About Us
Roamers Therapy was created by Shaysa Villa (she/they) understanding how hard it can be to find a modern & down-to-earth therapist. We work particularly well with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal stressors. We take a culturally sensitive, unique, and creative approach to therapy to help individuals and families achieve mental well-being. This may be an overwhelming point in your life, but pursuing psychotherapy can be one of the most transformative experiences you can take to heal & grow from your current state.
Our clinicians are able to provide in-person individual and couples therapy services from our offices in Chicago, as well as virtual therapy services if you are located anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. You can learn more about each of our clinicians below.
Our Clinical Team
Hi! I’m Candice Love (she/her).
Life is truly a gift that is meant to be enriching, filled with freedom and happiness. At times we experience challenges that prevent us from living life the way we truly desire. As a modern cognitive behavioral therapist, I understand these challenges and how they may alter us internally. My approach to therapy is collaborative, solution focused and nonjudgmental.
Hi! I’m Crystal Thomas (she/her).
As we grow and develop as humans, we often find ourselves confronted by issues from the past – issues we may have thought long-resolved. These issues can manifest in our relationship dynamics, our perceptions about ourselves, and our means of coping with our environment. My role is to join you in confronting these things so that you can integrate and learn the lessons these past experiences are meant to teach you. In our work together, you are the expert. You decide what your experiences mean and how they impact the person you are. Along the way, I will ask you questions designed to introduce new perspectives and to remind you of your strengths and abilities.
Hi! I’m Gwendolyn Hickey (she/her).
As a trauma-informed therapist, I believe developing trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship is crucial to doing meaningful work together. For this reason, I strive to bring warmth and authenticity to my sessions with the goal of supporting clients in feeling truly seen and heard. My approach to therapy is person-centered and relational, wherein the therapy process is demystified and therapeutic goals are developed cooperatively. Grounded in my commitment to anti-oppressive practice, I believe strongly in client self-determination and understand the therapeutic process to be collaborative by nature.
Hi! I’m Erica Cole (she/her). I am a psychotherapy fellow at Roamers Therapy under the supervision of Shaysa Villa, LCSW.
At times, we can feel stuck in cycles of unwanted patterns and feel unsure of how to navigate ourselves out of them. The sense of feeling like a part of you lost can shake your world view as an individual and within relationship. You may notice that you are dealing with relationship conflicts, difficult managing life transitions, or consistently putting yourself last. My intention as your therapist is to walk alongside and empower you through tools, insight, and compassion that things can be different. My goal will be aid you connect your mind, body, and spirit. I will meet you exactly where you are, as exactly who you are, to help navigate through who is that you you would like be and allow yourself to come back to yourself or the relationships you imagined.
Hi! I’m Caira Schauer (she/her). I am a psychotherapy fellow at Roamers Therapy under the supervision of Shaysa Villa, LCSW.
It’s okay not to have your life together all the time. Often, we convince ourselves that there is a linear path to our goals; we may find ourselves ruminating on the past or so apprehensive about our futures that we can begin to feel frozen and unable to live in the present. Our inner dialogue can brainwash us into believing there is something wrong with who we are and that we deserve to be alone. As your therapist, my goal is to hold space for these feelings and reassure you: it’s okay to not be okay; you are still worthy of healing.
Hi! I’m Sarena Korni (she/her).
I strive to build meaningful and impactful relationships with anyone who decides to begin individual or couples therapy with me. As we are developing our therapeutic relationship, I seek to understand and demonstrate respect for your identities, your perspective of the world, and to provide a therapeutic space that empowers you to find peace, balance, and security within. I believe that you are capable of healing, growth, and success with the right support and knowledge. My hope is to be that support and provide the knowledge that you seek.
Hi! I’m Raechel Pierce (she/her).
Sometimes life throws us challenges that are too overwhelming to handle alone. As a trauma informed and culturally sensitive therapist, I understand the importance of allowing space and time for healing in a non-judgmental space. As your therapist, my priority is that you feel comfortable as we work through these difficulties together. My approach is collaborative, as your voice is equally important. This is your lived experience, and my role is to help guide and gently empower you towards realizing a better version of yourself.
Hi! I’m Raquel d’Escoto (she/her).
Life is fun and exciting but also challenging. At times life is overwhelming and we are not sure how to deal with how we are feeling. Sometimes it is difficult to name what you are feeling and working through them can seem impossible. Through my work with those experiencing domestic violence, I have seen a range of individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma and more. As a modern eclectic trauma informed therapist, I recognize and understand the importance of creating a space that is free to be expressive and non-judgmental.
Hi! I’m Aalanah Peoples (she/her). I am a psychotherapy fellow at Roamers Therapy under the supervision of Crystal Thomas, AM, LCSW, LICSW
As your therapist, I explore what suits your goals, your identity, and your personality. My clinical approach is inclusive of your visible and invisible identities. My specialties and experiences include depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, substance use, self-esteem, life transitions, relapse prevention, and relationship issues. I primarily utilize Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), the Gottman Method, and Motivational Interviewing.
Hi! I’m Andres Carrion (he/they).
As a person-centered and multicultural oriented therapist, it is my philosophy that you know yourself better than anyone else and that it is your right to guide the therapeutic process. I strive to meet clients where they are at. I believe that you are a unique individual with diverse experiences and there is value in that. The differences that make you, you, should not only be seen, but understood and validated.
Hi! I’m Andrae Laws and I usually go by Drae (he/they). I am a psychotherapist-in-training and I am currently completing my practicum internship at Roamers Therapy under the supervision of Shaysa Villa, LCSW.
As humans, it is natural for us to experience highs and lows as we navigate through life. However, sometimes our lows are too overwhelming—we feel stuck and alone. This feeling may hinder us from experiencing joy, showing up for the people we love, and reaching our fullest potential. My therapeutic approach is shaped by three beliefs: (1) regardless of your past and current situation, you are worthy of love and respect, (2) you have inherent strengths, and (3) systemic oppression plays a role in the way we think, feel, and behave; therefore, in therapy, it is important to consider the relationship among systemic oppression, mental health and the multiple identities we hold.