Melanie Jesse opened Best Life Counseling Services in 2019, and the business is now in the midst of a significant expansion for both its staff and space.
“In 2020, right after things opened back up, Melissa McCulloch, my good friend who I had worked with off and on for many years, joined the practice,” said Jesse. “But she’s been on medical leave, so I haven’t been able to take on many new clients.”
Jesse recently hired three additional therapists to work with her in the practice. Hannah Norris and Chitaia Stover are both licensed clinical social workers. Norris specializes in clients dealing with grief and loss, while Stover works with many children. The third therapist, Yoli Holmes, specializes in working with people who are going through life transitions.
Jesse, Norris and Stover are all working out of the office at 2621 Montega Drive, Suite E, and offer the option of in-person or telehealth appointments, while Holmes exclusively does telehealth sessions.
“They’re all starting to see clients and build their caseloads,” Jesse said. “We see clients from age 6 and up, and everybody has a different niche. Plus, telehealth allows us to see clients who are based anywhere in the state of Illinois.”
As of Jan. 1, the practice will be moving to the adjacent suite, which is larger and has five private offices.
“There are not enough therapists in this area; most of us have waitlists and have for a while,” said Jesse. “It’s exciting to be able to provide three more therapists for this area.”
