Samantha Scalabrino, M.A.

Staff Associate Therapist

“When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Samantha believes that one can find happiness even within adversity; it is because of this that she strives to help her clients turn their challenges into strengths. She finds joy in connecting with both neurotypical and neurodiverse children who struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship conflicts, maladaptive behaviors, and general difficulty navigating daily demands. Samantha primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, along with play therapy methods, to help children break down overwhelming emotions into manageable, non-threatening feelings and actions. She draws from an extensive background in teaching conflict resolution, communication, relational, behavioral, and social skills. Samantha also finds visual aids to be extremely useful tools in helping children work on their goals and enjoys making these aids and helping parents learn how to apply them in the home environment.

Samantha received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. She went to Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English. Before joining The Summit, Samantha worked as a school counselor at a therapeutic day school for children on the autism spectrum with behavioral challenges. She also has a background working as a behavior specialist for adults with cognitive disabilities, a mental health worker at an adolescent psychiatric hospital, and completed her practicum as an intern in a substance abuse clinic.

When not counseling, Samantha enjoys swimming, taking peaceful walks in nature, and spending time with her husband and two children. She is an avid baker and can often be found in the kitchen whipping up new recipes for her family and friends to sample. Samantha also volunteers for a local non-profit that serves adults with special needs and is co-chair of her neighborhood’s social committee.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in English, Lake Forest College
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Illinois School of Professional Psychology

Licensure, Certifications and Professional Affiliations

• Licensed Professional Counselor, Georgia (pending)
• Licensed Clinical ProfessionalCounselor, Illinois
• Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist