Ascension Illinois Staff 

Shannon Chrismore, LCPC, CAADC

Hello, I’m Shannon and I have been a part of the Ascension Illinois EAP team since 2013.   I earned a master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology from Illinois State University and am currently a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.  I am also a Certified Advanced Alcohol and other Drug Counselor and have worked extensively with persons suffering from addiction.  I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings with adolescents and adults and have also served in various leadership roles.  I have experience in a variety of areas including, but not limited to:  anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relational concerns, domestic violence, and substance abuse.  I also have an interest in working with persons wishing to develop their leadership skills; emerging adults; and anyone impacted by addiction.  I utilize a solution-focused, strengths-based approach to help clients discover practical strategies to tackle life’s challenges and view clients as the expert on their own life.  I look forward to working with you.

Leonard Lempa, LCSW

Hello I'm Len and I have worked for the Ascension Illinois EAP since 2020.  I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1992.  I pride myself on listening and getting a sense of what people are troubled by and what they feel like they need.  I have seen people who believe their circumstances are hopeless turn their lives around if they are willing to work at it with commitment and patience. I believe that a robust focus on self care is necessary to live a healthy and satisfying life.  A willingness to seek and accept help and support is also vital. I love to travel and spend time outdoors close to nature. I work out several times a week and make it a point to stay physically active.  One other piece of trivia about me is that I was a co-founder and co-leader of the Elgin Laughter Club which was a Laughter Yoga group which met in Elgin weekly for 18 months in 2011-12. 

Linda Espinosa, LCPC

Hi, I’m Linda and I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I received my degrees from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I’ve worked in various roles as a therapist, case manager, and EAP intake counselor but overall, I’m a passionate advocate for individuals who are working toward the best version of themselves. Reaching out for help and initiating mental health services can be challenging and oftentimes, limited. I would therefore encourage all employees and their families to utilize their Employee Assistance Program, as it can be a helpful resource and positive step toward wellness.

Stephanie Martin, MEd, LCPC

Hello, I am Stephanie and the newest member of the Ascension Illinois EAP team. I received my Master’s Degree in Community Health Services and Counseling at DePaul University in Chicago and have been providing counseling for the diverse needs of people in the Fox Valley area for the past 9 years. I am aware that therapy may be a new experience to some and will work with you to create a safe space where you can voice your concerns and build skills to improve your quality of life. I have experience working with individuals and families seeking services to address substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions, crisis intervention and domestic violence. My approach in therapy is strengths-based while utilizing trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing to support clients. As an EAP therapist I look forward to working with employees and their family members who are seeking confidential counseling services to improve their overall mental and emotional well-being.