Meet Our Therapists

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. 

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.