Megan Pence
Title: Administrative Assistant & Billing Specialist
Location: Virtual
Hello everyone! I’m so excited to be here and joining this team. I will be working as the administrative assistant with my main focus of helping clients with billing services and questions. Prior to taking on this position, I was working as a licensed occupational therapy assistant in which I’ve worked for the past 4 years in pediatrics and geriatrics. I look forward to applying my knowledge of the medical field to this position to best assist clients and our team!
Jason Palagi
Title: Intern/Graduate Student
Location: Herrin, telehealth
Hello, everyone; my name is Jason Palagi. I am an intern in my last semester of graduate school in the Advanced Standing Social Work program at Southern Illinois University. The MSW will be my third master’s degree, fifth degree overall. Embarking on a career change, I have chosen social work for several reasons. Social work aligns with my intrinsic values of compassion, empathy, and a fervent desire to contribute positively to society. My decision to become a social worker is rooted in a sincere commitment to social justice, human rights, and the well-being of individuals and communities. I am eager to translate my academic accomplishments into meaningful contributions within the social work profession, fostering positive change and making a lasting difference in the lives of those I serve.
Lily Burkhart
Title: Intern/Graduate Student, and Administrative Assistant
Location: Herrin
Hello all. If you visit the Herrin office, you might see me at the front desk. As an assistant, my role includes billing, record keeping, taking calls, and a focus on maintaining a warm and welcoming environment throughout the office.
Outside of my role as an assistant, I am also a graduate student. I am currently working towards a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grace College: Graduate Program for Counseling. Upon completing this degree, I will begin the licensure process of becoming an LCPC. Part of my academic requirements includes an internship, which I will start Spring 2024 here at Koen Counseling.
I look forward to furthering my experience during my time here at Koen Counseling as an Intern.