Our Staff

Our Director

“Please keep Mended Hearts in mind, we are a locally ran, non-profit, Therapeutic Riding and Counseling Center who has been helping families, adults, and children for over 15 years! We rely on donations to help our families in need and to support our therapy animals!”

We are a non-profit organization that provides a top notch staff.

Julie Sellner

B.S.N., R.N, M.A., NCC, LCPC, Level 1 EFT Therapist, PATH Int. Member

Julie Sellner is the Executive Director of Mended Hearts and has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Julie was a nurse for many years during which she worked on inpatient, adolescent, adult, and eating disorder units at OSF and Methodist hospitals. During that time, she earned her master’s degree in counseling from Bradley University and graduated with high academic honors. Her medical background has contributed to her belief in a holistic approach to counseling. This approach leads her to take body, mind, support systems, and spirituality into account when working with clients. It is important to recognize that all components of the individual are interconnected and she believes to achieve optimal health, one needs to care for each aspect. Julie will help clients try to achieve healthy coping skills for their minds and bodies as they work together throughout the sessions. Julie’s ultimate goal is for each unique individual that comes to Mended Hearts to reach a balanced state.

Julie has earned certifications and completed training in many areas such as:

  • * Addictive Disorders
  • * Addiction Issues
  • * ADHD/ADD
  • * Anger Management
  • * Autism/Related Disorders
  • * Bipolar Disorder
  • * Body Image/Self-Esteem Issues
  • * Bullying/School Related Problems
  • * Child/Adolescent Mental Health (broad spectrum of disorders)
  • * CPR/First Aide
  • *Critical Incident
  • * Depression/Anxiety Management
  • * Developmental Disorders/Disabilities
  • * Divorce Issues
  • * Eating Disorders
  • * Equine (horse) Facilitated Mental Health Therapies
  • * Family Counseling
  • * Gender Identity Issues
  • * Individual Counseling
  • * Mood Regulation
  • * Marriage Counseling
  • * Personality Disorders
  • * PTSD
  • * Relationship Issues (family/couples)
  • * Sand Tray/Play Therapies
  • * Sexual Issues
  • * Sexual Trauma Issues
  • * Spirituality based counseling upon request
  • * Suicide Prevention
  • * Team building for Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • * Violence/Abuse Issues
Julie is also trained in psychiatric medication management and in conjunction with your physician, can help you manage your medications.

Our Staff

Bob Martin, MACM, ThM, CAMS1, CAMT

Bob has a diverse, well-rounded professional background.  An ordained minister since 1983, he has worked as a Certified Professional Counselor with families in Central Illinois from various social and cultural backgrounds.

After completing his BA in Small Groups from Lincoln Christian College, Bob worked as a residential and crisis counselor in Peoria.

Since completing his MA in Counseling from Lincoln Christian Seminary, Bob has provided services to area families as a Mental Health Therapist.  Bob also holds a MA in Theology from Life Christian University and is currently finishing his dissertation for a Doctorate in Ministry, also from Life Christian University.

As a Vietnam Veteran, Bob has worked with fellow veterans dealing with issues associated with PTSD.

Bob specializes in family therapy, grief and loss counseling, chronic mental illness, and he and his wife, who is a RN and holds her MA in Theology, do joint pre-marital and marriage counseling.

Bob is credentialed as a Certified Anger Management Trainer as well as a Certified Anger Management Specialist.

Bob also provides Pre-marital Counseling as required through the Woodford County Courts.

Bob is a life-long resident of the Washington area and has been married to his wife, Debbie for 40 years.  They have three grown children and thirteen grandchildren.  Bob’s favorite pastimes are studying and teaching God’s Word, being with his family, riding his Harley, and watching the Washington Panthers – especially football and basketball.

 

Kim Scardina is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. For 12 years she has been working in social service and mental health treatment programs. The last 5 years, she has worked with eating disorder patients in a hospital setting providing treatment to individuals and families. In counseling sessions, she often uses techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Play Therapy to help clients gain insight and find encouragement to live their values. Currently, she is working toward certification in Child-Centered Play Therapy, a technique that has been empirically validated to improve a wide range of issues effecting children.

Kim Scardina

Areas of Experience:

Women’s Issues

Adjustment Issues with Children and Teens

Eating Disorders

Body Image

Depression

Anxiety

Relationship Issues

Education:

Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling
Bradley University 2010
Bachelor of Science
Illinois State University 2008

Selected Activities and Continuing Education:

Child-Centered Play Therapy: Unleashing the Power of Play
May 12 & May 19, 2018
Self-Compassion Tools for Teens: Overcoming Shame and the “Inner Critic”
March 23, 2018
The Ethical Treatment of Eating Disorders
June 9, 2017
Facilitated a bimonthly “Mind and Body Wellness Group” at Knox College
Spring 2016-Summer 2017
Addressing Modern Sexual Issues in Therapy: Effective Clinical Strategies for an Evolving World
November 18, 2016
Created and presented “Staying Out of the Swamp: A Metaphor Technique for Group Therapy” workshop for the annual ANAD Wellness, Not Weight Conference
September 25, 2015
Completed Illinois Clinical Supervision Training Requirements through IMHCA
November 2014
Counseling For Couples: Understanding and Improving Love Relationships
August 29, 2013
Over 75 Quick, On-The-Spot Techniques for Children with Emotional and Behavior Problems
April, 2, 2012
Brandon Ludolph

Brandon graduated from Western Illinois University with a Masters of Science in Counseling Education. Brandon is a LCPC and is certified with the National Board of Certified Counselors. He has worked at UnityPoint Health Methodist since 2016 and has experience working with  children, adolescents, adults, and elderly in emergency and inpatient settings.

 

Brandon is an Adventure Therapist which uses a multidisciplinary approach that combines nature, community, and daring exercises to assist individuals, groups, and families as they overcome behavioral issues, substance abuse problems, or various mental health concerns. Adventure Therapy takes the individual out of the traditional counseling setting, and places them in a natural environment that allows them to use the great outdoors to challenge them and assist with improving self-concept, self-esteem, social behavior, trust behavior, and more!

 

Brandon has gained experience working with many different diagnoses, such as; bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, behavioral issues, grief, addiction disorders/issues, personality disorders, PTSD, gender identity issues, school related problems, adjustment disorders, and many more.

Frank Disney

 Frank Disney

M. Div.

Frank received his Master’s of Divinity in 1994 and served 12 years as a pastor.  He has 7 years of experience as a foster care supervisor, with an additional 10 years of experience assisting clients to locate and engage in services.  Frank was certified in 2017 in the Mandt System for de-escalation techniques

Areas of Experience:

  • Conflict Resolution
  • Stress Management
  • Communication Skills

 

Carla Guiher

B.S. M.A. NCC MAC

Carla Guiher is a retired Counselor and college professor who has had a love of animals since childhood. She was the President of Counseling Clinic, INC in Overland Park, KS as well as an Adjunct Professor at Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS. After retiring she retuned to central Illinios to be closer to family. Carla has three Golden Retrievers, all of whom participate with WOOFS Thearpy Dogs. She will be combing her many years of experience in tghe counseling field along with her love of animals working as a volunteer therapist at Mended Hearts.

Carla earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Park Administration from the University of Illinois. After raising a familoy she graduated from Bradley University with a Master of Arts degree in Human Development Counseling. Focusing her research on Infertility Issues. While in Kansas, Couseling Clinic focused primarily on Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence. After completing Mediation Training for Child Custody in Divorce and Visitation she incorporated Child Custody Evaluations into the program, as well as marriage/divorce counseling. At Johnson County Comunity College she taught Psychology, as well as Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence for the Department of Criminal Justice.

Carla has earned Certifications as both a National Certified Counselor, and Masters Addication Counselor. Her practice will focus on Adults. Areas of concentration include personal growth, career counseling, marriage and divorce, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Carla’s approach to thearpy is holistic; combinging mind, body, and spirituality to creat a safe positive enviorment for healing. She will facilitate this by incorporating cats, dogs, and horses into sessions with clients. Her dogs will be available for in office sessions if requested.

Desire Wilson - Stable Handler

 

Olivia Wilkie – Stable Handler

Olivia Started in August, 2020

Olivia Wilkie - Stable Handler

Emery Shaheen – Stable Handler

Emery started in December, 2020.

Zachariah Swords – Stable Handler

Zachariah started in August 2020

Our Board of Directors

Julie and Sue Barth one of our Board of Directors. Sue has a masters level in Nursing and has been a very active board member. She has been responsible for sending us OSF and Wesleyan University nursing students for their mental health rotations, which we truly have been enjoying working with!
Julie Sellner R.N., M.A. Executive Director (left)
Sue Barth R.N., M.S.N. Director (right)
Sally Perry Director (not pictured)
Clifton Perry Director (not pictured)

Thank you to all of our staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors for making Mended Hearts possible!

Please call to see if Mended Hearts staff is a fit for you and your family! You may schedule a visit to see our serene, private country setting by calling us at 309-383-4323 or 309-688-HRSE (4773)