Meet our Team
Dr. Edgar A. Ramos Psy.D MSCP
Dr. Ramos is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with nearly 30 years of varied clinical experience. In 2004, he received his Master's Degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. In 2006, he received his Psy. D., from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He received his clinical training pre and post doctoral at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital. Dr. Ramos has extensive experience working with children, adolescent and adults. He has worked in various residential settings, Behavioral Health Hospitals, Nursing homes, and Community Mental Health Centers throughout Chicago. In addition, Dr. Ramos is a full time faculty at Concordia University Chicago in the Human Services department graduate programs . His primary focus is teaching in the Psychology department. Dr. Ramos supervises and trains Masters and Doctoral level students at several sites. He is fluent in Spanish and provides clinical care in both Spanish and English. Dr. Ramos is an expert in the area of adolescent gangs. He has presented extensively on the topic.
Dr. Ramos is an avid comic book collector and has merged his passion and love for psychology and comics by intertwining them both in the way he works with children and adolescents as well as presenting on the integration of comic book superheroes on mental health.
Dr. Meera Nair, M.D.
Dr. Nair is a dedicated physician, who grew up in Ohio. Her passion for medicine led her to attend the Kerala University of Health Sciences, where she pursued her medical degree straight out of high school. She attended the Mt. Sinai Chicago - Loretto Hospital for residency. Currently based in Chicago, Dr. Nair specializes in providing compassionate mental health care, with a particular focus on adolescents, women’s health, and lifestyle management. She is committed to delivering holistic care to her patients.
Fluent in English and Malayalam, Dr. Nair also possesses basic conversational skills in Hindi, Tamil, and Spanish. She has lived in Chicago for the past four years with her husband and two beloved pups.
Outside of her medical practice, she enjoys painting, cooking, traveling, and playing badminton. A fan of comics, her favorite hero is Aquaman, while she has a soft spot for the complex villain Harley Quinn.
Dr. Shilpa Chalimeda Pulluru, MD
Dr. Pulluru is a compassionate and motivated board-eligible psychiatrist with extensive training in adult, adolescent, geriatric, consultation-liaison, and addiction psychiatry. She is dedicated to delivering patient-centered care with a focus on improving mental health outcomes. She has a recognition for empathy, cultural competence, and attention to detail. Dr. Pulluru is fluent in English, Hindi, and Telugu.
I am eager to bring my expertise to a full-time psychiatry role.
Samantha Ramos MA LCPC CCTP
Samantha earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Roosevelt University in 2017 and is currently completing her Doctorate in Health Science with a concentration in Mental Health. She is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across the lifespan.
Samantha began her career in the Child Life Department at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, where she spent three years observing the therapeutic use of play and art in the Hematology and Oncology outpatient center. Her work with children and adolescents continued through her clinical practicum at the Family Behavioral Health Clinic in Des Plaines, IL.
In addition to her experience with youth, Samantha has worked extensively with older adults, including serving as a Life Enrichment Specialist in an Alzheimer’s and Dementia care unit. She brings a trauma-informed lens to her clinical work and has experience treating a wide range of concerns, including trauma, depression, ADHD, anxiety, grief, and both physical and mental disabilities.
Samantha incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her practice, helping clients build emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skills. She currently provides clinical supervision for therapists and licensed clinicians at the clinic.
Outside of her clinical work, Samantha is an avid comic book and Disney fan. She enjoys being outdoors and loves traveling around the country in search of the best pizza.
Lee Woods MA LCPC NCC CMPC
Lee received a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Sport and Health Psychology from Adler University in 2015. His clinical interests revolve around mental skills training to balance energy management and mental focus for everyday life performances. He also focuses on the characteristics of effective leadership and team dynamics/building.Lee has clinical experience in working with exercisers to achieve weight loss and addressing negative thoughts and body image issues to reach personal and performance goals. In addition, he has experience working with the military for mental skills training to improve resilience and enhance a growth mindset for optimal performance. Lee has also assisted mixed martial arts and boxing athletes in mental training circuits to enhance training for peak performance and personal goals. Lee serves as our CEO. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, as well as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant.
Lee is an avid comic book movie fan and comic book reader. He also enjoys weightlifting, training in mixed martial arts (MMA), and watching combat sports such as MMA and boxing.
Migdais Monagas MA
Mig earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She completed her clinical training at Ramos & Associates, where she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mental health challenges. Mig believes that individuals have the innate potential to overcome adversity and have a fulfilling and meaningful life. She is passionate about helping people find and nurture this ability through counseling, while considering systemic barriers. Mig is bilingual and offers therapy services in English and Spanish. She conceptualizes clients from a psychodynamic framework and implements CBT interventions. Her goal is to make counseling accessible for all individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, major life changes, and other challenges, specifically for the Latino community.
In her free time, Mig loves hiking, camping, and backpacking.
Maria Vessia MA NCC LPC
Maria is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with over a decade of experience in the psychiatric hospital system. She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Concordia University Chicago, where she completed her clinical internship at Maryville Scott Nolan Psychiatric Hospital under the guidance of Dr. Edgar Ramos. After completing her hours ahead of schedule, Maria was hired as a full-time therapist—launching a fulfilling and impactful career in mental health.
Throughout her professional journey, Maria has worked with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief, behavioral disorders, and co-occurring conditions. She has a strong passion for serving the LGBTQIA+ community and brings deep experience in working with both dual diagnosis and adolescent populations.
Committed to continued growth, Maria is preparing to sit for her next licensure exam this year as she expands her clinical expertise and scope of practice.
Outside the therapy room, Maria enjoys live music, cheering on the Cubs and Bulls, reading comics, cooking, and traveling. She’s also a proud dog mom to two lovable pitbulls—Bailey Beluga and Odafin Tutuola. A die-hard fan of Batman and Poison Ivy, Maria holds the impressive title of having watched Empire Records over 100 times (and counting).
Marc Cuiriz MA LPC
Marc received his Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lewis University and Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago. He has clinical training in a private practice setting with a focus on adolescents, and adults working through depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, among other issues. Prior to joining Ramos & Associates, Marc served in various capacities, working in Residential treatment centers and inpatient hospitalizations. Marc serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor at Ramos & Associates.
Marc is a video game and Disney fan. Some of his favorite series include Percy Jackson, Spider-Man, and Assassin’s Creed. He enjoys spending time outdoors, and spending time with his cats.
Janet Diaz MA LCPC
Janet earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Psychology from North Park University in May 2018. Has worked as a case manager, family support worker, facilitated groups and health access for the last 10 years providing care coordination and continuity of care. Has worked in a psychiatric setting, gerontology setting, nursing home, hospital setting and has experience working with adults, adolescents including teen pregnancies, children and infant’s early development. Janet is a certified as a care coordinator, has experience in completing developmental screenings for early intervention and has experience with home visitations and DCFS involvement. Completed her clinical practicum at Erie Family Health Centers.
Currently works and has experience as a mental health clinician providing psychotherapy to the marginalized community, immigrant population and African American population, providing services in English and Spanish. Janet provides mental health evaluations in facilitation to U-Visas and waiver letters. Janet is dedicated to supporting individuals, families and couples by offering psychotherapy to facilitate and support mental and emotional health. Janet supports in providing diagnostic evaluations, has experience in treating Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Grief and other presenting mental health problems. Janet enjoys implementing play therapy for her adolescents and children to help regulate their emotions. Janet is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Janet finds passion in helping others, traveling and dancing. More than a profession this is Janet’s project in life, her mission is to continue her journey as a clinician preparing herself to then be able to give more to this world.
Sandra M. Gomez
Sandra has a master’s degree in Psychology and has been working as a counselor for the past 22 years. She worked at child protection agencies, as well as, Minister of Defense in Colombia for the Anti-Kidnapping Taskforce. In addition, she was a professor at the University of Sincelejo.
In 2003, she emigrated to Illinois, and lives and works in Lake County. She has been working at the Lake County Health Department for the past 11 years. She was a counselor with the Trauma Treatment Program and is currently the Mental Health Educator and Community Policy Advocate. As well as, the chairperson for Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force.
The past 5 years, she has been writing a weekly column on various mental health topics for PuroFutbol newspaper. She also has been writing articles for a Mexican newspaper and a Magazine Contacto Latino in South Carolina. In addition, she has been promoting mental health for several radio shows on ESPN Sport Channel and does videos clips for Contacto TV in South Carolina.
Sandra owns her own business, Awaken, where she provides community trainings on mental health as well as individual and family consultation. When Sandra is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 16 years and her two children. She is looking forward to being an asset to the team and the community.
Emaleigh Martin MA LPC
Emaleigh attained her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University. Her clinical training at Ramos and Associates Behavioral Health Clinic was centered on the treatment of couples, adolescent, and adult clients. Emaleigh has extensive clinical experience treating ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Grief, and OCD, among many other diagnoses and presenting problems. To account for the biological, psychological, and social needs of each client's subjective internal and external experiences, Emaleigh integrates a comprehensive framework into the psychotherapeutic process consisting of neuroeducation, psychodynamic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and existential philosophy. In addition to providing services in the private practice setting, Emaleigh facilitates groups for adults receiving inpatient treatment. Her clinical interests extend to epigenetics, family and relationship dynamics, and functional mental toughness (fMT). Emaleigh serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor at Ramos & Associates.
Outside of her clinical practice, Emaleigh enjoys bike riding, hiking, photography, interior decorating, and spending time with family and friends.
Colleen McShea MA LPC
Colleen earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lewis University. She obtained her Bachelor of Art’s degree in psychology and Spanish from Loras College. Colleen completed her internship at Ramos and Associates and is passionate about mental health. Colleen enjoys working with individuals and families of all ages, and has a specialization working with adolescents and teens. Colleen has experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, ADHD and other presenting problems. Colleen holds sessions in English, but is comfortable communicating with clients or their families in Spanish. Colleen serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor at Ramos and Associates.
Colleen loves animals, music, yoga, and spending time with family and friends. Colleen loves working with clients and helping them overcome challenges in their lives.
Grecia Ramirez MA
Grecia received her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Concordia University and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Chemistry from Carroll University. She has clinical training in a private practice setting with a focus on children, adolescents, and families working through depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, among other issues. Grecia has experience with culturally-sensitive training, providing therapy services in Spanish and English. Prior to joining Ramos & Associates, Grecia served in various capacities, working in Juvenile Detention Centers, Domestic Violence/ Human Trafficking Advocacy, and Community Crisis Response. Grecia serves as a Psychotherapist at Ramos & Associates
Patrick Robideau MA
Patrick earned his Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling at North Park University in 2022. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology at North Park University in 2019. He completed his clinical practicum at Ramos and Associates Behavioral Health clinic. Patrick has worked with children in both school and social settings for the last six years. He has clinical experience treating trauma, ADHD, depression, addiction, anxiety, grief and other presenting problems. Patrick enjoys incorporating play therapy into his sessions. Patrick enjoys sports and music. Patrick serves as a Psychotherapist at Ramos & Associates.
Vineeda Sungvornyothin MS LPC
Vineeda received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Phoenix in 2023 and Bachelor of Science in Community Health from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She completed her clinical practicum at Ramos and Associates Behavioral Health Clinic. Vineeda has worked as a behavioral therapist, case manager, recovery support specialist, and a community support
worker. She has experience working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, addiction, grief, and other presenting issues. Vineeda serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor at Ramos & Associates.
Vineeda enjoys traveling, playing tennis, watching movies and TV shows, attending music and food festivals, and playing with her cat, Eliza. She is fluent in English and Thai.
Shilpi Shah MA LPC
Shilpi Shah is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and work towards mental and emotional well-being. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Shilpi's therapeutic approach combines evidence-based methods with a deep understanding of cultural sensitivity, ensuring that each client receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. Shilpi’s expertise spans a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. She is particularly passionate about helping individuals understand and heal from past wounds, fostering resilience, and building healthier coping strategies for a brighter future.
Shilpi strives to create a safe, collaborative space for her clients, empowering them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
She believes in the transformative power of therapy and works alongside clients to help them achieve their personal goals, develop emotional awareness, and improve their quality of life.
Anthony Busby USAF Veteran, MFT Intern
Anthony is a Couple and Family Therapist Intern specializing in Sex Therapy. He is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families build healthier relationships, deepen emotional connections, and navigate life’s challenges more confidently and clearly.
His work focuses on supporting military veterans. Having served seven years in the United States Air Force, he understand firsthand the unique stressors veterans face. He offers a safe, affirming space where your story is honored and your goals are prioritized. His approach is holistic, client-centered, and grounded in respect.
He offers affirming care for members of the kink and LGBTQ+ communities, individuals navigating sexual discrepancies, and those in consensual non-monogamous relationships. Whether you're seeking to strengthen intimacy, improve communication, or explore your identity in a nonjudgmental space, his approach is warm and grounded in evidence-based practices. He is here to support your emotional and sexual well-being.
"Everyone deserves a place where they feel seen, supported, and accepted. I’d be honored to walk alongside you if you're ready to begin that journey."
Angie Sauer MA, CADC, MACS, YMHFA Instructor
Angie Sauer has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from North Park University. She is a certified alcohol and drug counselor with over 18 years of experience working in the field. She has over 10 years of experience providing couples counseling. She has extensive experience in serving those with Addictions, Trauma, Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Grief, and other presenting mental health problems. Angie has facilitated individual, family, and group therapy sessions in residential, inpatient and outpatient settings. She has worked with different groups women, men, adolescents, and children. Angie serves as a psychotherapist at Ramos & Associates.
Outside of work Angie enjoys spending time outdoors, biking, hiking and traveling.
Amber Barnhart MA LPC
Bio Coming Soon
Elizabeth Lemus MA
Bio Coming Soon
Gail Zarbin LCSW
Gail is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years of clinical experience. She has worked at mental health clinics, at an in-patient hospital for adults and adolescents, and as a school social worker in a grade school. Gail has experience collaborating with teachers at public schools and Montessori schools. Gail works with children, individual adults, and couples. Couples often have challenges with communication and resolving conflicts without hurting each other. She works with multi-cultural, blended, and divorced families. She can help you with parenting struggles and to co-parent when you have differences. She will help you learn the skills to respond to a child who has low frustration tolerance, avoid power struggles, and learn to give realistic consequences. Gail has been trained and has experience working with special needs, such as Asperger’s and ADHD, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, grief and loss, medical struggles, the LBGTQ community, adoption, and the need to use an egg donor, sperm donor, or a gestational surrogate. Infertility is a specialized area of training, and she can help you with the grief and loss of failed infertility cycles and miscarriages. Gail administrates the psychological evaluations for surrogates, egg donors, and Intended Parents who need to be cleared to move forward to become a family. Gail has implemented Employee Assistance Programs at major corporations to train management to respond to an employee when their personal struggles are decreasing their job performance. Gail is contracted to work with the employees of the Department of Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
During each session, Gail will teach you the skills to better manage your daily life challenges. Gail’s clinical style is to be interactive and to care to make a difference Gail is an adoptive parent of two children. Gail is not currently taking insurance and accepts patients on a sliding scale. She conducts appointments at her Oak Park office.