Banyan Chicago

Brad Gerke has been working in the field of addiction recovery for nearly ten years and currently serves as the Director of Operations at Banyan Chicago. He has been part of the Banyan family since 2015, when the facility opened. Brad is heavily involved in the local recovery community, advocating for those in need of resources. He is a DuPage County HOPE Taskforce Appointee and works closely with the Naperville Connect for Life program, a number of 501c3 foundations, and joins state legislature for various round tables. Additionally, Brad speaks publicly at community forums, facilitates family events, and gives presentations at local high schools and colleges where he provides information, education, and resources on addiction and recovery. Brad believes in meeting patients where they are at in their lives to aid in their recovery journeys and values working with a team of dedicated professionals who give their all to enable their patients’ success.

Vanessa has been passionate about working with individuals who struggle with substance use disorders since her undergraduate days at the University of Missouri where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology. There she did specialized education, training, and research in addiction and addictive behaviors. Vanessa went on to earn her Master’s degree in community counseling at DePaul University with an emphasis in addiction treatment. During her graduate career, Vanessa gained experience working with the substance use disorder and eating disorder populations. Vanessa has also recently obtained her Certified Clinical Trauma Professional certification.

Since Vanessa joined the team at Banyan Treatment Center Chicago in August 2016, she has served as a Primary Therapist and Quality Assurance while receiving training in DBT and Trauma as well as becoming a published author in strengths-based counseling. Having both the clinical understanding and compassion for patients as well as the ever-searching drive to promote a safe and supportive atmosphere for continued growth, Vanessa is prepared and humbled to serve as the Clinical Director for Banyan Chicago.

Heidi was born and raised in the Chicago area and recently started with us in the nurse practitioner role. She graduated with her Masters of Science degree in nursing from the nurse practitioner program at Lewis University in 2015. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner she worked in a variety of nursing fields including medical-surgical, home health, hospice, case management and behavioral health nursing.

Prior to coming to Banyan Treatment Center, Heidi worked as a nurse practitioner in a long-term care behavioral health facility where she cared for many dual diagnosis patients. Heidi performs medical and mental health assessments and treats immediate problems that arise with patients while in treatment. Heidi has always been interested in the sciences and in helping people.

Caitlin has been working within the recovery community for the last 5 years and has been with Banyan Treatment Center Chicago since 2021. She currently serves as our Intake Supervisor. She has made it her personal mission to bring comfort and knowledge to every patient and family member that admits to our facility during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Her drive to excel within her position stems from her own experience of watching friends and family struggle with their own addictions and mental health, and how strenuous the process was for them to admit they needed help, and the impact it had on her family. She has taken several Psychology courses at College of Du Page over the years to help better understand how to approach each patient with where they’re at in their recovery. Her ultimate goal is to equip our intake staff with the tools and empathy needed to provide a safe and judgement free approach to our admissions, as well as hope and peace of mind to their loved ones.

Christina was born and raised in New Jersey where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from Monmouth University. With much uncertainty about which career path she wanted to pursue, Christina found herself involved with the wrong crowd. She began experimenting with drugs and struggled with addiction for eight years. During that period of time, Christina had several unsuccessful treatment attempts, and tried many unconventional methods to achieve sobriety. Upon finding her bottom, she was able to create a plan with the support of her family that landed her in South Florida for long term treatment. Christina began her career at Banyan in early recovery as a receptionist, worked directly with our clients as a case manager, and most recently joined our Family Services team. She recognizes the immense impact that her family has played in her recovery and looks forward to supporting and guiding the families and loved ones of our clients.

Jessica started her journey to recovery in 2009. Jessica’s path led her to work with several foundations as an advocate for those who struggle with addiction. She continues to be heavily involved with the local recovery community, advocating for those in need of resources. As co-founder to the 516 Light Foundation, Jessica speaks publicly at community forums, facilitates family events, and gives presentations at local high schools and colleges where she provides resources and education on addiction and recovery. Additionally, Jessica works closely with the Governor, Congress, and local police – Naperville’s Connect for Life program to raise awareness about addiction and bring resources to the community.

Jessica first came to Banyan Treatment Centers in May of 2016 as an Admissions Coordinator. After showing her dedication and strong work ethic, Jessica was promoted to Chicago’s Alumni Supervisor, which allows her to fulfill her passion by helping individuals and families who suffer from drug addiction through the discharging process.