Center for Student Wellness and Support - Located in Room J-0003 Lower-Level


The Center for Student Wellness and Support at Joliet Junior College is dedicated to fostering the holistic well-being of students by providing compassionate support, empowering resources, and opportunities for growth. Through counseling, wellness initiatives, and a range of resources, we honor the diverse identities and experiences of our students.

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote the holistic well-being of students by providing accessible, compassionate, and culturally responsive mental health services. Rooted in a commitment to equity and inclusivity, we honor the diverse identities and experiences of our students, dismantle systemic barriers to care, and empower them with the tools and resources to thrive within the JJC community and beyond.

Mental Health and Wellness Services

The Center for Student Wellness and Support provides professional support to help JJC students navigate personal challenges that may arise during their college experience. Our clinically licensed therapist and interns offer confidential individual counseling sessions to address concerns that may impact students' academic, social, or personal well-being.

Services include:
  • Confidential brief personal counseling on various issues
  • Case Management 
  • Workshops, group therapy, and presentations
  • Outreach and student wellness events
  • Consultation and training for faculty and staff on supporting students facing mental health challenges

We offer flexible counseling options to meet students' needs, including in-person appointments at Main or Romeoville campuses and tele-mental health services via video or phone. All current semester enrolled students are eligible for brief personal counseling, and case management is available to connect students with community resources as needed.

  • For Parents and Families

    At Joliet Junior College, all enrolled students have access to free mental health and wellness services. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking care and taking steps toward their personal well-being.

    The transition to adulthood is full of growth and challenges. Our team, including licensed therapists and interns, is here to help students navigate these experiences while fostering personal growth, healthy relationships, and academic success.

    We prioritize confidentiality in all interactions, ensuring that your student’s privacy is respected. While we welcome your inquiries about our general services and your concerns for your student, specific information can only be shared with their consent.

    Encourage your student to visit or call us to learn more about how we can support them. Together, we can help create a positive and healthy college experience.

  • Online Confidential Mental Health Screening

    We also offer free and anonymous online screening for PTSD, eating disorders, addictions, anxiety disorders, and depression. This service is informational only and not a diagnostic tool. The screening is provided to help JJC students determine whether or not consulting with a mental health professional would be helpful.

  • Care Report

    With the creation of the Care Report, The Center for Student Wellness and Support aim to assist students in need with care and compassion. The Care Report allows staff, faculty, students and community members to report students who may need assistance and are experiencing issues such as:

    • Anxiety, panic, or depression
    • Family concerns or challenges
    • Patterns of significant interpersonal conflict
    • Traumatic experiences
    • Financial challenges
    • Stressful work/life balance
    • Social skills or campus community integration
    • Unmet basic needs
    • Grief/Loss
    • Illness

    The Care Report is submitted directly to the Director who will determine the appropriate response and outreach. Due to privacy and confidentiality laws, The Center for Student Wellness and Support cannot provide updates on outreach attempts or student's engagement in the program to the reporter.

    If concerns persist, reporter can consult with the Director.

    Submit a Care Report  it can also be located at jjc.edu/carereport 

     

  • Confidentiality

    All sessions, mental health, and therapy records are kept strictly confidential and are not part of the College’s student records.  Information is shared only with a student’s written permission.  Exceptions to confidentiality are rare and include when a person poses a threat to his/her/their own safety or the safety of others (direct threat) or when it is ordered by the court.

  • Hours | Appointments

    Services are open from: 

    • Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m (Campus is closed on Fridays in the Summer Semester)


    Appointments can be made by calling 815.280.2936 or by visiting our office at Main Campus in Room J-0003 Lower Level

    Director:
    Cindy Danzell
    Email: cindy.danzell@jjc.edu
    Phone: 815.280.2485

    Licensed Therapists
    Ausra Tauginaite
    Email: ataugina@jjc.edu
    Phone: 815.280.6897

    Heidi Stukel
    Email: hstukel@jjc.edu
    Phone: 815.280.2677

    Kristy Caponi
    Email: kristina.caponi@jjc.edu
    Phone: 815.280.2687

    Danielle Tierney
    Email: danielle.tierney@jjc.edu
    Phone: 815.280.6933

    Therapist Intern:
    Chance Hoffman
    Email: chhoffma@jjc.edu
    Phone: 815.280.6863

    Administrative Assistant:
    Kellie Nahas
    Email: knahas@jjc.edu
    Phone: 815.280.2759

    For more in-depth information and a list of resources for students, please access your student page on MyJJC.