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, behavioral, and psychiatry 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.
Sandra Araiza, Associate Medical Director
Sandra Araiza, AMD 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.
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, MD
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.
Dr. 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.
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.
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.
Arthur "Art" Flores, PMHNP-BC                       Art Flores is a ANCC Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Pillars Community Health. He has a variety of clinical experiences working with LGBTQIA+ and culturally diverse patient populations that help him create a space for individuals to feel seen, respected, and understood. Art is passionate about delivering individualized evidence-based psychiatric treatment in a safe and judgement free environment, whether that is virtual or in-person. His practice is rooted in respect, compassion, and the understanding that everyone’s path to mental wellness is unique and welcomes you to share your struggles. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his pets, playing videogames and diving into the worlds of anime.
Susan Dunne, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC                     Susan Dunne has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Illinois State University and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner post master’s certificate from University of St. Francis. Susan also completed the certification in school nursing from University of Illinois at Chicago. She worked as a certified special education nurse for over 12 years with students with emotional, intellectual and learning disabilities. As a nurse practitioner she treats children, preteens, teens, adults and the elderly. She believes in a comprehensive approach with consideration of medication as one part of the treatment. She supports healthy lifestyle practices such as therapy, exercise, and meditation.