Children's Research Triangle
DONATE
DONATE
Children's Research Triangle

Our Team

CRT’s clinical and professional staff bring a breadth and depth of expertise unique to the social services arena. We seek out and attract professionals with the highest levels of proficiency in areas from mental health, childhood trauma and pediatrics to research and program development.    Our team is committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of Chicago’s most vulnerable children and families.

Staff members
0
BIPOC staff
Over 0 %
Volunteers (SOAR & interns)
0

Explore Teams

Meet our teams using the categories below.

Leadership
Therapy
Evaluation
Training
Research
Camp SOAR
Finance & Administration
Development
Leadership team
CRT_0011_Linda
Linda D. Schwartz, PhD

Chief Executive Officer
Licensed Clinical Psychologist 

Read More
CRT_0009_Cassie
Cassandra Boyd, MSW

Assistant Director, Program Evaluator

Read More
CRT_0004_Corrine
Corinne Fleming, PsyD

Evaluation Director

Read More
CRT_0008_Gauri-
Gauri Goswami, LCSW

Therapy Director, Bilingual Child & Family Therapist

Read More
CRT_0005_Robert Hinz
Robert Hinz

Controller

Read More
michelle
Michelle-Ann Rhoden-Neita, PhD, LCSW

Clinical Operations Director

Read More
CRT_0007_Samantha
Samantha Orbach, PsyD

Training Director

Read More
CRT_0010_Abby
Abby Vlahos

Development Director

Read More
CRT_0012_Layer 0
Anne Wells, PhD

Research Director

Read More
Therapy Team
michelle
Michelle-Ann Rhoden-Neita PhD, LCSW

Clinical Operations Director

Read More
CRT_0008_Gauri-
Gauri Goswami, LCSW

Therapy Director and Child & Family Therapist

Read More
CRT_0001_Victoria
Tori Albarracin, LCPC

Child & Family Therapist

Read More
jlieta
M. Julieta Pontigo Asiain, MA

Bilingual Child and Family Therapist

Read More
Anne_0002_Sayde-
M Sayde Linette Barragan, MA

Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist

Read More
jessica_2
Jessica Chung, ATR, MA

Child & Family Therapist

Read More
noah
Noah Doppelt, LSW

Child & Family Therapist

Read More
owen
Owen Enoch, PsyD

Staff Clinician

Read More
CRT_0004_Corrine
Corinne Fleming, PsyD

Evaluation Director

Read More
Anne
Madeline Hermes, MSW

Child & Family Therapist

Read More
CRT_0000_John-
John Montgomery, MA

Child and Family Therapist

Read More
Anne_0005_Cheria
Cheria Randle, MA

Child & Family Therapist

Read More
Anne_0003_Maria Gabriela R
Maria Gabriela Rodriguez, MA

Bilingual Child & Family Therapist

Read More
Anne_0000_Venezah-
Venezah St. Louis, LCSW

Child & Family Therapist

Read More
Anne_0004_Jasmine
Jasmine Williams, LCPC
Child & Family Therapist, School Site Coordinator
Read More
Evaluation Team
CRT_0004_Corrine
Corinne Fleming, PsyD

Evaluation Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Read More
owen
Owen Enoch, MA

Staff Clinician

Read More
CRT Team Bios (5)
Lauren McNeela, PsyD

Staff Clinician to Evaluation Team  

Read More
CRT_0000_Tina-
Quynh Giao "Tina" Nguyen, MD

Pediatrician

Read More
Training Team
CRT_0007_Samantha
Samantha Orbach, PsyD

Training Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Read More
CRT_0001_Victoria
Tori Albarracin, LCPC

Child & Family Therapist

Read More
NewPhotos_0006_12
Wendy Kovacs, PhD, LMFT

Mental Health Consultant and Trainer

Read More
Research Team
CRT_0012_Layer 0
Anne Wells, PhD

Research Director - Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Read More
CRT_0009_Cassie
Cassandra Boyd, MSW

Assistant Director and Program Evaluator

Read More
CRT_0000_Lorenz-
Lorenz Cabe

Research & Program Evaluation Specialist

Read More
CRT Team Bios (1)
Gabriell Carpenter

Research & Program Evaluation Specialist

Read More
CRT Team Bios
Rosa Garcia
Research Assistant
read More
CRT_0001_Jaylin
Jaylin Hodge

Research & Program Evaluation Specialist

Read More
Camp SOAR
NewPhotos_0005_original-57231EC8-EA96-432B-9049-DC4BFB6B63F5
Nancy Keck, MD

Camp SOAR Director - Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician

Read More
NewPhotos_0000_original-885300A5-8D8B-4EB1-A3FA-431BBAFA61CD
Ingrid Thompson, RN

Co-founder of Camp Soar

Read More
NewPhotos_0001_Sari Reiger 2
Sari Rieger, MS, BCBA

Camp SOAR Administrative Director

Read More
NewPhotos_0004_Aleks Gotlund
Aleksandra Gotlund, MS, LPC

Camp SOAR Coordinator

Read More
CRT_0000_Tara
Tara Hanson, MEd

Camp SOAR Director of Training & Leadership 

Read More
CRT Team Bios (3)
Lindsay Nitardy

Accounting Administrator

Read More
NewPhotos_0003_Meghan O
Meghan O’Halloran, MS, BCBA

Camp SOAR Coordinator

Read More
Development Team
CRT_0010_Abby
Abby Vlahos

Development Director

Read More
CRT_0001_Desmond
Desmond Bailey, Jr.

Institutional Grants Manager

Read More
CRT Team Bios (2)
Darcy DeWolfe

Project Launch Communications

Read More
CRT_0000_Miriam-
Miriam Lichstein

Development Associate

Read More
CRT Team Bios (3)
Lindsay Nitardy

Accounting Administrator

Read More
  • info@cr-triangle.org
  • (312) 726-4011
  • (312) 726-4021
  • 70 E. Lake Street, Suite 1300
    Chicago, IL 60601
Donate
Donate
DONATE
  • 70 E. Lake Street, Suite 1300
    Chicago, IL 60601
  • info@cr-triangle.org
  • (312) 726-4011
  • (312) 726-4021
DONATE
Donate
Donate
Donate
  • 70 E. Lake Street, Suite 1300
    Chicago, IL 60601
  • info@cr-triangle.org
  • (312) 726-4011
  • (312) 726-4021
DONATE
  • © 2024 | Children’s Research Triangle
Leadership Team

Linda D. Schwartz, PhD

Chief Executive Officer Licensed Clinical Psychologist 

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.

Leadership Team

Cassandra Boyd, MSW

Assistant Director, Program Evaluator

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.
Leadership Team

Corinne Fleming, PsyD

Evaluation Director

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.

Leadership Team

Gauri Goswami, LCSW

Therapy Director, Bilingual Child & Family Therapist

Gauri Goswami is the Therapy Director 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.
Leadership Team

Robert Hinz

Controller

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.
Leadership Team

Michelle-Ann Rhoden-Neita, PhD, LCSW

Clinical Operations Director

Dr. Rhoden Neita has extensive practice experience working with children, youth, and families exposed to violence and involved in the child welfare system. She has managed state and federally funded research projects on trauma-informed care and strengths-based interventions to support helping professionals and youth exposed to violence. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national conferences. Prior to joining CRT, she taught in the graduate program at Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois Chicago. She holds several clinical credentials including Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. She earned her BS in Psychology at the University of the West Indies, Mona, MSW in Social Work at Barry University, and PhD. in Social Welfare at Florida International University.

Leadership Team

Samantha Orbach, PsyD

Evaluation Director

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.

Leadership Team

Abby Vlahos

Development Director

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.
Leadership Team

Anne Wells, PhD

Research Director

As a director and member of CRT’s leadership team, Dr. Wells has been the project evaluator on 13 federal grants. She has co-authored papers on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and screening for prenatal substance use. Prior to her work at CRT, she 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 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.

Therapy Team

Gauri Goswami, LCSW

Therapy Director and Child & Family Therapist

Gauri Goswami is the Therapy Director 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.

Therapy Team

Tori Albarracin, LCPC

Child & Family Therapist

With experience in forensic, private practice, and community mental health settings, Tori provides therapy services to children, adolescents, and their families, with a focus on those impacted by complex trauma. She has received specialized training in working with survivors of sexual abuse and sex trafficking, and has conducted psychological evaluations for youth presenting with social-emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns related to trauma. Tori believes that meaningful change occurs when individuals experience safety, attunement, and connection within the therapeutic relationship and in their broader caregiving systems. She is committed to providing a compassionate, collaborative space where clients can explore their experiences and move toward healing at their own pace. Tori is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Level 1 Theraplay, and Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) therapy. She completed a year-long immersion program through the Baffling Behavior Training Institute with Robyn Gobbel, focused on interpersonal neurobiology. Her clinical approach is rooted in relational, trauma-informed care and draws heavily from the principles of interpersonal neurobiology. Tori’s clinical interests include complex trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, family conflict, and relationship concerns. Tori received her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in clinical psychology from Wheaton College.

Therapy Team

M. Julieta Pontigo Asiain, MA

Bilingual Child and Family Therapist

One of CRT’s bilingual therapists (Spanish/English), Julieta’s clinical focus includes complex trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, and relationship challenges. She works with children, youth, and families, and has extensive experience in community-based clinics and private practice settings.  At the heart of her therapeutical approach is a commitment to fostering emotional awareness, infusing a sense of personal responsibility, encouraging proactive change, and nurturing self-esteem. Her therapeutic work reinforces core values while prioritizing self-love and acceptance.  Julieta believes in creating a safe and collaborative space where clients can navigate trauma and emotional struggles at their own pace with personalized strategies.  She received a BA in Psychology from Tec de Monterrey Mexico City Campus.  She holds an MA in Gestalt Psychotherapy from Universidad Gestalt, Mexico City, with training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. 
Therapy Team

M Sayde Linette Barragan, MA Sanchez

Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist

Sayde Barragan is a Certified Therapist by EMDR Mexico and hold a Master’s degree in Ericksonian Hypnosis Psychotherapy. She specializes in trauma therapy and has over 6 years of experience providing mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and families within healthcare, education, and the private sector. She takes immense pride in offering bilingual therapy services, allowing her to provide support and guidance in both Spanishand English. As a committed Mental Health Professional, Ms. Barragan’s mission is to be a pillar of support, foster self-care awareness, and guide the healing process for individuals who have endured traumatic experiences.

Therapy Team

Jessica Chung, ATR, MA

Child & Family Therapist, Art Therapist

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.

Therapy Team

Noah Doppelt, LSW

Child & Family Therapist

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.

Therapy Team

Owen Enoch, PsyD

Staff Clinician

Dr. Enoch is a postdoctoral fellow at CRT. He conducts psychological evaluations as well as provides therapy for children, adolescents, and families. He has experience in both evaluation and therapy in community mental health, school (private and therapeutic day), and group practice outpatient settings. His areas of clinical interest include trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, and behavioral challenges. Dr. Enoch values incorporating developmental, systemic, and trauma-informed lenses to guide his work with children and their support systems. He holds a BA in Psychology from Baylor University and earned an MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. He completed two practicum training years at CRT during his doctoral program and completed his doctoral internship at Connections Academy East.

Therapy Team

Corinne Fleming, 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.

Therapy Team

Madeline Hermes, MSW

Child and Family Therapist

Madeline is a licensed clinical social worker with years of experience supporting children and adolescents in school and community settings. She takes a trauma-informed, relational approach to therapy, incorporating play, movement, and creative expression to help children and families build resilience and strengthen connections. She is especially passionate about supporting youth navigating life transitions, identity development, and family systems impacted by trauma. In addition to her work with CRT, Madeline is a school social worker in the Chicago Public School system. She received a bachelor’s in social work from Texas Christian University and earned her master’s in social work from Columbia University.

Therapy Team

John Montgomery, MA

Child and Family Therapist

With experience in counseling and case management, John provides mental health counseling for children and families in both school and outpatient settings. Prior to joining CRT, John served as a mental health therapist at Hartgrove Hospital (inpatient and outpatient clinic), and as a case management team lead at Trilogy Behavioral Health, where he oversaw a team of case managers and provided services to adults with addiction and severe mental health issues.  John holds an MA in Counseling from Northwestern University and received his BA in Psychological and Brain Sciences from Dartmouth College.

Therapy Team

Cheria Randle, MA

Child & Family Therapist

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.

Therapy Team

Maria Gabriela Rodriguez, MA

Bilingual Child & Family Therapist

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.

Therapy Team

Venezah St. Louis, LCSW

Child & Family Therapist

Venezah St. Louis (she/her) is a child and family therapist that joined CRT in 2020. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and families through a relational, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach. Interactive play, games, music, creative writing, and food are just some of the many therapeutic tools that Venezah utilizes to support clients in processing their thoughts, emotions, and trauma. Venezah values each client’s right to self-determination and agency, and is a strong advocate of meeting clients where they are in their journey towards healing.

Venezah obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration with a focus on trauma-responsive social work from the University of Chicago in Chicago, IL (2020).

Therapy Team

Jasmine Williams, LCPC

Child & Family Therapist, School Site Coordinator

Jasmine is a member of the Therapy Team and serves as CRT’s School Site Coordinator. She acts as a liaison between our partner schools and the clinic, coordinating both established and new partnerships to ensure effective collaboration and service delivery. With a diverse clinical background that includes community mental health, child welfare, and integrated care, she has provided therapy to children and their foster or adoptive families, offered counseling within a school-based clinic, and supported adults with severe and persistent mental illness and dual diagnoses, through therapy and case management services. These experiences have given Jasmine a deep understanding of family systems, which informs her work with clients at CRT. Jasmine earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Child and Family Studies, from Northern Illinois University. She holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Loyola University Chicago.

Evaluation Team

Corinne Fleming, 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.

Evaluation Team

Owen Enoch, MA

Staff Clinician

Owen conducts psychological evaluations as well as provides therapy for children, adolescents, and families. He has experience in both evaluation and therapy in community mental health, school (private and therapeutic day), and group practice outpatient settings. Owen’s areas of clinical interest include trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, and behavioral challenges. He values incorporating developmental, systemic, and trauma-informed lenses to guide his work with children and their support systems.  Owen holds a BA in Psychology from Baylor University.  He earned an MA and is a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College.  He completed two practicum training years at CRT during his doctoral program and completed his doctoral internship at Connections Academy East.

Evaluation Team

Lauren McNeela, PhD

Staff Clinician

Dr. McNeela is a postdoctoral fellow at CRT. As a member of the Evaluation team, she conducts comprehensive psychological assessments to support differential diagnosis of trauma-related disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and anxiety or mood disorders. She also delivers evidence-based, trauma-informed psychotherapeutic interventions to children and their families. Her clinical and research interests center on child and adolescent mental health, trauma-informed care, and family systems. Dr. McNeela integrates evidence-based approaches, including TF-CBT and PCIT, and is committed to providing culturally responsive, collaborative care. She received postdoctoral training in Integrated Primary Care at Nemours Children’s Hospital. Dr. McNeela earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northern Illinois University and completed her predoctoral internship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she received specialized training in pediatric psychology, trauma, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Evaluation Team

Quynh Giao "Tina" Nguyen, MD

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.

Training Team

Samantha Orbach, 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.

Training Team

Tori Albarracin, LCPC

Child & Family Therapist

With experience in forensic, private practice, and community mental health settings, Tori provides therapy services to children, adolescents, and their families, with a focus on those impacted by complex trauma. She has received specialized training in working with survivors of sexual abuse and sex trafficking, and has conducted psychological evaluations for youth presenting with social-emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns related to trauma. Tori believes that meaningful change occurs when individuals experience safety, attunement, and connection within the therapeutic relationship and in their broader caregiving systems. She is committed to providing a compassionate, collaborative space where clients can explore their experiences and move toward healing at their own pace. Tori is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Level 1 Theraplay, and Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) therapy. She completed a year-long immersion program through the Baffling Behavior Training Institute with Robyn Gobbel, focused on interpersonal neurobiology. Her clinical approach is rooted in relational, trauma-informed care and draws heavily from the principles of interpersonal neurobiology. Tori’s clinical interests include complex trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, family conflict, and relationship concerns. Tori received her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in clinical psychology from Wheaton College.

Training Team

Wendy Kovacs, PhD, 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.

Research Team

Anne Wells, PhD

Research Director - Licensed Clinical Psychologist

As Research Director at CRT, Dr. Wells leads a team of experienced researchers as well as a robust internship program.  Anne has been the project evaluator on 13 federal grants and has co-authored papers on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and screening for prenatal substance use. Prior to her work at CRT, she 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 MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and completed her predoctoral internship at Children’s Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She received her BA in Behavioral Science from the University of Chicago.

Research Team

Cassandra Boyd, MSW

Assistant Director and Program Evaluator

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.

Research Team

Lorenz Cabe

Research & Program Evaluation Specialist

A former research intern, Lorenz returned to CRT to become a permanent member of the Research team.  He is responsible for managing data for all of CRT’s foundation grants, as well as the Youth Mental Health First Aid training grant.  With inside experience as a CRT intern, he now manages the Research Internship program.  Prior to joining CRT, Lorenz worked at ComPsych.  He holds BS in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Loyola University Chicago.

Research Team

Gabriell Carpenter

Research & 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.

Research Team

Rosa Garcia

Research Assistant

Rosa is responsible for tracking and maintaining data collection for the Early Childhood Mental Health Program. Prior to joining CRT, she worked to support program evaluation efforts in early-childhood programs, as well as research projects focused on early childhood. She has experience as a family engagement specialist and also served as a volunteer doula, providing services to vulnerable populations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a biology minor from Elmhurst University. She is currently a graduate student at DePaul in the MS in Community Psychology program, and serves as research assistant in two labs, supporting quantitative and qualitative research. In addition, she is working on a graduate certificate from DePaul in Trauma Psychology.

Research Team

Jaylin Hodge

Research & 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.

Camp SOAR

Nancy Keck, MD

Camp SOAR Director - Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician

Dr. Keck is a retired developmental-behavioral pediatrician who specialized in the assessment and treatment of developmental disorders, as well as behavioral difficulties in children. Dr. Keck was formerly the director of the Developmental Pediatric Clinics at Lutheran General Children’s Hospital and at St. Alexius 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 more than 80 campers each summer, assisted by more than 100 volunteers.

Camp SOAR

Ingrid Thompson, RN

Co-founder of Camp Soar

Ingrid Thompson is co-founder of Camp SOAR. She had been working with Dr. Nancy Keck as a Certified School Nurse since 2003 and recently retired. Many of her students were loyal Camp SOAR campers. Camp SOAR has been a part of Ingrid’s family for the past 25 years with her husband, sons, nieces, nephews and many of their friends volunteering at Camp SOAR over the years.

Camp SOAR

Sari Rieger, MS, BCBA

Camp SOAR Administrative Director

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.

Camp SOAR

Aleksandra Gotlund, MS, LPC

Camp SOAR Coordinator

Aleksandra began volunteering at Camp SOAR as a counselor when she was 15 years old. Her experiences 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 supporting 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!

Camp SOAR

Tara Hanson, MEd

Camp SOAR Director of Training & Leadership

Tara is a passionate leader with over two decades of experience at Camp SOAR. Starting as a cabin assistant and now a director, Tara’s journey reflects a deep commitment to ensuring campers have a safe and fun week at camp in addition to equipping young leaders with knowledge and skills and empowering them to shine. Driven by the profound impact of camp on both campers and counselors, Tara became a special educator. Tara continues to foster a spirit of inclusion and compassion, ensuring every camper at Camp SOAR experiences the magic of belonging and possibility.

Camp SOAR

Lindsay Nitardy

Accounting Administrator

Lindsay supports CRT as accounting administrator and has worked with CRT in various capacities since 2002.  In addition to serving as Camp SOAR coordinator, she also participates on CRT’s Development team. Lindsay is responsible for tracking spending for several grant funded projects, working with the controller to streamline and expedite CRT’s financial processes and overseeing accounts payable.  At Camp SOAR, Lindsay works with the team to ensure a smooth, enjoyable camp for all.  She holds an MS in Child Development, with an additional certification in infancy, from the Erickson Institute.  She received her BS in Psychology from Truman State University.

Camp SOAR

Meghan O’Halloran, MS, BCBA

Camp SOAR Coordinator

As Program Director, one of Meghan’s key roles at Camp SOAR is to ensure that campers and counselors form meaningful friendships and have fun during their time at camp. She helps foster new connections and promotes independence while maintaining a safe and nurturing environment. Meghan holds an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Based in Denver, she specializes in early intervention for young children with autism using the Early Start Denver Model.

Finance & Administration Team

Robert Hinz

Controller

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.

Finance & Administration Team

Jacquelyn Dela Cruz

Office Manager

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.

Finance & Administration Team

Elizabeth Espinoza

Billing Specialist

As a billing specialist supporting CRT’s Finance department, Elizabeth is responsible for managing the revenue cycle related to specific insurance programs, including submitting claims, checking eligibility and benefits, accounts payable, resolving billing issues, appeals and more. Elizabeth brings to CRT more than 10 years of experience in behavioral health billing processes.

Finance & Administration Team

Klaudia Goryl

Intake Coordinator

Supporting multiple clinical teams, Klaudia is responsible for receiving and coordinating therapy and evaluation referrals to CRT. Klaudia utilizes her compassion, empathy, and attention to detail to ensure the clinic runs smoothly. Prior to CRT, she worked as a Mental Health Professional at a residential home for youth in foster care.  Klaudia received her BA in Applied Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she conducted research within the psychology department and was actively involved in the honors college.

Finance & Administration Team

Lindsay Nitardy

Accounting Administrator

Lindsay supports CRT as accounting administrator and has worked with CRT in various capacities since 2002.  In addition to serving as Camp SOAR coordinator, she also participates on CRT’s Development team. Lindsay is responsible for tracking spending for several grant funded projects, working with the controller to streamline and expedite CRT’s financial processes and overseeing accounts payable.  At Camp SOAR, Lindsay works with the team to ensure a smooth, enjoyable camp for all.  She holds an MS in Child Development, with an additional certification in infancy, from the Erickson Institute.  She received her BS in Psychology from Truman State University.

Development Team

Abby Vlahos

Development Director

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.
Development Team

Desmond Bailey, Jr.

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.

Development Team

Darcy DeWolfe

Project Launch Communications

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.

Development Team

Miriam Lichstein

Development Associate

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.

Development Team

Lindsay Nitardy

Accounting Administrator

Lindsay supports CRT as accounting administrator and has worked with CRT in various capacities since 2002.  In addition to serving as Camp SOAR coordinator, she also participates on CRT’s Development team. Lindsay is responsible for tracking spending for several grant funded projects, working with the controller to streamline and expedite CRT’s financial processes and overseeing accounts payable.  At Camp SOAR, Lindsay works with the team to ensure a smooth, enjoyable camp for all.  She holds an MS in Child Development, with an additional certification in infancy, from the Erickson Institute.  She received her BS in Psychology from Truman State University.