Meet The Clinical Team

abarroso@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. April received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for Concordia University Chicago in 2025 and completed her internship in community behavioral health. Ms. April has previous experience in residential placement as well as working with individuals and families in a case management setting. Ms. April’s experience also includes working with clients struggling with substance abuse and justice impacted individuals. Ms. April strives to understand the client where they are at and develop a close therapeutic relationship to nurture an approachable, trusting, and safe environment in which one can feel at ease.

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cbailey@counselingconnections.net

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sbdaiwi@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Dr. Sujood Bdaiwi earned her PsyD from Nova Southeastern University and specializes in helping youth, parents, and families build systemic resilience. She partners with students and their families to strengthen emotional regulation, master coping skills, and cultivate effective communication within the school and home environment.

At the core of Dr. Bdaiwi’s practice within our therapeutic day school is a profound commitment to compassionate, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed care. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and integrative techniques to create a collaborative space that honors each student's unique cultural background, personal values, and identity. Her clinical foundation is further enriched by her past work in special education and parent coaching. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, traveling, and spending time with her family.

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cburke@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Burke is an Art therapist and Counselor who is passionate about the inherent connection between art making and healing. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from New York University and her Masters Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from the  School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ms. Burke has worked in a variety of settings including community centers, art studios, and inpatient and outpatient hospital programs before joining the Connections Organization in 2022. Ms. Burke’s art therapy practice utilizes narrative, relational-cultural, and trauma-informed approaches to highlight the concept of “care” - in which the student, family, art therapist, and art itself are all caring components for and with oneself and others. Overall, Ms. Burke’s goal is to bring happiness, healing, and hope to individuals and families through the process of art making. On her off time, Ms. Burke enjoys cultivating her plant family of succulents, working in her at-home ceramics studio, and reading mystery novels!

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bleifker@virtualconnectionsacademy.net​

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Mr. Geiselman is a Licensed Social Worker who earned his master’s degree from Aurora University. Throughout his career in social services, Mr. Geiselman has worked in juvenile detention, children’s and adult residential facilities, community engagement, clinical settings, and school social work. Mr. Geiselman fosters an authentic and direct communication style, listening to understand rather than simply to respond. His “real-world” experiences allow him to
see beyond a diagnosis. He looks at every situation through a unique lens, fueled by a deep understanding of the systemic and personal challenges his students face. Mr. Geiselman utilizes a strengths-based approach, focusing on practical problem-solving through evidence-based models such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). He believes in identifying core values, promoting autonomy, fostering collaborative growth, and maintaining accountability when working with students. Outside of work, Mr. Geiselman enjoys working out, golfing, listening to all different types of music, and spending time with friends and family.

cgordon@virtualconnectionsacademy.net​

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Ms. Gordon is a therapist who specializes in working with young people and their families. Ms. Gordon earned their Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies from Brown University before returning to their hometown of Chicago, where they enjoyed a successful eight-year career in photo and video production. During that time, Ms. Gordon also worked with middle school, high school, and college students as a tutor and executive function coach. These experiences led Ms. Gordon to pursue their Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School, where they concentrated in Children and Adolescents. Ms. Gordon completed their clinical internship at Connections Academy East (CAE) before joining Virtual Connections Academy (VCA) in 2025. In their free time, Ms. Gordon enjoys drawing, reading, cooking, and exercise.

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egrigoletti@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Dr. Grigoletti earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2019 and has a passion for working with students with diverse backgrounds and a variety of personal interests that can be integrated into the therapeutic process. Prior to joining the VCA team in 2020, she trained at New Connections Academy, where she gained extensive experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Grigoletti has a particular interest in working with and supporting individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, and helping the students feel supported and seen in their personal identities. In her free time, Dr. Grigoletti enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons and spending time with her three cats.

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zhaase@newconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Haase is a program therapist who graduated with her M.A. in counseling from The Chicago School in 2026.  Ms. Haase has spent nearly ten years working with children and families in a variety of roles. She brings that experience, along with a deep sense of care and curiosity to this position. She is especially passionate about helping students and families feel heard, valued ,and supported. Her goal is to foster a warm and trustworthy environment where students can thrive. When she’s not working, Ms. Haase enjoys gaming, reading, spending time with her cat, Romulus, or doing crossword puzzles.

bleifker@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr. Leifker received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University, as well as Adler University, where he is currently working toward completion of his Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology. He has worked in a variety of roles within education, assessment, and behavioral programs with both children and young adults
over the past 10 years. He hopes to provide support for students in a way which validates their experience, while inspiring curiosity and personalized paths for growth in
an authentic and meaningful way. Outside of work, Mr. Leifker enjoys listening and playing a variety of music, tabletop and videogaming, watching mixed martial arts, and
working out.​

nlong@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Long is a Licensed Social worker who earned her Master of Social Work degree from DePaul University. She gained clinical experience through her internship at Children's Memorial Hospital , where she developed a deep commitment to supporting young people and their families. Her career has been dedicated  to working with children and adolescents across a variety of settings, including at an alternative high school where she supported students facing academic, social and emotional challenges. She brings a unique perspective to her clinical work, having also served as a substitute middle school teacher, giving her a well - rounded understanding of the educational environments her clients navigate. Her therapeutic approach  is rooted in mindfulness-based practices and a strengths-based framework, helping students identify and build upon their own strengths. She believes in meeting each young person where they are, creating a safe and supportive space where they feel seen, heard and empowered to grow.  In her free time she loves being with her four kids , going to concerts, and reading. 

knelson@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Nelson is a licensed clinical social worker and certified clinical trauma professional with over 27 years of experience serving families, adolescents and kids in court systems, police departments and clinical settings.  Throughout her career, she has specialized in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and helping young people and families navigate complex challenges.  Ms. Nelson is excited to bring her experience to a therapeutic day school setting, where she is passionate about building trusting relationships, fostering resilience, and supporting adolescents in reaching their potential.  In her free time, Ms. Nelson enjoys taking her dog for walks, listening to music and chilling out with her daughter.  

gpellikan@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Pellikan received her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago and completed her internship with City Colleges of Chicago, where she continued to work as a case manager and Licensed Professional Counselor. Ms. Pellikan served on the Coordinated Community Response Team at Truman Community College for 2 years, which is a program that aimed to provide prevention education, programming on gender-based violence in addition to providing individual and group therapy. Ms. Pellikan utilizes a trauma informed, motivational, and relational approach where she aims to amplify the student’s strengths, self-efficacy, and self-advocacy. During her free time, Ms. Pellikan loves to play video games with her kids, go fishing, listen to music, and spend time with family.

trankins@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms Rankins is a licensed clinical therapist who specializes in trauma, grief and loss, and child/family studies. Ms Rankins has a deep respect for young people, and thoroughly enjoys the privilege of working with them. She obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees from Roosevelt University. Ms Rankins also obtained a certificate from Roosevelt in Child and Family studies. Her work experiences include: child, adolescent, and family therapy,  1:1 work with wards of the state in a residential treatment program, couples work, and she also developed and ran a pilot social emotional program at a grade school for youth at risk of academic failure. She has been working with children and families for over 20 years, and truly enjoys it.  In her spare time, Ms. Rankins enjoys spending time with her Dalmatian, Pongo. 

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lreome@virtualconnectionsacademy.net

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Mr. Reome is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Louisville. Mr. Reome loves the energy of working with children and adolescents and the unique challenges they bring to therapy. Mr. Reome has an ability to simultaneously find connection with them and keep them accountable as well. He has a love for knowledge and is constantly growing his skills for therapy. He is interesting to talk to with many life experiences from living/studying in India to competing in 140.6 mile swim/bike/run endurance races.

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tstengren@newconnectionsacademy.net

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Ms. Stengren is a Board-Certified Music Therapist who has a passion for supporting her students' growth through the creative outlet that is music. Ms. Stengren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Psychology from Carthage College and a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy from Illinois State University. Prior to joining the Connections Organization in 2022, Ms. Stengren has previously worked in a variety of therapeutic settings including other therapeutic day schools, assisted living facilities, and group homes. Ms. Stengren is committed to providing her students with a creative and safe outlet to express themselves and build their self-esteem through instrument play, song/lyrics analysis, and all things music. On her off time, Ms. Stengren enjoys baking and spending time with her dog.

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