pediatric therapists
SHAUNA FREEDMAN, PSY.D: DIRECTOR OF PEDIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH/associate TRAINING DIRECTOR
(847) 686-0090 EXT. 127
SFREEDMAN@PCPACHICAGO.COM
Dr. Shauna Freedman is the Director of Pediatric Behavioral Health and Assistant Training Director at Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC. She received her masters and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a specialization in children and adolescents. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Indiana University. Dr. Freedman completed her Pre-Doctoral Internship at Pillars Community Mental Health Services through The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Internship Leadership Consortium. She has also completed a Certificate program in Primary Care Behavioral Health through the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.
Dr. Freedman has extensive experience working with children and adolescents. Dr. Freedman’s doctoral dissertation focused on creating a play-based group program for children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Dr. Freedman utilizes evidence-based treatments in her therapeutic work. She uses a strength-based, playful, and warm approach in her work with children and adolescents.
Areas of expertise: Pediatric Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Toileting Issues, Disruptive Behavior in Young Children, Parenting Issues, Adjustment to Chronic Illnesses, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Adjustment to Life Transitions
Locations: Vernon Hills and Highland Park
Dr. Freedman has extensive experience working with children and adolescents. Dr. Freedman’s doctoral dissertation focused on creating a play-based group program for children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Dr. Freedman utilizes evidence-based treatments in her therapeutic work. She uses a strength-based, playful, and warm approach in her work with children and adolescents.
Areas of expertise: Pediatric Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Toileting Issues, Disruptive Behavior in Young Children, Parenting Issues, Adjustment to Chronic Illnesses, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Adjustment to Life Transitions
Locations: Vernon Hills and Highland Park
DENISE GARDNER, PH.D.: LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
(847)686-0090 EXT 114
DGARDNER@PCPACHICAGO.COM
Dr. Denise Gardner is a licensed Pediatric Psychologist at Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC. Dr. Gardner provides psychotherapy to parents, children, adolescents and young adults. She works in collaboration with your child's pediatrician to provide assessment, therapy, and consultation services. Dr. Gardner earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Marquette University, with a specialization in child psychology. Her research focused on examining social relationship factors and piloting a friendship-building intervention for adolescents with ADHD. Dr. Gardner gained extensive experience in pediatric psychology during her pre-doctoral internship at the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and postdoctoral fellowship at Nationwide Children's Hospital. She has provided psychology services in a variety of settings, including hospitals and community clinics. Through her work in medical settings, Dr. Gardner has developed an expertise in working with youth with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Dr. Gardner uses an evidence-based approach to working with children and families, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, and mindfulness.
Watch Denise present at a recent webinar by our medical partners at PediaTrust on the topic of How to Cope with COVID-19 here.
Areas of Expertise: adjustment to chronic illness, gastrointestinal disorders, toilet training, pain management, anxiety, behavior management for ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders
Locations: Chicago (Lakeview) and Winnetka.
Watch Denise present at a recent webinar by our medical partners at PediaTrust on the topic of How to Cope with COVID-19 here.
Areas of Expertise: adjustment to chronic illness, gastrointestinal disorders, toilet training, pain management, anxiety, behavior management for ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders
Locations: Chicago (Lakeview) and Winnetka.
ANNETTE POPERNIK, LCSW: LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
(847)686-0090 EXT 120
APOPERNIK@PCPACHICAGO.COM
Annette Popernik is a Pediatric Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Social Work with a specialization in mental health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She completed her Clinical Internship at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program. As a graduate student, she also trained in and facilitated Vida Alegre, a culturally and linguistically adapted Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy designed to treat depressed Latino immigrant mothers. She was also a fellow for the Minority Fellowship Program-Youth through the Council on Social Work Education. She has led trainings on Strategies and Interventions for Chronic Health Conditions. Annette has worked in outpatient and hospital settings providing psychotherapy to children and adolescents struggling with mood disorders, suicidality, behavior issues, anger, and co-occurring physical and mental health conditions.
Annette specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy. She uses a strengths-based approach to empower her patients to believe in themselves and guide them towards healing. Annette’s therapeutic style is person-centered and draws on the patient’s strength as the expert of their own experiences. She is passionate about working with youth and multicultural awareness. Annette strives to integrate physical and mental health in order to promote emotional wellness.
Watch Annette present at a recent webinar by our medical partners at PediaTrust on the topic of How to Cope with COVID-19 here.
Areas of expertise: Pediatric Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Chronic Health Conditions and Chronic Pain, Adjustment Disorders, Grief, Self-Injury in children and adolescents, Suicidal Ideation, School Anxiety/Avoidance, Anger Management, Family Conflict, and Culturally Sensitive Therapy.
Annette is fluent in Spanish.
Locations: Wheaton and Chicago (Streeterville)
Annette specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy. She uses a strengths-based approach to empower her patients to believe in themselves and guide them towards healing. Annette’s therapeutic style is person-centered and draws on the patient’s strength as the expert of their own experiences. She is passionate about working with youth and multicultural awareness. Annette strives to integrate physical and mental health in order to promote emotional wellness.
Watch Annette present at a recent webinar by our medical partners at PediaTrust on the topic of How to Cope with COVID-19 here.
Areas of expertise: Pediatric Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Chronic Health Conditions and Chronic Pain, Adjustment Disorders, Grief, Self-Injury in children and adolescents, Suicidal Ideation, School Anxiety/Avoidance, Anger Management, Family Conflict, and Culturally Sensitive Therapy.
Annette is fluent in Spanish.
Locations: Wheaton and Chicago (Streeterville)
ALEXANDRA (ALI) SWILLINGER, MSW, LCSW: LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
(847)686-0090 EXT 134
ASWILLINGER@PCPACHICAGO.COM
Alexandra (Ali) Swillinger is a Pediatric Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at Indiana University, and her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Loyola University in Chicago, specializing in Mental Health.
Ali provides psychotherapy to parents, children, adolescents and young adults with a wide range of presenting concerns. She is a highly analytical and results-oriented practitioner with a background in serving diverse populations at community mental health and medical facilities. Devoted to improving outcomes through knowledgeable application of patient-centered care, her roles have included Psychotherapist, Case Manager, and Educator.
In demonstration of a holistic, systems-approach to change, Ali is a strong proponent of parental involvement to aid in the continuing growth and development of her patients. Understanding that each child is unique, she tailors treatment to meet individual needs-- utilizing variety of evidence-based therapy techniques, including play, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused interventions to optimize patient experience while developing/reinforcing positive behaviors and enhancing self-image. Integral to Ali’s philosophy and success is the blending of clinical treatment with vital psycho-education and skills-based learning techniques for both child and family. Respecting the interplay between children’s internal and external environments, Ali strives to cultivate language with patients to create meaning and generate ownership over their narrative.
Areas of expertise: ADHD, Pediatric Anxiety and Depression, Behavior Disorders, Pediatric Substance Use Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Life Transitions, Stress Management, Self-Esteem, Body Image Issues, Social Skill Deficits
Locations: Winnetka and Highland Park
Ali provides psychotherapy to parents, children, adolescents and young adults with a wide range of presenting concerns. She is a highly analytical and results-oriented practitioner with a background in serving diverse populations at community mental health and medical facilities. Devoted to improving outcomes through knowledgeable application of patient-centered care, her roles have included Psychotherapist, Case Manager, and Educator.
In demonstration of a holistic, systems-approach to change, Ali is a strong proponent of parental involvement to aid in the continuing growth and development of her patients. Understanding that each child is unique, she tailors treatment to meet individual needs-- utilizing variety of evidence-based therapy techniques, including play, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused interventions to optimize patient experience while developing/reinforcing positive behaviors and enhancing self-image. Integral to Ali’s philosophy and success is the blending of clinical treatment with vital psycho-education and skills-based learning techniques for both child and family. Respecting the interplay between children’s internal and external environments, Ali strives to cultivate language with patients to create meaning and generate ownership over their narrative.
Areas of expertise: ADHD, Pediatric Anxiety and Depression, Behavior Disorders, Pediatric Substance Use Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Life Transitions, Stress Management, Self-Esteem, Body Image Issues, Social Skill Deficits
Locations: Winnetka and Highland Park
Shelby vause, msw, lcsw : LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
(847)686-0090, ext 131
svause@pcpachicago.com
Shelby Vause is a Pediatric Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC. She earned her Masters degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work with a specialization in children and families. She completed her clinical training at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program. She has worked in outpatient settings including PHP/IOP programs and private practice providing psychotherapy to pediatric patients and their caregivers, presenting with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, suicidality, self-injurious behavior, chronic health conditions, and mood disorders.
Shelby takes a client-focused strengths-based approach to working with her patients that is warm and empathetic. She works with each individual client to determine the course of treatment depending on the client’s unique readiness and motivation for change. She believes strongly in a collaborative approach with her clients that highlights the integration of physical and emotional wellness by promoting holistic well-being.
Shelby specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy. Her passion is to empower her clients to learn new ways to create change in their lives by fostering personal and family growth and healing while tailoring her approach to match individual needs. She strives to always consider each child’s unique needs, reinforcing positive behaviors that reflect their ability to grow and change.
Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal Ideation in children and adolescents, Self-Injurious behavior, Anger Management, Family Conflict, Chronic Illness, Type 1 Diabetes, Relationship Challenges, and Mindfulness
Locations: Wheaton, Batavia and Chicago (Streeterville)
Shelby takes a client-focused strengths-based approach to working with her patients that is warm and empathetic. She works with each individual client to determine the course of treatment depending on the client’s unique readiness and motivation for change. She believes strongly in a collaborative approach with her clients that highlights the integration of physical and emotional wellness by promoting holistic well-being.
Shelby specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy. Her passion is to empower her clients to learn new ways to create change in their lives by fostering personal and family growth and healing while tailoring her approach to match individual needs. She strives to always consider each child’s unique needs, reinforcing positive behaviors that reflect their ability to grow and change.
Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal Ideation in children and adolescents, Self-Injurious behavior, Anger Management, Family Conflict, Chronic Illness, Type 1 Diabetes, Relationship Challenges, and Mindfulness
Locations: Wheaton, Batavia and Chicago (Streeterville)
Agnes Zalesna, MA, LCPC: Psychology Intern
(847)686-0090, ext.116
azalesna@PCPACHICAGO.COM
Agnes Zalesna, MA, LCPC is a Psychology Intern in Pediatric Psychology at Primary Cary Psychology Associates, LLC working towards her doctorate degree in clinical psychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. She obtained her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology in 2011, and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 2015. Her work and training experience include residential, inpatient, and private practice settings. Ms. Zalesna has experience in individual, family, and group therapy. Ms. Zalesna specializes in working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families, and has received training in working with patients of all age groups.
Authenticity, empathy, and trust are integral parts of the therapeutic relationship Ms. Zalesna builds with her patients, and she is dedicated to building a strong alliance with each patient and their family. She believes the catalyst of change will vary from one patient to another and finds herself drawing from Cognitive Behavioral, Humanistic, and Psychodynamic theories, while examining both developmental and current biopsychosocial factors. Integrating different theories and interventions allows Ms. Zalesna to understand and communicate behavioral, cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual aspects into case conceptualization and treatment planning per the individual needs of each patient.
Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Self-Injury, Eating Disorders, Low Self-Esteem, Social Skills Building, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Agnes is fluent in Polish.
Locations: Chicago (Streeterville) and Chicago (Lakeview)
Authenticity, empathy, and trust are integral parts of the therapeutic relationship Ms. Zalesna builds with her patients, and she is dedicated to building a strong alliance with each patient and their family. She believes the catalyst of change will vary from one patient to another and finds herself drawing from Cognitive Behavioral, Humanistic, and Psychodynamic theories, while examining both developmental and current biopsychosocial factors. Integrating different theories and interventions allows Ms. Zalesna to understand and communicate behavioral, cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual aspects into case conceptualization and treatment planning per the individual needs of each patient.
Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Self-Injury, Eating Disorders, Low Self-Esteem, Social Skills Building, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Agnes is fluent in Polish.
Locations: Chicago (Streeterville) and Chicago (Lakeview)
