Still lake water at dawn under a pale blue sky

Our staff

Let's get acquainted.

Read through the biographies before you call — if someone stands out to you, ask for them by name.

Counseling staff

Licensed therapists

Our clinicians are multidisciplinary and long-tenured, and each integrates spiritual care only as the client directs.

Genalin Niere-Metcalf, PsyD

Genalin Niere-Metcalf, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Executive Director

Dr. Niere-Metcalf draws on evidence-based psychological theories, somatic trauma therapy, and spiritual formation to support those facing trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, depression and spiritual concerns. In addition to psychotherapy, she provides consultation, spiritual direction, and support for clergy and faith communities. She leads The Center as its executive director in its fiftieth year.

Patricia Francis, OP, PsyD

Patricia Francis, OP, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Director

Dr. Francis provides a holistic approach in her work with hearing and Deaf individuals, couples and families to achieve healing and well-being. She draws on research recognising the mind-body-spirit connection and uses a variety of treatment modalities. She has a special interest in trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, anxiety and adjustment disorders, and is also trained in treating interpersonal relationships, life transitions and chronic pain. As clinical director she assigns therapists when a client is not sure whom to see.

Ann Letourneau, CSJ, PsyD

Ann Letourneau, CSJ, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Training Director

Dr. Letourneau offers clinical services for teenagers through older adults dealing with a variety of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, difficult transitions, and developmental issues across the lifespan. She also specialises in psychological assessments for men and women in the discernment and application process of entering a Catholic religious congregation. As training director she oversees the practicum and internship program.

Charlie Alcorn, PhD

Charlie Alcorn, PhD

Founder & President of the Endowment

Dr. Alcorn co-founded Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center in 1976 and has served the community and the Center in many capacities since, including as a therapist and as the Center's first executive director. He retired from his counseling practice in 2020 but continues in his role as President of the Endowment, which helps keep counseling affordable for the people we serve.

Anna Ciampanelli, PsyD

Anna Ciampanelli, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr. Ciampanelli specialises in pediatric and adult clinical neuropsychology and offers neuropsychological evaluations across the lifespan. She values supporting clients seeking life purpose and meaning. She also provides individual therapy addressing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, trauma, grief, executive dysfunction, chronic pain, and caregiver burden, among other concerns.

Ashley Kranz, LCSW

Ashley Kranz, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ashley enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families who are experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, trauma, grief, or complex interpersonal relationships. She is also passionate about working with autistic clients and those with other developmental disabilities or autoimmune disorders.

Elissa McGovern, PsyD

Elissa McGovern, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Assessment Coordinator

Dr. McGovern believes creating a welcoming environment promotes growth and self-discovery. She is passionate about working with children, adolescents and emerging adults, and offers clinical services addressing depression, anxiety, relational distress, academic concerns, and behavioral issues. She often draws on her strong background administering psychological and neuropsychological testing for a wide range of presenting issues.

JoAnne McKee, LCPC

JoAnne McKee, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

JoAnne works with children, adolescents and adults who struggle with a variety of issues including anxiety, grief, stress, trauma and depression. She is a somatic experiencing practitioner, which can help heal trauma and other stress disorders, and also relies on touch therapy to help clients move beyond relational issues and emotional pain, alongside traditional psychological therapies and spiritual integration.

Colleen Narbone, LCPC

Colleen Narbone, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Colleen approaches the work of therapy from an integrative perspective in order to meet the needs and pace of each client. Her clinical interests include grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, life transition, end of life, and new medical diagnosis. She sees clients at two locations: Carol Stream and LaGrange, Illinois.

Kristen Ras, LCPC

Kristen Ras, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Kristen is interested in working with people who are going through transitions or feeling stuck — whether due to depression, anxiety, life changes, grief, or stress. She works to help clients develop positive coping skills and build a healthy perspective on life so they may live life to the fullest.

Rosa Trejo-Rojas, LCSW

Rosa Trejo-Rojas, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

As a Spanish-speaking therapist, Rosa works with families and couples, adults, teens, and children who are dealing with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, extreme anxiety and panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, severe stress symptoms, trauma, and other struggles — using the type of therapy that fits each person best.

Linda Schumacher, LCPC

Linda Schumacher, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Linda is a certified grief counselor who enjoys working with people of all ages and takes a client-centered approach in her work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, life transitions, grief, parenting concerns, and relational issues. She also supports children living with chronic health issues, and their families.

Derrick Smith, MAPCC

Derrick Smith, MAPCC

Pastoral Counselor

Derrick is interested in providing a supportive, collaborative environment for those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, interpersonal conflict, and professional challenges. He enjoys helping adults, adolescents, couples and families navigate difficulties in communication, conflict, and reconciliation, and is particularly interested in working with men of color and marginalized populations.

In training

Interns and practicum therapists

Our student therapists work under the supervision of our licensed staff and offer counseling at rates a client can afford.

Briana Ghannam, MA

Briana Ghannam, MA

Intern Therapist

Briana is interested in working with individuals across the lifespan as they navigate life's challenges, including trauma, substance use, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, relationship concerns, and other difficult life circumstances. She joins The Center as part of the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium, working under the supervision of Dr. Ann Letourneau, CSJ.

Grant Kersey, MA

Grant Kersey, MA

Practicum Therapist

Grant is interested in providing evidence-based care with genuine compassion. He works with people of all ages and seasons to help clients grow and safely explore who they are, find acceptance, and pursue change. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or self-exploration, he offers both warmth and challenge as you work toward greater clarity and wholeness.

Shane Rollins, BA

Shane Rollins, BA

Diagnostic Practicum

Shane works collaboratively with people of all ages and seasons of life to apply psychological assessment to the concerns they bring. Whether those concerns are about a child or a desire to gain clarity for themselves, Shane seeks to provide an environment where clients feel heard and safe. He works under the supervision of Dr. Elissa McGovern.

Administrative staff
Kristen Henry

Kristen Henry

Office Administrator

Kristen is likely to be the first voice you'll hear when you call our office. She takes seriously her supportive role in helping others pursue healing, and has a heart for welcome and connection — whether she is answering the phone or welcoming clients to their appointments. Outside of work she enjoys local adventures with her family, crafting, and advocating for causes close to her heart.

Rebecca Hecker

Rebecca Hecker

Financial Manager

Rebecca manages the finances at The Center, which encompasses billing, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable and financials. If you have a question about your bill, Rebecca is the person to call. She brings over 30 years of accounting experience and enjoys accounting because it is like a puzzle. Away from work she enjoys bike riding, hiking, concerts, and time with her family.

Jan Torrance

Jan Torrance

Systems Administrator

Jan manages our computer network and provides technical training for the staff. She enjoys the challenge of technical problem-solving and is our go-to for HIPAA and PCI compliance. She also designs and maintains the website. When she is not working, Jan enjoys wandering country roads, photography, and anything involving creativity.