Matt Buckman, Executive Director
Dr. Matt Buckman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Executive Director of the Stress & Trauma Treatment Center. He also serves in various part-time leadership and consultative roles for regional and statewide initiatives.
Dr. Buckman is the Principal Investigator of the Southern Illinois Resiliency Project. Co-Principal Investigator of the IL HEALS (Helping Everyone Access Linked Systems) Demonstration Site Project and Early Childhood System of Care Project under Egyptian Health Department, the Bullying Prevention/Trauma Responsive Schools initiative and the Trauma Based Behavioral Health Fellowship at SIU’s School of Medicine. He also serves as the Southern Illinois Managing Program Partner for Lurie Children’s Hospital’s statewide Resilience Education to Advance Community Healing (REACH) initiative.
Throughout his roles, Dr. Buckman provides supervision, consultation, and training as well as direct services to help improve a variety of emotional and behavioral health issues. He has worked in various schools, medical, and clinical settings with a specialization in childhood trauma and certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Managing & Adapting Practices, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, and Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. He has extensive experience working with victims of abuse and their families as they recover and heal from significant adversities. He considers his work in this area to be his calling in life.
Professional & Contractual Affiliations:
- Stress & Trauma Treatment Center, Inc
- ComWell
- Eldorado School District
- Egyptian Public & Mental Health Department
- Practicewise, LLC
- Lurie Children’s Hospital Center for Childhood Resilience
- SIU Center for Rural Health & Social Services
- SIU School of Medicine
- Unity Point School District
- UIC Provider Assistance & Training Hub (PATH)
- University of North Texas
Leadership team
Kasey Buckman, BS Coordinator & Office Manager
Kasey Buckman, BS Coordinator & Office Manager
Kasey Buckman, BS Coordinator & Office Manager
Kasey Buckman is the office manager at The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center. Kasey has a bachelor's degree in business management and has spent most of her career working in the public and serving our community in different ways. Kasey has lived in Saline County her entire life and enjoys working here where she grew up. Kasey enjoys sp
Kasey Buckman is the office manager at The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center. Kasey has a bachelor's degree in business management and has spent most of her career working in the public and serving our community in different ways. Kasey has lived in Saline County her entire life and enjoys working here where she grew up. Kasey enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is always willing to help others in any way possible.
Rhiana Draper, LCSW Clinical Director
Kasey Buckman, BS Coordinator & Office Manager
Kasey Buckman, BS Coordinator & Office Manager
Rhiana Draper is the Clinical Director at The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center. She recalls fond memories of growing up in Southern Illinois. She was born in Saline County, and experienced her childhood in Williamson and her teenage years in Union. She obtained both her Bachelors and Masters degrees at Southern Illinois University Carbo
Rhiana Draper is the Clinical Director at The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center. She recalls fond memories of growing up in Southern Illinois. She was born in Saline County, and experienced her childhood in Williamson and her teenage years in Union. She obtained both her Bachelors and Masters degrees at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She currently resides in Southern Illinois with her husband and two children. Rhiana has 11 years of experience with managed care; care coordination, patient assessments, and patient education; 6 years coupled with Management and Clinical Supervision experience. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). She is trained in Trauma-Informed Care, Wrap Around Services, Fitness Restoration, Criminogenic Needs, TF-CBT (trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Transgender care via WPATH. She is a certified Trauma-Focused Mental Health Law Enforcement Instructor. Rhiana expresses her gratitude for being given this unique opportunity to be a part of a team at The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center and to assist in facilitating healing for the betterment of all.
Aleza Sitarz, M.Ed., Director of Resilience Education
Maranda Pedigo, BSW, Carbondale Family Center Coordinator
Maranda Pedigo, BSW, Carbondale Family Center Coordinator
Aleza Sitarz (she/her) is the Director for Resilience Education. She grew up in Southern Illinois and has recently returned home to be closer to her family. Aleza has worked with school systems in Illinois and Texas for the last 15 years as a teacher, a school counselor, a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum Writer, and an SEL
Aleza Sitarz (she/her) is the Director for Resilience Education. She grew up in Southern Illinois and has recently returned home to be closer to her family. Aleza has worked with school systems in Illinois and Texas for the last 15 years as a teacher, a school counselor, a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum Writer, and an SEL Specialist. Aleza is thrilled to be working with this team to support resilient youth, families, and communities in Southern Illinois.
Maranda Pedigo, BSW, Carbondale Family Center Coordinator
Maranda Pedigo, BSW, Carbondale Family Center Coordinator
Maranda Pedigo, BSW, Carbondale Family Center Coordinator
Maranda received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Greenville University. She is currently attending Case Western Reserve University to obtain her Master’s degree in Social Work. Maranda has a varied background offering support services to parents, early childhood children , and adolescents facing many different and adverse circu
Maranda received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Greenville University. She is currently attending Case Western Reserve University to obtain her Master’s degree in Social Work. Maranda has a varied background offering support services to parents, early childhood children , and adolescents facing many different and adverse circumstances. Maranda will be providing therapeutic child care services and therapy services.
Clinical support
Tia Arthur, Clinical Support Coordinator
Miki Klus, Compliance Coordinator & Accountant
Miki Klus, Compliance Coordinator & Accountant
Tia received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale (SIU-C) in 2016. She is currently working towards her MSW from SIU-C. Tia is passionate about advocacy, community outreach, and research. Upon receiving her MSW, Tia would like to pursue licensure as an LCSW. Outside of work and class, Tia can be found spending time with family.
Miki Klus, Compliance Coordinator & Accountant
Miki Klus, Compliance Coordinator & Accountant
Miki Klus, Compliance Coordinator & Accountant
Bio coming
Menthia Jackson, Administrative Assistant
Miki Klus, Compliance Coordinator & Accountant
Menthia Jackson, Administrative Assistant
Bio coming
Full-Time Mental Health Providers
Amy Coan, BS
Flor Eldridge, MSW
Flor Eldridge, MSW
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 So
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
Flor Eldridge, MSW
Flor Eldridge, MSW
Flor Eldridge, MSW
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
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.
Kaci Peek, LCSW
Flor Eldridge, MSW
Kelsey Atteberry, MS
Kaci Peek is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Trauma Therapist at the Stress & Trauma Treatment Center. She received her BSW at Murray State University and then went on to obtain her MSW at Southern Illinois University. She participated in The Trauma Based Behavioral Fellowship at SIU when she was completing her master’s degree. Th
Kaci Peek is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Trauma Therapist at the Stress & Trauma Treatment Center. She received her BSW at Murray State University and then went on to obtain her MSW at Southern Illinois University. She participated in The Trauma Based Behavioral Fellowship at SIU when she was completing her master’s degree. This experience contributed to her passion for learning and treating youth and families who’ve experienced adversity. Kaci also has a background in child welfare as well as school and community based mental health counseling. She has received training in many different evidence-based practices including EMDR, TF-CBT, and MAP practices. Kaci’s therapeutic approach is strength-based and believes everyone can create change in their lives through self-determination and resilience.
Kelsey Atteberry, MS
Tesla Travelstead, BSW
Kelsey Atteberry, MS
Kelsey received her Bachelor's degree in psychology from Illinois State University, where she stayed to pursue her doctoral degree in School Psychology. She is currently working to complete her doctoral internship at Egyptian Health Department and WOVSED. Throughout her training, Kelsey has provided services to children, adolescents, a
Kelsey received her Bachelor's degree in psychology from Illinois State University, where she stayed to pursue her doctoral degree in School Psychology. She is currently working to complete her doctoral internship at Egyptian Health Department and WOVSED. Throughout her training, Kelsey has provided services to children, adolescents, and families in the school and clinical settings. She has worked with clients with a variety of presenting emotional, behavioral, academic, and cognitive concerns. Kelsey worked as a graduate assistant at The Autism Place (TAP), where she provided both individual ABA and group-based social skills services to children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Additionally, Kelsey has experience in providing comprehensive evaluations for children and adolescents with suspected emotional, behavioral, academic, and cognitive concerns. Kelsey has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Early Intervention, family therapy, and a variety of cognitive, academic, and social-emotional assessments. She aims to use this training to provide direct intervention as well as evaluative services to children and adolescents and their families. She uses a strengths-based and client-focused approach to help clients meet their full potential.
Octavia Swango, MSW
Tesla Travelstead, BSW
Tesla Travelstead, BSW
Role: Octavia participates in the Resiliency Project providing clinical services and casework. Octavia's clinical focus is to empower and encourage perseverance through empathy, support, and guidance. Octavia uses EMDR, TFCBT, and MAP as methods of treatment within clinical sessions.
Education: Octavia graduated SIUC with her Master's deg
Role: Octavia participates in the Resiliency Project providing clinical services and casework. Octavia's clinical focus is to empower and encourage perseverance through empathy, support, and guidance. Octavia uses EMDR, TFCBT, and MAP as methods of treatment within clinical sessions.
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.
Tesla Travelstead, BSW
Tesla Travelstead, BSW
Tesla Travelstead, BSW
Tesla received her BSW in 2021 from SIU-C. Tesla is currently working towards receiving her MSW with a focus on mental health from SIU-C. 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 popula
Tesla received her BSW in 2021 from SIU-C. Tesla is currently working towards receiving her MSW with a focus on mental health from SIU-C. 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.
PRE-DOCTORAL PSYCHOLOGY Fellows
Sibyl Cornell, MS
Tali Kasser, PhD, NCSP
Tali Kasser, PhD, NCSP
Sibyl is a Ph.D candidate in School Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado. Her background includes providing comprehensive assessment and individual counseling services in school districts and clinical settings, for a wide variety of presenting concerns. She has worked in multiple community mental health centers, first as a B
Sibyl is a Ph.D candidate in School Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado. Her background includes providing comprehensive assessment and individual counseling services in school districts and clinical settings, for a wide variety of presenting concerns. She has worked in multiple community mental health centers, first as a Behavior Coach, helping children and families to recognize their resilience and gain skills to succeed. She also worked in a mental health crisis center, supporting individuals and families in their efforts overcome significant life challenges and have immediate support during acute mental health crises. Outside of clinical practice, she is completing her dissertation research on how refugee students in the United States view the available academic and social support systems for their journey to higher education
Tali Kasser, PhD, NCSP
Tali Kasser, PhD, NCSP
Tali Kasser, PhD, NCSP
Tali Kasser (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Fellow and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She received her PhD in School Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. Tali has worked as a School Psychologist for the past five years. In this role, she has designed and provided individualized supports and services for students
Tali Kasser (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Fellow and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She received her PhD in School Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. Tali has worked as a School Psychologist for the past five years. In this role, she has designed and provided individualized supports and services for students, families, and school staff with the goal of fostering social/emotional, behavioral, and academic growth. She believes that by finding ways to celebrate and support the unique needs of individuals, everyone can grow and thrive. Tali is dedicated to creating a safe space within the community for all people.
Out-of-school time programming Providers
Shawn Livers
Kyle Harbison
Kyle Harbison
Shawn has worked in maintenance for over a decade. Shawn provides vocational training and supports to youth interested in learning or participating in an out of school work program.
Kyle Harbison
Kyle Harbison
Kyle Harbison
Kyle works with the Fortress Community in Harrisburg, IL to provide a place where individuals and families can feel special, valued, safe, and most of all, loved.
masters level interns
Rachel Stone, BSW
Rachel has lived most of her life in Eldorado, Illinois. She received her Bachelor’s in social work from Aurora University online and is currently working on her Master’s in social work. She has worked in human services for four years in various capacities and will be interning with the Redeploy program. Rachel has a passion for working with and advocating for youth and families who are often underserved within the community. She looks forward to the many opportunities and learning experiences that interning with the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center is sure to bring!
consultants
Dhru Mukherjee, Ph.D., LCSW-S Clinical Supervisor
Dhru Mukherjee, Ph.D., LCSW-S Clinical Supervisor
Dhru Mukherjee, Ph.D., LCSW-S Clinical Supervisor
Dhru Mukherjee, Associate Professor and licensed clinical social worker/supervisor (LCSW-S), is recognized for his expertise in preparing mental health workforces to be trauma-informed, with a focus on those serving children, adolescents, and transitional youth. With support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHS
Dhru Mukherjee, Associate Professor and licensed clinical social worker/supervisor (LCSW-S), is recognized for his expertise in preparing mental health workforces to be trauma-informed, with a focus on those serving children, adolescents, and transitional youth. With support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and other federal funders and private foundations has developed and evaluated multiple trauma-informed training programs targeted at developing clinical skills for rural mental health professionals. In 2014, he founded the Trauma-Based Behavioral Health Fellowship. He has served on the Council of Social Work Education’s National Task Force where he developed a specialized curricular guide for trauma-informed social work practice, and he currently serves on the board of the Stress and Trauma Center.
Dr. Dhru serves children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups with challenges in a variety of areas such as addiction and substance use issues, non-suicidal self-harm behavior, psychological trauma, military/veteran issues, financial stress, teen and adolescent identity/peer pressure issues, and relationship stress . He uses a blend of Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Exposure-Based approaches with his clients, and he is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, and Management and Adaptive Practices (MAP).
Dr. Dhru teaches in the Joint Master of Social Work (JMSW) program at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) and University of North Texas (UNT), as well as in the trauma certificate program at UNT. He holds a visiting position at the Center for Rural Health and Social Development (CRHSD) at Southern Illinois University’s School of Medicine. Dr. Dhru has over 15 years of teaching experience and has published research in numerous peer-reviewed journals.
Megan Ragan, LSW
Dhru Mukherjee, Ph.D., LCSW-S Clinical Supervisor
Dhru Mukherjee, Ph.D., LCSW-S Clinical Supervisor
Megan is a Licensed Social Worker and trauma therapist with over 11 years of experience in Southern Illinois child-serving systems. Megan has worked in a variety of capacities, including school services, child welfare, therapy services, domestic violence advocacy, and grant services. Since graduating with her MSW in August 2021, Megan has
Megan is a Licensed Social Worker and trauma therapist with over 11 years of experience in Southern Illinois child-serving systems. Megan has worked in a variety of capacities, including school services, child welfare, therapy services, domestic violence advocacy, and grant services. Since graduating with her MSW in August 2021, Megan has worked primarily in the grant sector, supervising a SAMHSA childhood trauma grant and most recently, doing grant evaluation and sustainability planning for HRSA’s Rural County Opioid Response Program initiative. Megan is an avid believer in evidence-based practices and is trained in multiple trauma-focused modalities including TF-CBT, EMDR, and PCIT. Additionally, Megan is a passionate presenter and trainer on subjects related to childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences, secondary traumatic stress, and workplace resiliency. When Megan is not social working, she can usually be found spending time with her family which includes her husband, three wonderful children, and two fur babies. Megan is a lifelong Southern Illinois resident and she is passionate about increasing services, support and resources for those in her community.
Part-Time Clinical Providers
Karla Blake, MSW
Karla has her bachelor’s degree in social work and currently working on her master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Throughout her 23-year career Karla has worked with teens in a residential setting, assisting with life skills training, trauma, and behavioral challenges. She became a licensed foster parent and fostered children for nearly 11 years leading to adoption. She has experience working with foster/adoptive parents and children in the foster care system or who have been adopted. Karla has experience working with young children through Early Intervention for 12 years, focusing on children with Autism, and received certification in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). She has experience working with children with feeding challenges and received training and certification in the Save Our Ship (SOS) feeding Approach. Karla has experience working with children, as well as the families of children, who have experienced trauma, sensory challenges, and a variety of developmental delays.
Since coming to the Stress and Trauma Therapy Center Karla has taken part and is working with MAP, TF-CBT, and PCIT therapy. Karla has a passion for children who have experienced trauma, and enjoys working with children, families, and adults.