Wellness Program Staff
The Wellness Program operates under the direction of the Wellness Program Manager and a dedicated team of mental health professionals, case managers, interpreters/outreach workers, and clinical social work interns from local universities. Together, this group is able to identify those refugee clients who present a variety of mental health needs. Wellness Program staff is trained to provide mental health screenings and culturally-sensitive interventions. Staff work closely to coordinate a wide array of services, with intervention methods ranging from individual and group therapy to psychoeducation seminars open to the entire community.
Administration
Aimee Hilado, Ph.D., LCSW - Wellness Program Senior Manager
Aimee Hilado, PhD, LCSW is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Wellness Program. Dr. Hilado oversees program visioning and implementation, and provides direct therapeutic services to clients of all ages. In addition, she represents RefugeeOne in the various national and local refugee health and mental health task forces, and oversees program evaluation and reporting.
Dr. Hilado is also an Associate Professor of Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University where she is an academic researcher and instructor in mental health practice with trauma-exposed populations. Moreover, Dr. Hilado’s teaching, research and practice efforts revolve around the importance of early development, mental health, social support, and culturally-sensitive clinical practice with immigrants and refugees. Her degrees are in social work and applied child development with a specialization infant studies.
Samantha Allweiss, LCSW - Manager of Clinical Operations
Samantha Allweiss, A.M., LCSW, is the Manager of RefugeeOne’s Wellness Program. She obtained her Master of Arts in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, specializing in mental health care with international populations. She has been working at RefugeeOne for 6 years following her year-long clinical internship at the agency. As the Manager, Samantha provides trauma-informed and strengths-based individual and group therapy services for youth and adult clients, oversees daily operations of the program, and engages in research projects to understand best practices with trauma-exposed populations. She also coordinates psychiatric appointments, offers culturally-sensitive psycho-education sessions, and provides medical case management to clients with complex health and mental health needs. Samantha has also served as a part-time faculty member at a local university that focuses on non-traditional and first generation students and has worked internationally with local human rights organizations.
Aimee Hilado, PhD, LCSW is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Wellness Program. Dr. Hilado oversees program visioning and implementation, and provides direct therapeutic services to clients of all ages. In addition, she represents RefugeeOne in the various national and local refugee health and mental health task forces, and oversees program evaluation and reporting.
Dr. Hilado is also an Associate Professor of Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University where she is an academic researcher and instructor in mental health practice with trauma-exposed populations. Moreover, Dr. Hilado’s teaching, research and practice efforts revolve around the importance of early development, mental health, social support, and culturally-sensitive clinical practice with immigrants and refugees. Her degrees are in social work and applied child development with a specialization infant studies.
Samantha Allweiss, LCSW - Manager of Clinical Operations
Samantha Allweiss, A.M., LCSW, is the Manager of RefugeeOne’s Wellness Program. She obtained her Master of Arts in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, specializing in mental health care with international populations. She has been working at RefugeeOne for 6 years following her year-long clinical internship at the agency. As the Manager, Samantha provides trauma-informed and strengths-based individual and group therapy services for youth and adult clients, oversees daily operations of the program, and engages in research projects to understand best practices with trauma-exposed populations. She also coordinates psychiatric appointments, offers culturally-sensitive psycho-education sessions, and provides medical case management to clients with complex health and mental health needs. Samantha has also served as a part-time faculty member at a local university that focuses on non-traditional and first generation students and has worked internationally with local human rights organizations.
Clinical Staff
Karlene Goodman, M.D. - Wellness Program Psychiatrist
Dr. Karlene Goodman, M.D. is our dedicated psychiatrist in RefugeeOne’s Wellness Program. She provides psychiatric evaluations and on-going clinical support for those clients who warrant this level of service. Dr. Goodman is a graduate of University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School and also holds degrees in English and Law. She has worked with refugee and immigrant populations since 1990 and continues to devote her practice to the same groups.
Allegra Magrisso, LCSW - Therapist and Home Visitor
Allegra Magrisso, LCSW, serves as RefugeeOne’s Advanced-Level Therapist & Home Visitor. She earned her MSW from Loyola University and a master’s from Bank Street College of Education. Her post-graduate training includes being a Registered Play Therapist, certification in family and couples’ therapy, and certification in clinical training. Allegra has had a private practice, providing therapy for children, families, and adults since 1993.
Stephanie Japczyk, A.M. - Youth Therapist/Social Worker
Stephanie Japczyk, A.M., is a therapist and social worker in the RefugeeOne Wellness Program. She graduated from The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration with a Master of Arts and completed the Global Social Development Practice program of study. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree, Ms. Japczyk worked with Asylum-seekers, U-Visa applicants, and migrant workers at the U.S./Mexico border. At RefugeeOne, Ms. Japczyk serves clients across the lifespan with a primary focus on refugee youth through individual, group, and family therapy.
Dr. Karlene Goodman, M.D. is our dedicated psychiatrist in RefugeeOne’s Wellness Program. She provides psychiatric evaluations and on-going clinical support for those clients who warrant this level of service. Dr. Goodman is a graduate of University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School and also holds degrees in English and Law. She has worked with refugee and immigrant populations since 1990 and continues to devote her practice to the same groups.
Allegra Magrisso, LCSW - Therapist and Home Visitor
Allegra Magrisso, LCSW, serves as RefugeeOne’s Advanced-Level Therapist & Home Visitor. She earned her MSW from Loyola University and a master’s from Bank Street College of Education. Her post-graduate training includes being a Registered Play Therapist, certification in family and couples’ therapy, and certification in clinical training. Allegra has had a private practice, providing therapy for children, families, and adults since 1993.
Stephanie Japczyk, A.M. - Youth Therapist/Social Worker
Stephanie Japczyk, A.M., is a therapist and social worker in the RefugeeOne Wellness Program. She graduated from The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration with a Master of Arts and completed the Global Social Development Practice program of study. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree, Ms. Japczyk worked with Asylum-seekers, U-Visa applicants, and migrant workers at the U.S./Mexico border. At RefugeeOne, Ms. Japczyk serves clients across the lifespan with a primary focus on refugee youth through individual, group, and family therapy.
Prevention Initiative Home Visitors
Faridah Binti Mohamad Ali, B.A. - Home Visitor
Manar Matti, B.A. - Home Visitor
Celestine Mugisha, B.S.W. - Home Visitor
Wahidah Binti Abu Taib - Home Visitor
Manar Matti, B.A. - Home Visitor
Celestine Mugisha, B.S.W. - Home Visitor
Wahidah Binti Abu Taib - Home Visitor
