In 2010, Dr. Laura Patton-Van Buskirk, PsyD and Jon Poindexter, LCPC founded a practice in downtown Chicago based on the idea that we all deserve to have our mental, emotional, and physical health be optimal. To do this, we have brought together a knowledgeable and eclectic team of therapists and life coaches.
Meet Our Team
Jon is a the Visionary Director and General Manger for Solutions for Optimal Health. He completed his MA degree in Clinical Professional Psychology at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Solutions for Optimal Health is his latest venture into providing complete health care alternatives. As a graduate of Atlantis Medical College and The Norwegian School of Traditional Acupuncture in Oslo, Norway, Jon spent several years in private practice as an Acupuncturist and Life Coach.
His Spirit, Mind, Body Therapy, served many clients in Oslo, where he still maintains clients. His undergraduate degrees were completed at the University of Southern California. In addition, Jon spent a year at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England and as a Congress Bundestag Scholar in Rottwiel, Germany. He is also a master teacher of Reiki Seichim, a energy massage and healing art form, in the lineage of Reiki Master Teacher Rev. Sonnie Hendricks.
He teaches a form of yoga which incorporates Kriya and Ashtanga Vinyasa forms, in a fun and exciting format.
Dr. Laura Patton-Van Buskirk, PsyD serves as a clinician and clinical director for Optimal Health Solutions. She received her graduate education from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a minor in Health Psychology, including externships at UIC Medical Center and Northwestern’s Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Undergraduate Education was earned at Kalamazoo College in Michigan, during which Laura worked with adolescents in an inpatient setting and victims of domestic violence.
She has been in private practice for over 15 years, working to help individuals feel good, be it recovery from trauma to living life well and fully. Presently she is also adjunct faculty at Roosevelt University and National Louis University in the clinical psychology programs as well as Director of Student Wellness services at East-West University.
Lynette G. Collins, M.A. is a Professional Counselor with experience in treating adults, couples and adolescents. She holds a Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Professional Psychology from Roosevelt University and is currently working toward a Certificate in Applied I/O Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology She also has experience in small business and organizational counseling, as well as presenting and organization workshops.
Robin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and her Master of Psychology from Michigan State University. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families addressing parenting, attachment, trauma, and mental health challenges with a compassionate, eclectic approach. She enjoys teaching and presenting on ADHD, the benefits of mindfulness and meditation, trauma and the stress response system, social and emotional learning competencies, and the use of mindfulness in parenting, communication, and daily life.
Heather is a Reiki Master Teacher, a hospice volunteer and Certified Death Midwife, She is the founder and director of Templehead Gallery, and is currently studying Massage Therapy at Kishwaukee College.
Lynn earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Professional Psychology, with a Certificate in Clinical Child and Family Studies, from Roosevelt University in 2007. She then completed an internship as a Mental Health Counselor (Consultant) in two Catholic schools and a community center summer program, and as a Mental Health Consultant for Head Start. She also holds a first degree black belt in tae kwon do, and in 2008 became a certified instructor.
Sara is a Chicago-based artist, teacher and healer. After thirty years working in various modes of somatic therapy she found Thai bodywork through a personal chronic injury, which led to a 200 hour training at Blue Lotus in Chicago in 2017-8. This spring she visited Pichest Boonthumme in Thailand for more intensive study.
“I am inspired to practice more! I bring a strong curiosity about body/mind integration, movement of both body and energy, and deep listening to my practice. I am dedicated to further discovery and research in somatic healing and art for a brighter future.”
Emma is a counselor with over 5 years of human relations experience and 1000 hours of direct clinical experience. She holds an undergraduate honors psychology degree with presidential honors distinction from the University of New Hampshire, a Masters of Arts degree with honors standing in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Adler University. In addition, she has previous research experience and 1 year of supervised practical experience under Dr. Laura Patton-Van Buskirk.
Emma has experience working with individuals addressing depression, relationship challenges, anxiety, and trauma across various cultural parameters and identifiers. She has experience working with clients with a range of LGBTQ+, ethnic, and racial identities. Emma enjoys approaching therapeutic practice with a collaborative and positive style, emphasizing the influences of cognition and systemic forces, to promote increased understanding of the self and mental wellness.