About the Psychiatrists and Therapists of Personal Growth Associates

Partners
	Mark A. Bakal, Psy.D. Individual and Couples Therapist Corporate Training and Consultation Schaumburg Location Ext. 314 Dr. Mark Bakal is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist whose passion is helping individuals, couples, employers and employees find ways to live a full and satisfying life. He has been providing Psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups in various settings since 1987. In addition to his clinical work in the office, Dr. Bakal has been providing training and consultation for small and large businesses throughout the Chicago area for several years. He enjoys presenting in a down-to-earth and interactive fashion. He realizes that we live in a fast paced culture where many of us feel overrun with anxiety, depression, relationship troubles and a general sense of unnecessary urgency. He enjoys helping people learn a method of tuning into their mind and body which allows them to slow the pace of their lives and make decisions from a clear and accepting place. This is a skill that can help a person go from putting out life’s fires to living to one’s fullest on a daily basis. This method of Psychotherapy can help people who have been suffering with depression, anxiety, difficulty making decisions, procrastination, couples issues as well as people who just want to live a better life.

	Joseph M. Ripp, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Certified Imago Relationship Therapist Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Psychotherapy Glen Ellyn and Schaumburg Locations Ext. 315 Dr. Ripp began his career in psychology in 1986 working with children and adolescents on an inpatient basis. Since 1994, he has been in private practice working primarily with adults. He furthered his work with couples and families by obtaining advanced training as a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist developed by Harville Hendrix. In his work with clients, Dr. Ripp's dedication and energy is exemplified by the compassionate way he challenges his clients. He motivates and encourages his clients to understand their belief system in order to change their behavior. Dr. Ripp recognizes the importance of maintaining a safe and genuine atmosphere within which his clients can focus on their personal growth. In working with couples, clearly defined skills/tools are taught to resolve conflict and promote relationship growth. When therapeutically appropriate, Dr. Ripp encourages clients to utilize group therapy. As a group co-leader, Dr. Ripp challenges members to change old ideas and guides them towards a healthier pattern of living. Additional areas of expertise include co-dependency, ACOA issues, and premarital counseling.

	Steven L. Wodka, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Individual, Couples, and Family Psychotherapy Schaumburg and Crystal Lake Locations Ext. 313 Dr. Wodka considers himself a "generalist," who is able to effectively work with varied populations including adolescents, adults, and couples. He also specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders. He utilizes an eclectic and interactive therapeutic approach contingent on the needs of the client. His special interest areas include persons with Panic Attacks and Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, adult children of alcoholics or family dysfunction, Older Adults and life transitions, anger management, and stress management. Dr. Wodka tends to work well with emotionally distant and repressed individuals, and with defiant adolescents. These individuals benefit from his compassionate, but straightforward approach, focusing on understanding one's emotional/behavioral "blue-print," and creating new learning and choices in the future.

Psychiatrists
	Joseph P. McNally, M.D. Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist Crystal Lake Location Ext. 319 Dr. McNally is a graduate of Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. He completed general psychiatric training at University of Michigan Hospitals. Subsequently, he completed specialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Dr. McNally provides psychiatric evaluation as well as ongoing psychotropic medication management for his patients. Areas of expertise include treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Illness, and psychosis in children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. McNally effectively communicates with his patients and their families. He also stresses a team approach and the need to collaborate with patient's therapists.

	Maria Luisa P. Estrada, M.D. Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist Schaumburg Location Ext. 350 Dr. Estrada completed her adult psychiatry training at Lutheran General Hospital and received her child fellowship training at Northwestern University, Children's Memorial Hospital. Thus far, her 10-year experience in biological psychiatry focuses on evaluation and treatment of common disorders including, clinical depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Emphasis is also placed on coordinating treatment with the client’s therapists, school authorities, and their families.

Photo Coming Soon!	Christopher Sinnappan, M.D. Schaumburg location Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist Ext. 354 Dr. Sinnappan is a board certified psychiatrist who joins the PGA team from Streamwood Behavioral Health and Riveredge Hospital in Forest Park. He is a graduate of the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine and completed his residency in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois, Chicago. In addition to training and experience in treating adults, Dr. Sinnappan has specialized training in the treatment of children and adolescents. He provides psychiatric evaluation, as well as ongoing psychotropic medication management for his patients. Based on several years of both private practice and work in hospital programs, his areas of expertise include treatment of depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and substance abuse.

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse
Photo Coming Soon!	Maggie Hahn APN/CNS Schaumburg location Adolescent and Adult Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management Ext. 362 Maggie Hahn is a board certified psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and licensed advanced practice nurse. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois - Chicago and has training and experience with adults and adolescents, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Maggie has developed specialty programs for adolescents and provided both administrative and clinical oversight of these programs. She also has experience in teaching and research. She is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and has a certificate in psychopharmacology from the Neuroscience Education Institute, in association with the University of California - San Diego Department of Continuing Education. In collaboration with Dr. Joseph McNally, Maggie provides psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management. Her approach to prescribing includes education and support, to assist clients in using medication as one of the tools to alleviate symptoms and return to wellbeing.

Therapists
	Sharon K. Nisius, RN, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Individual, Couples, and Family Psychotherapy Schaumburg Location Ext. 316 Dr. Sharon Nisius is a licensed psychologist, who is a seasoned clinician with diverse interests and skills in the field of psychology. She engages in her own ongoing professional skill development through group peer supervision and advanced training seminars. Dr. Nisius draws upon this extensive fund of knowledge in her work with clients, as well as from a myriad of learning experiences gleaned in her 16 years as a master's degreed oncology nurse. Both fields of pursuit have influenced Dr. Nisius in the formulation of her fundamental beliefs about human potential and growth. With a strong belief that one's potential lies within, Dr. Nisius seeks to guide the client in the discovery, enhancement, and application of the individual's own resources. Simply put, the goal of therapy is self-empowerment. Dr. Nisius' clinical practice includes the treatment of adolescents and adults. Her areas of expertise include, though are not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, women's issues, mid-life difficulties, medical issues for both individuals with an illness, as well as their families, and vocational/career concerns.

	Susan Bennett, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Psychotherapy Schaumburg Location Ext. 320 Dr. Bennett has been working in the mental health field since 1988. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from St. Louis University in 1996. She believes in a respectful approach to therapy based on the individual's innate ability to grow and heal. She views therapy as a highly collaborative process in which the therapist and client strive together to fully understand the clients unique perspective and life difficulties. She and the client then use this understanding to problem-solve and help the client to create a richer and more fulfilling life. Dr. Bennett works with people with wide variety of concerns, but has particular interests in working with women's issues, couples/marital issues, abuse survivors, and individuals diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder.

	Timothy Re, Psy.D., CADC Licensed Clinical Psychologist Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor Individual, Couples, & Family Psychotherapy Crystal Lake and Schaumburg Locations Ext. 317 Dr. Re has worked in the field since 1982. His background includes working with children and families in hospital settings, directing an outpatient substance abuse program, working in an adolescent intensive outpatient program, directing a multi-specialty outpatient clinic, developing and directing an anxiety disorders program, and working in general practice for over 10 years. Dr. Re's treatment philosophy uses a psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral approach. Dr. Re holds a certificate of proficiency in the treatment of alcohol and other psychoactive substance use disorders through the American Psychological Association. He is also a licensed foster care provider and has adopted 6 children.

	Mark Vogel, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Individual, Couples, and Family Psychotherapy Crystal Lake and Schaumburg Locations Ext. 318 Dr. Vogel has worked in the mental health field since 1980, with experience in a variety of treatment settings. His flexible approach to psychotherapy draws from various schools of psychological thought, and he views therapy as a collaborative enterprise between client and therapist, with the aim of improving quality of life. In his work with clients, he values a gentle, accepting way of looking at life problems, where the emphasis is always on understanding rather than judging or condemning oneself and others. Then, he works with the client to identify new skills, behaviors, or attitudes, which will facilitate desired changes. When working with couples, Dr. Vogel works at helping each partner to realize their emotional impact on the other, and then to facilitate a deeper understanding, and acceptance, of their differences. Dr. Vogel's areas of interests include marital/relationship issues, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, grief/loss issues, parent coaching, and ADHD evaluations.

	Allison Glore Salituro, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Individual and Group Psychotherapy Schaumburg and Crystal Lake Locations Ext. 321 Dr. Salituro has been working in the field of mental health since 1993. She has worked primarily in educational settings, including a high school, an alternative school, a community mental health center, a prison, and a probation program. She has also been involved in the training and supervision of master's and doctoral-level counselors. She received her doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Though Dr. Salituro has more extensive experience in the treatment of substance abuse/dependence, ACOA issues, and eating disorders, she enjoys working with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, low self-esteem, life change issues, trauma, and problems related to cultural/ethnic identification and sexual orientation. She takes an integrative approach, focusing on the therapeutic relationship and the client's emotional needs. As both an individual and group therapist, she encourages clients to try new things and take risks to facilitate personal growth.

	Mark R. Pumper, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Individual, couples & family psychotherapy Psychological assessments & testing Crystal Lake & Schaumburg offices Ext. 324 Dr. Mark Pumper has been working in the mental health field since 1981. He has worked primarily in outpatient settings, providing psychotherapy and assessments. He believes that psychotherapy is a collaborative relationship involving client and therapist and that in an environment where one feels safe and free from judgment, there is a gradual openness to explore feelings and issues. Such openness leads to change. He has found this process particularly helpful when working with adolescents. Dr. Pumper uses a multi-disciplinary approach based on the needs of the client. He holds the belief that problems are at times resultant from learned and repeated behavior patterns, and can be metaphoric for other issues and concerns. Dr. Pumper has extensive experience with administration and interpretation of psychological testing to rule out ADHD and/or other psychological diagnoses. He has expertise working with older children, adolescents, adults and couples dealing with depression, grief, anxiety problems, obsessive compulsive disorder, co-dependency and relationship issues.

	Kathleen Zachary, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Child, adolescent, adult and family psychotherapy Ext. 325 Dr. Kathleen Zachary is a licensed clinical psychologist and an educator. She brings over 20 years of experience to her work with children, adolescents, adults, parents and families. She has experience working with such concerns as behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, communication difficulties, parenting and relationship struggles, eating disorders, and stress management. She assists others in discovering individualized ways to improve general well-being and life satisfaction. Her work with children embraces a family-focused path which empowers families to assist their children in overcoming obstacles so that optimal development may proceed. Areas of interest include creative ways to manage anxiety, depression and limiting thoughts/beliefs; behavior modification; play therapy; communication skills training; parent coaching as well as relaxation, imagery and other quieting the mind techniques. Dr. Zachary is an adjunct faculty member at Argosy University Clinical Psychology graduate program and teaches child and adolescent development and child and adolescent psychotherapy.

	Tracy Strepek, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker Individual and Family Psychotherapy Crystal Lake Location Ext. 351 Tracy received her masters in social work from the University of Illinois in 1997. She has been working in the mental health field in a variety of outpatient settings, primarily with children and adolescents. Tracy provides a nurturing and comfortable environment for clients to safely express their feelings and thoughts. Through a highly energetic and therapeutic process, children and adolescents are able to make long-term changes in their ability to identify and cope with daily life stressors. She currently specializes in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety, low self-esteem, school phobia, ADHD, behavior disorders, and grief and loss issues. Tracy works primarily one-on-one with the client, but will provide family therapy services or parent coaching when deemed appropriate.

	Jonathan Katz, Psy.D., LCPC Schaumburg location Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples Corporate Training and Consultation Ext. 353 Jon holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and has been working in the mental health field for over 14 years. He believes in an integrative approach, incorporating mind, body, spirit, and emotion. Jon has found this process to be a powerful agent of change and healing for those coping with a variety of life’s challenges—including depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. This approach also works amazingly well for overcoming blocks and enhancing performance in a variety of settings— artistic, professional, and personal. By providing an environment of support, empathy, and honesty, along with proven therapeutic techniques—Jon’s goal is to help his clients find their own inherent ability to heal and to change.

	Joann Herman, MS, LCPC Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Individual and Family Psychotherapy Crystal Lake and Schaumburg Locations Ext. 352 Joann earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 1997. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with extensive experience in providing individual, family, and group therapy to clients of multiple age groups whose difficulties cover a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. Her expertise includes treating family conflict, anxiety, depression, defiant behaviors, ADHD, and coping with general conflicts associated with life stressors. Joann believes in providing a comfortable, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore and resolve issues. She believes each client is unique and treatment should be customized to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual and his or her circumstances. While being supportive and understanding, Joann ultimately strives to assist others to utilize their strengths to identify and develop the skills and supports necessary to lead a more positive lifestyle. She views successful therapy as a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client to develop and implement strategies to resolve problems and cope with symptoms and daily life stressors. Overall, she draws upon a variety of treatment methods and approaches to achieve treatment goals and address the specific needs of each client.