Hello! I have been at Jefferson since 2014, and I am so excited to continue working with the amazing students here! I am looking forward to another amazing year!
I received my B.A. in Psychology (Summa Cum Laude) from Northeastern Illinois University, and my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago with a clinical concentration and a focus on school social work and trauma. Additionally, I have an Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. I also hold a Clinical Social Work license (LCSW), I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I have also completed a post-masters certificate program in School Mental Health Advanced Practice from Loyola University, and I have completed the Social Thinking (R) Clinical Training. For additional information on my education, training, and credentials, see the "my credentials" page.
I have extensive training in trauma-informed care. I have also studied family systems, psychodynamic approaches, play therapy, expressive therapy, polyvagal theory, and cognitive behavioral methods of therapy. I previously worked at a therapeutic school as a Behavior Specialist, then spent 10 years in sales before returning to school for Social Work. I worked in an adult inpatient behavioral health unit for over 5 years, conducting individual, group, and family therapy as well as mental health intake/admission assessments in the emergency department. I am a clinical supervisor, supervising social workers who are working towards their LCSW. I also provide teletherapy to teens and adults (part time, of course!).
My hobbies include reading, volunteering, mentoring, creating social work resources, attending musicals and concerts, writing, and DANCE! I grew up as a dancer, trained in contemporary and hip hop, and spent many years performing, coaching, and judging. I co-founded a state-wide non-profit organization that hosted dance competitions, and I trained dance judges for many years. I was a member and captain of the Chicago Luvabulls (cheerleaders for the NBA Chicago Bulls) from 1995-1999 and was fortunate enough to experience 3 NBA championships! Did you spot me in ESPN's "The Last Dance?" I was there! I was also a competitive baton twirler (winning many state and regional titles in individual events) and was a captain of the Silver Knights Baton Twirling Corps, winning 3 national championships in my time on the team.
I am a proud aunt to 6 nephews and 3 nieces, ranging in age from 5-29 years old; the youngest two are twins! My family (my 3 siblings and their children) is spread out in Florida, Wisconsin, and Illinois (Chicago). I visit my nieces and nephews every chance I get and love playing board games, going to the park, doing trivia, and reading books with them.
I am honored to be a part of the Jefferson family and can't wait to watch our students grow this year! Please feel free to contact me via email at ccusack@elmhurst205.org.
Warm Regards,
Miss Cusack
