Learn about the Doctors of Athans and Associates in Park Ridge, IL

President, Athans and Associates; Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Michael Athans is founder and President of Athans and Associates. He began his career as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in children and adolescents at Advocate Health Care (Advocate Lutheran General Hospital). A short time later Dr. Athans became Director of the outpatient Behavioral Health Department, to be followed as Chief Psychologist for the Division of Psychology for many years. He served on many hospital committees before recently achieving the position of Emeritus.

Dr. Athans received his master’s degree from Columbia University, N.Y. and his doctorate degree from Michigan State University. He was selected as one of three interns nationally to complete the clinical psychology internship at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Athans continued to pursue his education and training by completing two post-doctoral degrees, the first at the University of Chicago and later Northwestern University’s Family Institute.

Dr. Athans works with children, adolescents, and families. Particular interests include but are not limited to adult and child attention-deficit; anxieties; depression; grief; the strong-willed child; parenting; relationship counseling; health psychology, including psychological factors affecting medical conditions, medical adherence; stress management; and diseases of the digestive system.

Dr. Athans is a member of the Illinois Psychological Association (IPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). He served as Chair of the IPA Membership Committee and was a member of the IPA Ethics Committee, participating in state association council meetings. He is also an active member in other state and national professional organizations such as American Psychological Associations’ Pediatric Society, the Clinical Section of Illinois Psychological Association and the Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association.

Maggie Clines, M.Ed.

Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor

Maggie Clines is a licensed professional counselor at Athans and Associates, holding a M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and B.A in Psychology from DePaul University. Additionally, she pursued post-graduate trauma training, specializing in supporting individuals with post and acute traumatic stress disorders, and is recognized as a Certified Trauma Professional.

Maggie has further undergone rigorous training to become a certified first responder counselor, involving immersive experiences such as active participation in police ride-alongs. This training equips her to address prevalent issues first responders may deal with such as stress on the job, PTSD, depression, anxiety, marital issues, and substance use. This hands-on approach reflects her commitment to gaining an in-depth understanding of the distinctive challenges and culture associated with first responders. Maggie is well-versed in evidence-based treatment strategies tailored specifically for first responders. Drawing on personal connections with active and retired police officers and firefighters, Maggie possesses a unique insight into the experiences and challenges unique to these professions. This personal connection enhances her ability to empathize and tailor counseling approaches specifically to meet the needs of first responders.

In addition to first responders, Maggie has an interest in working with both adolescents and adult clients particularly those grappling with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and life changes. In her psychotherapy sessions, she employs a strengths-based, trauma-focused, integrative approach. This approach is customized to suit her clients' unique needs, drawing from techniques rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy. Mrs. Clines believes that establishing trust and rapport is crucial in the therapeutic process creating a safe, warm, and compassionate space for her clients to heal. Her sessions are characterized by her sense of humor, authenticity, and empathy, as Maggie considers it an honor to support her clients through their healing journey.

Maggie actively participates in professional associations, including the American Psychological Association, the Illinois Psychological Association, and the American Counseling Association.

Courtney Griffin, BA

Psychotherapy Intern

Courtney is currently completing the final year of her Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at DePaul University. She previously obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Loyola University Chicago.

Ms. Griffin has worked for nearly a decade in marketing and communications, most recently for a non-profit focused on childhood development. She also serves as a peer mentor and counselor to people with disabilities in a variety of settings, including at the Shirley Ryan Abilitylab, a rehabilitation hospital in Chicago. Courtney has volunteered with the Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association and was part of a team that won the National Student Ethics Award from the American Counseling Association in 2022. Courtney is an active student member of the American Counseling Association.

Courtney works with people of all ages and with a variety of concerns. She has worked with individuals who have experienced trauma and are dealing with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. She has a particular interest in working with those who are impacted by disabilities. Courtney mainly uses a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework in her treatment but explores a variety of modalities in finding what works best for each client. Courtney approaches every case and client with acceptance, understanding and warmth. She would love to help you work through your challenges, however big or small, and find a happy and healthy path forward.

Samantha Harper, M.A.

Psychotherapy Intern

Sam is currently completing her third year in the doctoral program in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at Midwestern University. She has an emphasis in child and adolescent treatment. Ms. Harper holds a master’s degree and is a psychotherapist intern at Athans and Associates. She earned her B.S. from Mount Saint Joseph University, majoring in Behavioral Science with a minor in Psychology.

Sam has extensive clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults aged 2 to 24. Specifically, she worked as a Behavioral Health Specialist on an inpatient unit for children and adolescents with eating disorders and mood disorders. She also worked with individuals on the Autism spectrum as a Registered Behavioral Technician, implementing behavior plans. Sam recently worked in a private practice, administering psychological assessments, writing reports, and diagnosing clients. In this role, Sam had the opportunity to expand her clientele age range to 2–60. She is skilled in various assessments. Although Sam is well-versed in working with children and adolescents, she enjoys working with adults who deal with various mental, cognitive, and developmental disorders.

Ms. Harper specifically enjoys working with pre-teens/teenagers to help them develop their identity, work toward personal goals, and overcome struggles with relationships, self-esteem, body acceptance, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Her professional and clinical interests center around eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, couples counseling, family work, and life transitions.

As a therapist, Ms. Harper aims to create a respectful, warm, relatable, and reliable environment for each individual client. Ensuring comfort, rapport, and safety are her biggest checkmarks when first meeting a client. She knows that each person is unique and aims to create a personalized treatment plan for each client. Remaining culturally competent and factoring in diversity characteristics are very important to Sam and her work with clients. She primarily utilizes Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral approaches. Additionally, she enjoys an Acceptance and Commitment approach. She is trained and skilled in utilizing different interventions that best suit each client. She is excited to begin your growth journey and help you achieve your goals.

Ms. Harper is an active member of the Illinois Psychological Association (IPA), the Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA).



Ms. Harper is currently taking new patients.

Dr. Connie May

Dr. May is a Senior Level Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She earned her doctorate degree from the Adler School of Professional Psychology and completed her clinical internship at the Illinois Youth Center, working with incarcerated youth. Dr. May also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Advocate Christ Children’s Hospital—Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, where she worked with children, adolescents, and families. Before joining Athans and Associates, Dr. May was an integral figure on the behavioral health unit at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital for several years.

Dr. May’s extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families exhibiting symptoms of mood dysregulation, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, substance use, ADHD, Autism spectrum as well as other symptoms has her in demand. Dr. May is also trained and certified in the “ADOS-2” method- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, often considered the “gold standard” for ASD assessment. It is part of a comprehensive evaluation which includes social, emotional, developmental history, observations in several settings, etc.

In that regard, Dr. May provides comprehensive psychological testing for children, adolescents, and adults reflecting each individual’s presenting concerns. Testing can assist in identifying cognitive and personality strengths and deficits, and is useful in identifying learning disorders, processing speed problems, attention and concentration issues, as well as helping the individual to understand more about themselves, including how they think and feel. 

Dr. May primarily utilizes a Cognitive-Behavior therapy approach, however, she will often make use of other therapeutic approaches to help facilitate personal growth, development, and confidence, as every individual is unique. Connie has also excelled as a group leader on topics that include: anger, parenting, and social skills.

Dr. May believes that having a genuine, attentive, and empathic therapist is a key to a true connection in therapy. I am that person! 

DR. SUSAN O’GRADY

Clinical Director; Director of Clinical Training; Licensed Clinical Psychologist

While holding the position of Director of Clinical Training, Dr. O’Grady recently became the Clinical Director at Athans and Associates. Approaching ten years at Athans and Associates, she is a senior-level psychologist. Dr. O’Grady earned her master’s and doctoral degree in clinical psychology from The Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Her pre-doctoral internship was at the Gateway Foundation. She has worked with clients of all ages, but particularly enjoys working with children and adolescents struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, developmental issues, etc. Dr. O’Grady often utilizes CBT and motivational interviewing theories as part of the treatment. She provides evidence-based treatment and enjoys working with patients struggling with co-occurring disorders.

As a previous teacher, Dr. O’Grady understands how recognizing, accepting, and understanding one’s learning disability, if evident, is the first step to success. She can help develop interventions and recommendations in a student’s IEP, encouraging one’s strengths, understanding the educational system, and working with professionals to help develop strategies for success. Similarly, Dr. O’Grady also enjoys working with Gifted students, recognizing their unique talents of intellect, motivation, and creativity, yet sometimes absent-mindedness. Dr. O’Grady also understands how other co-morbid disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyspraxia, Executive Functioning, and sometimes Oppositional Defiance can overlap with learning difficulties.

Dr. O’Grady is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association, where she serves as Director of Professional Affairs and Director of Continuing Education.

Psychotherapy and Assessment Intern

DR. KIRIN SINGH  

ALISON WEISS, M.Ed.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling