Social Workers

MISSION
The York Social Work department is a key component of the York Student Services team.  We work collaboratively with school personnel to provide the best learning experience for all students.  Referrals come from a number of sources, including counselors, deans, teachers, parents, and students.  Our unique graduate level training in social work enables us to understand and interpret the influence of the school, home, and community on children and helps us to identify the social and emotional issues that may be interfering with a student’s overall academic and social potential.  Our services include crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, consultation with teachers and administrators, assessments, classroom presentations, student advocacy, and acting as liaisons to families in need of counseling, legal, medical, and financial services. 

Social Worker
Aligns with the following counselors/programs:
Nelly Aviña (Bilingual Spanish) 
(630) 617-2404 
navina@elmhurst205.org
 Diane Oliveros (Bilingual Spanish)
Cassie Desir
(630) 617-2421
cdesir@elmhurst205.org
 Kara Dollaske
Adam Decaire
Cathy Bendicsen (Class of 2023 & 2025)
Deirdre Devlin
(630) 617-2477
ddevlin@elmhurst205.org
 Andrew Fuller
Lisa Julian (Class of 2024 & 2025)
Ryan Walz
Teri Finley
(630) 617-2470
tfinley@elmhurst205.org

Julie Feldkamp-Pradhan
Ashley Tucker
Cathy Bendicsen (Class of 2024 & 2026)
Nathan Andrews
(630) 617-2413
nandrews@elmhurst205.org
 Students with courses in the ACCESS &
Life Skills programs

Kristi Stone
(630) 617-2428 
kstone@elmhurst205.org

Bill Gardner
Lisa Julian (Class of 2023 & 2026)
Students in the Bridges Transition Center Program

COMMON ISSUES THAT RESULT IN A SOCIAL WORK REFERRAL

  • Depression
  • Suicidal Ideation (1-800-SUICIDE, 1-800-273-TALK)
  • Abuse/Neglect (1-800-25-ABUSE)
  • Grief/Loss
  • Sexual Assault/Rape (630-971-3927)
  • Anxiety
  • Substance Abuse
  • Behavioral Concerns
  • LGBTQ Issues
  • Eating Disorders
  • Anger Management
  • School Transfer Issues
  • Teen Pregnancy
  • Parent/Child Conflict
  • Student/Teacher Conflict
  • Stress
  • Attendance Problems
  • Loneliness
  • Alienation
  • Drop in Grades
  • Trauma

Most social work referrals result in short-term counseling.  For students and families in need of more specialized or long-term treatment, the York Social Work Department has provided a list of outside referrals and services on this page.  Please contact a York Social Worker for a confidential consultation in regard to the services you and your family members may need.