Meet The Team

​

​

​

My name is Qudaneeda Stephenson, and I am a first-yearstudent at Adler University pursuing a dual master’s degree in Clinical mental health Counseling and Forensic Mental Health Leadership. I currently work as a Housing advocate for DCFS and have experience dealing with children of all populations and also with working with incarcerated people who are working to increase their potential to reentry into society. I am also a coach with my own business that develops and enhances communications in all relationship and families. I have seen the impact of consequences on people who are incarcerated and how this affects their mental health and the mental health of everyone involved, especially the children. I have seen firsthand what goes on inside of prisons and how many major problems that people are facing when “doing their time” is often unspoken on and swept under the rug. My main goal is to break down the societal views of this and that our society would not talk about and open those doors with the help of releasing your uncomfortable feeling and allowing peoples the safe space to do so.

At the beginning of my college career, I myself changed my major and ideas of what I would like my future to look like. It was through discovering who I am and what I found to be most interesting, that led me to the vocation that I am now currently pursuing. However, even though I have changed my major, I still had a common interest that pushed me forward. I always found the brain to be interesting and knew that it was something that I wanted to pursue. For this purpose, I originally majored in biology, with the intention of becoming a neurosurgeon. However, I was dissatisfied with how little focus was put on our behaviors and the relation it has to us as a person. This is when I started dabbling in Philosophy and Psychology. Psychology helped me understand how the brain is made up and how we are affected by it. Philosophy taught me how to use logic and reasoning to further my understanding of the world around us as well as the human condition. I enjoy that psychology not only sees the brain as a collection of chemicals and neurons, but also as a tool that we use. Psychology adds the human element that I was missing in other scientific fields.

I am a hardworking individual who has dedicated myself to understanding psychology. Not only do I have a Bachelors of Science in Psychology, but also minors in both Philosophy and the Psychology of Crime and Justice. I have also participated in three research labs throughout my college career. I was part of Loyola’s First Year Research Experience, where I helped make an application to help people with cerebral palsy communicate more quickly. I was also a research assistant for the Self and Social Interaction Laboratory, in which I helped format surveys for data collection. Finally, I worked as a research assistant for the Behavioral Research on Acceptance and Diversity Lab, in which I helped with administrative duties and giving tests to subjects. I did not only rely on classes to gain knowledge about psychology, but I also learned through experience and hands-on practice. Managing my time between school and other programs has become second nature.

The clinical psychology profession to me is all about human relationships. It is about seeing the other person as their own individual, instead of just another client. The profession of Psychology emphasizes the importance of community, as well as being accommodating to people’s needs. This is why I myself have interacted with the Chicago community and have lent a helping hand to multiple organizations. I have volunteered at Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital where I looked after the children as well as being a helper for the parents. I also worked as a Therapy Assistant at Blue Bird Day, where I looked after children with special needs and monitored them for concerning behaviors so that treatment could be adjusted accordingly. I also interned at the Chicago Center for Well-Being as a therapist aid, where I document and catalog patients’ progress, as well as contact insurance providers for client information. Through all these experiences I have furthered my understanding of the psychology field, as well as expanded my experience in various social work positions. These experiences allowed me to utilize the knowledge from my classes, but also gain practical skills in interacting with diverse populations. I have incorporated the values of service by using my time and education for the betterment of others. Helping other people is what I aspire to do with my life, and why I have chosen this specific career path.

My name is Laine Perez. I am a first year, first semester student at Adler University on the Chicago Campus. My anticipated year of graduation is 2024 and I will graduate with a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling. I attended Monmouth College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the Spring of 2022.

For my Social Justice Practicum, I decided to work with Covenant Collaborative Consulting & Training, The Justice Beat Talk Show. During this practicum, I want to gain a stronger understanding of the branches of social justice and how social justice can be promoted within the community. This practicum site was one that I could observe and participate in promoting social justice in the community.

During my time at Adler University, I want to gain experience and continue learning about how I can aid in the issue of social justice through my counseling studies, and eventual practice. As I am only a first year, first semester student, I have a lot to learn and am excited that I can work with The Justice Beat Talk Show to gain some knowledge!

​

Erica Malena is currently pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Adler University. She holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Social Work. Erica is also a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for impowering individuals as they navigate life’s challenges. She has been interested in social justice and justice reform from a young age. She is an avid listener of podcasts and is excited for the role of Audio Blogger for Justice Beat Talk Show.

​

Shea Love (they/them) is in their first year of the Art Therapy Masters Program at Adler University in Chicago. Most recently, Shea worked as a middle school art teacher in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They lived and worked in the Minneapolis community for 8 years and enjoyed spending time with all of the intelligent, goofy and unique young people (and their families) that they worked with. Shea also has worked in the role of associated coordinator of an after-school program, and as a lead educator at the Walker Art Center, the contemporary art museum in Minneapolis.


Shea is passionate about equitable assess to education and the arts. They are most interested in seeing young people thrive. Our young people cannot thrive while the current system of justice exists. Bell Hooks said, “There is no life to be found in violence. Every act of violence brings us closer to death.” Our system of youth incarceration is violent and in order for our young people to blossom into their full selves, we must find alternative solutions for when (and only if) a young person has caused harm.


In their free time, Shea enjoys dancing, writing poetry, playing basketball, reading, snuggling their bunny, Banana, and cooking. They are a big fantasy nerd and believes dreaming of other worlds will help us create better worlds. Shea is back in Chicago and exploring the book shops, community parks and the neighborhoods eats.

Hi, my name is Brittany Hannan, and I am first year student at Adler University in Chicago, Illinois. I am in the Master of Counseling and Art Therapy program. I had the privilege to receive a bachelor's in fine arts- Art Therapy and minor in Psychology at Millin University located in Decatur, Illinois. I hope to one day open a private practice with a focus on adolescence and children in trauma.
      I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, where I lived with my grandma, dad, brother and uncle. My family has always been prominently family focus and were always there for one another when things were tough. My grandma is an immigrant from Japan and married my grandpa who was in the US Air Force where he died from the Vietnam War. My grandma had to raise four kids ranging from 9 to 5 years old on her own in America. She my symbol of strength and hope to endure that struggle on her own in a country she hardly knew and a language she barely knew. I grew up with low socioeconomic status of the poor working class. It has taught me to be humble and appreciate what I have and who I have in my life.
      I have a pet rabbit named Baby and he is my ESA. My family dog who lives at my grandma's, his name is MJ and he's a Cairn Terrier just like Toto! I am a huge animal lover and I hope to one day have a German Sheperd and an Australian Shepard. I love to explore and try new things. I'm a big Summer gal and not a fan of Winter or cold weather. I am recently a nondomination Christian and I enjoy attending services at New Life at Midway. They have 27 locations all across different parts of Chicago.