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Special-Needs Schools

Safe Haven School Lake Bluff

Special-Needs Schools · Lake Bluff, IL
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About

Compiled from public web sources — unverified until claimed; please confirm details directly with the provider.

Focus
Day School Autism Emotional Disability Multiple Disabilities Other Health Impairment Specific Learning Disability
Area
Lake Bluff, IL
Description
ISBE-approved nonpublic special-education facility (day school), serving students with autism, emotional disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, specific learning disability. Illinois districts can place and fund students here under Section 14-7.02.
Website
safehavenschool.org

What this special-needs school offers

Summarized from their website — verify details directly with the special-needs school.

Safe Haven School is a therapeutic day school in Lake Bluff, Illinois serving students with emotional disabilities, autism, learning disabilities, and related conditions. It provides integrated educational and clinical services including individual counseling, art therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology.

Leadership
Sheila Deal — Executive Director
Joanna Krause — Clinical Director
Staff
Irina Akimova — Social Worker (MSW, LCSW, CADC)
Sarah Dalicandro — Social Worker (MSW, LSW)
Samantha Dunn — Social Worker (MSW, LSW)
Sarah Matchen — Social Worker (MSW, LCSW)
Nancy Pieroni — Social Worker (MSW, LCSW)
Heidi Torres Smith — Art Therapist (ATR-BC, LCPC)
Stephanie Reyes-Smiles — Art Therapist (ATR)
Anne Wilson — Occupational Therapist
Olivia Garber — Speech Therapist (MS, CCC-SLP)
Jane Conley — Educational Case Manager, Math/Science Teacher
Emily Curry — Educational Case Manager, Middle School Teacher
Thomai Ntanga — Physical Education/Greek Teacher
Ben Seidman — Educational Case Manager, Science/English Teacher
Johnny Guarnieri — Educational Case Manager, Social Studies/English Teacher
Naára Maldonado — Administrative Assistant
Jan Lawson — Business Manager
Populations served
Students with emotional disabilities Students with autism (Level 1) Students with learning disabilities Students with multiple disabilities Students with behavioral disorders Students with developmental delays Students with anxiety Students with depression Students with school refusal/avoidance Students with suicidal ideation Students with PTSD Students with other health impairment designation
Setting
Day
On-site therapies
Individual counseling (social work) Crisis intervention Social skills groups Anger management groups Grief and loss support groups Anxiety/stress management groups Art therapy (individual and group) Pet therapy Occupational therapy Speech-language pathology
Services
Educational case management Special education support Attendance assistance Supportive attendance/home visits Community resource connection Needs assessment Conflict resolution groups
Programs
Open studio art therapy Paws for Patrick pet therapy partnership Supportive attendance program
Phone
(847) 604-3903
Highlights
Social worker caseload ratio is 10 or fewer students per clinician. School has a resident therapy dog (Riley) and twice-monthly pet therapy sessions through Paws for Patrick partnership.
Admissions
Contact Clinical Director Joanna Krause at jkrause@safehavenschool.org. Accepts students with IEP eligibility categories including autism, emotional disability, other health impairment, and learning disability. Serves students with anxiety, depression, Level 1 autism, school refusal/avoidance, suicidal ideation, and PTSD. Does not admit students with lower ability levels or aggression concerns.

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What to look for in a special-needs school

  • Population served (autism, emotional/behavioral, learning differences) and the age/grade range
  • Whether it's an ISBE-approved nonpublic facility — districts can place and fund students there
  • On-site therapies (OT/PT/speech/behavioral)
  • Day vs. residential
  • How transitions back to public school work

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