Meet Our Team

Molly Bilich joined the counseling team at Stepping Stones in January of 2024. Molly has experience in different roles within community mental health and enjoys working with different ages, demographics, and everything in between. She has experience with all ages but tends to gravitate toward working with children, teenagers, and young adults. Molly utilizes Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy within sessions, but always looks forward to changing it up depending on the client. She wants the client to feel comfortable and one of her most “famous” sayings is: “You can ask me anything. You are telling me so much about you and therapy is so personal, feel free to ask any question that you have!” Asking these questions allows the client to get to know the person they are talking to on a weekly basis.

Molly received her bachelor's and master’s degrees in social work from Aurora University. While Molly is an MSW (Master of Social Work) and QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional), she is currently working towards her clinical licensing so she can become an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).

When Molly is not working, you can find her at home with her cat, Ellie. If you have been in her office, you have surely seen a picture of her. While Molly enjoys spending most of her time with Ellie, she also enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Some of her interests include traveling to National Parks, hiking, reading, cooking, baking, and gardening. Her favorite park to visit was Grand Teton National Park and her favorite thing to bake is homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Jordan Eklund joined Stepping Stones in February of 2024 as a counseling intern. While she is new to the counseling profession, Jordan has worked in social services for almost 8 years in different roles. Jordan’s primary background is working with youth in the criminal justice system and working in mobile crisis response. Jordan works with a variety of age groups, although she does seem to gravitate through teens and young adults. Jordan is very interested in understanding the client’s that she works with and knows that getting a full picture of a person’s life can be very important. There is always more to a person than what meets the eye.

Jordan has a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology obtained from Northern Illinois University and is currently working to obtain her Masters in Clinical Counseling from Judson University. From there, she plans to obtain her license to be an LPC.

Jordan was born and raised in Rockford, IL, and never really has strayed away. Rockford is home, so she feels as though any difference she could make should be in this community. When Jordan is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her collection of pets, traveling, and taking long walks through Rockford’s different scenic trails. 

Samantha Gaffey (she/her) joined the Stepping Stones of Rockford outpatient counseling team in June 2022. She is a Masters Level Social Worker who has extended training in the areas of loss and trauma, neurodivergent population, and child and adolescent development. Samantha primarily works with children and adolescents who struggle with emotional regulation, stress, loss, and trauma. She also provides treatment for individuals struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Samantha received a B.S. in Sociology and Anthropology with an emphasis in Social Work from Rockford University in 2006 and her MSW from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers). She worked a number of years as a School Social Worker before joining the Stepping Stones team. 

Samantha prefers to spend her personal time outdoors, traveling to National Parks, cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers and Chicago Cubs, and being with her family and close friends.

Delano joined our counseling team at Stepping Stones as our Care Coordinator in September 2024.  As a master’s level clinician, he has an extensive and diverse background in the human service field.  Including but not limited to dual diagnosis services, community-based services, residential care, and program development.   In his role as Care Coordinator, he works collaboratively with the team to ensure supportive services extend into the community for our youth, adults, and family units.        

He prides himself on being a professional that has been forever changed and positively impacted through his years of work and serving communities, families, youth, and adults. Helping and supporting others has grounded his humility, strengthened his resilience, and served as a huge source of his own personal growth from within. As our Care Coordinator his goal is for this to manifest itself into a relentless work ethic, serve as a selfish steward for what’s right, and serve as a positive and motivating role model.   

When Delano is not working you can find him serving as a devoted, loving and involved father.  He values spending time with his family and friends.  He loves to cook, travel, participate in all outdoor activities, and his frequent at home DYI projects have become holistic in nature! 

Christopher W. Kauten, MA, MFT has been a therapist for the past six years working with a wide range of populations. He started out working in substance abuse at a residential facility with young adults, which has extended his knowledge about the effectiveness of 12 step work and medications. He then started working with children and their families for the next four years. In that time, he has also facilitated group work on a myriad of topics. Most recently he started working with adults at the individual level, most often addressing issues of trauma. He also expanded his knowledge of EMDR therapy recently, and plan to continue to expand his resources to aid the clients to the best of his ability.

He has an associate and bachelor’s degree in psychology, and received his master’s from Adler University in couples and marriage therapy. In that time, he also completed his internship where he had the opportunity to also work with couples. His approach to therapy is considering the system in which you, and or your family, work within as being both part of the problem and the solution. He will often apply solution focused and contextual therapy, but not limited to these styles as he is well versed in both CBT and DBT.

He spends his time practicing what he also encourage his clients to do themselves. He works out often, whether that be lifting weights, doing cardio, or engaging in any physical activities that he can engage in like going for a hike. If he is found at home, he spends time with his family, he takes the time to 3D print and paint unique items either for himself or his friends. Most recently he added PC building to his list of skills as he is an avid gamer and enjoy role playing games such as DND. He finds these activities to be very important for any individual and or relationship, and strongly encourage others to find what they like in this life; and if you can, share it with those close to you.

Danielle is passionate about working with adults facing addiction and mental health. She is motivated by challenges to pursue and gain clinical knowledge and expertise in mental health, trauma treatment, and licensure. Danielle strives to make a positive impact in the lives of those she serves, offering comprehensive and empathetic care as she supports individuals on their path to recovery and healing. She enjoys walking, being in nature, and spending time with her family and friends.

Danielle’s experiences allowed her to work with a variety of populations including First Responders, families (in a residential setting), women’s specific, and young men’s.  Her career began with interning at Rosecrance and Haymarket in 2015.  She gained valuable, residential and outpatient, experience in addiction treatments from these sites.  Danielle began working in residential at Rosecrance in 2016 as a Unit Counselor, and later became an Addiction’s Counselor. Danielle began interning at Stepping Stones in 2023 and became full time at the start of 2024. 

Danielle holds a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) since 2016 and a Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorder Professional (CODP-I) since 2020.  She is currently waiting approval from the state for her Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) from the state.

Danielle’s educational history includes receiving a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2023, a Bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Western Illinois University in 2011, and the Addictions Counseling Certification Program at the College of DuPage in 2015.

Beth Lenz is a Qualified Mental Health Professional who recently transitioned to the Stepping Stones Outpatient Counseling Center in October of 2023. Beth started her career at Stepping Stones in May of 2018 as a supervisor on the residential side for chronically mentally ill clients, primarily in the Community Apartment Program. Beth has worked in the mental health field for over 18 years in the community, school, and legal/court related settings. She has experience working with children, teens, and adults for mental health counseling. Beth has training in the areas of trauma, anger, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorders. She continues to learn new research approaches to symptoms and categories of mental illness.

Beth utilizes an educational approach that invites clients to understand their mental health needs and recognize the personal power they possess to make changes. Beth uses multiple approaches in therapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, and family therapy to help challenge distorted thinking and focus on problem solving techniques.

Beth received a B.A in Psychology from Columbia College and a M.S. in Counselor Education from the University of Wisconsin Platteville. When not working, Beth enjoys spending time with her family, reading, being outdoors, and having fun with her multiple unique pets.

Charlie McDowell joined Stepping Stones in November 2024. Charlie has over three and a half years of experience working in community mental health and has nearly eight years of experience working with children and families in a clinical setting. Before he worked in community mental health, Charlie worked one-on-one with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities as a registered behavior technician. Charlie enjoys working with a wide variety of individuals but is particularly passionate about working with neurodiverse, LGBTQ populations, and those who have experienced trauma. While his work history is strongly related to children and families, Charlie is excited to expand his clinical experience by working with adults! Charlie’s goal is to provide a warm and welcoming environment for all his clients, free of shame or judgement. He understands how shame can impact someone’s progress towards their growth and believes the first step to healing can often be having someone who is willing to listen and understand.

Charlie pursued a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Intercultural Studies from Elmhurst University where he focused in disability studies and social work before moving to Urbana-Champaign to obtain his Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois. He has been an MSW (Masters in Social Work) and QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) for over two years and is currently eligible and studying for his LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). Charlie takes a dynamic approach to therapy and enjoys utilizing tools from various interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, various Play Therapy techniques, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help the individuals he works with integrate cognitive experiences with somatic feelings for a whole body approach to healing.

In his free time Charlie enjoys spending time with his dog, Arthur. When not spending quality time with his pup Charlie enjoys writing, baking, hiking/spending time in nature, fiber arts, catching up with friends, and brunch. Born and raised in Rockford, Charlie is constantly surprised by just how much there is to do in the area! He is always happy to talk local history or learn about new experiences in town.

Corrine Mina (she/they) is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and the newest therapist to join the Stepping Stones of Rockford outpatient counseling team. As a music therapist, Corrine has more than eight years of experience working with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and elderly folks with dementia. Using therapeutic songwriting and therapeutic beat making techniques, Corrine has also worked with children and teens in the welfare system and unhoused individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues. Corrine is also an activist for the LGBTQ+ community with extensive training working with queer homeless youth and advocating for transgender individuals. She utilizes a trauma-informed approach to therapy which centers the experience of individual, promotes collaboration and empowerment, and strives to restore a sense of safety, wellness, and self-worth.

Corrine received her B.A. in Music Composition at Columbia College Chicago and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in Expressive Arts Therapy at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In grad school, Corrine was the recipient of the prestigious and peer-nominated award “Social Justice through the Arts,” using her platform to raise awareness of how systemic oppression affects the mental and emotional health of, well, everyone. As a proud First Generation Filipino-American and child of immigrant parents, Corrine takes a multicultural approach to therapy and the understanding of barriers and stigma of mental health care for people of color.

When Corrine is not at work, she enjoys cooking, eating Filipino food and exploring cuisines from different parts of the world. She also loves NBA basketball (Go Bulls and Celtics!), making music with her friends, and annoying her three cats with love.

Sophia Muzzarelli (she/her) joined the outpatient team at Stepping Stones of Rockford in May 2024. Sophia's work experience includes community mental health and completing an internship within an intensive outpatient program. She has experience facilitating both individual and group sessions.  Her background includes working with adults 18 and older who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or emotional regulation but since joining Stepping Stones has expanded to working with kids. Sophia’s approach to therapy is person centered and solution focused. In sessions, she utilizes components of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Sophia fully believes you know yourself the best, and we will work together to figure out what will be most helpful in your treatment. 

Sophia received her B.A in Psychology from Loras College in 2019, then graduated from Adler University in 2022 with her master's in counseling, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Sophia is recognized as a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).  She is currently working to fulfill the requirements to become an LCPC. 

When Sophia is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends but mostly being with her two dogs. She enjoys the many local events Rockford has to offer, in addition to exploring the surrounding areas. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games, discovering new recipes to cook, spending time in the sun, and collecting houseplants/succulents. 

Samantha Nuñez joined the Stepping Stones of Rockford outpatient counseling team in June 2024. Samantha has experience in crisis intervention in community health and provided support to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence in Winnebago, Boone, and Dekalb County. Samantha received her bachelor's degree of Science in Human Development Sciences and Family Social Services from Northern Illinois University. She furthered her profession to obtain her master’s in forensic social work at Aurora University. Samantha is currently a licensed social worker and a Qualified Mental Health Professional as she works towards her clinical licensing to become an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). She has also completed 40 hours of domestic violence training through the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence as well as 40 Hours of sexual assault training through the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Samantha experiences have allowed her to work with a variety of populations including crisis work, Legal Advocacy at the domestic violence assistance center, medical on call for forensic examinations, school presentations for teen dating violence, a partner for therapy with the Rockford Family Peace Center, and working onsite as a case manager at multiple domestic violence shelters. Samantha works with various ages but is passionate about teaching adolescents and young adults about breaking generational traumas such as physical and sexual violence. She utilizes psychoeducation, Trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach, and cognitive behavioral therapy to provide care coordination for vulnerable populations within the community. Samantha enjoys engaging her clients with crafts, games, moral reasoning, role-playing conflict resolution, and model coping skills.

Andrea Reed joined the Stepping Stones of Rockford outpatient counseling team in January of 2024. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience working in behavioral health. Andrea received a B.A. in Psychology from Columbia College and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University.

Andrea works primarily with individuals in adolescence through adulthood who are going through life transitions, stress, loss, trauma, or struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression. Andrea uses an educational approach that invites you to understand your mental health and recognize the personal power you possess to make the changes you desire. She uses an eclectic blend of cognitive behavioral, person centered, solution focused, and dialectical behavioral skills approaches while focusing on your identified strengths and personal goals.

When Andrea is not working, she enjoys spending her time traveling, hanging out with family and her 2 Siamese cats, working in her yard, watching movies, and attending community events. Favorite quote “Where focus goes energy flows”.

Luke Salberg is the Associate Director of Services at Stepping Stones of Rockford. Luke joined the agency in October of 2022. He oversees the Outpatient Counseling Center as well as the Community Support Services program. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts.

He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree. After several years working in the concrete construction industry, Luke felt a need to do something different with his life. He made a list of jobs he would do even if there was no such thing as money. One of the jobs listed was a social worker, so he set out looking for a new career. The rest is history.

Luke has worked in the field since 2003. He fell in love with people-helping and went back to school and completed his master’s degree in counseling psychology at Trinity International University in 2007. Luke has worked as a case manager, therapist, social worker, supervisor, administrator, and director. He has focused on child and family issues throughout his career.

Luke was born and raised in the Rockford-area and graduated from Guilford High School. He has a passion for our community and is committed to providing high-quality services to those who ordinarily would have difficulty finding the help they deserve. He has three sons who he enjoys playing games with, laughing with, and watching them mature as young men. When Luke isn’t working, he is probably thinking about work. Otherwise, he enjoys working in his yard, hanging out with his dog, and listening to music.