Hello! I'm Dana.
Hi, I’m Dana! I am one of ROAN’s MSW/Clinical Interns. I started my internship at ROAN in May 2023. Before enrolling in the Master of Social Work program at Aurora University, I earned my Bachelor of Psychology from Roosevelt University. My bachelor’s degree specializes in Forensic Psychology and my MSW will be specialized in Forensic Social Work. In the future, I’m looking forward to working in police social work or victim advocacy. ROAN allows me to see a different side of the Court system than I’m used to.
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My favorite part of being at ROAN is having the opportunity to do clinical therapy. I also enjoy being able to provide support to the team. I've noticed that situations are often not black and white and there are often many layers to each family and situation that brought them to ROAN. I think this is how most situations are, so I think I've been able to see how each person or family that walks through the door has layers that affect the whole. I love connecting with my clients, finding joy in their lives with them, and finding out what skills support them the most through their struggles.
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I think one of the most important things in helping relationships are boundaries. Setting boundaries with clients is so important because it allows the client to trust you and know that they will be safe while speaking with you because they know you will not cross that boundary. I believe in kindness, autonomy, respect, communication, and empathy. I think I can be both kind and empathic while also setting boundaries and enforcing rules effectively, which works well when helping clients increase their internal motivation to support their lives. My goal is to always help my clients feel safe when speaking with me and that they know I understand their goals and efforts to improve their situation by taking a non-judgmental, but supportive approach. My goal is to always help my clients feel safe when speaking with me and that they know I understand their goals and efforts to improve their situation by taking a non-judgmental, but supportive approach.
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I think it's important to always strive for the best possible scenario. When we work towards what is going to better us in the future, we are working to better ourselves and complete our life. In treatment, I always encourage my clients to find out what they value the most and use that as a goal for the work they are doing. People will not change just because of what I am doing to help them. I can increase their motivation to change and support them, but the change itself must come from the individual.
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Fun Facts: I am a daughter, sister, and partner. My boyfriend and I have three plants at our house. Our most recent addition is a Snake Plant named Jorge. One goal of mine is to go hiking in every national park. Chicago is my favorite city, but Minnesota is my favorite state. In my free time, I enjoy going hiking; doing yoga; exercising; reading; going to coffee shops in different cities; and spending time with friends and family.
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Email: dana@roanfamilysolutions.com
Phone: (815) 522-1719 ext. 118
