Sandra Burkhardt, PhD, ABPP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Fellow, Academy of Clinical Psychology
Board Certified in Clinical and Child Psychology
Dr Burkhardt is one of four American Board of Professional Psychology Certified Child and Adolescent Psychologists in the State of Illinois. She is also Board Certified in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Burkhardt is the clinical director of Burkhardt Services, Ltd. She earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from DePaul University and is a Professor of Psychology at Saint Xavier University. She is the author, co-author and editor of multiple publications on counseling families of children with special needs and related subjects. Among her publications:
"Counseling Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Their Families"; Advances in Special Education: Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. (author)
"Counseling Issues For Parents of Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorders"; Advances in Special Education: Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Educational and Clinical Interventions.
Advances in Special Education: Current Trends in Learning Disabilities (editor)
Dr. Burkhardt specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood disorders, including disorders of attention, learning and development. She widely known for her work with Autistic Spectrum Disorders especially Aspergers Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
Julie Deisinger, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Deisinger earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. She is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Saint Xavier University and the author of many publications. A few are cited below:
Deisinger, J.A. (2007). Administrating Discipline, Grading and 504 plans For Students with Special Needs. In F. Obiakor, A.F. Rotatori, & S. Burkhardt (Eds), Current Perspectives in Special Education Administration (pp 195-232) Oxford, UK; Elsevier/JAL.
Deisinger, J.A. (2003). Current Views of the Austistic Spectrum [Review of the book Autisum Spectrum Disorders: A Transactional Developmental Perspective]. Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 48 (6), 802-804.
Cassisi, J.E., Umeda, M., Deisinger, J.A., Sheffer, C., Lofland, K.R., & Jackson, C. (2004). Patterns of Pain Descriptor Usage in African Americans and European Americans With Chronic Pain. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 10 (1), 81-89.
Deisinger, J.A., (2001) Diagnosis and Assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. In T.Wahlberg, Educational and Clinical Interventions (pp. 181-209). London: Elsevier Press.
Dr. Deisinger emphasizes wellness and resilience in her approach to treatment. She works with children, adolescents and adults. Dr Deisinger specializes in Depression, Anxiety, Loss issues, and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Dr Deisinger leads a therapy group for young men with Aspergers Syndrome.
Eileen Niemiera, MA, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Certified Domestic Violence Professional
Eileen Niemiera earned a Master of Counseling Psychology degree from Saint Xavier University and is pursuing a doctoral degree at the Institute for Clinical Social Work of Chicago. Ms. Niemiera treats adolescents and adults, specializing in women’s issues, including domestic violence and self-esteem. Her interests also include improved relational functioning through psychodynamic psychotherapy. Marital therapy is one of Ms Niemiera's specialties.
Reid Schwartz, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Schwartz is a licensed clinical psychologist who holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Chicago. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of school-related concerns as well as helping parents obtain appropriate educational services for their children. Dr Schwartz integrates neurobehavioral testing, diagnosis, treatment, reports and personal school appearances into one service model. Dr Schwartz provides the following professional services:
- Counseling - Individual counseling for children, adolescents and adults; family counseling; marital therapy
- Neuropsychological Testing/Differential Diagnosis - Comprehensive neuropsychological testing for individuals of all ages. Proper diagnosis is critical to making effective individual treatment plans. Dr Schwartz begins this diagnostic process by focusing on the client's specific problems, determining a differential diagnosis, making individualized recommendations and working with the client to implement these recommendations. Dr Schwartz is on the Illinois State Board of Education's "Illinois Independent Evaluators Registry."
- Gifted Children - Many parents wonder if their child is gifted and whether the child should be placed in an advanced school program. Dr Schwartz has been working with gifted students of all ages and their parents for many years. He provides specialty testing and consultation to assist the student and parents decide what educational environment maximizes their potential.
- Autism, Aspergers, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disabilities - Dr Schwartz has extensive experience working with students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and all types of learning disabilities. His experience includes: psychological testing and diagnosis; counseling for the student and family; consultation with schools regarding placement, IEP and 504 Plan needs; and developing therapeutic milieus. He has worked with students that are placed in regular classes, special education classrooms, therapeutic day schools and residential treatment facilities. Dr Schwartz has also evaluated ABA and Greenspan Floor Time programming for individual students as well as more traditional educational/therapeutic environments. He has served on the Professional Advisory Board of the Illinois Association for Citizens with Learning Disabilities and has spoken at local, state and national conferences on diagnosing and treating learning disabilities and ADHD.
- Emotional Problems - Anxiety, Depression Behavioral Disorders, Performance Problems, Eating Disorders, Self Injury. Dr Schwartz provides counseling and diagnostic services for individuals of all ages with these problems. He works directly with schools to ensure that children and adolescents with these problems receive the required support and accommodations they need. When appropriate, he will make classroom observations and assist in drawing up Behavior Management Plans. He also collaborates with leading child and adolescent psychiatrists when the conditions warrant medication.
- Expert Witness - Dr Schwartz has served as an expert witness in administrative proceedings, juvenile court and Federal court. He has years of experience testifying in special education proceedings, Social Security disability determinations and personal injury matters.
- Sports Psychology and Performance Coaching - Dr Schwartz is a world-class masters track cyclist who has worked with athletes and coaches ranging from the talented amateur to the Olympic class and professional. His focus is to help athletes resolve psychological conflicts that interfere with performance. He is also available to consult with coaches. The issues that effect athletes and coaches also come into play in school and at work. Dr Schwartz works with all individuals in developing concrete plans to accomplish specific goals.
Thomas H Tupa, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr Tupa earned his degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He performs individual and couples therapy with adults and the aged. Dr Tupa maintains that the expressions of warmth, sincere concern and objectivity help to establish a productive theraputic partnership. Though quite flexible with regards to approach, Dr Tupa specializes in the application of cognitive-behavioral based psychotherapy. He treats a wide range of conditions. They are as follows:
Adult survivors of Child Abuse (Area of specific clinical interest)
Adjustment Disorders
Aging
Anger Management
Anxiety Disorders (GAD, OCD, Panic, Phobic, PTSD and Social)
Depression
Divorce Issues
Perfectionism
Self-Esteem Building
Stress Management
Veteran's Re-adjustment
Work/Career Problems
Dr Tupa is a member of the American Psychological Association and the
Illinois Psychological Association. Dr Tupa was awarded the Bronze Star
during his service in the Vietnam War.
Kevin Watson, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified School Counselor
Clinical Counseling Trainee
Kevin Watson earned his Master’s degree in Counseling from Governor’s State University and is a licensed professional counselor and certified school counselor; he is currently a trainee in Clinical Counseling. He provides counseling for children, adolescents, and adults with academic, social, vocational, and developmental issues. Mr Watson specializes in social skills training. Mr Watson co-leads a therapy group for young men with Aspergers Syndrome.
Karen Olalde, MS, LCPC
Licenced Clinical Professional Counselor
Certified Domestic Violence Professional
Ms Olalde, MS Ed, is a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned her Master's degree from Western Illinois University. She provides individual, child and family counseling. Ms Olalde has over ten years of clinical experience in assisting children and families who have suffered severe trauma and abuse. She has worked with diverse populations including at risk youth, women and children coping with domestic violence, juveniles on probation, physically and sexually abused children and families involved with the child welfare system.