PSYCHOLOGIST

Mrs. Whitney Burash

School Psychologist

630-636-2704 | wburash@sd308.org

I am so excited to be joining Traughber Jr. High School this year! Previously, I have worked primarily at the elementary level and have spent the last five years working as a psychologist in Indian Prairie School District #204. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to work with middle school students and their families here at Traughber. My passions include social-emotional learning and helping all students feel safe, welcome, and cared for at school by fostering a positive school climate. 

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Speech-Language Pathology from Illinois State University. After graduation, I worked as a group counselor for two years at a residential treatment center for adolescent males struggling with substance abuse and other mental health issues. Following that experience, I decided to go back to school full time and earned my Master's in Education and Education Specialist degree in School Psychologist from Loyola University Chicago. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

COUNSELORS

Ms. Sarita Ptak

School Counselor - 22.23 School Year 6th Grade Team

630-636-2719 | sptak@sd308.org

I’m so happy to be a part of the Traughber School family. I’ve been providing support as a School Counselor for ten years in the city of Chicago. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and my Master's degree in School Counseling from Roosevelt University Chicago.

Helping others access ways to become their best self is my passion. Teaching and practicing self-care and following the Golden Rule are large components of that work. I’m excited to help Traughber students, families, and staff ROAR in a way they never have before. Go PANTHERS!

Ms. Shana Zimmerman

School Counselor - 22.23 School Year 7th Grade Team

630-636-2715 | szimmerman@sd308.org

After having the opportunity to work with the amazing students, staff, and families as a long-term substitute at the end of last school year, I was eager to become a Traughber Panther full-time! 

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Education and Psychology from Washington State University and my Master's degree in School Counseling from the University of Puget Sound.  I have 7 years of experience as a Middle School/Junior High School teacher and 12 years as a Middle School/Junior High school counselor in Washington State, Wisconsin, and Illinois. 

So glad to be a part of your student’s support team as they continue to grow academically, socially and as the person they are becoming, as well as plan for their bright future!

Ms. Erica Neville

School Counselor - 22.23 School Year 8th Grade Team

630-636-2714 | eneville@sd308.org

I feel fortunate that I have been a school counselor at Traughber Junior High School since 2006.  My goal as a school counselor is to help all students reach their full potential by supporting them academically, socially, emotionally, and through career exploration.

I earned my master’s degree in school counseling and guidance from Lewis University, Romeoville.  I am a member of the Kendall County SCAT team, which assists schools in crisis in the Kendall County area. I am a professional member of the American School Counselor Association and the Illinois School Counselor Association.

I look forward to another wonderful year at Traughber.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Mrs. Natasha St. Victor

School Social Worker - 22.23 School Year 6th Grade Team

630-636-2742 | nstvictor@sd308.org

I attended Arizona State University to obtain my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. Upon graduation, I returned to Illinois and have been working in the social work field since 1996. I began my career working in a girl’s group home in Naperville for three years prior to obtaining my master’s degree in social work from Aurora University, Aurora, Ill. I worked at the Department of Children and Family Services, before beginning to work in my area of passion, school social work, in 2000. I have worked in schools for 21 years and in Oswego School District for 16 years. I have worked with children from kindergarten to eighth grade, and I really enjoy the junior high population. I am a trained member of the Schools and Community Assistance Teams. I am also a member of the Illinois Association of School Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers. I am looking forward to another wonderful year of supporting students’ growth at Traughber Junior High School.

Ms. Lara Biltgen

School Social Worker - 22.23 School Year 7th Grade Team

630-636-2705 | lbiltgen@sd308.org

I am one of the three social workers at Traughber Junior High School. I have been at Traughber Junior High School since 2006. I was employed by the Kendall County Special Education Cooperative since August 2000 and began employment with SD308 in 2016. Prior to working at Traughber, I worked in Yorkville School District 115 with third through eighth-grade students. I graduated from Aurora University with my master’s degree in social work in May 2000.  In addition, I was awarded my M.S. in Education, with emphasis on Counseling, in August 1993. During my education, I completed two internships, the first with Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health and the second with West Leyden High School. I am an active member of S.C.A.T. to aid those in crisis. Currently, I am pursuing licensure to become a licensed clinical social worker.  I am dedicated to helping students and families.

Mr. Brandon Christensen

School Social Worker - 22.23 School Year 8th Grade Team

630-636-2728 | bchristensen@sd308.org

I received my bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from Concordia University River Forest, IL, a master's degree in Social Work from Dominican University River Forest, IL, and a Professional Educator License with an endorsement in School Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, IL. I have been a School Social Worker since 2012 with experience in a traditional middle school and therapeutic/alternate elementary, middle, and high schools before joining Oswego SD308.

Prior to working as a School Social Worker, I was a Treatment Counselor for 6 years at Youth Outreach Services in Melrose Park, IL, a nonprofit agency, providing counseling services to adolescents. I had the opportunity to work with over a dozen local schools supporting countless students and families, which fueled my desire to fulfill my dream of working in the school setting.

I also spent 5 years as an Assistant Football Coach at Aurora Central Catholic High School in Aurora, IL. Coaching afforded me the incredible opportunity to combine two of my passions, my love of sports, and teaching young people life skills to use on and off of the field. I believe deeply that in order to have a lifetime of success, it is imperative to teach the whole student.

Mr. Michael Lazuka

Speech & Language Pathologist

630-636-2713 | mlazuka@sd308.org