Mande Van Lanen

Counselor

LSW – Licensed Social Worker

MSW – Masters in Social Work

Mande Van Lanen has been working at HOPE since she was an intern in 2018. She graduated from Aurora University in 2019 with a master's degree in social work and business administration. She graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2009 with her BSW. She worked with children and families as an Early Intervention Service Coordinator for 10 years. In that time she worked with children from birth to three with developmental delays and assisted in completing services plans and helping them obtain services such as Developmental Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Counseling services. She has also has experience working in the Rockford Public School District within Prevention Initiative. Her additional experience includes: research assistant, psychological technician intern at a counseling center for children, and an instructor. She is a credentialed Service Coordinator through the Illinois Department of Human Services Part C and is trained in the Parents as Teachers Curriculum.

Mande has a strong passion for working with people and has a strong passion for helping people. She prides herself on being relatable to other people, easy to talk to, and working specifically well with young children. She has received training in Play Therapy, Sand Therapy, Art Therapy, Brainspotting, Trauma Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Teletherapy, and Conscious Parenting; however, she continues to explore other therapeutic approaches.

Mande utilizes a strength-based approach in counseling by meeting people where they are and helping them make positive changes in their lives, whether it be through individual therapy and/or family therapy. She helps people make goals and meet those goals. She offers and safe and happy environment for children to continue to grow.

When she is not working, she enjoy spending time with her husband, three children, and pets. She enjoys volunteering at her children’s schools and never missing one of her children’s events. She enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring new places with her family.

“Recognize that every interaction you have is an opportunity to make positive impacts on others.” ~Shep Hyken