Meet The Team

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  Dr. Eugene Lipov, MD

  Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer

  Dr Lipov is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Stella. He is a board-certified medical doctor with over 27 years of clinical experience and got his medical doctorate degree from Northwestern University. In 2006,…

  Dr Lipov is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Stella. He is a board-certified medical doctor with over 27 years of clinical experience and got his medical doctorate degree from Northwestern University. In 2006, Dr. Lipov pioneered the use of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adapted it to an advanced protocol now known as "Dual Sympathetic Reset".

  Dr Lipov's passion for helping trauma victims stems from his own personal and family history of coping with PTSD and depression. He understands the impact that trauma can have on one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and strives to provide compassionate and empathetic care to his patients.

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  Dr. Karen DeCocker, DNP, PMHNP, CNM

  Vice President of Clinical Services

  Dr. DeCocker became a nurse practitioner in 2007 after 10 years of hospital nursing experience. She is a Rush University graduate of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program and her doctoral degree was…

  Dr. DeCocker became a nurse practitioner in 2007 after 10 years of hospital nursing experience. She is a Rush University graduate of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program and her doctoral degree was earned at Frontier Nursing University. Her special focus areas are sexual trauma and caring for Veterans and their family members.

   

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  Heather Miller, PMHNP-BC

  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

  Dr. Heather Miller is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who completed her doctoral training at Rush University Medical Center. She values a holistic approach to care by helping care for the patient's mind,…

  Dr. Heather Miller is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who completed her doctoral training at Rush University Medical Center. She values a holistic approach to care by helping care for the patient's mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Miller is aware that all parts of life are interrelated and to bring true healing each patient must have an individualized treatment plan that is unique to their experience. Dr. Miller has worked with patients with severe childhood, combat, and sexual trauma. Her practice is based on identifying root causes, setting individual goals, and cultivating hope and resilience.

  Meet Heather

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  Gerson Santizo, PMHNP-BC, MSN

  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

  As a provider at Stella Mental Health in Westmont—just outside of Chicago—I specialize in comprehensive psychiatric medication management and biologically informed treatments for conditions such as anxiety,…

  As a provider at Stella Mental Health in Westmont—just outside of Chicago—I specialize in comprehensive psychiatric medication management and biologically informed treatments for conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). My approach is both holistic and integrative, combining evidence-based pharmacology with complementary wellness practices to support healing on every level—mind, body, and spirit.

  Meet Gerson

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  Candice Schrodetzki, PMHNP

  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Virtual

  Candice is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion to help all age groups. As a graduate from the University of Texas Health Science-Houston, Candice understands the need to listen and create a…

  Candice is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion to help all age groups. As a graduate from the University of Texas Health Science-Houston, Candice understands the need to listen and create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs. Candice takes a holistic approach to treating mental health while incorporating modern day therapies.

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  Greg Alberth

  Medical Facility Operations Director

  Greg is a licensed paramedic with over 30 years of experience in healthcare related fields. He is a retired firefighter/paramedic after serving for 25 years and has 5 years experience in a hospital emergency room. Greg…

  Greg is a licensed paramedic with over 30 years of experience in healthcare related fields. He is a retired firefighter/paramedic after serving for 25 years and has 5 years experience in a hospital emergency room. Greg has been working with Dr. Eugene Lipov, treating those suffering from post traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and mental trauma for over 17 years. He has seen repeatedly over the years the negative impact these injuries and conditions can have on individual and family lives. He believes that everyone deserves a chance to live a peaceful life, without the effects of these conditions directing their daily lives.

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  Hannah Mazzie

  Medical Office Administrator

  Hannah is an industrious, versatile, and driven professional with diverse background in business operations, early childhood administration, and customer service. With 10 years of experience and aiding in the opening of…

  Hannah is an industrious, versatile, and driven professional with diverse background in business operations, early childhood administration, and customer service. With 10 years of experience and aiding in the opening of multiple daycare centers in Chicago, Hannah has found a new passion in the mental health field. She is deeply compassionate for people and seeing the impact that Stella provides for so many is immensely rewarding. In her free time, she loves finding new hiking trails with her fiancé and dog as well as visiting breweries and traveling to new places.

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  Elizabeth Frega

  Registered Nurse

  Liz is a registered nurse with her bachelors in nursing. She has been an operating room nurse for most of her career before joining Stella. She loved the compassionate care Stella offered and enjoys caring for her…

  Liz is a registered nurse with her bachelors in nursing. She has been an operating room nurse for most of her career before joining Stella. She loved the compassionate care Stella offered and enjoys caring for her patients.

   

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  Carmina Johnson

  Registered Nurse

  Carmina is a registered nurse,  feels incredibly rewarded and grateful to be a part of the Stella team working in the Westmont, IL clinic. She enjoys letting her energetic dog Petra take her on walks. She is fluent in…

  Carmina is a registered nurse,  feels incredibly rewarded and grateful to be a part of the Stella team working in the Westmont, IL clinic. She enjoys letting her energetic dog Petra take her on walks. She is fluent in American Sign Language and speaks some Spanish and Italian.`

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