Art In Motion -

At Distinctive Schools, we are committed to creating a supportive, student-centered environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. This work wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our incredible social workers and restorative counselors, who go above and beyond every day to connect students and families with the care they need.

We are thrilled to announce that eight of our outstanding team members have been recognized as Super Care Heroes by Care Solace, and that Super Care Heroes from Distinctive Schools were part of a small group that helped the most students through Care Solace in 2024! This award honors school-based mental health professionals who make an extraordinary impact through their advocacy, compassion, and commitment to student well-being.

Distinctive Schools partners with Care Solace to provide mental health care coordination to all Distinctive Schools team members, students, and families helping them quickly connect with a counselor or mental health provider. Their services are free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 in any language.

Please join us in celebrating these incredible honorees:

Chantell Denney, school social worker at Art In Motion, has a natural ability to connect with students, families, and staff, which makes her an invaluable part of the team. She navigates even the toughest moments with grace, providing a sense of safety and security while maintaining unwavering hope in every student’s potential. AIM Director of Partnerships & Creative Development Kara May says, “Chantell is highly responsive to student needs, skillfully balancing her caseload while ensuring every student feels supported. She cares deeply, fostering trust and growth while playing a vital role in our school culture.”

CICS Bucktown school social worker Rachel Iverson's deep commitment to her students is evident in the way she celebrates their achievements, no matter how big or small. She builds meaningful connections and ensures every student feels valued. CICS Bucktown Assistant Principal Lindsay Garcia shares that, "Rachel’s strength is her empathy. She consistently collaborates with teachers to support all students and advocates for the emotional needs of our entire community."

Lead school social worker at CICS Bucktown Patricia (Tricia) Milazzo’s expertise and leadership makes her a cornerstone of the social work team. She approaches even the most challenging situations with a calm, grounding presence that prioritizes student safety. "Tricia is an incredible problem-solver and a dedicated advocate for students,” says Ms. Garcia. “Her advocacy for supporting the emotional needs of all in the Bucktown community plays a key role in fostering a positive school culture."

Annette Ramos, CICS Bucktown’s restorative counselor, is foundational to the school, having connected with nearly every student and family. Her unwavering dedication to and care for the students creates a sense of belonging, making everyone feel seen, valued, and supported. “Annette’s strength is her strong, authentic relationships with parents and families,” shares Ms. Garcia. “She consistently puts students first by collaborating with teachers to support all our students.”

School social worker for both CICS Irving Park and CICS West Belden, Laila Drury’s dedication shines through in everything she does. She is compassionate and deeply committed to ensuring both students and staff thrive. “You would never know Laila splits her time between campuses because she is so ingrained in the Irving Park Community,” shares CICS Irving Park Principal JW Kuebler. Kristin Eng, Principal of CICS West Belden adds, "Laila is a constant source of support and care for our students. She meets them where they are, ensuring they feel valued, loved, and supported every step of the way.” 

Bianca Murillo, CICS Irving Park’s school social worker, approaches her work with curiosity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to the Irving Park community. This passion of hers helps to build deep trust with others that forms the foundation for positive change. “Bianca is an Irving Park treasure!,” exclaims Mr. Kuebler. “She is proactive, empathetic, and ensures everyone has the support they need to succeed—her care is absolutely transformative.”

Though new to CICS Longwood Elementary, school social worker Johana Zuluaga has already made a lasting impact with her warmth, compassion, and dedication to students. “Johana's unwavering dedication to building meaningful relationships with students and families is truly inspiring,” Resident Principal Yvonne Glenn shares. “ She goes above and beyond to ensure students feel seen, heard and supported creating a sense of belonging.”

CICS West Belden school social worker Krista Rangel’s calm demeanor, problem-solving skills, and positive outlook help to create a supportive and solutions-focused environment at the school. Ms. Eng shares that, “Kristin is our go-to person—she consistently goes above and beyond, building strong relationships. Whether it's lending a helping hand, offering encouragement, or stepping in wherever needed Krista makes a lasting impact in our community.”