Lifeline Counseling & Consulting 

Writing about oneself is never easy, so I’ll keep this brief and allow the words of those I’ve worked with to speak the loudest.

My family and I moved to the Pekin community in 2011. Since then, I have had the privilege of working with the Children’s Home Association, EPIC, and Lutheran Social Services. In 2013, I earned my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Along my personal journey, I discovered that I am a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), a realization that helped me understand how deeply sensitivity shaped my experiences. Before this understanding, I often struggled with taking things personally and faced my own seasons of depression and anxiety. These challenges fueled my passion for helping others and confirmed my life’s purpose: to support people in their healing so they no longer have to suffer alone. This commitment also led me to become a foster and adoptive mother, extending care beyond my professional role.

Those who know me and have worked with me often share the following:

People who know me and have worked with me have this to say: 

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"Gelana is one of the most genuine people I know." 

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"I felt so comfortable talking to her.  Like, I knew her my whole life. "

"Gelana has helped me set my goals and priorities in order.  When I couldn't figure out what to do, she was right there to help me fight through it.  She never gave up on me.  She pushed me to try my best, even at a time when I didn't believe I could see happiness anymore. I loved having her as my first counselor; she definitely set high expectations for the rest of the counselors I saw."

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