Meet the counselors
Bill Iavarone
I received my clinical license (LCPC) in 2015 while working at Arrowhead Ranch, a residential treatment facility for DCFS and the juvenile court system. While at Arrowhead, I focused on trauma-informed care as the clinical director for the facility. I left Arrowhead and worked at Camelot Therapeutic Day School, which is a school for students with behavior disorders or autism spectrum disorders. At Camelot, I supervised the clinical staff and focused on solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral approaches to therapy. Since January of 2019, I have been the director of counseling services at Augustana.
I use a narrative approach to counseling, listening to the stories and memories of my clients so that they can listen more sensitively to their stories and their thoughts. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and narrative therapy interventions. Philosophically, I lean towards existentialism; however, I practice more from a cognitive behavioral lens, helping my clients become critical of their thoughts. Sometimes, this leads to conversations about the meaning of their lives and actions, but I let the client lead us into those conversations.
Education
- B.A., English, University of Iowa
- M.A., English, Western Illinois University
- M.S. Ed., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Western Illinois University
- D.B.A., Healthcare Administration, North Central University
Stacey Kitson
You’ve taken a brave step to connect with someone for support. It is an honor to join you in uncovering your strengths, and problem-solving current difficulties. A session with me will ideally feel like a conversation- honoring your story, culture, values, virtues and challenges. I typically draw from Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Therapy (honoring your body’s signals and wisdom), and Solution-Focused Therapy. I engage with others through strengths-based and trauma informed perspectives. I obtained my Masters of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have been providing therapeutic services locally and internationally for over 20 years.
Education
- M.S.W., Loyola University Chicago
Allison Mirell-Heaton
I achieved my Clinical Licensure in 2011 and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have been a mental health counselor at Augustana College since 2012, and enjoy collaborating with our Augustana students to help them identify and achieve their own, unique goals. I provide a non-judgmental, safe, and comfortable environment during therapy sessions. I am trauma informed and have a strengths based perspective. While I use a variety of methods in session, I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.
Professional Background: I graduated with my Master's in Social Work, with a Mental Health Concentration, from Loyola University Chicago in 2008. I then worked at Lutherbrook, a youth residential treatment center, in Addison, IL. After I moved to the Quad Cities, I worked with adults at the Illinois Department of Rehabilitative Services, and then provided therapy for persons of all ages at the Robert Young Center in Moline, IL. During my first year working at Augustana, I also worked part time at Ricaurte and Associates, providing therapy for teens and adults.
Education
- B.S., Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- M.S.W., Mental Health concentration, Loyola University in Chicago
Melyna (Mel) Bahler
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student and intern counselor, offering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My role is to help clients identify the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to develop practical strategies for change. I support clients in recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns, building healthier coping skills, and strengthening problem-solving abilities to manage challenges. Through collaborative goal-setting and skill-based interventions, I aim to empower clients to increase self-awareness, resilience, and overall well-being while fostering independence in applying these skills beyond counseling.
My background as a teacher has cultivated patience, cultural responsiveness, and empathy. I have supported individuals with a wide range of developmental, behavioral, and learning including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and cognitive delays. This foundation allows me to effectively support clients as they navigate academic pressures, personal growth, and the transition to increased independence. As an international student from Canada, I provide a valuable global and cross-cultural perspective. I understand what it is like as a university student to be navigating life changes, identity development, and adverse childhood experiences.
Education
- B. Ed., Elementary Education, Mount Royal University
- M. S. Ed., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Western Illinois University (Expected 2027)