Catch us at our best!

 Amy Coan is originally from West Frankfort, Illinois. She graduated from Frankfort High School in 1998 and attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Illinois. She studied Social Work and worked with the America Reads and AmeriCorps program throughout her college career. She graduated in 2008 with a Bachelors of Science in Social Work and started working with the SASS Program at the Community Counseling Center in Alton, Illinois. She also worked with One Hope United as a Functional Family Therapist (FFT) and Children's Home and Aid Society before returning to the area and working with Lutheran Social Services in Mt. Vernon. She obtained a Child Welfare License through the State of Illinois and continued her work at Centerstone and the Nights Shield in West Frankfort. Amy currently works as a Wraparound Facilitator at the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center in Eldorado and utilized the skills she has acquired to help children and adolescents in the community in need of services 

 Annie Ramirez received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale (SIU-C) in 2023 and her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from SIU-C in May 2024. During her time at SIU-C, Annie participated in the Trauma Fellowship and School-Based Mental Health Fellowship, gaining valuable experience and insights into trauma-informed care and mental health support in educational settings. Her academic focus was on Children, Youth, and Families.Annie has worked extensively with domestic violence survivors and their families. She believes that everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life's difficulties. Passionate about advocating for at-risk youth and the LGBTQ community, Annie aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals.Dedicated to supporting and empowering youth, Annie focuses on serving families in the community and promoting mental health and well-being. She is committed to advocacy and community outreach, working tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves. Upon receiving her MSW, Annie plans to pursue licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to further her ability to provide comprehensive care.Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children, listening to music, cooking, and traveling. 

Becky is a school-based therapist who received her Bachelor's in Social Work from Aurora University. She is currently in the Advanced Standing MSW program and Trauma-Based Behavioral Health Fellowship at SIU. Becky has been a licensed foster parent since 2019 and has years of experience helping children. When Becky isn't helping others, she enjoys camping, riding horses, and spending time with her husband and children. 

 Flor received her bachelor and master’s degrees in Social Work, specializing in Mental Health, with a minor in Psychology from Southern Illinois University. Flor has extensive experience and training working with children and other populations throughout her career. Before pursuing her education, Flor and her family were self-supporting missionaries in the Philippines. She is a partner of a local church there to this day. The decision to become a social worker stemmed largely from personal and her experience as a missionary. Flor is compassionate and empathetic. She takes delight in empowering others. Flor strives to impart hope because she believes that hope is alive and that no matter what, there is always hope available to all. 

Gayla received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, with her academic focus being Health and Mental Health. During her master’s program, she also completed the Trauma-Based Behavioral Health Fellowship through the SIU-C School of Medicine. Gayla provides trauma-informed therapy and counseling to individuals both in school and clinical settings. Gayla uses several evidence-based treatments in her practice including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Outside of work, Gayla is involved in her family’s ministry which provides support and housing in India for children and widows who have been orphaned, abandoned or exploited. In her free time, Gayla enjoys reading, theater, traveling and spending time with her family. 

Jasmine Berry (she/her) is from Southern Illinois. Jasmine received her Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree in May of 2023 & Master’s Degree in Social Work in May of 2024. During graduate school at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale she completed a Trauma Based Behavioral Health Fellowship through SIU School of Medicine. Jasmine also completed a School-Based Mental Health Fellowship. Jasmine has experience working with domestic violence survivors and their families. At the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center she will be providing School-Based Mental Health Services as a School-Based Mental Health Clinician to provide support to youth and their families. 

Jessica Tepe is a School Based Mental Health Clinician. Jessica has a Masters Degree in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology from Northcentral University and 15 years of experience in working with children and families. Jessica is passionate about working with children and families and assisting them in their ability to be happy, healthy and successful. Jessica believes that all children and families deserve to feel supported through this journey called life. 

Katie is a dedicated counselor with a Bachelor of Science degree and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. She brings a compassionate, curious, inclusive, and enthusiastic approach to her practice. With a professional background that includes experience working with children in foster care, Katie focused on identifying and strengthening family supports while providing mental health treatment planning and interventions in a residential setting. Katie is committed to supporting individuals and families as they navigate challenges, offering a safe and nurturing space for growth and healing.

Leah Hooper has a Masters in School Counseling from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.  She earned her degree after working with youth for 16 years in a community setting.  Leah has worked for 12 years at the middle school level and 2 years at the high school level as a school counselor.  Leah is passionate about helping youth be successful academically, socially, and emotionally through developing skills and self-understanding.  She approaches her clinical work with a trauma-informed focus and is excited to join the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center to be a part of supporting youth through school-based counseling.  Leah enjoys spending time with her family and finds great joy in her hobby of photography.

Role: Octavia is a Trauma Informed-School Based Mental Professional. She enjoys working with children and helping them cope with stressful life experiences. Octavia strives to understand individual and family needs in regards to stressors and experiences which influence functioning, reactions, emotions, and behavior. Octavia's clinical focus is to empower and encourage perseverance through empathy, support, and guidance. Guidance is value focused and centered around trauma-informed interventions such as EMDR, TFCBT, and MAP.

Education: Octavia graduated SIUC with her Master's degree in Social Work. Octavia participated in the Trauma Based Behavioral Health Fellowship through the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. 

Trainings: EMDR, TFCBT, and MAP

  Morgan Colbert is a School-Based Mental Health Clinician at The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center. Morgan received her Bachelor of Social Work in 2021 from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and her Master of Social Work in 2023 from University of Southern Indiana. Morgan strives to create a safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Morgan provides guidance and connects individuals to essential resources. Morgan’s goal is to help others build resilience, achieve stability, and lead fulfilling lives.    Education: Octavia graduated SIUC with her Master's degree in Social Work. Octavia participated in the Trauma Based Behavioral Health Fellowship through the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. 

Trainings: EMDR, TFCBT, and MAP

Rachel Haug is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Bachelor and Master's degrees in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana. Rachel spent the first part of her Social Work career in Evansville serving individuals in crisis in a hospital setting. Rachel then transitioned into a position working with youth and their families in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation as a School Social Worker with Youth First, Inc. Rachel is from Southern Illinois and has returned to work for the Stress & Trauma Treatment Center with a passion to serve and empower youth in Carmi, the community in which she grew up in.  

  Rachel is a licensed social worker who earned her master’s degree from Aurora University. Throughout her career as a social worker, Rachel has gained experience in child welfare and resource connection. She is now taking on a clinical role as a trauma-informed school-based mental health practitioner. She is excited to be working with youth and to be serving the community in which she grew up. Rachel’s favorite pastime is hanging out with her family and watching animated movies, preferably musicals!  

Sayler Tasky is a School-Based Mental Health Clinician at The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center. Sayler received her Bachelor of Social Work in 2023 and her Master of Social Work in 2024 both from Southern Illinois University- Carbondale. Sayler has experience working with children to overcome adversities that they have experienced throughout their lives. Sayler is a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and is passionate about being able to provide support to children in the community in which she grew up. 

  Sibyl received her Ph.D in School Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. Her background includes providing comprehensive assessment, consultation, and individual/group counseling services in school districts and clinical settings. She currently works as a full time therapist in an alternative school setting, providing mental health support & consultation. Within this position, she is actively working with a hard-working team to increase the positive behavioral interventions and supports in the region.   

 Taylor attended Southeast Missouri State University and earned a BS degree, majoring in family studies. Taylor went on to obtain her MSW from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is certified in several evidence-based treatments, including Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Child Parent Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Managing and Adapting Practices. Additionally, Taylor is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Taylor enjoys spending time outdoors and reading in her free time.  

  Tesla received her BSW in 2021 from SIU-C. Tesla received her MSW with a focus on mental health from SIU-C in 2022. Tesla's role at the center involves providing therapeutic child care services to children and their families who are affected by adverse experiences. Tesla is passionate about working with this population and feels empowered from witnessing their resilience and positive outlook despite unwarranted circumstances. Tesla also plans to stay with the STTC after receiving her Master's degree and wishes to pursue a clinical position within the Center.

Tiera received her M.S. in Counseling and Rehabilitation Education with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at SIUC. In 2021, Tiera graduated with her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is passionate about working with at-risk youth. She will use her voice, resources, and dedication to advocate for our youth while also creating a safe space for them to advocate for themselves and others. Tiera believes in the power of connection and hopes to use her experiences, education, and heart to empower our youth and community. In Tiera’s free time, you can find her hosting game nights with family and friends, shopping, or enjoying the outdoors with her cat and a good book or TV show. Tiera looks forward to growing professionally and personally and is excited to connect with people through the SATTC.