Our Compassionate Service Providers

Sara Lemke, MA, LCPC, CADC

CEO/Practice Owner/Founder

Sara is Revival Therapy’s founder. She decided in 2020 with the pandemic coupled by social and political unrest that there was a great need for more mental health services in her community.

She decided to leap and start her own counseling practice, Revival Therapy. With over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health industry, Sara is able to provide competent treatment for a multitude of issues that often bring individuals to therapy.

She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, as well as, being professionally trained in DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Her areas of expertise are: depression, anxiety, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, substance abuse issues, personality disorders, grief, divorce, PTSD, co-dependency, narcissistic abuse recovery, chronic pain and illness and life adjustments/transitions.

Jackie Zaprzalka, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

As a Licensed Social Worker with near a decade of experience in the social service and mental health industry, Jackie has an intimate understanding of how reaching out for therapy and being vulnerable can be a challenging and even an intimidating experience. Jackie’s goal is to create a safe and comfortable space that is free of judgement and where one can be their true, authentic self. She believes that every person can reclaim their positive sense of self and discover their own potential through inner work.

Jackie’s experience is vast ranging from adult and juvenile community mental health to working in residential treatment settings. She can provide competent treatment for children as young as age 5, teens, adults, and couples for a vast number of issues that often bring people to therapy. Her areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, mood disorders such as bi-polar disorder, psychotic disorders, chronic pain/illness, grief, life adjustments/transitions, substance use disorders, PTSD, and narcissistic abuse recovery. Furthermore, Jackie utilizes a number of evidence-based techniques such as: cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction in her practice. Although Jackie loves working with adults, she has a special passion for working with teens and children whose mental health is impacting their schooling.

Jackie believes that every client deserves to live a full, satisfying, and meaningful life revived from the pain that initially brought them to therapy. Working collaboratively, Jackie helps clients build upon their strengths and discover new ways to face life’s challenges. She is eager to be with you on your journey of beginning your revival.

Julianna Evischi, LSW

Julianna comes to Revival Therapy after 6 years of working for two of the largest behavioral health providers in the Midwest. She is grateful for the counseling experience she gained from working for such dynamic employers, but felt her heart was truly in private practice vs. large organizations. As a Licensed Social Worker, Julianna believes that everyone has a unique story and acknowledges that beginning therapy can feel intimidating and even scary. She values a therapeutic environment built on mutual respect and trust, where one is free to be their authentic self. Further, Julianna believes in therapy that is focused on solutions towards healing while acknowledging that you are the expert of your own journey.

Julianna can provide competent treatment for adults, couples, and teens as young as age 13 for a vast number of issues that bring people to therapy. Her areas of expertise are:  anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, narcissistic abuse recovery/toxic relationships, co-dependency, disorder eating, life adjustments/life transitions, chronic stress related issues, and grief. 

Further, Julianna specializes in a number of evidence-based techniques, such as, but not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, somatic awareness techniques, SMART recovery, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

Julianna strongly believes that addressing one’s mental health is imperative to their overall well-being and should be approached just as seriously and comprehensively as one’s physical health. After years of counseling individuals, Julianna has witnessed the power of human perseverance.

She invites you to take the next step towards changing your life and releasing the things that no longer serve you. You can begin your REVIVAL today! Your mental health matters!

MaLinda (Mindy) Jackson, LCPC, CRC

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, Mindy understands that making the decision to come to therapy can be a difficult choice.

She believes that providing a safe space rooted in mutual respect and trust and free of judgement is the key to the therapeutic alliance. Her approach is focused on helping people reach within, realize, and utilize their strengths. Mindy believes that it is here in this realization that one finds the resources to manage life’s challenges and move forward.

Mindy is able to provide competent treatment for children, teens and adults for a vast number of issues that often bring individuals to therapy. Her areas of expertise are: anxiety, depression, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, personality disorders, life adjustment/transition issues, self-esteem challenges, anger management, and dealing with stress.

Megan Williams, LSW

As a Licensed Social Worker, Megan understands that we all experience times where we feel overwhelmed, stuck, struggle with a negative mindset, and need guidance to find new ways to cope. Furthermore, she realizes that we often tend to prioritize our physical health over our mental health, increasing our chances of experiencing the “domino effect”. Megan encourages her clients to look at therapy as a consistent “check-up” purposefully focusing on both their mental health and overall well-being. She describes herself as an active and engaged therapist working closely with her clients to provide guidance, unconditional support and gain insight for dealing with emotional pain. Megan strongly believes in collaboration and works closely with her clients to develop a plan for care that meets their individualized needs.

Megan can provide competent treatment for adults, couples, and teens as young as age 13 for a vast number of issues that bring people to therapy. Her areas of expertise are, depression, anxiety, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, personality disorders, narcissistic abuse recovery, PTSD and trauma, body dysmorphia, self-esteem issues, life transition/adjustment issues, grief, relationship issues, interracial relationship issues, peer relationships, bodybuilding couple issues, infidelity recovery, alcohol use disorder, and suicidality and self-harm. 

Megan utilizes a number of evidence-based techniques to assist her clients in their recovery, such as: mindfulness, expressive therapy, solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and SMART goals.

Finally, Megan believes in a compassionate and non-judgmental approach built on trust. She encourages you to take the courageous step towards starting your revival and changing all that is no longer serving you. This is your opportunity for positive change and paving the way for a new you.

Sara Forster, LSW, CADC

As a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Sara has a deep understanding for those in need, who often go unheard and struggle to ask for help. She is committed to helping others find their voice, build upon their skills to live a revived life and allowing individuals the chance to see beyond their mental health struggles. Sara has worked in the McHenry County community for over 5 years advocating, educating, providing resources, and being a part of the day to day lives of those who are struggling.

Sara intimately understands and acknowledges the uncertainty that comes with attending therapy. She wants to be there with you in this first step, understanding that uncertainty and fear can be part of the therapeutic process. She encourages her clients to leap and take the first step afraid, if necessary, knowing that you are not alone.

Destinee Dankemeyer, B.S.

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Destinee’s current role involves supporting the CEO and the daily operations of Revival Therapy. She has a passion for helping people and guiding them to become the best possible version of themselves. As a current graduate student of Northern Illinois University, Destinee is pursuing her dream of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She recently gained her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Illinois State University.

Destinee has a particular interest in working with families and couples. Coming from a blended family, Destinee understands the complexity of family systems. As a result, she wants to help individuals, couples and families of all different backgrounds navigate life’s many changes and challenges.

Destinee has an undeniable drive and excitement for this field of work. We look forward to assisting her and watching her grow as an individual and a mental health professional. We are confident there is nothing that can stand in the way of her achieving her dream of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.