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. He is a Co-Principal Investigator of the US Department of Education funded School Based Mental Health Services and Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grant implemented statewide through the Illinois State Board of Education. He also serves as the Clinical Director of the Trauma Based Behavioral Health Fellowship at SIU’s School of Medicine, as the Evaluator for two SAMHSA funded projects at ComWell, and 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
- Southern Illinois Coalition for Children & Families
- 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
Aleza Berube, MEd, Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services
Aleza Berube, MEd, Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services
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.
Aleza Berube, MEd, Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services
Aleza Berube, MEd, Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services
Aleza Berube, MEd, Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services
Aleza Berube (she/her) is the Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services. 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 Writ
Aleza Berube (she/her) is the Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services. 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 supporting resilient youth, families, and communities in Southern Illinois.
Maranda Pedigo, BSW, Carbondale Family Center Coordinator
Aleza Berube, MEd, Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services
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, LSW, 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 has received 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.
Katherine Mays, MA
Flor Eldridge, MSW
Katherine Mays, MA
Katherine received her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Missouri Baptist University with an emphasis in School Counseling. She has served in secondary public education for almost two decades as a teacher and enjoys working with youth in an effort to improve their overall wellbeing by providing personalized services. She
Katherine received her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Missouri Baptist University with an emphasis in School Counseling. She has served in secondary public education for almost two decades as a teacher and enjoys working with youth in an effort to improve their overall wellbeing by providing personalized services. She believes that quality mental health services are integral to creating an environment of success for the individual and that these people in turn become the core of strong and supportive communities for the betterment of all.
Kenya Crouch, MSW
Octavia Swango, LSW
Katherine Mays, MA
Bio coming
Octavia Swango, LSW
Octavia Swango, LSW
Octavia Swango, LSW
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.
Rachel Haug, LCSW
Octavia Swango, LSW
Octavia Swango, LSW
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
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.
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.
Post-DOCTORAL PSYCHOLOGY Fellows
Sibyl Cornell, Ph.D
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.
Out-of-school time programming Providers
Shawn Livers
Shawn Livers
Shawn Livers
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.
Cash Thomas
Shawn Livers
Shawn Livers
Bio coming
PROFESSIONAL level interns
Tiera Brown, BS
Andrew Hastie, MA
Andrew Hastie, MA
Tiera is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at SIUC. Tiera graduated in 2021 with a 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 you
Tiera is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at SIUC. Tiera graduated in 2021 with a 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 having game nights with family and friends, cuddling with her cat, and enjoying a nap. Tiera looks forward to growing professionally and personally and is excited to connect with people through SATTC.
Andrew Hastie, MA
Andrew Hastie, MA
Andrew Hastie, MA
Andrew Hastie is an intern working toward his Masters of Social Work and will graduate in February. He's lived in Southern Illinois for 13 years. Andrew has been a pastor for the past 16 years in both youth and pastoral ministry. He and his wife have 5 kids and 3 dogs. Andrew is excited to help support youth and families in Southern Illinois.
Jason Plichta
Andrew Hastie, MA
Jason Plichta
Jason has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and is working on his Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jason started his career as a police officer in 2007 in northern Illinois. He has since moved to southern Illinois where he and his therapy K-9 paw-tner help address mental health wit
Jason has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and is working on his Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jason started his career as a police officer in 2007 in northern Illinois. He has since moved to southern Illinois where he and his therapy K-9 paw-tner help address mental health within the local community.
In his spare time, Jason enjoys woodworking, creating custom hand-carved wood projects, and traveling to amazing destinations with his wife of 12 years.
With his experience and education, he looks forward to working with first responders to help end the mental health stigma associated with those professions. He believes that talking about issues is vital to understanding that it is okay to not be okay.
Jaidyn Porter
Tony Williams, LCPC
Jason Plichta
Bio coming
Tony Williams, LCPC
Tony Williams, LCPC
Tony Williams, LCPC
Tony is a Capella Clinical PSY-D student working on his internship with us. Tony received his BA in Religion from American Military University in 2006. He received an MDiv in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. Upon receiving his MDiv he completed a Masters in Counseling at Lindenwood University-Belleville, IL. Tony is a licensed
Tony is a Capella Clinical PSY-D student working on his internship with us. Tony received his BA in Religion from American Military University in 2006. He received an MDiv in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. Upon receiving his MDiv he completed a Masters in Counseling at Lindenwood University-Belleville, IL. Tony is a licensed clinical professional counselor in IL. Outside of work and class, Tony can be found spending time with family and friends.
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.
Franko Teston, BS
Franko Teston has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Indiana State University. Franko grew up in Harrisburg, Illinois, and he intends on gaining work experience before returning to school for his Master's in clinical child or school psychology. Outside of work, Franko enjoys music production and performance.