The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Hosts Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Illinois National Guard, and Support Organizations for Service Members and Families

June 16 Event Part of White House Joining Forces Initiative

CHICAGO, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago Campus of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, in collaboration with the Illinois National Guard, hosted a round-table event last week at which Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States, met with members of the Illinois National Guard and a host of representatives from supporting organizations to learn about services in Illinois that address the emotional and psychological well-being of service members, veterans, and their families.  The event was a part of the Joining Forces Initiative, led by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Biden to mobilize all sectors of society to give service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned.

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"We are honored to open our campus to Dr. Biden, our service members and their families, and so many partner organizations doing this important work," said Dr. Michele Nealon-Woods, president of The Chicago School. "While there are more and more services available in Illinois, additional support is needed across the country. As a national institution, The Chicago School's students, faculty, and community partners will continue to develop and deliver innovative services to our military and their families."

Led by Maj. Gen. William Enyart, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, and moderated by his wife, retired Judge Annette Eckert, the roundtable included high school teachers and community partners involved in educational outreach; church pastors discussing support and care for veterans struggling with mental illness, homelessness, and other issues; representatives from community colleges doing research on veteran's issues and serving military families; and foundations such as the McCormick Foundation and the Michael Reese Health Trust, which fund support initiatives for the military and their families.

The Chicago School, represented by Dr. Nealon-Woods and Dr. Timothy Shannon, president of the TCS Foundation, discussed its work with the Children's Reintegration Project. Developed and managed in collaboration with the Institute for Therapy Through the Arts, the Project uses expressive art therapies to assess and begin to address the psychological and emotional needs of children whose parents are returning home from overseas. It was founded in 2009 under the leadership of the late Dr. Ted Rubenstein, a beloved professor and mentor at The Chicago School.

One of the most moving moments of the morning also illustrated the need for continuing and expanded support services. Angela Hornbeck, a young woman attending the roundtable with her father, Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Sgt. 1st Class William Hornbeck, held back tears as she explained the challenges her family faced when he was deployed overseas. As Dr. Biden held her hand, the young woman recounted the difficulties that she and her sibling encountered at school, where they were the only students to have a parent deployed in the military.

With the help of the Joining Forces Initiative—and additional support from religious, community, education, and private partners across the country—educators, agencies and the public will better understand the issues facing military families, and Hornbeck and others like her will have access to the support they need and deserve.

For more information about The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and its national service member initiatives, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is the nation's leading nonprofit graduate school dedicated exclusively to the applications of psychology and related behavioral sciences. The school is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized TCSPP for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. The school's community service initiatives have resulted in three consecutive years of recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, including the additional "With Distinction" honor in 2010.  The Chicago Campus was one of three institutions in Illinois to receive the 2010 Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.  Campuses are located in Chicago; in Los Angeles, Westwood, and Irvine, California; and the newest campus in Washington, D.C. Doctoral psychology programs and masters psychology programs are offered on-ground and in an online-blended format.

For more information about The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gradpsychology. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechicagoschool.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Michele Nealon-Woods, Psy.D.:
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=49271

Contact:

Lynne Baker

[email protected]

312-379-1635

SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology