As the school year begins, many teens experience a mix of excitement, stress, and uncertainty. Returning to the classroom means adjusting to new teachers, heavier workloads, changing friendships, extracurricular commitments, and increased expectations. While these transitions are a normal part of adolescence, they can also affect a teen's emotional well-being.
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Contributors
Nick Howell
A McHenry County native, Nick graduated from Eureka College with a B.S. in Business Administration and Financial Economics. With over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry, Nick joined NIRC in 2021. His expertise lies in quality, financial, and operational improvement, as well as strategic planning and implementation. Certified in Six Sigma, Lean, and Agile project methodologies, Nick is dedicated to leading and developing high-performing teams while continually striving for personal and professional growth. He is also actively involved in his community, volunteering with local organizations focused on supporting people in recovery. Nick is committed to making a positive impact both professionally and personally, and is excited to bring his skills and experience to NIRC to help improve the healthcare services in McHenry County.
Dr. Beth Dunlap, M.D.
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
Bernadette Tomczak, RN, BSN
Bernadette Tomczak has over 11 years of progressive leadership experience in substance use, mental health, and behavioral health. She oversees nursing operations across all levels of care at Northern Illinois Recovery. She has supported clinical operations, developed multidisciplinary teams, and ensured high standards of compassionate, client-centered care across detoxification, residential, and co-occurring disorder programs.
Known for her steady leadership in high-acuity environments, Bernadette is committed to creating structured, supportive systems that allow both clients and staff to thrive. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University and is passionate about continuous improvement, staff development, and mission-driven care that promotes sustainable recovery.
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Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
