Clinical Therapist
Clinical Therapist
Jill Kalis is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a deep passion for supporting children, teens, adults, and families on their journey toward healing and growth. With a Master’s degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University, where she graduated with a 3.9 GPA and earned her School Social Worker PEL Endorsement, Jill brings a strong foundation of clinical expertise and a heartfelt commitment to her work. Her warm and approachable demeanor creates a safe and supportive space where clients of all ages feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Jill has extensive experience working with adolescents and school-aged children, having served as a School-Based Behavioral Health Clinician and School Social Work Intern. She has provided individual and group counseling to middle school students, conducted crisis interventions, developed IEP goals, and collaborated closely with educators, families, and community providers to support students’ social and emotional development. Her work with students with intellectual and learning disabilities has further deepened her understanding of neurodivergence and the importance of fostering independence, self-advocacy, and resilience.
Beyond her clinical work, Jill is a passionate advocate for family engagement and trauma-informed practice. She believes that meaningful change happens when families, schools, and communities work together, and she is dedicated to helping parents and caregivers navigate the challenges of raising children and teens. Her ability to connect with young people and their families, combined with her expertise in evidence-based interventions, makes her a trusted partner in the therapeutic process.
Jill works with clients of all ages, including children, teens, and adults, as well as families and parents. Whether she’s helping a teen manage anxiety, supporting a child through behavioral challenges, or guiding a family through difficult transitions, Jill’s compassionate and intelligent approach ensures that every client receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
Jill is currently being personally trained and supervised by Dr. Sylvia Gearing, the founder and Executive Director of GearingUP, in all of the clinic’s clinical programs, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Through intensive in-person supervision, coaching from GearingUP’s senior clinicians, and advanced professional CEU trainings led by world-renowned experts, Jill is adding to her already prodigious clinical skills to provide the highest quality, evidence-based care to her clients. Her dedication to continuous learning ensures that she stays at the forefront of innovative therapeutic approaches.
When she’s not working, Jill continues to seek out opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Her dedication to her clients and her unwavering commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of the GearingUP team.
Jill’s Areas of Experience & Interest:
Specialized Training In:
Among Jill’s many accomplishments are the following: