Marlee Mendelson
Chicago,IL
Summary
Trauma-informed MSW candidate with clinical experience in survivor-centered therapy, crisis intervention, and integrative somatic-psychodynamic care. Clinical approach draws from polyvagal theory, parts work, and attachment-oriented therapy to support assessment, stabilization, and relational practice with individuals impacted by trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Grounded in social justice and strengths-based frameworks, with a strong commitment to ethical and culturally responsive social work. Background in the arts and as a vocalist informs an attuned, creative, and embodied approach to therapeutic presence and approach to developing a strong alliance.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Trauma Therapy Intern
Resilience
Chicago, IL
08.2025 - Current
- Provides ongoing trauma-informed, survivor-centered individual therapy to clients impacted by sexual violence and complex trauma.
- Conducts biopsychosocial assessments, safety planning, crisis stabilization, and clinical documentation.
- Utilizes grounding, somatic, and relational interventions to support nervous system regulation and recovery.
- Develops collaborative treatment plans and tracks clinical progress over time.
- Works with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care, ensure continuity of services, and uphold ethical standards, client autonomy, and confidentiality.
MSW Intern
Healing Steps Counseling
Chicago, IL
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Completed intakes, IM+CANS, and biopsychosocial assessments with clients across diverse backgrounds.
- Supported delivery of strengths-based, client-centered outpatient mental health services.
- Developed rapport and therapeutic alliance in short-term and intake-based clinical encounters.
Songleader and Music Teacher
Temple Emanuel
Chicago, IL
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Lead congregational music for community Sunday morning services.
- Fostered connection, emotional expression, and communal engagement through music and voice with a focus on songs of liberation.
Fellow
Adamah Farm Fellowship
Falls Village, CT
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Participated in immersive community-based learning rooted in mutual aid, care, and community resilience.
Early Childhood Assistant
Sagewood Schoolhouse
CA
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Supported outdoor, play-based education with a focus on social-emotional development.
Assistant Teacher & Director of Yoga Program
South Loop Montessori
Chicago, IL
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Designed and facilitated yoga-based emotional regulation programming for children.
- Supported sensitive classroom environments through relational and developmentally responsive approaches.
Art Teacher
Austin Tinkering School
Austin, TX
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Facilitated creative, experiential learning in group settings emphasizing safety, autonomy, and expression.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - undefined
Bennington College
Bennington, VT01.2014
Skills
- Trauma-informed care
- Crisis intervention
- Biopsychosocial assessment
- Safety planning
- Somatic & body-based interventions
- Polyvagal-informed regulation strategies
- Internal Family Systems informed parts work
- CBT informed skill-building
- Relational/psychodynamic clinical practice
- Group facilitation
- Ethical documentation
- Curiosity
- Cultural humility
- Populations: Adults, young adults, trauma survivors, sexual assault survivors, folks navigating identity exploration, life transitions, grief, anxiety, dissociation, relational patterns
Certification
- 60-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), 2025
- Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training (200-hour)
Timeline
Trauma Therapy Intern
Resilience
08.2025 - Current
MSW Intern
Healing Steps Counseling
06.2024 - 08.2024
Songleader and Music Teacher
Temple Emanuel
09.2023 - 06.2024
Fellow
Adamah Farm Fellowship
06.2023 - 08.2023
Early Childhood Assistant
Sagewood Schoolhouse
01.2023 - 03.2023
Assistant Teacher & Director of Yoga Program
South Loop Montessori
01.2017 - 01.2021
Art Teacher
Austin Tinkering School
01.2015 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - undefined
Bennington College
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
Loyola University Chicago
SELECTED ART EXHIBITIONS
- Encounter, Chicago Cultural Center, 2023
- Incesarium, Recinto Cerra, Santurce, PR, 2017
- 100 Views, Lower Left / Studium, Austin, TX, 2016
- Sweaters I Have Known and Loved, Museum of Human Achievement, Austin, TX, 2015
- Things Have Changed Between Us, Usdan Gallery, Bennington, VT, 2014
- Practice, Product, Practice, VAPA Galleria, Bennington, VT, 2014