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(219) 690-7025
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(219) 690-7025

A program is only as good as it’s team.

Compassionate professionals walking with you

Get help now

Meet our admin

The dedicated professionals behind the scenes, supporting smooth, compassionate care at every step.

Jaime Rogers

Heartland Wellness Center, CEO

Derek Blagojevic

Clinical Director
Therapist, LCSW

Steven Butera

Chief Operating Officer
LMHC, LCAC, NCC, CHP

Julianna Cline

Director of Human Resources

Morgan Fields

Billing Associate

Claire McDaniel

Director of Operations
Therapist, LSW

Laura DeRoos

Billing Manager

Meet our Behavioral Health team

Mental health professionals dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey to wellness.

Kaley Marino

Nurse Practitioner, PMH-NP

Jessica Goodman

Nurse Practitioner- PMH-NP

Emily Seward

Therapist, LMHCA

Jennifer Howard

Clinical Coordinator
Therapist, LMHC, NCC

Justine Maresca

Therapist, LSW

Kesha Molden

Intake Coordinator
Therapist, LMHC

Lindsay Beougher

Therapist, LCSW

Lisa Smith

Therapist, LMHCA

Melanie R. Forbes

Therapist, LMHC, EMDR

Nikola Katic

Therapist, LSW

Tracy Stillman

Therapist, LSW, MSW, CBIS

Rhonda Courtright

Therapist, LSW

William Garcia

Therapist, LMFT

Romario Eskandar

Clinical Intake Specialist, LCACA

Meet our Recovery team

Supporting individuals and families on their recovery journey through compassion, empowerment and hope.

Megan McGuffage

Day IOP Facilitator, LMHCA, LCACA

Ashley Suslowicz

Evening IOP Facilitator, LMHCA, NCC

Diana Greenberg

Case Manager, CADAC II

Katie Moffat

Case Manager, CADAC I

Eric Bowman

Empowerment Coach
Alumni Coordinator, ACIT

Jordan Rongstad

Intake Coordinator

Meet our friendly
receptionists

Shannon Shuter

Lowell Location

Kelly Yankauskas

Chesterton Location

Mary Mullen

Lowell Location

Looking for a career that
matters?

Take the first step.

Join our team

Take a free tour of our
campus.

Schedule a free consultation.

Learn More

Our Campus.

Clean, comfortable and inviting, our campus is designed for people that require a low stress environment.

  • All

You are not alone.

Welcome to the Heartland Wellness Center experience. We are a unique blend of qualified professionals who have come together to answer one primary question. Can we provide an environment where clients are empowered to embrace an authentic connection to healing and recovery?

CONTACT US:
Tel: (219) 690-7025
Fax: (219) 696-1550
2068 Lucas Parkway
Lowell, IN 46356
101 Beverly Dr Ste A,
Chesterton, IN 46304

© 2024 Heartland Wellness Center.

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Jaime Rogers

Heartland Wellness Center, CEO

Jaime leads with compassion and understanding, creating a judgment-free space for healing and growth. With personal experience in the challenges of addiction, she empathizes deeply with the pain faced by individuals struggling with substance use and the heartache of parents longing for their child’s safety and well-being.

Having witnessed firsthand the impact of addiction on families and relationships, Jaime is driven by a profound desire to help others navigate their journey to recovery. Her dedication to fostering hope and resilience inspires her leadership at Heartland, ensuring that every individual feels supported on their path to healing.

Derek Blagojevic

Clinical Director
Therapist - LCSW

Derek Blagojevic, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a thriving passion for helping individuals reach their therapeutic goals. He specializes in addiction counseling, as well as the treatment of OCD and anxiety. A graduate of Campbellsville University in Kentucky, where he earned his Master of Social Work, Derek has extensive experience working with adults facing emotional, behavioral, and addiction-related challenges.

Derek takes a holistic and strength-based approach to therapy, integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques. His focus is on empowering clients to explore their identities beyond societal and cultural expectations while developing tangible coping skills to navigate life’s complexities. Derek’s goal is to guide individuals on their recovery journey toward meaningful personal growth, fostering a life free from limiting expectations and full of possibility.

Steven Butera

Chief Operating Officer
LMHC, LCAC, NCC, CHP

Steven brings over 30 years of experience in the behavioral health field, with a deep commitment to supporting both individuals and organizations on their journey to wellness. As Chief Operating Officer at Heartland, Steven is driven by a passion for fostering a compassionate environment where clients receive the care they need and employees are empowered to succeed.
With a leadership style rooted in Servant Leadership, Steven emphasizes collaboration, relationship-building, and creating opportunities for growth at all levels. He is dedicated to supporting Heartland’s mission of hope and healing by ensuring the organization continues to expand its impact and serve the community with excellence. 
As COO, Steven is focused on enhancing the quality-of-care Heartland provides, expanding services, and utilizing data to continuously improve outcomes. He is excited to help lead Heartland in its next chapter of growth, ensuring it remains a beacon of hope for those seeking mental wellness and addiction recovery.

Julianna Cline

Director of Human Resources

Julianna is a compassionate leader with over 20 years of experience fostering strong relationships and supportive environments. As Heartland’s Director of Human Resources, she brings empathy and understanding to her role, drawing from her personal experiences to support the organization’s mission. Having seen the transformative power of recovery, Julianna is deeply dedicated to helping others on their path to healing.

A Northwest Indiana native, Julianna has a strong connection to the community and a deep understanding of the vital role mental health services play in the lives of individuals and families. She is committed to hiring compassionate, skilled staff to support those in recovery while creating a positive and empowering workplace for her team.

In her free time, Julianna enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, dining out, attending sporting events, and working on DIY projects. Her dedication to compassion and resilience shapes both her personal and professional life, helping her build a workplace culture grounded in care and understanding.

Claire McDaniel

Director of Operations
Therapist - LSW

Claire is a Licensed Social Worker who believes that each client is the expert of their own life. She uses a variety of tailored approaches to meet every client’s unique needs, ensuring that their work together is meaningful and effective.

Claire’s greatest passion is helping others find their path to wellness. She aims to show that no one has to remain in the dark—they can embrace the light. She finds immense joy in seeing others grow and heal and feels deeply honored to walk alongside her clients on their journeys.

Kaley Marino

Nurse Practitioner - PMH-NP

Kaley is a PMH-NP with a passion for mental health and recovery treatment. She believes in a respectful, compassionate, and direct approach to establishing professional relationships with her patients.

Kaley utilizes a holistic, patient-centered approach, integrating the latest evidence-based interventions and treatment options. She empowers her patients to actively participate in their healing process by providing them with education and resources to develop and execute personalized care plans.

With a background in acute inpatient psychiatric care and outpatient psychiatric and recovery services, Kaley specializes in the treatment of mental health disorders across the lifespan. Her experience includes diagnosing and managing mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and behavioral disturbances related to neurocognitive and autism spectrum disorders.

Jessica Goodman

Nurse Practitioner - PMH-NP

Jessica is a caring and compassionate provider who values the individuality and complexity of every person. She is dedicated to understanding each client’s unique life goals, challenges, and desires, and is committed to providing the support necessary for achieving health and success in behavior change.

Jessica believes that, with the right support, everyone is capable of mental wellness. While medications can be helpful, she views recovery as primarily about learning to change ineffective behaviors. At Heartland, she is here to guide individuals on their journey to a life of wholeness and recovery.

Emily Seward

Therapist - LMHCA

Emily has known her entire life that she wanted to help others and be a light in someone else’s darkest place. To pursue this passion, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences from Ball State

University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Trauma-Informed Care from Valparaiso University.

Her desire to help others grew as she gained experience in addiction recovery, individual and group counseling, and behavioral mental health, including trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood and personality disorders. Emily believes in versatility, knowing that no two people are the same. She uses a variety of counseling techniques to create a warm, safe, and supportive environment where clients can express themselves openly and freely, with approaches tailored to each person’s unique needs.

Your story matters to Emily, and she is committed to walking with you as you pave a healthy and happy path forward in life.

Jennifer Howard

Clinical Coordinator
Therapist - LMHC, NCC

Jen believes that everyone has value and deserves a chance to heal. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, she has learned that the most profound thing people seek is simply to be heard. Jen is committed to helping others carry their burdens, ensuring they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

She is passionate about providing a supportive space where individuals can find the opportunity to heal and grow.

Justine Maresca

Therapist - LSW

Justine struggled for years before finding her way to recovery in 2018. She always told herself that if she ever made it out of that despair, she would go back to school and become a therapist to help others facing mental health and addiction challenges. In 2019, Justine entered the MSW program at Indiana Wesleyan University. While attending school, she worked as a recovery coach and completed two internships at inpatient rehab facilities.

For Justine, this work gives purpose to the pain she experienced in life. Her journey brought her to a rewarding career helping others, turning her dreams into reality through continued hard work in recovery.

Justine is passionate about forming trusting relationships with her clients through an empathetic and non-judgmental approach. She has a working knowledge of various evidence-based treatments (CBT, DBT, ACT, etc.), the Twelve Steps, and multiple pathways to recovery. She is dedicated to helping families and individuals in vulnerable situations rediscover their spark and grow in their creativity, spirituality, and physical and mental wellness.

Justine’s goal is to bring greater understanding to families, friends, and the wider community to help end the deadly stigma surrounding mental health and addiction.

Kesha Molden

Intern Coordinator
Therapist - LMHCA

Kesha, a childhood trauma survivor herself, understands firsthand the loneliness that often accompanies such experiences. She wants her clients to know that they are not alone and that she is here to walk with them through their recovery journey.

While knowledge, skills, and therapeutic interventions are essential, Kesha believes that the key to effective therapy lies in building a strong rapport and trust within the therapeutic relationship.

Lindsay Beougher

Therapist
LCSW

Navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your unique experiences, embrace your true self, and work toward healing.
I support clients of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re facing identity-related challenges, relationship concerns, anxiety, or depression, I’m here to offer compassion, guidance, and the tools you need to create a more empowered and fulfilling life. I specialize in LGBTQ+ couples work and related issues. I have worked in various settings, including community mental health centers, private practice, and educational institutions, which have equipped me with a diverse skill set to address a wide range of issues. My commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that I stay current with the latest therapeutic techniques and best practices. 
Everyone deserves a therapeutic space that feels comfortable and inviting. If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a session today through Heartland Wellness Center—where you can find support, authenticity, and a path toward well-being.

Lisa Smith

Therapist - LMHCA

Lisa is an LMHC-A who approaches challenges with compassion and humor, helping client’s problem-solve and empower themselves. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide individuals in understanding their motivations and improving their lives.

Lisa believes that trust, kindness, and respect are fundamental to building a strong therapeutic alliance and helping clients grow.

Melanie R. Forbes

Therapist - LMHC, EMDR, MSEd

Melanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Indiana with specialized training in EMDR and a Master of Science in Education, focusing on Mental Health Counseling and Addictions from Purdue University Northwest. She is pursuing a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University, with an emphasis on trauma and crisis.

Melanie is passionate about providing a safe, supportive space for clients to explore and achieve their goals. She primarily practices from a Cognitive Behavioral approach, incorporating other methods tailored to client needs. Her expertise includes working with adults, particularly suicide loss survivors, and addressing trauma, grief, depression, and substance use.

Nikola Katic

Therapist - LSW

Nikola is a Licensed Social Worker and a graduate of Indiana University Northwest’s Master of Social Work program. He has always had a strong connection to his local community, volunteering with various community development organizations and serving as an intensive youth advocate for youth on probation through AmeriCorps as a Community Service-Learning Fellow.

Nikola is passionate about challenging the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding mental health and addiction. He strives to promote community growth and learning, aiming to dispel the misconceptions that often hinder successful outcomes for individuals and families dealing with mental health or addiction challenges. Nikola believes in seeing individuals for who they truly are, working from that understanding, and fostering the value of human relationships.

He feels that there is immense power in people coming together to learn and grow, and he is proud to be part of the team at Heartland, where that growth and success can take place.

Tracy Stillman

Therapist
LSW, MSW, CBIS

I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, integrating body, mind, and soul to empower individuals to heal themselves. Using cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based problem solving, and mindfulness, I work with children (12+), adolescents, and adults facing life stressors, anxiety, transitions, grief, behavioral challenges, ADHD, and trauma. My client-centered, solution-focused approach aims to build on your strengths in a warm, non-judgmental environment. Motivated by my experience as a family member and volunteer in the military and Wounded Warrior communities, I became a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and have spent over seven years working with brain injury survivors towards their life goals of returning to work and school. My passion for supporting athletes, tweens and teens, comes from years of playing and then coaching multiple sports. I look forward to helping you reach your goals.

Rhonda Courtright

Therapist - LSW

Rhonda became a mental health professional because she experienced firsthand the power of someone believing in her. At a time when her voice felt unheard, one person acknowledged her perspective and helped her see her own value. Now, she is passionate about offering that same support to others, especially those who are scared but still take the courageous step toward healing.

What Rhonda loves most about her work is witnessing individuals face their fears and embrace growth, despite the challenges they may face.

William Garcia

Therapist
LMFT

Hello, I’m Will, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a decade of experience. I use an eclectic approach, tailoring methods to each client’s needs, with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. I provide a safe, empathetic space to manage emotions and improve quality of life. I have extensive experience with children and adolescents facing behavioral problems, depression, and anxiety, and I now focus on helping men and women with addiction. In addition, I provide couples counseling for those that want to improve their relationship. Fluent in Spanish, I offer therapy sessions in Spanish when needed. Book your appointment today at Heartland Wellness Center, so we can begin working together to achieve your goals and enhance your well-being.

Romario Eskandar

Clinical Intake Specialist
Therapist - LCACA

Romario is a graduate of Purdue University with a Master of Science in Psychology, with a concentration in Addiction. Starting as a graduate-level intern at Heartland, Romario now serves as the Clinical Intake Assessment Specialist. During his internship, Romario gained valuable insight into Heartland’s holistic approach to addiction treatment, which continues to shape his practice. Romario is deeply driven by the desire to help people navigate the challenges of addiction, build meaningful relationships, and foster connections that promote healing. This passion is also rooted in a personal understanding of addiction, as Romario has witnessed the impact of severe nicotine addiction on a close family member.
In his current role, Romario assesses and coordinates the intake processes for both addiction recovery and behavioral health services, ensuring that each individual receives the care and support they need. He is committed to evaluating clients’ unique needs and ensuring they are matched with the therapist best suited to provide the highest level of personalized care.

Romario also provides individual therapy, always making sure to create a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to express themselves. He is dedicated to meeting clients where they are and ensuring their wants and needs are addressed throughout the therapy process. Romario believes in building trust so that clients are empowered to take small, meaningful steps toward their personal recovery and healing goals.
 
Romario is committed to helping individuals navigate their journey with compassion and respect, offering guidance that fosters hope, resilience, and a sense of progress every step of the way.

Megan McGuffage

Day IOP Facilitator
Therapist - LMHCA, LCACA

Megan McGuffage is passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to recovery as the Lead Day IOP Facilitator at our organization. Inspired by her own recognition of the challenges of living sober, Megan is dedicated to teaching others how to cultivate a life filled with meaning and purpose. She believes that we can only do better when we are taught how, and her approach reflects this philosophy.
 
With a blend of personal experience and a deep commitment to the addiction community, Megan brings a unique perspective to her role. Her educational background and professional expertise in substance use disorders empower her to create transformative wellness programs that foster genuine connections—because she knows that the opposite of addiction is connection.
 
What Megan enjoys most about her work is witnessing the profound growth of her clients as they become their authentic selves. Guided by her Higher Power and her Religion of Love, she speaks from the heart and leads with soul, making every interaction a meaningful experience.
 
Outside of work, Megan is an avid animal lover, a devoted reader, and a lifelong learner. She finds joy in nature, seeks to be of service, and embraces practices of spiritual conditioning. Her holistic approach ensures that clients receive not just support, but also inspiration on their path to recovery.

Ashley Suslowicz

Evening Lead IOP Facilitator
Therapist - LMHCA, NCC

Ashley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) who completed her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University. She started at Heartland as an intern and discovered a passion for working with clients in recovery. She seeks to meet clients where they are on their recovery journey with authenticity and empathy.

Ashley’s strengths-based approach is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness but integrates other modalities to match client needs. She strongly believes in client autonomy and unconditional acceptance, collaborating with clients to ensure their voices feel heard and respected in the treatment process. As the lead evening IOP facilitator/counselor, she focuses on creating a safe and comfortable environment for clients to discuss vulnerability and achieve growth.

Diana Greenberg

Case Manager - CADAC II

Diana, raised in Will County and a graduate of Romeoville High School, has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of addiction, including the loss of her brother and other loved ones. After witnessing how addiction can tear a family apart, she decided to dedicate her life to helping others battle substance abuse.

Diana began her journey in 2015 at an Intervention company and has since earned her CADAC-II certification. Her passion for helping others has only grown, and she finds the most rewarding part of her job is seeing clients transform from their first day to the completion of their recovery, knowing the positive impact Heartland has had on their lives.

Diana lives by the motto: “Work like you don’t need the money.”

Katie Moffat

Case Manager - CADAC I

Katie began her recovery journey in 2019 and has since become deeply involved in the 12-step community. As she got better, she developed a strong passion for helping others. She knows what it’s like to feel hopeless and out of options, but she’s here to tell others that no one is truly hopeless. With the right tools and support, anyone can make the decision to change their life.

Katie is honored to play a small part in her clients’ journeys. She believes “We do recover.”

Eric Bowman

Empowerment Coach
Alumni Coordinator

With 15 years of experience in social services, Eric brings a friendly, empathetic, and kind approach to his work. He is dedicated to lifting others up, focusing on their strengths, and helping them navigate through

their challenges. Eric believes that addiction and mental health recovery require a non-judgmental and supportive approach, and he is committed to supporting both clients and staff on their journey.

Eric is also passionate about raising awareness of the valuable services Heartland offers to the community and ensuring that everyone has access to the help they need.

Jordan Rongstad

Intake Coordinator - ACIT

Jordan brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to her role as Intake Coordinator at Heartland Wellness Center. Having grown up in an environment deeply impacted by addiction recovery, she possesses a personal and profound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and their families.

Jordan is dedicated to connecting with clients on a personal level, offering a non-judgmental and supportive presence. Her favorite part of the job is witnessing the incredible growth and transformation that clients experience as they progress on their recovery journeys.

Passionate about creating a welcoming and safe space, Jordan ensures that clients feel understood and supported. She believes in the power of recovery and is honored to be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

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© 2022 Heartland Wellness Center