Hello!! My name is Beth Richards and I am from Fairfield, Illinois. I hold a Professional Educator License in School Social Work. Currently, I work as a school social worker for Fairfield Public School District #112 in Southern Illinois. I have been with the district for 14 years. I earned my MSW from the University of Southern Indiana with a School Social Work Specialization. I have been wanting to get my LCSW for quite some time so I am very excited for this opportunity. I have 2 children who are 14 and 9 who keep me very busy with sports and activities. In my free time I love to hang out with my kids, watch their various sporting events, and go to concerts.

My name is Imani Clark and I reside in Chicago, IL. I received my Master’s degree in Social Service Administration in 2021 and have worked with various populations since then. Currently I serve as a School Social Worker for Chicago Public Schools district and hold a Professional Educators License. Previously I have served as a therapist supporting individuals working through trauma and anxiety with special attention to clients with perinatal mental health concerns. I am a Black daughter, wife, mother, educator, doula and Christian woman that strives to connect with all of my clients and utilize their assets to collaborative work towards addressing their needs and goals. I’m excited to work towards obtaining my LCSW and provide support in more ways than I have before. In my non-working time, I enjoy being with my loved ones, cooking, journaling and learning about new things!

Hey yall! My name is Kelsey Boren and I live in Paducah KY. I just recently went back and got my MSW from SIU-Carbondale. I already have a masters degree in higher education from SIUC. I am currently a school social worker at JAMP Special Education in Ullin, IL. I am currently working on my PEL in school social work in Illinois. I am very excited to work towards my LCSW. In my free time I love to shop and spend time with my husband.

Hi! My name is Alissa Miller. I am a recent graduate from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with my Masters in Social work. I have over 5 years experience in the child welfare field, currently working as a foster care supervisor. Through this experience, I have developed a strong understanding of the complexities of the child welfare systems and the importance of advocating for vulnerable populations. I am excited to pursue my LCSW certification and continue to use my skills and passion to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

My name is Lara Shaw and I am in Harrisburg IL. After many years of having my Bach degree in Social Work, I recently went back to school and completed my Advanced MSW degree. I also hold an IL state license and awaiting my PEL approval for school social work. Currently, I am a IEC mental health consultant through Centerstone and Caregiver Connections. I believe achieving my LCSWs will only open more doors and opportunities for me to be able to provide and advocate for more services and resources for our community and our schools. Aside from social work, I am a Wife, Mom, Mimi and Business owner.

Hi! My name is Kristie Jones. I am a licensed social worker in the state of Illinois. In addition, I hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) in school social work. Currently, I work as a school social worker for Chicago Public Schools. I earned my MSW from DePaul University with a concentration in social work and community practice. My career aspirations include earning my LCSW to continuously provide evidence-based social-emotional interventions in the school setting. In my free time, I love doing step aerobics, watching comedy shows, and watching Judge Judy.

My name is Alexis Brooks I am currently a Primary Care Social Worker for the Veteran’s Health Administration. I obtained my state licensure in 2022. I have previous experience in Medical Social Work in Dialysis as well as Family Counseling. I graduated from SIU Carbondale with my MSW in Social Work with a specialization in Children, Youth and Family.

Claire Hughes is a licensed social worker and a doctoral candidate at SIU Carbondale in Population Health. Her research focus is on community health workers and other peer support specialists. Claire is a passionate teacher of public health, a dedicated parent and partner, and a life-long resident of Southern Illinois. Among her many social work goals, she wants to pursue LCSW certification to help advance the work of The Little Resource Center, a family social service agency she co-founded in Carbondale, IL.

Raquel is a clinical social worker who received her undergrad in psychology and her Master’s of Social Work (MSW) Degree focusing in clinical Social Work with Walden University. Raquel has served in a variety of roles in mental health including working with adults with mental illness, school social work, and working within the child welfare system.

While working in the community Raquel recognized an unmet need for evidence-based clinical services in Southern Illinois, leading her to pursue a clinical career. Growing up, Raquel always knew that she wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives. After going through several experiences as a child, it became clear to Raquel that she should go into the field of social work. Raquel has a passion for children who have experienced trauma, and enjoys working with children, families, and adults. Raquel’s recognizes that our brains are wired for connection and trauma rewires them for protection.

Raquel has been trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and also uses Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) modalities. Raquel believes in a person centered approach and works to help enhance clients' capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own needs. Raquel enjoys incorporating art and play into therapy. Raquel is an LGBTQIA+ ally and strives to work in a culturally sensitive manner. When not working, Raquel enjoys volunteering, art, reading, going to music concerts/comedy shows, spending time in nature, and spending time with family.

Tia received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale (SIU-C) in 2016. She has received her MSW from SIU-C. Tia is passionate about advocacy, community outreach, and research. Upon receiving her MSW, Tia would like to pursue licensure as an LCSW. Outside of work and class, Tia can be found spending time with family.