Meet the Foundation Board of Directors
The Schultz Foundation for Advancing Counseling is governed by an elected Board of Directors that consists of counselors, counselor educators, and professionals dedicated to supporting the Foundation’s Mission:
"To promote excellence in counseling and support mental wellness in Illinois, the Schultz Foundation for Advancing Counseling provides financial support that encourages professional development and research
and which addresses social issues within the State."
We are proud to celebrate more than a decade of supporting
professional counselors and counseling graduate students.
The volunteer Board of Directors is comprised of counselors, counselor educators, and professionals dedicated to supporting the Foundation’s Mission in an ethical, legal, fair, and efficient manner.
Here is a bit more information about the Foundation Board Members:
Dr. Melanie Rawlins, President
In 2005 she led a dedicated team to establish the Foundation.This capstone in her professional contributions took an extraordinary amount of time and effort. Dr. Rawlins is Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Department of Counselor Education at Western Illinois University (1997-2006) and was a counselor educator for 19 years at Eastern Illinois University.
Ms. Roseanne Oppmann, M.A., Vice President
Roseanne was elected to the Board of Directors and awarded a Robert J. Nejedlo Social Emphasis Grant from the Foundation in 2016 as a reflection and result of her professional accomplishments and continued goals. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1978 in education and special education from National College of Education. In 1998, she earned her Master’s degree in Human Service Counseling from National Louis University.
Dr. Donna Kirkpatrick Pinson, Board Member in Memoriam
Dr. Kirkpatrick Pinson was an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Human Services at National Louis University. Prior to this appointment, she served as adjunct faculty in the Northern Illinois University Counseling Program and was a professional school counselor at Byron Middle School.
Learn more about Dr. Kirkpatrick Pinson
Ms. LaCleta Hall, M.A., Secretary
LacCeta Hall is one of the founding members of the Foundation. Hall personally knew Merlin W. Schultz, one of the Foundation’s major benefactors and visionaries. She states; “Merlin’s personal commitment to the counseling profession has been a very real fundamental focus for me to stay involved with the Foundation to this day.” She has been serving as the Board Secretary for many years helping to ensure the work and accomplishment are noted for future generations of counseling professionals.
W. Earl Bracey, J.D., M.S., Board Member Emeritus
Earl Bracey received his law degree from Southern Illinois University of Law in 1979, an M.S. in guidance and counseling from Eastern Illinois University, a B.A. in secondary education from Mount Senario College and an associate' degree from Wright Junior College. He served in leadership at Western Illinois University for 35 years. He retired the summer of 2015 as the Associate Vice President for student services at Western Illinois University. Prior to this leadership position at WIU, he served as Director of Student Legal Services from 1979 to 1986.
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Dr. Heidi Larson, Board Member
Dr. Heidi Larson currently works as a Professor in Eastern's Department of Counseling and Higher Education. Her recent teaching experiences include; Professional Orientation, Basic Counseling Skills, Group Counseling (a specialty), Internship and Family Counseling. Additionally, she provides clinical supervision, professional consultation, and training for master's level counselors.
Dr. Katherine M. Atkins, Board Member
Katherine (“Katie”) M. Atkins, PhD., is a clinical assistant professor and clinical training director at The Family Institute at Counseling@Northwestern. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and a master’s degree in counseling both from Northern Illinois University as well as a BA in psychology from Roosevelt University. She is a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified counselor, an approved clinical supervisor, and holds a professional educator license in school counseling. Prior to coming to higher education, she worked as a school counselor, community mental health counselor, and home-based mental health clinician. She is also the co-founder/owner of Blooming Life Institute, LLC.
Dr. Rodney Bullock, Board Member
Rodney Bullock, PhD., is a professor of psychology and human services at Joliet Junior College where he teaches aspiring human services professionals with an emphasis on power, privilege, de-stigmatization, and systemic racism. He served as a faculty counselor for 15 years before moving to full-time teaching in 2019. Dr. Bullock holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling and a Master of Health Science degree in Addiction Studies from Governors State University. He has more than 19 years of professional experience as a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC).
Pearl Parks, Board Member
Pearl Parks is a licensed clinical professional counselor and owner of Pearls of Hope, PLLC, in Chicago's south suburbs, with counseling experience since 2005. She holds a bachelor's in English and Educational Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University and a master's in professional counseling from Concordia University. Certified in Gottman’s marriage program, Pearl has led the Illinois Association of Couples and Family Counseling and received a professional development grant for divorce mediation training at Northwestern. Her diverse experience includes work with domestic violence survivors, youth in foster care, adolescent sex offenders, and roles with mental health and human services agencies. She currently supports parolees through the Illinois Department of Correction. Passionate about mental health awareness, especially in church and African American communities, Pearl facilitates workshops, grief support, and ministry training. She founded a local therapists’ consultation group and mentors clinicians as a supervisor. Pearl also presents at conferences, including on suicide prevention among faith leaders, and serves on the Schultz Foundation Board to promote counseling and community well-being.
Steve Clement, Board Member
Steve Clement's journey from Pike County, Illinois, exemplifies dedication and resilience through diverse challenges. Learning plastering from his father while working on the family farm, Steve expanded his horizons with international experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before joining the OPCMIA union in Quincy, Illinois. His career advanced from local leadership to becoming Business Manager of Local 18 in 2006 and International Vice President in 2014, managing major projects and representing hundreds of workers across Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. While building his professional success, Steve navigated personal challenges caring for his wife Jill, who was diagnosed with early onset Altheimers, while raising two children. His commitment extends beyond work through active community service on multiple councils and charities, advocating for workplace diversity and cultural respect. Grateful for opportunities with the Schultz Foundation, Steve leverages his extensive experience to improve society and promote counseling resources essential to Illinois' well-being.
Patrick Wildman, Board Member
Patrick Wildman is a compassionate and experienced school counselor dedicated to student advocacy, academic success, and personal growth. With nearly a decade in education, he supports students’ academic, social, and emotional development through an empathetic and equitable approach. Holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University, Patrick combines strong academic training in educational psychology and counseling with practical experience to guide students in academic planning, college readiness, and navigating adolescence. At Beardstown High School, he leads efforts to enhance student support, apply evidence-based counseling, and foster an inclusive, resilient school culture. Beyond his school duties, Patrick is an active leader in the Illinois School Counselor Association, advancing statewide advocacy, professional development, and policy to strengthen and elevate the counseling profession.
Dr. Maricruz Ramos, Board Member
Dr. Ramos is a Board Member and a past recipient of the Melanie E. Rawlins Research Grant from the Foundation. As a grantee she was compelled to join the Board to her to share her interest in helping others learn and benefit from the Foundation's Grants. Dr. Ramos is a counselor/ faculty at College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL
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Ms. Nicole Zook, Board Member
Nicole Zook received her B.A. in Psychology from Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN in 2006. Upon graduation she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, leaving as a sergeant in 2010 after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan where she earned multiple personal awards. After receiving an honorable discharge, she returned to Northeastern Illinois University and received her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2014.
Learn more about Ms. Zook
Jenica Hopkins, Executive Director
Jenica Hopkins brings a strong commitment to the counseling profession and has extensive experience in community outreach for nonprofit organizations. She has led numerous health care campaigns throughout her career and received multiple awards for community development both regionally and nationally.
Ms. Hopkins holds a BA in Political Science and History from Quincy University. She served as a political liaison early in her career before transitioning to bio medical services on behalf of the American Red Cross.
Dr. Stephany Joy-Newman, Board Member Emeritus
Since age eleven Stephany Joy-Newman was certain she wanted to be a counselor and psychotherapist when she “grew up”. She steadfastly pursued a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University, (WIU) after which she “paid her dues” by working in agency settings (caseworker for Division of Children and Family Services; counselor in Community Mental Health Center).
Empowering Professionals. . . Enriching Lives