Meet The Clinical Team

aboyd@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Boyd is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) that provides both individual and group vocational counseling/transition services. Ms. Boyd obtained her Master's Degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the Illinois Institute of Technology, where she is a current Ph.D. candidate. She began her training at New Connections Academy in 2014 and has been a Vocational Counselor for the schools since 2015. Ms. Boyd also has experience working in community mental health and residential settings. Her passion is in research and facilitation of evidence-based interventions for transition-aged students and adults.

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cburke@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Burke is an Art therapist and Counselor who is passionate about the inherent connection between art making and healing. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from New York University and her Masters Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from the  School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ms. Burke has worked in a variety of settings including community centers, art studios, and inpatient and outpatient hospital programs before joining the Connections Organization in 2022. Ms. Burke’s art therapy practice utilizes narrative, relational-cultural, and trauma-informed approaches to highlight the concept of “care” - in which the student, family, art therapist, and art itself are all caring components for and with oneself and others. Overall, Ms. Burke’s goal is to bring happiness, healing, and hope to individuals and families through the process of art making. On her off time, Ms. Burke enjoys cultivating her plant family of succulents, working in her at-home ceramics studio, and reading mystery novels!

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         scarlson@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr. Carlson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Marquette University with a minor in Social Welfare and Justice in 2005 and his Masters in Social Work from Dominican University in 2017.  Mr. Carlson has a passion for working with youth, teenagers, the elderly, couples, and families.  In his free time, Mr. Carlson enjoys playing sports such as basketball and golf.

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           jdunn@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr. Dunn is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has a drive to support and empower students and their families to reach their fullest potential. Mr. Dunn earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University in 2014 and his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University in 2018. Mr. Dunn has previously served on several professional boards in the field of counseling, including serving as the president of the Northern Illinois Counseling Association. Prior to joining Virtual Connections Academy in 2020, Mr. Dunn worked in a variety of settings, including other therapeutic day schools, intensive outpatient treatment facilities, and in private practice.

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cedwards@counselingconnections.net

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Dr. Edwards has her Psy.D. from Illinois School of Professional Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, who has worked in the field for over 30 years with children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health issues in various settings such as, inpatient hospitals, outpatient treatment centers and therapeutic day schools. Her areas of specialty include; neuropsychological evaluations for children and adolescents, individual and family therapy for clients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

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egrigoletti@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Dr. Grigoletti earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2019 and has a passion for working with students with diverse backgrounds and a variety of personal interests that can be integrated into the therapeutic process. Prior to joining the VCA team in 2020, she trained at New Connections Academy, where she gained extensive experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Grigoletti has a particular interest in working with and supporting individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, and helping the students feel supported and seen in their personal identities. In her free time, Dr. Grigoletti enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons and spending time with her three cats.

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ahalfmann@newconnectionsacademy.net

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Miss Halfman is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and a certified member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). She has practiced speech therapy in a variety of settings and is grateful to have been part of Virtual Connections Academy since its inception. She is proud to serve on a team that helps students enhance their communication skills in the educational, home, community and workplace environments.

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mirizarry@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Irizarry is a licensed Social Worker who has a passion for helping individuals. She earned her Masters degree in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University, with a focus on vulnerable populations and children and families. Ms. Irizarry has worked in a variety of settings, including another school setting, mental health facility for older adults and an inpatient hospital for young children and teens before joining VCA in 2023. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. Ms. Irizarry has a passion for knowledge and is constantly growing her skills for therapy. On her off time, she enjoys going on adventures with her daughter and spending time with family.

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rmerke@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

tperkins@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Perkins is a dedicated trauma therapist with a profound passion for working with children and adolescents. Ms. Perkins has worked in a variety of different settings, including residential facilities, donation centers and a domestic violence shelter, prior to joining VCA in 2022.  Ms. Perkins specializes in helping young clients navigate through and heal from traumatic experiences.  Ms. Perkins’s commitment to understanding the unique needs of her clients allows her to tailor interventions that promote resilience and foster emotional well-being. Driven by a deep compassion for her work, she is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

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trankins@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms Rankins is a licensed clinical therapist who specializes in trauma, grief and loss, and child/family studies. Ms Rankins has a deep respect for young people, and thoroughly enjoys the privilege of working with them. She obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees from Roosevelt University. Ms Rankins also obtained a certificate from Roosevelt in Child and Family studies. Her work experiences include: child, adolescent, and family therapy,  1:1 work with wards of the state in a residential treatment program, couples work, and she also developed and ran a pilot social emotional program at a grade school for youth at risk of academic failure. She has been working with children and families for over 20 years, and truly enjoys it.  In her spare time, Ms. Rankins enjoys spending time with her Dalmatian, Pongo. 

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lreome@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr. Reome is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Louisville. Mr. Reome loves the energy of working with children and adolescents and the unique challenges they bring to therapy. Mr. Reome has an ability to simultaneously find connection with them and keep them accountable as well. He has a love for knowledge and is constantly growing his skills for therapy. He is interesting to talk to with many life experiences from living/studying in India to competing in 140.6 mile swim/bike/run endurance races.

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tstengren@newconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Stengren is a Board-Certified Music Therapist who has a passion for supporting her students' growth through the creative outlet that is music. Ms. Stengren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Psychology from Carthage College and a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy from Illinois State University. Prior to joining the Connections Organization in 2022, Ms. Stengren has previously worked in a variety of therapeutic settings including other therapeutic day schools, assisted living facilities, and group homes. Ms. Stengren is committed to providing her students with a creative and safe outlet to express themselves and build their self-esteem through instrument play, song/lyrics analysis, and all things music. On her off time, Ms. Stengren enjoys baking and spending time with her dog.

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