Our Counselors

BSN-RN, MA, NCC, LCPC, Level 1 EFT, PATH INT. member

 Julie Perry 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 lovingly helped countless kids and families in the area by providing the highest quality of mental health service.

MA, LPC

Karen completed her practicum internship at Mended Hearts after graduating with her Masters in June 2023, and she received her Licensed Professional Counselor license in June 2024. Karen is an Eagala certified professional; Eagala is a global professional organization focused on incorporating horses into mental health treatment. 

Karen has more than 40 years of experience with horses, so she loves to share her knowledge in equine and animal- assisted therapy sessions. She utilizes multiple therapeutic modalities to help clients with issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, self esteem, grief, and emotional regulation. Her strengths are empathy and compassion, and many clients say feel very calm when working with Karen. 

 MA, LCPC

Michelle has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She earned a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Lincoln Christian Seminary. She has worked as a mental health therapist in residential, school, and outpatient settings. She has also provided  individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, and adults while working at a funeral home. 

Michelle has assisted people struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress management, trauma, grief and loss, low self-esteem, autism, behavioral difficulties, and relationship difficulties. Michelle believes it is important for people to increase their self-awareness surrounding their thoughts and feelings so they can better regulate their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She also believes in a holistic approach to counseling as the mind, body, and spirituality of a person are closely interconnected. The various animals at Mended Hearts are incorporated into sessions as well, depending upon a client’s preferences.

She has completed training in NET (Neuro-emotional Technique), a technique that identifies and addresses unresolved events and emotions in a person’s life, so they are no longer significantly impacted by these events in a negative manner. 

Michelle is also a certified health and wellness coach. She is passionate about guiding others towards developing healthy habits that lead to fulfilling lives. This passion started when she and her husband embarked on a health and wellness journey where they lost a combined total of 265 pounds. She is now dedicated to empowering others on their own paths to health and wellness.

 APRN-FPA, APNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC 

Mental health doesn’t exist in isolation – it is influenced by a person’s relationships, environment and overall well-being. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am deeply committed to guiding clients toward achieving their best mental health. With a focus on compassionate care, I aim to make everyone feel heard and empowered. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect and a genuine desire to see every patient achieve long-lasting mental wellness.

 I specialize in helping individuals manage a broad spectrum of mental health medications, including but not limited to those used for the treatment of  adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder. By utilizing evidence-based treatments, I tailor my approach to meet the specific needs of each patient, combining pharmacological interventions with therapy to achieve a balanced, comprehensive treatment plan. Whether it’s coping with life changes, managing stress or improving daily functioning, my goal is to empower each patient with the tools and strategies they need to thrive mentally, emotionally and socially.

I am excited to be a part of the Mended Hearts team because I firmly believe that mental health care is a collaborative process.

Office Manager & Chief Vibe Officer

With a watchful eye and a steady purr, Milo has been overseeing office operations since 2023. Whether he's lounging strategically in the sunniest spot or supervising meetings from high atop the desk, Milo ensures that productivity never comes at the expense of comfort.

Known for his punctual naps, strict treat policies, and unparalleled keyboard-walking skills, Milo brings a calming presence and an impeccable sense of timing to Mended Hearts. When he’s not managing morale or chasing digital mice on screen, he can be found offering silent judgment from atop his bed on the desk.