Meet Authentic Hope
Board of Directors
Authentic Hope is led by a volunteer-based board of directors composed of business, civic, and community leaders. Our board members are key ambassadors in the community, who represent and advocate for our organization and community.
Patricia Lacy
Co-President
J. Anna Looney
Co-President
John Patterson
Secretary
Katie Cooper
Treasurer
Carrie Trant
Member at Large
Hillary Hughes
Executive Director
Staff

Hillary Hughes (FKA Roethlisberger),
LCSW, MDiv (she/her)
Hello! I work with adults, children, teens, young adults and support LGBTQ+ clients and their families. I specialize in serving patients who struggle with anxiety, grief and trauma recovery. I am affirming and encourage others in through embodied and empowerment practices. Whether you are a single mom struggling to get it all done or a college student juggling too many expectations, there is a place to find peace. You may need to sit and cry or laugh and dream. We will explore your needs together and take small steps towards big change using trauma-informed techniques.
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I have extensive experience with children and families who have experienced abuse or trauma. Treatment may include EMDR for trauma processing or sand tray for a child with anxiety. Play is incorporated into our work with children as it is their primary language. There are many embodied tools we can use to heal our hearts, our bodies and our spirits.
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Billie Burlock, CSWA
(she/they)
I provide support for individuals struggling with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, panic, trauma, issues around gender and/or sexuality, grief/life transitions, school and relationship issues. My main focus is ages 6-25-ish. Accepting and affirming of LGBTQ2IA+ individuals, as well as those in non-traditional relationships and family structures.
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The toolbox I draw from includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play therapy, sand tray, Polyvagal Theory, mindfulness and self-compassion practices. I value play, trauma-informed care, anti-oppression, cultural humility and a healthy dose of humor.
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My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. Together, we can identify your goals, whether they be to overcome certain fears, navigate stressors, learn to handle big emotions, or simply to just feel better. We will create a roadmap for meeting these goals, and along the way, I offer myself as a kind and compassionate collaborator.

Elena Cornelius, CSWA
(she/her)
Feel like no one understands you? Do you even understand yourself? Have you experienced trauma and don’t know how to keep moving forward? I work with women, teens, and children navigating the aftermath of trauma. This can come in the form of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy issues, and other concerns.
Working together we will use a combination of evidenced based approaches like CBT, SFT, and Play Therapy. Together we will create a plan to take back control and develop skills that let you live life after trauma.
Parents: I work with children, ages 7-17 years old, struggling with trauma and anxiety. I utilize age appropriate treatments to help children and teens overcome their struggles. I enjoy working with children as they continue to show me how resilient and capable they are.
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In addition to my Master’s in Social Work I completed an intensive fellowship that focused on treatment and understanding of trauma (Trauma-Based Behavioral Health Fellowship, through Southern Illinois University - School of Medicine).

Tara Morse, Graduate Student Intern
(she/her)
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating stress, anxiety, depression, or major life changes. You don’t have to go through it alone. I offer a safe, supportive, and inclusive space where you can explore your emotions, gain clarity, and develop strategies to move forward. I believe everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and empowered, and I strive to create a space where you feel truly seen and valued.
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I enjoy working with children, teens, college students, adults, and single parents. I understand the unique challenges of balancing responsibilities, relationships, and self-care, and I’m here to help you find the support and tools that work for you. I am committed to providing a welcoming environment for all individuals, respecting and valuing diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
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If you’re looking for someone to walk alongside you on this journey, I’d love to connect and see how we can work together.
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