I’m Monica Collins. I am a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and advocate. I enjoy spending time with my family, and my pets, traveling, and exercising as self-care to promote my own mental health. I studied at Jane Addams School of Social Work at UIC. For over 20 years, I have provided services in the mental and behavioral health fields.

As an Oak Park resident, I am fully invested in my community. I am actively involved with the Oak Park Education Foundation in efforts to promote full inclusion and equity for enrichment summer programs. I was named OPEF Educator of the Year in 2021. The past 17 years have been dedicated to school social work, in Oak Park D97 elementary schools. I specialized in special education-related services. I have a passion to ensure equity, inclusion, and representation for all, especially BIPOC and neurodiverse children. Working within the school environment, I have a unique advantage, as I fully understand the academic, social/emotional, and behavioral expectations and demands of the school setting.

I believe in the therapeutic process and all wounds can be healed with time, compassion, and guidance. I’m excited to extend my clinical skills beyond the school setting. I am an active listener and pride myself in building a trusting positive rapport with my clients. My goal is to help youth identify healthy outlets to address self-regulation, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. We will set measurable goals as clients realize their inner strength, build their self-esteem, and develop a growth mindset. I look forward to working with you.