Meet Our Counseling Team
Christine Bellosa, MA, LCPC
Clinical Consultant and Trainer
Christine is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience in the psychology/counseling field. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s degree in Psychology (Human Development) from National-Louis University. She also has a post master’s graduate certificate in Counseling.
Christine’s specialty and passion is working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) from children to adults and from individuals to families. She was first introduced to Structured Teaching methodologies when she was a program staff member at Have Dreams beginning in 2003. In 2010, Christine became a trainer for Have Dreams, training teachers and other professionals in best practices of Structured Teaching. In addition, she is a clinical consultant for Have Dreams with their counseling services for individuals with ASD.
Christine has experience working in various settings such as the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) juvenile division; hospital setting both in-patient and out-patient (PHP/IOP); and residential and therapeutic day school for children and adolescents. In many of these settings, she has had the opportunity to work with individuals with ASD as well as their family members. Over the years, Christine has had a great opportunity to work in the private practice setting and in 2016, she started a group practice in Park Ridge, IL.
In addition to Christine’s ASD experience, she has worked many years with individuals affected by anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, behavioral issues, ADD/ADHD, life changes, school/behavioral issues, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
Christine is a member in good standing with The Illinois Counseling Association and The Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association. Her focus as a therapist, supervisor and consultant is to provide a comfortable and supportive atmosphere in order to help individuals improve their lives through education, insight and change.
Lora Slutsky, MS, CRC, LCPC
Director of Clinical Services and Therapist
Lora graduated from Brandeis University with a Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Education Studies and received her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at the Illinois Institute of Technology, becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Lora oversees the Counseling & Employment Services department and has worked in recreational, educational, therapeutic, and employment settings supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families for over ten years.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Lora supports clients with autism in progressing toward their unique goals, be that working on building social and communication skills, addressing emotion regulation and stress management, preparing for employment, or developing executive functioning skills like staying organized and managing time effectively.
Using a person-centered approach that incorporates evidence-based interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy, the TEACCH Program Methodology, PEERS' social skills curriculum, and relaxation training, Lora brings her autism and clinical expertise to her work with each individual, supporting them in gaining skills, independence, and greater mental wellness.
Carla Donnelly, MS, CRC, LPC
Therapist
Carla graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has a Master’s degree in General Administration from the American College of Education, a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement (special education) from Lewis University, and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University, becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Carla’s experience includes over twenty years in public education as a general education and special education teacher.
As a seasoned educator, Carla brings her vast experience in working with individuals with behavioral and academic challenges, including supporting neurodivergent students and their families. She has had extensive experience developing and writing Individual Education Plans to address students’ specific academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. She has collaborated closely with district and outside clinicians to address students’ individual needs.
Carla’s counseling style is eclectic with a focus on person-centered therapeutic techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness approaches. Carla brings her autism expertise to her work with individuals and families, offering affirmation, strategies, and support.
Dana Fenceroy, MNA, MA, LPC eligible
Chief Operating Officer and Therapist
Dana currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Have Dreams and has been a part of the team since 1998, including serving as Program Director and Outreach Director prior to her present role. Dana brings her extensive experience in autism services to her role as therapist. In addition to her master's in non-profit administration, Dana received her master's in clinical mental health counseling from North Park University. She has worked extensively with individuals with intellectual disabilities, specializing in autism spectrum disorder, for over twenty years in a variety of settings, including school, home, recreational, and therapeutic environments.
Dana brings her breadth of autism services experience to her role as therapist, creating a welcoming, collaborative environment to help empower clients to reach their full potential. Utilizing a range of evidence-based interventions, Dana supports clients and families in better understanding autism and exploring tools to communicate, connect, and address challenges.