MEET OUR TEAM

MEET OUR TEAM

Aleksandra Besterfeldt is a dedicated and experienced dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Adult- Geriatric Acute Care and Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP). Skilled in treating anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder I and II, Insomnia, PTSD, and Schizophrenia, Aleksandra is committed to providing comprehensive, empathetic, and personalized care to every patient. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a master’s degree in nursing, Aleksandra has worked in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, gaining a diverse understanding of patient needs across different demographics.

Aleksandra is passionate about mental health advocacy and continuously seeks to keep updated with the latest research and advancements in psychiatry, enabling her to provide the best care possible. Her approach is rooted in the belief that mental wellness is a fundamental part of overall health, and every individual deserves access to quality mental health care.

In her spare time, Aleksandra enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and traveling.

Dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Vernon Hills IL
Kamilla Kawecki, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Embrace Behavioral Health, provides compassionate psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adolescents, adults, geriatrics, autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and complex behavioral health needs.

Kamilla Kawecki, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care for adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. She has extensive experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and complex behavioral health needs, including those residing in group home setting and long term facilities.

Kamilla takes a collaborative and integrative approach to mental health care, recognizing that emotional well-being is influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. In addition to comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and medication management, she incorporates evidence-based tools such as laboratory testing and pharmacogenetic (genetic) testing when clinically appropriate to help guide personalized treatment decisions.

Her approach focuses on understanding the whole person, building meaningful therapeutic relationships, and developing individualized treatment plans that support long-term stability, improved functioning, and overall quality of life. Patients and families value her compassionate, thorough, and thoughtful style of care.

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Vernon Hills IL

Betty is a dual Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. With a passion for holistic and traditonal mental health care, Betty combines her extensive experience in both medical and psychiatric specialties to provide comprehensive telehealth and in-person services, including psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults aged 18 and up. She believes in the power of personalized, integrative care to help her patients achieve optimal mental health and well-being.

Betty's approach goes beyond traditional methods—she is committed to addressing the whole person by incorporating lifestyle changes, nutrition, and innovative treatments into her care plans. Outside of her work at Embrace Behavioral Health, Betty enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature trails, horse riding, and experimenting with new healthy recipes in her kitchen. She is dedicated to lifelong learning and continuously expands her knowledge to offer her patients the best possible care.

Betty specializes in treating Dementia, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, ADHD, Insomnia, OCD, PTSD.

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Vernon Hills IL
Dr. Oluwa (Kemi) Udeogu, DNP, AGNP, PMHNP, APRN-C

Dr. Oluwa (Kemi) Udeogu, DNP, AGNP, PMHNP, APRN-C, is a compassionate and highly experienced psychiatric and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner serving adults and seniors with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, dementia, and other mental health concerns.

With over 19 years in healthcare and a holistic, personalized approach, Dr. Udeogu understands the importance of meeting each patient where they are, offering support through in-person care or telepsychiatry. She specializes in treating complex emotional and medical needs with empathy, clinical expertise, and a deep respect for your story.

If you're looking for a mental health provider who truly listens and creates care plans tailored to your life, Dr. Udeogu is here to help you feel better and live fully.

Tori, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Embrace Behavioral Health, provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management for anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, OCD, and perinatal mental health.

Tori (she/her) is an empathetic board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management through both telehealth and in-person appointments. Skilled in treating patients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, perinatal/postpartum mental health conditions, OCD, and other mental health challenges, Tori strives to partner with patients and develop personalized treatment plans that honor their goals, values, and experiences. She emphasizes shared decision-making and clear communication to ensure patients feel informed and supported.

 

Tori has worked in a variety of settings which have given her a passion for increasing access to quality mental health care in an inclusive, supportive, and judgment-free environment. She remains committed to ongoing learning, and using evidence-based practices and emerging treatments to help patients build resilience, improve daily functioning, and navigate life transitions with confidence.

 

In her spare time, Tori enjoys traveling, spending time in nature, supporting animal rescues/sanctuaries, knitting, baking, and spending time with her family

Tori, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Embrace Behavioral Health, provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management for anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, OCD, and perinatal mental health.
Tony Vargas, certified Primal health coach and nutrition specialist focused on metabolic health, weight management, and holistic lifestyle coaching for conditions like diabetes, ADHD, and hormonal imbalances.

Tony Vargas is a health coach with over 15 years of experience in the medical field, primarily in the emergency room, where he developed a strong understanding of the impact of lifestyle and nutrition on long-term health. He is a Certified Primal Health Coach with a focus on metabolic health and sustainable, lifestyle-based care.

Tony works alongside providers to bridge the gap between clinical care and everyday life, helping clients implement practical nutrition and habit changes. His approach emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods and the connection between gut health, brain function, and overall well-being.

Outside of his work, Tony enjoys working with local farms, staying active, and living the same lifestyle he teaches his clients.

Areas of Focus: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Hormonal Imbalances, Metabolic Syndrome, Weight Management, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Fatty Liver, PCOS.

Danica Bamba, Clinic Assistant at Embrace Behavioral Health, provides compassionate patient coordination, scheduling, and administrative support while helping patients feel welcomed and supported.

Danica Bamba holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the Philippines and is passionate about helping patients feel supported throughout their healthcare journey. As a Clinic Assistant, she combines her healthcare knowledge with a friendly, compassionate approach to ensure that every patient has a positive experience. She assists with patient coordination, scheduling, and administrative support, helping create a smooth and welcoming environment. 

Fluent in English and Tagalog, Danica is dedicated to making each interaction comfortable, efficient, and personalized.

Danica Bamba, Clinic Assistant at Embrace Behavioral Health, provides compassionate patient coordination, scheduling, and administrative support while helping patients feel welcomed and supported.