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If you are facing the past and what is behind you, your back will be to the future. - Susan Stern |
Susan Stern, MSW, LCSW, Type 73
- Bachelor of Science in the Behavioral Sciences (University of Iowa;
National Louis University (1993) - Master's in Social Work, Loyola University (1999)
- License in Clinical Social Work
- License in School Social Work, Type 73
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- NASW = National Association of Social Workers.
- IASSW = Illinois Association of School Social Workers
- ISCSW = Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work
- IGPS = Illinois Group Psychotherapy Society
Susan Stern is a clinical social worker with extensive experience working with children and their families in the health and education fields. She is a specialist in the area of child and adolescent mental health, having spent over 10 years working with children and adolescents with significant social, emotional, behavioral and developmental difficulties. Her clinical specialties include social skills group therapy and working with school-aged children, adolescents and their parents.
Ms. Stern's professional experience includes working with children living with domestic violence. She also worked in a family service agency with individuals and families, and later participated in a research study that tested 12-to 18-year-olds' executive functions. She also works in a school setting with children in grades K-8.
Ms. Stern's career path has led her to focus on individual and group work with young people. While working in a school setting, she enjoyed creating and facilitating Social Skills Groups and Peaceable School Groups (designed to help children stop bullying). Facilitating these groups was rewarding for Ms. Stern and also successful for the children. Social skills groups teach children and adolescents to recognize and better understand behaviors in themselves and others.
In February of 2005, Ms. Stern developed and began authoring a social skills newsletter. If you are interested in receiving her publications, please view them on the web site, you may also sign up to receive them.
Susan Stern's Philosophy
"My special interest lies in human behavior in the social environment."
While growing up, we are each presented with situations that test our resolve and maturity. Every child has experiences that affect him or her negatively. For some, these experiences can poorly affect their social interactions; for others, they may even carry over into adulthood, where they can continue to adversely affect their happiness. Social skills are important. Social skills enable us in many ways. They help us to know what to say, how to make good choices, and how to behave in all kinds of situations.
Social skills influence a child or adolescent's behavior and academic performance. Social skills affect peer groups and family relationships. Often, as parents, we pass our social abilities on to our children. Ms. Stern is committed to helping individuals and families hone their social skills in order to navigate their life environments more successfully.
