Meet Our Team
Dr. Sandra L. Kakacek, Ed. D, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Dr. Kakacek is a former special education supervisor and has been an equine-assisted therapist since 2001 and animal-assisted therapist since 2017. She utilizes animals as metaphorical partners for mental health issues. The majority of therapy is conducted by applying creative interactions for problem resolution. Dr. Kakacek has a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, is an associate professor for Clinical Mental Health programs, and is experienced as a special education supervisor and consultant. She enjoys using animals to help university students increase clinical skills. Dr. Kakacek has maintained a traditional private practice for over 40 years.
Phone: 630-675-3944
Full Bio
Kaitlyn Twardzik, MS. Ed.
Clinical Mental Health Counselor and ABA-registered Technician
Kaitlyn is a graduate of Walden University, and is an ABA registered behavioral technician with children. She enjoys helping clients of all ages achieve personal goals, increase self-esteem, language, and executive functioning skills. She also uses animals to increase social and emotional skills. Kaitlyn’s emphasis is working with all ages to increase overall wellness to facilitate change.
ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS
- Kakacek, S. L. & Twardzik, K. (2021) An Arena for Change: Treating Trauma with Animal-Assisted Therapy in the time of the Pandemic and Return to the Arena. International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling, Networker, Summer 2021, Volume 1. Alexandria, VA.
- 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. (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.
- Kakacek, S. L. (2014). Mini Horses in Action. Illinois Counseling Contact, DeKalb, IL
- Kakacek, S. L. (2010). Success stories with challenging clients. Counseling Today, 53, 34.
- Kakacek, S. L. (2010). An Arena for Change. An overview of equine-assisted psychotherapy. Illinois Counselor, 2, 28-29.
- Kakacek, S. L. (2009). An Arena for Change. VISTAS Online American Counseling Association.
- 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.
- Kakacek, S. (2004), Mind and body connection. EAGALA, Santaquin, UT: EAGALA.
OUR ANIMALS
