Interns

Meet Yairis; Clinical MSW Intern

She/Her/Ella

Yairis is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her decision to pursue a degree in social work is rooted in her experience growing up in a Spanish speaking, culturally rich household. 

Yairis brings a deep appreciation for the complexities and strengths found within Latinx families. Her lived experience inspires her commitment to culturally centered care and her aspiration to become a therapist who can show up for those from similar backgrounds, individuals who may not have seen themselves reflected in mental health spaces growing up.

 

Now excepting clients in person with insurance and sliding-scale. 

Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style

Yairis believes that healing begins in relationships where people feel genuinely seen and understood. She offers a warm, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach that emphasizes emotional safety and collaboration. 
She provides services in both English and Spanish, with the goal of reducing barriers to care and fostering inclusive, affirming spaces where diverse communities can thrive.

A Commitment to Cultural Humility & Empowerment

As a bilingual, first generation Latina, Yairis is deeply committed to honoring the cultural values, stories, and resilience her clients bring into the therapy room. She centers her work around cultural humility, intergenerational healing, and identity exploration, believing that everyone deserves to be supported in their journey toward wellness.

Work with Yairis

She is passionate about supporting children, teens, and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and generational trauma. Her work is especially grounded in family dynamics, identity development, and healing across generations.

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Meet Rylee; BSW Intern

Hi! My name is Rylee and I am a BSW student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet! I will be graduating in December and begin my MSW in January. I love working in social work because I have a strong passion for giving back, listening, and helping in any way I can. I am so excited to learn and grow during my internship here at Uniquely You, where I will have the opportunity to engage with my community, with clients, and get to know the field firsthand. I am so grateful for the chance to have these experiences and ecstatic about my future in this field!

Meet Amanda; Clinical MSW Intern

She/Her
Amanda is a Clinical Master of Social Work intern currently completing her degree at Northeastern Illinois University. A proud Chicago native, Amanda brings both personal insight and professional dedication to her work with children, teens, and adults navigating life’s challenges. Her commitment to social work is rooted in a desire to create healing spaces where clients of all races, cultures, and identities feel seen, respected, and supported.

Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style

Amanda approaches therapy with warmth, curiosity, and care. She believes that healing happens in safe, trusting relationships… and she works collaboratively with clients to explore their strengths, build coping skills, and process life experiences. Her style is relational, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, always grounded in deep respect for each person’s unique story and background.

A Commitment to Inclusion, Equity & Empowerment

As a Black woman in the mental health field, Amanda is deeply aware of the ways identity, culture, and systems of oppression can impact wellbeing. At the same time, she is committed to serving people from all racial, cultural, and gender identities with openness, cultural humility, and compassion. Her goal is to meet every client where they are and help them move toward healing, on their own terms.

Work with Amanda

Amanda supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, identity, life transitions, and intergenerational trauma. She especially enjoys working with youth, young adults, and families, and is passionate about creating a safe space for reflection, emotional growth, and positive change.