We are experienced clinical therapists and school social workers who are passionate about our work and value the partnership we develop with families, schools and other providers to support growth and change in our clients.
We provide individual therapy for children, adolescents and adults; parent education and support and offer unique group programs for social cognitive learning and emotional regulation. We are also trained providers of the Safe Sound Protocol and apply a polyvagal informed lens to our work understanding the connection between our brain and body and
We specialize in working with:
- Anxiety
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- ADHD
- Mood and Behavioral regulation differences
- Parenting Support
- Understanding and supporting Neurodiversity
- Navigating the 504 and IEP process
- Support for recent diagnosis and navigating care
Colleen has over 25 years of experience working in private practice, and in public, therapeutic, and private schools. She works with children, adolescents, adults and families specializing in the treatment of Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and emotional/behavioral challenges. She also works with academically gifted and twice exceptional to develop coping skills and improve social-emotional functioning.
Colleen has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Master Degree in Social Work. In addition to being an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker she is also a licensed School Social Worker.
Her experience and advanced training have guided her therapy approaches which include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, and Social ThinkingTM. She is a certified facilitator of The Daring Way™ and Rising Strong™ curriculum based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW.
She has completed extensive training in polyvagal theory and has completed the 6 month Foundations of Polyvagal Informed-Practice course by Deb Dana and has been using the Safe and Sound Protocol since 2019.
Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator(CDWF)
Level 2 Advanced Clinical Internship Program, Social Thinking® Clinic, San Jose, California, Michelle Garcia Winner, Stephanie Madrigal, Pamela Crooke, November 2011. Level 1- Assessment - Mentor Training Program Social Thinking Clinic, San Jose, California, October 2009
Clinical Therapist
At present, Shawn is a full time School Social Worker of 17 years who has also been practicing privately for 10 years. At Shawn's school, she began a clown program, which morphed into a sketch comedy program. She utilizes a theatrical approach in therapy, which creates an outstanding way for small groups of kids and teens to interact and practice social skills together.
Shawn's background is in clowning, but has taken these skills and created an improv and sketch comedy group therapy program called Social Theatre. Social Theatre's purpose is to teach social skills through improv games and the collaborative writing process. Through collaborative writing, Shawn has found that kids can benefit by learning how to work through the process of producing a common product. Moreover, being able to laugh at our social fails can help heal and reflect while also creating scenarios that demonstrate social success with more effective social skills.
In Shawn's multitude of experiences, she has worked in the areas of domestic violence, child welfare, and in education. In Education, I have served children of many populations, including children with learning disabilities, across the spectrum autism disorders, communication disorders, emotional and behavioral difficulties, and multi-needs.
Shawn's education includes a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from North Central College, A Master Degree in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work at UIC, and a second Masters Degree in School Administration from North Eastern Illinois University. Since 2005, I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Along my professional journey, I have collected many different therapy tools including Social Thinking®, Mindfulness Training, Assertiveness Training, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Clinical Therapist
Child, Adolescent and Adult Therapist
[email protected]
*Accepting clients ages 6 - adults
Jessica is a strengths-based therapist that believes progress begins when you feel safe to show up just as you are. She will help you set and strive towards achievable goals. Identifying negative thought patterns, becoming more attune to one’s own internal body cues, and incorporating mindfulness techniques into daily life are some examples of skills that Jessica has helped prior clients acquire. The basis for your work together will be a strong therapeutic relationship. Jessica utilizes her experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Social CBT, Polyvagal Theory, mindful movement, and deep breathing strategies, to help you and/or your child become your best selves.
Jessica has worked in the school setting for 15 years, and in the clinical setting for over 5 years. She is knowledgeable about the 504 plan and IEP processes within schools. She specializes in working with Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Jessica provides support to parents in navigating their child’s unique needs.
In addition to working with clients that may be new to therapy, she is also committed to helping you and/or your child continue goals you began working on in a more intensive outpatient or inpatient therapy setting. Additionally, Jessica is committed to creating safe spaces for non-binary and transgender clients.
Jessica earned her Masters in Social Work degree from Jane Addams College of Social Work at UIC, and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and English from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Courtney Brown, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Therapist
Courtney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents, adults, and families. Courtney specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, ADHD, and depression, with a particular interest in parent coaching and helping individuals through life changes or transitions. Courtney is comfortable discussing topics related to gender, sexuality and identity.
Courtney is passionate about helping others build emotional resilience, through developing enhanced problem solving and coping skills. Courtney utilizes a strengths-based approach and emphasizes working with the entire family unit to promote growth and positive change. With adolescents, Courtney strives to meet the clients where they are at, while building upon their interests, and integrating individuals’ hobbies into sessions. Throughout the last decade, Courtney has been trained in, and utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and Trauma Informed Practices. Courtney is also certified to administer the Safe and Sound Protocol.
Courtney has 14 years of experience as a school social worker. Throughout her career, Courtney helped families understand and navigate the Individual Education Program process. Courtney is skilled at empowering families to respectfully advocate for their child’s needs. For her school aged clients, Courtney values collaborating with school staff to help clients reach their goals.
Courtney earned her Master in Social Work Degree from Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Courtney enjoys living an active lifestyle with her family, spending time outdoors and traveling.
Janell has worked as a school social worker for the past 10 years, with additional experience in psychiatric assessment and the treatment of children experiencing suicidal ideation. She specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders and parent coaching and education.
Janell has extensive training in understanding challenging behaviors and works with clients and families to recognize strengths and develop healthy thinking and living habits to lead a successful and fulfilling life. Janell has a passion for educating clients and families regarding their specific mental health struggles, and connecting with school staff to ensure appropriate services for success in all aspects of a client's life.
Janell earned her Bachelor's degree in both Psychology and Sociology at Northern Illinois University and her Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University with a specialization in clinical and school social work. In addition, Janell holds a certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy and is certified to administer the Safe and Sound Protocol.
Dana takes a holistic approach, in which she believes in the importance of looking at the whole person when understanding what an individual is going through, how they experience challenges, and how to move beyond them. Through therapy, her goal is to help clients feel safe and empowered and learn skills to cope with challenges. She understands that children and adolescents can have a difficult time understanding their emotions, coping with them, developing positive relationships, and exploring how they fit into their world. Through her work, she looks beyond the behavior and creates a safe space to explore their feelings, needs, experiences, and strengths.
Dana has been a school social worker for the past 18 years. She has worked with children and adolescents who have experienced anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral challenges, and children diagnosed with autism. For the past 4 years she has been working with children in early childhood, as well as, helping parents understand their child’s needs and how to support them. She is experienced with cognitive behavioral therapy, growth mindset, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and social thinking. Dana has found working with parents to be a key element in supporting their child and welcomes the partnership.
Dana graduated from Aurora University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a License Social Worker. She started her career in outpatient therapy and then moved into the school system with a primary focus on children and adolescents. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, biking, and the performing arts.
Jamie Wiora, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Therapist
Jamie is a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience working in public and therapeutic schools, hospital programs, and home based services. In addition to private therapy, Jamie is a school social worker. Jamie’s focus area is working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults who struggle with social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders, anxiety, adjustment problems, depression, and learning disabilities.
Jamie believes whole-heartedly in cross collaboration with families and other disciplines to find the best solutions to intervene and support the whole child. She aims to provide a supportive and nurturing atmosphere to grow, while remaining solution focused. Jamie uses many tools in therapy including, cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness, principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Thinking®, and direct social skills training.
Jamie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Jamie also received her Illinois Type 73 School Social Worker Certification from Aurora University. When Jamie is not working with students, she can likely be found on a family adventure with her husband and young children, reading, or trying new recipes.
