Clinical Care Team
Meet the compassionate women making healing accessible to women and girls in Chicago.
Candice Gant, LCSW
Clinical Care Program Manager
Candice is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Care Program Manager. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic and incorporates multiple orientations and techniques to meet the client where they are. She believes in fostering the strengths of each person and working towards sustainable healing. She is certified as Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Financial Social Worker. She has trained in providing integrative evidence-based behavioral health services with young and middle-aged adults. She has previously provided services to people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, substance use, sexual assault, developmental issues, and interpersonal difficulties. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her Master's degree in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Gabrielle Carlwell, LSW
Therapist
Gabrielle Carlwell, MSW, LSW, is a trauma-informed therapist and Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from Dominican University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has extensive experience supporting individuals and groups across diverse ages and backgrounds, including survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, older adults, and court-mandated clients. Gabrielle has completed specialized trainings in domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, and EMDR, and integrates modalities such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR into her client-centered practice. Her mission is to provide a safe, empowering space where clients can process experiences, overcome obstacles, and develop effective coping tools to support healing and growth.
Abajah Johnkin, LSW
Therapist
​Abajah is passionate about helping the Black community with mental health awareness and wellness. She's been in the social work field for 5 years and has helped clients that struggle with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum issues, and trauma by using a client-centered approach which supports the people she serves through empathy and building upon their strengths. She received her Bachelors degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University and my Masters in Social Work from Aurora University.
April Threatt, LPC
Therapist
April is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience assisting women who are facing depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, conflict resolution, major life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. She is dedicated to being compassionate and present with her clients as they uncover their inner strengths to effect positive change. Her approach is person-centered, and she believes that building strong relationships with clients is essential for helping them navigate their issues, overcome obstacles, and become the best versions of themselves. She received her Master's degree in Community Agency Counseling from Saint Xavier University, Chicago. She serves as a Community Alignment Board Member with Family Connects Chicago with a focus on improving family connection to healthcare services during a vulnerable time for birthing people. April is passionate about advocating for maternal mental health, reproductive justice, and birth equity.
Nayesha Pruitt, LPC
Therapist
Nayesha is a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting Black and Brown women, and LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults in reclaiming their narratives and building paths towards healing. When the pandemic hit, she shifted her focus from her role as a School Counselor to therapist because she saw firsthand how anxiety and depression were impacting not only her students but her colleagues as well, and she wanted to go deeper. She believes that her clients are the experts of their own lives and sees her role as a guide toward sustainable restoration and self-empowerment. Her trauma-informed, healing-centered approach acknowledges the impact of political, cultural, and social systems on mental health and emphasizes collective healing. Nayesha holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from National Louis University in Chicago. Her work centers on culturally affirming care, community connection, and holistic well-being.
Keila Pope, LPC
Keila is a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate identity, healing, and life transitions. Her work is grounded in a client-centered and anti-oppressive approach that honors each person’s lived experiences and strengths. Keila works with both children and adults and has experience supporting individuals who have experienced gender-based violence, working with neurodivergent individuals, creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ clients, and empowering Black women and girls as they explore identity and build self-esteem. She integrates approaches such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based practices to help clients develop insight and practical coping tools. Keila strives to create a warm and supportive environment where clients can show up as their full, authentic selves, explore their experiences with curiosity, and move toward meaningful growth, sometimes with humor along the way. Keila received her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Master’s degree in Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Moniqua W.
Moniqua is a Mental Health Assessment & Care Coordinator with over a decade of experience in social services. Since 2013, she has worked with diverse populations, providing client-centered support, advocacy, and resource navigation. Since 2021, Moniqua has specialized in conducting mental health assessments and providing case management services, helping individuals navigate complex systems and access resources. In 2023, she expanded her expertise into care coordination, supporting continuity of care and collaboration across providers and services. Moniqua holds a Master's Degree in Psychology and is IM+CANS certified. She is known for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering compassionate, culturally responsive care.
Inyene Udoh
Inyene has experience working with people across different age groups, providing crisis counseling, and engaging in mental health advocacy. Inyene is passionate about making mental health care more accessible and culturally responsive, with a focus on providing representation and support for Black communities, especially Black women. She draws from cognitive-behavioral and person-centered approaches, centering validation, empowerment, and practical skill-building. Her goal is to build spaces where Black women and communities can see themselves reflected in care and feel valued in their healing journey. Inyene Udoh earned her degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Chicago.
Tashiara Nichols
Tashiara has extensive experience working in community-based programs, domestic violence organizations, nonprofit settings, and supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through this work, Tashiara has developed a strong passion for empowering Black women, women of color (WOC), and individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. They are committed to compassionate, client-centered care for all people and believe in meeting individuals where they are while walking alongside them on their healing journey. Tashiara uses a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and strengths-based approach, creating supportive and affirming spaces that help individuals navigate challenges, build confidence, and access the tools they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and personally. Tashiara Nichols is a Master of Social Work student at Loyola University Chicago. They also earned their Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology at Loyola University Chicago.