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

Doctors of Athans and Associates — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

All the doctors at Athans and Associates have doctoral degrees from accredited universities and have completed internships and residency training prior to receiving their state license. Each provider also has many years of post-doctoral experience and training. Every year, the providers participate in seminars in the latest methods in psychology. In fact, many are considered experts in their specialties, often providing training for other professionals.


Also, like many medical residency programs at university hospitals, we provide training for interns completing their graduate degrees in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. We select from the top ten percent of the class who have received comprehensive education and clinical training.


We continue their training in the second or third year, providing individual, group supervision and consultation on a weekly basis for at least year by licensed clinical psychologists and adjunct faculty at professional schools. The interns are expected to be licensed following completion of their training commitment. 


The doctors at Athans and Associates are part of the Advocate Family Care Network.

All the doctors at Athans and Associates have doctoral degrees from accredited universities and have completed internships and residency training prior to receiving their state license. Each provider also has many years of post-doctoral experience and training. Every year, the providers participate in seminars in the latest methods in psychology. In fact, many are considered experts in their specialties, often providing training for other professionals.


Also, like many medical residency programs at university hospitals, we provide training for interns completing their graduate degrees in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. We select from the top ten percent of the class who have received comprehensive education and clinical training.


We continue their training in the second or third year, providing individual, group supervision and consultation on a weekly basis for at least year by licensed clinical psychologists and adjunct faculty at professional schools. The interns are expected to be licensed following completion of their training commitment. 


The doctors at Athans and Associates are part of the Advocate Family Care Network.

Doctors of Athans and Associates — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates
Dr. Michael Athans — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates
Top Doctor 2018 Dr. Michael J. Athans — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

DR. MICHAEL ATHANS

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.

Dr. Gennifer Alie — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

Dr. Gennifer Alie

Dr. Alie earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Palo Alto University in Palo Alto, CA. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, TX, where she worked with incarcerated youth and conducted court-ordered psychological evaluations. Dr. Alie has had the privilege of working with a wide array of individuals from various stages of life. She has specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents, and their families. Additionally, she also has training and experience working with adults and couples.


Dr. Alie’s clinical focus is aimed at personally helping individuals navigate and overcome difficulties, including symptoms related to anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and emotional and behavioral difficulties. Gennifer also has experience helping people experiencing major life transitions with adjustment problems, anger and aggression, relationship and interpersonal challenges, grief and loss, and much more. As a clinician, Dr. Alie recognizes that therapy is most beneficial with a genuine and supportive foundation to build upon. She enjoys working collaboratively with clients to understand their goals for therapy and utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach to meet each individual’s unique needs and preferences.


Dr. Alie is currently accepting appointments in-person and via telehealth.

Morgan Chelew — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

Morgan Chelew, M.Ed. 

Licensed Professional Counselor

Morgan Chelew is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Athans and Associates. She earned her master’s degree at DePaul University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. While at DePaul she has gained experience working with children, teens, as well as adults. Her approach to therapy is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can address their mental health needs without judgement. She has experience working with clients whose presenting concerns include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. 


Morgan works from a systemic and strengths-based therapeutic approach to help clients acknowledge the various unique contexts which impact their lives, connect with their strengths, and learn new ways to live in wholeness. Her empathy and warmth help to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can process and heal. She also utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy techniques when beneficial to the client. 


Ms. Chelew is accepting new clients. 

Maggie Clines — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

Maggie Clines, M.Ed.,

National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor

Mrs. Clines is a licensed professional counselor at Athans and Associates. She also holds the NCC, a national certification for licensed healthcare professionals. Maggie earned her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a B.A. in Psychology from DePaul University. She has further undergone post-graduate trauma training, specializing in supporting individuals with Post and Acute Traumatic Stress Disorders, and is recognized as a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) and a Certified First Responder Counselor, with the goal of offering specialized support to police officers and firefighters.


Maggie enjoys working with adolescents and adults, with a strong interest in supporting first responders, particularly those grappling with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and life changes, among other presenting concerns. 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 psychodynamic and 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. 


Now accepting Lighthouse Health and Wellness referrals

Maiti McGreevy, M.A. — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

Maiti McGreevy, M.A.

Psychotherapy Intern

Maiti is currently completing her final year in the doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Adler University. She has an emphasis in Substance Abuse Treatment. Ms. McGreevy holds a master’s degree and is a psychotherapist intern at Athans and Associates. She also earned her B.S. from Western Michigan University majoring in Psychology: Behavioral Science with a minor in Addiction Studies. Maiti has clinical experience working with men and women in an inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, supporting them to gain the skills necessary to help maintain and promote the client’s sobriety and mental health. 


Additional experiences include working in diagnostics at a Chicago-suburb community mental health facility where she worked in the diagnosing of mental health disorders in individuals of diverse and unique backgrounds ranging from ages 9-50. 


Maiti is well versed with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with a wide array of mental, cognitive, and developmental disorders. Ms. McGreevy enjoys working with adolescent and adult female-identified individuals, helping them develop their identity, work toward personal goals, and overcome struggles with relationships, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, and depression. She understands the complexity and co-morbidity of addiction, whether one is struggling with addiction or the effects of a loved one’s addiction.


As a therapist, Ms. McGreevy aims to create a respectful, warm, relatable, and reliable environment for each individual client. She knows that every client is unique and aims to curate a personalized treatment plan for each client. Maiti primarily utilizes humanistic and existential approaches but is trained and skilled to utilize different interventions that best suits each client. She is excited to begin the journey of growth with you and help facilitate in achieving your goals.


Ms. McGreevy is currently taking new patients.

Dr. Connie May — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

Dr. Connie May

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. May is a 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 — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

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 Argosy University. 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.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 Argosy University. 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.


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

Dr. Kirin Singh — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

DR. KIRIN SINGH  

Dr. Kirin Singh earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University and completed her doctoral internship at The School at Columbia University in New York, NY. Students in counseling at The School were encouraged to learn open communication, develop creative problem-solving skills and learn collaboration. Dr. Singh helped students develop their identity, support anti-bias views, and the value that difference is better. Dr. Singh has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings including independent schools, therapeutic day schools, and private practice. Dr. Singh particularly enjoys helping people overcome struggles with major life transitions, relationship difficulties, identity and self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, and depression. 


As a therapist, Dr. Singh aims to create a safe, trusting, and collaborative environment that promotes empowerment, awareness, and wellness. She understands that suffering and healing are experienced differently by everyone, and therefore integrates multicultural factors with therapeutic approaches that best fit each individual’s unique needs. 

 

Dr. Singh currently has appointments available in-person or by telehealth.

Alison Weiss, B.A.  — Park Ridge, IL — Athans and Associates

Alison Weiss, B.A. 

Psychotherapist Intern

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Ms. Weiss is an intern at Athans and Associates, currently completing her third and final year of her graduate program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at DePaul University. In addition to achieving her master’s degree, she earned her B.A. from DePaul University majoring in Psychology and PR/Advertising.


Alison previously worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Education & Counseling Center at DePaul University, where she designed and led a mentorship program for DePaul students to mentor underserved youth in Chicago. She recruited mentors, trained them, and oversaw all responsibilities of the program. Working closely with staff and community in the mentor management role allowed Ms. Weiss to gain experience in a leadership position. Experience included problem-solving personal relationships, working with diverse groups of people, and further developing her counseling skills.


While Ms. Weiss works with people of all ages with a variety of concerns, she has a particular interest in helping those struggling with anxieties, including social anxiety, panic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. She is also well-versed in helping those with symptoms of depression and attention deficit disorder.


Alison uses her relatability, empathy, and humor to create a welcoming environment and build a therapeutic relationship. She especially likes working with kids and young adults. Ms. Weiss applies an action-oriented approach, aiming to provide her clients with the critical skills they need to effectively manage life’s challenges. She mainly utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a DBT framework to empower clients to work through their challenges. Alison is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and live their life to the fullest. 

American Psychological Association
Illinois Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
Illinois Psychological Association
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