FAMILY SERVICE OF GLENCOE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Alex is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, working with clients of all ages in both English and Spanish. She received a Master's Degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish with a minor in Social Work from Coker University. Her experience spans various different settings, including working within the community, schools, and outpatient and residential facilities, as well as with a wide range of ages. When working with someone, Alex prides herself on offering a holistic approach, taking into consideration the environment, current living/work/school situations, previous experiences, and any support available to the client. Please contact Alex to complete intake for any FSG therapist.
Alicja Mietelka Lapaj joined Family Service of Glencoe in August 2012. She studied international business at Krakow University of Economics in Poland. She received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting at DePaul University. Alicja has worked in the field of business and accounting for over 10 years. Before coming to FSG, she held Office Manager and Accountant positions in the for-profit sector. She is very happy to be a part of Family Service of Glencoe.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Anne Forman and Molly Neuleib Communications Chair
Job Titles:
- Finance Chair
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Treasurer
Brian has worked on the Family Service of Glencoe crisis team since joining the staff in 2009. He is on-call for Glencoe Public Safety, responding as needed to families in crisis. Brian also supports Glencoe seniors through well-being home visits in partnership with the Committee for Senior Housing Aid in Glencoe. He has worked at the North Shore Senior Center in the adult protective services area, with Alternatives, Inc. as an on-call Crisis Specialist, and with Uptown Hull House as a child and family specialist. Brian received his master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams School of Social Work. He also has many certifications including Domestic Violence Certification, DCFS Certification and Balance and Restorative Justice Certification. Not currently accepting new clients.
Cindy serves on the Family Service of Glencoe crisis team. She received her bachelor's degree at De Paul University and has completed a Master of Arts in Community Counseling at Argosy University. In addition, Cindy has participated in the 40-hour domestic violence training and numerous other domestic violence workshops. She has facilitated men's and women's domestic violence groups for 13 years. Cindy started CASA Lake County (Court Appointed Special Advocates) with two other CASA Cook County volunteers in 1994. Currently accepting new clients.
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- President
David Temple is working toward his MSW degree at Loyola University with advanced standing. David has specialized in working with adolescents and young adults, as well as policy implementations and funding. He will complete his masters in Micro Clinical studies with a focus on trauma, adolescence and young adults, and LGBTQ+. David attended James Madison University, where he graduated Phi Alpha with a Bachelor of Social Work. During his time at JMU, David studied community data research, grant writing and funding, and policy development.
Emily is the senior program manager at Family Service of Glencoe. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Miami University of Ohio and holds a Master of Social Work degree from University of Illinois at Chicago-Jane Addams College of Social Work, with a concentration in community health and urban development. Emily has been working with older adults and their families for the past 13 years. Her clinical expertise includes educating clients and their families on the complexities of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia and providing support and referrals throughout their aging journey. Emily has vast experience in bereavement and end of life support, community outreach, and facilitating support groups. Emily's passion for her work, combined with a commitment to providing older adults and their families the respect, compassion, and dignity they so deserve, is founded in her enduring love for her grandparents.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Social Media Assistant
- the Marketing & Social Media Assistant
Jennie Weinstock joined Family Service of Glencoe in 2021 as the Marketing & Social Media Assistant. Jennie has worked in marketing and fundraising in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors for more than 15 years for companies including the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, the American Dental Association, JourneyCare, and the Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Anne Forman and Molly Neuleib Communications Chair
Joan Merlo is a psychotherapist, educator and writer with over 20 years of experience serving individuals, families and groups at local hospitals and social service agencies. She joined Family Service of Glencoe in 2000. She is a graduate of Loyola University School of Social Work, where she was adjunct faculty and has completed a post graduate degree at the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago. Joan has also recently obtained continuing education certificates at Wellesley's Stone Center for Women's Studies and Harvard Medical School Seminars in Mindfulness & Attuned Relating. She has expertise in facilitating healing, mindful awareness, self-care and self-confidence with her clients during periods of change and challenge in such areas as parenting teens and young adults, "power grand-parenting," handling anxiety and depression, and adjusting to divorce, bereavement, or job loss. Joan also has a private practice in Highland Park and is a frequent adult education lecturer and retreat presenter for north shore churches and community organizations. Currently accepting new clients.
Job Titles:
- FSG in 2022 As Our Manager of Development and Communications
- Manager of Development and Communications
Kelly joined FSG in 2022 as our Manager of Development and Communications. She holds a BS in Marketing from DePaul University in Chicago and has supported a multitude of different organizations throughout her career, most recently Career Resource Center in Lake Forest, where she served as the Director of Programs for 9 of her 13 years there. Prior to that, she held positions in fundraising management, event planning, program/services/volunteer management, community outreach, communications, and social media at organizations including MCI Telecommunications Small Business, Baxter Healthcare- Renal Division, Starbucks, and the Creative Group. Kelly brings to FSG a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence in strategic fundraising, event planning, and program development, and we are looking forward to her reaching across our community to create additional partnerships to provide even more services to those in need. Outside of work, Kelly is the proud mom to a young adult son as well as a Trustee, Friends of Lake Bluff Parks.
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Governance Chair
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Vice President
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR
- ASSOCIATE COUNCIL
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Secretary
Tara Bagnola, LSW joined Family Service of Glencoe in 2022 as a Staff Therapist. She received a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago - Jane Addams College of Social Work and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, a Minor in Women's Studies, and a Concentration in Gender and Health from the University of Michigan. Tara prides herself on cultivating an affirming therapeutic space for every client to explore and better understand themself, always providing respect, compassion, and support. Currently accepting new clients.