Learn about our contributing experts and organizational partners.
To arrange an interview with one of our subject matter experts for a news article or blog post, please contact Mark Schmeltzer, Director of Communications at marsch@mercyhome.org or by calling (312) 738-4389.
Therapeutic Supervisor
Cynthia is the Therapeutic Supervisor at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. She has a Master's in Social Work from Loyola University. She worked as a youth care worker for three years and now helps Community Care members obtain therapeutic supports.
Director of Crisis and Ongoing Therapeutic Supports
Tilisha Harrison, LCSW is currently the Director of Crisis and Ongoing Therapeutic Supports at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. She has dedicated her career to working with youth and families in crisis from a trauma informed lens.
Registered Nurse
Associate Vice President - Planning & Evaluation
Data Analysis and Evaluation, Program Evaluation, Strategic Planning
Patrick is currently the Director of Planning Evaluation at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. He has a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame and an MSW from The University of Illinois at Chicago.
Education Resources Coordinator - Cooke Home
Behavioral Management and Support, Education Advocacy, Trauma-Informed Care
Maria is currently the Education Resources Coordinator for Cooke Home at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. She began her Mercy Home journey as a youth care worker and is now helping those same young men in her new role, supporting them in their academics.
Education Resources Coordinator - Mahoney Home
Behavioral Management and Support, Education Inequality, Education Resources
Nathaniel is currently the Education Resources Coordinator for Mahoney Home at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. He has a bachelor's degree from DePaul University and has a passion for helping implement supportive intervention systems for youth.
Education Resources Coordinator - Daley Home
Education Advocacy, Executive Functioning, Teaching
Morgan is currently the Education Resources Coordinator for Daley Home at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. She has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Miami University of Ohio & has classroom experience with the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Clinical Director
Clinical Supervision of Individual and Family Therapy, Crisis Management, Individual Treatment Planning, Wraparound Facilitation for High-Risk Youth
Alban is currently the Clinical Director for Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. He has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from DePaul University and has experience working with youth who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Director of Education and Career Resources
Elizabeth is currently the Director of Education and Career Resources at the Walsh Girls Campus. She has a master's degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and is a licensed clinical social worker.
Manager of Training
Mercy Model of Care, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, Staff Communication, Workplace Creativity, Youth Communication
Jasmen is currently the Manager of Training at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. She has a master's degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Saint Xavier University and has experience working with both youth and adults.
Therapist
Katie Cunningham is a mental health counselor. She has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University and is focused on spreading education and awareness on important mental health topics.
Director of MercyWorks and Spiritual Development
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Group Facilitation, Team Building and Development, Trauma-Informed Retreats, Trauma-Informed Spiritual Practices
Marc is the Director of MercyWorks and Spiritual Development at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. He has a Master of Fine Arts from Emerson College and has worked with college students, incarcerated individuals, and the homeless population.
Vice President of Education and Career Resources
Education Advocacy, Program Evaluation, Special Education, Staff Development
Liz is the Vice President of Education and Career Resources at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. She has a bachelor's degree in Family Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has been working in education & social work since 2012.
Director of Learning and Development
ARC Framework, Child & Adolescent Neurodevelopment, Competency-Based Residential Care, Crisis Intervention, Trauma-Responsive Practice
Jeremy is the Director of Learning and Development at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. He has a master's in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois.
Organization
Mercy Home is a COA-accredited and licensed residential treatment facility. With a 130-year history, Mercy Home has helped children experiencing trauma, abuse, homelessness, and neglect.
Educator
Adversity, Education, Schools in Chicago, Teaching, Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools
Andrea has a master's degree in Education from Northwestern University and experience working with teachers & students.
Director - Education Resources
Diversity Relations, Education Advocacy, Education Resources, Strengths-Based Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care
Brittany is the Director of Education Resources at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. She has a master's degree in social work from Governors State University and has over eight years of experience in a therapeutic residential setting.
Director - Communications
Fundraising Communications, Media Relations, Strategic Messaging
Mark is the Director of Communications at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. He studied history at Eastern Illinois University and has been developing and managing messaging and outreach activities for Mercy Home for 15 years.
Vice President, Organizational Development and Clinical Operations
Adolescent Therapy, ARC Framework, Trauma-Informed Care, Vicarious Trauma
Emily is the Vice President of Organizational Development and Clinical Operations at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. She has a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago & has focused her work on trauma-informed interventions.