Illinois
Pam Shepard, LCSW
Supervisor of Clinical Services
Pam has over 20 years of experience in child welfare and is extensively trained to provide therapy for adopted children, teens, adult adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents and families. Pam sees clients for individual, family and group therapy, uses a holistic approach and is a Trust-Based Relationship Intervention® (TBRI) practitioner and educator. She is also trained in Theraplay® and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. Additionally, Pam supervises contract therapists who offer support to children and families in the Chicagoland area. Learn more about therapy services in Illinois.
Samantha Brady, LCSW
Adoption Therapist
630-754-4500
I am excited about continuing my adventures in the adoption community at Holt-Sunny Ridge! A licensed clinical social worker, I have a bachelor's degree in social work from Western Illinois University, a master's degree in social work from University of Illinois at Chicago, and have worked in the adoption field since 2013. I am an EMDR therapist and have also been trained in Theraplay™ and TBRI™. I have both personal and professional experience working and living within a military community. With a specialization in trauma and attachment-related issues and a passion for using family systems to empower members to learn, heal and grow together, I provide individual, family and group therapy at Holt-Sunny Ridge for anyone connected with adoption.
Personalized Support
Celeste Snodgrass, LCSW-PIP
Director of Clinical Services
402.639.0520
Celeste has worked with children and families for over 20 years. She received her master's degree in social work from the University of Nebraska Omaha, is a Trust Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) practitioner, and has worked with Holt International since 2004 — holding many different roles within the agency. She works from Omaha, Nebraska as Holt's director of clinical services, providing adoption support, education, and resources for families and adoptees throughout the United States. She oversees parent training for Holt's intercountry adoption programs, supervises the Waiting Child Program, and provides clinical consultation and training throughout Holt's programs. Celeste considers it an honor and a privilege to work for Holt International and to do her part to help further Holt's mission — creating a world where every child has a loving and secure home.
Marissa Robello, LMSW-CSWA
Clinical Social Worker
Marissa has worked in the field of international adoption for over 16 years and has been a master's level social worker since 2010. She holds a postgraduate certificate in therapy with foster and adoptive families and is a Trust Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) practitioner. She has received extensive training in mindfulness based interventions with children, interpersonal neurobiology, adult attachment, and therapeutic life story work. Marissa works from Mukilteo, Washington and facilitates child specific training for families in process of adopting internationally. She also provides clinical post-placement support and coordinates TBRI services including web-based trainings, consultations, and Holt's 2-day TBRI family camp in Oregon. Marissa enjoys helping parents learn to identify needs behind difficult behaviors and teaching positive parenting techniques that empower children, strengthen attachment, and promote emotional healing and growth. To connect with Marissa or learn more about upcoming TBRI events, email her at marissar@holtinternational.org.
