Ms. Julia Wright is a licensed clinical social worker. She received her MSW from the Jane Addams College of Social Work and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ms. Wright’s 15 years of experience include working with children and families of diverse backgrounds in residential and school settings. Ms. Wright joined Smart Love Family Services in 2015 helping children, adolescents and adults pursue their innate desires for well-being.  She also enjoys providing parent guidance counseling, helping parents to better understand their children’s behavior and enjoy their relationships with their children.

Ms. Alison Pildner received a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Human Development from the University of Chicago and she has completed all of the academic requirements to become a Child Life Specialist. Alison has experience working with children in a variety of settings, including in the classroom, hospital, home, and community. She enjoys combining her knowledge of child development with her skills as a teacher to help her students achieve their goals.

Ms. Delphine Benard-Bard received a Master's Degree in Women's Studies from the University of La Sorbonne, Paris, France. While in France, she was an English as a second language teacher at both the preschool and high school levels. Delphine raised two sons with learning differences and mental health conditions and developed a passion for finding the best ways to advocate for her children’s needs. Delphine currently works with neurodiverse elementary students and is devoted to fostering a love of learning, especially in reading. She believes that students gain confidence when they lean into their own interests and strengths and she is committed to helping students build on their existing skills to develop in all areas of their academic life.

Ms. Iesha Polk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Western Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Urban Education from the University of Chicago. Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, she was homeschooled by her mother, who instilled in her the values of faith, community, creativity, and knowledge. Iesha has been in the education field for over 10 years, during which she has taught, volunteered, and worked in after-school and Sunday school programs. She has had the privilege of working with youth from pre-K to high school, as well as adult students. Iesha is passionate about helping people grow, live prosperous lives, and bringing her passion and experience to Smart Love.

Ms. Victoria Roberts received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University. She earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Relay Graduate School of Education in Indianapolis, Indiana. As an Elementary Teacher in a charter school setting, Victoria gained valuable experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who presented with varying physical and behavioral disorders and academic levels. Victoria recognizes that each student is an individual with their own learning pace and style. In addition to academic progress, she empowers students to build a sense of self-worth and confidence. She is excited to join the Smart Love team!

Ms. Jazzmin Torrey holds a Master's of Education in Literacy and Language Arts and two
teaching credentials in Elementary and Special Education from Loyola Marymount University. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from the University of California Los Angeles. As a Special Education Teacher, Jazzmin has extensive experience working with students of various academic levels and social/emotional needs as influenced by their life experiences and neurodiversity. Building a trusting relationship through validation and developing engaging academic activities grounded in the Universal Design for Learning framework is at the heart of her approach to working with students.