I understand firsthand the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness in overcoming mental health struggles.

In my practice, I focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), an approach that emphasizes changing thought patterns to positively influence behavior. Together, we’ll explore and challenge the beliefs that may be holding you back, empowering you to cultivate healthier habits and perspectives.

I believe therapy is a collaborative journey where discomfort can lead to transformation. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, I aim to support you in embracing the uncomfortable, facilitating deep self-discovery and growth. If you’re ready to reclaim control of your life, cultivate self-compassion, and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

I recognize the importance of meeting clients where they are at in their journey.

Each individual comes with their own unique experiences, challenges, and strengths, and I honor and respect that diversity. I approach each session with a sense of curiosity and openness, recognizing that I have much to learn from each individual who walks through my door.

Whether you’re just starting to explore therapy or you’ve been on this path for some time, I will meet you with empathy, understanding, and without judgment.

My commitment is to provide a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to take charge of your own growth and healing.

Julie Schubach, MSW, LSW

Counselor, Expressive Arts Facilitator, Tap Dancer, Nature-lover, Lifelong Grower

In our fast-paced world it’s easy to lose track of who we are, what we need, and where we’re
headed. It can be difficult to cultivate community or to break out of unfulfilling routines, and life transitions can throw us off center.

I value creating a safe, supportive space for you to slow down, express yourself authentically, and connect with your true self so that you can live your fullest, most vibrant life.

I am passionate about offering invitations for people to reclaim their birthright of creativity and utilize creative modalities as a path to self-discovery and healing.

I want others to know what it feels like to follow creative impulses, to trust the process and allow life to unfold organically, to play and get curious about what emerges, to utilize different modalities of expression, to cultivate nourishing rituals, and to move more authentically and openly through life.

I enjoy supporting individuals in adopting a lens of curiosity and self-compassion, in building resilience in later life and in navigating life transitions. I delight in self-expansion and take my inspiration from the natural world.

I seek to help others connect to natural cycles and their own inner rhythms. It can be uncomfortable to look at yourself honestly and dive into your inner world.

As your therapist, I will sit beside you as you navigate the discomfort and will dance with you as you experience the joy of growth and connection. If you want to not only talk it out but also to paint, collage, write, drum, vocalize, and move it out, come see me.

I would be honored to be a part of your journey of healing and growth.

Hayley Buesing, MSW, LSW

Empath, Professional Goofball, Comedian, Bookworm Cat Mom

I believe that the relationship we build is at the heart of therapy. Trust, openness, and mutual respect are key. I strive to create an environment where you can feel safe and comfortable, without judgment, as we work through your challenges. My goal is to support you in finding your own path forward, whether that means gaining insight into your feelings, developing coping strategies, or simply finding peace and acceptance in your own skin. I work collaboratively with my clients, creating a compassionate space where you feel seen, heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we will explore what’s important to you, and I will walk alongside you as you uncover your strengths, heal, and grow.

Having struggled personally with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and shame, I understand the significance of self-compassion and forgiveness in overcoming mental health challenges. Mental health is not something we “cure,” it is an everyday practice.

In my practice, I use a humanistic approach that is personally tailored to my clients’ strengths. My interventions and techniques are pulled from evidence-based modalities such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness strategies. I also provide education on the nervous system and how the human body operates and responds to different situations. I lean into a person-centered approach and normalizing the human experience. I strongly believe in meeting people where they are at.

I have experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, bullying, conflict, and trauma.

I look forward to joining you on your mental health journey!

Emily Braden, MSW, LCSW

Social Worker, Professional Development Enthusiast, Dog Mom

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults as they navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in working with individuals ages 5-50 years old, providing a safe, compassionate space for healing, growth, and self-discovery
I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a focus on mental health. I have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps individuals process and heal from trauma and distressing life experiences.
My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, integrating EMDR and play with other evidence-based therapies. Whether you’re working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, I tailor our work to fit your unique experiences and goals.
I am committed to creating a safe, compassionate space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Hannah Baines, MSW, LSW

Messy-Life Advocate, Cat Mom, Hobby Collector, Bookworm

I’m so glad you’re here.
As a therapist, I bring both professional training and lived experience into the therapy space. So many of the struggles we carry, whether that is feeling disconnected, stuck, or unsure of who we are, all tend to have some roots in shame. I believe healing begins with reconnection: to yourself, your story, your values, and the people who matter most to you.
I work with people navigating identity questions, life transitions, relationship struggles, and the complexity of belonging to multiple, intersecting communities. If you’ve ever felt shame around who you are or where you come from, or if you’re still figuring out what it means to show up as your full self, you are not alone, and you certainly don’t have to figure it out alone.
As a gay woman living in the Midwest, I know firsthand what it’s like to long for a space where you feel truly safe and seen. Coming home to myself took time, and I hold deep respect for the courage it takes to live authentically. I believe that kind of authenticity isn’t just empowering, but it’s at the heart of healing and meaningful connection.
I come to the field with a genuine commitment and a personal history that includes an unstable childhood and the long work of understanding who I am. I know what it’s like to grow up feeling unsteady, and I know what it takes to find your footing. My philosophy is simple: feel first, figure it out later. Understanding tends to follow when we finally give ourselves permission to feel. I know that healing isn’t linear, and I’m not here to rush yours. My role is to walk alongside you, at your pace, toward the life you want to live. You don’t have to have it all together to walk through my door. Messy, unfinished, or still figuring it out, that’s welcome here too.
Together, we’ll co-create a space that feels safe, grounding, and free of judgment. I also encourage and often bring humor into this work because feeling safe enough to laugh is part of feeling safe enough to heal. Whether you’re working through shame, seeking deeper connection in your relationships, or simply trying to understand who you are in this world, you deserve a place where all of you is welcome. I would be honored to be part of that journey.

Humaira Ahmed,
MS, LPC, NCC, PEL

Counselor, Space-Holder, Meditator

I love movies, music, novels, television, and theater. I’ve always been interested in people’s stories. Storytelling is a powerful tool of connection. When you bring me your story as my client, we discuss what the protagonist needs, wants, and feels. What are they missing? What does the next chapter look like? We can answer those questions together.

When there is misalignment of the self, you can feel that you’re not living the life you believe you can. You may feel stuck, unfulfilled, hopeless, or numb. I support my clients in being able to restore confidence in their sense of self.

My clients and I work to build self-trust. We bring awareness to emotions and interpret the message your body is trying to tell you. We address unmet needs of safety, acceptance, connection, and purpose. We name boundary violations and how to communicate our needs in a way that others can hear us. We identify ambiguity during a tough decision, and develop capability to move forward confidently. I believe in my clients’ ability to bring about meaningful change and build the life they seek.

I was a school counselor for 4 years and a preschool teacher for 2, so I am comfortable working with my young clients. ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and socioemotional concerns are amongst many areas I am comfortable addressing with my young clients and their families. I offer tools and support to parents and guardians, so that young clients can thrive via team effort. Cultural issues, faith-based treatment, social issues, and relationship issues are areas my clients and I work on together.

So that’s my story. What’s yours?

Karinna Veltze, MSW, pre-licensed social worker (LSW) 

Curious Clinician, Pretty Things Enthusiast, Social Worker

Hi! I’m Karinna.

If you’ve had a hard time with therapy in the past, whether it left you feeling unseen, misunderstood, or even harmed, I want you to know that you are not broken. Sometimes it’s the systems, not you, that have fallen short. I believe in therapy deeply, and I also recognize that it can backfire, especially when it ignores the complexity of people’s lives and identities. I’m committed to doing this work in a way that aligns with my values: with honesty, care, and an awareness of the broader context that shapes our mental health. Together, we can create a space that feels safe enough to do the work in a way that’s actually meaningful to you.

We navigate such a challenging world. If you are carrying the weight of trauma, feeling stuck in depression or anxiety, or consumed by painful beliefs such as “I’m not enough,” I feel you deeply. You are not alone.

Starting my career in community mental health, I gained experience in supporting individuals that our system underserves. My journey strengthened my passion and commitment to creating a safe, affirming space for people whose identities have been historically marginalized or misunderstood. This includes folks who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, LGBTQIA+, first-generation, neurodivergent, disabled, or navigating multiple intersecting identities. As someone who holds both marginalized and privileged identities myself, I know how powerful it is to feel seen, heard, truly respected and fully supported.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that you already have strengths worth building on. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way of feeling safe, connected, and whole, and create new paths forward at your pace. Thank you for allowing me on your journey!

Abisola Smith, MSW Student Intern

Laughing Out Loud, Traveler, Self-Doer, Social-Worker, Social Justice Activist

I am a current MSW intern at Blueprint and serve as the Assistant Director for Basic Needs Coordination at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I graduated from UIUC with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Communication, and later earned a Master of Science in Psychological Science. In addition, I work part-time as substitute staff at Cunningham Children’s Home.

I am passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where individuals can express their thoughts, process trauma, and build resilience. My focus is on destigmatizing help-seeking, enhancing helping skills, and ensuring holistic care that meets both immediate and long-term needs. I like to work with individuals and groups to address gender-based discrimination, racial inequities, race-based traumatic stress, and conflict resolution through both group facilitation and one-on-one coaching. My therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion and a commitment to addressing the whole person.

Outside of my professional and academic life, I enjoy cooking and exploring new foods, taking myself on solo movie dates, traveling both domestically and internationally, and relaxing at home with a good TV series to binge.

Jacob Means, MSW Student Intern

Social Worker, Algorithm’s Favorite Child, Curiosity Connoisseur, Animal Lover

I want to build connections and serve others as we navigate challenges together because I am passionate about working with others to achieve their goals. I know how difficult it can be to take that first step into therapy, and I want to make that first step as seamless as possible by making you feel safe, heard, and respected.

Throughout my time in the military, I learned many lessons, including the importance of community, resilience, and perseverance. However, I also learned how hard it can be to carry life’s challenges alone. These experiences showed me my passion for helping others and that asking for support is a sign of courage, not weakness.

I believe we are more than a diagnosis, occupation, title, or label. We are all complex individuals shaped by our experiences, relationships, values, and aspirations. Whatever concerns you have; anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-worth, or just trying to understand yourself better, I want to provide a space where your story can be explored with curiosity and compassion.

I believe meaningful change happens when we can feel safe enough to be our true selves with another human. My hope is to provide that space and walk alongside you as you grow and connect more with yourself.

Mariana Pichardo-Mercado, MSW Student Intern

Empath, Traveler, Cat Mom, Human Rights Advocate

Asking for help can be hard. Whether you don’t know where to start, feel overwhelmed by the idea, or feel pressure to “keep it together” – opening up to someone can be challenging. As a daughter of immigrants, I understand the effect of both self-pressure and outside influences to have it figured out and to hold yourself together.

As the esteemed social worker and researcher Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” Life journeys can be challenging on their own, and sometimes going through your life path may be a little less challenging when you don’t do it alone. Whether you’re ready to sit in the discomfort of your truth and courage, want to ease into it and first explore what that could be for you, or are ready to tackle your stored hurts, my goal is to meet you where you are.

I aim to create a space where you can feel empowered and supported, as well as a place where you can show up as yourself. I believe we are all unique and the experts in our own lives, despite our challenges and struggles. As a therapist intern, I work collaboratively with my clients by drawing from their experiences and strengths to guide a plan that meets their individual needs. In my practice, I utilize a culturally responsive approach and draw techniques from narrative therapy and compassion-focused therapy to facilitate self-exploration and healing.

Having a difficult past does not mean we need to continue to have a difficult future. With support, we can write a new story.

Vera Mak, MSW Student Intern

Bunny Enjoyer, Self-Taught Illustrator, Media Lover, Possibly a Ghost

As humans, we are stories. A mosaic crafted from piecing together parts of everyone we love and have loved, combined with experiences we live for and lived through. But we are often stories that are untold, pressured to claw through each day just to survive. All the while maintaining silence to our festering pain, protecting the smallest sliver of self we can hold in our tired hearts. You are not alone in your story. If you’ll allow me, together we can find space to simply exist as our true selves once more, allowing our mosaic to shine in the sun.

I strive to be your partner in self-discovery, holding brave spaces for you to share your voice and helping you cultivate love and patience for yourself through creative means that encourage whimsy and joy back in your life. I hope to be a grounding presence for when you need solace, uplift the suffocating silence of your traumas, and empower you to resist the constraining systems of oppression in our exhaustively paced world. Bit by bit, I will peer past the veil and get to know you. Together with patience and a person-centered perspective, little by little, we’ll learn how to embrace our story. Together, we’ll shape how you see yourself, discover who you want to be, and learn how to love yourself.

There may have been times when you felt inhuman, where you no longer recognized yourself and felt empty where you stood. I’d like to reassure you that you are not alone in that feeling. I felt similarly in the past; in fact, I still do at times. But as I kept growing, I learned that the best
thing about us is the fact that we don’t have to be human to be “human.” The humanity that lies within us is whatever we make our existence to be. What fuels our soul, who warms our hearts, and even what we’ve gone through, all of it shapes who we are, and we don’t have to be defined by it. With the use of expressive arts, we can create and transform the pieces that you want to add to your growing mosaic. You define the limits, and with your strengths, you will keep growing past them.

I am confident in my years of experience in the arts, my endless pursuit of strength-based perspectives, and the connection we will build together to heal your soul as a collaborative team. I work with the hope that with time, you can freely shine with your individuality while united in the community.

If you’d like, I would be honored to be a piece in your mosaic!

Mersadeez Barrett, MSW Student Intern

Music Enthusiast, Contagious Laugher, Lifelong Learner, Deep Feeler

I am convinced that some of the best medicine can be found in sharing a laugh, having a cry, and singing your heart out. I am committed to fostering a safe, supportive environment where you feel seen, heard, and understood. Human connection is at the center of the work we will do together, so it is my top priority to develop our therapeutic relationship in order for us to show up as our authentic selves and begin the journey of healing.

I strongly believe therapy should be a collaborative process where your autonomy and self-determination are respected and uplifted. I understand the impact that can come from feeling disregarded in the therapeutic space, where you may have felt like your struggles are not “important enough.” My approach is grounded in empathy, care, and genuine curiosity that is free from judgement. I may not share the same life experiences, but I will do everything in my power to understand what you have went through and ensure you are not alone in what you feel and how you process.

I have moved around my whole life, and I have had my own struggles with mental health. I understand feeling like you don’t belong and being someone on the outside constantly trying to find where you belong. To all the people that feel like they have to conform to the pressure of performing, meet the high standards set by yourself or others, or show up as someone different for everyone, I see you. Together, I hope we can plant roots and grow a sense of belonging in the therapeutic space to help you flourish.

I am dedicated to helping you identify your strengths as well as cultivating an environment of self-acceptance to help you overcome the difficulties you are facing. My educational background in psychology, sociology, and social work has laid the framework for my therapeutic lens. I aim to incorporate a person-centered, trauma-informed approach that also brings attention to the broader contexts that shape us. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity issues, loss, or other life stressors, my goal is to help you develop the tools for success so you can feel empowered and thrive.

It would be my privilege to help you navigate this thing we call life.

Matt Campbell

Billing Specialist

I provide administrative support for our counselors–and also our clients!–by handling the practice’s billing and insurance duties.

My work is fully remote, but you might occasionally see me around the office and at events and retreats.

I’m also new to Chicago, having moved there shortly after starting work with blueprint.

In addition to discovering all that the city has to offer, my interests include reading, playing tennis, listening to vinyl records, and writing and recording my own music.

Emily Corum

Administrative Assistant

Hello! I’m Emily, the in-house Administrative Assistant. My job is to seamlessly facilitate communication between clients, therapists, and all our team members. I have a passion for mental health, so I have chosen a workplace that supports that passion. I have spent quite a bit of time in a therapist’s office and know how challenging it can be. Bringing warmth and kindness to every conversation is my top priority.

In my free time, I enjoy horseback riding, yoga, hiking, and pretty much anything outdoors. I also love to curl up with my one-year-old dog, Addis.