Wheaton Counselors
(630) 653-1717
Daniel Byer, Psy.D., R.D.D.P., L.C.P.C., L.M.F.T.
Treatment Issues: Addictions, ADHD, Adolescent Concerns, Anxiety, Depression, Family Treatment, Marital, Men's & Women's Issues, Pre-Marital, Parenting, Substance Abuse
Education and Training: Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. Board Registration in Illinois as a Registered Dual Disorder Professional. Clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Background and Experience: Dr. Byer has worked in a community medical clinic and completed his predoctoral internship at Meier Clinics, where he worked with adolescents and adults in the Day Program Intensive Outpatient Program and Outpatient clinic. Dr. Byer is also a certified instructor for the "P.I.C.K. a Partner Program," a curriculum designed to help singles in their dating efforts.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Byer has weekday and evening hours available as well as Saturday hours. He sees clients ages 6 and up, and accepts many health insurance plans.
Additional Information: Dr. Byer has co-authored a treatment manual for managing the psychological effects of living with a chronic illness. Additionally, his dissertation research focused on the coping skill needs of inner-city, at-risk preschoolers.
Treatment Issues: Family Systems, Genograms (creating family tree to examine family systems), Marriage, Women's Issues
Education and Training: Bachelor of Arts from Moody Bible Institute, 1976. Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, 1983. Completed three years of post-graduate studies through the Center for Family Consultation (Bowen Family Therapy).
Background and Experience: Jane has experience working as an inpatient therapist for children, adolescents, and their families.
Special Interests and Services: Includes marriage, family systems, and women's issues. She also offers Genograms.
Additional Information: Co-authored I Can't, God Can, I Think I'll Let Him, a devotional book for adolescent girls in recovery.
Gary A. Casaccio, M.D.
Treatment Issues: Depression, Nutrition, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder
Education and Training: Medical Degree (M.D.) from Chicago Medical School with psychiatry residency at Loyola University. Licensed in Illinois as a Psychiatrist.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Casaccio is very interested in health, fitness, and nutrition. His areas of specialty include depression, seasonal affective disorder, nutrition, and social anxiety disorder.
Ryan Daniels, L.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Men's Issues, Spiritual Issues.
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Concordia University. Internship in counseling completed at Lawndale Christian Health Center. Licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Background and Experience: Ryan has worked with adults and families with a variety of needs at The Salvation Army and Lawndale Christian Health Center in Chicago.
Special Interests and Services: Ryan works with adolescents and adults on a wide range of issues. He describes his therapy as holistic in addressing the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the person. He works to provide an empathetic environment to address the individual needs of each person.
Additional Information: Ryan has over 11 years of experience working in ministry. He has worked with adolescents as a youth director in a local church and as a leader with Young Life.
Carol E. Davis-Serpas, L.C.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Divorce Recovery, Grief /Loss Recovery, Family-of-Origin Issues, Self-Injurers, Sexual Abuse Recovery
Education and Training: Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University, 1991.
Background and Experience: Carol has over eleven years experience in psychiatric hospitals as a Christian counselor.
Special Interests and Services: Carol works in both the Day Program and the Outpatient Clinic providing individual and family therapy to adults and adolescents. Carol describes her therapy style as warm but direct. She accepts clients who qualify for a reduced fee based on financial guidelines.
Additional Information: Carol attends a local, non-denominational church where she volunteers in the nursery.
Cal Elifson, Ed.D., L.C.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Depression, Marital Issues, Men's Issues, Spirituality
Education and Training: Bachelor of Religious Education from Grace Bible College. Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Western Michigan University. Masters of Science in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Nebraska. Education Doctorate in Counseling from Northern Illinois University.
Background and Experience: Cal is an Adjunct Professor at Judson College. He has certification as a Family Wellness Instructor. He has also served as a pastor and hospital chaplain where he received training in Clinical Pastoral Education.
Special Interests and Services: Cal is a counselor and pastoral counselor at the Meier Clinics Day Program and also is a counselor in the Outpatient Clinic. He has extensive experience working with people dealing with anxiety, depression, marital issues, and family-of-origin issues. He frequently addresses how spirituality and recovery issues overlap.
Maria Luisa P. Estrada, M.D.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), Depression
Education and Training: Medical Degree (M.D.) from the University of the Philippines. Received additional training in Child/Adolescent psychiatry from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Lutheran General Hospital. Licensed in Illinois as a Psychiatrist.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Estrada works with children, adolescents, and adults.
Kristi Jordan Graham, Ph.D.
Treatment Issues: Depression, Ethnic minorities, Life transitions, Marital problems, Sexual abuse, Women's issues
Education and Training: Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College, 1994. Master of Science and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Vanderbilt University, 1997 and 2000, respectively. Licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in Illinois.
Background and Experience: Dr. Graham was an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she conducted research on HIV/AIDS in African American women and teenage girls. She also received federal funding to explore African American women's partnership selection and HIV risk behavior. Dr. Graham has taught graduate seminars on cultural awareness in psychology and has gained much of her clinical experience working with ethnic minority youth and families.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Graham's therapy style is collaborative and insight-oriented. She is especially interested in helping clients and their families make progress in the areas of improving relationships, exercising forgiveness, and moving successfully through life transitions. She has worked with ethnic minorities for much of her professional career, but extends her work to people of all races. She offers reduced fees to clients who meet the financial guidelines.
Additional Information: Dr. Graham has presented at numerous conferences over the years and has published an article in Current Opinion in Pediatrics. She has also collaborated with several churches on HIV awareness among women and is available for speaking engagements to churches and organizations on a variety of topics.
Claudia Haas, Psy.D.
Treatment Issues: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Emotional/Personality Disorders, Marital Issues
Education and training: Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and Doctorate in Psychology from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL. She is licensed in the state of Illinois as a Clinical Psychologist.
Background and Experience: Dr. Hass worked for six years in the Community Mental Health Hospital.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Hass counsels Individuals, family, and groups specializing in ADHD, emotional/personality disorders, eating disorders, depression, and Anxiety.
Additional Information: Dr. Hass had an article published in Better Homes and Gardens on "Emotional Eating and Children"
Norm Hostetler, L.C.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Career Counseling, Depression, Financial Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, Survivors of Childhood Abuse
Education and Training: Master of Arts from Grace Theological Seminary. Received additional counselor training from Larry Crabb and Dan Allender. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois.
Background and Experience: Norm has experience working in the fields of education, administration, and business.
Special Interests and Services: Includes marriage and family counseling, survivors of childhood abuse, financial counseling, career counseling, depression, and anxiety.
Bradley Kahle, Psy.D.
Treatment Issues: Adoption Issues, Infertility, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Substance Abuse
Education and Training: Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Forest Institute for Professional Psychology. He is a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and is licensed in the state of Illinois as a Clinical Psychologist.
Background and Experience: Dr. Kahle has extensive experience working in an Inpatient setting. He is the director of the Day Program at the Meier Clinics in Wheaton and is an Adjunct Faculty member at Wheaton College, where he teaches in the Psy.D. program.
Special Interests and Services: Includes substance abuse, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, infertility, and adoption related issues
Alex Kwee, Psy.D.
Treatment Issues: Adolescents and Young Adults, Anxiety, Codependency, Depression, Ethnic Minorities, Sexual Addiction, Substance Abuse
Education and Training: Bachelor of Science degree from University of Southern California, 1996. Master's Degree, 2003, and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, 2006, from Wheaton College. Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois since 2004.
Background and Experience: Dr. Kwee gained clinical experience assessing behaviorally disordered youth at the Will County Health Department. He was an outpatient therapist for two years at the Wheaton College Counseling Center. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at Meier Clinics.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Kwee specializes in the treatment of depression, sexual and other behavioral addictions, codependency, and young adult development using an integration of cognitive-behavioral and person-centered approaches.
Additional Information: Dr. Kwee has published various peer-reviewed articles on human sexuality and sexual ethics in the Journal of Psychology and Christianity, and Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: Journal of Treatment and Research. He has presented his work at the international conferences of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health and at the Christian Association of Psychological Studies. He has also been a panelist and a roundtable discussant at two North American symposia on the ethics of sexual orientation research. Dr. Kwee has appeared on WMBI 90.1 Primetime Chicago to discuss and take questions on marriage and relationship issues.
Alicia La Hoz, Psy.D.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Anger, Borderline Personality Disorder, Codependency, Conduct Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stress,
Education and Training: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. Dr. La Hoz has been trained in several research based relationship programs such as Prevention Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), Within My Reach (WMR), Family Wellness, and PREPARE/ENRICH.
Background and Experience: Dr. La Hoz has worked with children in the foster care system, adolescents in an intensive day treatment program, with unmarried and married Latino couples, and with women victims of domestic violence. She is a senior consultant with Urban Strategies and has spearheaded the Chicagoland Association for Latino Marriages (CALMA), a faith based partnership, with the intent of providing preventative relationship programs for Latinos. Dr. La Hoz has spoken at national conferences on the healthy marriage initiative and cultural issues relevant to Latino couples and families. La Hoz also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Trinity International University, South Florida Campus, and the Hispanic Bible School, a distance extension program of Moody in Chicago.
Special Interests and Services: As a bilingual (Spanish) and bicultural Individual and family therapist, Dr. La Hoz works with all age groups from six years old through geriatric with a special interest in working with marital issues.
Steve C. Lee, M.D.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Depression
Education and Training: Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois, 1998. Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, 2002. Chief Resident in Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, 2006.
Background and Experience: Dr. Lee served as president of the medical student chapter of the Christian Medical & Dental Association in Rockford, IL. He also has experience as a clinician for learning disabilities.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Lee's initial evaluations are one hour and follow-up medication management appointments are 30 minutes. He has an interest in mood and anxiety disorders and personality traits.
Additional Information: Dr. Lee ascribes to the consensus view of psychiatry that integrates biological, psychological and social factors in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. He believes that spiritual matters are not an isolated, circumscribed entity, but are the overarching and underlying basis on which the biological, psychological, social factors subsist. He also takes note of cultural phenomena that pertain to psychiatry such as the anti-psychiatric sentiment among both the secular and religious world, and the devastating effects of fatherlessness on individuals and society.
Andrew O. Linder, L.C.S.W.
Treatment Issues: Adolescent and Children Issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), Parent-Child Issues, Adult Recovery
Education and Training: B.A. from Trinity International University. Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) at the Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois, at Chicago. Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois.
Background and Experience: Andy gained valuable experience working as a unit counselor at Rawhide Boys Ranch, and as a therapist at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.
Special Interests and Services: Andy specializes in treating children, adolescents, and their parents for a wide range of concerns, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), parent-child issues and relationships, and adult recovery from childhood wounds, abuse, and dysfunction.
Additional Information: Andy is a professional Footbag (Hacky Sack) player and has appeared in the Guinness World Book Records.
Kristen McKnight, Psy.D.
Treatment Issues: Addictions, Anxiety, Boundaries, Co-Dependency, Depression, Eating Issues, Grief and Loss, Homosexuality, Life Transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Parenting Issues, Post Partum Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addictions, Spiritual Issues, and other treatment issues. Works with men and women, from approximately age 18 through adulthood, including senior citizens.
Education and Training: Doctorate from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, 1992. Licensed in the state of Illinois as a Clinical Psychologist since 1994.
Background and Experience: Dr. McKnight has been working with Meier Clinics since 1991. She also works in a supervisory capacity at the Wheaton College Counseling Center.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. McKnight particularly enjoys working with clients who desire to integrate Christian truths and principles into their therapy. Her therapy style is relational, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral.
Additional Information: Dr. McKnight is a member of the American Association for Christian Counselors (AACC). Dr. McKnight has been married to Scot since 1973. They have two adult, married children.
Margaret Nagib, Psy.D.
Kristen McKnight, Psy.D.
Treatment Issues: Addictions, Anxiety, Boundaries, Co-Dependency, Depression, Eating Issues, Grief and Loss, Homosexuality, Life Transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Parenting Issues, Post Partum Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addictions, Spiritual Issues, and other treatment issues. Works with men and women, from approximately age 18 through adulthood, including senior citizens.
Education and Training: Doctorate from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, 1992. Licensed in the state of Illinois as a Clinical Psychologist since 1994.
Background and Experience: Dr. McKnight has been working with Meier Clinics since 1991. She also works in a supervisory capacity at the Wheaton College Counseling Center.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. McKnight particularly enjoys working with clients who desire to integrate Christian truths and principles into their therapy. Her therapy style is relational, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral.
Additional Information: Dr. McKnight is a member of the American Association for Christian Counselors (AACC). Dr. McKnight has been married to Scot since 1973. They have two adult, married children.
Margaret Nagib, Psy.D.
Treatment Issues: Bereavement, Co-Dependency, Eating Disorders, Spiritual Issues
Education and Training: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.
Background and Experience: Dr. Nagib has worked at the Northern Illinois University Counseling Center, the Glen Oaks Adolescent Therapeutic School, and for Oak Forest Psychological Services.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Nagib currently facilitates an Eating Disorders group at the Outpatient Clinic.
Additional Information: Dr. Nagib's doctoral dissertation addressed issues relating to traditional gender role endorsement, faith maturity, and eating disorders.
Natalie Pamphile, M.A.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Boundaries, Depression, Gender Identity, Minority Issues, Sexual Abuse, Spiritual Concerns, Women's Issues
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Counseling from Trinity International University, 2000. Completing Psy.D. degree from Wheaton College. Natalie is certified in the "Within My Reach" Relationship Enhancement Curriculum.
Background and Experience: Worked two years as an assessment counselor in residential substance abuse treatment facility in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Worked four years as case management coordinator and outpatient therapist in HIV/AIDS service organization in Miami, FL.
Special Interests and Services: Natalie works with adolescents and adults on a wide range of issues. She describes her therapy style as collaborative, eclectic, and dynamic. Natalie is especially interested in working with diverse populations and dealing with mood disorders, abuse, relationships, and women's issues.
Nadia Persun, Ph.D., L.C.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Adolescents and Young Adults Issues, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Marriage and Family Therapy, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Women’s Issues
Education and Training: Doctorate in Psychology/Human Development at the University of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois). Dr. Persun is a certified instructor in Family Wellness Curriculum.
Background and Experience: Dr. Persun has worked at the University of Chicago Hospital (Department of Psychiatry), and at the Roosevelt University Student Counseling Center. She completed her doctoral internship at the Meier Clinic in Wheaton.
Special Interests and Services: Specialty areas include obsessive-compulsive disorder; love and intimacy over the life course; marital and family therapy; life transitions; career indecision; divorce; bereavement; immigration and acculturation issues. Dr. Persun also has extensive experience working with adolescents. She offers an educational relationship enhancement group for married and committed couples, which is at no charge for the attendees. Dr. Persun also leads therapy groups for adolescents.
Additional Information: Dr. Persun in fluent in Russian and French.
Nancy M. Rivas, Ph.D.
Treatment Issues: Helps children, teens and parents with issues of Abuse, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment Issues, Depression, Family Conflicts, School Problems, Spiritual Concerns, Trauma. Sees adults for Biblical Conflict Resolution, EMDR treatment of Childhood Abuse, Parenting Issues, Postpartum Depression, Pregnancy Concerns
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Theology (1998) and Psychology (1996), and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (2000) from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Dr. Rivas completed a year long specialty training in Child Development and Infant Mental Health from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She received training through Peacemakers Ministry, learning how to address interpersonal conflicts in a Biblically faithful manner, in 1996-98. Dr. Rivas received training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Parts I and II, 2006. Licensed in the state of Illinois as a Clinical Psychologist since 2001.
Background and Experience: Dr. Rivas has served as the DuPage County home visitor for the Fussy Baby Network. She serves as the Director of Breakaway, Meier Clinics' after school program for teens.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Rivas provides psychological testing for children and teenagers, most commonly for evaluation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She provides psychological assessment related to learning disorders and other diagnostic questions. Dr. Rivas also offers play therapy that is formatted to allow even young children with very limited verbal skills to do significant healing work in individual therapy. This is often the most comfortable and effective method of therapy to use with some elementary-aged children as well as pre-school children.
Additional Information: Dr. Rivas grew up in Naperville, IL. She has been married since 1993 and has one son. She and her husband are involved with a variety of ministries in their church community. Dr. Rivas enjoys occasional public speaking, most frequently to parents' or church groups, and loves to speak to high school psychology classes about her work. You can listen to her message on family stress during the holidays that was given at the Wheaton College Chapel on November 27, 2006, at hhtp://www.wheaton.edu/wetn/chapelfall06.htm.
Char Sandberg, M.A., L.C.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Boundaries, Co-Dependency, Depression, Divorce, Grief, Family Therapy, Life Transitions, Women's Issues
Education and Training: Masters degree in Counseling from Wheaton College. Licensed in the state of Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Special Interests and Services: Includes women's issues, boundaries, co-dependency, divorce, life transitions, grief, depression, and family therapy. Char currently facilitates Conquering Co-Dependency Groups and "Listen to Your Life" Seminars.
Paul R. Sather, Ph.D.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety Disorders, Assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), Depression, Men's Issues, Spiritual Issues
Education: Masters (1989) and Doctorate (1992) from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. Dr. Sather has been licensed in the state of Illinois as a Clinical Psychologist since 1993.
Background and Experience: Dr. Sather is the Clinical Executive Director and Director of Clinical Training for the Wheaton Clinic. He has worked in inpatient, partial, and outpatient programs for adults and adolescents.
Special Interests and Services: Includes spiritual issues, men’s issues, anxiety disorders, depression, and assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.).
Additional Information: Dr. Sather is on the National Register for Health Service Providers in Psychology. He is a member of The Christian Association for Psychological Studies and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Dr. Sather had the following article published, "Punishment Enhances Reasoning's Effectiveness as a Disciplinary Response to Toddlers." Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 60, pp 388-403.
Eiko Komuro Venovic, M.A.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Boundaries, Depression, Diversity Issues (acculturation, interracial marriage, self-identity), Relationship Issues, Shame
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, 2002. Completing Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, August 2007 anticipated completion. Received training and certification in PREPARE/ENRICH by Life Innovations, Inc., 2003, and in Family Wellness, 2006.
Background and Experience: Eiko has been involved in numerous research projects through the Coalition for Latino Marriage and Puente at Wheaton College Graduate Psychology Department. She has worked as a diagnostic extern and mental health consultant at Easter Seal and YMCA Head Start Programs in Chicago, 2005-2006. She received diagnostic training at Will County Health Department and River Valley Juvenile Detention Center, 2004-2005. Eiko worked at Trinity International University Counseling center, 2003-2204. She has presented research findings at an American Psychological Association conference, 2005, and a Christian Association of Psychological Studies conference, 2007. Eiko has given workshops for lay counselors and clergy in Dominican Republic, 2006.
Special Interests and Services: Eiko works with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds on a wide range of issues. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral theories and psychodynamic understanding of relationship in counseling. Eiko is currently involved in Family Bridges at Meier Clinics as an assessment team member and educator. She offers reduced fees to clients who meet the financial guidelines.
Additional Information: Eiko is originally from Japan and has been living in the United States since 1994. She speaks and writes fluently in Japanese.
Karen Watson-Jarvis, L.C.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Addictions, Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Abuse, Marital Issues, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse
Education and Training: Masters degree from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. Certified in EMDR for Trauma and PTSD. Licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Special Interests and Services: Karen works with adolescents and adults in individual and group settings specializing in depression, anxiety, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, addictions, and marital counseling.
Additional Information: Karen is co-author of the book Christ's Touch Changes Us.
Carol B. Wright, R.N., M.S., L.C.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Abuse, Chronic Pain, Depression, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorders, Family Therapy, Marital Therapy
Education: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. Licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and as a Registered Nurse.
Background and Experience: As a registered nurse, she draws upon her medical knowledge and experience to better understand her patients.
Special Interests and Services: Includes eating disorders; physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; domestic violence; depression; chronic pain. Carol offers individual, marriage, and family therapy.
Additional Information: Carol has had the following publications:
"Inside the Secret World of Anorexia and Bulimia," Christian Psychology For Today, Fall 1990, Minirth-Meier Publication.
"Fragile Friendships," Today's Better Life, Summer 1993.
Understanding Eating Disorders, (Video), Vol. IV, Minirth-Meier Clinic of Wheaton Video Production Department, 1992.
When Violence Comes Home, RBC Ministries, Aired on T.V. Nov. 1995
