Our Staff

OWNERS

AJEET CHARATE

LCPC, BCN, CADC, MA, ASDCS (Certified Autism Disorder Clinical Specialist); ADHD-CCSP (ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider);

Ajeet graduated from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology (Argosy University) in 2001 with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed Clinical & Professional counselor and Board Certified in Neurofeedback therapy (BCN). He is also trained as a physician in India and can integrate his medical knowledge with clients presenting problems and have a better understanding of their psychological, behavioral and physical concerns.

Mr. Charate has been trained in the new wave contextual therapy techniques such as, Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques, Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT) and Acceptance & Commitment therapy (ACT). Additionally, he is a certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor.

Mr. Charate has been using biofeedback training which includes mindfulness and relaxation strategies as well as neurofeedback training to treat a variety of conditions that include chronic pain, headaches, migraine, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, PTSD, addictions, ADHD and stress and sleep conditions.

Mr. Charate integrates his previous knowledge of medicine and orthopedics to develop a thorough understanding of his client’s complaints and develops an individualized comprehensive treatment plan.

SMITA CHARATE

Physical Therapist

Smita has over 35 years of combined clinical experience in outpatient orthopedics and pediatric rehabilitation treating a wide variety of neuro musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions.

She has pursued extensive continuing education in a variety of manual therapy skills and techniques such as myofascial release techniques, Graston technique and Muscle energy techniques. She takes great pride in providing her patients with the highest quality of care utilizing manual therapy techniques for the treatment of spinal and extremity dysfunctions. Her eclectic approach to treatment includes joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, functional training exercises, taping and patient education.

Her pediatric outpatient experience includes treatment of many conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, idiopathic toe walking, orthopedic conditions, torticollis, motor delay, hypotonia and various genetic disorders. Smita uses play based activities with the pediatric clients and uses Movement based learning, Primitive Reflex Integration exercises, Pediatric Yoga, Tai Chi for Rehabilitation, Brain Gym® exericses and Vision techniques for eye movement disorders with her clients.

Through her clinical experience Smita has developed a high interest in neurological-based and orthopedic conditions.

As the owner of NITI Smita is committed to providing her patients with the care they need for effective recovery and provides truly customized therapy based on each patient’s unique health and medical profiles as well as their individual goals, expectations, and lifestyles. In addition, Smita offers personalized guidance and professional advice to help patients perform home exercises and strategies at home and to incorporate them into their every day activities so healing occurs more rapidly and more completely.

Smita has authored a children’s story book, “Benji Bounces Back” and donated the proceeds from the sale of this book to Trinity Services, Inc., since it is the Illinois affiliate of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. This book has been featured in Parent magazine as well as the Pediatric LER.
In her free time Smita likes to read, cook and enjoy nature.

LICENSED THERAPISTS

Cvetomila Angelov (Mila) LCPC, Licensed Clinical & Professional Counselor

Mila has been part of the team since June 2016. She graduated psychology major from the Southwest University in Bulgaria. Then she moved to the United States to pursue higher education. In 2015 she completed her MA degree and graduated from Roosevelt University with major in Clinical psychology. She is a licensed professional counselor and also has been trained in neurofeedback, and therapy techniques such as Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT) and Acceptance & Commitment therapy (ACT). Her interests include working with children, adolescents and adults with FASD, anxiety and OCD.

Outside of work, Mila enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, cooking, reading and home remodeling.

Kelly Rose - Licensed Social Worker

Kelly Rose is in the process of receiving her master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Addiction at Aurora University. She has been trained in Mindfulness practices, including DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Kelly has experience with children and adults living with ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety, TBI, and addiction. She has always been interested in neuropsychology and the brain’s effect on the conditions of the whole body. Kelly is grateful to have this opportunity to learn the science behind this holistic therapeutic approach and watch the improvements in the clients. She loves to spend time with her family, as well as practicing yoga, meditation, music, and being able to work and relax outside.

CLINICAL SUPPORT STAFF

Pauline Casco

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of the City of Manila in the Philippines in September 2023. I have hands-on experience in patient assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions. I am committed to optimizing patient well-being and enhancing functional outcomes.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring various crafts, including painting and crocheting.

Lily Tran

Lily graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a minor in General Psychology from DePaul University in June 2024. She is AMA certified in Basic Life Support and CPR. With a trauma-informed approach she is a dedicated advocated for neurodiversity. Lily plans to pursue a master’s degree in research psychology.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her Chow Chow, going to concerts, and trying different cuisines with her loved ones.

Nic Zappala

My name is Nic Zappala. I am an associate at the Neurofeedback office. I am currently a student at the College of Dupage. I am studying to work as in the field of social work. I grew up in Downers Grove which is where I still reside. I have a passion for helping others in any way that I can which is why I chose to work at the neurofeedback office. I look forward to working with every client!

Erica Ritzmann

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and a certificate in Neuroscience from Indiana University. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Midwestern University. My passion lies in learning about different neuropsychological treatments to enhance patient care, with the goal of helping as many individuals as possible.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing with my dog, reading, and playing volleyball with my friends.

Kiley Rottman

My name is Kiley Rottman, and I am currently a student at North Central College. I am pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy with the goal of obtaining a Master’s Degree in this field. My professional aspirations are to specialize in pediatric occupational therapy within a school district, where I can support the development and success of students as they progress through their therapeutic journey.

Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy spending time on the golf course with my family and exploring new destinations across the country.

INTERNS

Sofia Perez

Hi! My name is Sofia and I am currently a student at Aurora University studying Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience. I graduated from Waubonsie Valley Highschool in Aurora in 2023; and am currently interested in pursuing a career where I can one day conduct and organize my own neuroscience research study.

In my free time I enjoy listening to music (of almost every genre), weightlifting, drawing, and traveling to new cities/states/countries!

Ethan Gutke

Hello, my name is Ethan Gutke, and I am currently a student at Aurora University pursuing my Master’s Degree in School Social Work. I graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am currently employed as a Registered Behavior Technician where I provide in-home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My professional goal is to become a school social worker in a middle or elementary level school to make a long lasting impact on as many kids as I can.

In my free time I enjoy playing sports, cooking, and hanging out with friends. I grew up in Plainfield, Illinois where I still live today.