Interns

One of Pinnacle Counseling’s core values is being a teaching practice. We strive to help our therapists continue to develop their skills as professionals to provide the most effective therapeutic support possible. Our intern program exhibits that value and reflects our commitment to learning and growth.

Background

We recognize that many people might feel some level of concern about working with an intern—with the assumption that they have less experience than a licensed therapist. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible with the level of support and supervision each intern receives.

All of our interns benefit from a robust and multifaceted supervision experience. They receive weekly one-on-one supervision from an AAMFT-approved supervisor, weekly group supervision with our program director, and periodic consultation groups led by specialists in areas such as substance abuse, sex therapy, and other specific psychological topics. Additionally, interns receive ongoing supervision through their academic institutions. This diverse and comprehensive approach to supervision provides interns with opportunities to refine their theoretical approaches, enhance their case conceptualization skills, and explore their clients’ needs in greater depth—offering a richer experience than what is typically available to staff members.

Since intern therapists are in the process of completing their training, they are highly motivated to provide the best care possible. They are often more willing to explore new or alternative treatment approaches and techniques, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have not had success with traditional therapy methods or who are looking for a more innovative or holistic approach to treatment.

It's important to note that while intern therapists are in the process of training, they are still held to the same ethical standards as licensed therapists, and they work under the supervision of licensed therapists to ensure safety and the best outcomes for clients.

All Pinnacle interns are in-network with BCBS PPO. For other insurance plans or for self-pay clients, interns operate on an income-based sliding-scale payment structure.

Clinical Work

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any question or concerns about working with an intern, please feel free to reach out to our Programs Director, Casey Gamboni (casey@pinnaclecounselingchicago.com).

  • Jamelle Apolinar

    Jamelle is a clinical intern working under the supervision of Dr. Casey Gamboni, LMFT, and Rolando Torres. Her clinical interests include navigating life transitions, intergenerational trauma in Asian/Asian American communities, self-esteem challenges, and sports-related performance concerns.

    Jamelle takes a hybrid therapeutic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with a person-centered, client-focused foundation. She believes that each client has a unique story and works collaboratively to help them recognize their strengths, challenge limiting beliefs, and build resilience. Jamelle supports clients in developing practical strategies to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. Whether working with athletes facing burnout and performance anxiety or individuals navigating cultural expectations, she is committed to fostering self-awareness, empowerment, and growth.

    Jamelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and Business Administration from DePaul University and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counseling at Northwestern University. Prior to beginning her work in mental health, she spent eleven years in graduate admissions and recruitment, helping individuals make significant life decisions in higher education. Jamelle is also a competitive, national-level athlete in Olympic weightlifting, an experience that informs her understanding of performance, discipline, and mental resilience.

  • Innis Hitt

    Innis is a clinical intern working under the supervision of Dr. Casey Gamboni, LMFT, and Sowmya Warrier, LMFT. She is dedicated to working with individuals, couples, and families, with clinical interests that include relationship challenges, life transitions, women’s issues, trauma, family dynamics, and self-esteem and identity development. Innis is also passionate about supporting families and couples impacted by the carceral system. With a focus on healing and rebuilding connections, she works collaboratively with partners and families to foster resilience, understanding, and emotional well-being throughout the challenges and complexities of incarceration and reentry.

    Innis takes a socio-culturally informed and relational approach to therapy, leading with curiosity, humility, and a nonjudgmental perspective. She believes that every person has the capacity for growth and change and strives to create a therapeutic space that is empowering, collaborative, and client-centered. Innis integrates multiple therapeutic approaches tailored to her clients’ unique needs and values the cultural, familial, and social contexts that shape their identities. She meets clients where they are in their lived experiences, fostering trust and understanding.

    Innis earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Studio Art from Smith College and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University. She is a student member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Before entering the mental health field, Innis gained valuable experience working in the construction and early childhood education industries.

  • Lirone Losoff

    Lirone Losoff is a clinical intern under the supervision of Dr. Casey Gamboni and DJ Watson, with specialized training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO). She works with individuals, families, and groups, focusing on complex family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, identity development, multicultural identity, and neurodivergent experiences like ADHD. Her clinical interests include trauma (PTSD, CPTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions.

    Lirone’s therapeutic approach is culturally informed and relational, integrating neuroscience, systemic modalities, experiential therapy, and parts work. As an abolitionist therapist, she prioritizes non-coercive care, emphasizing safety building and creating care networks before crises arise. She believes relational healing requires understanding the systems and contexts shaping clients’ lives, fostering empowerment and growth.

    Clients describe Lirone as compassionate, grounded, and insightful. She creates a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel respected and safe to explore their vulnerabilities. Her relational and attuned style helps clients develop self-compassion, slow down their inner dialogue, and gain deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.

    Lirone completed her graduate coursework in Couple and Family Therapy at Northeastern Illinois University. She is Level 3 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Level 2 trained in Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO). As a Program Assistant for the IFS Institute, she supports IFS trainings and collaborative learning.

  • Bria Jennings

    Bria is a clinical intern working under the supervision of Dr. Casey Gamboni, LMFT, and Tyler Goldsberry, LMFT. She is passionate about working with individuals from marginalized communities, including Black and Brown communities and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Bria is also interested in supporting couples and families experiencing dysfunctional communication patterns and triangulation.

    Bria takes a culturally sensitive and relational approach to therapy, leading with unconditional acceptance, nonjudgment, curiosity, and a solution-focused mindset. Her work integrates Person-Centered Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral interventions. Bria believes that every client carries a story that has shaped how they experience the world. She views therapy as a space for clients to reconnect with their power, reshape their lives with intention, and heal from past experiences. She understands that growth is not linear and that change can be difficult, and she is committed to meeting clients where they are in their journey and helping them deepen their understanding of self.

    Bria earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, with a concentration in Directing and a minor in Gender Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at National Louis University. Alongside her graduate training, Bria works as a Recovery Support Specialist at a Living Room Program, supporting individuals in moments of emotional crisis. She also brings extensive experience in administrative roles, including working with the U.S. Navy and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.