Meet Our Team
Clinical Supervisor and Therapist
Nikyra James, MSW, LCSW, PEL
Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, minor in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in School Social Work. Nikyra has a passion for helping people regardless of race, gender, age, or ability with a distinct passion for people of color. She has years of experience supporting individuals navigate: trauma, anxiety, neurodivergence, stress, self harm/suicidal ideation, nonsuicidal self injury, self confidence, relationship issues, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties and conflict. Nikyra explores context’s impact on emotional and behavioral presentation. She has almost a decade’s worth of experience working in Chicago’s public, charter, and therapeutic day schools with grades 6-12 and several years experience as an Outpatient Therapist providing services across the lifespan. It is her belief that therapy is a partnership between clinician and client and it is her goal to help clients achieve healing, wellness, resiliency, and tolerance for life’s challenges and stressors in ways that truly align with their personal goals and highest visions for themselves. Utilizing evidenced based practices, her therapeutic modalities of choice are: CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, REBT influence, ACT, and Mindfulness. “It is my joy and pleasure to assist you in your journey, I am an Armor Bearer, and I will help you carry your load until you feel strong and capable to carry it on your own.”
Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Dr. Kailee Lenczycki, DNP, PMHNP-BC
As an Armor Bearer partner, I specialize in helping adults and adolescents achieve balance in their lives through the expert use of psychiatric medication combined with holistic treatment approaches. I provide personalized care that goes beyond medication management. I take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, working with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both your mental health and overall wellness.
With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, I am committed to delivering care that focuses on your individual journey. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rush University and am board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Across the Lifespan. My diverse clinical experience allows me to address a wide range of psychiatric needs and provide compassionate, comprehensive care.
I offer services such as medication management, supportive therapy, and holistic treatments. My goal is to reduce symptoms, improve coping skills, and foster resilience, helping you regain control of your life. I believe in creating a nurturing and non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe exploring your emotions and challenges.
I am an Armor Bearer, dedicated to guiding you on your path to healing and empowerment. If you are ready to take the next step toward wellness, I am here to support you every step of the way.
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Clinical Supervisor
Eric Tessman, MSW, LCSW
My name is Eric and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe joy and suffering are two sides of the same coin. They define and balance each other. However, we can often lose that balance and get stuck in suffering. I want you to know you aren’t alone in this journey. Hope is real. Change is possible. Calmness, peace, and stability are attainable. My purpose in life is to help you rediscover those feelings of calmness, peace, and stability. Biologically, our bodies are capable of healing and repairing physical wounds. I believe this same concept applies to our spiritual and emotional wounds as well. We all contain an inner healing intelligence that works towards repairing our wounds. I focus on the therapeutic alliance between the client and myself, working in tandem to create a space where we can clear the debris of trauma and suffering from the path of healing. To do this work, I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, and mindfulness based practices. I am also trained in ketamine assisted psychotherapy as well as some other upcoming psychedelic assisted therapies. I have robust experience working with people experiencing homelessness, outpatient therapy with individuals and groups, and assessment and diagnosis for appropriate level of care referrals. I have a great deal of experience working with substance use disorders, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder and more. I am an Armor Bearer, I am here to help and I look forward to hearing your story.
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Therapist
Jessica Wilson, MSW, LSW, QMHP
Is a Licensed Social Worker, and therapist with a bachelor’s degree in and Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Social Work. “I have worked with families and children for more than 10 years in some capacity. I started working as a case manager, and eventually as a clinician of children and families, to help them work through life’s mountains and valleys, as individuals and as a whole. Often, this encourages growth toward healthy, strong family bonds.
I specialize in:
Children, Adolescents and Teens
Adults across the life span
Post-traumatic stress
Anxiety
Depression
Family issues
Behavioral problems
Trauma
Relationship challenges
Family conflict and other relationship challenges
Social difficulties and other social challenges
Stress: Stress and other challenges Preferred
“I truly enjoy working with individuals, recognizing that every experience comes in different forms and aspects of life. It's this variety that enriches the journey, and I believe each person has the potential to grow through their unique challenges. My goal is to support and guide them, fostering their growth and helping them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of fulfillment as they navigate life's complexities. If you are ready to find a new sense of positive self regard, confidence and meaning in your journey. I am an Armor Bearer, and I am here to help you get there.”
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Therapist
Tamara Gilmore, MS, CMHC
Completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Currently she works with multiple populations also working with both Children and Adults. Her behavioral health experience over the last 10 years has allowed her to be diverse and well- educated on many populations. Mental Health has been pushed under the rug for many populations, communities, and cultures. In today’s society everyone can benefit from having a neutral professional to talk to.
Specializing in:
• Addictive Behaviors and Substance Use Issues
• Teen Issues; Peer Pressure, Self Esteem
• Parent/Child or Partner Relational Problems
• Dating Violence/Abuse
• Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Behavior
• Mood Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
• Conduct and Oppositional Defiant Disorders
• Physical, Sexual, Emotional Abuse
• Anger and Stress Management
• Dual Diagnoses
• Criminal Thinking and Behavior
• Family Therapy
I am an Armor Bearer, My theory is always to meet the client where they are in order to reach them mentally and emotionally. No client is the same so be willing to try whatever is necessary for each individual.
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Taleatha Welch, MSW, LCSW, LPHA
Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and Licensed Practitioner of The Healing Arts. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work, and bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She uses evidence based practices to assist clients in reaching optimum outcomes.
Remember, at ABSI It is our mission to equip you with the tools needed to reach self-actualization. Creating a clearer path on your journey of transcendence into the best possible You!
“My modalities of choice are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. Our thoughts influence our feelings, which In turn influences our behaviors. Making that connection is imperative, as it allows you to respond, rather than react.”
“Over my life I have worn many hats, but in each capacity, I’ve always been in the business of serving and meeting the needs of people, because I am an Armor Bearer. You have taken a courageous first step, so let's see if we are a good fit, as I would be honored to embark on this journey in collaboration with you. I strive to build a genuine connection with my clients by fostering an environment of transparency and support. Remember, you are the expert in your journey, and I am here to assist.”
Some of the tools that you may enhance while on this journey are: Mindfulness, Patience, Emotional Regulation, and Impulse Control to name a few.
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers