MTS Counseling Center

Rick Manabat, LPC

MTS Counseling Center Clinic Manager, LCPC

Rick Manabat has served as the clinic manager of the MTS Counseling Center since its opening. He graduated from DePaul University with a BA in Psychology and received his master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University. He is a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT) and also is level I certified in using in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma. Rick is a native of Chicago and grew up in the Logan Square neighborhood. He is married and has three children.

Jacob Santhouse

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Coordinator, LPC

Jacob Santhouse grew up in Black Forest Colorado and later moved to Chicago where he earned a BA in Youth Ministry from Moody Bible Institute. He then earned an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Moody Theological Seminary and is currently in the process of completing his doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. Jacob also works as a licensed professional counselor in private practice. He and his wife have two children.

Elom Togbi–Wonyo

MTS Counseling Center Clinical Supervisor, LCPC

Elom Togbi-Wonyo is a licensed clinical professional counselor and graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a BA in Youth Ministry. He also earned an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University. Elom is a certified anger management counselor and enjoys working with people from many different walks of life. As a former international student, Elom offers a multicultural perspective on growth, problem resolution, and wellness.

LaToya Flowers-Roe

Licensed Professional Counselor

LaToya Flowers-Roe is a licensed professional counselor. She earned a BS in Psychology and an MA in Counseling from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and is currently working on a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. She specializes in marriage, couples, and family and is level I certified in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and a level three accredited facilitator of the Triple P Positive Parenting program. LaToya and her husband have two sons.

Roslyn Jordan

Licensed Professional Counselor and MTS Counseling Center Supervisor

Roslyn Jordan is a former adjunct professor from Trinity International University. Her mission is to encourage others to experience healing and wholeness through the use of prayer, counseling, education, and the arts. She holds her MA from Trinity International University and a graduate certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from Moody Theological Seminary.

Ruth Nathaniel

Licensed Professional Counselor

Ruth Nathaniel was born and raised in one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto. As the daughter of Sri Lankan immigrants, she has a particular interest in serving first and second generation immigrants. She earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Neuroscience and Ethics in the Life Sciences from the University of Guelph. After completing an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Moody Theological Seminary, Ruth has worked with individuals seeking a holistic approach to mental health care.

Debralyn Lazarescu

Licensed Professional Counselor

Debralyn Lazarescu a graduate from Moody Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She works with individuals, couples, and groups as they discover their strengths, embrace emotions, and navigate pain. Debralyn was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and currently lives downtown with her husband.

Alex Parlette

Licensed Professional Counselor

Alex Parlette strives to provide effective treatment that respects his clients’ values and unique cultures. He follows an eclectic approach to therapy that combines cognitive behavioral and psychoanalytical counseling to guide people to their goals. Alex works with children and adults of all ages and cultural backgrounds and seeks to help them reconcile past experiences, live in the present, and work toward the future.

Amyra Rodriguez

Counseling Intern

Amyra Rodriquez completed her BA in Urban Ministries at Moody Bible Institute and has volunteered in several community organizations and churches throughout Chicago. She is currently completing her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Moody Theological Seminary. Amyra knows how life can be tough, full of grief, and stressful; but also how it can be hopeful. She desires to collaborate with clients who have been through traumatic or difficult experiences and assist them in developing resilience. As a Filipino American, she has interest in working with the Asian community and other cultures and want to work with children and families.

Deborah Smart

Counseling Intern

Deborah Smart graduated from Loyola University with a BA in Urban Ethnic Studies and a concentration in political science, history, and sociology. She previously served on the local board of the Neighborhood Housing Services and was a member of the West Humboldt Park Community and Family Development Council for over 15 years. She desires to volunteer as a career development counselor in the Chicago Pubic School and prepare students to pursue higher education goals. Deborah believes that most people would like to earn an honest living and contribute value within society and that they will do so if given the tools and opportunity.

Markita Mitchell

Counseling Intern

Markita Mitchell graduated with a BA in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is currently working on her Masters in Counseling Psychology at North Park University. Due to current societal diversity, she desires to work in a field related to advances in understanding multicultural influences in mental health. Her career goals include applying counseling techniques in a federal correctional facility. Markita believes therapy is an important opportunity for clients to relax, relate and release. She wants to offer a safe emotional place for people to reach out for support.

Youngjin Choi

Counseling Intern

Youngjin Choi is a student at Wheaton College Graduate School and studies Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He previously graduated from Chonnam National University where he majored in Psychology and received a Master of Divinity from Chongshin Seminary in South Korea. He desires to counsel in a Christian field—specifically on topics of faith and spiritual issues. Younjin strives to treat every client with respect and a non-judgmental approach. He wants the client to always experience acceptance and warmth during therapy.

Ethan York

Counseling Intern

Ethan earned his BS in Business Psychology from Charter Oak State College and will graduate in May, 2020 with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Moody Theological Seminary. His desires to counsel specifically on the topics of addiction and interpersonal trauma as well as multiculturalism and adolescence. In the therapeutic relationship, Ethan strives to give clients genuine care and the use of individual and collective strengths to further personal growth.

Angela Canton

Counseling Intern

Angela Canton earned a BS in Nursing from Olivet Nazarene University and is currently a registered nurse. She is near completion of both an MA in Mental Health Counseling and an MA in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She has worked on projects in seven different countries and taught English in China for two years. Her counseling interests include cultural challenges, career and developmental concerns, grief, and addiction. Angela believes that messages from the past can often hinder growth and the client’s ability to change. She wants to help her clients identify these messages and give them tools to grow.

Michelle Zheng

Counseling Intern

Michelle Zheng is currently training in the master’s program at Wheaton College. She has experience in treating individuals, couples, and adolescents. She has treated clients with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, parenting issues, behavioral problems, and career concerns. As a Korean-Chinese who grew up in multiple countries, her clientele range is very diverse. Michelle tries to combines an empathetic, love based, and individualized approach that emphasizes personal insight into one’s thoughts, feelings and behavior. She uses an integrated theoretical approach to foster meaning, integrate change, and provide healing in people’s lives.

CTA Red Line: take the north or southbound lines to the Chicago Avenue stop. Walk three blocks West to LaSalle Blvd., turn right, and walk two blocks north to 860 N. LaSalle Blvd.

CTA Brown Line: take the north or southbound line to the Chicago and Franklin Avenue stop. Walk two blocks east to LaSalle Blvd., turn right, and walk two blocks north to 860 N. LaSalle St.

#22 Clark: Northbound to Dearborn and Chestnut; Southbound to Clark and Chestnut

#66 Chicago: Eastbound to Chicago and LaSalle; Westbound to Chicago and LaSalle 

#156 LaSalle: Northbound to LaSalle and Chicago; Southbound to LaSalle and Chestnut

From the North: I-94 East (Edens Expressway) to 1-90/94 East (Kennedy Expressway) to Ohio St. (Exit 50B). Turn left onto Orleans St., then turn right onto Chicago Ave. Turn left onto Wells St. and park in Lot C, 927 N. Wells St.

From the Northwest: 1-90 East (Northwest Tollway) to 1-90/94 East (Kennedy Expressway) to Ohio St. (Exit 50B). Turn left onto Orleans St., then turn right onto Chicago Ave. Turn left onto Wells St. and park in Lot C, 927 N. Wells St.

From the West: I-88 East (East-West Tollway) to I-290 East (Eisenhower Expressway) to I-90/94 West to Ohio St. (Exit 50B). Turn left onto Orleans St., then turn right onto Chicago Ave. Turn left onto Wells St. and park in Lot C, 927 N. Wells St.

From the Southwest: I-55 North (Stevenson Expressway) to I-90/94 (Kennedy Expressway) West to Ohio Street (Exit 50B). Turn left onto Orleans St., then turn right onto Chicago Ave.Turn left onto Wells St. and park in Lot C, 927 N. Wells St.

From the South: I-57 to I-94 (Calumet Expressway) to I-90 (Dan Ryan Expressway) West to Ohio St. (Exit 50B). Turn left onto Orleans St., then turn right onto Chicago Ave. Turn left onto Wells St. and park in Lot C, 927 N. Wells St.

From the East: I-80/90 (Indiana Tollway) to I-90 (Chicago Skyway) to I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) West to Ohio Street (Exit 50B) or I-94 West to Ohio St. (Exit 50B). Turn left onto Orleans St., then turn right onto Chicago Ave. Turn left onto Wells St. and park in Lot C, 927 N. Wells St.

Clients of the MTS Counseling Center may park in Moody’s Lot C at 927 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610. Spots are designated with signs in the southeast corner of the lot, near the MTS Counseling Center entrance.