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Dear Volunteers,

Thank you for your interest in our Volunteer Facilitator Training! Please confirm your attendance using the link below and submit the following paperwork:

Day 1: Saturday, Jan. 21st from 9am - 2pm (in-person)
Day 2: Monday, Jan. 23rd from 6pm-8pm (virtual)
Day 3: Saturday, Jan. 28th from 9am-2pm (in-person)
Day 4: Thursday, Feb. 2nd from 6pm-8pm (virtual)

A reminder, unless previously discussed (Chicago Volunteers) you will be expected to attend in-person and all 4 training days! If for a any reason you cannot make one of the days we will have a make-up quiz.

The DCFS forms must have a wet signature on it (no electronic signatures allowed) and can be submitted either in-person or via email to nancyreed@willowhouse.org. All other forms/policies can be turned in or emailed after Day 1. Thank you!

If you should have any questions during this process or after training please reach out to us and we will be happy to help!

DCFS Forms

Facilitator Policies

Confirm Attendance

Meet the Program Team

Megan Andriano, LPC, ATR - Program Director & Libertyville Site Coordinator
Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. She graduated with her MA in Art Therapy from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2011 and her BA from Eastern Illinois University with an art major and psychology minor in 2008. Before joining the Willow House Team, Megan worked as an Art Therapist, Manager of Integrative Care Services and Bereavement Services at JourneyCare from 2011-2022. She also facilitated art therapy groups for grieving children, adolescents and families to create a safe and creative space for expression, reminiscing and practicing coping skills.
meganandriano@willowhouse.org
Office: 847-236-9300 x215

Mickayla Bedenian, LSW - Program Associate & Arlington Heights Site Coordinator
Mickayla felt connected to the Willow House mission and bereavement after her own experience of loss and seeing the opportunity to normalize grief and support children and families at such a difficult time. Mickayla received her Masters of Social Work (MSW) at Aurora University in December of 2020. Mickayla received her LSW (License of Social Work) in September of 2021.
mickaylabendenian@willowhouse.org
Office: 847-236-9300 x206

Mackenzie Liberta MA, CCLS, GC-C - School & Community Coordinator
Mackenzie has her Master’s Degree in Child Life and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is a Certified Child Life Specialist and Grief Counselor, completing her clinical education at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining Willow House, Mackenzie worked at Rush University Medical Center as a Child Life Specialist. Mackenzie was drawn to Willow House after seeing the need for supportive services to continue beyond the hospital setting.
mackenzieliberta@willowhouse.org
Office: 847-236-9300 x214

Lauren Raney, LCPC, ATR - Expressive Arts Site Coordinator
Lauren was drawn to the grief and bereavement community due to her own personal loss and her passion for helping others through a difficult time. Lauren has her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Adler University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts/Painting from Illinois State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist.
laurenraney@willowhouse.org
Office: 847-239-9300 x201

Charlotte Shuber, LCSW - Chicago Site Coordinator
Charlotte is a part-time Clinical Site Coordinator for our Chicago group location. She first joined Willow House as a student intern. She is drawn to Willow House’s mission due to her own personal loss history and a desire to provide support to grieving children and families. Prior to obtaining her MSW in 2018 from Dominican University, Charlotte received her MFA in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and a BS in Chemistry from Dominican University with a minor in Theatre Arts. She currently works as a Bereavement Specialist at Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care in addition to her role at Willow House.
charlotteshuber@willowhouse.org

Halle Winkler, MSW, PEL - Survivors of Suicide Site Coordinator
Halle is a social worker who received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University, and a B.S. in Psychology from Elmhurst University. Her concentration is in School Social Work (PEL/Type 73). Halle completed her first Internship with Willow House during the 2018-2019 school year, and then went on to intern at Glenbard South High School. Halle is currently a school social worker at Fenwick High School, providing direct counseling to students in the general education setting. Halle is passionate about mental health and empowering individuals to see their own strengths.
hallewinkler@willowhouse.org

Amanda Roper - Program Adminstrator
Amanda joined Willow House after working in finance and wanting to make a difference in the non-profit sector. She was drawn to Willow House after her own loss as a young adult and hopes to continue the mission that 'No child grieves alone'. Amanda has her BA in Business Leadership and Management from Judson University and hopes to pursue an MA in Human Services.
amandaroper@willowhouse.org
Office: 847-236-9300 x200

2231 Lakeside Dr
Bannockburn, IL 60015
Phone: (847) 236-9300
Email: info@willowhouse.org
Web: WillowHouse.org