About Me

I was raised in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  I completed my undergraduate degree at Northern Illinois University where I obtained my first experiences in psychology. It was when I worked for a year (after graduating from Northern Illinois University) at a residential treatment facility (providing direct care) with adolescents suffering from various mental health issues is when I found my calling to become a psychologist.  I then attended graduate school at Roosevelt University where I received my Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Certificate in Child and Family Studies.

Following graduate school, I trained at Allendale Association, where I completed an APA-accredited internship, primarily working with traumatized youth.  I completed a second internship at Scott & White Clinic-Texas A&M Health & Science Center, located in College Station, Texas. At this training facility I received training in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, specializing in in evaluating and treating youth and their families.  I completed my Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Child and Family Wellness Institute, located in Bloomington, Illinois. During this fellowship I provided treatment of and psychological testing services for children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of problems. Specifically, I received training in Pediatric Neuropsychological Testing (assessing ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders) and Health Psychology (assessing and treating persons experiencing chronic pain).

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois practicing full-time at LivingRite. I work with individuals, families, adults, adolescents, and children experiencing difficulties in a broad range of areas (e.g. anxiety disorders, mood disorders, developmental disorders, behavior problems, anger management, and social skills).  I also enjoy working with families from all backgrounds who are looking to improve their relationships with one another.

I use interventions that have been supported by research to be effective, increasing my clients’ likelihood of having a successful outcome. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the vehicle for change.  As such I look at myself like a GPS device or the navigator, helping to navigate life’s obstacles. Ultimately, you will be driving the car and only you can make the changes necessary for positive change in your life.  I work hard to assist and empower my clients in realizing their potential for positive change.

Areas of Specialty

Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Couples and Family Therapy
Psychological Assessment

Other Areas of Clinical Focus

In addition to the areas listed above, I have professional interests in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapsy, Cognitive Therapy, and social contexts of human suffering.

 Publications

LivingRite October 2015 Newsletter

 Professional Affiliations

– American Psychological Association (APA)
– Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Division of APA (Division 53)