We’re excited to welcome our new Bi-Lingual Family Social Worker, Ileana Carpena! Her infectious smile and positive attitude is a perfect match with our Healthy Families team.
Ileana was born and bred in Northlake and graduated with a degree in social work from Aurora University. Her field of choice was inspired by her late brother. Diego, who recently passed away at the age of twenty-one, was born with a rare condition that was diagnosed at the age of two. Though Diego’s condition was physically and mentally progressive and incapacitating, he maintained a positive attitude about life that he attributed to all the love he felt from those around him.
Ileana says she is a strong believer in self-care. “You must take care of yourself and love yourself, or you can’t share that with others. I try to stay mentally and physically healthy and pass that on.” Ileana is looking forward to working with new families. “I know,” she said, “parenting isn’t easy, but having that extra support can get you through anything. “
Looking ahead, Ileana plans to earn her master’s degree in social work, and eventually her Ph.D. For now, she is happy living in the moment and contributing to the families we serve in our Healthy Families program.