Jessica Walters has recently joined the GEYFCS team as a part-time staff therapist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in 1995 and her Master’s in Social Work in 1999 from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has been a School Social Worker at a local high school for the past 22 years and holds a second Master’s degree in Educational Administration from NIU. Her previous social work experience has included: Work in the prison system, foster care, and Dupage County Health Department as a Respite Worker. She is excited to be starting another facet of her career and is eager to serve the community in this role.

My name is Deanna Filkins and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has practiced for the past 14 years treating children, adolescents and their families in various therapeutic settings.  I received my MSW in Community Practice from DePaul University in Chicago, and completed my Bachelors of Art at Illinois State University.  I am passionate about treating children, adolescents and teens using a strengths-based, family-systems and trauma-focused lens to help strengthen families and the communities they reside within.  I have experience treating adolescent/teen mood disorders, divorce, gender and identity challenges, family conflict, bereavement/grief, behavioral and learning disorders alongside my support work in collaboration with local area schools.  In addition to my role at Glen Ellyn Youth and Family Counseling Service, I have a private clinical practice located in Geneva, IL.