our team

IS FOCUSED ON THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN

Birch Forest’s expert clinicians are committed to providing child and family counseling services based on best practices. We work closely with children, their parents, and caregivers to give each child the opportunity to become healthier, happier and more successful throughout their lives.

Annie Kell, LCSW

lead therapist, Licensed clinical social worker

Annie works with children and families experiencing a wide variety of difficulties such as emotional regulation, social and emotional issues, low self esteem, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment issues.

 

Rooted in psychological research of child brain development, Annie uses clinical play therapy to strengthen the connection between brain and body, helping children learn to regulate their bodies and emotions while engaging their interest and enjoyment.

 

Annie received her master’s in Social Work from Dominican University after graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies. Most recently she began the DIR/Floortime Professional Certificate series of courses and has completed the first level of four. Annie also has a graduate certificate in Animal and Human Health from Denver University, allowing her to practice animal assisted therapy. Annie’s work is also informed by her years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence and families in the child welfare system.

 

When not practicing therapy, she loves to spend time with her children, husband, and their pets. Annie enjoys training her dog, Zelda, to become a certified therapy dog. She also likes to make natural dyes and hand drums. Annie is a trained dancer and enjoys spending time hiking in the local forest preserves.

Gretchen Manske

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Gretchen Manske has 18 years of experience working in a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy center, serving in a number of administrative roles. Her most important role (and greatest passion) continues to be in supporting families throughout their therapeutic experience; ensuring that they have both a partner and a friend walking alongside them at all times as they navigate new experiences and learnings, insurance and scheduling challenges, and the ups and downs of parenting. 

 

Gretchen will continue to guide the unique focus of Birch Forest as a therapy center that integrates trauma-informed mental health strategies and a cutting-edge neuroscientific lens with natural child development and family focused, relationship-based care. Gretchen holds a degree in Biology with a minor in psychology from Concordia University Chicago. She has attended trainings workshops through the ATTACh Conference, Trauma and Attachment Symposium, and Meeting the Needs of the Whole Child Symposium as well as completing several courses on topics of the DIR/Floortime Model, parent coaching, and a variety of approaches in trauma informed care with the pediatric population. Currently she is pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies from the renowned Trauma Research Foundation.

 

 

Outside of work, Gretchen enjoys spending time with her husband, three sons, and their pets.

Shannon O'Brien, LSW

LICENSED social worker

Shannon received her master’s in Social Work from the University of St. Francis with a specialization in Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from St. Francis as well, graduating Summa Cum Laude, with a minor in Criminal & Social Justice. While there, she was inducted into the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society as well as Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society. Shannon sees learning as a continual process and brings her passion for learning to the work she does with every client. 

 

Prior to joining the Birch Forest team, Shannon provided advocacy and support to children and families through the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center. As part of a multidisciplinary team of therapists and law enforcement officials, Shannon helped the survivors of severe abuse share their story and work towards healing and recovery. Drawing from these and other experiences, Shannon recognizes the importance of meaningful support and treatment for those recovering from a wide range of traumatic events. When working therapeutically with children and adolescents, it is essential to build trust and demonstrate a genuine care for each client as an individual while also helping caregivers to support the healing and change as well. Shannon recognizes that when working through challenges it is important to be proactive instead of simply reactive. Her strengths-based approach to therapy allows children to develop their existing skills and abilities so that they can pursue their goals in therapy confidently. 

 

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys making jewelry and can be regularly found selling her work at local festivals and events with her mother and business partner. She practices mindfulness in nature, making meditative art and playing with her two dogs, Ellie & Lilo.

Mackenzi Maples,
LSW

Licensed Social Worker

Mackenzi graduated from Missouri State University with a master’s in Social Work after graduating with her bachelor’s in Social Work from the same institution. 

 

Previously she worked closely with children experiencing crisis at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Arkansas. This role provided her with invaluable experience in supporting children through some of their most challenging times. These experiences have helped her to develop a deep understanding of the unique needs and strengths of young clients recovering from a variety of traumas and stressors. She recognizes the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to heal, learn, and grow. Mackenzi is excited to continue working with children and their families to foster positive therapeutic growth and development.

 

Mackenzi’s approach is rooted in empathy, resilience, and a commitment to helping children navigate their emotions and experiences. Mackenzi’s background in child welfare and social work has equipped her with a comprehensive, strengths-based approach to therapy. Mackenzi focuses on each child’s strengths and building resilience, ensuring that therapy is not just about addressing problems but also about empowering children and their families.

 

When Mackenzi is not working, she enjoys spending time with her wife and two dogs, Stella and Sadie. She also likes to spend time traveling, hiking, and reading. Because Mackenzi is new to the area, she also enjoys spending time exploring all there is to do in Chicagoland!