Dr. Stear has 30 years of experience compassionately serving all ages. She uses a collaborative, biopsychosocialspiritual model, with the individual at the center of our interconnected whole of existence. Her specialty services are health psychology, including chronic pain, healthy aging, weight loss, smoking cessation, depression and anxiety management related to medical conditions including dementia and potentially life-threatening illnesses, as well as trauma and relationship healing. It is her highest honor to be of service to all. Each client is the expert of their story.

Dr. Stear incorporates the science and art of therapy to best meet clients’ individualized needs. In addition to her Doctor of Psychology degree, Dr. Stear has completed a Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical

Psychopharmacology. She is available to consult on supplements and medications or prescribe. She can prescribe psychotropic medication in Louisiana, Illinois, the Public Health Sector, and Indian Health Services. Dr. Stear accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Sliding Scale, private pay and insurance, depending on the site of service.

Historically, Dr. Stear graduated with a B.S. with Honors in Psychology and completed the premed curriculum at University of Iowa 1985. She worked for several years with individuals who had developmental disabilities, post-acute traumatic brain injuries, and 0–3-year-olds with special needs. She founded and directed a nonprofit for many years which focused on family strengthening “Quad Cities Child & Family Support Center,” which incorporated an attitudinal healing model.

She completed her M.S. and PsyD at Nova Southeastern University in 1995. Her specialty training was with adult sexual abuse survivors, children and families, and children with PTSD and psychosis. She completed her internship at Allendale Association in Lake Villa, which included foster care, residential, outpatient and therapeutic day school 1995. She completed her postdoctoral training at Singer

Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center, where she served as the psychologist for 4 children and adult units, including therapy, assessment and forensic testimony at the State Hospital. She continued to work for several years at Singer while also working in private practice.

She founded Connections Therapy Center in 2008, where she continues to practice. She also practices through PsyPact across the nation, which allows her to provide therapy in 43 states. She founded a nonprofit, Hand Up, INC in 2025, which emphasizes a hand up of service, hope and love to the local community. When hope is restored, the individual can remember who they truly are, and we can all benefit from the blossoming of their unique gifts. Her volunteer endeavors include community partnership with Rockford Mayor McNamara’s office, community classes for meditation and spiritual development, Youth Services Network Board of Directors and Executive Board, and a long history of volunteer activities in local schools, Scout troops, and life guard. She was previously nominated for the United Way Volunteer of the Year award.

Dr. Stear has an affiliated practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as a Medical Psychologist at The Neuropsychology Center of Louisiana. She will continue active practice and supervision of students in Rockton, Illinois. She is active in grant writing to foster prescribing psychology. She is working with other psychologists to develop preceptor rotations and collaborative physician relationships in the Rockford and surrounding Illinois area. She sponsors a coffee trailer “Bear Grounds,” with plans to provide vocational opportunities for individuals with disabilities who also have abilities!

She is the mother of three, Cassie, Carissa and Camden, and has been married for 31 years to her best friend, Dr. Scott Stear. Leisure interests include travel, nature, yoga, weightlifting, 5k’s, and animals. The core of her foundation is God, in all of Creative Source’s manifestations.

Call 815-957-0115 or email drcindystear@connectionstherapycenter.com

Nan received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University. She is certified in Level 3 Gottman, Level 2 EFT and Trauma Focus Therapy for adults, law enforcement and firefighters. She uses SMART recovery techniques to help clients with addiction issues and Prepare/Enrich for couples preparing for marriage. Nan has two certified therapy dogs, Gerber and Tucker, to help clients managing PTSD, anxiety and depression.

She understands that all of us occasionally need help developing new ways to live richer, fuller lives. Nan focuses on working with individuals and couples to understand and navigate past traumas, present life challenges, transitions, and personal or professional relationships. She works with her clients to develop new skills to create the life they want, enhance their relationships, and move toward greater self-empowerment, understanding, and joy.

It takes courage to reach out, especially if you’re used to handling everything on your own. Talking to someone doesn’t have to feel scary or serious. Therapy is a space to let go of pressure, be real, and discover new ways of seeing yourself. If you’re ready for compassionate, down-to-earth support, I’d be honored to work with you.

Call: 815-957-0115 or 815-979-2448
nan@connectionstherapycenter,com

Cassie obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2023. She has been providing psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and groups at Connections Therapy Center since 2021 and has experience working with people of all ages. Her areas of interest and training include trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, and meditation and mindfulness. She works with the help of her certified therapy dogs, Petey and Stark.

Cassie utilizes an eclectic approach with her clients by integrating techniques from person-centered, trauma-informed, cognitive behavioral, acceptance-based, expressive, play, and somatic therapy models to best serve each individual’s unique needs. Moreover, she believes that the therapeutic relationship plays a fundamental role in each individual’s journey and strives to create a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment in which every person who steps into her office feels seen, understood, and valued.

Outside of her involvement at Connections Therapy Center, Cassie loves coffee, animals, nature, and travel.

Cassie would be honored to be a part of your journey. Please email clstear@connectionstherapycenter.com for information about availability and scheduling or any other questions you may have!

I enjoy working with adults, adolescents, and children. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, motivation, or other issues, I am passionate about helping you make positive life changes. I utilize empathy and strive to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and mutual respect. I look forward to walking beside you through your unique individual journey and helping you overcome life’s challenges.

Prior to starting my career in counseling in Illinois, I spent 12 years as an engineer and program manager in the defense industry while living in Florida. I received my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2021.

I enjoy spending as much time with my wife and two children as possible, and I am passionate about sports, reading, and exercise.

I also offer Christian counseling upon request.

Call: 815-957-0115 Joshuavos@connectionstherapycenter,com

Jennifer started her career at Connections Therapy Center in March of 2025 under the supervision of Dr Cindy Stear, PsyD. and is currently working towards earning her LCPC License. Jennifer has over 18 years of experience in leadership and human services. Jennifer’s background in human services has equipped her with experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles.

Jennifer currently serves all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. Jennifer specializes in helping clients adjust to life changes, develop social skills, achieve personal growth, and heal from past traumas. Jennifer is ADOS certified and has experience with ADHD and Autism assessment and interventions. Jennifer uses an integrated approach, including child centered play therapy, person-centered talk therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, family systems, and solution-focused techniques to meet the client’s needs.

Jennifer is welcoming new clients.

Jennifer Stanley has been a Counselor at Connections Therapy Center since March 2025 and is a graduate of Judson University, where she earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She provides therapy under the supervision of Dr. Cindy Stear, PsyD, MSCP.

With over 25 years of experience in Business Sales and development, with 12 of those years in healthcare and pharmaceutical settings, Jennifer brings a unique understanding of the connection between physical and emotional health. Her transition into counseling reflects a deep passion for helping individuals and families feel supported in meaningful, lasting ways.

As a Hispanic counselor, Jennifer brings a culturally responsive perspective to her work and values creating a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood within the context of their identity. She is also bilingual, offering services in both English and Spanish if needed.

She is ADOS-certified and has experience conducting: Autism evaluations, ADHD assessments, Bariatric psychological evaluations.

She works with children, adolescents, and adults, creating a warm and engaging environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Her approach is integrative, relational, and tailored to you. Blending evidence-based practices with a compassionate, real-world understanding of what it means to navigate life’s challenges. Using approaches such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• DBT-informed skills (distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness)
• Trauma-informed care

These approaches help you build real, usable skills—not just insight. She is currently taking new patients. Call to schedule your first appointment, request a consultation or if you have questions before getting started.

Call: 815-957-0115