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Psychiatry Providers

Dr. Geeta Bansal, MD

Chief Medical Officer

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. Elizabeth Hozian, DO

Psychiatrist

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.
Dr. Ammara Raziuddin, DO

Psychiatrist

Dr. Ammara Raziuddin, DO, completed her medical education at Kansas City University in Kansas City, Missouri, before going on to complete her psychiatry residency at Unity Health in Searcy, Arkansas. She further specialized by completing a Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Raziuddin has a diverse background, having worked at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, an adult female prison in Wilsonville, Oregon, as well as at Rogers Behavioral Health's Inpatient Unit in West Allis, Wisconsin. As a psychiatrist, she treats both adults and geriatric patients, with a primary focus on Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD.

Dr. Jennifer Laflamme, DO, PGY IV

Psychiatrist

Jennifer Laflamme, DO, grew up in Libertyville and is delighted to be practicing in her hometown. She finished her undergraduate degree at Illinois Wesleyan University and attended medical school in southwest Pennsylvania at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then matched into psychiatry residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge where she is currently in her third year of training.
Carol Kessel, PA-C

Physician Associate

Carol attended the Rosalind Franklin University School of Medicine & Science Physician Assistant Program in North Chicago, IL after obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Biology & Spanish as well as a Master's Degree in Medical Microbiology. She is certified with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is licensed in both Illinois and Wisconsin.
Joe Dalton, PA-C

Lead PA/Physician Associate

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. 

 

 

Terese Wenzel, APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Terese Wenzel, APRN, is one of the skilled providers on the team at A Ray of Hope: Great Lakes Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry. As an NP, Terese is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. Terese is well-versed in all treatment options for addressing mental illness. She assists patients at the practice at our location in Libertyville, IL.
Stacy Schilz, PA-C

Physician Associate

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. 

 

 

Torsten Nieminen, PA-C

Physician Associate

Torsten Nieminen, PA-C, began his career in business, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and International Business from Marquette University. After several years in the corporate world, he followed his passion for medicine, obtaining a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Marquette. His diverse background in business, emergency medicine, and behavioral crisis care gives him a well-rounded and compassionate approach to psychiatry.

At our Kenosha location, Torsten specializes in medication management and therapy for mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, as well as anxiety, OCD, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and ADHD. He emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based care tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Ali Sheikha, PA-C

Physician Associate

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.
Leonard Gilbert, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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.
Paku Thor, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Paku Thor, PMHNP-BC, is one of our board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at A Ray of Hope, working at our Kenosha location. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI. She has experience working with adult and geriatric populations across hospitals, clinics, and nursing home settings with a strong foundation in ICU and hospice nursing. Paku brings a compassionate, patient-centered approach to psychiatric care.