About Us
Through the Eyes of a ChildSM
We’ve seen all too often how families who are struggling can feel isolated and overwhelmed. This leads many families to feel that they will never regain control of their lives. This period of crisis can be extremely difficult but it’s also the most critical time for interventions and learning new ways to cope. Our commitment is to assist children and families during these times so that their struggles can become more manageable.
Using a unique approach called Through the Eyes of a Child℠, we strive to view the world from the child’s perspective. We also engage with parents, siblings, and, if necessary, teachers, coaches, or other people of influence in a child’s life to understand what challenges they’re experiencing. Coordinating with these important people in a child’s life gives us a deeper understanding of a child’s struggle and allows us to best help them overcome those challenges.

Our Mission
Our Team

Jori Brick, MSW


Joe Edwards, MS, LCPC
(he/him/his)

Erin Fisher, MSW, LCSW
Advice from Erin:

Emily Francis, MSW, LSW

Andrea Good, MSW, LCSW

Families that work with Kamryn will feel at ease and accepted by her patient, thoughtful manner. Kamryn feels a sense of admiration for each child, teen, and parent she works with, knowing that every story is experienced, felt, and shared distinctively. By fostering genuine bonds and creating environments filled with openness and playfulness, Kamryn aims to be a safe support for clients to build a foundation for continuous exploration and consistent empowerment. For every child she sees, she will make sure that they feel understood in a way that’s natural for them. For every parent she sees, she will ensure that they feel validated and appreciated for the dedication and love they hold for their families. Kamryn hopes to help families find that even through life’s toughest moments, a devotion to caring, connection, and consideration for one another can be one of the most powerful sources of resilience.

We love having Rita’s warm, supportive presence around IFC. Even our most shy and anxious clients feel immediately at ease when they meet Rita for the first time. Rita is able to connect with some of the most ‘hard to reach’ clients by validating their struggles and taking the time to understand the unique way they view the world. She is often quick to identify her client’s strengths (even when they can’t find them for themselves) and is able to help them utilize these strengths to reach their fullest potential. Rita views therapy as a collaborative effort to create positive change and strengthen family systems and relationships.
Ritamaria also offers workshops and seminars on a variety of topics. To have Ritamaria speak with your group or school, please contact us at 773-270-0469 or [email protected].
Advice from Rita:
- Peer Relationships: A Conversation with Ritamaria Laird And Julianne Neely
- Turn Down Your Phone and Turn Up Your Quality Time
- Is Your Smartphone Hurting Your Relationship with Your Child?
- Meet Ritamaria Laird of Individual and Family Connection
- It Comes from Within: The Do’s and Don’ts of Motivating Your Kids
- How to Help Grieving Children Through the Holidays: Advice from A Pediatric Mental Health Expert
- Podcast: Attachment, Trauma and Taking Care of You
- Therapists Share 10 Ways to Limit the Trauma for Kids Impacted by Natural Disaster
- Do’s and Don’ts for Making the Best Choices for Social Sharing
- How to Help Your Child Cope with A Medical Emergency
- The Three-Step Fix for Negative Behavior in Children
- When Is It Okay for A Child to Quit?
- Homework Through the Eyes of An Anxious Child
- Rita Interview for Children at Risk Radio Program
- When Yelling Doesn’t Work, Connection Cools the Fire
- 8 Tips for Success at Bedtime
- How to Handle Kids’ Romantic Feelings at Every Age
- Your Kid Is Dating? Advice to Help Them Navigate This Rocky Road
- 10 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Terrorism from A Pediatric Mental Health Expert

(she/her/hers)

Julianne Neely, MSW, LSCW
As the Founder and Executive Director of IFC, Julianne is passionate about providing families in Chicago with a quality pediatric therapist who understands their child’s unique needs. She believes that each family goes through seasons of life where extra support is needed. She considers it a privilege to step into others’ struggles and challenges in order to offer a listening ear and a helping hand. She is approachable and easily establishes rapport with children and their families.
Julianne also offers workshops and seminars on parenting and pediatric mental health. To have Julianne speak with your group or school, please contact us at 773-270-0469 or [email protected].
Advice from Julianne:
- Peer Relationships: A Conversation with Ritamaria Laird And Julianne Neely
- How to Use Birthday Parties to Foster Gratitude
- 5 Ways to Help A Grieving Child with The Loss of a Loved One
- Skipping School for Family Vacation: Should You Do It?
- What to Do in A Mental Health Crisis
- Expert Advice on How to Help Teens Dealing with Grief and Loss
- Why Letting Your Kids Fail Could Be the Best Thing to Do for Them All Year
- Meet Julianne Neely of Individual and Family Connection in Roscoe Village
- Therapists Share 10 Ways to Limit the Trauma for Kids Impacted by Natural Disaster
- Home Features That Matter to Raising Healthy, Happy Kids
- Creating A Low Stress Environment for Children
- How to Survive Your Child’s Time in the NICU
- 15 Entrepreneurs Explain What They Love About Being an Entrepreneur
- Parents See Benefits in Kids Sharing Room
- Why Parents Are Choosing to Have Kids Share Rooms Even When There’s Space
- Raising Confident Girls
- How to Make Hospital Stays Easier for Special-Needs Kids
- Adopted Kids Aren’t ‘Lucky’
- Helping Children Struggling with Grief
- How to Handle Gifts at Your Child’s Birthday
- Grief and Loss in Children
- Avoiding Homework Battles
- How to Help Your Kids with Stress
- Play, Play, Play Your Troubles Away
- 10 Ways to Promote Healthy Body Image in Your Home
- Therapists Weigh in On How to Tell A Child Their Mom Is Sick
- Trouble in Tween Paradise: Relating to Your Child Under Stress
- Chicago Counseling Center Offers Help to Struggling Kids and Their Families
- Advice for Parents: Understanding Anxiety in Your Child
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Divorce
- Mindfulness Tools For Parents

Kellie Seccombe, MSW, LSW
(she/they)



(she/her/hers)