Health Center Providers
Call our Community Health Center at 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) to set up an appointment with one of our medical or dental providers.
Dr. Jennifer Swoyer, DO, Chief Population Health Officer (she/her) Dr. Swoyer has worked in the western suburbs of Chicago for the past 25 years, providing full-spectrum family medicine services, including prenatal care. Most recently, from the La Grange Family Medicine residency program, where she was the Residency Program Director. Dr. Swoyer has worked with the Pillars Community Health organization in various roles over the past 20 years. After receiving her Medical Degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1996, Dr. Swoyer graduated from the La Grange Family Medicine Residency Program in 1999.
Her passion for the whole person and whole family care is the perfect energy for PCH to continue to align medical, dental, and behavioral services for all patients. Dr. Swoyer deeply believes technology and medicine are the ideal complements to help individuals and families optimize their health and wellness.
Dr. Berenice Lopez, DDS, Vice President of Dental Services (she/her)
Dr. Berenice Lopez was inspired to pursue dentistry after participating in an undergraduate summer internship in the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois. Upon completing her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Spanish at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she returned to UIC and completed a Doctorate in Dental Surgery. Dr. Lopez has dedicated her career to community service, working as a Clinical Professor at UIC and as a General Dentist at community health centers. In her spare time Dr. Lopez is an outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys hiking and cycling with her husband and two kids. Dr. Lopez is an avid gardener and has a knack for handcrafts such as crochet and sewing.
Dawne Anderson, APN, Psychiatric Medical Services Director (she/her)
Dawne Anderson, APN – a highly skilled psychiatric nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in assessing and managing mental health and dual diagnosis cases, which often involve substance use disorders. Dawne received her MSN degree from Rush University in 2012 and is ANCC board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner across all ages. She specializes in providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management services to children, adolescents, and young adults. Dawne has a holistic approach to treatment that takes into account co-morbid medical conditions, and she places a strong emphasis on psychoeducation and providing compassionate support throughout the treatment process. With a diverse background that includes private practice, community psychiatric inpatient units, intensive outpatient care centers, and psychiatric consults in medical settings, Dawne Anderson is committed to enhancing the mental well-being of her patients at every stage of life.
C. Joe Andrews, LPC
Joe Andrews is a Solution Focused Therapist at Pillars Community Health. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, and a master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from San José State University in California. With over 10 years of experience working in public education, and two years of service with the US Peace Corps, Joe is a community-centric service provider. He is conversational in Spanish and continually eager to learn and explore new cultures. Joe is a highly collaborative and caring professional dedicated to the growth and well being of his clients. When not in the office he enjoys getting outside with his daughters or hanging out on the couch with his cat.
Sandra Araiza, NP-C
Sandra Araiza, NP-C is a family nurse practitioner at Pillars Community Health. She delivers personalized care as a family nurse practitioner to patients of all ages. Sandra began working as a registered nurse at our predecessor organization Community Nurse Health Center in 2013. In 2018, she received her Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University and also became board certified as a family nurse practitioner. Sandra is committed to delivering evidence-based, culturally competent care from a trauma-informed approach personally tailored to each one of her patients. Virtually for your convenience and in-person, Sandra is part of a team whose overall goal is to strengthen and promote the health of Chicago’s westside communities whom we serve.
Adilene Briceño, RDH
Adilene Briceño was born in Mexico and grew up in the Melrose Park, IL area. She joined Pillars Community Health in 2019. She has a passion for dentistry and educating patients about their oral hygiene care. Adi received her dental hygiene degree from Fox College in Bedford Park, she also has an AAS degree in early childhood education from Triton College in River Grove. Adi is fluent in English and Spanish.
Sophia Caruso, SFBT, MSW
Sophia Caruso is a dedicated Solution-Focused Brief Therapist at Pillars Community Health. She holds a Master’s degree in social work from Aurora University, and has previously specialized in school social work. Sophia has been practicing patient-centered mental health care for several years, with a focus on adolescent mental health. Additionally, Sophia has experience in the delivery of culturally competent care, which aids in understanding and respecting the diverse cultural needs of her patients. Outside of work, she enjoys photography and seeing live music. Sophia is committed to creating a space that is both a supportive and positive therapeutic environment for all her clients.
Dr. Iffath Hussain
Dr. Iffath Hussain is a board-certified family medicine physician who strives to provide high quality evidence-based care to patients of all ages. Dr. Hussain received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from DePaul University. She was awarded her Medical Doctorate from Ross University School of Medicine and went on to complete a Family Medicine residency at St. Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Dr. Hussain strives to deliver high quality evidence-based care while also educating and guiding her patients. She is passionate about preventative health, diabetes management, and empowering her patients with the tools they need to live a healthier life.
Jennifer Kernes, DO (she/her)
Dr. Jennifer Kernes is a board-certified family medicine physician who provides care for people of all ages. Dr. Kernes received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Athletic Training from North Central College. She was awarded her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Touro University Nevada and went on to complete a Family Medicine residency at AdventHealth Hinsdale Family Medicine Residency in Hinsdale, IL. Dr. Kernes strives to create a safe space where patients can feel heard and seen. She is passionate about women’s health and maternity care but is excited to provide top of the line care to all areas of medicine.
April Kerulis, SBIRT Case Manager (she/her)
April Kerulis is responsible for screening health center patients for behavioral health needs and connecting patients with behavioral health services. She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Social Work. Her previous professional experience in social services has focused on residential settings, either providing care and resources to pregnant/parenting teenagers or working with/advocating for older adults in skilled nursing/long-term care.
Maria Marquez, SBIRT Case Manager (she/her)
Maria Marquez is responsible for screening health center patients for behavioral health needs and connecting patients with behavioral health services. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dominican University. Her previous professional experience involves providing holistic care to children and college-aged adults. Maria is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Paul Pedersen, LCSW, Behavioral Health Consultant (he/him)
Paul Pedersen is responsible for providing brief intervention counseling to patients of all ages who experience symptoms indicating mental health or substance use concerns. Paul has been a therapist with Pillars Community Health since October 2017. He previously worked in substance use treatment programs in Illinois and Texas. Paul received his BA from the University of Texas at Austin and his MSW from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Fatima Quadri, DDS (she/her)
Dr. Fatima Quadri is a general dentist at Pillars Community Health. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from New York University College of Dentistry and has been practicing for eight years. Her favorite aspect of her role is educating patients about habits and lifestyles that promote their best oral health. In addition to English, Dr. Quadri is fluent is Urdu and Hindi. Outside of the clinic she likes to spend time with her family, experiment with new recipes in the kitchen, and travel to beaches and national parks.
Alisa Scalia, RDH
Alisa holds an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from Southern Illinois University and has been a dental hygienist since 1990. Alisa joined Pillars in June 2024. With a passion for working with people, she excels in educating patients on the importance of oral health, emphasizing its critical role in total body health. Outside of work, she enjoys live music, especially country music, and cherishes spending time with her family. Alisa is dedicated to creating a supportive and positive dental experience for all her patients.
Dr. Daphne Tessalee, MD
Dr. Tessalee is a part-time Family Practice & Obstetrics physician at Pillars Community Health providing patient services here since August 2014. After receiving her medical degree from Rush Medical College in 1994, Dr. Tessalee graduated from Rush-Illinois Masonic Family Medicine Residency in 1997. She continued with the program an additional year as a Fellow, developing more intensive skills in obstetrics and teaching. Dr. Tessalee is also the Center Director at La Grange Family Medicine Center.
Alexandra (Allie) Treviño, PA-C
Allie Trevino earned her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. She has been providing healthcare to underserved communities with a focus on primary care since 2015. She is bilingual in Spanish and English. Her special interests include diabetes management and weight loss. In her spare time, Allie likes to spend time with her family, garden, and hike nature trails.
Louie Valdez, MSW
Louie Valdez is a solution-focused therapist at Pillars Community Health. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing him to communicate with a broader range of patients in the community. Louie has experience working with children, adolescents, and families from past experiences working at Rush University Medical Center and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Additionally, Louie has extensive experience in working with patients with a wide variety of diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and ASD. In his free time, he loves spending time with his dog, listening to music, going out to festivals, and trying new culinary experiences. Louie is committed to providing compassionate care and creating a positive therapeutic environment for all his patients.