Meet our team.
Compassionate and understanding team of healthcare professionals.





I utilize a holistic, patient-centered approach integrating most recent evidence-based interventions and treatment options, focusing on providing patients the education and resources needed to empower them to actively participate in developing and executing their individualized plan of care. I provide an open and non-judgemental space for anyone in need of mental services while taking a great interest and respect for the differences in every person which make them unique.
I am a nationally certified family nurse practitioner and received my Master of Science in Nursing in 2016. I specialize in the treatment of mental health disorders across the lifespan with several years of acute inpatient psychiatric experience, as well as outpatient psychiatric, and recovery services experience. I have experience in assessment, diagnosis and management of chronic and acute mental illness, including mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and behavioral and mood disturbances related to neurocognitive and autism spectrum disorders.

When she is not winning over clients, Julianna enjoys spending time with her family, dining out, gardening, attending sports events, and DIY home projects.



I graduated with a degree in Social Work and have focused on my recovery path all amidst a pandemic. I understand how hard life can seem. Today, I am grateful for all of my experiences because they have helped shape me into the person I am.
I am super eager to help others find their path to recovery, by sharing my experience, strength, and hope. I hope to show people that they do not have to live in the dark anymore, but instead they can live in the light. That is my biggest joy in life today and what I am most passionate about!




Although knowledge, skills, therapeutic interventions, and treatment modalities are a necessity for therapy, in my opinion, the key component of the therapy is the rapport and trust that is built into the therapeutic relationship.

I received my bachelor's in social work from The Ohio State University and graduated with my master's from Indiana University with a concentration in metal health and addictions. At Heartland I developed and lead the self-development path for our recovery PHP, along with providing individual counseling for those who struggle with substance misuse, recovery, and codependency. I also have experience working with clients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, emotional abuse, relationship problems, and anger management in adolescents and adults.


Lora is a Licensed Social Worker having earned her MSW at Indiana University Northwest. Her work history includes substitute teaching and working in a jail re-entry program.

Starting therapy and entering into a therapeutic relationship can be terrifying and I recognize the courage and vulnerability it takes to make this step. I want to meet you where you are, not where you or anyone else thinks you “should” be. I make every effort to create a safe and comfortable space that makes you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. Your story, your pain, and your collection of struggles are unique to you, which is why I believe each individual requires an approach specific to their specific needs and goals. Instead of telling you what to do, I will help you find your own authentic voice.
Together we will discover ways for you to address your concerns, working to help you live a more satisfying, meaningful life – whatever that may look like for you. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside my clients as they are empowered to make choices that align with their values, goals, and beliefs.
Gina is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which is a treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma. Gina works collaboratively with each individual out of a strengths-based and solution-focused model. She incorporates a variety of techniques and skills drawn from Motivational Interviewing and Narrative therapy but uses an eclectic approach to meet each individual's specific needs in a way that makes sense to you.
An unknown author wrote, “Bad chapters can still create a story that ends well. Let your past be part of your story, not your identity.” I hope to work alongside you as you create a new story that allows you to reach your full potential.
Issues I have experience working with:
Depression, Addiction, Grief/Loss, PTSD/Trauma, Obsessions and Compulsions, Anger and Stress Management, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorders/Self-Image/Self-Esteem Issues, Children and Adolescents, Adults and Families, Self-Harm Behavior.


I often work with clients who present with concerns revolving around anxiety, depression, stress, substance use, recovery, self-esteem, identity, and/or a history of trauma. I currently see clients in an individual setting as well as within groups on the recovery side of Heartland. What I love most is being able to work with clients towards their "aha!" moments, finding clarity in the murkiness that can be everyday living.
In regard to credentials, I received my Bachelor of Psychology in 2018 from Purdue Northwest and am a 2022 graduate of Purdue Northwest’s Masters in Mental Health Counseling program. I am licensed in the state of Indiana as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) and
recognized as a National Certified Counselor (NCC).



Since 1990 in his teaching capacity, he has served as an adjunct professor in both undergraduate and graduate programs for addiction studies, Psychology, Addiction and Clinical Counseling with Calumet College of Saint Joseph, Governors State University and Indiana University Northwest. From 2011 through 2018 he was instrumental in developing and implementing Indiana University Northwest’s Master of Science degree in Clinical Counseling with a specialization in substance abuse counseling.
He has served adolescents and adults in a variety of government, for-profit as well as not-for-profit settings including directing the employee assistance programs for the steel industry, state-operated mental health facilities, maximum-security prisons, community corrections, inpatient psychiatric, residential substance abuse units, intensive outpatient and outpatient substance abuse programs. He has extensive experience working with medical professionals, first responders, and law enforcement struggling with opiate addiction.

LMHCA, MSEd, EMDR trained
MS Ed Purdue University Northwest
BS Purdue University Northwest
Addictions Certification Purdue University Northwest
Adults : Suicide survivors : Trauma : Grief : Depression : Substance abuse

After the loss of her brother, Diana started moving towards her goal of becoming a substance abuse counselor. Starting at an Intervention company in 2015, her passion for helping people grew, and she is currently working towards her CADAC 2.
Getting to see clients when they first walk in the door to the time of their completion, and how much of a positive impact Heartland had on them, is the most rewarding part of my job.
“Work like you don’t need the money”.

Her true passion lies in helping others struggling with addiction and mental health disorders. This passion stems from her personal life experiences and her understanding of the trauma associated with substance abuse and lack of mental health care. She suffered from addiction for two decades and found freedom when she finally admitted she could not get sober without the help of a Higher Power and the support of the sober community.
“Many of us suffer from low self-esteem, which, in turn, perpetuates the cycle of addiction. But struggling with an addiction doesn’t mean we’re incapable, weak, or unworthy. And it certainly doesn’t mean we can’t change our lives around and move past the disease that has been holding us back. We are all worthy of being happy and of living our lives to the fullest. Embrace your worth as a human being and never settle for anything less than the healthy, happy, and sober life you deserve.”

I graduated with my Masters in Social Work from Indiana University Northwest. I have completed an internship in an inpatient facility for those struggling with addictions and have also worked with individuals involved with the Department of Child Services. Through this, I have built my skill set in order to work with adults and children suffering from a wide variety of struggles.


Meet our friendly receptionists.

Shannon Shuter

Jordan Rongstad
Chesterton Location
Our Campus.
Clean, comfortable and inviting, our campus is designed for people that require a low stress environment.
You are not alone.
