OakHeart, Center for Counseling, Mediation, and Consultation

01/28/2026

Introducing Abby Jeske, MA, LPC

Today’s spotlight is Abby — a warm clinician with a collaborative and mindful approach to therapy! 🧡

✨ Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Grief/Bereavement, Adjustment/Life Transitions & Illness Anxiety — serving ages 10+ through older adulthood.

📍 Practice Locations: North Aurora, IL (in-person + Telehealth)

💬 Personality: Authentic, open-minded, and humorous — Abby believes joy and connection are essential parts of healing.

🎉 Fun Fact: She’s recently become fascinated with growing carnivorous plants! 🌱🪴

01/27/2026

Get to Know Dr. Kevin Hamor, PsyD

Say hello to Dr. Kevin — a dedicated psychologist who blends compassion with authenticity to help clients grow and heal. 🌈

✨ Specialties: Anxiety (generalized, social), OCD, Trauma, LGBTQIA+ Support, Depression, Self-Esteem, Relationship Concerns & Life Transitions.

📍 Practice Locations: Sycamore, IL (in-person + Telehealth)

💬 Personality: Values kindness, connection, and self-compassion — bringing warmth and encouragement to the therapy space.

🎉 Fun Fact: Kevin loves “slow days” with a cup of coffee, exploring new places on day trips, and catching up with friends over a warm meal. ☕🚗

01/26/2026

Meet Melanie Vause, MSW, LSW

Today we’re spotlighting Melanie — a compassionate licensed social worker who loves supporting people through self-discovery and life transitions! 🌱

✨ Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Social Anxiety, LGBTQIA+ Support, Self-Esteem, Caregiver Support, ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorders — working with teens and adults to build strength and resilience.

📍 Practice Locations: North Aurora & Sycamore, IL (in-person + Telehealth)

💬 Personality: Gentle, thoughtful, and introspective — Melanie values authenticity, honesty, and compassion in all relationships.

🎉 Fun Fact: When she’s not counseling, Melanie enjoys crocheting, playing video games, and snuggling with her cat Rosemary!

01/22/2026

https://www.oakheartcenter.com/oakheart-blog/sensorimotor-ocd-understanding-and-finding-relief

Introduction: What Is Sensorimotor OCD? Most people don’t spend much time thinking about their breathing, blinking, or swallowing. These automatic bodily functions usually happen in the background,...

01/21/2026

Mentorship isn’t only about receiving—it’s also about giving back. When experienced professionals share knowledge and encouragement, they help shape the future of their field.
OakHeart, Center for Counseling, embraces a culture where clinicians support and learn from one another. This collaborative approach strengthens our team and ensures that growth is continuous, not isolated.

www.oakheartcenter.com
630-570-0050

01/20/2026

Being mentored offers more than skill-building—it fosters confidence, reflection, and professional identity. Mentorship allows people to learn from experience, ask thoughtful questions, and grow with intention.
At OakHeart, all clinicians are offered mentoring as part of their work here, creating opportunities to build evidence-based competencies and specialties while feeling supported every step of the way.

www.oakheartcenter.com
630-570-0050

01/19/2026

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the impact mentorship can have on individuals, professions, and communities. Mentoring provides guidance, encouragement, and a space to grow—whether you’re early in your career or continuing to refine your expertise.

At OakHeart, Center for Counseling, we believe mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways to support growth and connection, both inside our practice and beyond.

www.oakheartcenter.com
630-570-0050

01/16/2026

Survivors of human trafficking often carry deep, complex trauma—but healing is possible. Trauma-informed counseling can help survivors rebuild safety, trust, and a sense of control. At OakHeart, Center for Counseling, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy that honors each person’s pace, story, and resilience.

If you or someone you love is seeking support, know that help is available—and you don’t have to walk the healing journey alone.

www.oakheartcenter.com
630-570-0050

01/15/2026

Some potential warning signs of human trafficking may include:

• Limited control over personal identification or finances
• Fear, anxiety, or submissive behavior
• Someone speaking for them or closely monitoring them
• Inconsistent stories or unexplained injuries

If something feels concerning, trust your instincts. If you suspect trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.

www.oakheartcenter.com
630-570-0050

01/14/2026

Who is at risk?

Human trafficking can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase vulnerability, including:
• History of trauma or abuse
• Housing instability
• Substance use
• Economic hardship
• Lack of social support

Recognizing vulnerability is not about blame—it’s about prevention and protection. Safe, supportive communities make a difference.

www.oakheartcenter.com
630-570-0050

01/13/2026

🚫 Myth: Human trafficking only involves kidnapping.
✅ Fact: Many victims are trafficked by someone they know—through manipulation, false promises, or emotional control.

🚫 Myth: Trafficking only happens in large cities.
✅ Fact: Human trafficking occurs in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike.

Understanding the reality helps us better protect others and respond with empathy rather than assumptions.

www.oakheartcenter.com
630-570-0050

01/12/2026

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or commercial sex—and it happens in every community, not just in the news. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.

At OakHeart, Center for Counseling, we believe education and compassion are essential in protecting vulnerable individuals and supporting survivors.

www.oakheartcenter.com
630-570-0050