Our Staff

“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

Dr. Baker

Dr. Baker received his Bachelor’s degree with honors in Psychology from Bradley University in 1983 and his Master’s degree in Community/Clinical Psychology in 1986. He received his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago in 1992.

During his doctoral training in clinical psychology, Dr. Baker specialized in the treatment of medical and health-related issues. He was a research assistant at: Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and Northwestern University Medical School Department of Psychiatry. Following completion of his doctoral coursework, he completed his Doctoral training at the University of Chicago Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Baker is a Member of the American Psychological Association and a member of the divisions of: Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, and Psychotherapy. He has given presentations at conferences including: The American Psychological Association, the Society of Behavior Medicine, and the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy.

Please contact 309-383-4323 or 309-688-HRSE for Dr. Baker’s availability.

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

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.

Kevin- Ranch Manager/Volunteer

Kevin is a supervisor at AECOM. He has been volunteering at Mended Hearts for a couple years. He keeps Mended Hearts grounds looking like a park. He does all of the maintenance and has helped with several fundraisers for Mended Hearts. He’s also a conceal carry instructor. A huge thanks to Kevin for keeping Mended Hearts looking and running perfectly; we couldn’t do it without you!

Sami- Lead Stable Handler

Sami has been working here at Mended Hearts over 3 years. She grew up in East Peoria, IL and graduated from East Peoria Community High School in 2013. Sami always had a soft spot for animals ever since she was a little girl. She enjoys being around Mended Hearts and taking care of the animals at here. Our facility looks nice because of Sami and our animals are well cared for with her love. We couldn’t do it without you!

Jasmin Young- Office Manager

Jasmin is our office helper. She organizes Mended Hearts paperwork and assists in other office duties to help Julie focus on the care of her clients. Jasmin is a senior at Bradley University, majoring in Accounting and Finance and also works at ICC in the financial aid office.

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)