Samantha “Sam” Dubina, LSW

The Personal:

What did you do before you became a social worker?

I actually went to college to pursue musical theatre because I wanted to be on Broadway! After I graduated, I was a professional actor in and around Chicago for nearly a decade, performing in dozens of musicals and plays and even starting my own theatre company with my friends. I secretly know how to tap dance and you’ll likely catch me singing showtunes in my car.

What is your favorite drink?

Is it too boring if I say water?

How do you like to relax and unwind after your workday?

I love to go home and play board games with my husband while we split a pizza. Afterwards, I’ll snuggle with our rescue pit bull, Trooper, and our black cat, Nellie. Unfortunately, they are not friends (yet!) so I need to constantly divide my time and energy between the two of them.

What do your weekends look like?

Spending time with my family and friends is crucial. Otherwise, you can find me at home, reading a book or watching movies. And I’m a happy camper if I can squeeze a nap in! I recently took up photography, so I am working on taking pretty photos and creating memories.

The Professional

Sam is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Her passion for mental health and helping others become the best versions of themselves is what drives her. She is passionate about eliminating the stigma, misconceptions and stereotypes of mental health. As a therapist, Sam helps individuals and families understand mental illnesses and what they can do to control or cope with symptoms to improve health, wellness and function. She has experience working with children, teens and adults with a wide variety of struggles including neurodivergent disorders, anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and trauma.

As a therapist, Sam believes in creating an inclusive environment that values and accommodates everyone’s’ unique strengths, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world. She does not want to “treat” or “cure” neurodivergence –– rather, she wants to help neurodivergent individuals find acceptance and pride in their differences. Sam uses a blend of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic therapy and mind-body approaches to support individuals in a whole-person, strength-based way, combining insight with action.

Sam received her master’s degree in social work from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois. She received her bachelor’s of fine arts degree with an emphasis in musical theatre from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. She has extensive training in school social work and has considerable knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and collaborating with students, school staff and families. She has additional training in behavioral therapy, trauma and crisis intervention. She is currently pursuing certifications in DIR/ Floortime therapy.