Advanced Therapeutic Solutions for Anxiety

07/20/2025

Alicia Lloveras is a budding PE Teacher, bilingual (Spanish/English), and entering her senior year at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she is pursuing a degree in Exercise and Sport Science with concentrations in Physical Education and Secondary Education (grade K - 12), and minoring in Spanish and Health.

In addition, Alicia is certified in Adapted Physical Education, which means she has completed specialized training and credentials to design and implement physical education programs tailored for students with disabilities, ranging from physical to cognitive and socio-emotional needs that require modified instruction, equipment, or goals in order to safely and successfully participate in physical activity. Her clinical teaching experience ranges from elementary to middle school, working with diverse student populations, including individuals with a wide range of disabilities and language needs, specifically Spanish. Through these experiences, she has observed students dealing with anxiety and developed a strong interest in learning how to better support them. Sports require concentration, focus, and can help improve self-confidence.

Alicia is interested in diving deeper into how sports can reduce anxiety, specifically with students coping with selective mutism, which is a fear of speaking despite having the ability to speak, and most often manifests in school settings. Many times, students with selective mutism find joining in group sports or participating in physical education class the most challenging time of their day.

Alicia’s goal is to create an inclusive environment where all students, especially those with physical, cognitive, or socio-emotional concerns, can fully participate in physical education and feel rewarded. Her passion for sports and commitment to student well-being drive her aspiration to become a physical education teacher who empowers students, builds their confidence, and supports their personal growth. Alicia brings this passion to her role as a Counselor at Adventure Camp, a 5-day intensive exposure-based therapy program based at a school to treat students with selective mutism. She strives to be the kind of teacher who listens, fosters strong relationships, and ensures every student feels seen, heard, and included, making her a great asset to our Adventure Camp Team!

07/19/2025

Laura Ong is pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University (NIU) with a specialization in trauma psychology. Her research interests center around the consequences of childhood trauma exposure among adults with respect to personal identity, social functioning, and emotion regulation. Before beginning her doctoral studies, Laura worked as a research assistant at the National Center for PTSD. In this role, she supported a randomized controlled trial of a brief web-based program for PTSD and depression and an observational sleep measurement study of Veterans at risk for su***de.

Since joining the Consequences of Trauma Exposure Lab at NIU, Laura has become particularly interested in the impact of childhood trauma on social functioning in adulthood. Her master’s thesis explores differences in causal attributions of social acceptance and rejection among emerging adults with respect to self-reported childhood emotional abuse. While trauma is not a cause of selective mutism (a common misconception), Laura’s research in this area has piqued her interest in the broader role of social communication in shaping our lives and relationships. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that renders a person mute in specific settings (such as school) despite being able to speak in comfortable settings (such as home).

Over the past year, Laura has also served as a clinician providing cognitive-behavioral therapy and assessment services in the NIU Psychological Services Center (PSC). This experience has fostered her interest in working with children and families and in providing exposure-based treatment for anxiety disorders, like selective mutism. Laura is excited to be a counselor at Adventure Camp, an intensive, 5-day, 6-hr per day school simulation exposure therapy program to treat selective mutism, and looks forward to supporting campers as they learn and grow!

07/18/2025

💡 Fun Fact Friday: Selective Mutism Is Not Simply Shyness

Selective Mutism (SM) is a complex anxiety disorder, not extreme shyness. Children with SM are capable of speech, but in certain social or performance-based situations, anxiety can trigger a freeze response that makes verbal communication feel physically impossible.

This reaction is often misunderstood as defiance or rudeness, when in reality, it’s the nervous system doing what it’s designed to do: protect the individual from perceived threat.

At Advanced Therapeutic Solutions for Anxiety (ATSA), we understand that recovery doesn’t come from pushing children to “just talk.” Instead, our approach involves creating safety, building communication confidence, and helping clients approach anxiety with support, not avoid it.

🔗 Learn more about how we support individuals with Selective Mutism at advancedtherapeuticsolutions.org

07/17/2025

Natalia Zielinski is pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University (NIU) with a specialization in developmental psychopathology. Her research interests center around acculturation and ethnic identity, particularly among immigrant families. Natalia earned her Bachelor Science degrees in Molecular-Cellular Neuroscience and Psychology from Loyola University Chicago.

During her undergraduate career, Natalia conducted research on the intersection of language and hand gestures, particularly focusing on how bilingual children and young adults interpret and use co-speech gestures. Being bilingual herself, she additionally volunteered as a Polish Interpreter at Community Health Clinic in Chicago. Following her time at Loyola, Natalia worked as the research coordinator for Chicago Center for Evidence Based Treatment’s (CCEBT) Multi-Family Therapy for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa. Given her interest in language and communication, it’s not surprising that Natalia is interested in learning more about selective mutism, a fear of speaking despite having the ability to speak. Oftentimes, children with selective mutism are mute in school. Natalia brings her clinical and cultural skills to her counselor role at Adventure Camp, a 5-day school simulation exposure therapy program to treat selective mutism.

Over the past year, Natalia has also served as a clinician in NIU’s Psychological Services Center (PSC) conducting psychodiagnostics assessments and providing treatments rooted in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Based Therapy (ACT). Natalia’s experiences have shaped her passion for working with families and children, and she is eager to meet all the brave campers this summer!

07/16/2025

Interning at Advanced Therapeutic Solutions for Anxiety (ATSA) became more than just a summer experience for Celine Phan. It became a mirror. She relocated for this internship hoping to support others through their anxiety journeys, but what she discovered was that the quiet bravery of ATSA’s young patients and committed families had something powerful to teach her in return. In this personal reflection, she shares what it means to truly be brave - when courage doesn’t roar, but whispers.

Being brave doesn’t mean being flawless. It means being honest, even when it’s uncomfortable, and still choosing to keep going.

07/15/2025

Jon holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Northern Illinois University (NIU) and is pursuing his Ph.D. in clinical psychology, also from NIU. He is originally from Long Island, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in psychology from the University of Richmond. Jon’s research focuses on factors and mechanisms that influence the onset and maintenance of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, with particular interest in enhancing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) outcomes.

During his time at NIU’s Psychological Services Center, Jon has gained valuable experience providing exposure therapy to children, which has deepened his commitment to evidence-based interventions. He is passionate about increasing access to mental health care, deconstructing stigma around mental health, and advocating. Jon’s experience with exposure work makes him particularly well-suited to support children at Adventure Camp, a 5-day school simulation exposure therapy for children with selective mutism, as they continue to develop their communication skills in a supportive environment.

Selective mutism is a fear of talking in specific settings (e.g., at school) despite talking comfortably in other settings (e.g., at home). Exposure-based models of treatment, like Adventure Camp, have shown to be effective.. Outside of his professional pursuits, Jon enjoys playing soccer, pickleball, tennis, traveling to different cities, and exploring new restaurants. He looks forward to hearing what the Adventure Camp kids like to do and connecting with them on their Adventure Camp journey!

07/13/2025

Emily Olson is pursuing her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Northern Illinois University (NIU), with a focus on anxiety and child populations. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Mississippi. Before starting her doctorate, Emily worked as a research coordinator at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, assisting with studies on the sleep apnea, insomnia, and chronic pain in veterans with PTSD.

Over the past year, she has served as a clinician at NIU’s Psychological Services Center, providing psychodiagnostic assessments and evidenced-based therapy to individuals in the DeKalb community. Her current research explores the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder.

Emily is also interested in selective mutism, which is a fear of speaking despite having the ability to speak. She hopes to deepen her understanding and knowledge of how these challenges present in young people and how to best support them, which is why she is a counselor at Adventure Camp, a 5-day intensive exposure-based program to treat children with selective mutism. She has always loved working with children, previously serving as a dance instructor and teaching English to young learners at a summer camp in 2024. Emily is thrilled to be part of the Adventure Camp team and looks forward to supporting each camper’s courageous journey this summer!

07/12/2025

Joan Petrakos, M.A, brings nearly three decades of experience in education to her counselor role at Adventure Camp, a 5-day school-simulation exposure-based therapy program to treat children with selective mutism, which is a fear of speaking despite having the ability to speak, especially manifesting in school. As a multi-sensory special education teacher and former school administrator, Joan has built her career around inclusive, student-centered learning. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Education and Educational Leadership, and is certified in the Wilson Reading System, with extensive experience supporting diverse learners across all age groups.

Joan Petrokas was selected to be a counselor at Adventure Camp because she is passionate about helping children find their voices—both literally and figuratively. With a strong background in special education, coupled with the training she is receiving through the Adventure Camp exposure-based model to provide 1:1 support to children with selective mutism, Joan brings a deep understanding of the complex factors that impact communication in children, including those who are English Language Learners (ELLs) and diverse learners. She is especially attuned to the distinctions between language-based silent periods and the anxiety-driven silence seen in selective mutism.

Joan is able to create environments where children feel safe, supported, and gradually empowered to participate at their own pace, a skill she hopes to apply at Adventure Camp this summer. She is well-versed in evidence-based methods like the Wilson Reading System and multi-sensory instructional strategies, and understands how to adapt these approaches to reduce pressure and encourage confidence in children with anxiety. For Joan, supporting a child with selective mutism goes beyond prompting speech—it’s about reducing fear, fostering trust, and helping each child feel understood as they begin to engage more fully with the world around them. Her calm, consistent presence will surely be felt at Adventure Camp as she demonstrates her commitment to inclusive, individualized care and her belief that every child—regardless of language, learning profile, or anxiety level—deserves a chance to grow in connection and confidence.

07/11/2025

Brandon Davis, M.A., is a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University, with a strong foundation in both clinical practice and research. Brandon brings insight, compassion, and a thoughtful presence to his role at Adventure Camp, a 5-day intensive, exposure-based treatment for children with selective mutism, which is a fear of speaking in select settings (such as school), despite having the ability to speak, and oftentimes speaking abundantly in comfortable settings (such as home).

Before beginning his doctorate, Brandon was a research coordinator exploring how parent-child interactions and social perceptions shape development at Northwestern University, an interest that continues to inform his work with children today. Brandon's overarching research and clinical interests are interpersonal violence, trauma, and alterations in cognitions and identity. Though selective mutism is not caused by trauma (which is a common misconception), being known in school as “the kid who doesn't talk” can certainly impact identity development. Brandon's research in this area enhances his understanding of the children and adolescents at Adventure Camp. At NIU’s Psychological Services Center, Brandon has provided both therapy and psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults, and has developed particular expertise in administering the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). His clinical roles have spanned community mental health, forensic settings, and group therapy, including leading anger management groups for probation services.

Brandon has completed the selective mutism didactics training in ATSA’s exposure-based protocol in 2023 and served as a 1:1 counselor at Adventure Camp 2023 and Winter Adventure 2024. He returns this year with enthusiasm, bringing a deep respect for the courage he has witnessed in children with selective mutism. Brandon’s background in trauma and identity development gives him a unique lens on how anxiety can shape a child’s sense of self, especially when their silence is misunderstood as defiance or refusal to communicate rather than the anxiety-based disorder that it is. For Brandon, supporting a child’s journey means meeting them where they are and celebrating each step forward. Witnessing the breakthroughs at Adventure Camp keeps bringing him back—like a camper ordering ice cream for the first time or laughing freely on a field trip, showing their true personality.

07/11/2025

🎙️ Fun Fact Friday: Let’s Talk About Selective Mutism!

Did you know Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder where a person can’t speak in certain settings, even though they can talk comfortably in others — like at home or with close family?

At ATSA, we support individuals with SM by teaching how to meet goals in the presence of anxiety, be comfortable being uncomfortable, and build confidence step by step. Ultimately, our goal is to make every voice feel heard and supported!

07/09/2025

Meet School Social Worker, John, who goes over and beyond for students with Selective Mutism.

John Naret completed his master’s degree in social work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned his bachelor’s in sociology while minoring in philosophy at Eastern Illinois University where he was a Truman Scholar nominee. While pursuing his master’s, John completed a year-long internship at Chicago Public Schools, dividing his time between Kenwood Academy, Ray Elementary and Pershing Magnet Elementary. He currently works as a school social worker at the elementary level in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.
John’s experience within the school setting has shown him the importance of the parent-child relationship and how that affects peer relationships, in-school behavior and the processing of emotions. After much reflection in his role as a school social worker, John understands the importance of team collaboration amongst every relevant party, and how unique the position is when dealing with various stages of crisis and different levels of trauma. With this realization, he has become a fierce advocate for school social workers to be present in every school district nationwide - from the wealthiest district to the poorest.

John is passionate about understanding the neurobiology of emotions, behavior disorders, decision making, and social-emotional development, with a focus on effective interventions for students with persistent behavior challenges. His interest has led him to seek training on selective mutism, aiming to better support affected students and share this knowledge with colleagues to help all students facing anxiety-related issues.

He also completed a summer internship that focused on the effects of generational poverty in Mobile, Alabama. During his undergraduate studies, he researched the differences of socioeconomic status between families and how that affected their children’s language acquisition, language use and social adaptation.

This quote by Albert Einstein has been his muse as of late, in his mission to adopt a growth mindset - “Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”

07/08/2025

Ana Bogdanovich is pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University. She is originally from Seattle, WA, and received her B.S. in Psychology from Hillsdale College in MI. Ana then worked for two years as a Research Assistant through Butler Hospital and Brown University in Providence, RI, on studies investigating non-invasive neuromodulation for OCD and PTSD.

Over the past year, Ana has worked as a practicum clinician at NIU's Psychological Services Center providing evidence-based therapy and psychodiagnostic assessments. She is a member of the OCD and Anxiety Lab at NIU, and her research focuses primarily on OCD-related phenomena. However, Ana's clinical interests are broader, spanning OCD and anxiety disorders. Because of her passion for anxiety treatment, she is thrilled by the opportunity to work with the campers at Adventure Camp this summer, a 5-day therapeutic school simulation program for children with selective mutism, which is a fear of speaking despite having the ability to speak. She finds exposure to be an empowering and life-changing intervention for clients, and looks forward to helping campers face their fears this summer.