Our dynamic team works together to create a safe and supportive environment for people on the journey toward recovery.
Our team is diverse in their backgrounds and in their areas of expertise, including:
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Peer Support Specialists, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Trauma Specialists, Board Certified Art Therapist, and Case Managers
MEET OUR STAFF
Kirk Hanson, Sr. Director of Community Mental Health and Counseling
Kirk has been employed by Sertoma Centre since 2013. Kirk is responsible for the oversight of all clinical service programs. He has been the project director on multiple grants focusing on the implementation and development of program initiatives. In addition he is dedicated to the business development side of services ensuring strategic partnerships that enhance access to supports and services in the community. Kirk is a licensed clinical professional counselor. He earned a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from National Louis University and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Southern Illinois University.
Gia Washington, Director of Community Education
Gia has been with Sertoma Centre since 2010. Gia is a skilled Mental Health Educator and Counselor with extensive experience in group and individual counseling, and in training diverse populations. She designs and facilitates trainings on topics related to mental health, and she develops and maintains relationships with local schools, colleges, universities, health care providers, religious organizations, police departments, community clubs and social service providers to furnish prevention education, and to develop job opportunities. She earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Southern California Seminary and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Katie Brickman, Director of Program Administration
Katie has been with Sertoma since 2006. She is a high-performing administrative professional with extensive experience working in settings servicing individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. She is responsible for the management and supervision of all operations relevant to the functions of all CMHC programs. She continuously monitors program data and implements changes to assure compliance and efficiency in accordance with funding agencies and internal regulations. Katie earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Saint Xavier University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Trinity Christian College.
Alicia Simmons, Director of Community Clinical Services
Alicia has been employed by Sertoma Centre since 2018. She began her career with Sertoma by leading the Community Support Team. She then moved on to serve as the Colbert Quality Administrator. She was then promoted to serve as the Director of Community Clinical Services in September 2021. Alicia is responsible for the oversight of all of the community services provided, including the Community Support Team, the Integrated Health Team, and the Colbert Class Member Transition Program. She is committed to ensuring that community services are provided with a high standard of quality and care and strives to encourage collaboration among the community services teams and with other programs within CMHC. Alicia is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2012 and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Flagler College in 2010.