Ava Schenk, MSW, LSW

Children, Adolescents, College, Young Adults

Anxiety, Depression, Self Esteem, Disordered Eating, Social Media, Friendship Struggles, School Issues, Divorce, Transitions, ADHD, ADD, Executive Functioning, Anger Management

Hello! I am Ava and I am excited to possibly get the opportunity to work with you! If you work with me, you’ll experience my bubbly personality paired with my authentic, funny and down-to-earth vibe. I grew up in Deerfield and graduated from DHS. Following in my mom’s footsteps, I headed out to Champaign/Urbana and graduated from the University of Illinois (I-L-L) with a degree in Social Work. I then completed my Master’s in Social Work from UIC.

As your therapist, I will provide a safe and non judgmental space for you to feel comfortable to be yourself. I believe in adding humor and positivity to the therapeutic experience! I know firsthand that everyone grows at their own pace physically and mentally. I believe that there is not a one size fits all approach. My style is interactive and collaborative to help you better understand your strengths in order to reach your personalized goals. I utilize various treatment techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play therapy, and person-centered therapy.

Children and Adolescents

With my years of experience, I admittedly have a soft spot for kids and adolescents. Before becoming a therapist, I was a seasoned overnight camp counselor at Chippewa, as well as working on administration. I found a real connection with kids through by being an authentic, compassionate and an advocate for them. I connect with kids quickly and make them feel safe and that I “get it.”

I’ve seen firsthand by working through my own mental health journey, that anyone can overcome challenges in their life and it’s okay if that journey doesn’t follow a straight line.

I’m very well versed in the stressors kids today face with anxieties of social media, school, self-esteem, depression, anxiety and disordered eating.

It is so rewarding to see kids overcome the hurdles they face today, gives me so much happiness! As they thrive, I find that I do too.

I believe we are truly on the journey together.

College & Young Adults

I have been lucky to grow up in a family with many social work professionals. The tools I’ve gained from my personal life, challenges and counseling skills has served me through college and emerging into my own adult years and finding a career where I thrive.

Becoming an adult takes time and effort. Going to college and graduating into the “real world” is a big life transition. Though transitions can be really challenging, they are the perfect opportunity to grow, gain freedom and find out who you really are.

Anxiety around change is completely normal! I promise to go the extra mile to assist my clients in developing the tools to foster growth, so they can become the best versions of themselves.

For Fun…

I love spending time with my friends and family. I am passionate about NYT mini games as well as mastering my Spotify playlist. Being a foodie, I love to explore new restaurants and food trends with my friends. When the weather’s nice I also love to take long walks, especially with my dog Ollie!

To book an appointment, 847-919-9096 x.1, [email protected]