Meet Our Therapists
Kristy Johnstone
Kristy Johnstone received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University in 1996 and went on to receive her Masters of Social Work Degree from the Loyola University of Chicago in 1999. Since then, Kristy has worked with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings. Tender Hearts Therapy, Ltd. was founded in Downers Grove, IL. in 2014. Over the years, training has been completed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Functional Analysis and Behavioral Management Plans, Anxiety Treatment Techniques, Attentional Issues, Domestic Violence Groups, Child Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anger Management, Stress Reduction, and Relaxation Techniques, Communication Techniques, and much other mental health and behavioral areas. As a Clinical Social Worker, Kristy's main objective is to be an effective listener who works with her clients in developing treatment goals. As a caring and compassionate therapist, Kristy will provide a comfortable and trusting relationship as the basis for working toward positive changes. She understands the demand of being a parent and has a special focus on helping parents deal with the stresses that can be involved with day-to-day behaviors and emotions of children and adolescents.
“Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.”
― Shannon L. Alder.
Mia Benker
Mia graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2017 from Indiana Wesleyan University and her Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2019. Mia has experience working with individuals who have a wide range of Mental Health diagnoses, including Anxiety, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child Psychology, and ADHD. She has an in-depth knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and utilizes Mindfulness in settings that she sees fit. Mia Benker has over ten years of experience working with children in many locations, including summer camps, schools, and homes. She loves to use play and creative therapies to help her clients express their emotions and feelings in comfortable and relaxing ways. During sessions, she considers the client's interests and hobbies to provide the most effective therapy. As a therapist with Tender Hearts Therapy Mia works to meet them where they are emotionally and strives to create a safe and comfortable space for each client.
Dionna Mantucca
“ It is an act of bravery to feel your feelings”-Gayla Forman
At times it can be difficult to navigate our feelings when chaos is occurring in our world. When we begin to feel overwhelmed, that is often the times we seek therapy. My goal is to form a professional connection and safe space to work together in creating a place where you can process your emotions and set goals to achieve your own personal path. While working through some of the difficulties in your life, we will find strengths within yourself and proper coping skills to overcome some of those life challenges. By finding these strengths, they will be the tools to help you find your way back to the person you are hoping to be. There are no set rules or guides in therapy, I am there to listen and be alongside you in your journey of growth.
I earned my master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and I am certified as a Licensed Social worker (LSW). I am also a trained postpartum doula, where I can guide and assist mothers and families through the stressors that can surface when becoming a new parent. I have experience in working with families, pregnant women, children, and teens who have been experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, sexual abuse, domestic violence, self- esteem troubles, emotional regulation challenges and relationship troubles. I always want my clients to feel like they are being heard, which is why I keep in mind that each client is unique and special, and I tailor my approaches based on goals and stressors they may want to address. My main approach is to meet each client where they are at using strengths-based interventions. Based on what the client would like to achieve, I use a variety of treatment methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing and play therapy for my younger clients.
Sometimes accepting and realizing there is a need for change can be challenging, but now that you are here, I can promise moving forward I will be with you through every steppingstone of your journey.