Millennium Magazine_6th Ed

236 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine HEALTH AND WELLNESS W hile in college, Jacqueline I. Wert developed a strong interest in social services, psychosocial issues and helping others. In 1964, she received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Iowa, and later, a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois’ Jane Addams School of Social ork in 1974. Ms. Wert also obtained certificates in psychiatry from the Family Institute of Chicago and the Center for Family Studies and in medical billing and coding from the Harry S. Truman College Continuing Education Department. Since 1993, Ms. Wert has been the owner of Grove Counseling Associates in Chicago, Illinois, and she has worked at a private practice since 1982. For 33 years between 1968 and 2001, she served as a child welfare worker for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in Chicago. At the inception of her career in 1964, she was a nursing aide at the Psychopathic Hospital of Iowa City for one year, and for three years afterwards, she began direct work in social work as a case worker in public assistance for the Cook County Department of Public Assistance. Ms. Wert had also worked part-time at the Youth Campus and Elk Grove Schaumburg Family Service. At the time of Ms. Wert’s work, there was a great amount of children being born with drug addictions and/or were abandoned by their mothers, which immediately put them into the adoption system. The highlight of Ms. Wert’s career has been any time she was able to find permanent homes for children in the adoption program, which she cites was rewarding and fulfilling work. For her unmatched service in the field of social work, Ms. Wert was the recipient of the Director’s Award from the Director of Illinois Children and Family Services in 1989. Additionally, she was given certificates of recognition for team performance in 1998 and 2000. A presenter in her field, Ms. Wert is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Work. In her free time, she enjoys photography, crafts, dancing and hiking. Looking forward, she intends to experience the continued growth and success of her career. JACQUELINE I. WERT, MSW, LCSW LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER Grove Counseling Associates Chicago, IL