CHILDREN'S RESEARCH TRIANGLE - Key Persons
Abby Vlahos leads the Development team and is the first point of contact for donors and funders to CRT. She has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit development at both Chicago area and national nonprofits. Her work for CRT includes overseeing the annual Gala, annual giving, corporate and foundation grants, and communications. She is especially passionate about ensuring equity of access to services for children with disabilities. Ms. Vlahos received her BA from Wheaton College.
Job Titles:
- Nursing Lab Assistant Moraine Valley Junior College / Substitute School
Job Titles:
- LPC, Camp SOAR Coordinator
Aleksandra began volunteering at Camp SOAR as a couselor when she was years old. Time at Camp heavily influenced her decision to become a mental health therapist. Her job as a therapist includes working in the hospital setting with adults of all ages and presenting concerns, and in the outpatient setting with a focus on support new moms, parents, and young adults. As part of Camp SOAR's leadership team, Aleksandra loves getting to support the counselors and campers to ensure they have their best week of the year!
Job Titles:
- PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. St.Pierre is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who conducts psychological evaluations with children and adolescents at CRT. He attended the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and received his PsyD in 2017. He has previously worked in community mental health and private practice settings providing comprehensive psychological evaluations, inpatient psychiatric and substance use settings, and with the State of Utah providing court-ordered evaluations. Dr. St.Pierre's areas of clinical interest include assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. Autism, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Difficulties), and prodromal and first episode psychosis. He also has previous experience evaluating conditions related to trauma exposure, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, and mood disorders in children and adolescents. Outside of clinical work, he maintains a passion for traveling and music, including performing with a local choir.
Job Titles:
- Research Director - Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Wells oversees our research department. She manages the data for all of our research and service grants and performs the statistical analyses of these data. She also supervises the data management and analysis of our 4Ps Plus contracts. Dr. Wells also consults with CRT staff about research design and methodology on various projects. She has conducted research into milieu treatment settings for children and adolescents, co-authored a meta-analysis of primary prevention intervention programs for children and adolescents, and served as Principal Investigator for two needs assessments for the LGBT community in northwest Indiana. She served as Clinical Director at New Horizons, Inc., a community based mental health agency serving children and families in Gary, IN, and has worked in community mental health settings. Dr. Wells received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago, and completed her predoctoral internship at Children's Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She received her B.A. in Behavioral Science from the University of Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director and Program Evaluator
- Assistant Director of the Research Team
Cassandra Boyd is the Assistant Director of the Research Team. As the program evaluator for Project Launch, Cassandra is responsible for tracking and scoring data, data entry and data analysis. She also helps to support CRT through report writing for various grants. Cassandra received her Bachelor's in Social Work from Trinity Christian College and her Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
Cheria Randle approaches therapy with a holistic view and values authenticity and the principles of trauma-informed work. She began her career in community mental health and clinical research in Chicago and Los Angeles, before starting her journey as a behavioral therapist (ABA). She worked eight years as a behavioral therapist working with children on the autism spectrum. She joined CRT in 2021, counseling children and families that have been impacted by trauma. She also works with CRT's Project LAUNCH team, serving youth in the southland area. Since coming on board with CRT, Cheria has completed training in TF-CBT, SPARCS, and Theraplay. Cheria has experience with cultural diversity, ethnic backgrounds, and LGBTQ populations and most enjoys working with children and adolescents. She was born on the south side of Chicago and raised in the southland area. Cheria holds a bachelor's in Psychology from Tennessee State University and a master's in Clinical Psychology, counseling specialization, from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- PsyD, Evaluation Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Fleming is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who conducts psychological evaluations and provides treatment for children, adolescents, and families at CRT. She attended The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she concentrated in child and adolescent mental health. She has previously worked in a community mental health agency, an inpatient behavioral health hospital, an alternative school for youth with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, and a group practice in which she has provided individual, group, and family therapy, as well as comprehensive psychological evaluations. Dr. Fleming's areas of clinical interest include anxiety, depression, self-injury, and trauma.
Darcy brings more than 35 years of experience in all areas of public relations and communications. Well-versed in strategic planning, positioning and message development, she has counseled leading national and international corporations, both public and private. She has served at global agencies including Ketchum, Golin/Harris and FCB, as well as consulting in the non-profit arena. Darcy holds a B.A. in Advertising from Michigan State University.
Job Titles:
- Institutional Grants Manager
Desmond studied public policy at New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. As he pursued his M.P.A., Desmond became increasingly dedicated to social justice and particularly interested in the effects of the American political and economic systems on impoverished communities. He became active in Boston area New Party politics and organizing campaigns for living wages. Working for the United Way of Massachusetts Bay as a Director in the Community Investments Department, Desmond focused on building the internal resources of grassroots organizations and promoting systemic change by mobilizing community residents to organize and empower themselves. He was instrumental in facilitating Boston's Mattapan Community Partnership, a collaboration of human service providers, businesses, faith-based organizations, and street associations that has become the main funding vehicle for UWMB's Mattapan Initiative. Currently, Desmond is a resource development consultant specializing in grant writing, strategic planning and needs assessments. He works with nonprofit organizations to develop program outcomes measurement systems, manage grant proposal processes, implement fundraising plans and conduct board development training.
Job Titles:
- Greencorps Chicago Youth Program Manager
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Pediatrician
Dr. Quynh Giao "Tina" Nguyen is a board-certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She joins CRT with over 10 years of experience as a general community pediatrician. Dr. Nguyen graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and completed her residency in Pediatrics at Maimonides Infants and Children's Hospital of Brooklyn, where she served as a Pediatric Chief Resident. She practiced as an academic hospitalist before moving to Chicago in 2006, where she worked as a pediatrician on the south side of Chicago. Dr. Nguyen's areas of interest include family-centered care, patient education, patient advocacy, and ADHD.
Job Titles:
- LMFT, Mental Health Consultant and Trainer
Dr. Wendy Kovacs is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist currently working as a Child & Family Therapist. Dr. Kovacs has experience providing therapeutic treatment to children, adolescents, adults, and families with advanced clinical training in attachment therapy and trauma. Previous work experience includes supervising and providing therapy in a private practice, teaching at a Junior College, and as a therapist in a foster care agency. She teaches Marriage and Family Therapy courses. Dr. Kovacs has provided trainings on attachment therapy, managing trauma reactions in children, and adoption issues. She is a Clinical Fellow, an Approved Supervisor, and an Approved Supervisor Mentor in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Job Titles:
- Screening, Assessment, and Referral Coordinator
Ms. Odiase has extensive experience in social service and child welfare. She has worked in residential facilities and held case management, administrative, supervisory, and director positions in various agencies in Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane and Will Counties. She has experience in child welfare, substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, mental health, and disabilities. In 2016, Ms. Odiase earned a Masters of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago with a focus in Mental Health.
Job Titles:
- Research and Program Evaluation Specialist
Gabriell Carpenter is a Research and Program Evaluation Specialist. She is responsible for tracking and maintaining data collection and entry for the Trauma Treatment Program (TTP) as well as CRT's Project LAUNCH team. She is also responsible for collecting data for the 4P's Plus Project, onboarding new program sites, and producing bi-annual reports. Gabriell holds a bachelor's degree in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from DePaul University.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of the Therapy Team
- LCSW, Assistant Director and Child & Family Therapist
Gauri Goswami is the Assistant Director of the Therapy Team and a Child and Family Therapist with experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and families in schools and in the foster care system. Gauri has primarily worked with families on processing early childhood trauma and building attachment. Gauri received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago with a concentration in Community Health and Urban Development.
Jacquelyn Dela Cruz graduated with a BA in Art Therapy from Edgewood College located in Madison, WI and is currently CRT's Office Manager and Receptionist. Her attention to detail keeps the daily functions of CRT running smoothly, along with ensuring compliance guidelines, such as HIPAA, are met. Ms. Dela Cruz's responsibilities also include processing insurance claims and billing.
Job Titles:
- Founder and Lead Teacher, All - in Consulting and Educational Services
Job Titles:
- Clinical Professional Counselor
Jasmine Williams is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She has a diverse clinical background that includes community mental health, child welfare and integrated care. Jasmine's clinical experiences have afforded her the opportunity to provide therapy to children and their foster and adoptive families as well as counsel students within a school-based clinic. She has also provided therapy and case management services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness and dual diagnosis. These experiences have given Jasmine insight into the family system and inform her work with her clients at CRT. Jasmine received a bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a minor in Child and Family Studies, from Northern Illinois University. She holds a master's in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.Loyola University Chicago
Job Titles:
- Research and Program Evaluation Specialist
Jaylin Hodge is a research and program evaluation specialist. She is responsible for received measures for all grants, as well as scoring data, data entry, data analysis, and database management for CRT's Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction grant. She also helps to support CRT through report writing, as well as oversees the Phone Interview Project under the SAMHSA Early Childhood Mental Health grant. Ms. Hodge received her Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Colorado Denver.
Jessica Chung is a licensed professional counselor and a provisional art therapist. She attended Carnegie Mellon where she received a bachelor's in psychology. She also attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she received a master's in art therapy and counseling. Ms. Chung has also received a master's in architecture which guides her interest in how an environment and living space impact us. Her working model is positioned from a trauma informed, holistic and strength-based approach to understanding how we are able to cope with life and grow to be resilient. She primarily bases her clinical interventions in art therapy principles to understand clients' inner world and foster self-expression and trauma processing. Ms. Chung has worked with young children and adolescents, and adults with traumas, and also closely with caregivers to dismantle intergenerational trauma and create safe space for children and families to develop and thrive in harmony within the family system.
John Montgomery has a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health.
Job Titles:
- Intake and Referral Coordinator
Kimberly is responsible for receiving and coordinating therapy and evaluation referrals, as well as establishing and maintaining relationships with current and potential referral sources. She began her career at Children's Research Triangle as a Research Assistant, soon transitioning to her current role. Prior to this, Kimberly worked in community mental health and an inpatient behavioral health hospital. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid. She holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Park University. She is currently studying to obtain her Master of Social Work with a focus on mental health at Loyola University Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Social Worker With a Master
- LCSW, Therapy Director and Psychotherapist
Lavita Collins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master in Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. At CRT, she oversees the overall development of the clinical team through reflective supervision and trainings. Ms. Collins is certified in Positive Parenting Program, Restorative Practices Circle Training, Train the Trainer Trauma Certification, Baby Talk Practitioner, Anger Coping & Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools Training, and Program Encouraging Active and Rewarding Loves for Seniors. Prior to joining CRT, Ms. Collins had 15+ years of clinical and supervisory experience working with individuals, families, couples and the BIPOC community providing evidenced based trauma informed treatment and sharing her knowledge on mental health and wellness. Ms. Collins' personal mission is to live out her purpose of bringing mental health awareness and wellness into the lives of others through kindness, compassion, and empathy. As a trained psychotherapist she believes that therapy should be holistic, encompassing all aspects of her clients. Her approach to therapy is through a trauma informed lens, acknowledging that everyone at some point in their lives has experienced trauma, no matter how small, and therefore this has shaped who they are as a person. Working from this lens allows her to meet each person where they are and respect their unique differences and challenges.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer - Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Chief Executive Officer of Children 's Research Triangle
Dr. Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of Children's Research Triangle, earned her doctorate in Clinical Child and Family Psychology from DePaul University. She has 35 years of experience in the psychological assessment and treatment of children, with a specific focus on underserved populations and those within the foster care system. A member of CRT's staff since 1998, Dr. Schwartz served as clinical director beginning in 2004 and became the CEO in 2014. She has been the principal investigator on multiple federal grants focused on trauma interventions for children and adolescents, and expanding the child serving workforce trained to identify and secure services for youth, facing mental health challenges. Previously, Dr. Schwartz was the associate director of psychology for the Child Abuse Assessment Program at Chicago's Grant Hospital. She was a research associate for the Institute for Juvenile Research and at the Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Schwartz developed research projects involving the prediction and prevention of child and adolescent anti-social behavior; a program evaluation of an enrichment center for inner-city children; and has published an interview manual for the assessment of sexual abuse in developmentally disabled populations.
Gabriela Rodriguez is a Clinical Thanatologist, specialized in loss, bereavement and grief. She holds a Masters of Gestalt Psychotherapy from Universidad Gestalt in Mexico City, earned after getting her Bachelors in Psychology and Counseling from Universidad Central de Venezuela. She has studied in three different countries, including a Diplomat in Grief and Family Therapy by the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, CA; and the International Certification in Play Therapy by Antej in Puebla, Mexico.
Ms. Rodriguez is bilingual (Spanish/English) and enjoys working with youth and families. Her clinical approach is integrative, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed and emotionally-focused. She has deep experience in group therapy settings, and has worked in Hospital environments, Outpatient Community-Based clinics and Private Practice. As a College Professor, Ms. Rodriguez still supports her students and future clinicians to explore the passion for personal growth, always considering the complexity of multicultural aspects and narrative of each individual.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Executive Assistant
- Executive Clinical Assistant
Maria Fay, Clinical Executive Assistant, aids the entire clinical staff in a secretarial capacity and as report manager. In addition to her secretarial duties, she oversees proofing and editing of the report process. In her career as a secretary, Ms. Fay has worked for a major news magazine, a wholesale industry tracking firm, and a graduate school of psychology. She feels that her experience with psychologists and soon-to-be psychologists set the path she was to take to her position with Children's Research Triangle. She has taken classes at Northwestern and DePaul Universities, as well as auditing courses at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Member of the OFFICERS Team
- Chairman / Special Education Teacher and Department Chair, Arlington Heights School District 25
Miriam Lichstein comes to CRT with a background in development, community engagement and non-profit work. Her background includes experience with Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, Beacon Academy, Inspiration Corporation and Jewish United Fund. Previously Miriam had a 15-year career in Private Client Banking. She and her family have been volunteering at CRT and Camp SOAR for many years and looks forward to being a part of the CRT/SOAR family through her work as a member of the Development Team. Miriam studied business at Washington University in St. Louis.
Job Titles:
- Camp SOAR Director - Developmental - Behavioral Pediatrician
Dr. Keck is a board certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician who specializes in the assessment and treatment of developmental disorders as well as behavioral difficulties in children. She has been practicing for 18 years. Dr. Keck was formerly the director of Developmental Pediatric Clinics at Lutheran General Children's Hospital. Dr. Keck has expertise working with children with a variety of developmental challenges, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and in utero substance exposure. Dr. Keck is the founder and director of Camp SOAR, Children's Research Triangle's camp for children with special needs. What began in 2000 as a camp for 19 campers and 21 volunteers has grown into providing an overnight camp experience for over 130 campers each summer, assisted by over 160 volunteers.
Noah Doppelt (he/him) is a Child and Family Therapist who joined CRT in 2023. Mr. Doppelt identifies as a therapist and a social worker, and believes that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are greatly influenced by our environments. He uses a relational approach and views mental health and therapy through the lens of the many oppressive systems that surround us. He utilizes play, music, art, fitness, and other creative tools to support children and families in their healing journeys. Before becoming a therapist, Mr. Doppelt worked to provide life skills educational resources to students and teachers in public school districts. He received his Master's in Social Work from the University of Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Member of the OFFICERS Team
- Treasurer / Vice President - Local Distributions Centers, Home Depot
Mr. Hinz has spent his career in the financial management of a variety of Public and Non-Public entities in the real estate, manufacturing, and service sectors. He holds a BS in Accounting from DePaul University.
Job Titles:
- PsyD, Training Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Orbach has a breadth of experience providing therapy to children, adolescents and their families. Clinically, Dr. Orbach takes a highly relational approach within the psychodynamic realm. Dr. Orbach has a special interest in working with clients with trauma histories to develop areas of trust and attachment that are often severed through traumatic experiences. She is currently the site supervisor at Johnson College Prep, one of CRT's longstanding community partner sites. In addition to her direct clinical work, Dr. Orbach serves as CRT's Training Coordinator and oversees all aspects of internal and external clinical training, including the clinical training program for graduate students, internal training of staff, and external trainings in the community. Dr. Orbach seeks to inform the community at large about the impact of trauma on children, families, and the systems in which they function in order to help others adopt a trauma-informed lens. Dr. Orbach also oversees CRT's Parent Support Network, which provides education and support for parents of children who have been prenatally exposed to substances. Prior to joining the clinical team at CRT, Dr. Orbach worked throughout the Chicagoland area, including Mt. Sinai Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, Advocate Illinois Masonic's School Based Health Center, Jewish Child and Family Services, and Lawrence Hall Youth Services. Dr. Orbach obtained both her Masters and Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago.
Job Titles:
- BCBA, Camp SOAR Coordinator
- Coordinator for Camp SOAR
As Coordinator for Camp SOAR, Sari works to plan and run activities for all of camp, provides camper supports, counselor training, and behind the scenes support for applications. Sari first experienced Camp SOAR as a counselor at the age of 16, which had a profound impact on her future career. She studied special education, receiving a degree from Saint Louis University. After a few years supporting district schools, Sari went on to receive her masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She continues to attend camp every year. When she is not organizing or attending camp, Sari works as a Board Certified Behavior Analysis in a therapeutic day school in the western suburbs and for a school district in the northwest suburbs.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager - Rush University Cancer Center
Job Titles:
- Director at CRT
- LMFT, Therapy Director, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Stefanie Ward is the Therapy Director at CRT. Ms. Ward approaches therapy from a relational perspective, helping clients to build and repair connections that will foster resilience. Ms. Ward joined the staff at CRT in 2013, starting off as a Child and Family Therapist, working with caregivers and their children at several of our community partner sites including New Moms, Family Focus Englewood, SOS Children's Village, and in the CRT clinic. Ms. Ward has provided clinical supervision to many staff therapists and interns. Ms. Ward is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is rostered in Child-Parent Psychotherapy. Prior to joining the team at CRT, Ms. Ward worked in an inpatient behavioral health hospital providing therapy to teens and families going through a major crisis. She also has experience providing substance abuse treatment in an inpatient and outpatient setting. Ms. Ward completed her graduate degree in Applied Family and Child Studies, with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, at Northern Illinois University.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Kohlman is a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in pediatric neuropsychology. At CRT she conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations for children and adolescents ranging from infancy to young adulthood. Dr. Kohlman received her doctoral degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology, and completed a 2-year neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship. Her clinical training has been focused on pediatric neuropsychological testing as well as providing evidence-based treatment for individuals throughout the lifespan. Dr. Kohlman has previously worked in hospital settings with pediatric oncology patients, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, community mental health centers, and private practice. She has experience assessing and treating conditions such as neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, emotional dysregulation, and psychosis. Dr. Kohlman has presented at local and international conferences on topics such as understanding executive functioning in college students, the lasting neurocognitive effects of oncology treatment, and executive functioning differences in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Tori Albarracin joined CRT in 2020 and previously worked in forensic, private practice, and community mental health settings. She has experience providing therapy services to children, adolescents, and their families and has received specialized training in sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Tori has conducted psychological evaluations for children and adolescents who have social-emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns related to experiences of trauma. Her training has been primarily focused on children, adolescents, and their families who have experienced complex trauma. Tori's approach to treatment includes an interpersonal neurobiological, relational approach, and she believes change can occur when individuals experience safety, attunement, and connection from both the therapist and caregivers. Tori values trauma-informed treatments and is committed to providing a safe space for clients to collaboratively work through various concerns at their own pace. Tori's particular clinical interests include complex trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, family conflict, and relationship concerns.
Tracey Bell-Hodgman (she/her/hers) joined Children's Research Triangle in 2020. Tracey received her Master's in social work from DePaul University in 2018. Tracey has worked in a variety of settings including Chicago Public Schools, homeless shelters for pregnant and parenting young women, and residential facilities. Tracey's experiences have allowed her to work with infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Tracey believes that it takes a village to raise a child and approaches the work through a relational and trauma informed lens. Tracey values the strengths her clients bring to the table and is highly collaborative in finding creative interventions for clients. Tracey is currently in the process of working towards clinical licensure and rostering for Child Parent Psychotherapy.