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. Lora is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS).
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.
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.
Jaime Langosch, LPC
Therapist
Jaime Langosch, LPC, is a dedicated clinician with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University and she is currently pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School. She has experience working in private practice, where she specialized in supporting individuals with anxiety, ADHD, and autism. Additionally, Jaime has worked in school settings, providing support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergent students, helping them navigate academic and social challenges. She has a strong interest in executive functioning skills, social skills development, and mindfulness-based interventions to support those with ASD to connect more with themselves and others.
Jaime is passionate about helping individuals on the autism spectrum achieve their goals by tailoring therapy to meet each person's unique needs. She incorporates creativity into therapy, utilizing techniques that support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and social skill development. Her therapeutic style is highly individualized, incorporating skills training with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to support individuals, teens, emerging adults, and adults in building meaningful coping strategies and enhancing their overall well-being to meet their goals.
Elena Matta, MSW, LCSW
Elena is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a deep commitment to supporting individuals across the lifespan. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Bethel University in Minnesota and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Dominican University. Throughout her career, Elena has gained valuable experience working with diverse populations, including children in the foster care system and adults with brain injuries.
Elena's experience includes working with children on the autism spectrum and supporting their families, providing tailored therapeutic support to help them navigate the unique challenges they face. She recognizes the importance of a holistic, client-centered approach and works with her clients and their families to understand the interconnectedness of all aspects of their lives.
Elena’s therapeutic style integrates a systems approach, acknowledging that each individual’s mental health and healing journey is influenced by various factors, from family dynamics to societal pressures. She uses creativity as a key tool in her work, helping children, teens, and adults develop social skills, coping strategies, and emotional regulation techniques in a supportive and engaging manner.
Elena is also deeply invested in supporting the parents and families of individuals on the spectrum, offering a space for them to process their emotions and cultivate the tools they need for personal growth and resilience. Through her work, Elena strives to create a safe, nurturing environment where individuals and families can thrive and heal.
Haleigh Kent, BA
Therapist Intern
Haleigh graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater: Drama and Theater for Youth and is currently working toward her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the Erikson Institute. In 2018, Haleigh completed a year of service with AmeriCorp at a local middle school. She then worked at a therapeutic day school designed for children with developmental disabilities and autism. This experience prompted her to go back to school in the hopes of learning to better support individuals with autism of all ages.
Haleigh has worked with the autistic community in many settings including schools, home, theaters, community programs and therapeutic environments. As a social work intern, Haleigh hopes to blend her creative background in theater with her current studies in social work to help uniquely support her clients in working toward their individual goals.