Team:

Farrah R. Walker, MS, LMFT, Founder

I am a graduate of the Marriage and Family Therapy Masters Program at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. In addition to owning and operating Enriched Living Counseling, I am a Community Program Supervisor at The Family Institute at Northwestern and the incoming president of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage & Family Therapists (IAMFT). I am also a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the International Family Therpay Association (IFTA).

After gaining clinical experience with the Betty D. Harris Family Clinic located at the Family Institute, I joined the group at Spring Tree Counseling. I practiced at Spring Tree Counseling for four years before opening Enriched Living Counseling. I work with individuals and couples with an emphasis on infidelity, couples in high conflict, interfaith, interracial, and multicultural couples. In addition, I work with couples and individuals who are navigating transitions such as retirement, grief, fertility challenges, dating, and divorce.

Prior to returning to graduate school in 2014, I spent my first career working in Criminal Justice, Juvenile Justice, and Social Services. After almost ten years of working in that field, I intentionally decided to pursue Marriage and Family therapy to strengthen families and improve the quality of life for couples and individuals in mental and emotional distress. I believe the quality of our relationships greatly impacts our quality of life. Therefore, I work through a systemic lens to find ways to improve the overall quality of relationships including work, family, romantic relationships and child/parent dynamics.

I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to help identify and address presenting concerns. I seek to provide a safe place in my counseling office for clients to engage in and develop new strategies for improving daily life. I value working with client feedback and integrating various theoretical approaches and techniques that uniquely fit each client.

Jakkia Small, MA, LPC

I graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Upon graduation, I decided to move back to my hometown, Chicago, to attend the Adler School of Professional Psychology where I graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health. Shortly after graduating, I received my license as a Licensed Professional Counselor. My professional background includes working with children and adults, treating attachment and behavioral issues due to trauma or adjustment, stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, divorce, postpartum, and more.

I am very passionate about building relationships with clients to help identify specific needs, break unhealthy patterns, and address both past and present challenges. I enjoy providing a safe space where individuals can authentically show up as themselves while opening up about the battles within. I like to use meaningful and relatable techniques to help promote a healthy sense of well-being and healing. Overall, I value empowering clients to laugh, cry, explore, and process their emotions while challenging them to shift their mindset and become the author of their own story.

"Together we can identify, acknowledge, be accountable and heal".

Vannae Napolez, Clinical Intern

I am a compassionate advocate for mental health and healing, dedicated to providing essential mental health resources to marginalized communities. With a passion for working with individuals experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and religious trauma. I create a safe and supportive space where healing and self-discovery can flourish.

I use evidence-based therapeutic models and interventions, tailoring them to meet the unique needs of each individual. My holistic approach to therapy considers the whole person—mind, body, and emotions—rather than just the symptoms. I believe that true healing comes from fostering self-awareness, emotional resilience, and meaningful connections.

Through a straightforward and relatable approach, I help clients navigate life’s complexities while incorporating practical tools for emotional regulation, self-compassion, and boundary-setting. I often use humor to create a comfortable and inviting environment, allowing clients to feel at ease as they explore their thoughts and emotions.

In our work together, I strive to empower my clients by helping them develop not only personalized coping strategies but also deeper self-understanding, confidence, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. Whether through mindfulness techniques, cognitive reframing, or exploring underlying patterns, my goal is to equip each person with the skills and insight needed to foster long-term emotional well-being and personal growth.

Healing is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they reclaim their sense of self, build resilience, and create a life that aligns with their values and aspirations.

Nicolette C., Cient Care Coordinator

My role is to support our team with administrative tasks and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our practice running smoothly. Please contact me with general inquiries, billing questions or scheduling. I believe in the power of compassionate care, and it is truly fulfilling to be a part of the Enriched Living Counseling Team, where I get to help foster a safe and supportive environment for our clients. We are committed to making your experience at Enriched Living Counseling as smooth and enjoyable as possible and I am here to support you throughout the process.