Rooted and Rising: Building a Stronger, Healthier Workforce

By Melanie Pignotti, LCPC, CAC Chief Executive Officer

Before I became CEO, I spent years in direct service, working with children and families impacted by trauma. I’ve felt the slow erosion of compassion fatigue. I’ve carried the invisible weight of secondary trauma. And I’ve learned, through experience and reflection, that helping professionals need help, too.

That’s why CAC’s annual Trauma Symposium isn’t just another event; it’s a cornerstone of our mission. It’s a space created intentionally for those who show up every day for others: therapists, educators, social workers, nurses, first responders. These professionals are the backbone of our community’s healing, and their well-being directly affects the quality of care they provide.

We prioritize this symposium because we know that healthy professionals deliver better...

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Registration for CAC's third annual symposium on February 20, 2026, is now open. The cost is $30/person or $25/person when registering three or more team members together. The fee includes breakfast, lunch, all sessions and four CEUs for LCPC, LCSW and ISBE social workers. The event takes place at Harper College's Wojcik Conference Center in Palatine.

For more information or to register, go to the Eventbrite page. Prices will increase February 1, 2026.

PS - If you're interested in sponsoring this powerful day of self-care, please contact Event Coordinator Mattie Colan at mcolan@cachelps.org.

Remembering Herb Horn

With tremendous sadness, CAC announces the passing of CAC Board of Directors member Herb Horn. Herb served CAC since 2012, including a term as President of the Board. His kindness, generosity, wisdom and ever-present smile will be deeply missed. CAC extends our heartfelt sympathy to Herb's wife and best friend, Bonnie, children Jonathan and Michelle, and Herb's extended family and friends. Thank you for sharing Herb with CAC. He was a gift that cannot be replaced. To read reflections on Herb's impact on CAC from CAC CEO Melanie Pignotti and other board members, follow the link below to our memorial blog post.

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Bilingual Trauma Therapist Romelia and Lead Forensic Interviewer Wendy staffed a table at the Palatine High School outreach event. They used a Q&A approach to talk with 140+ teens about consent, healthy relationships, internet/online safety and more. "Everyone was answering, and they were engaged!" Romelia shared.

On October 30, CAC board members Jennifer Saperstein (left) and Patty Errera (in koala) hosted a car and table at the Maine Township trunk or treat event in Park Ridge. They passed out candy and CAC swag and talked with people about our services. Thanks, Jennifer and Patty!

Support CAC's Dora and Other Programs This Fall

When you make a gift to CAC, your dollars stay in the local community to help kids and families in crisis. Things like specialized interviewing for survivors of sexual abuse, ongoing support from CAC's Advocates and expert trauma therapy are all offered FREE to children and their non-offending family members. We are also thrilled that our first furry team member, Dora, is in training to work alongside her handler, Bilingual Trauma Therapist Yesenia, with our clients as a certified Therapy Dog.

You can learn more about Dora and how she's already relieving stress and bringing joy to families at CAC in the video below.

And, watch for our upcoming #GivingTuesday posts for an invitation to join The Healing Circle. Together with other mission-minded friends, you'll ensure that Dora and our programs continue to be free for families who need us most.

To make a gift to support Dora and CAC's programs, click the button below.

Dora is CAC's Therapy-Dog-in-Training for the Mental Health Services team.

Make a gift to support Dora and CAC's programs

Save the date for CAC's WONDER 2026! A whimsical night awaits guests at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights. Sponsorships are available!

WONDER Ticket and Sponsorship Info

December 2	#GivingTuesday	Online
February 20	Rooted and Rising Symposium	Harper College, Palatine
May 7	WONDER	Metropolis, Arlington Hts.

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Volume 47 | November 2025