A Ray of Hope - Libertyville, IL

​​​​​​​Geeta Bansal, MD, is an Ivy League-trained, triple board-certified Neurologist and Psychiatrist with a primary focus in Neurology and Psychiatry. She and her team serve adults of all ages at all of our A Ray of Hope locations in Libertyville, IL, Kenosha, WI, and Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Bansal received her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. She completed residencies in Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. She then went on to complete a Neuromuscular fellowship at Northwestern University.

She and her team use their vast experience in Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neuromuscular conditions to provide high-quality care to all of their patients. As a result of their unique understanding of the deep connection between emotional and medical illnesses, they have the training necessary to distinguish between the physical and psychological causes of their patients’ various symptoms.

Dr. Bansal has a “down-to-earth” attitude, and she actively listens to the various needs of her patients. She prides herself on successfully engaging with patients, providing accurate diagnoses, and developing individualized care plans with proven, long-term results. She is also fluent in Punjabi and English, proudly caring for a diverse patient population with a strong tie to the community.

Dr. Bansal received all three of her board certifications - Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neuromuscular Medicine - from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She holds an affiliation with Advocate Condell Medical Center as well.

​​​​​​​Joe Dalton, PA-C came to A Ray of Hope after practicing psychiatry at an inpatient unit located in Chicago, IL. Joe began his academic journey with an undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. After teaching elementary music for eight years, he transitioned to the medical field. Attending the Physician Assistant Program at Rosalind Franklin University School of Medicine & Science in North Chicago, IL. 

Joe now works full-time at our Libertyville location in Illinois as our Lead PA and offers help for those who may suffer from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). He also specializes in treating Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

​​​​​​​Vladimir Eugene, PA-C, is a certified Physician Associate specializing in psychiatry at A Ray of Hope: Great Lakes Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry. Originally from New York, he earned his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL, and is currently completing his Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree through the University of Lynchburg. He is certified with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is licensed to practice in both Illinois and Wisconsin.

Vladimir provides comprehensive outpatient psychiatric care at A Ray of Hope’s Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Libertyville, Illinois, locations. He offers medication management and supportive therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders.

He is passionate about expanding access to behavioral health care, particularly for underserved populations, and is committed to delivering evidence-based, compassionate psychiatric care to those who need it most.

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Leonard Gilbert, PMHNP-BC, is a highly experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at A Ray of Hope, providing compassionate care at the Libertyville and Kenosha locations. Leonard holds an MSN in nursing education from Elmhurst University and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from the University of St. Francis. A retired Chicago Fire Department fire paramedic officer with 38 years of service, Leonard combines his frontline experience with a passion for education, serving as clinical faculty at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing while continuing to pursue his Doctorate in Nursing. With over 40 years of expertise in mental health, trauma care, and crisis management, Leonard is dedicated to supporting individuals through comprehensive medication management and psychotherapy.

He specializes in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and ADHD, and offers vital support to hospice patients, caregivers, cancer patients, and first responders. Leonard employs trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, to guide adolescents and adults toward healing and resilience.

Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys long-distance cycling, gardening, travel, and music. His enduring dedication to mental health stems from a desire to address disparities in care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.

​​​​​​​Shane graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago with a masters in Physician Assistant Studies. He received his undergraduate degree in Human Biology with a minor in Psychology from the University of California San Diego. He pursued a career in research and biotech before switching to healthcare. He gained experience as an EMT and EKG tech before becoming a PA.

He specializes in treating neurological disorders ranging from migraines to neuropathies to ALS.

In his free time Shane enjoys board games, trivia, basketball, soccer, and anything outdoors. 

​​​​​​​Elizabeth Hozian, DO is a board-certified psychiatrist who works with both adults and teens. She is a true Chicagoland native- completing her medical training at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, psychiatric residency at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, and finally child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Chicago.

 

She has experience working with a wide range of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, sleep issues, bipolar disorder, and more. She has a specialized interest in helping young women navigate self-esteem, body image, and self-advocacy issues.

She strives to make her patients feel heard and understood. In addition to using evidence-based medicines, she takes a holistic approach and is passionate about integrating lifestyle changes to improve wellbeing.

She has seen many patients benefit from making the recommended adjustments to sleep, nutrition, and physical activity.

Off hours, she loves running and strength training, outdoor adventure trips with her husband, and keeping her energetic husky puppy out of trouble. She practices out of the Libertyville location.

​​​​​​​Bio Coming Soon

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​​​​​​​Michael Moore has been a practicing LPC for ten years. He has much experience working in settings of substance abuse treatment centers, domestic violence counseling agencies, both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, and now, the private practice of A Ray of Hope: Great Lakes Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry.
 
His passion for counseling is present from the moment that a client enters his office until the time they leave. When clients meet Michael, they are instantly assured they are in a safe and non-judgmental environment that allows them to process thoughts and feelings. This ultimately creates great discord regarding the patient's mental health.
 
Michael's primary focus on the treatment population is personality disorders, LGBTQIA+, domestic violence, and substance abuse. As well as clients who struggle with issues with mood and anxiety. He is a certified DBT counselor, however, his approach to counseling is very eclectic. Due to personalizing his approach to each one of his clients. He is also trained in DBT, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, and Reality Therapy to deliver his clients the best possible care.

​​​​​​​Dr. Madison Pomden is from Colorado Springs, Colorado but moved to the Pacific Northwest to get her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. After graduating in 2017, she moved to San Diego, CA where she spent a year working with LGBTQIA+ folks in a drop-in center catered for LGBTQIA+ at-risk and homeless youth ages 13-21. In 2018, Madison once again packed up to move to the Chicago area to get her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Madison trained at The Family Institute working with college students and adults as a therapist and at a school-based mental health drop-in center for high school students. After graduating from Northwestern, she subsequently moved to Flagstaff, Arizona to begin training in the Combined Counseling/School Psychology Doctoral Program at Northern Arizona University, from which she graduated from in 2024, focusing on work with teens and LGBTQIA+ folks.

Madison believes therapy to be a place of healing, self-discovery, and self-acceptance where the therapist acts as a mirror to better understand the self. As we uncover more about ourselves, we are able to show up for ourselves and others in a way that honors where we have been and how far we have come. Madison specializes in working with teens and young adults, though has experience working with folks across the lifespan from age 11-75 with a range of presenting concerns from anxiety, depression, trauma, executive functioning, and life transitions. In addition to providing therapy at A Ray of Hope, she also does psychological testing for ages 13 and up for mood disorders and ADHD.

​​​​​​​Dr. Lucy Rickspoone is a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed marriage and family therapist.

She specializes in working with families and couples, elderly clients, immigrants, and individuals on the Autism spectrum. Dr. Rickspoone believes that therapy can be helpful in improving one's relationships and quality of life through exploring helpful thought patterns and developing a positive approach to self and life.

Dr. Rickspoone is fluent in Bulgarian. Dr. Rickspoone enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading. 

​​​​​​​Stacy began her journey by earning a degree in psychology from Boston College, followed by a career in research. Stacy would then go on to graduate from Rosalind Franklin University as a physician assistant in 2009. After completing an orthopedic residency, Stacy would then go on to build a distinguished career in orthopedic surgery. 

 

Stacy is passionate about integrating medical and mental health care with each one of her patients. She currently sees patients for neurology AND psychiatry care at both our Illinois and Wisconsin locations. 

​​​​​​​Ali Sheikha, PA-C, is a Psychiatric Physician Associate at A Ray of Hope's Libertyville location. He works with adults 18 and older, providing compassionate and comprehensive care to every one of his patients. Ali has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Loyola University Chicago and completed his PA program at Sullivan University located in Louisville, KY. With experience at another outpatient psychiatric clinic, Ali is well-versed in treating a variety of mental health concerns. He is dedicated to helping his patients navigate their challenges and achieve meaningful progress toward their goals.

​​​​​​​Dr. Zhannah Vaysman is a passionate professional in a field of clinical psychology who divides her time between different types of clinical work, such as individual therapy and psychodiagnostic assessment. In her clinical practice, she delivers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and other evidence-based treatments to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults with a wide range of neurological, emotional, behavioral, and adjustment problems, such as memory decline, anxiety, stress, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.

Dr. Vaysman finds it gratifying to work in a field of geriatric psychology and neuropsychology. Her neuropsychological evaluations describe and quantify cognitive deficits typically found in older adults. These assessments benefit medical diagnosis, treatment, and care planning for individuals with degenerative dementias and those with cognitive difficulties associated with medical conditions or trauma. In conjunction with her evaluations, Dr. Vaysman provides feedback, education, and support for elders, families, caregivers, and residential staff. Dr. Vaysman's assessments also contribute to determinations of mental capacity required for legal purposes. She also provides psychological evaluations to address a wide range of disturbances for all ages: behavioral, social-emotional, cognitive, developmental, personality, etc.

She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education from Ushinsky Pedagogical University in Russia. She received both her Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. The emphasis of her education has been in the application of scientific research to clinical work.

More specifically, Dr. Vaysman has been extensively trained in evidence-based practices to provide therapy and conduct psychological evaluations. Being an immigrant, Dr. Vaysman understands the complexity of how culture and community provide a context for one’s life and experiences. In addition to English, Dr. Vaysman also speaks Russian and conducts psychotherapy sessions and testing in both languages.

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​​​​​​​I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of their emotional well-being. With a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University and over 5 years of experience working in an inpatient behavioral health department, I am dedicated to providing support and guidance to help you live your best life. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive functioning skills, OCD, relationship issues, and processing grief & loss. 

My therapeutic approach is client-centered, meaning that I tailor each session to meet your unique needs and goals. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. I draw from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change negative thought patterns, Motivational Interviewing to enhance motivation for positive change, and Mindfulness techniques to promote self-awareness and emotional regulation.

I am passionate about working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+ communities. I celebrate the importance of cultural sensitivity and strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all clients.

Allison Wollert is the Chief Clinical Officer and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) here at A Ray of Hope, licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin. She has been working in mental health for over 12 years, with experience working in mental health hospitals, residential settings, private practice, and community mental health settings. Allison works with clients aged 18+ and specializes in post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, severe mental illness, bipolar disorder, addiction, and co-occurring disorders.