The Team

Dhru Mukherjee, Associate Professor and licensed clinical social worker/supervisor (LCSW-S), is recognized for his expertise in preparing mental health workforces to be trauma-informed, with a focus on those serving children, adolescents, and transitional youth. With support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and other federal funders and private foundations has developed and evaluated multiple trauma-informed training programs targeted at developing clinical skills for rural mental health professionals. In 2014, he founded the Trauma-Based Behavioral Health Fellowship. He has served on the Council of Social Work Education’s National Task Force where he developed a specialized curricular guide for trauma-informed social work practice.

Dr. Dhru serves children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups with challenges in a variety of areas such as addiction and substance use issues, non-suicidal self-harm behavior, psychological trauma, military/veteran issues, financial stress, teen and adolescent identity/peer pressure issues, and relationship stress . He uses a blend of Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Exposure-Based approaches with his clients, and he is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, and Management and Adaptive Practices (MAP).

Dr. Dhru teaches in the Joint Master of Social Work (JMSW) program at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) and University of North Texas (UNT), as well as in the trauma certificate program at UNT. He holds a visiting position at the Center for Rural Health and Social Development (CRHSD) at Southern Illinois University’s School of Medicine. Dr. Dhru has over 15 years of teaching experience and has published research in numerous peer-reviewed journals.

Katherine Haggard is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping individuals achieve mental well-being. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University, she possesses a strong academic foundation in understanding human behavior and the social dynamics that shape our lives.

Throughout her career, Katherine has gained valuable experience providing therapy with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. Her empathetic and compassionate approach fosters a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their challenges and discover effective solutions.

Katherines professional development has been enriched by specialized training in evidence-based therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), and Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP). These interventions equip her with a comprehensive toolkit to address a wide range of mental health concerns, particularly those related to trauma.

Katherines dedication to her clients and her commitment to providing evidence-based interventions make her a valuable asset in the mental health field. With her     understanding of psychology and her proficiency in therapeutic techniques, she strives to empower individuals to overcome adversity and lead fulfilling lives. When she is not practicing social work, she is traveling the world, collecting vinyl records and playing with her cats, Moon and Kiki. 

Megan is a Licensed Social Worker and trauma therapist with over 11 years of experience in Southern Illinois child-serving systems. Megan has worked in a variety of capacities, including school services, child welfare, therapy services, domestic violence advocacy, and grant services. Since graduating with her MSW in August 2021, Megan has worked primarily in the grant sector, supervising a SAMHSA childhood trauma grant and most recently, doing grant evaluation and sustainability planning for HRSA’s Rural County Opioid Response Program initiative. Megan is an avid believer in evidence-based practices and is trained in multiple trauma-focused modalities including TF-CBT, EMDR, and PCIT. Additionally, Megan is a passionate presenter and trainer on subjects related to childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences, secondary traumatic stress, and workplace resiliency. When Megan is not social working, she can usually be found spending time with her family which includes her husband, three wonderful children, and two fur babies. Megan is a lifelong Southern Illinois resident and she is passionate about increasing services, support and resources for those in her community.