Our Team

You’ve served your country, now it’s our turn to serve you. The Road Home Program team is committed to supporting you and your loved ones as you face the challenges of life after service. Collectively, we have helped thousands of veterans and we look forward to helping you. Learn about open positions or join the Road Home Program team.
RUSH | Road Home Program
Leadership

Robert B. Shulman, MD

Robert B. Shulman, MD

Director of Road Home Program

“My relationship with veterans began at an early age. My father, a psychiatrist and Army captain, started one of the first US Army on-post outpatient mental health clinics at Fort Belvoir in 1952. I spent many Saturdays in my youth with my father on the grounds of the VA hospital where he later consulted and taught Residents. It is truly an honor to give back to our veterans, to care for those who have given us the freedoms we enjoy and that sadly, some may take for granted today. One of my goals in leading the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University is to support the mission of The Road Home Program and work tirelessly to ensure its longevity and ability to provide care nonpareil to our returning veterans and their families. The women and men who served in the military are all family. And family should care for family. It is our great honor to do so. The unseen wounds of military service need special care to heal.”


Brian Klassen, PhD

Brian Klassen, PhD

Clinical Director

“Many veterans have witnessed moments of real human connection and camaraderie alongside moments of abject terror –literally, the best and worst of the human experience. Often, veterans who want to talk about these experiences with others find that they are judged, misunderstood or simply ignored. It is for this reason that I strive to listen carefully and understand each veteran’s individual experience. For more than a decade, conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terror have placed heavy burdens on service members and their families, and they have responded with honor and integrity. Now, it is time we respond to their challenges with the best we have.”


Jennifer Coleman, PhD

Jennifer Coleman, PhD

Assistant Clinical Director

“The sacrifice given by service members and veterans may never be truly repaid, but we can start by providing them with the best mental health care psychology has to offer. As a psychologist who has worked with veterans and their family members at various VA Hospitals, at a Veteran’s Benefit Clinic and now at the Road Home Program, I have felt honored to serve this community.”


Sheila Dugan, MD

Sheila Dugan, MD

Director of Rush Program for Abdominal and Pelvic Health

“As a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, also known as a physiatrist, I am an expert in diagnosing musculoskeletal and neurological problems, seen through the lens of functional problems. As the daughter of a Navy veteran and through my training at the Chicagoland VA hospitals, I have seen firsthand the acute and chronic impact to the mind, body and spirit resulting from military service for our country. My particular area of focus on pelvic wellness, including the important functioning of the pelvic floor muscles related to bowel, bladder and sexual health, provides our veterans with a comprehensive assessment that can have a profound impact on pain, pelvic floor dysfunctions and quality of life. It is my privilege to work with each and every veteran I meet.”


Jonathan Goldner, PhD

Jonathan Goldner, PhD

Director of Family Services

“I am proud to have joined a program committed to helping serve the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving us and our country. The Road Home program understands the impact that veterans’ experiences have had on them and their loved ones. I appreciate the opportunity to help veterans and their families reconnect and reintegrate into civilian life.”


Philip Held, PhD

Philip Held, PhD

Research Director

“I both admire and am extremely grateful for our veterans’ service. Joining the Road Home Program is my attempt at giving back to the men and women who have given their all. I feel honored to continue to closely work with our veterans and to assist them with getting back on track after they have mustered the courage to ask for help.”


Thad Rydberg, MA, LCPC

Thad Rydberg, MA, LCPC

Director of Social Work and Counseling 

“Our country’s service members and families are one of the most valued groups in our society. Their committed duty to our country to keep us safe is immeasurable. I am honored to be part of the community to serve veterans and their families as they transition back to their lives as civilians.”


Clinicians

Stephanie Clark, MA, LCPC, ATR-BC

Stephanie Clark, MA, LCPC, ATR-BC

Art Therapist

“Generations of veterans have returned from conflict and had difficulties adjusting to civilian life. They remained silent about the experiences of war and repressed the memories of death, violence, and moral injury. We now know the dangers of repressing these memories and leaving PTSD untreated. The Road Home Program envelops veterans and their families with a multi-disciplinary treatment team so they can confront their traumatic memories using evidenced-based treatment and adjunct therapies in a supportive environment. Healing begins here and continues when veterans return home.”


Monica De Iorio

Monica De Iorio, PhD

Clinical Neuropsychologist

“I am proud to be a part of the team at the Road Home Program. It is an honor to work with veterans who have given so much of themselves for our country.”


Stephanie Drozd, LCSW

Stephanie Drozd, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

“As the daughter of a Chicago police officer, I recognize the importance of providing trauma-informed care to populations who experience trauma and moral injury throughout their time in uniform. I strive to not only address the client in the room, but also their relationships with the people they love, as the impact of trauma goes far beyond the toll on the individual. I am grateful for the opportunity to unify my personal and professional experience at the Road Home Program.”


Jennifer Edidin, PhD

Jennifer Edidin, PhD

Pediatric Neuropsychologist

“The Road Home Program serves the whole family, because the children and families of veterans may also experience challenges and benefit from support. I appreciate the opportunity to help parents better understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as to help them develop a plan to meet their child’s unique needs.”


Molly Jahrling, RPN

Molly Jahrling, RPN

Registered Nurse

“It is a privilege to care for veterans who have given so much of themselves to protect our country. I am also honored to be a part of and learn from a diverse interdisciplinary team that provides excellent holistic care to veterans.”


Merdijana Kovacevic

Merdijana Kovacevic, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

“I am very passionate about empowering Veterans with tools to manage their trauma-related distress and live meaningful lives.”


Brooke Long, PhD

Brooke Long, PsyD, CCTP

Clinical Psychologist

“Growing up in a military community allowed me firsthand experience with the mental health impacts of military service and the unique challenges associated with the moral injuries of war. The intensive treatment model provided by the Road Home Program offers a distinctive opportunity for Veterans to heal from the trauma they have experienced in a collaborative and compassionate environment, integrating the mind, body, and family to foster lasting recovery and return our nation’s Veterans to the lives they want to live. Recovery from PTSD is definitely possible, and I am honored to continue my mission of guiding Veterans through their mental health journey alongside such a dedicated and passionate team!”


Jessica Lopez, LCSW

Jessica Lopez, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

“As a veteran, I am privileged and honored to continue serving our military community through empowering and trauma-informed care. I am dedicated to providing strength-based support and work with our service members and families on their journeys towards a life they value.”


Patricia McDaniel, MSW, LCSW

Patricia McDaniel, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker

“Before I retired from the Army, I knew that my next career would be helping others who have served in uniform and who suffer from PTSD. Now, I am honored to be a member of the passionate and dedicated helping community of the Road Home Program as I compassionately assist my fellow veterans and service members along their path to wellness and reintegration.”


Heather Miller

Heather Miller, RN

Registered Nurse

“At the Road Home Program our team is aware that there are many interdependent factors that make up one’s health and well-being. I am honored that our team can provide Veterans with the quality-care they deserve by providing a holistic approach to treatment. We not only strive to treat mental health disorders through evidence-based practices but provide a foundation to sustain treatment through supporting the connection of the mind, body, and spirit.”


Tim Murakami, MSW, LCSW

Tim Murakami, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker

“I consider it an immense privilege to accompany veterans here at the Road Home Program along their path of recovery and growth. In my work with clients, I strive to embody a spirit of humility and respect for the uniqueness of each veteran’s story, and a confidence in each individual’s capacity to live a meaningful life in line with their deepest values. Working with clients who have experienced trauma requires a holistic, team-based approach, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support veterans as part of the committed, passionate and skillful team here at the Road Home Program.”


Jonathan Murphy, PhD, ABPP

Jonathan Murphy, PhD, ABPP

Psychologist

“I’m profoundly inspired by the courage and perseverance routinely displayed by the vets in this program. It is a distinct honor and privilege to join them along their path towards recovery.”


Michael O’Connell, LSW

Michael O’Connell, LSW

Intake Clinician

“As an Army Veteran, I know we can face challenges before, during and after our service… regardless of where, when and how we served. The Road Home Program works with Veterans, Service members and their families at all points on their journey, and I am grateful to work alongside them.”


Megan O’Rourke, LCSW

Megan O’Rourke, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker

“Over time, we may find that the patterns we’ve developed to survive our most painful experiences are now getting in the way of the life we want to live. It takes immense strength to survive traumatic experiences, and immense courage to invite someone to join you as you consider the way forward. It’s a great honor to bear witness to the courage of the men, women and children whose lives have been impacted by service to our country.”


Kelly Rhodes, MD

Kelly Rhodes, MD

Psychiatrist

“It’s an honor to be a part of an interdisciplinary team that takes a holistic approach to patient care. As a psychiatrist, I help treat individuals with a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and PTSD. I am grateful for the opportunity to help veterans and their family members navigate their mental well-being and achieve increased stability and function in their day to day lives.”


Mary Ross Freeman

Mary Ross Freeman, DNP

Doctor of Nursing Practice

“It is an honor and privilege to provide care to those who have sacrificed and given so much of themselves to serve our country and protect our freedoms. Being a part of the Road Home Program enables me to give back to veterans, service members and their families while providing the highest quality of evidence-based care to a group that deserves it most.”


Mark Schimmelpfennig, MDiv

Mark Schimmelpfennig, MDiv

Chaplain, Spiritual Care

“As a veteran who has also traveled on my own road home, I am truly blessed and privileged to be able to provide spiritual care to our veterans and families towards the goals of trauma recovery and moral injury repair.”


Blake Schroedter, PsyD

Blake Schroedter, PsyD

Psychologist

“As a fellow veteran, I am honored to continue serving my country by assisting our brave men and women returning home from the battlefield and military service.”


Chelsea Shotwell Tabke, PhD

Chelsea Shotwell Tabke, PhD

Psychologist

“It is a privilege to be a part of the Road Home Program, which provides a compassionate, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space to help Veterans and service members on their road to recovery. In my work, I strive to honor the individuality, complexity, and diversity of each client and their experience, and foster skills to aid in posttraumatic growth and resilience. This program and its dedicated staff provide evidence-based and quality care for Veterans and service members, as well as their families of origin and choice, and I am grateful to be a part of this team.”


Benjamin Shulman, MA, LPC

Benjamin Shulman, MA, LCPC

Clinical Professional Counselor

“I believe in taking a holistic approach to mental health care. Seeing a patient as a whole allows clinicians to understand the patient and how to help. I am very excited to be a part of the Road Home Program and to help support veterans and their families. Military service men and women have given so much to our country, and I am honored to be part of a team that can give back.”

Brianna Werner, PhD

Brianna Werner, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

“I am honored to facilitate growth and recovery by drawing from the strength and experience veterans bring with them.”


Joel Wyatt, PhD

Joel Wyatt, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

“Serving Veterans who have served our country is the greatest honor of my professional career. I consider myself extremely lucky to work alongside dedicated staff who always put the Veteran first and provide extraordinary care to Veterans and their families. In my work I hope to help Veterans see how resilient they already are and build a foundation of skills to take the leaps needed to achieve their goals.”


Mikhael Yitref, LCSW

Mikhael Yitref, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker

“Service to one’s country comes in a variety of forms, and our Veterans have bravely chosen to accept the call to military service - and the costs which accompany this choice. It is an honor to serve our nation’s warriors in finding their way back to themselves and to their communities after experiencing the best and worst aspects of humanity. I am grateful to be a part of a team that understands the impact of military service on not only the individual service member, but on the family system as well – and that is invested in eliminating barriers to accessing this important care.”


Wellness and Integrative Health

Margaret McGann

Margaret McGann, MA, LCPC, E-RYT 500+, MSN, RN

Mindfulness Instructor

“I feel a sense of gratitude to be a part of The Road Home Program Team, a privilege to work with veterans navigating the healing process after serving in the military. Introducing Mindfulness as a facet of the healing process teaches veterans a variety of mindful practices to cultivate a sense of awareness in navigating their healing process at Road Home, as well as the challenges of everyday life upon returning home. In my role as a Mindfulness Instructor, I strive to be present to learn from each veteran as I teach.”


Kristie Miller, RD, LDN

Kristie Miller, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Physical Activity Instructor

“I feel honored and inspired to be able to be a part of the Road Home Team. The veterans have sacrificed immensely for our country. They, as well as their families, deserve the help they need to improve their everyday lives. Assisting with the Road Home Program is my way of saying “thank you” and giving back to the veterans for all they have done for our country.”


Barbara Schmidt, L.Ac.

Barbara Schmidt, L.Ac.

Acupuncturist

“I feel honored to work in a collaborative environment with skilled and passionate professionals who share a singular focus: to bring our expertise to bear in the healing process of the veterans who seek our help. I am excited to have the opportunity to show our veterans some of the power of acupuncture and how it can facilitate their healing.”


Research

Sarah Pridgen

Sarah Pridgen

Clinical Research Manager

“I'm extremely grateful for the sacrifices our service members have made and proud to be a part of a program that is dedicated to supporting our veterans. Through the continued research efforts at the Road Home Program, I hope to be able to make a difference in the lives of those who've served by helping to advance our understanding of PTSD and intensive treatments.”


Ryan Schubert, MS

Ryan Schubert, MS

Clinical Data Scientist

“I am honored to be part of the Road Home Program. I hope my work can contribute to alleviate the struggles that veterans experience.”


Outreach Services

Joseph Zolper

Joseph Zolper

Manager of Veteran Outreach & Networking

"As an Army Veteran and someone who has suffered from the invisible wounds of war, I can attest to the critical need of seeking mental health treatment. Through this incredible organization, I can continue serving the military community in ways that I never could have imagined. I found my road home and now I am helping others find theirs."


Modie Lavin, USMC Gold Star Mother

Modie Lavin, USMC Gold Star Mother

Senior Veteran Outreach Coordinator

“As a Gold Star mother, I understand the challenges parents and families face in moving on with their lives. In the steps of Gold Star Mothers founder Grace Darling Siebold, I feel that I am honoring my son and his sacrifice for our country by helping our returning veterans and families adjust to civilian life.”


Christopher Miller, Community Outreach Coordinator

Christopher Miller

Senior Veteran Outreach Coordinator

“I’ve seen what happens when mental health is neglected and ignored, and personally suffered those consequences. I have also seen what recovery looks like and what it takes to walk down that path of personal betterment. If I can help lead others down the road to recovery, and overcome their problems, I will have accomplished my mission.”


Alejandra A. Hernandez

Alejandra A. Hernandez

Veteran Outreach Coordinator

“As a Marine Corps veteran, I have understood the barriers to care when it comes to mental health. I’ve experienced my share of challenges since coming back home. Simply reducing barriers will allow other service members, veterans, family and friends of the military community to get the best care they deserve.”

Eric Chessier, MDiv

Eric Chessier, MDiv

Veteran Outreach Coordinator

“As an Army Veteran, I have had the privilege to serve our Nation on foreign and domestic soil. I have seen first-hand the mental, physical and emotional impact serving our military has had on veterans and their family members. On a personal note, I've been impacted as well. I was fortunate enough to go through the Road Home Program, and now I am passionate about sharing what the Road Home Program at Rush has to offer. This is now my mission; this is now my assignment.”


Mathius Carter

Mathius Carter, MBA

Veteran Outreach Coordinator

“I know how hard it can be to ask for help and to find a program that works for you, so when I heard about Road Home Program and what they do for Veterans I had to get involved. Hearing the testimonies of Veterans going through the Art Therapy Program hit home. The work which is being done at RHP is amazing and I am glad to be here helping Veterans find their way back home.”


Administrative

Molly Knapp, LSW

Molly Knapp, LSW

Operations Manager

“I am excited to be a part of the Road Home Program team because I have the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated individuals who care deeply for veterans and their families.”


Brandon Ayala

Brandon Ayala

Administrative Assistant

“It is an honor and privilege for me to work alongside such selfless individuals who have valiantly sacrificed for our nation.”


Laura Castro

Laura Castro

Patient Services Representative

“I am honored and humbled to work at the Road Home Program. The experience I’ve had with family and friends who have served in various branches of the military has taught me the hardships that veterans can face when transitioning from service to civilian life. They’ve given of themselves so selflessly and now we have the opportunity to give back. I look forward to serving our community of veterans and their families.”


Gabriela Sandoval Gaeta

Gabriela Sandoval Gaeta

Program Manager

“It is a privilege to be a member of the Road Home Program team. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with many passionate individuals who are dedicated to the healing of veterans and their loved ones.”


Brittany Hewing, BS

Brittany Hewing, BS

Patient Care Navigator

“Working in the mental health field for more than five years, I have learned how underserved people from lower income, POC communities, and military service backgrounds are. Due to the obstacles faced by these valuable populations, it has become my mission in life to serve those who have served this country or/and who have struggled in this country. One individual person at a time.”


Rebecca Risley

Rebecca Risley

Administrative Assistant

“Being a Navy Veteran myself, I am very thankful to be a part of this program. It feels so rewarding to be helping out my fellow veterans and their families with getting the care and treatment that they need.”