Dawn Stancel
Grayslake
Summary
Compassionate and licensed social worker with a proven track record in delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy and advocacy services to diverse populations, including military members, veterans, civilians, and children. Expertise includes comprehensive assessment, strategic treatment planning, crisis intervention, and meticulous clinical documentation. A strong commitment to client advocacy is complemented by extensive experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and adherence to ethical practice standards. Dedicated to fostering resilience and promoting well-being through tailored support and intervention strategies.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Therapist
The Family Stress Clinic
12.2025 - Current
- Provide individual and group therapy addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, substance use, and life transitions.
- Conduct intake assessments, develop treatment plans, and maintain HIPAA-compliant documentation.
- Utilize evidence-based modalities including CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed interventions.
- Work with diverse populations including military members, veterans, civilians, and children.
- Participate in weekly individual and group supervision and ongoing professional development.
Bar Manager
C’mon Inn
05.2020 - Current
- Managed daily bar operations, staff supervision, inventory, and cash reconciliation.
- Trained and coached staff to improve customer service and team performance.
- Utilized de-escalation skills to manage conflicts and ensure patron safety.
- Maintained compliance with policies and procedures in high-stress environments.
Therapist Intern
The Family Stress Clinic
05.2025 - 12.2025
- Completed 600 supervised clinical hours providing individual and group therapy.
- Conducted assessments, treatment planning, and clinical documentation.
- Demonstrated strong rapport-building, crisis response, and culturally responsive care.
- Participated in supervision, case consultation, and ethical decision-making.
Legal Advocate / Case Manager (Human Trafficking Intern)
A Safe Place
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Provided advocacy and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
- Conducted assessments, safety planning, and case management services.
- Assisted clients with orders of protection, court accompaniment, benefits, and community referrals.
- Maintained confidential and accurate case documentation.
- Participated in outreach, education, and trauma-informed training initiatives.
Administrative Assistant
PWBC
05.2009 - 05.2020
- Managed scheduling, travel, reporting, and administrative coordination.
- Prepared documents, presentations, and training materials.
- Supported onboarding, interdepartmental communication, and project logistics.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
Aurora University
Aurora, IL12.2025
Bachelor of Science - Health Science
Herzing University
Kenosha, WI12.2021
Associate of Arts - English
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL06.2012
Skills
- Clinical Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis Intervention
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Client Advocacy
- Clinical Documentation (SOAP, DAP, BIRP)
- Interpersonal Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Cultural Competence
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Training & Supervision
- Group therapy facilitation
Certification
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW), IDFPR #150118769
- CPR/BLS – American Red Cross
- Mandated Reporter (IL)
- 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training
- Trauma-Informed Care Training – A Safe Place
- IM-CANS Certified
Timeline
Therapist
The Family Stress Clinic
12.2025 - Current
Therapist Intern
The Family Stress Clinic
05.2025 - 12.2025
Legal Advocate / Case Manager (Human Trafficking Intern)
A Safe Place
08.2024 - 05.2025
Bar Manager
C’mon Inn
05.2020 - Current
Administrative Assistant
PWBC
05.2009 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Health Science
Herzing University
Associate of Arts - English
College of Lake County
Master of Arts - Social Work
Aurora University