Meet The Team

Audrey Grunst is the owner and a therapist at Simply Bee. Audrey earned her MSW at Loyola University Chicago in 2011 and is certified in Change Management from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. Audrey combines over 10 years of clinical experience with her business background to help others improve mental health including anxiety, perfectionism and performance. She is the owner of SHEBE, an online community for female athletes and was the former mental performance coach for Northwestern Women’s Volleyball Program.

She presents on a variety of issues including emotional intelligence and anxiety management. Audrey has presented at over 100 different schools, nonprofits, and conferences.

Treatment modalities include: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Family-based Therapy (FBT) for Anorexia, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Prior to Simply Bee, Audrey was a director at Eating Recovery Centers. While at ERC Insight, Audrey built several programs and managed a team of over 20 employees and two locations. She participated in a three-year study with University of Chicago, measuring the outcome of eating disorder treatment using FBT and DBT. Audrey was also a Division I volleyball player at Loyola University Chicago.

Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor, and earned her Masters in Clinical Professional Psychology from Roosevelt University. Throughout her almost 15 years in the field, Jennifer has had a passion for working with adolescents and adults. Furthermore, she works closely with parents around coaching and supporting their loved ones during times of transition and struggle.

She has expertise as a clinician and director leading teams in the residential, partial hospital, intensive outpatient, and outpatient settings. In addition, she has presented around the country on topics including: Eating Disorders, Adolescent Mood and Anxiety, Parent Coaching, and Clinician & Caregiver Burnout. Jennifer was a clinician on a study with University of Chicago measuring outcomes of Eating Disorders utilizing Family Based Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques.

Jennifer approaches each client holistically, working with them closely on identifying values, goals, and guiding them towards living a valued life. She believes it’s vital to meet a client where they are at and then challenge them gently yet directly. She also is known for her humor, love of music, and spoiling her dogs and cat.

Treatment modalities include: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and Family Based Therapy (FBT).

Angel is a creative and passionate Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University. Most of her work has been for non-profits specializing in trauma and violence-related areas as well as OCD/Anxiety.

Angel loves working with all age groups partnering with clients to help them discover the best ways to find and live out their most authentic selves. Her specialties include those who have struggled with OCD, anxiety, depression, anger management, mood swings, self-injury, defiance, bullying, low self-esteem, parent & child conflict/communication problems and issues related to stressful life transitions, relationship issues, abuse, neglect, and traumatic events through individual therapy and group therapy.

Treatment modalities include: Exposure Response Therapy (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-informed Therapy

Annie is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master's in Counseling with a focus in Art Therapy from Adler University in Chicago. Annie utilizes both talk and art therapy and enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults.

Annie specializes in working with clients experiencing anxiety, mood issues, depression, behavioral issues, eating disorders and self-esteem. She strongly believes in helping her clients become their best selves and offers a safe space that ensures each client can reach their fullest potential.

Treatment modalities include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Adlerian Therapy, Art Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Brittany is a Licensed Professional Counselor and earned her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.

Brittany enjoys working with clients from a variety of ages and backgrounds. She has been working in the mental health field with children, adolescents and families since 2014. Brittany works with clients who experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family conflict, and academic and employment achievement concerns. She collaborates with clients to create a safe environment for learning, growing and healing by utilizing clinical interventions such as play-assisted therapy, sand-tray interventions, art-assisted therapy and traditional talk-therapy.

Treatment modalities include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology and Trauma-Informed practices.

Emily graduated from Roosevelt University in 2021 with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health. Emily enjoys working with children and adolescents. She has four years of experience working with clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), anxiety, ADHD, work/school refusal, and depression. Prior to Simply Bee, Emily did her clinical internship as a therapist at New Connections Academy. She also has experience as an Applied Behavioral Analysis therapist working with ASD.

Emily believes it is important to build a trusting relationship between the therapist and client by taking the time to listen and understand in a non-judgmental space. Emily has a collaborative approach when working with her clients while incorporating mindfulness.

Eric is a licensed professional counselor who earned his Master’s in Counseling with a Specialization in Sport and Health Psychology from Adler University in Chicago. Eric is also a certified mental performance coach with the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP). Eric works with both athletes and nonathletes focusing on topics such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, perfectionism, sports performance, men’s Issues, and life transitions. Eric’s strengths include working with reluctant clients and guarded teens. By creating a warm and welcoming environment and utilizing humor, connection, and empathy, Eric is able to establish a relationship with the client allowing them to feel comfortable and to open themselves up to the therapeutic process.

Eric uses a collaborative approach, seeing himself as a guide for his client’s work rather than doing the work for them. Eric’s goal is to empower clients to become their authentic selves, increase their emotional intelligence, and live happier and healthier lives.

Treatment modalities include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Mindfulness.

Jacqueline Ritz earned her Master's degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University in Chicago. She believes the most essential element of therapy is developing a trusting, therapeutic alliance in order to facilitate change. Jacqueline specializes in integrated treatments for addressing co-occuring disorders, offering genuine compassion, honesty, and humor, along with a trauma informed care approach to treatment.

Prior to Simply Bee, Jacqueline worked as an outpatient mental health therapist at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, serving those struggling with mental health issues as well as psychiatric disorders in the community. She also worked at Family Guidance Centers, assisting those with substance use and psychiatric disorders after completing her internship with Rosecrance Treatment Center working as a substance abuse counselor.

Experienced in providing psychoeducation, group facilitation and evidence-based approaches, she provides an authentic desire to facilitate change that focuses on living in the present and staying positive-minded She incorporates an existential philosophy for living a meaningful life and improving the quality of life for her clients. She believes having a sense of purpose is essential for stable mental health and welcomes the opportunity to help people discover who they truly are.

Treatment modalities include: Dialectical Behavior Treatment (DBT), Mindfulness-based techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Prevention Therapy.

Katie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and earned her Master’s in Counseling and Art Therapy at Adler University. Katie enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults utilizing both talk therapy and art therapy. She specializes in working with mood and anxiety disorders, depression, LGBTQ+, behavioral issues, self-esteem, and ADHD. She is passionate about supporting parents by utilizing Adlerian Parenting approaches.

Katie believes in providing a nonjudgmental and safe space for clients to work on becoming their best selves, tailoring her approach to meet each client’s unique needs. She believes that the therapeutic relationship fosters true growth and understanding of oneself to feel confident and capable to make positive changes in one’s life.

Treatment modalities include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Humanistic Therapy and Person Centered Therapy.

Lindsay graduated from Adler University in 2018 with a Masters in Counseling with a specialization in Forensic Psychology. She specializes in depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and different variations of traumatic stressors. Previously, Lindsay has worked as a substance use counselor, as well as a trauma counselor. She believes that therapy should be personalized and centered on the individual's needs and requirements. As such Lindsay attempts to incorporate techniques she believes will best suit the client in their journey towards their desired lifestyle. She enjoys using her creativity and passion to work with reluctant clients of various ages in therapy to allow for more open communication in sessions.

Treatment modalities include: Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Positive Psychotherapy.

Renee Rouse is a passionate counselor with a Master’s in Social Work with an emphasis in mental health from the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater.

Prior to Simply Bee, Renee has enjoyed working with children with autism, adolescents with eating disorders, and adults facing homelessness and poverty. During her clinical internship, she worked with children and adolescents dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, and autism. Renee also has experience working with body dysmorphia, ADHD, self-injury, parental issues, and low self-esteem. Renee focuses on helping clients find self-compassion, improve communication, accept their emotions, and advocate for themselves.

Treatment modalities include: Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Stephanie Bersh has been practicing yoga for the past 15 years and teaching the past four years. Stephanie is Hatha certified with a strong foundation in basic postures for grounding and increased flexibility, gentle yoga for relaxation, and restorative yoga for releasing tension in the mind and body. She is a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance.

Stephanie’s teaching style is dedicated to alignment, safety and growth. In each yoga session, Stephanie strives to create a welcoming and un-intimidating environment to allow clients to receive the health and relaxation benefits of yoga. Clients are guided to feel safe to travel within, to reconnect with their bodies, and to find strength and courage on and off the mat. Sessions focus on simple practices such as breathwork, body movement, journaling, relaxation, and meditation.

Stephanie is also a certified facilitator for Embody Love Movement (ELM). She leads ELM workshops for tweens, teens, and adult women. In these workshops, Stephanie delivers interactive content in conjunction with yoga to empower women of all ages to reconnect with their bodies and practice self-love and self-compassion.

Stephanie grew up outside of Boston and now resides in the Chicagoland area with her family. She has been an educator for over 15 years and has experience as a teacher, a coach, and an administrator. Since an early age, she's been interested in the connection between nutrition, performance, and mental health. She studied holistic nutrition at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is a certified IIN Health Coach who is passionate about helping children and adults live their happiest and most vital lives through health and wellness.

Stephanie's education includes a Master of Arts from Dartmouth College and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. In addition to working as a health coach, she currently teaches sixth grade.

Speaker at AMLE, ASCD & PAMLE National Conferences

Kate Kelley earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2011. She previously worked at a non-profit community center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin serving LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 as well as in an elementary school in Madison, Wisconsin as she trained to become a school social worker.

Prior to joining Simply Bee in 2019, Kate worked in the promotional product sales field as a Director of Strategic Accounts. In that position, she focused on leadership, relationship building and gained a lot of insight into the operational side of running a business. Those lessons combined with her foundational understanding of the importance in networking and mental health advocacy are what led her to join the Simply Bee team as the Manager of Community Education. Kate is excited to help expand the footprint of Simply Bee while working to serve the community. It is her goal to partner with businesses, healthcare professionals and schools to work together in mental health awareness and education.

Feel free to reach out to Kate anytime at [email protected] if you would like to discuss our referral network program or schedule an upcoming workshop, speaking engagement or partnership opportunity with the Simply Bee team.

Madeline graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Child Development in 2016. Madeline is an advocate for all children to have access to physical and mental wellness education.

Previously, Madeline worked in the music industry as an Executive Assistant. She takes pride in her keen organizational and project management skills to help a business run more efficiently.

In her spare time, Madeline enjoys going on runs with her dog, baking up a storm in the kitchen, reading, and discovering new music. Madeline is thrilled to be able to grow with the Simply Bee team and make a positive impact on the community.

Keri received her B.A. in Psychology in 2010 from Metropolitan State University of Denver; and is currently working on her MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Roosevelt University. After completing graduate school, she plans to pursue a career in executive coaching and management consulting.

Before Simply Bee, Keri worked in Human Resources, primarily in recruitment and selection roles. She has seven years of cumulative experience coordinating teams, employee relations, full-cycle recruiting, and talent management to foster growth initiatives and accelerate work processes. Keri is excited to support and be a part of the continued growth with the Simply Bee team.

Jacqui graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara in 2019 with a degree in Sociology & Applied Psychology. She is passionate about Simply Bee's mission to provide accessible mental health & wellness resources to all communities and people.

Prior to joining Simply Bee in 2020, Jacqui worked as an Office Administrator in the real estate industry and combines this experience with her academic background to support the educational operations at Simply Bee. She strives to use her organizational skills and creativity to keep Simply Bee's media resources relevant and impactful.

Outside of the office Jacqui is an avid reader, runner, dog lover and traveler - she is always looking for new places to explore. She is excited to continue to learn and grow with Simply Bee as a part of a community of people dedicated to spreading the message of holistic wellness.

Rosie is Simply Bee's favorite office companion. She helps clients feel more comfortable and reminds us all to smile!