Our Team
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LEADERSHIP TEAM
Rabije Perezic | M.A. LCPC
Clinical Director - Co-founder
I am the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Wallace Academy and Natura Academy, where I lead and develop therapeutic programming for students experiencing school anxiety, school refusal, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. I am a clinician with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families, with clinical experience in both therapeutic day schools and private practice. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, which informs my trauma-responsive approach to clinical care and program development.
My approach to working with students and families is centered on building trusting relationships and creating a safe, supportive environment in which students and families can rebuild, heal, and regain functioning as active participants in their communities. Clinically, my approach is to provide holistic, systems-based care that supports the student and family system, builds on protective factors, and creates opportunities for positive youth development and successful re-engagement in school.
Dana Fair-McNamara | M.A. M.S.ED
Director of Education - Co-founder
I started my career as a special education teacher. I hold master’s degrees as a behavior intervention specialist, curriculum adaptation specialist, and in school leadership. I have extensive experience working in private therapeutic day school settings, and I was previously an administrator in a public district. For the past three years, I have co-owned and operated Wallace Academy, in Hoffman Estates, as a Co-Founder and Principal. I take pride in advocating for students/families, partnering closely with districts on the most challenging cases, being a hands-on administrator, and finding creative ways to support students and lead teams. I have dedicated my career to supporting students that struggle to function in a public school system, and I am relentless in my pursuit to individualize education for students that need it most.
Mary Mangione | M.A. M.ED
Principal - Co-founder
I began my career as a paraeducator and art teacher, and those early experiences shaped how I see students and ultimately led me into school leadership. With over two decades of experience serving at-risk youth, I am proud to serve as the principal and co-founder of Natura Academy.
Throughout my career, I have worked as a special education teacher supporting students with a wide range of disabilities in private therapeutic settings, as well as a special education administrator and principal in public school settings. In each of these roles, I have worked closely with students who haven’t always felt successful or understood in traditional environments, and that work continues to guide my purpose.
I believe schools can be places where every student truly thrives when families, educators, and mental health clinicians work together. My mission is to support families while helping young people build the confidence, skills, and independence they need to find their place and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Lauren Traynor | M.A., PSA
Lead Positive Youth Development Staff
ltraynor@naturaacademy.net
I have dedicated my career to supporting young people through challenges, growth, and change. I began working with youth in the juvenile justice system in 2007, and, in 2021, transitioned to the public school setting. My Master’s Degree is in Public Safety Administration and I am working on a Doctorate in Education Administration.
My mission is to create environments where everyone feels safe, welcomed, respected, and valued. The understanding that all behavior is communication and that every person deserves to be seen beyond life’s challenges is foundational to my career and everyday life. My approach is rooted in empathy, accountability, and connection; helping students build confidence, strengthen relationships, and discover their unique strengths. I hope that every student finds a supportive community where they feel understood, empowered, and capable of success.
Andrea Samayoa
School Operations Manager
I have worked in a school setting for eight years, and throughout my experience, I have learned the importance of wearing many hats and being willing to step in wherever I am needed. I take pride in being someone others can rely on and in contributing to a positive, supportive school environment. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff. I truly value being in a position where I can advocate for students and families and help ensure that their voices, needs, and concerns are heard. As a bilingual interpreter, I also play an important role in helping bridge communication gaps between the school and families.
I strive to ensure that all communication is clear, accurate, and effective so that families feel informed, supported, and included. Over the years, I have learned that being organized, reliable, trustworthy, and flexible are essential qualities when working as part of a team. I believe that when everyone works together and supports one another, the entire school community has the opportunity to grow and succeed. Above all, I genuinely enjoy helping others. I am a strong believer that you do your best work when you are doing something you love, and I feel fortunate to be in a role where I can make a positive difference in the lives of students, families, and staff each day.
ACADEMIC TEAM
Stephanie Balongag | LBS-I, M.ED.
Teacher/Case Manger
With over 10 years of experience as a Special Education teacher, I am deeply committed to helping every student reach their full potential. I began my career in a therapeutic day school setting, where I developed a strong foundation in supporting students with diverse academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. Since then, I have worked within a large school district serving diverse populations, gaining valuable experience creating inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments for students of all backgrounds and abilities.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in History from Northern Illinois University and later completed my Master’s Degree in Special Education. My work is driven by a passion for equity, diversity, and student-centered learning, with a continued commitment to helping all students build confidence, independence, and success both inside and outside the classroom.
Saul Perez | LBS-I
Teacher/Case Manger
I started my career in Chicago Public Schools, where I had the opportunity to work closely with students who needed more than academic support; they also needed guidance, encouragement, and understanding as they navigated both educational and personal challenges. This experience deeply shaped my approach to teaching and strengthened my commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive classroom where every student feels valued, understood, and capable of success. My goal is not only to help students grow academically, but also to empower them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Gwendolyn Walker | LBS-I
Teacher/Case Manger
After maintaining my career in the private sector, I decided to make a major life change. This meant shifting gears and becoming an educator. My journey began in 2003 as a Generalist in Fort Bend ISD, (FBISD) a school district in Sugar Land, TX. I remained in that position until 2008 when I transitioned to Houston ISD (HISD) as a fourth grade teacher. Fourth grade was a lot of fun, and my students excelled in all academic areas. After four years, I moved overseas to the United Arab Emirates where I taught second and fourth grade students for four years. What an amazing adventure! While in the UAE, I pursued my Master of Science in Special Education. This move positioned me to become a Special Ed teacher in 2017. I landed a job in FBISD as a Special Education teacher where I supported elementary students in grades 3-5. As time went on, I became a resource and phonics teacher. Eventually, I had a desire to return to Illinois.
I was fortunate enough to run across a job posting as a Case Manager at Wallace
Academy. Luckily, I was selected for the position and couldn’t have been happier.
Wallace was a great experience and a wonderful introduction to challenges that occur
when transitioning from high school to post secondary education in the state of Illinois.
It was quite an eyeopener, and I worked there for two years. While working with high
school students, I realized the importance of helping young students, specifically those who struggle in elementary school. Then, a new opportunity came on the horizon with the same founders of Wallace Academy. A new school, Natura Academy, was going to open for the 2026-2027 school year, and I was asked if I was interested. I gave it serious thought and decided that it would be a great move for me, especially since I so enjoyed working with younger students. Now, I’m at Natura Academy and back to working with elementary students. I couldn’t be more excited.
Elliott Whitefield | LBS-I, M.S.ED
Teacher/Case Manger
ewhitefield@naturaacademy.net
I am embarking on my 37th year as a special education teacher and am truly excited about the opportunity to join Natura Academy. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of teaching a wide range of students with behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and learning disabilities. A consistent hallmark of my teaching approach has been my ability to develop and maintain strong, meaningful connections with my students. I've worked with students facing many challenges. At the heart of my teaching lies a passion to work with students who need the most help. I look forward to this new chapter and am eager to share my wealth of experience and dedication with the Natura Academy Community. I'm a big believer in the following quote: “It’s Amazing What Can Be Accomplished When No One Cares Who Gets The Credit”
CLINICAL TEAM
Scott McKenith
Program Therapist
smckenith@naturaacademy.net
As a Program Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, I strive to create a space where students feel warm, cared for, accepted, and free to be themselves without judgment. I pride myself on being patient, understanding, compassionate, and attentive to each student's individual needs, while also providing structure and guidance when it is helpful.
My counseling style blends is first and foremost person centered and I especially enjoy helping students to build their self-esteem and recognize the positive impact they may have on the world around them. I also enjoy helping students to build upon their problem-solving skills, increase confidence, and develop a stronger belief in themselves and their abilities.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing racquet sports, tinkering with tech, and cooking. I believe that building genuine connections with students is an important part of therapy, and I enjoy getting to know the unique interests, strengths, and personalities that each student brings into the room.
Madelyn Oronda
Art Therapist
I graduated from Adler University with a Master's in Art Therapy and Counseling. My inspiration to pursue Art Therapy stems from my deep desire to help others while nurturing my own creativity. Approximately six years ago, I commenced my career as an art therapist in a therapeutic day school setting. I enjoy building a community atmosphere through murals and projects that involve the entire school community. I think it is important for everyone to have multiple ways to express themselves and to have a creative outlet. I am enthusiastic about continuing to inspire creativity in young individuals at Wallace Academy and helping them express themselves through the use of art.
INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS TEAM
Ryan Gariti
Positive Youth Development Staff
rgariti@naturaacademy.net
From a young age I knew I wanted to be in education. After college, I found myself in different educational settings. Eventually I found my way into therapeutic day schools. I believe in building strong relationships with students to help build and gain their trust. I am looking forward to joining Natura Academy, to meet new people, build relationships and have new experiences. I always look for small wins with students’ and their progress. I also believe in reflection and using past experiences to shape my future. I’m very excited to see where this journey takes me.
Jacqueline Lopez
Program Assistant
I am a dedicated education professional with five years of experience, driven by a passion for supporting student growth and achievement. Having spent three of those years in behavior-focused classrooms have shaped my understanding of specialized student needs and fueled my passion for this branch of SPED. My long-term goal is to obtain a teaching degree, followed by a degree in Special Education.
I am consistently open to learning new methodologies, strategies, and skills to better adapt to the evolving needs of my students.I strongly believe in a team-based approach, actively collaborating with parents, staff, administrators, and specialists to create cohesive, effective support systems for students.
Christine Tash
Program Assistant
I have worked as a paraprofessional since 2020, beginning at the elementary level and most recently serving in middle school. I am also continuing my education to strengthen my skills and expand my knowledge.
I believe that every student has the potential to succeed when educators take the time to understand their individual needs, build trust, and foster confidence. By creating strong connections and providing consistent support, I strive to help each student reach their goals and achieve their best.
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