Arlet Aguilar Lizama, LSW
Chicago
Summary
Trauma-informed school social worker with experience in therapeutic high schools, charter schools, and community mental health settings. Skilled in crisis intervention, SEL integration, IEP collaboration, restorative practices, and culturally responsive support for diverse learners, including students with autism, emotional and behavioral needs, depression, trauma histories, and chronic absenteeism. Committed to equity-driven, strengths-based practice and holistic student well-being.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Worker
The Charles H. Walsh Sr. Academy & Career Tech High School (Maryville Academy Program)
Niles, IL
10.2025 - 04.2026
- Provided social-emotional support to adolescents ages 14–22 in a specialized therapeutic high school serving diverse learners, including students with autism, emotional/behavioral challenges, depression, and trauma histories.
- Collaborated within Walsh Academy’s unique three-person classroom model (special education teacher, social worker, paraprofessional) to deliver integrated SEL services aligned with academic and CTE instruction.
- Conducted individual and group counseling focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, and trauma-informed practices to support student success in both academic and vocational settings.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings with educators, administrators, and district partners to develop and monitor individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention strategies.
- Supported crisis intervention, de-escalation, and restorative practices to maintain a safe, supportive learning environment.
- Partnered with families and community agencies to coordinate wraparound services and ensure continuity of care.
- Contributed to a school culture centered on social-emotional learning, career readiness, and preparing students for high-demand trades or postsecondary education.
Case Manager FMC BBO Level III
Erie Family Health Centers
Chicago
10.2022 - 09.2024
- Provides case management services including coordination of primary care (prenatal) social services, outreach, transitions of care follow up, risk assessments completion, referrals, home visits, track client’s appointments failures, and Edinburgh postpartum screenings.
- Displays familiarity and knowledge of the care plan of each client and facilitates referrals and follow-up process.
- Documenting data into electronic systems (EMR & MHN Connect)
- Maintains quality of the cases by achieving Erie and grantor program goals, including but not limited to, the following areas: Prenatal and post-partum depression and developmental screenings.
Teacher
Dominican University
River Forest
01.2018 - 08.2021
- Designing and maintaining a classroom environment, which is warm, safe, inviting, interesting, and stimulating.
- Develop and maintain a curriculum that is consistent with the Center’s goals, as a lab school while laying the foundation for kindergarten readiness
- Tending to children’s daily needs, personal hygiene, and care routines
- Develop strong, lasting relationships with parents and children.
- Regard as a leader among teacher peers in the development of creative art lessons and exciting indoor and outdoor learning experiences
Teacher Aide
Dominican University
River Forest
10.2017 - 12.2017
Education
Post MSW PEL Program -
Aurora University
Aurora, IL05-2026
Master of Social Work - undefined
Dominican University
River Forest, IL01-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Sculpture
Dominican University
River Forest, IL01-2018
Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- Suicide Risk Assessment
- Individual and Group Counseling
- IEP Development
- Trauma-Informed Practices
- SEL Integration
- Restorative Practices
- Case Management
- Family Engagement
- Community Resource
- Bilingual Spanish
Certification
- LSW- Licensed Social Worker in the State of Illinois
- Fluent in Spanish (read and write)
- American sign language (basic)
- First aid and CPR certified (biennial)
- Illinois mandated reporter (yearly)
Internships
- School Social Worker | ITW David Speer Academy 08/2024 – 06/2025
- Acted as a liaison among students, families, schools, and community resources to support at-risk youth.
- Delivered comprehensive social services to enhance the psychological and social functioning of students and families.
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions for students facing emotional and social challenges.
- Performed thorough assessments to identify student needs and develop tailored intervention plans.
- Collaborated with educators and parents to address issues like truancy and behavioral concerns.
- Collaborated in creating IEP’s and participated during meetings to advocate for students' emotional and educational needs.
- Assisted schools in implementing Response to Intervention (RTI) strategies for academic support.
- Therapist | Catholic Charities, CC Renews Program and Peace Corner Youth Center 08/2021 – 05/2022
- Provided counseling services
- Provided virtual advocacy and resources
- Filled out IMCANS Assessment for new clients
- Filled out client case notes on CIS program
- Created and presented Canva psychosocial presentations on agency’s Facebook page
- Created incoming intern instruction sheet usage of agency case noting program
- Peace Corner Youth Center
- Assist individual student needs
- Support students with homework
- Initiated active involvement with participants in all program activities
- Worked in cooperation with the supervisor in setting up, carrying out, and cleaning up program activities.
- Case Manager | Transitions Program, Student Success and Engagement DU 08/2020 – 05/2021
- Co-facilitated in college level courses for classrooms up to 15 students
- Created and co-facilitated finals and well-being Canva presentations for approximately 50 students
- Conducted and created surveys to evaluate students’ immediate needs throughout the semester
- Maintained communication with students by one-on-one meetings
- Assisted with research, data collection and analysis
Leadership Opportunities
- Panelist – Kelly Highschool Mental Health Fair 2023
- St. Angela's School | Son Chiquitos y Arte | Flipside Academy of Movement 2013 - 2018
- Leading and facilitating classrooms for teachers with children ages 5 to 10
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
School Social Worker
The Charles H. Walsh Sr. Academy & Career Tech High School (Maryville Academy Program)
10.2025 - 04.2026
Case Manager FMC BBO Level III
Erie Family Health Centers
10.2022 - 09.2024
Teacher
Dominican University
01.2018 - 08.2021
Teacher Aide
Dominican University
10.2017 - 12.2017
Master of Social Work - undefined
Dominican University
Bachelor of Arts - Sculpture
Dominican University
Post MSW PEL Program -
Aurora University