Meet the Team
I’ve often said, “While I take my work very seriously, I don’t take myself too seriously.” This basically means that I practice in an easy-going, down-to-earth style that leaves room for both serious discussion and humor. I work well with people from all backgrounds and with a spectrum of issues ranging from serious mental health illnesses to less pervasive adjustment problems. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, performance problems (academic, vocational/occupational, athletic), and general life adjustments.
As a psychologist, my job is not to fix people or to help you become something more than they were before. In fact, rather than becoming a new or different person, I believe therapy simply helps people reconnect with the person they’ve always been – or, at least, to the person they’re capable of being! As both a therapist and a human being, I am humbly and passionately committed to helping my clients achieve this goal.
Owner & Clinical Director
Jeffrey K. Ellens Ph.D.
Shabia Alimohamed, Ph.D.
Clinical Supervisor
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in severe mental illness, particularly trauma. I earned my doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and my undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis. I bring a directive style, based on evidence-based therapies, to my clinical work and believe that a strong commitment to personal responsibility and accountability is essential for treatment success.
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My work experience includes training and working in a forensic facility in California and for the last 10 years I have worked in the Veterans Health Administration with veterans with (and without) PTSD in a residential facility in southern Illinois. At the VA I provided testing services for my clients as well as for other counselors on staff in the clinic.
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Additionally, I supervised graduate level students in the Psychology program at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL., in psychometric testing. The services I provide include, therefore, psychotherapy using evidence-based therapies and testing, as well as psychodiagnostic assessment, for a variety of issues.
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​Please note: Dr. Alimohamed’s primary role at Lotus Counseling is to serve as a secondary clinical supervisor for postdoc trainees and other pre-licensed professionals, particularly supervision related to psychological assessment/testing. Thus, she is not accepting new clients.
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Most issues become more manageable when we aren't facing them alone. There is potential for enormous growth through the power of a trusting relationship, and I would be honored to work toward this with you. My approach to counseling is a combination of compassion, realness, humor, and curiosity.
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I will provide a nonjudgmental and relaxed environment where we can explore your perspectives, behaviors, emotional experiences, and sense of purpose. Counseling looks different for each individual. My priority is to support you in your self-understanding, development, and ambitions in a way that works for you.
I often utilize observations about the present moment and interactions with clients during session. These can serve as a basis for recognizing patterns of behavior and thought, in order to better understand any relationships you hope to improve. Mindfulness is also a powerful tool, and I work with clients to build skills and routines to make use of this. By forming an authentic, safe relationship and setting personalized goals, we can collaborate to address day-to-day struggles, deeper mental health concerns, relationships, or big existential questions.
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​Megan is Lotus Counseling’s only “100% telehealth” provider; thus, only clients who are looking for telehealth appointments (i.e., audio calls and/or video sessions are both considered “telehealth”) should select this clinician when filling out the initial contact form at the bottom of this site
Megan Pagano
LCPC, MS
Lotus Counseling Clinician
Monica Espinasse Psy.D
Postdoctoral Resident
Lotus Counseling Clinician
Pain and suffering can often cause us to feel disconnected from ourselves and others. Navigating the various paths toward clarity, contentment, fulfillment, and peace can feel confusing and daunting. Many of us have felt the isolation of loneliness in the struggle to feel better. I seek to work collaboratively and interpersonally as I lean on the therapeutic alliance to connect with my clients. As a client-centered, trauma-informed, and relationally psychodynamic trained therapist, I aim to help clients better understand themselves, others, and the world around them. This process often opens a doorway to self-empowerment, leading to change.
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Practicing from a warm and non-judgmental stance, my goal is to deeply connect with my clients in a way in which they feel understood and supported. Working in a middle school, community mental health clinics, and college counseling, I have experience serving clients with anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. My areas of specialization include trauma and neurodivergence, interpersonal relationships, family of origin patterns, grief, and spiritual and existential issues. I am currently providing individual therapy in Bozeman, MT.
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Monica is a Postdoctoral Resident and a licensure candidate under the supervision of Jeffrey K. Ellens, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
Cheyann Calendrillo
PCLC, LAC
Lotus Counseling Clinician
Mental and emotional health struggles make us feel as though we are lost at sea, with no reference point or “lighthouse,” if you will, to guide us back to shore – but, that’s where I come in!
I create a welcoming and non-judgemental space for you to share your thoughts and feelings in a way that will help us work collaboratively toward your goals and, ultimately, to get back to your “shore.”
And, since therapy is about you (not me), I work hard to tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs, interpersonal style, and preferences because therapy – quite like finding a good pair of jeans – is about finding the right fit for you. Sign up for a complimentary consultation today and let's see if I am the right fit for you!
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Cheyann a Predoctoral Intern under the supervision of Jeffrey K. Ellens, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist.
It takes a lot to be a person. Perhaps you've lost a loved one, are going through a stressful life transition, or live with regrets. Or maybe you've been hurt by someone you previously felt safe with and trusted. And yet, even when your life gets difficult, hope remains. We are often most secure in ourselves when we feel connected with and supported by others instead of struggling through life's most difficult moments alone. In our work together, I'm dedicated to giving you my utmost presence, unwavering support, and committed care toward helping you heal and grow.
My approach to your counseling process is active, collaborative, and experiential, focused on helping you create meaningful goals toward becoming the person you want to be. And, while I might be a psychologist with years of education and practice, I know it to be true that only you are the expert on your own life and lived experiences. All your parts are welcome and deserve validation, respect, and compassion.
Sean is a licensure candidate under the supervision of Jeffrey K. Ellens, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist.
Sean Kershaw Ph.D.
Lotus Counseling Clinician
I've had many jobs leading up to this one: veterinary technician, fitness teacher, and even...food service. I think the last one has prepared me more than anything else, but I'll leave it up to you to judge. So, if you want a tree planted in your backyard or you're not 100% sure whether that mushroom your dog ate was “safe,” I can certainly help you there; but I've shifted my focus nowadays and am hoping I'll have answers that will help you more long-term instead. But, that being said, if you want to know at exactly what temperature you should fry tortilla chips - hey, I’ve got you covered!
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In our work together, I’ll be here to help you examine anything from general emotional exploration, neurodivergence, identity formation, and sex and sexuality. I also love focusing on grief work, boundary formation, addiction patterns and improving self-confidence.
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Let's do something positive that doesn't feel like a job. Let's draw on my whiteboard, blast your Spotify playlist, and get going on the internal work that will not only help you define your life, but also helps to mend both your literal and metaphorical garden along the way.
Sarah is a licensure candidate under the supervision of Jeffrey K. Ellens, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist.
Sarah Buczek, PCLC
Lotus Counseling Clinician
Let's Connect
First things first . . .
Step 1
Fill out informational form below
Step 2
Lotus will personally reach out via email to set up a complimentary consultation.
