I live in Campton Hills with my wife and two wonderful children. My son is 14 in 9th grade, and my daughter is 10 in 5th grade. Both attend Saint Charles School District 303 schools. We have two rabbits and a small dog who also enhance our family with their presence.
I enjoy spending quality time with my family both indoors and outdoors. I like taking vacations with them, reading books, listening to music, and staying connected with my extended family, who reside in Peru, Argentina, and Spain.
In July of 2023, I retired from employment in Illinois after more than 22 years of service. I was the Office of Prevention Services Administrator for the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services, in the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Division.
I am running as a candidate for a full 4-year term as a Saint Charles Community Unit School District 303 Board member. Hopefully, by the time you finish reading my mini-Autobiography, you will know more about me and the main campaign issues and believe I am qualified for one of the CUSD board vacancies.
Background
Born in Santa, Peru, South America. In order of birth, I was number six of seven (three brothers, three sisters). Raised mostly on a farm in an area named Lacramarca Baja. I have fun and loving memories of playing soccer with my siblings and riding donkeys and horses. It was not all fun and games though as I also endured hard labor when we had to help with planting and harvesting our crops (corn and beans).
Living on a farm made it difficult to attend grammar school or get to school on time in nearby Lacramarca Baja because it was quite a distance from home.
In 1971, after my parents separated, our family moved to Trujillo city (My mother, and some of my siblings). An older brother and I moved to Trujillo city after spending a year with our father. Moving to a big city like Trujillo was a large adjustment for us, especially not knowing anyone. I attended school at night and met friends older than me and learned a lot about life from them. Also, I used to help my mother by helping her sell groceries such as vegetables, condiments, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and worked for others by selling gelatin to the public.
As I reflect on my early years as a child and young adult, my upbringing was not of a privileged background but instead filled with poverty, struggles, and hard work. However, I believe my upbringing-built character and prepared me for life’s challenges. While as an adult and student at San Carlos y San Marcelo Senior Seminary, an opportunity arose to travel to the United States
I will forever remember the day I set foot in the U.S. in October 1985. I stayed with a friend and soon found a job. In my spare time I attended English classes, became involved in several apostolic activities, taught Catechism, and organized and gave presentations at local church groups. Later, I attended the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary, and continued my theological studies in preparation for the Priesthood in the Catholic Church. In 1989, I left the Seminary and went to work in a factory for some time.
Education
2023 to present Grand Canyon university, Phoenix, Arizona. I am currently pursuing a PhD in General Psychology with a focus on Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
1996 Adler University, Chicago, Illinois. I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.
1988 -1989 I attended the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois to study Theology.
1983 Los Libertadores, School of Advanced Professional Education located in Trujillo, Peru. I earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration/accounting. I immediately landed a job with a General Services Company. At the same time, I got involved with helping the impoverished and destitute which caused me to reflect on my own poverty as a child. After a year and half with GSC, I decided to leave GSC to assist the poor.
1990-1991 Montay College, Chicago, Illinois. Completed studies in Hispanic American Addictions Counseling. While attending Montay College, I also worked as a special advocate at Catholic Charities of Chicago.
1984 and part of 1985 I attended San Carlos y San Marcelo Senior Seminary in Trujillo, Peru, to study Philosophy and Theology.
1992 I earned a Certificate of Completion from the Law Program for Community Developers and Social Workers, John Marshall Law School in Chicago.
2018 I earned a Certificate of Achievement from a course of study (The Opioid Crisis in America). Harvard Medical School, Harvard University.
2022 I earned a Certificate of Achievement from a course of study (Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles). Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
1995, I conducted an independent study in Peru (Peruvians and Addictions – Treatment Modalities) and submitted it to Adler University on November 29, 1996. As part of the study, I visited several Therapeutic Communities (Chemical Dependency Inpatient and Outpatient/Treatment facilities), and a report of this work was completed in Lima and Trujillo, Peru in February 1995 (non-published).
I am a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (AODA/CAADC) by the Illinois Alcohol and other drug abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. Also, this credential meets International Standards.
I also obtained a Diploma as a Detective and Expert in Private Investigations from the First School of Private Detectives of Argentina located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Work Experience
I had worked for the State of Illinois (DCFS and DHS) for over twenty-two years. For the first three years I was a Child Welfare Specialist for the Department of Children and Family Services. Then I spent over sixteen years as a psychologist at the following centers: Howe Center, Elgin Mental Health Center, and Kiley Developmental Center. For the last three years, I have worked in the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.
Most of my experience was derived from assessing and working with a clientele with developmental disabilities, mental illness, chemical dependence, and cognitive disorders. I have worked with a diverse population from all ethnic backgrounds including clients originating from countries in Latin America as well as some from Eastern Europe
My credentials come with several “hands on” work experiences in the fields of psychology, addictions, and human services. Working in the field of human services since 1991 has included the following extensive and intensive techniques as well as specific roles while working on an inpatient forensic treatment program.
- Provided individual and group counseling/psychotherapy to a variety of clients/patients.
- Utilized several psychological testing tools and clinical interviews as well as completing psychosocial and psychological reports.
- Testified in court as an expert witness.
- Supervised Graduate Psychology students.
- Conducted presentations to Master and Doctoral Psychology students (Interns and Externs)
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Kane County, Bilingual Election Judge for 12 years (2008-2020)
Thank you for visiting my website to find out more about me and obtain more information about my campaign issues.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via email: elias@voteforepalacios.org