Welcome, We Are Really Glad You're Here!

Willow Tree Wellness is supported by a team of experienced, compassionate professionals who share a deep commitment to supporting educators, social workers, and helping professionals. Each member of our team brings clinical expertise, real-world experience, and a shared belief that well-being is essential — not optional.

Together, we create thoughtful, supportive spaces where individuals and organizations can reconnect with balance, resilience, and purpose.

We are here to help you transform your life !

Meet the Team

Mary Abbott, MSW, LCSW

Owner / Founder – Mary Abbott Therapy Services (est. 2009)

Owner / Founder – Willow Tree Wellness Coaching & Consulting

(est. 2025)

Mary Abbott, MSW, LCSW, is a seasoned clinical social worker and wellness consultant with nearly three decades of experience supporting individuals, families, and professionals in the fields of education and mental health. She is currently completing her 28th year as the Lead School Social Worker in Elgin School District U-46, where she has served in leadership for the past 13 years and oversees a department of more than 100 school social workers. In this role, Mary is recognized for her commitment to cultivating compassionate, trauma-informed school communities and for mentoring the next generation of professionals in the field.

In addition to her work in education, Mary has maintained a thriving private psychotherapy practice for the past 16 years, providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and couples. She also facilitates clinical supervision groups, helping emerging social workers fulfill licensure requirements while deepening their clinical skills and confidence. Mary earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 1993 and began her career as a Juvenile Probation Officer. She returned to Aurora University to earn her Master’s in Social Work in 1996, specializing in school social work. Over the years, she has also served as a Board Member for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and as an Adjunct Professor in Aurora University’s Graduate School of Social Work, where she taught courses in clinical practice and field education.

Mary is a frequent professional development presenter on topics including trauma, crisis intervention, behavior management, anxiety, leadership, and self-care. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was honored as Social Worker of the Year in 2017 for her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and service to students, colleagues, and communities. In 2025, Mary launched Willow Tree Wellness Coaching and Consulting, an extension of her lifelong mission to promote resilience and wellbeing. Through Willow Tree, she offers coaching and consultation services tailored to school social workers, educators, mental health professionals, and first responders, as well as organizational wellness consulting for school districts and agencies striving to support staff mental health and professional sustainability.

Lori Hermann, MSW

Board Member-Little Bear Daycare, Inc.

Wellness Coach-Willow Tree Wellness Coaching & Consulting (est. 2025)

Lori launched her education career as a school social worker, dedicating 17 years to supporting students, families, and fellow educators in meeting the complex challenges of today's school environment. During this time, she supervised master's-level social work interns, mentored newly hired district employees, and contributed to the planning of professional development for a department of over 100 social workers.

Five years ago, Lori transitioned into school administration and currently serves as an Assistant Principal. In this role, she draws upon her extensive social work background while leading support services and fostering trauma-informed school communities. Her unique perspective bridges student services and educational leadership, ensuring that academic excellence and social-emotional well-being remain at the forefront of school priorities for students, families, and staff.

Lori earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa and holds master's degrees from both Aurora University and Concordia University. Her commitment to supporting children and families extends beyond the school building. She serves on the board for Little Bear Daycare, Inc., where she connects families with community resources and provides referrals for mental health screenings for young children. Additionally, she serves on the planning committee for the Women in Educational Leadership Summit, an initiative focused on breaking glass ceilings, empowering women leaders, and recognizing the importance of work-life balance in educational leadership.

In 2025, Lori joined colleagues through Willow Tree Wellness Coaching and Consulting to support educators, mental health professionals, and first responders, and provide organizational wellness consulting for school districts and agencies committed to staff well-being and resilience.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Lori is married with two school-aged children. She finds great joy in watching them discover their own interests and passions through sports and various activities. When time allows, Lori treasures moments spent with friends and family, as well as opportunities to travel and create memories together.

Megan Jones, MSW, LCSW

Owner / Founder – Megan Jones, LCSW Supervision (est. 2020)

Wellness Coach-Willow Tree Wellness Coaching & Consulting (est. 2025)

Megan Jones, MSW, LCSW, is a veteran school social worker and is completing her 27th year of experience in the school setting. Within the role of the school social worker, Megan actively seeks opportunities to share knowledge, ideas and collaborate with colleagues, parents and community members. Megan has been a field instructor for master level school social work interns from various prestigious universities, such as Loyola University, University of Illinois at Chicago and Aurora University for more than 16 students. As a seasoned school social worker, Megan also mentors new district employees annually. Megan assists new employees acclimate to their role through a collaborative approach, and engages in professional growth and reflection, which in turn positively impacts student learning and employee retention.

Megan also facilitates clinical supervision groups, helping emerging clinical social workers fulfill licensure requirements while deepening their clinical skills and practicing ethical decision making in a supportive environment. Megan relates to her clients having worked in the high stress environment and emphasizes creation of work/life balance and self-care to create positive work life balance.

Megan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Northern Arizona University in 1997 and began her career as a Truancy Officer for the Kane County Regional Office of Education. She returned to obtain her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jayne Addams Program, specializing in school social work, earning her degree in 1999. Megan also received her Masters in Educational Leadership type 75 certificate from Aurora University.

In 2025, Megan joined colleagues with over 90 years of collective experience in the education system to provide coaching and consulting with Willow Tree Wellness Coaching & Consulting. Through WIllow Tree Wellness, coaching and consultation services will be targeted to first responders in the mental health profession and educators to support well-being and staff retention.

In addition to her professional work, Megan has been married for over 20 years and has two children in high school, and a dog, Mirra. Megan enjoys spending time with her family, and watching her kids play sports. As time allows, her family enjoys traveling and finding new experiences to enjoy together. Megan enjoys shopping, spending time with friends, outdoors, exploring and taking walks, listening to music, attending outdoor festivals and her favorite bands shows!