Jennifer Spencer, Psy.D.

Dr. Spencer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has worked with adults, children, adolescents, and their families. Dr. Spencer uses a cognitive behavioral approach to assist individuals in working toward their goals for personal growth. Dr. Spencer spent 12 years counseling children and adolescents in a variety of educational settings. Dr. Spencer has worked with people experiencing depression, anxiety, behavior and conduct disorders, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. She has also worked with adolescents who were adjudicated in the juvenile court system. Her solution-focused model is aimed at enabling clients to develop life-long skills and to apply these newly acquired skills at home, in school and in the community.

Dr. Spencer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994 in Psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. She received her Master of Arts degree in 1996, and was awarded her Doctorate degree in 2000 in Clinical Psychology, both from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, with a specialty in children, adolescents and their families. In addition, she has received extensive training in crisis prevention, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniques. Dr. Spencer is an active member of the American Psychological Association. Return to top

Sarah Weithers, LCPC, CADC

Sarah Weithers is a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), as well as a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC). Sarah treats depression, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of other mental health issues. Sarah provides both solution-focused and insight-oriented therapy, and has extensive experience providing counseling services. 

Of particular interest is working with people who suffer from addiction, as well as with their families and loved ones, as addiction is a disease that affects more than just the individual. Sarah focuses on helping people find their own way in overcoming obstacles they face, and believes that every individual has the potential to fulfill their goals and to live a satisfying and healthy life.

Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2004 and a Master’s degree in 2006 in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. She currently teaches undergraduate courses in Psychology at Benedictine University, and has taught at DeVry University in the past. Return to top

Thomas Tupa, Psy.D

Dr. Tupa is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping and assisting others. Though quite flexible in therapeutic approach, Dr. Tupa is a strong proponent of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Dr. Tupa has worked in numerous treatment settings with a multitude of client populations. Now, he specializes in treating individuals and couples ages 18 and older. He works with a variety of issues including anxiety and depressive disorders, stress management, work related problems, self-esteem enhancement, marital/relationship conflicts, changes in health, grief and loss and veteran's re-adjustment concerns. Dr. Tupa's areas of clinical interests include helping alleviate the pains of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and childhood abuse.

Dr. Tupa received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1988 from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He is professionally affiliated with the American Psychological Association and the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation. Return to top

Nicole Springer-Iannantuoni, Psy.D

Dr. Springer-Iannantuoni is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with experience conducting individual psychotherapy across a very diverse population. She has also worked with couples, families and groups. Dr. Springer-Iannantuoni has treated children and adolescents who have had difficulty functioning effectively in the traditional school and home environments. She also enjoys assisting adults towards improving quality of life by addressing relationships as well as working toward individual change and growth. Some of Dr. Springer-Iannantuoni's other areas of particular interest include depression, anxiety, adoption, parenthood, child behavior, and women's issues.

Dr. Springer-Iannantuoni has received her Bachelors degree in psychology from Grinnell College, and her Master and Doctorate Degrees in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She is professionally affiliated with the American Psychological Association. Return to top

Debbie Catanese, MSW, LCSW

Debbie Catanese is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked with children, adolescents and their families for over twenty-two years. Debbie received her Bachelor Degree from Northern Illinois University in 1982. She received her Master of Social Work from George Williams College School of Social Work in 1986.

She works to help her clients achieve their best in all of their life settings. She feels through the development of learning new skills and techniques children, adolescents, adults and families can be empowered to deal with the stresses of life, growth and development. Debbie looks at the biological, developmental, cultural, psychological and other factors that have occurred or are occurring in the client’s life.

Her areas of focus include Anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Developmental Issues, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Social Skills, Parenting Issues, Bullying, Teasing, Anger Management, Depression, School Avoidance, Peer Related Issues, Women’s Issues and Marital Issues. She has extensive knowledge of schools, special education laws and process. Return to top

Pamela Dockstader-Ortiz, Psy.D.

Over the past 10 years, Dr. Dockstader-Ortiz has worked with diverse populations in a variety of treatment settings. She has provided individual, family, and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with mood disorders, behavioral disorders, childhood disorders such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum, and those who are experiencing PTSD from trauma exposure. Her therapeutic orientation, a cognitive behavioral approach, focuses on collaborating with each individual to assist them in achieving their desired treatment goals.

Specific areas of clinical interest include trauma-focused counseling, grief and loss, and the assessment and treatment of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Dr. Dockstader-Ortiz has worked extensively with families and their loved ones when coping with and managing the symptoms associated with disease progression. Dr. Dockstader-Ortiz received her Bachelors of Science degree in psychology from University-Wisconsin Platteville, and her Master and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology-Argosy. She is affiliated with the American Psychological association. Return to top

Adrienne A. Skinner, Psy.D.

Dr. Skinner is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a specialty in children and adolescents. She has been working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in various capacities for over 10 years. She received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University/Illinois School of Professional Psychology-Chicago with a specialty in children and adolescents. She works extensively with individuals and families who have family members who are diagnosed with ADHD, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Her therapeutic approach includes helping individuals become empowered to address life issues and crises from an introspective and insightful viewpoint. Therapeutic modalities that are most frequently used are play therapy, individual therapy, family therapy and group therapy. Adrienne also provides diagnostic testing and interpretation to aid in the treatment process.

Dr. Skinner is a member of the American Psychological Association. Return to top

Cindy Travnicek, MS, LCPC, CH

Cindy Travnicek is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC. She has a Bachelors degree in Behavioral Science and a Masters Degree in counseling from National Louis University. In addition, she is certified as an Anger Management Specialist and a certified Hypnotherapist.

Cindy has over 8 years experience working with adults, adolescents and families in various therapeutic settings. She likes to share ideas and help clients develop skills and techniques which they can use in their lives to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. She has worked with high-risk students within the school setting involving truancy, depressive symptoms, anxiety, anger, peer issues and separation and divorce.

Cindy also administers Anger Management Assessments and facilitates Anger Management groups. Return to top

Anna M. Adams, Psy.D.

Dr. Adams works collaboratively with her clients and tailors therapy according to the unique needs, situations, and expectations of the client. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings, including schools, a juvenile detention center, and a psychiatric hospital.

Dr. Adams has treated clients diagnosed with anxiety and mood disorders, behavior and conduct disorders, ADHD, developmental disorders, and Autism. In addition, Dr. Adams is fluent in Russian and has conducted psychological evaluations with Russian-speaking children. Dr. Adams has particular interest in the assessment and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as well as helping adult children adjust and cope with their parents’ cognitive decline.

Dr. Adams obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from DePaul University and her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Return to top

Marloes Verhoeven, Psy.D.
Marloes Verhoeven, Psy.D. has extensive experience conducting individual, group, family, and couples therapy, as well as psychological evaluations to clarify diagnoses, to facilitate treatment plans, or to assist in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). She treats children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of conditions, including mood disturbances (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, post-traumatic or acute stress, oppositional, defiant, and/or aggressive behavior, impulsivity, ADHD, sexually acting out behavior, and personality disorders.

Dr. Verhoeven uses an emotion focused approach, in which the therapeutic relationship is central. In therapy, Dr. Verhoeven offers a safe space in which her clients can experience trust, acceptance, and genuine positive regard. She helps her clients increase their ability to manage and regulate often intense emotions, especially in the face or aftermath of complex (interpersonal) trauma or abuse. As a result, clients feel less overwhelmed and better able to cope with past, current, or chronic stressors.

Dr. Verhoeven received her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University, and holds a Masters and Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology-Argosy Schaumburg. Dr. Verhoeven’s scholarly research has focused on adolescents and young adults and the phenomenon of Internet Addiction and the social/psychological consequences of the Internet, including online gaming/role playing, blogging and social networking. . Return to top

Christy Corsun-Ascher, Psy.D.

Christy Corsun-Ascher is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. She provides individual and group therapy for ages eight and older as well as psychological assessment. She has experience in the areas of managing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, stress, self-esteem, adjustment issues, anger, and self-injurious behaviors.

Christy has an extensive background in testing for ADHD, Learning Disorders, and psychological difficulties, as well as neuropsychological evaluations for cognitive complaints that clarify diagnoses and assist with treatment goals. While her therapeutic orientation tends to be Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques, Christy is dedicated to finding treatment modalities that are the best fit for individuals for them to achieve more satisfying and fulfilling lives. Return to top

Susan Samuel, Psy.D.
Dr. Samuel has experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults. She conducts individual, group, and couples therapy, as well as psychological evaluations. Areas of experience include: depression, anxiety, struggles with addiction, relationship difficulties, loss and grief issues, multicultural identity related difficulties, and problems of unfulfilled development. Given her background training and working in community mental health centers, a university counseling center, private clinic, and county hospital, she has experiences working with many cultures, identities, employment and career backgrounds, emotional and psychological issues. Dr. Samuel obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Samuel believes that psychotherapy is a collaborative process that is tailored to fit the client's needs. Effective treatment involves a process in which doctor and client work together both to understand current problematic patterns and to facilitate new ways of being and relating. Therapy involves exploring feelings and reactions, and in understanding relationships, we develop a deeper, richer sense of what the client needs, wishes for, and the obstacles that may stand in the way. She recognizes that each person has unique emotional needs and struggles and will work actively to help find new ways to understand, cope with, and resolve concerns. Return to top

Mary Plonis, M.Ed., Psy.D.

Dr. Plonis works with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, parenting issues and relationship challenges. Of particular interest is her research and attention to women’s issues. She works closely with area obstetricians and gynecologists to offer a more holistic approach to care. Understanding a woman’s changing needs is an essential component in treatment.

Dr. Plonis has been working with adolescents that are diagnosed with anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder and conduct disorder since 1991. Working with teens involved in the legal system has been a focus since 2004. Her solution focused accountability model often allows teens to view another’s perspective while encouraging independent thinking and responsibility.

Dr. Plonis received her Bachelors degree in 1991 from St. Xavier University, her Masters degree in 1998 from Northeastern Illinois University and her Doctorate degree in 2006 from Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She is affiliated with the American Psychological Association. Return to top