Hello friendly faces! It’s a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law.
When it comes to navigating the complexities of mental health and substance use disorders, Bonnie Lane is the guide you hope you never need—but if you do, you’ll be grateful she’s there. As the founder of Bonnie Lane Family Support Services, she brings decades of experience in mental health, special education, and psychology to families in crisis, helping them find the right care, resources, and legal support for their loved ones. Whether it’s securing treatment, setting up benefits, or coaching families through tough conversations, Bonnie’s approach is rooted in compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication. She understands that the journey through mental health challenges isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon, and she’s there for every step. In this interview, you’ll get to know who Bonnie is as she shares her passion for advocacy, her personal journey, and the critical role she plays in supporting families through life’s toughest moments. Welcome, Bonnie!
Hi Bonnie! Please introduce yourself. Bonnie Lane’s brief history….
HI. I’m Bonnie Lane of Bonnie Lane – Family Support Services LLC. I’ve lived my whole life in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I grew up in Lincolnwood, moved to Evanston in my early 20’s, then Glenview and finally, Northbrook, where I raised my two sons. I still live in Northbrook, and don’t plan on moving again as I found my dream ranch home 9 years ago.
My sons are amazing men, caring and community driven. One works in Highland Park at the local library, and lives in Highland park, too. My other son is the senior economist for the State of Illinois Office of Management and Budget. I couldn’t be prouder of them.
Until recently, I also had an amazing furry daughter named Daisy. We kissed her goodbye a few months ago just shy of her 16th birthday. If another furry child finds me , I’ll definitely open up my heart and home again.
What are one or two fun facts to know about you?
In highschool my sport was baton twirling! Yes, I was a majorette at Niles West proudly leading the parades in my red sequin leotard and white go go boots, twirling at homecoming games and football halftime shows. I performed in children and community theater during my high school and college years, too.
My favorite trips have been to Israel, but it’s been too long. I look forward to going back soon. I’ve visited European ruins, horseback rode down mountains and whitewater rafted, but my happy place is the beach! I spend a couple of weeks in Michigan each summer just recharging with a good book, or bobbing in the waves.
What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats that bring you joy?
My favorite North shore restaurants are Hole in the Wall and Le Colonial in Lake forest. I love a good brunch, and Egg Harbor in the Glen is my go to, but Cherry Pit in Deerfield, Georgie V’s in Northbrook, and Walker Bros also feed that craving.
In the nice weather you’ll find me at the Chicago Botanic Garden almost weekly. I’m such a fan, that if you watch WTTW, you’ll see the promo my son and I made from the vegetable garden. It was taped years ago, but runs all spring and summer long. I’ve been going to Ravinia my whole life and no summer is complete without at least a few concerts. Sitting on the grass or in the pavilion, I love them both.
Speaking of recharging… any great book reads or tv shows you’d recommend?
I read neuropsych reports most days, so at night it’s time for something mindless. I love thrillers and character heavy stories. I’m watching Matlock, DOC, the last person still watching Law and Order and NCIS (current seasons) and tried to watch Suits LA. definitely not as good as the original.
The ultimate connection piece – what’s your mantra?
My mantra needs explanation. It’s “Nothing will go smoothly, but it will all work out in the end.” That makes more sense when related to my profession.
Interesting. And
I think that mantra is super practical. Tell us more about your career as a therapeutic consultant in the mental health field – what is it?
I’m a therapeutic consultant, but my career didn’t start out that way. I have a masters in special education, one in developmental psychology and a third in counseling psychology. I worked for 19 years in community based mental health with mentally ill adolescents and young adults, and their families.
Now, in private practice, I work for individuals and families responsible for a loved one, aged 14 and older, that are struggling with a severe mental illness and/or substance use disorder.
Bonnie, you bridge families experiencing a mental health crisis with the resources and navigation they need to provide the best care possible. Tell us more about that metaphorical bridge.
My clients are on a marathon, not a sprint. I guide them through the mental health resources from hospitalization or detox, to the correct level of care; residential care, partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient, across the country. I assist with legal issues such as accessing appropriate benefits, setting up trusts, or dealing with legal criminal cases. I have trusted partners throughout the United States that help me do my job. If it is necessary for an individual to access Medicaid, Medicare, SSI or SSDI, I walk them through every step of the process, and help them utilize these benefits for treatment and housing. This is called transition planning, and I take each step very seriously.
I’ve heard you speak about the dangers of underage alcohol and substance use in teens and young adults. Please share a bit of your knowledge on the subject here and how that can play a devastating role in a child’s long term mental health.
As of last year, I’ve been writing the monthly mental health column for the Daily Herald. It’s such an amazing opportunity to reach folks and clarify risks of impending mental health crises. I’ve written on topics such as isolation, sibling roles, and marijuana usage. Marijuana, is a particularly important topic to me because so many people underestimate the dangers of recreational marijuana in the developing brain, especially when your adolescent or young adult has a predisposition to anxiety or depression. Marijauna can become toxic and may lead to lifelong psychosis. The strength available at dispensaries is very high and the weed on the street can be laced with more dangerous drugs or chemicals. Most of the young people I’ve placed into long term rehab, are there for marijuana addiction that led to a mental health emergency.
You often work as a mental health coach, helping family members navigate the stress of caring for their mentally ill family member. What is this like?
People sign a 6 month contract with me, (back to my mantra) so that I can get them all of the services they need. I also act as a communication coach, helping people effectively communicate with their impaired loved ones. I am on call for the families that engage me. This is not a job, it’s my passion.
How do our readers reach out to you with questions about their loved ones?
To reach me, people can either email me through my website; www.thefamilysupportservices.com, or directly at [email protected]. You can also text me at 847-651-1554. I offer a free consultation to make sure you feel my services will add value to your life, relieve stress, and help your loved one achieve the life they deserve.
