Hi there! I am both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as well as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP). I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2013. I then continued on to get my Master’s in Social Work, with a concentration of Mental Health, also from the U of I, graduating in August 2014. I participated in internships at The Autism Program and Skill Sprout, both clinics designed to support children and adults who identify as autistic. In January 2020, I was awarded Outstanding New Social Worker from the University of Illinois School of Social Work. For 4 years, I served as the President of the downstate chapter of the Illinois Society for Clinical Social Workers. I have spent my career working with, and advocating for, individuals and families who are navigating an uncertain path. I have worked with individuals, parents, college students, and families. Much of my professional career has involved supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism & ADHD. I also have expertise in supporting parents and families who are involved in caregiving and may be coping with life changes. I have had the privilege of supporting individuals to determine goals in life and set actionable steps to achieve those objectives. I believe in the right to self determination and that everyone has the choice to carve out their own path. Everyone has innumerable strengths; I hope to help bring these to light in our work. I will support our work by serving as a sounding board, confidant, and respectful consultant as you navigate through life’s changes. I applaud you for seeking this step and look forward to our work together. – Annie