Dalina Rangel was born in Chicago, Illinois and spent most of her childhood in Cicero IL. After graduating from University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in biology, she worked with a community agency serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. She worked in the intake department of the Specialized Foster Care Program for 14 years, in which she assisted, advocated, and transitioned child clients of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) into specialized foster care placements. While in this role she was also an active Bilingual Adult, Child, and Infant CPR instructor as well as provided specialized foster care and behavioral training to current and potential foster parents, guardians, and staff.

She then decided to pursue a master’s degree and attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She earned a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She enjoys being a support to the Hispanic Community. She is especially interested in working with adults with dual diagnosis, encouraging them to advocate for themselves with the use of appropriate communication skills, and to de-escalate situations via problem-solving and self-calming techniques. In her spare time, she enjoys “Do it yourself” projects, spending time out-doors and walking her dog.