By Appointment

(630) 675-3944

Dr. Sandra Lee Kakacek, LCPC

42W959 Empire Road St. Charles, IL 60175

PRESENT POSITION

Associate Professor/Core Faculty for Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Online – Adler University
17 N. Dearborn Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-662-4365
E-Mail: skakacek@adler.edu

Private Practice, Clinical Mental Health Counselor
311 N. 2nd Street Ste 304
St. Charles, Illinois 60175
Telephone: 630-675-3944

Private Practice, Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling
23803 Grange Road Marengo, IL 60152
Telephone: 630-675-3944

EDUCATION

  • 2010 – Ed.D, Counselor Education and Supervision | Northern Illinois University, IL
  • 2004 Spanish, 34 credit hours | Elgin Community College, IL
  • 1976 – M.S. Ed., Counselor Education | Northern Illinois University, IL
  • 1974 – B.S., Major: Elementary Education, Minors: Child and Family, Speech, Music |    Southern Illinois University, IL

CLINICAL LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Illinois No.180-000536
  • Special K-12 Teaching and Supervising Emotionally Disturbed
  • Special Teaching and Supervising Learning Disabilities
  • School Service Personnel/Guidance Type 73
  • Standard Provisional K-9
  • Telehealth Certifications, March 2020
  • Adult Attachment Relationships Certification, 2021
  • Internal Family Systems Certifications, 2021; 2018
  • O.K. Corral Series, Military/Veterans Interventions, 2004
  • O.K. Corral Series, Crisis Interventions, 2008
  • O.K. Corral Series, Family Interventions, 2010
  • O.K Corral Series, Family Interventions ,2011
  • Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Level, 1 2003
  • Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Level, 11 2004-2009
  • Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, Creativity in the Arena and the Team Approach, 2004

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • May 1999 – present – Private Practice Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
  • January 2019 – present – Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling
  • September 1979 – present – Private Practice, St. Charles, Il
  • August 2019 – present – Associate Professor, Clinical Mental Health, Adler University, Chicago, Il
  • August 2013 – August 2019 – Director of Training and Core Faculty
  • Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL
  • August 2016 – December 2019 – Adjunct Professor, The Family Institute, Evanston, IL Online
  • June 2016 – March 2020 – Contributing Faculty Member, Walden University, Online
  • May 2014 – June 2014 – Adjunct Professor, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
  • August 2011 – August 2013 – Assistant Clinical Director of Training, Argosy University, Schaumburg, IL
  • August 2009 – August 2013 – Adjunct Professor, Argosy University, Schaumburg, IL
  • June 2011 – August 2011 – Adjunct Professor, National Louis University, Lisle, IL
  • May 2008 – December 2011 – Adjunct Professor, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
  • August 2009 – May 2010 – Visiting Professor at Roosevelt University Counseling and Human Services Program, Chicago, IL
  • August 2007 – December 2008 – Adjunct Teacher for Internship and Counseling Master Students Practicum, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
  • January 2006 – December 2007 – Co-facilitator for Group Counseling Master Students, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
  • November 2000 – August 2013 – Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Behavioral/Education Consultant, Private Practice, La Fox, IL, Kane County Truancy Program, Geneva, IL
  • June 1999 – October 2000 – Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Behavioral /Education Consultant, Conley Community Counseling Center; Elburn, IL, Kane County Truancy Program; Geneva, IL
  • August 1990 – September 1999 – Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Behavioral/Education Consultant
  • Mental Health Services/Barrington Family Institute; Barrington, IL – Bartlett Learning Center; Bartlett, IL – Kane County Truancy Program; Geneva, IL
  • September 1989 – August 1990 – Clinical Mental Health Counselor – Barrington Family Institute; Barrington, IL
  • September 1988 – June 1990 – Special Education Supervisor District 300; Dundee, IL
    Counselor, Private Practice; St. Charles, IL
  • September 1986 – August 1988 – Psychiatric Aide/Behavior Consultant/Special Education Supervisor – Northwestern Illinois Association; Sycamore, IL – Counselor, Private Practice; St. Charles, IL
  • September 1979 – June 1988 – Behavior Disorders Coordinator; District 131; Aurora, IL – Counselor, Private Practice; St. Charles, IL
  • September 1978 – June 1979 – Mainstream Consultant/School Counselor – Northwestern Illinois Association; Sycamore, IL
  • January 1977 – September 1978 – Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Dundee Family Service, Dundee, IL
  • September 1974 – June 1978 – Junior High School Teacher of Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies, Elk Grove, IL

TRAINING EXPERIENCE

  • September 2023- present – A Practitioner’s Guide to Autism Assessment: A Strength-Based Approach (in progress) 
  • August 2023-present – Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASCDS) (in progress)
  • August 2021 – The Clinician’s Suicide Prevention Summit
  • March 2020 – Telehealth Certification
  • July 2019 – ACA Leadership Training Institute             
  • July 2018 – ACA Leadership Training Institute             
  • July 2017 – ACA Leadership Training Institute             
  • July 2016 – ACA Leadership Training Institute
  • August 2014 – Quality Matters, Online Training
  • October 2014 – Midwest Counselors Leadership Training, Skokie, IL
  • August 2011 – Family Intervention, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Maple Park, IL
  • August 2010 – Family Intervention, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Maple Park, IL
  • June 2008 – Crisis Intervention; Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy; Maple Park, IL
  • September 2008 – Transformational Anger, Dr. Fran Giordano; Lisle, IL
  • April 2008 – Understanding and Treating the Self-Injurer: Once an Obscure Psychiatric Symptom, Now an Alarming Mainstream Problem, Dr. Fran Giordano; DeKalb, IL
  • February 2007 – Brief Therapy Strategies, Bill O’Hanlon; Hoffman Estates, IL
  • February 2005 – Understanding Multicultural Poverty, Aurora, IL
  • October 2004 – Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Training Level II, Santaquin, UT
  • June 2004 – Creativity Therapy Techniques, EAGALA; Elgin, IL
  • October 2003 – Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Training Level I, Elgin, IL
  • April 1982 Advance Hypnotherapy Training, Dr. Jeffrey Zeig; Indianapolis, IN
  • March 1982 – Hypnotherapy Training, Dr. Milton Erickson; Phoenix, AZ
  • August 1978 to August 1980 – Neurolinguistic Programming Therapy, Impact, Inc; Ann Arbor, MI; Santa Cruz, CA; Chicago, IL
  • January 1978 to May 1978 – Brief Therapy Training Program, Dundee Family Service; Dundee, IL
  • September 1977 to January 1978 – Family Therapy Internship, Dundee Family Service; Dundee, IL

PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

  • Twardzik, K. Kakacek & Kakacek, S. L. & (2021). An arena for change: Treating trauma with Animal-Assisted Therapy in the time of the pandemicand return to the Arena. International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling, Networker, Summer 2021, Volume 1. Alexandria, VA.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2016). Divorce and separation. In Carlson, J. & Dermer, S. (Ed). The Sage Encyclopedia: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publication.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2016). Conflict in Couples and Family. In Carlson, J. & Dermer, S. (Ed.) The Sage Encyclopedia: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publication.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2010). An arena for change. An overview of equine-assisted psychotherapy. Illinois Counselor Journal, 2, 28-29.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2009). An arena for change. VISTAS, American Counseling Association, Alexandria, VA.
  • Kakacek, S. L. & Ottens, A.  J. (2008). An arena for success: Exploring equine-assisted psychotherapy. Michigan Journal of Counseling: Research, Theory and Practice, 35, 14-23, Wayne, MI.
  • Mejia, C., Dal Santo, P., & Kakacek, S. (2003). What are the predictors of truancy? In F.P. Schargel, Dropout Intervention Tools (p. 177). New York: Eye on Education, Inc.

PEER REVIEWED CHAPTER IN BOOK

  • Kakacek, S. L. (2016). Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Applying Strengths-Based Solutions in an Arena            for Change. In Handbook of Strengths-Based Clinical Practices, Edwards, J.K., Young, A., & Nikels, H.J. (Eds). pp. 192-206. Routledge: New York.

PEER REVIEWED POWERPOINT

  • Kakacek, S.L. & Sano, K. (2022). Broaching Tool Kit PPT, International Counseling Division; American Counseling Association, Alexandria, VA

PEER REVIEWED CURRENT ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

  • Kakacek, S. L., Twardzik, K. (2024) Treatment of Complex Trauma: Application of
  •  Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling. Creative Counseling Association, Alexandria, VA.
  • Kakacek, S. L., Twardzik, K., & Williamson, D. (2024). Environmental Social Justice: Organizational Training Utilizing Animals. Creative Counseling Association, Alexandria, VA.

ARTICLES NON-REFEREED

  • Kakacek, S. L. & Twardzik, K. (2020). An Arena for Change: Animal-Assisted Therapy in the time of the Pandemic. Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association, Newsletter, DeKalb, IL
  • Kakacek, S.L. 2018). ICA President’s Recap of the 2017-2018 Year, Illinois Counseling Contact, DeKalb, IL
  • Kakacek, S.L. (2018). ICA President’s Honoring of Creative Counselors, Illinois Counseling Contact, DeKalb, IL
  • Kakacek, S.L. (2017). ICA President’s Holiday Greeting, Illinois Counseling Contact, DeKalb, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. 2017). ICA President’s Goals.  Illinois Counseling Contact, DeKalb, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2014). Mini Horses in Action.  Illinois Counseling Contact, DeKalb, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2010). Success stories with challenging clients. Counseling Today, American Counseling Association 53, 34.
  • Kakacek, S. (2004), Mind and body connection. EAGALA, Santaquin, UT

BOOK PROPOSAL REVIEWER

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

  • Kakacek, S. L., Twardzik, K., & Dobson, S. (2024). Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling for Trauma: A Qualitative Study. (Journal to be determined)

PRESENTATIONS

  • Kakacek, S.L. & Twardzik, K. (2023, November). Creative Interventions of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Change, Illinois Counseling Association Conferences, Lisle, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2023, March). Counseling Linguistics: Differences in Language, International Committee, American Counseling Association.
  • Kakacek, S. L. & Collins, D. (2022, November). Narrative Therapy and Novels: Harnessing the Power of Pop Culture, Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Lisle, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. & Twardzik, K. (2022, November). Fields For Growth: Animal-Assisted Therapy Post Pandemic, Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Lisle, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2022, October). Animal-Assisted Therapy for Counseling: Advanced Clinical Skills Applying Metaphors for Healing, American Counseling Association Online Conference.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2022, March).  Animal-Assisted Therapy for Counseling: Advanced Applying Metaphors for Healing, National Louis University, Online.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2021, October). Animal-Assisted Therapy for Counseling: Advanced Clinical Skills Applying Metaphors for Healing, Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Lisle, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2021, October). Mental Health and School Counseling: Full Day Pre-Conference, Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Lisle, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2021, February). An Arena for Change: Animal-Assisted Therapy in the Time of the Pandemic, Association of Child and Adolescent Counseling in Illinois, Virtual, DeKalb, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2020, September).  An Arena for Change: Animal-Assisted Therapy in the Time of the Pandemic, The Association for Creativity in Counseling, Virtual, American Counseling Association.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2019, September). Support for World Immigrants, International Association of Counseling, Online Moncton, Canada.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2018, September). Refugees and Immigrant Counseling Needs and Technique, International Leadership Training InstituteRome, Italy.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2018, July).  Leadership Skills Panel, American Counseling Association Leadership Training Conference, Washington DC.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2017, September).  Techniques/Interventions for Imposter Syndrome: Working with Beginning Counselors-in- Training, Association of Counselor Educators & Supervisors, Chicago, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2017, March). Treating Trauma with Equine-Therapy International Association of Counseling, Online Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2016, November). Treating Trauma with Equine-Therapy, Illinois Counseling Association, Springfield, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2016, April). Healing Trauma with Equine-Therapy. Trauma Bytes Conference Online sponsored by the Traumatology Interest Network (TIN) of the American Counseling Association. 
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2015, November). Equine-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Disorders, Illinois Counseling Association Skokie, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2015. July). Clinical Demonstration with Hispanic Client, San Jose, Costa Rica.
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2015, June). Equine-Assisted Therapy for Reading Clinic, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2015, February).   Equine-Assisted Therapy Demonstration for Students and Faculty, Adler University, Chicago, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2014. November).     Equine-Assisted Therapy and Veterans, Illinois Counseling Association, Schaumburg, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2014, August).  Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Children, Festival of the Horse and Drum, St. Charles, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2013, November). Mini Horses in Action, Illinois Counseling Association, Northbrook, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L  (2013, December). Research Results of Incarcerated Youth with Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Juvenile Center, St. Charles, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2013, August). Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Overview, Festival of the Horse and Drum, St. Charles, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2013, June), Equine-Assisted Multiple Therapies, Abilities Expo, Schaumburg, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  02/13 Equine-Assisted Strength Building for School Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists, Kane County Teachers Institute, Maple Park, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2012, June). Equine-Assisted Team Building for Bullying, Juvenile Justice Center Staff, Maple Park, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2012, May). Equine-Assisted Team Building, Kane County Diagnostic Center Staff, St. Charles, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2012, April). Equine-Assisted Team Building, Hilton Corporation, St. Charles, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2012, March). Metaphor Utilization for Working with Difficulties in Schools, Kane County Teachers Institute, Maple Park, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2011, March).  Walking Through Hell: Analyzing Metaphor in Single-Session Counseling, Toronto, Canada
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2011, February).  Metaphor Utilization for Working with Difficulties in Schools, Kane County Teachers Institute, Maple Park, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2010, August).  Creative Growth for Change: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and the Utilization of Metaphors for At-Risk Adolescents, Couples, and Families, Illinois Counseling Association.
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2010, April). Social Justice and At-Risk Students; Democratic Learning Conference, Roosevelt University, Schaumburg, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2010, April). Creative Arts for At-Risk Students; Illinois School Counselor Association, Chicago, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2009, October). Enhancing Your Counselor Education and Licensed Intern Supervision Through the Use of Creative Arts; Association of Counselor Educators and Supervision, San Diego, CA.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2009, October).  Creative Growth With Diverse Incarcerated Youth; Association of Counselor Educators and Supervision, San Diego, CA.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2008, October).  NIU and the Aftermath of Tragedy; North Central Association for Counselor Educators & Supervisors Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2007, October). Metaphor for change; Illinois Counseling Association, Tinley Park, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2007, October).  An Arena for Success: Metaphor Utilization in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy; Association of Counselor Educators and Supervision, Columbus, OH.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2007, March). Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy; Workshop Presentation, Internship Doctoral Students Northern Illinois University, Elgin, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2006, October). Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Poster Presentation, Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Springfield, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L.  (2006, October), Get Out of My Head: Understanding Diversity; Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Springfield, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2006, October). Strategies for Gatekeepers; North Central Association for Counselor Educators & Supervisors, Conference, Kansas City, Kansas.
  • Kakacek, S. L (2005, October).  The Language of Counseling; Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Itasca, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L  (2005, October). Online Chat; Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Itasca, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L (2005, October).  Gloria Revisited, Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Itasca, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L (2005, October).  Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, 17th Annual Dropout Prevention Conference, Santa Clara, CA
  •  Kakacek, S. L (2003, October).  Creative Interventions; National Dropout Prevention/Intervention Conference; Kansas City, MO
  • Kakacek, S. L (2002, October). Therapy With At Risk Students; National Dropout Prevention/Intervention Conference; Orland, FL
  • Kakacek, S. L (2001, November). Interventions for At Risk Children; National Dropout Prevention Conference; Baltimore, MD
  • Kakacek, S. L (2000, October). Truancy Interventions; National Dropout Prevention Conference; Austin, TX
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1999, October). The Magic of Puppets with Depressed Children; At Risk State Convention; Springfield, IL

COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES

  • Kakacek, S. L. & Twardzik, K. (2022, July-August). Environmental Social Justice: Animal-Assisted Therapy with Friends of the Fox River, Marengo, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2020, July).  Equine-therapy demonstration with Veterans of Rockford, ERC Farm, Marengo, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2019, June). Counseling student demonstration on equine-assisted psychotherapy, ERC Farm, Marengo, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2019, May). Counseling student presentation on equine-assisted psychotherapy, Northern Illinois University.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2019, October). Mental health needs for community voters, supporting Representative Lauren Underwood
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2018, August). Friends of the Fox River Annual Celebration provided free certificates for equine-assisted psychotherapy team building sessions.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2018, July). Day on the Hill, Presented to senators of representatives from Illinois at the Capitol, Washington, DC
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2017, July). Day on the Hill, Presented to senators of representatives from Illinois at the Capitol, Washington, DC 
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2016, July). Day on the Hill, Presented to senators of representatives from Illinois at the Capitol, Washington, DC
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2015, July). Day on the Hill, Presented to senators of representatives from Illinois at the Capitol, Washington, DC
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2016, May). Advocacy project for mental health needs in school and communities.
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2004, August to 2013, December). Provided incarcerated youth with weekly sessions utilizing Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
  •  Kakacek, S. L. (2009, February). Coping with Stress; Dynamic Disabilities Child Conference, Maple Park, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2009, February).  Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Workshop Presentation, Kane County Regional Teachers Conference, Maple Park, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2008, February). Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Workshop; Kane County Regional Teachers Conference, Elgin, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2007, February). Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Workshop; Kane County Regional Teachers Conference, Elgin, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (2002, April). Coping with Substance Abusers Among Friends; Davis Elementary School Faculty; St. Charles, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1998, February). Behavior Disorders/ Depression/ ADHD Guest Speaker; Graduate Program; Aurora, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1997, October).  Depression in Children; Wayne Elementary School Faculty; Wayne, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1997, February). Assessment of Children and Adolescents; Social Workers Conference U-46; Elgin, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1996, November). Communication Skills with Parents; Social Workers U-46; Elgin, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1996, April). Marital Communication Patterns; Parent Group Fox Valley Counseling Center Dundee, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1995, December). Overcoming Grief; Parent Group; Dundee, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1994, April). Posttraumatic Stress Disorders; District 300 Dundee, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1994, January). Successful Marital Strategies; Parent Group Dundee, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1993, November). Coping with the Holidays; Parent Group Dundee, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1993, September). Setting Boundaries; Parent Group Dundee, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1992, October). ADHD in School; Bartlett Learning Center; Bartlett, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1992, May).  Underlying Depression; U-46 Teachers Bartlett, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1991, February).  Communicating Successfully with Children, District 300 Special Education Staff, Dundee, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1990, October). Magic of Parenting; District 300 Parents, Dundee, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. 1978, February). Neurolinguistic Programming; Teachers Kane County, Geneva, IL
  • Kakacek, S. L. (1978, May). Couple Therapy Strategies; Doctoral Students in Marriage and Family, Purdue University, Lafayette, IN 

COURSES TAUGHT

August 2018 – present                    Practicum (on ground and online)

                                                            Internship I and II (on ground and online)

                                                            Group Counseling (on ground and online)

                                                            Couple and Family Counseling (on ground and online)

                                                            Counseling Skills (on ground and online)     

                                                            Techniques of Counseling (online)

                                                            Child and Adolescent Counseling (on ground and online)

                                                            Diagnosis and Maladaptive Behavior (on ground and online)

                                                            Counseling Theories (online)

                                                            Psychopathology (online)

                                                            Sex Therapy (online)

                                                            Career Education (online)

                                                            Assessment and Appraisal (online)

                                                            Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (off campus)

                                                            Animal-Assisted Therapy (off campus)

                                                            Counseling Theories (on ground and online)

September 2014 – July 2018          Practicum (on ground)

                                                            Internship (on ground)

                                                            Group Counseling (on ground)

                                                            Couple and Family (On Campus and Online).*(Designed for all CMHC Program Faculty)

                                                            Advanced Clinical Mental Health (on ground)

                                                            Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (off campus)

                                                            Counseling, Social Justice in Costa Rica (9 students for one month in Costa Rica, 2015)

January 2014 – August 2014          Internship

                                                            Couples and Family   

August 2013 – December 2013     Practicum

April 2013 – August 2013                Counseling Theories

January 2013 – June 2013              Internship

January 2013 – April 2013               Counseling Skills

September 2012 – December 2012    Practicum

Social Cultural Foundations (Hybrid)

September 2011 – August 2012     Practicum and Internship

                                                            Counseling Theories

                                                            Counseling Skills

                                                            Family and Couples Counseling (Hybrid)

June 2011 – August 2011                 Human Sexuality Counseling

                                                            School Counseling Practices

May 2011 – June 2011                      Lifestyle and Career Development (Hybrid)

January 2011 – May 2011                Seminar in School Counseling

January 2011 – March 2011            Lifestyle and Career Development (Hybrid)

October 2010 – December 2010  Lifestyle and Career Development (Hybrid)

September 2010 – December 2010   Internship

May 2010 – June 2010                    Mental Health and Diagnosis

January 2010 – May 2010               Lifestyle and Career Development (Hybrid)

                        Community Mental Health Counseling (Hybrid)

            Practicum

Theory of Counseling

August 2009 – December 2009          Group Counseling

Internship

Pre-practicum Skills and Strategies

Social and Cultural Foundations (Hybrid)

January 2008 – May 2008                  Practicum

August 2008 – December 2008          Practicum

August 2007 – December 2007          Internship of Non-teacher-trained school counselors

COURSES CO-TAUGHT

August 2007 – December 2007          School Counseling, Master’s Students with Dr. Theresa Fisher

June 2007 – August 2007                   School Counseling, Master’s Students, with Dr. Toni Tollerud

January 2007 – May 2007                  Group Counseling, Master’s Students with Dr. Scott Wickman

Counseling Theories, Master’s Students, with Dr. Allen Ottens

August 2006 – December 2006          Practicum, Master’s Students, with Dr. Scott Wickman

PRIVATE PRACTICE SUPERVISION

February 2024-continuing                  Mental Health Counselor, animal-assisted therapy

July 2016 – August 2018                    Mental Health Counselor, private prcatice

September 2015 – June 2016              Mental Health Counselor, non-for-profit agency

March 2013 to June 2015                   Mental Health Counselor, non-for-profit agency

January 2009 to September 2010       School Counselor, private practice

May 2007 to May 2009                      Licensed Social Worker, private practice

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Michelman Award, Illinois Counseling Association, May 2020
  • Best Leadership Development Award, Midwest Region, ACA Branch Awards, 2018
  • VISTAS Article Submitter, American Counseling Association, March 2014
  • Outstanding Graduate Student, Division of Research and Graduate Studies, Northern Illinois University April 2009
  • Educator of the Year, Learning Disability Association of Illinois 1990
·      Professional Service Award, United ACLD of Illinois 1988-89

BOARD POSITIONS

2023 November-to present                 Co-Secretary, Adler Faculty Council,

                                                            Executive Committee

2022 – to present                                Bylaws Chair, International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling, American Counseling Association

2021 – 2022                                        At Large Member of Adler Faculty Council Executive Committee

2021 – 2022                                        American Counseling Association International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling.

2020 – 2021                                        American Counseling Association Branch Development

2019 – 2020                                        American Counseling Association Branch Development

2018 – 2019                                        Past PresidentIllinois Counselor Association

2017 – 2018                                        PresidentIllinois Counselor Association

2016 – 2017                                        President–Elect Illinois Counselor Association

2012 – 2017                                        Illinois Counseling Association Professional Development Chair

2016 – 2017                                        Board Member of Illinois Counselor Education and Supervision Division

2015 – 2016                                        President Elect-Elect Illinois Counselor Association

2015 – 2016                                        Past President Illinois Counselor Education and Supervision Division

2013 – 2015                                        President Illinois Counselor Education and Supervision Division

2013 – 2017                                        Illinois Counseling Association Professional Development Chair

2012 – 2013                                        President- Elect Illinois Counselor Education and Supervision Division

2011 – 2012                                        Secretary Illinois Counselor Education and Supervision Division

2012                                                    Secretary Illinois Counseling Association Governing Council

2012                                                    Advisory Member Northern Illinois University Counseling Program

COMMITTEE EXPERIENCE

January 2024-present                         Student Support Committee Chair, Counseling Integrated Programs

November 2023-present                     Faculty Council Executive Committee, Adler University

August 2022 – present                        Welfare Committee, Adler University

July 2021 – present                             International Counseling, American Counseling Association

August 2019 – August 2022              Institutional Review Board, Adler University

July 2020 – June 2021                       Co-Chair Branch Development, American Counseling Association

February 2019 – June 2020                Branch Development, American Counseling Association

September 2018 – August 2021        Welfare Committee, Adler University

August 2017 – August 2020              Student Development Committee, Adler University

July 2018 – July 2019                        Portability Taskforce, American Counseling Association

June 2017 – July 2019                       ICA Insurance Task Force

June 2016 – 2017                                ICA Diversity Task Force

June 2015 – July 2019                        Coalition of Illinois Counselor Organization

July 2013 – July 2019                         Executive Committee, Illinois Counseling Association

August 2014 – 2016                           Training Committee and Curriculum Student                                                            Learning Committee, Adler University

September 2013 – August 2014         Training Committee, Adler School of Professional Psychology

August 2012 – December 2012          Rewrote Practicum/Internship Handbook, Argosy, Schaumburg, IL

August 2009 – May 2010                   College Council redesigning counseling exit survey for students; Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL

May 2009                                            Doctoral candidate admission workshop group leader

April 2008                                           Student representative for faculty hiring committee

 April 2006 – April 2008                      Co-leader for pre-admissions workshop for counseling master students

               DISSERTATION COMMITTEES

July 2022 –   July 2023                       Cumberland University, Committee Member, CMH

Sept.2022-    present                           Adler University Committee Member, DCES

June 2022 –   present                           Adler University Committee Member, DCES

Aug. 2022 – present                            Adler University Committee Member, ATR-BC

Aug. 2019 – present                            Adler University Committee Chair DCES

Jan. 2019 –  Aug.2019                        Adler University Committee Chair, DCES

Jan. 2018–   June 2018                       Adler University Committee Member, DCES

Sept.2014 – May 2015                        Adler University Committee Member, PSYD

                                                             THESIS COMMITTEES

August 2023-December 2023             Adler University Chair, CMHC

           GRANT PROPOSALS

June 2002 – August 2022                     Adler Seed Grant Environmental Social Justice

August 1991 – August 2013                Kane County Truancy Grant Yearly Proposals

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

  • American Counseling Association
  • American Counseling Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling
  • American Counseling Association for Counselor Education & Supervision
  • American Counseling Association for Creativity in Counseling
  • American Counseling Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development
  • American Counseling International Association for Resilience and Trauma in Counseling
  • American Counseling Military& Government Counseling Association
  • American Counseling International Association for Marriage and Family Counselors
  • American Counseling International Asocation
  • Illinois Counseling Association
  • Illinois Counselor Educators and Supervisors
  • Illinois Association for Multicultural Counseling
  • Illinois Association for LGBTQ Issues in Counseling
  • Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association
  • Illinois School Counseling Interest Group
  • International Association of Counselors
  • North Central Association for Counselor Education & Supervision

RESEARCH INTERESTS

  • Acculturation of New Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Broaching Language Internationally
  • Environmental Social Justice
  • International Counseling for Trauma
  • Metaphorical Techniques for Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling
  • Metaphors and Creative Arts in Counseling Supervision