LIVING FROM THE HEART by Jamie Kruse, LCSW Practicing under Torus Center for Integrative Healing
Jamie Kruse
Founder/Owner & Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Bio
Chardyce Kott
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Bio
April Waldrop
Director of Yoga
Bio
Amy Hogan
Master’s of Social Work Intern
Bio
Jonathan Holubiak
Master’s in Counseling Intern
Bio
Tricia Fiske
Yoga Instructor
Bio
Jessica Globke
Support Specialist & Event/Intake Coordinator
Bio
Kathy McNamara
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Bio
Jeffrey Erl
Yoga Instructor
Bio
Jamie Kruse: Owner & Founder
Deconstructing who we are is sacred work.
I’ve devoted my life to walking through that fire—again and again—and holding space for others as they do the same.
As the founder of Torus Center, I created a home for those at a turning point: people feeling stuck, disconnected, or ready to release the patterns that no longer serve them. Through my own journey of trauma healing, spiritual awakening, and deep reconstruction, I’ve come to believe that transformation is not only possible—it’s inevitable when we are met with presence, truth, and care.
My practice now weaves together psychotherapy, EMDR, somatic work, ancestral healing, energy practices, sound, and spiritual mentoring. These are more than techniques—they are soul tools that help us release trauma held in the body, reprogram the nervous system, and heal the wounds written across our lineage and sense of self.
I guide individuals who are:
Healing is not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about remembering who we already are beneath the pain.
After five years of holding space through Torus Center, I am entering a season of devotion, listening, and inward exploration. This next chapter is about slowing down, honoring my commitments to both facilitate and undertake trainings, and creating space to hear more deeply where Spirit is calling me.
As we evolve, so do our relationships, our values, our sense of purpose, and the way we inhabit health and presence. My work is to walk with you through that evolution—offering practices, reflections, and sacred witnessing to support your next becoming.
If you are in a season of transition… if your inner world is asking for more… I welcome you.
Let’s begin.
Chardyce Kott: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Hello everyone! My name is Chardyce Kott, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Chief Operations Officer at Torus. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona and my Master’s of Social Work from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois.
I am passionate about empowering individuals to reach their full potential by providing resources, teaching coping skills, and cultivating a safe space where you can freely share and process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe we all need a nonjudgmental and empathetic environment that allows us to find what we are passionate about, heal parts of ourselves, and tap into our inner strengths.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults from a variety of populations. I have worked with adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, family and peer issues, grief and loss, and perfectionism. I have also worked with refugee families, families involved with the foster care system, and survivors of sex trafficking.
We all hold the inherent strengths to make changes, and my role is to help you process and make connections in order to find a new level of understanding about yourself and the world around you. I am passionate about connecting individuals with the greater community and I believe that connection starts when we reflect, heal, and nurture the many parts of ourselves. I am committed to helping individuals find what they need through the integration of their mind, body, and spirit.
Areas I address in therapy include:
I bring a holistic approach to the therapeutic process and use a variety of methods such as Mindfulness Based Interventions like Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Grief Therapies, Interpersonal Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR and Art Therapy into sessions. I am Certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Each session is unique as each of you are unique, and I am committed to helping cultivate a therapeutic experience that is right for you. I believe in creating an environment that allows you to hold space and grace for yourselves as you learn to tell your story.
As the Chief Operations Officer, I am also here to answer any questions you may have regarding the services Torus Therapy offers, administrative information, or insurance coverage. I look forward to meeting you and walking with you through your journey!
chardyce@torus-therapy.com
April Waldrop: Director of Yoga
Individual Yoga & Meditation Sessions, Community Classes and Workshops
Over a decade ago, I stumbled upon yoga by accident. A running injury forced me to pause my training, and a friend convinced me to join a yoga class for ‘fun.’ Reluctant at first, I found myself returning to the mat a couple of times a week. Then, something unexpected happened—my panic attacks became manageable, I could finally sleep, my racing heart calmed, my hair stopped falling out, and I regained my appetite. The only thing that had changed was incorporating yoga into my life. That was the moment everything shifted. Yoga didn’t just help me heal—it set me on a new path, one of lifelong study and deep commitment to understanding the profound connection between mind, body and soul.
At Torus, we believe that true healing comes from integration and recognize yoga can provide a powerful way to heal and connect in ways traditional therapy alone cannot. Your journey begins with a complimentary 30-minute session, where you’ll discuss your goals, get to know April, and experience a few foundational poses. This introduction offers a glimpse into what a full session will feel like. From there, each class is thoughtfully tailored to your individual needs. For a deeper, more holistic healing experience, you have the option to sign a consent form allowing April and your therapist to collaborate. By integrating psychotherapy with bodywork, you open the door to a level of healing that neither approach could achieve alone.
Committed to advancing this work, April is currently pursuing yoga therapy with a focus on mental health (expected December 2025). Additionally, she is collaborating with the Torus team, including therapists and yoga teachers, to develop a 250-hour teacher training program centered on the profound impact yoga has on mental health and how to expand a therapy practice by incorporating other healing modalities into client care plans.
April holds certifications and trainings in the following: E-RYT 500, Urban Zen Integrative Therapy practitioner, Reiki practitioner, Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga 20-hour study, and Meditation & Mindfulness Coach. Additionally, April is currently pursuing a certificate in Yoga Therapy.
To contact April, please email her at: april@torus-therapy.com
Amy Hogan: Master’s of Social Work Intern, EMDR Trained
Welcome. You are here because you want change, support, or both, and I am here to both guide and help you. I believe that you are the expert on your life and that you possess the wisdom and power to both heal and grow. My goal is to empower you: to bring to light that which no longer serves you, to (re)connect with your inner wisdom, and to forge a new path with greater meaning, adventure, and contentment.
My approach is holistic, attending to mind, body, and soul, addressing the source of distress rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction. I am committed to providing you with a variety of integrative tools to support your well-being, and an environment of warmth, safety, and connection where you can feel heard and understood. I see you. You are not alone.
My bachelor’s degree is in business, which led me to the pursuit of an MBA and a corporate career in the tech industry. While I learned and grew during these years, it eventually became clear to me that this chapter was complete, and that I was ready for change. During this time of transition, I took on work roles with increased flexibility allowing for time and space to explore other paths. I followed my heart and curiosity, studying yoga/yoga therapy, completing University of Vermont’s end-of-life doula program, working with many non-profit social service organizations, and being present to my three growing children.
With each step, the path became clear and here I am -currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Aurora University. Becoming a social worker is my second (or third) act – and the timing is perfect – I am thrilled to be here now and feel immense gratitude for this beautifully messy path and all of life’s teachers that have brought me to this present moment.
Amy Hogan, Intern Therapist, MSW program @ Aurora University. Amy is also EMDR Trained, Conducts Intake Sessions, and see clients at a reduced rate.
Email: amy@torus-therapy.com
Phone: 224-803-2295 ext 111
Jonathan Holubiak: Master’s in Counseling Intern
Hello there, I’m Jonathan! I’m an intern at Torus working towards my master’s in counseling at Naropa University where I’m currently enrolled in the mindfulness-based transpersonal counseling program.
I began my own therapeutic journey over twenty years ago and have found my process of healing, growth, self-discovery, and self-acceptance to be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences. After over 20 years in corporate setting where I specialized in marketing and design, my journeys with love, loss, grief, death, addiction, depression, anxiety, and relationships have guided me to a career change and a path of service. I bring decades of authentic life experience to my practice and I couldn’t be more excited to connect with those looking to heal, grow, and further discover themselves!
I consider myself a heart-centered somatic therapist that recognizes we are each on our own unique journey, and that specialness should always be considered in the therapeutic setting. My intention is to help guide you as you grow and better understand yourself through a mind, body, and spirit approach to help you connect deeper to your felt sense and intuition. Life ebbs and flows and sometimes we need some guidance – it’s strange, scary, challenging, yet beautiful and I believe in expressing ourselves authentically without fear of judgement so we can get the most out of our time here.
I love to play, be outside, bike, hike, hang at the dog park with my senior German shepherd, perform (storytelling, improv, stand-up), go to the movies, paint, dance, journal, and all sorts of other fun stuff humans do.
I’m always excited to learn about myself and others and I’m grateful to be able to join and you as you heal and grow!
Tricia Fiske: Yoga Instructor
Services: Individual Yoga Sessions, Various Community Yoga Classes & Workshops
Yoga has taught Tricia how to open to Community,
Purpose and Grace.
Tricia Fiske, BA, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Senior Faculty for Tantra Yoga Alchemy, initiated in the Sri Vidya Yoga Tradition, is a teacher, trainer, mentor, mother, and grandmother. She has been a student of yoga since 1997 and has been teaching since 1999. Tricia’s teachings emphasize self inquiry and spiritual exchange to get us out of our “story” and into the Present. Discovering the Heart as our command post rather than the mind. She uses asana, pranayama, bandhas, chanting and meditation in her classes and workshops.
As a leader in the Chicago-area yoga community, Tricia serves as primary faculty for the Prairie Yoga Teacher Training. She offers continuing education workshops and studio classes, live and
livestream at Prairie Yoga, Prana Yoga Center, and 360 Yoga, along with programs available on the Teachable platform.
Tricia co-authored a book with Marianne Woods Cirone which is available on Amazon.com From Alignment to Enlightenment: Using Props to Achieve Stability and Ease in Yoga Poses
Tricia has taught at the Sedona Yoga Festival, and Feathered Pipe Ranch. She has been featured in Yoga Chicago and Origins Magazine.
Tricia honors the tradition of Sri Vidya Tantra for guidance, experience, and direction, for encouraging her to take a leading role in healing and transformation both individually and globally.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, email Tricia at triciafiske@sbcglobal.net
Jessica Globke: Support Specialist & Event Coordinator
Hello EVERYONE!
My name is Jessica Globke, I am the Support Specialist and Event Coordinator at Torus Therapy, LLC.
I am a mother of a soon to be 15 year old son who plays travel baseball. I am married to my best friend and we’ve been together for 21 years. I do not have a degree in therapy however, I do have a degree in early childcare and I have put that degree to amazing use over the last 20 years by following my passion to work with children with a primary focus on children with special needs. Prior to working in the school system I had a successful In Home Daycare for 9 years and was extremely fortunate to have raised my son in that warm, positive environment.
When my son started school I made the decision to close my daycare and head to school with him utilizing my degree and continuing to educate and work with special needs children. Having the ability to take my son to school every single day see him throughout the day then come home with him as well as help so many others has truly been a blessing. Through my son, I have had the pleasure and honor to be there for so many kids in so many ways, whether it be just a talk or a mother figure to some, a friend or even something as simple as a smile. The funny thing is, I was there to help and educate and I feel like they have helped and educated me in so many amazing ways. I have helped raise so many children from 6 weeks to junior high, children with special needs, anxiety, trauma, behavioral disorders, children that cant express their feelings and to be able to see that breakthrough and know that I was a part of it no matter the age is something I love and just want to continue to be able to experience.
So now that my son is headed off to HS and starting a new chapter in his life I thought this would be a tremendous opportunity for me to do the same. So I am starting this new chapter with some amazing, powerful and intelligent women who are aligned with myself in so many ways and I am so excited to see what this path reveals along the way. It has truly been an honor to be a part of so many amazing children’s lives and to now have this wonderful opportunity to continue to serve people is something I am truly looking forward to.
As the Support Specialist, I am here to answer any questions you may have regarding the services Torus Therapy offers, administrative information, or insurance coverage. I look forward to meeting and working with you and walking with you through your journey.
As the Event & Intake Coordinator for Torus, I am here to assist with reservations and marketing for our event space, and scheduling an appointment for therapy. I am happy to connect with you to find the best therapist and services that meet what you are coming in for.
Additionally, we welcome workshops, classes, and teachings aligned with our mission of experience and discovery. Please contact with me directly to hear more.
You can contact me at jessica@torus-therapy.com and 224-803-2295 ext 103.
Kathy McNamara: Licensed Social Worker
Hello everyone! My name is Kathy McNamara. I received my Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of St. Francis in 2013. I obtained my professional license (LSW) in 2015 and received my certification as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CCATP) in 2018.
I have over 25 years of experience working with children and families in both the child welfare system and the youth justice system. My professional life includes a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families seeking assistance. I strongly believe in creating safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and develop their potential.
I am a dedicated and compassionate social worker who can help you work through challenging times while finding a path to emotional wellness. My supportive approach fosters a genuine connection with my clients. I utilize a multidimensional approach to therapy, exploring emotional, spiritual and social needs. When I am not working, I am taking adventures with my husband and two dogs, or pursuing my other passions, gardening and cooking.
kathy@torus-therapy.com
Jeffrey Erl: Yoga Instructor
Jeffrey’s yoga journey began in 2020, a pivotal year marked by global change and personal introspection. Initially turning to yoga as a means to manage anxiety and alleviate chronic headaches, he quickly discovered its profound impact on his overall well-being. As he delved deeper into the practice, Jeffrey found that yoga not only helped him regain confidence and vitality but also opened doors to a richer understanding of his inner self.
Currently, Jeffrey is pursuing a degree in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University with aspirations of becoming a therapist. He brings this therapeutic perspective into his yoga teaching, emphasizing a mindful approach that includes slowing down, embracing nonjudgment, and practicing self-acceptance. His passion for sharing the transformative benefits of yoga shines through as he guides others on their own paths to greater self-awareness and inner peace.
Jeffrey will be offering beginner yoga classes beginning in October, visit our Community Experiences page to learn more.
