Our Team
Our Vision
Mindset strives to offer services that support the “whole person” – emotionally, physically, economically, and spiritually. We aspire to offer many different avenues to heal, grow and thrive personally and professionally.
For our staff, we invest in creating an enriching, supportive environment where we are able to challenge each other, grow together and make a difference in our community and the world.
Our Values
The needs of our clients and staff are at the center of everything we do.
We reflect the highest ethics and integrity towards all members of our community through our services, transactions, and our verbal and written agreements.
We approach each other, our clients, and the broader community with:
Accountability
Discipline
Reliability
Patience
Authenticity
Courage
Awareness
Curiosity
Vulnerability
Resilience
Hope
Joy
Co-Founders
Jean M. Des Biens
Co-founder, Managing Director
she/hers
jean@mindsetccc.com
224-329-1512
Accepting new business clients
Full Bio
My philosophy in working with executives and their teams is simple: Employees matter & leadership matters. Connect everyone in a healthy way and a business will thrive. While that sounds easy, it’s not; it requires a willingness to learn, apply new skills and engage in tough conversations.
My career started at Motorola in the credit department of the “new” Cellular division. Over my 16 years there, I earned leadership roles across many different functions, including marketing, training & development, internal communications, human resources and organizational development. Seeing the growth and decline of that business significantly impacted my approach to leadership and employee engagement.
After our sons were born, I eased back into work life managing a remote staff for EdAssist/Bright Horizons. I then opened my own consultancy, supporting small and medium-sized businesses. One of my favorite clients became my employer, and I enjoyed a total of six years with NGC US, LLC, as Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. There I managed supervisor training, vendor management, ERP selection, implementation and administration, internal audit, and strategic planning. In 2020, I left that role to prepare to open Mindset.
At Mindset, I’m responsible for all non-clinical functions, including business consulting, executive coaching, billing, marketing, and human resources, etc.
My husband and I raised our sons here in Crystal Lake. I’ve been married to Mark for 25+ years and we are both active in the community. When I’m not in the office, I’m with family and friends, usually with good music in the background, and a few pets sitting nearby. Other times, you’ll find me walking, singing in the car, binging shows on Netflix, or curled up on the couch with a book, or three.
- BS in Finance and Managerial Accounting from Loyola University of Chicago.
- Certified ISO auditor
Jill McCutcheon, LCSW
Co-founder, Clinical Director
she/hers
jill@mindsetccc.com
224-329-1510
Accepting new clients
Full Bio
I began working in the mental health field in 1985, starting in child welfare, then in-patient and partial psychiatric hospital programs, a community agency, school social work and private practice.
I thrive working with all kinds of people–all ages, races, religions, genders, sexual identities, as well as all types of relational systems– individuals, couples, groups and families. I have expertise in helping my clients improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief, self harm, attention and behavior problems, gender dysphoria, trauma, relationship and family difficulties. I am also a Registered Supervisor with the National Association of Social Workers. I am known for my comfortable, non-judgemental and direct style. My passion is helping my clients create those little shifts…in perception, expectation or habit…that impact a life.
I’ve been married for over 20 years and raised 3 children, who are now young adults. I love long talks and long walks. I am prone to getting way too caught up in local volunteering. And there is no place I wouldn’t like to travel.
- BS in Psychology from University of Illinois
- MS in Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University
- MSW in Social Work from University of Illinois
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (IL License #149.011569)
Our Team
Tamara Barrera, LSW
she/hers
tamara@mindsetccc.com
224-329-1527
Accepting New Clients
Full Bio
I am a Licensed Social Worker who started my career in mental health in 2017, working in outpatient and residential settings for addiction, as well as a community crisis center for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and a partial hospitalization program for adolescents.
My method and approaches depend on the client and their needs, but I draw most from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based, and Person-Centered. Being a Latinx therapist, I am bilingual and bicultural, and my approach is inclusive of all genders, races, religions, cultures, and the LGBTQIA community. I have five years of experience providing therapy in English and Spanish to children, adolescents, and adults, and I have worked with a diverse range of clients facing various challenges, such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, cultural/racial identity issues, behavior problems, anger management, gender dysphoria, relationship and family difficulties, trauma, and self-harm. I have received training in Certified Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
My goal is to create a supportive and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their struggles and learn new coping skills. I believe in building strong relationships with my clients and working collaboratively to help them achieve a fulfilling life.
During my leisure time, I enjoy spending time with my four dogs, trying new restaurants with loved ones, attending concerts, and traveling.
- BS in Psychology at Columbia College
- MSW in Social Work from Aurora University
- Licensed Social Worker (IL License #150.109800)
Jessica Tooley, LCSW
jessica@mindsetccc.com
224-329-1508
Full Bio
I have a variety of work experience in numerous settings including inpatient, outpatient, residential, and crisis management. I enjoy working with individuals ages 13 and older, as well as families. I have experience working with people struggling with a variety of issues, including but not limited to: depression, grief/loss, PTSD, anxiety, life transitions, adjustment disorders, self harm, anger management, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and personality disorders.
My goal is to help my clients recognize their own strengths and self-determination to help them reach their desired goals. I believe that all people can utilize their innate strengths and positive attributes to build the life they strive for.
Here’s a little more info about myself: My husband and I are recently married and have a loving Rottweiler Pitbull mix. I spend much of my freetime reading, lifting weights, or snowboarding.
- BS in Psychology from and D3 Soccer Player at Illinois College
- MSW in Social Work from Aurora University
- Licenced Clinical Social Worker (IL License #149.025069)
Maya Delgado, LSW
she/hers
maya@mindsetccc.com
224-329-1511
Accepting New Clients
Full Bio
I have been in the mental health field for many years. I started at an assisted living home, then a suicide prevention hotline. From there I worked at a community crisis center, then as a therapist in child welfare. I have experience working with domestic violence survivors, sexual assault survivors, children and families in foster care, crisis work and suicide prevention.
I love working with all kinds of people at any age (5-90+) and am able to work with individuals, families, and couples. I am accepting of all races, religions, cultures, genders and sexual identities. I specialize in clients struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, self-harm, trauma, stress, school related issues, relationship issues and more.
I am very compassionate and genuine in my approach to therapy, understanding that therapy can be uncomfortable. I like to create a positive and calm environment to help ease any nerves or negative feelings. I believe that that you are the expert on yourself and your journey and I am just here to help you find your way.
A little more about myself is that I am recently engaged and loving wedding planning so far. I love spending time in nature, reading, traveling and snuggling my dog. I have a holistic approach to life and enjoy finding natural remedies to heal ourselves and am big on self-care.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Illinois State University
- Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois
- Licensed Social Worker (IL License #150.110607)
Shannon Zimka, LCPC
she/hers
shannon.zimka@mindsetccc.com
224-329-1522
Full Bio
I began working in mental health in 2016, starting out in adolescent and family therapy. From there on, I have worked in child welfare, private practice, and partial hospitalization programs, and educational support.
I flourish in working with children and adolescents, along with their families. I have experience in helping my clients improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, self harm, self esteem, trauma, behavior problems, gender dysphoria, relationship and family difficulties, and school stress and anxiety. It is important to me to be as inclusive as possible, working with people of all races, religions, gender and sexual identities, etc.
I can confidently say that I am very easygoing and strive to create a comfortable and open therapeutic setting. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is very important and my goal is for everyone to feel like they can be their true selves when in therapy.
I am a proud member of the canceled, rescheduled, backyard Covid wedding club and mother to a beautiful baby girl. I am always working on a project around the house and I love crafting. Calligraphy and hand lettering are my favorite self care activities.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
- Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL License #180.013525)