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

In Memoriam

Robert Shulman, MD, who served as chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center and director of Mental Health Services for the Rush system, died on June 5 of cancer. He was 69.

Throughout his career spanning more than 30 years, Shulman made significant contributions to the field of neuropsychiatry and psychopharmacology. His clinical expertise was unparalleled, particularly in the treatment of resistant mood disorders, the neuropsychiatric complications of medical illness, the aging process, and traumatic brain injury.

His passion for leadership development and sports psychiatry also led him to work closely with professional athletes across multiple sports.

Shulman was instrumental in advancing the mental health service line at Rush. He led efforts to reorganize the department, mentored numerous colleagues, supported faculty development, and fervently advocated for mental health care. His dedication and leadership were especially invaluable during the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. He often shared his expertise in the media, including this story from the Chicago Tribune on the importance of grieving.

"Dr. Shulman’s passion for neuropsychiatry and his unwavering commitment to patient care were truly unparalleled. He played a crucial role in reorganizing our department and supporting faculty development, demonstrating remarkable leadership,” said Neha V. Gupta, MD, interim co-chair for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. “His legacy is one of excellence, compassion, and tireless advocacy for mental health. His passing is a great loss to our community, but his influence will continue to inspire us."

Always optimistic

Shulman also served as director of the Road Home Program, part of the Wounded Warrior Project's Warrior Care Network. His commitment to the mental health and well-being of veterans and their families was deeply felt and widely recognized.

“As someone who worked closely with Dr. Shulman through the years, I knew him to be — without fail — someone who was supportive, generous, wise and compassionate,” said Brian Klassen, PhD, clinical director of the Road Home Program. “He was proud of our attempts at Road Home to treat those veterans suffering from the most difficult-to-treat traumatic experiences because he always said that focusing on your patients and doing the absolute best you can for them is, quite simply, the Rush way.”

Shulman’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to his patients, his colleagues and the field of psychiatry. He was known to take on challenges with great wisdom, humor and an optimistic view of the future. One of his many talents included writing inspiring messages to his colleagues during challenging times. Many were tinged with references to poems, movies and novels. One of his favorite quotes was from Voltaire’s satire Candide: “All is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.”

"Having had the privilege to work with Dr. Shulman as well as to share patients with him, I witnessed firsthand his exceptional ability as a true caregiver. He strived to mentor and support colleagues as well as create opportunities,” said Cynthia Brincat, MD, PhD, acting dean of Rush Medical College. “He was a great doctor, colleague and mentor to many."

Shulman received his medical degree from Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University. He completed his psychiatry residency at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, the forerunner of Rush University, serving as chief resident in his final year and was chairman of psychiatry at the former Rush North Shore Medical Center before returning to Rush University Medical Center in 2012.


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, Associate Professor

“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.”


Jonathan Murphy, PhD, ABPP

Jonathan Murphy, PhD, ABPP

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.”


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.”


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.”


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.”


Intake Clinicians

Michael O’Connell, LSW

Michael O’Connell, LSW

Intake Clinician

“As an Army Veteran, I know there are challenges before, during and after our service… regardless of where, when and how we served. The Road Home Program offers effective treatment, delivered by an experienced team that respects the complexity of each client. We are honored to do this work with you.”


Michael O’Connell, LSW

Deyon Myles, MA, LCPC

Intake Clinician

"As a clinician who has provided treatment to justice-involved and incarcerated Veterans, I am honored to continue to serve the brave men and women who served our country at The Road Home Program. I am excited to work alongside such a skilled and dedicated team to aid in facilitating healing and growth for those who suffer from PTSD."


Michael O’Connell, LSW

Kamia Starks, LSW

Intake Clinician

"The Road Home Program has granted me the privilege to work with service members and veterans along their path of healing. I am profoundly grateful to provide care to the individuals who have sacrificed themselves for our country."


Michael O’Connell, LSW

Alana Shapiro, LSW

Intake Clinician

“Veterans, Service Members, and their family members have made enormous sacrifices. Their continued courage and resilience is humbling, as they begin to navigate the process towards seeking evidence-based treatment for the recovery from PTSD. I am deeply honored to support this population in their recovery process, as they work hard to live a meaningful and connected life.”


Brittany Hewing, BS
Brittany Hewing, BS

Case Management Liaison

 "Working as an intake clinician, I find myself continuously in awe from the courage and resilience I witness daily from the Veterans, Service Members, and family members at the Road Home Program. It is a genuine honor to walk alongside Veterans in their journey towards healing from challenges in service and living a more fulfilling and meaningful life."


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.”


Postdoctoral Fellows

Margaret McGann

Charisma Dalvi, PsyD

Postdoctoral Fellow

“Having the opportunity to provide care to Veterans and Service members is a great privilege for me. As I believe in taking a holistic and collaborative approach, I find it an honor to be able to walk alongside individuals as they learn to embrace their inner strengths and resiliency to help improve their overall well-being.”


Margaret McGann

LaTashia Raymond, PsyD

Postdoctoral Fellow

"As a clinician, Veteran, and advocate, I am deeply committed to fostering resilience, healing, and equity. My mission is to honor the sacrifices of service members, their families, and underserved communities by providing compassionate care, advancing trauma-informed practices, and breaking down barriers to mental health support."


Kristie Miller, RD, LDN

Roxanne Watts, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

"I have had the privilege of supporting veterans in various healthcare settings as they navigate the mental health challenges that can arise from their military service. It is a pleasure to continue this work as a postdoctoral fellow at the Road Home Program. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with veterans, their families, and staff to help promote health equity and holistic healing."


Kristie Miller, RD, LDN

Sharon Kramper, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

"Intentionally moving from emotional distress to wellbeing is a journey that requires self-reflection, compassion, perseverance, and help from others. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Veterans and their family members on their journeys towards 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.”


Ryan Schubert, MS

Marley Warren

Research Assistant

Marley has a B.A. in psychology from the University of Michigan, where he worked as a research assistant at the Stigma, Psychopathology, and Assessment (SPLAT) Lab. While there, Marley researched how bias against LGBTQ+ individuals impacted the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders. While at Rush, Marley hopes to give back to military-affiliated individuals. 


Ryan Schubert, MS

Anusha Limdi

Research Assistant

"I am deeply passionate about providing mental health care to underserved communities. It is a privilege to work with service members and veterans, learning their stories and contributing to a program with a dedicated team that delivers effective, evidence-based care to those who need it most."


Ryan Schubert, MS

Ashby Boland

Research Assistant

"Being a part of the research team at the Road Home has been an incredible experience. Since starting here in 2023 the research team has continued to enhance our knowledge of trauma treatment, and continually push for the best outcomes for both our patients, future patients, and all individuals exposed to trauma." 


Ryan Schubert, MS

Michelle Ptak

Research Assistant

Michelle graduated with a BA in psychology from the University of Michigan in 2023. Broadly, she is interested in understanding the underlying reasons some people develop PTSD and enhancing resilience in trauma survivors. She hopes to earn a doctorate degree in clinical psychology.  


Ryan Schubert, MS

Angie Parmar

Research Assistant

"I am honored to conduct research at the Road Home Program and be able to witness how our findings are applied to meaningfully impact the lives of veterans and their families."


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

Veteran Outreach Digital Marketing Strategist

“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.”


Mathius Carter

Katia Newell

Veteran Outreach Coordinator

“As an Army veteran who served the military medical community, I serviced soldiers seeking care on foreign and domestic soil. It is an honor and a privilege to continue my service in a new capacity through the Road Home Program, providing resources to veterans, service members, and their families. With our help, your pathway to care is paved: all you need to do is take the first step towards your road 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 II

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


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.”