SCHOOL OF EXPRESSIVE
ARTS AND LEARNING
"Putting Children First"
S.E.A.L.'s Directors
Hello! I’m Katie Maher, Director of Program Management at S.E.A.L. I started with S.E.A.L. the month after I graduated from IWU in 2008 as a Support Specialist in a junior high classroom at the Lombard campus. While supporting a classroom, I also served as a CAAEL coach and elementary Earned Activities leader.
​
I meandered through the ET department before becoming
​
​
a Program Coordinator, and later a member of the Leadership Team in 2019. During this time period, I was able to immerse myself across multiple departments to best understand how the various components of the program intersect to create a well-balanced experience for students of all ages. This knowledge also helped me understand the areas of the program that could use a closer look for improvement of the whole.
In my current role, I strategize to find best practices when it comes to crisis management. With cutting-edge research on trauma, communication, and deescalation it’s been imperative to uncover the perfect blend of trainings for our current population. Additionally, I serve as Student Care Liaison on the leadership team with the Illinois Association of Private Special Education Centers (IAPSEC).
If you’re new to S.E.A.L., you’ll likely connect with me when it comes to student concerns, milieu safety, and de-escalation practices. I am particularly passionate about discussing creative methodology to build therapeutic relationships and to support the well-being of each student.
When I’m not at work, you can find me teaching yoga classes, baking delicious treats, or hanging out with my son and daughter!
​
Hello! I’m Kate DiPaola, Director of Program Operations at S.E.A.L. I began my work with S.E.A.L. in 2010 as Lombard’s music therapist and have since served in a variety of roles, before joining the leadership team in 2019. I hold bachelor’s degrees in Vocal Performance and Psychology, as well as a master’s degree in Music Therapy. While completing my graduate studies, I wrote my thesis on therapeutic interventions for children with emotional and behavioral disabilities, which deepened my interest in ​special education
​
and therapeutic day schools. That work continues to shape my approach to supporting students, staff, and school systems today.
​
In my current role, I focus on program operations, staff support, training, and the development of practices and policies that help S.E.A.L. remain responsive to the evolving needs of students and families. I am especially passionate about the integration of expressive therapies within special education settings and creating environments that are supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented.
​
If you’re new to S.E.A.L., you’ll likely connect with me around operational support, or questions related to procedures and programming. I value problem-solving, continuous learning, and building strong relationships across our school community.
​
Outside of work, I maintain my hobbies as a musician, a Chicago Cubs fan, and a mom of three active children!
​
Contact me at: kdipaola@seal-il.com
S.E.A.L.'s Leadership Team
Hello, my name is Chris Robertson, and I serve as the Education Manager here at S.E.A.L. My role focuses on ensuring state compliance, providing Embrace/IEP training, and offering supervision and support to the Education Coordinators across campuses.
​
If you're new to the team, I'm someone you'll likely connect with regarding classroom programming, IEP paperwork, progress/report cards, and problem-solving support. I'm here to help you get acclimated and to support your journey as you navigate S.E.A.L.
​
Contact me at: crobertson@seal-il.com
Hi, I’m Matt Meyer, and I serve as the Systems Manager here at SEAL. My role centers on maintaining and implementing technology in our classrooms and for our staff, as well as connecting and updating many of our online systems we use to support our students.If you're new here, I’m someone you’ll likely connect with about getting access to our online systems as well as day to day support with utilizing and implementing them in the building. I am always available to help either in building, by phone, or email whenever something is not running exactly right.
​
You can contact me at mmeyer@seal-il.com
Hi, I’m Gretchen Lubbers, and I serve as the Curriculum Manager for Strategic Initiatives here at SEAL. My role centers on analyzing current practices, taking inventory of curricula, creating structures and systems for sustainability, coaching teachers on best instructional practice, linking curriculum to standards for compliance, and partnering with staff for unique learning initiatives.
​
If you're new here, I’m someone you’ll likely connect with about curriculum and classroom coaching, you will see me interacting with teachers, support staff and students in the classroom, and I’m always happy to help you get settled and feel supported.
Contact me at: glubbers@seal-il.com
_edited.jpg)
Hello, I’m Erin Emeritz, Clinical Manager at the School of Expressive Arts and Learning (SEAL). In my role, I provide clinical leadership and guidance to support both students and staff in fostering a safe, therapeutic, and growth-oriented environment. A key part of my work involves advocating for students by assessing individual situations, collaborating with staff, and helping teams understand effective emotional and behavioral support strategies within the school setting. I am
committed to promoting best clinical practices, including behavior management, conflict resolution, therapeutic relationship-building, and trauma-informed care.
My approach is grounded in active listening, empathy, validation, and a nonjudgmental perspective. I believe that meaningful connections and consistent support are essential to helping students succeed both emotionally and academically. I am always available to provide guidance, answer questions, and support students, families, and staff as we work together to help every student reach their full potential.
Contact me at: eemeritz@seal-il.com
Hi, I'm Helen Lubawski, and I serve as the Human Resources Manager here at SEAL. My role centers on providing resources, on boarding, and overseeing the hr department and administrative assistant department. I’m also continually trying to find improved systems to promote and sustain S.E.A.L. 's growth. If you’re new here, I'm someone you’ll likely connect with about employee resources and benefits.
I can also serve as a liaison for communication between staff to leadership, ownership and payroll.
You can contact me at hlubawski@seal-il.com
Hi, I’m Sharon Brosnan, and I serve as the Facility Manager here at SEAL. My role centers on maintaining a safe, clean environment for staff and students. I take care of 3 school campuses and offsite spaces we use for transition. My day to day includes building maintenance, vehicle maintenance and inspections, and property management. I enjoy creating spaces for different groups within our population. I take care of anything from painting to plumbing to furniture repair and ordering.
​
If you're new here, I'm someone who can get your space ready for students and assist in any special needs for your classroom or office.
S.E.A.L.'s Founders
Managing partner and Director of Student Services, Karen Larson set forth the leadership of two additional therapeutic schools. She directed all aspects for a national child welfare agency of several hundred children. Ms. Larson was able to restore the financial health of these programs. She is experienced in programmatic and business management aspects in therapeutic schools.
Ms. Larson is a lifelong resident of Illinois, where she attended Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect and completed secondary education at Harper College as well as Loyola University in Chicago.
Prior to retirement, managing partner Cindy Nudd also had extensive experience in public and private therapeutic schools. She was the founding principal of a successful start-up school in DuPage County, which exceeded both financial and programmatic expectations. Ms. Nudd was an active member of IAPSEC (Illinois Association of Private Special Education Centers). She sat on several committees within the organization to assure a high standard of special education, care and treatment is available to all Illinois children with exceptional needs. Ms. Nudd is a graduate of Wheaton North High School and received her education degree from Northern Illinois University.
Co-founder Patty Hotz attended Herscher High School in Herscher, IL and attended College of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. She founded S.E.A.L. with extensive experience in both public and private therapeutic schools. In addition, her expertise extended to the psychiatric hospital setting. Ms. Hotz pioneered the establishment of expressive therapy as a successful therapeutic approach for children and adolescents. As such, she developed, implemented and oversaw a continuum of clinical therapeutic programming. This expertise is the essence of SEAL’s therapeutic modality.
​
Ms. Hotz passed away on March 9, 2014. She was a passionate mentor, energetic leader, and a loving friend.
​
"In our lives her spirit will always be present, as the imprints she left are forever on our hearts"