Wellness House Staff

Jeannie Cella has been the Executive Director of Wellness House since September of 2000. Prior to holding that position, Jeannie served in multiple roles within Wellness House Program, beginning in 1990 when she worked as a student intern while working toward her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology at Benedictine University. Throughout her tenure at Wellness House, Jeannie has served as Program Coordinator, Associate Director of Program and Program Director. Currently, Jeannie is also Treasurer of the Cancer Health Alliance of Metropolitan Chicago—an alliance of independent cancer support organizations in the Chicagoland area.

Lisa is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago. Lisa joined the staff of Wellness House in 2007 as the Director of Program Evaluation and became the Clinical Director in 2008. As the Clinical Director, Lisa oversees all of the programs at Wellness House, including development, evaluation, and outreach activities. Prior to Wellness House, Lisa worked in both hospital and community settings with individuals with chronic health issues. Lisa currently is a member of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society.

Michael is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with people with cancer and their families since the early 1990’s at both Wellness House and in hospital settings.  Michael facilitates weekly support groups including the Wednesday evening Cancer Support Group for men and women with cancer, the Friday morning drop in group Living with Recurrent and Metastatic Cancer, for men and women whose cancer has returned or spread-adult family members are very welcome in this group, and our Bereavement Groups. He also facilitates the monthly Leukemia and Lymphoma Networking Group. 

Tracy graduated with a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education from the University of Illinois. Tracy is also an ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and an ACE Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach. Her past career experience includes working as a Wellness Program Manager, Corporate Wellness Coach, Fitness Coordinator and Personal Trainer. Tracy also worked for Illinois State University as a Teaching Assistant and the Lead Research Assistant for the Physical Education and Obesity Prevention Program. At Wellness House, Tracy facilitates several exercise classes and coordinates the Exercise, Nutrition and Wellness tune-up Programs. 

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Dawn graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago. Dawn is also a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor. Dawn brings experience working in a long-term, hospital setting, and community agencies, with a focus on mental health and supportive social services. Dawn is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups, Inc. 

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Beth joined Wellness House in 2004. She has held positions in Development and Administration and currently assists in Program. 

Cece has worked in a variety of professional settings as nurse and social worker. She has more than 25 years of experience working with individuals touched by cancer, and other serious physical and mental illness.  Her practice style involves establishing a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship or healing group environment where clients can safely explore concerns. Cece has a special interest in helping to promote individuals’ continued personal growth throughout the cancer journey.  She has extensive experience companioning those who have experienced grief and loss.   At Wellness House, she works with individuals and families in psychotherapy, and facilitates support groups.  Cece holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Service Administration and maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Chicago.

Valerie's strong belief in providing a more holistic approach to patients diagnosed with cancer led her to obtain a Master’s in Counseling in 2005 after working for 30 years as a nurse. Having worked at The University of Chicago Hospital’s Breast Center for 7 years, coordinating the care of newly diagnosed women, she is able to understand and incorporate both the physical and psychosocial aspects of working with her clients. She believes that treatment should include not only physical care, but also emotional, psychosocial and spiritual dimensions in order to heal and live fully wherever one is in their cancer journey. She works with people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers and bereaved individually, in addition to facilitating a variety of support groups.

Alison graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Indiana University.  Alison brings experience working with families in a variety of professional settings such as schools, child welfare agencies, and home visitation programs. Alison also has a background working with couples and is a Certified Loving Couples Loving Children Group Facilitator. The Loving Couples Loving Children Curriculum was created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.  

Nicki graduated with a BS in Communications and Marketing from Bowling Green State University.   Nicki has enjoyed spending a lot of her free time volunteering with The Make-A-Wish Foundation as well as The American Cancer Society.  As program Marketing Associate, she is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with medical and community partners in order to increase awareness of and referrals to Wellness House programs.

Marie graduated with a BBA in Accounting from St. Norbert College. Prior to Wellness House Marie served as VP – Controller for U.S. – Nielsen Market Research and was a public accounting and finance management at Baxter Healthcare and Dun & Bradstreet. Marie’s responsibilities include financial management for Wellness House and its Foundation; volunteer management; technology and facility oversight.

Marna graduated with a B.S.N. degree from Alverno College, and an M.B.A. with emphasis in non-profit management from North Central College, Naperville, Illinois. Before joining Wellness House Marna served as the Executive Director at Cancer Support Center, Director of Administration and Assessment at Wellness House and Chief Operating Officer of Medicare Services, Crescent Counties Foundation for Medical Care. Marna’s responsibilities include managing the Courtyard volunteers and day to day operations.