Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ele Santini, _LCSW

Being a support during difficult and tender times, teaching coping skills, and providing an empathetic ear to someone who may feel stuck or alone is greatly rewarding to me. This has been my passion and calling since I was in high school.

“Building a trusting relationship with my client is paramount.”

My clients will never feel judgment from me. I am privileged to walk alongside you as we discover your therapeutic needs. Beginning with empathy, I gently encourage you to explore self-reliance, accountability, and opportunities for growth. I am sensitive to your comfort level and goals as I guide our time together, individualizing sessions using client-centered and solution-focused approaches.

I will help unpack heavy and uncomfortable feelings, recognize your unique barriers, teach and build positive coping strategies, highlight strengths, and help compensate for challenges or factors that cannot be changed.

I enjoy working with preadolescents, adolescents, and adults who are facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, school refusal, executive functioning challenges (including emotional regulation), life transitions, learning disabilities, and general work or school issues.

My Education and Experience:

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and hold a Type 73 School Social Work Certification. I have over 20 years of experience across various settings, including inpatient behavioral health hospitals, medical hospitals, and a middle school setting. I am currently an elementary school social worker.

I love to travel (beaches are my happy place) and spend time with my family. Being in nature, hiking, and swimming brings me joy. I also love to shop for and buy cute sweaters for my two dogs.