Michelle Marmé

El Valor, which means "courage" in Spanish, is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that for 40 years has delivered programs that benefit thousands of individuals in Illinois and around the country. El Valor was founded in 1973 by the late Guadalupe Reyes, a visionary leader and mother who dreamed of a community in which all members, including her son with special needs, could live, learn and work. From its roots in the Hispanic community, El Valor has grown into a multicultural… Show more

El Valor, which means "courage" in Spanish, is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that for 40 years has delivered programs that benefit thousands of individuals in Illinois and around the country. El Valor was founded in 1973 by the late Guadalupe Reyes, a visionary leader and mother who dreamed of a community in which all members, including her son with special needs, could live, learn and work. From its roots in the Hispanic community, El Valor has grown into a multicultural, multipurpose organization with a mission that reaches millions through our International Public Awareness Campaign.

"…I was amazed at (El Valor's children's) kindness, curiosity, their caring and their independence. Far more than other preschool children with whom I have worked for the past 25 years, these children seem to construct understanding of relationships they have formed with their teachers, with their peers, and the playful explorations that are encouraged in every classroom."

- Christine Marmé Thompson, Ph.D., Penn State University Show less

Dynamic association of counseling organizations in Illinois who collaborate on local and national issues to strengthen the quality and access to services for people across Illinois. Contributing to the enhancement of counseling practice through social & legislative advocacy, professional development, and research.

Founding member of the Commission on Undergraduate Standards and Accreditation;
Collaborated with task force to advocate for the necessity to establish standards for training individuals to work with people with disabilities;
Instrumental in definition of academic and practice standards for preparation of specialists working with people with disabilities;
Helped develop process for evaluating undergraduate programs in disability and rehabilitation'
Developed and trained site… Show more

Founding member of the Commission on Undergraduate Standards and Accreditation;
Collaborated with task force to advocate for the necessity to establish standards for training individuals to work with people with disabilities;
Instrumental in definition of academic and practice standards for preparation of specialists working with people with disabilities;
Helped develop process for evaluating undergraduate programs in disability and rehabilitation'
Developed and trained site reviewers to consult with university programs seeking accreditation; Show less

Counsellor in Private Practice July 1992 – May 2012 (19 years 11 months) Greater Chicago Area

* therapist working with individuals and couples, with issues surrounding
disability, depression, anxiety, career, adjustment to adult life issues, sexual dysfunction,
communication issues
* mental health counselling
* educational program development for universities and community based settings

Educational Consulting and Program… Show more

Counsellor in Private Practice July 1992 – May 2012 (19 years 11 months) Greater Chicago Area

* therapist working with individuals and couples, with issues surrounding
disability, depression, anxiety, career, adjustment to adult life issues, sexual dysfunction,
communication issues
* mental health counselling
* educational program development for universities and community based settings

Educational Consulting and Program Development July 1992 - present Show less

Provided academic support and adjustment counseling to university students with learning, attentional, sensory, & physical disabilities, as well as anxiety/depression/ substance abuse issues. Developed personal care assistance program. Worked with faculty and parents, on behalf of students. Skill training for students in self advocacy with faculty/teaching assistants, university residence staff & parents. Developed in-service training throughout university regarding legal, adaptive and… Show more

Provided academic support and adjustment counseling to university students with learning, attentional, sensory, & physical disabilities, as well as anxiety/depression/ substance abuse issues. Developed personal care assistance program. Worked with faculty and parents, on behalf of students. Skill training for students in self advocacy with faculty/teaching assistants, university residence staff & parents. Developed in-service training throughout university regarding legal, adaptive and personal development issues of college students with disabilities. Proactive outreach throughout the university, with state vocational rehabilitation services, and with prospective students. Established protocols for revamping the services of this office. Changed the title of the office to Services for Students with Disabilities from its former name, Disabled Student Services. Show less

Encounters initiated within weeks of individuals' experience of traumatic spinal cord, acquired brain injuries and exacerbation of neurological disease processes. Provided social, emotional, vocational counseling for people throughout their 9-12 month initial hospitalization and for the months and years after discharge, providing on-going counseling support through successful employment.