Ilene received her BA from the University of Kansas in Human Development and Family Studies and continued her studies to earn her M.Ed in Mental Health Counseling from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.  In 2006, she became a Licensed Professional Counselor and now has over 15 years of experience working with the early childhood population in early care settings and completing home visits.  Most recently, she completed a professional school counselor certification program.  Outside of work, she volunteers at an animal shelter and serves as a special education surrogate parent for the local school system.  She enjoys scrapbooking her life memories, tending to her plants and gardens, being outdoors, and traveling with her family.