Wheaton Clinical Staff
(630) 653-1717
PSYCHIATRISTS
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. Dr. Casaccio invites you to visit his blog at www.doctorcmd.net to read more about medical and nutritional issues.
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.
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.
Theresa Sakyiama, M.D.
Treatment Issues: ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bipolar, Depression, Mood Disorders, OCD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychosis, Schizophrenia
Education and Training: M.D. from University of Ghana Medical School, 1994. Postgraduate Residency Training in Psychiatry, North West Anglia Healthcare Trust, UK, 1997-2000. Higher Specialist training in Adult Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK, 2000-2002. Fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Elmhurst, NY, 2002-2004. Licensed by the State of Illinois to practice medicine. Board Certification in Adult Psychiatry, 2005, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2009 through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists.
Background and Experience: Dr. Sakyiama worked at Covenant Medical Center in Iowa in the Psychiatry Clinic and Hospital for five years, then at another counseling agency in Illinois prior to joining Meier Clinics in October 2010.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Sakyiama provides evaluations and treatment for children from age 3 through adults.
Additional Information: Dr. Sakyiama is very committed to the Christian faith and strives to help clients draw on their faith for strength during times of crisis and difficulty.
PSYCHOLOGISTS
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. Haas worked for six years in the Community Mental Health Hospital.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Haas counsels Individuals, family, and groups specializing in ADHD, emotional/personality disorders, eating disorders, depression, and Anxiety.
Additional Information: Dr. Haas had an article published in Better Homes and Gardens on "Emotional Eating and Children."
Jane Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Boundaries, Co-Dependency, Cultural Identity, Depression, Faith/Spirituality Integration, Grief/Loss, Marital/Pre-Marital, Perfectionism, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Stress Management Education and Training: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University, 1999. Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, 2005. Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, 2010; completing post-doctorate hours for licensing. Trained in PREPARE/ENRICH by Life Innovations, Inc., 2009 and Family Wellness, 2007. Background and Experience: Prior to doing her internship at Meier Clinics (2007-2008), Dr. Jung worked with older adults at Outreach Community Center (2006-2207) providing therapy and neurological assessments. She received training at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in their adult intensive outpatient program (2005-2006) and did her diagnostic practicum at Kane County Diagnostic Center (2004-2005). Dr. Jung also worked as a consultant for a large evangelical church in Scottsdale, Arizona, as part of her doctoral dissertation. Special Interests and Services: Dr. Jung enjoys working with women, children, and couples. Her therapy style is relational, client-centered, and insight-oriented. She enjoys integrating faith into counseling with those who specifically desire this. Dr. Jung is the Clinical Coordinator of ProActive Kids Foundation and enjoys working with children and their families in preventing obesity. She also works with Family Bridges, a non-profit organization that aims to promote healthy marriages in the Chicagoland area. She offers reduced fees to clients who meet the financial guidelines. Additional Information: Dr. Jung is Korean-American and is married with one child.
Jung, Psy.D.
Bradley Kahle, Psy.D.
Treatment Issues: ADHD, Adoption Issues, Anger Issues, Anxiety, Bi-polar, Childhood Dysfunctions, Depression, Infertility, Men's Issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Psychological Testing, Spiritual/faith concerns, 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 had extensive experience working in an Inpatient setting prior to joining Meier Clinics in 1990. He currently sees adolescents and adults in the Wheaton and Geneva clinics and is the director of the Day Program in Wheaton. He uses various techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy and insight oriented therapy.
Special Interests and Services: Includes substance abuse, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, infertility, and adoption related issues.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementias, Depression, Learning Disabilities, Neurological Problems, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, School Problems, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) Education and Training: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago, 1981. Postgraduate training at Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology. Licensed as a clinical psychologist in Illinois since 1982. Background and Experience: Dr. Kamer is Command Consultant for Psychology with the Air Force Reserve Command (2007-present) and has 30 years experience providing psychological evaluations and psychotherapy. Previous work experience includes: Director of Psychology for DuPage Medical Group (2006-2010); Psychology Consultant for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (2005-2007); Clinical Psychologist at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago (2002-2006), private practice in Wheaton (1982-2006); Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine (2002-present); Acting Director of Neuropsychology (1999) and Clinical Neuropsychologist (1990-2001) for the USAF Medical Center at Wright-Patterson (1999); Allied Professional Staff at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove (1998-200, and 2007-present) and at Linden Oaks/Edward Hospital in Naperville (1992-2001); and Clinical Neuropsychologist at Mercy Center for Health Care Services in Aurora (1986-1992) and at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton (1982-1986). Dr. Kamer is an adjunct professor at College of DuPage, teaching military psychology. Special Interests and Services: Dr. Kamer works with children in first grade and up, adolescents, adults, and the elderly for psychological and neuropsychological evaluations and treatment. She provides individual, family, and marital counseling. Dr. Kamer describes her therapeutic style as cognitive-behavioral, and works collaboratively with clients to overcome obstacles and achieve optimal resilience and quality of life. She accepts many insurance plans. Additional Information: As the Command Consultant for Psychology with the US Air Force Reserves and as a USAFR Colonel, Dr. Kamer has over 24 years experience providing psychological health services to military members and families. She is currently working on a national Air Force program to increase access to community services for psychological well-being. She has a monthly group for Gold Star Families. Dr. Kamer is an active member of her church and has led a fund-raising effort to build a Dominican High School in Lagos, Nigeri
Janet Kamer, Ph.D.
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. She 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.
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.
Nadia Persun, Ph.D.
Treatment Issues: Adolescent Issues, Anxiety (fears, panic attacks, chronic pain related to anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior), Marriage and Family Therapy, Women’s Issues
Education and Training: Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of Chicago, 2006. Doctorate in Psychology and Human Development at the University of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois), completing her internship at the Meier Clinics in Wheaton. Dr. Persun is a certified instructor of the "Family Wellness" curriculum, a training for couples on marital wellness and divorce prevention. She is also an instructor and a coach of "love U 2" curriculum, a program teaching relationship and communication skills to youth. Dr. Persun is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Illinois since 2003.
Background and Experience: Dr. Persun has worked in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago Hospital doing research on and helping patients with eating disorders. She also worked at the Roosevelt University Student Counseling Center providing therapy to young adults on issues of self-esteem, career counseling, and relationship problems.
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. She is interested in naturopathic and holistic (non-medication) treatment for mental health disorders. Dr. Persun wrote "Board Room to Family Room," a new curriculum that teaches personal and relational wellness in business settings, as well as writing articles about relationships and wellness. Samples of some of her writings can be found at www.familybridgesblog.com.
Nancy M. Rivas, Ph.D.
Treatment Issues: Sees children, teens & parents for: Abuse, ADHD, Addictions, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment Issues, Depression, Eating Disorders, Family Conflicts, School Problems, Self-Injury, 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 worked 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. Dr. Rivas also provides Christian therapy at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center for girls and women recovering from addictions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-injury, and trauma.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Rivas provides psychological testing for children, teenagers and adults for ADHD, learning disorders, and other evaluation questions. She 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 preschool children. Dr. Rivas uses EMDR to help clients when traumatic experiences are still negatively impacting their present life.
Additional Information: Dr. Rivas grew up in Naperville, IL. She has been married since 1993 and has two children, one by birth and one by adoption. She enjoys occasional public speaking, most frequently to parents' or church groups.
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 and Training: 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, Psy.D.
Treatment Issues: Academic/School Problems, Anger Management, Anxiety, Boundaries, Co-Dependency, Depression, Diversity Issues (acculturation, interracial marriage, self-identity, etc), Grief/Loss, Homosexuality, Life Transitions, Psychological Testing, Relationship Issues, Shame
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, 2002. Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, 2007. Received training and certification in PREPARE/ENRICH by Life Innovations, Inc., 2003, and in Family Wellness, 2006. Licensed in the State of Illinois as a Clinical Psychologist since 2010.
Background and Experience: Dr. Venovic has been a Meier Clinics since 2006. She has clinical experiences at various settings such as Will County Health Department, River Valley Juvenile Detention Center, and Trinity International University Counseling Center. Dr. Venovic was involved in the federal grant program with Meier Clinics through Family Bridges, and conducted research on healthy marriages and adolescent dating relationships.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Venovic works with adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds on a wide range of issues. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral theories and psychodynamic understanding of relationships in counseling. Dr. Venovic works collaboratively with clients and their families in order to improve quality of life and relationships.
Additional Information: Dr. Venovic is originally from Japan and has been living in the United States since 1994. She speaks and writes fluently in Japanese.
COUNSELORS
Jane Cairo, L.C.S.W.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Depression, EMDR, 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.
Curt Calas, L.C.P.C., C.S.A.T., C.C.S.A.S.
Treatment Issues: Addictions, Anger, Anxiety, Boundaries, Codependency, Depression, Family-of-Origin Issues, Marital Issues, Men's Issues, Self-Esteem, Sexual Addiction, Spirituality
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University, 1996. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois since 2006. Certified Sex Addiction Therapist from International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals since 2008. Level 2 training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), 2009. Completed The Crucible Project Two-Year Transformational Program, 2008.
Background and Experience: Curt has extensive experience working in both an inpatient and outpatient setting, working with individuals and couples, and facilitating groups. He has been a volunteer leader in his church in the addictions ministry, men's ministry, and Divorce Recovery.
Additional Information: Curt is a member of The Society for Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH). His interests include nature walks, personal growth, and the guitar. Curt has two children and has been married since 1996.
Cathy Conway, L.C.P.C.
Treatment Issues: addiction, Adoption, Anger, Anxiety, Boundaries, Burnout, Depression, Loneliness, Phobias, Self-esteem, Self-Injury, Sexual Abuse, Singleness, Stress Management, Spiritual Integration, Women's Issues
Education and Training: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Iowa, 1989. Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University, 1998. Licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2001.
Background and Experience: Cathy has worked in a variety of settings, including group homes, hospitals, private practice, agencies, and churches, giving her a rich breadth of experiences from which she draws on for her clients. Most recently, she has come from a university setting as director of the counseling center, working with college and graduate students (2002-2009). Cathy has also worked in the exercise and nutrition industry which rounds out a fuller understanding of the integration of the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of those she counsels.
Special Interests and Services: Cathy meets with adolescents and adults in a counseling, coaching and/or mentoring capacity. Her therapy style is client-centered, strengths-based, and integrative. Cathy's passion is in helping people to become free of the burdens that hold them back from being all that they were meant to be. Special focus in on identity and value
Additional Information: Cathy currently volunteers as an associate chaplain at O'Hare and Midway airports.
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 provides 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.
Kirsten Edwards, L.C.S.W.
Treatment Issues: Acting Out Behavior, Adolescent Concerns, Anxiety, Behavior Intervention, Child and Family Concerns, Crisis Intervention, Depression, Grief and Loss, Parenting, Relationship Issues, School Related Concerns, Self-Image Issues, Sexual Abuse, Social Skills Development, Spiritual Issues, Women's Issues
Education and Training: Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois, 2003. Master of Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago, 2006. Licensed in Illinois as a Clinical Social Worker since 2009.
Background and Experience: Before joining Meier Clinics, Kirsten worked four years as a social worker in the IL public schools with preschool through 8th grade children. She completed internships at a public high school and a private therapeutic school. Prior to this, Kirsten served as a volunteer crisis counselor, board member, and vice-president of the Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service in Charleston, IL.
Special Interests and Services: Kirsten enjoys working with children and families with children ranging from four years old through adolescence. She also works with adults for a wide range of issues. Kirsten describes her therapy style as biblically-based and nurturing. She integrates insight-oriented, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused techniques. Kirsten offers reduced fees to clients who meet the financial guidelines.
Additional Information: Kirsten is very involved in her church where she served as a leader for the youth group for five years and where she co-leads an intercessory prayer group with her husband.
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.
Andrew O. Linder, L.C.S.W.
Treatment Issues: Adolescent and Children Issues, Adult Recovery, Anger Management, Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), Depression, Marital Issues, Men's Issues, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Parent-Child Issues, Spiritual Concerns, Sexual Addiction/Pornography
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.
H. Daniel Phillips, MA, LCPC, CADC
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Chemical Dependency, Conduct Disorder, Depression, Dual Diagnosis, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Relapse Prevention/Recovery Planning, Self-Esteem Issues, Sexuality, Spirituality
Education and Training: MA in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, 2005. Licensed in the State of Illinois as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2005, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2009. Certified in Illinois as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 2007. Received training and two years of experience in the area of Chemical Dependency and Dual Diagnosis and has worked in the area of addictions since 2004.
Background and Experience: In addition to working in as an Outpatient therapist for Meier Clinics, Dan has been a Clinical Therapist for Linden Oak's Adolescent CD/Dual Diagnosis program in Naperville, IL, since 2007. Prior to this, he worked in a community counseling center, primarily with adolescents that were court involved due to drugs and/or gang related activity. He also has experience working with Wheaton College students.
Special Interests and Services: Dan has a passion for working with older adolescents, especially those that are hard to reach at times. He has extensive training and often utilizes experiential activities to create a forum for change with clients. He loves helping people who are struggling spiritually to wrestle with questions about faith, disappointments, or spiritual dryness in order to renew their hope. Dan enjoys helping young single, engaged and married couples navigate marriage related issues and develop a healthy perspective of marriage.
Additional Information: Dan is involved in Meier Clinics' partnership with Wheaton Bible Church in running a Christ-centered substance recovery group.
Kathleen O. Retzner, LCSW
Treatment Issues: Adoption, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child and Adolescent Concerns, Communication, Depression, Divorce/Separation, Life Transitions, Parenting Issues, Relationship Concerns, Self-Esteem, Spirituality, Stress Management, Women's Issues
Education and Training: B.S. in Neurobiology and Behavior from Cornell University, 1977. MA in Communications from Wheaton College, 1985. Master of Social Work from Aurora University, 2003. Licensed in the State of Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Type 73 Certification in School Social Work.
Background and Experience: Katie worked for seven years as a social worker in the Illinois public school system with children, adolescents and their families. She provided individual and group counseling and taught parenting classes. Katie worked extensively with special needs issues as well as typical childhood concerns ranging from social skills deficits to emotional management concerns to loss issues. Prior to this time, Katie taught public speaking and writing classes for eight years as an adjunct instructor at Benedictine University.
Special Interests and Services: Katie works with children as young as five years old, adolescents and adults. Her therapy style is nurturing, strengths-based, and relational. Katie integrates cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, and solution-focused approaches along with humor. She especially enjoys working with parenting concerns, divorce/separation issues, and adoption. Reduced fees are available to clients who meet the financial guidelines.
Additional Information: Katie has been married to Bill since 1982 and they have two adult children.
Char Sandberg, M.A., L.C.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Boundaries, Co-Dependency, Depression, Divorce, Grief, Family Therapy, Life Transitions, Marital Therapy, 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 marital and family therapy. Char currently facilitates Conquering Co-Dependency Groups and "Listen to Your Life" Seminars.
Additional Information: Char has created a relaxation CD which was developed after providing relaxation therapy to her clients for many years. One of the most effective ways to manage stress, reduce anxiety and increase general well-being is Progressive Relaxation Therapy. Char offers a musical relaxation CD for puchase at the Wheaton clinic.
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 and Training: 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
