Breakaway thinkers

Learn about those who challenge convention, inspire change, and lead with purpose. These features highlight the innovative ideas and bold perspectives that drive our community forward.

A woman with long straight blonde hair wearing a pink blazer over a black top, posed against a plain grey background, reflects Chelsea Minhas’s commitment to building communities at Adler University.

Building communities through connections: Chelsea Minhas brings her experiences to Adler University

From an early age, Chelsea Minhas was able to spot the cracks in the system. 

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A Psy.D. student stands smiling next to a research poster titled “Violent-Context Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth,” displayed at a Chicago conference.

From Nebraska research lab to Chicago conference: Psy.D. student Autumn Hanson’s journey

Autumn Hanson presented her neuropsychology-based research at the 13th annual Association of Chicagoland Externship and Practicum Training (ACEPT) Conference at National Louis University on May 1, where she placed third overall. 

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Four men appear in a grid labeled "Mind Games," each with added fantasy elements: devil horns, wizard hat, a bubbling cauldron, and a sword—hinting at how therapeutic gaming can be used to support mental health.

Rolling the dice: How gaming can be a powerful tool in therapy

At this year’s Midwest Gaming Classic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a panel of mental health professionals is inviting attendees to take a closer look at what happens when gaming moves beyond entertainment and into clinical Practise. The discussion brings together practitioners who are actively integrating video games and tabletop role-playing games into their work with clients. 

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A painting of a faceless, dark figure with circular patterns, outlined by small flowers, against a pastel sky with clouds; evokes art therapy and invites patients to feel seen when displayed in a dining area.
December 18, 2019

Helping Patients Feel Seen Through Art Therapy

A person in military uniform holds a small model of a white house with a porch, symbolizing veterans paving the road home, facing the camera.
November 12, 2019

Paving a “Road Home” for Veterans

A person wearing a red vest and headband stands outdoors holding a painted ceremonial drum, symbolizing reconciliation, with city buildings and stacked white chairs in the background.
November 12, 2019

Education, a Step on the Road to Reconciliation

Dr. Barrie sits in front of a large window with several floors of another building blurred in the background. She is wearing a multicolored blouse.
November 12, 2019

Change Agent: Rabiatu Barrie

A soccer ball with a red and yellow pattern rests on green artificial turf near a white sideline, ready for winning moments inspired by the World Cup.
June 28, 2019

Would Winning the World Cup Make a Difference for Gender Equality?

A modern building facade with large glass windows, some tinted orange or red; green and orange chairs are visible inside through the windows.
May 20, 2019

To Hear the Truth: Raising Awareness of the Residential School System in Canada

A woman with dark braided hair, hoop earrings, and a light pink top smiles softly against a dark background, embodying the strength of women shaping the next generation.
May 6, 2019

Igniting a Passion for Politics in the Next Generation of Women

Cheryl Magee, a true Change Agent, smiles with shoulder-length curly hair and a burgundy lace top, posed in front of a neutral background.
April 24, 2019

Change Agent: Cheryl Magee

A group of students sit at desks in a classroom facing a teacher who is standing and speaking at the front near a whiteboard, highlighting the importance of strong Parent-Teacher Relationships for student success.
April 24, 2019

Strengthening the Parent-Teacher Relationship

Side-by-side images show a modern city skyline with tall skyscrapers on the left and an abandoned, boarded-up brick building on the right, capturing the stark contrasts found in many Chicago neighborhoods highlighted by the War on Neighborhoods.
June 21, 2018

Bringing Chicago’s “War on Neighborhoods” to Light

Colorful cloth banners with various designs and messages hang on a line between wooden posts, celebrating community spirit on the front lines of this vibrant garden setting.
June 21, 2018

On the Front Lines

Shavonne Fuller, a Change Agent with curly hair, large hoop earrings, and a stone pendant necklace, smiles while standing in front of a blurred blue background.
June 21, 2018

Change Agent: Shavonne Fuller

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