IAPP Board
Beth N. Rom-Rymer, Ph.D.
Founder, President and CEO
Beth N. Rom-Rymer, Ph.D. has been a pioneer throughout her life. She was in the first class of women at Princeton University, graduating in 1973. Dr. Rom-Rymer created the Victim-Witness Assistance Unit in the State Attorney's Office, Tallahassee, Florida, in 1977, which continues, today, as a robust service for crime victims and witnesses throughout the 2nd judicial circuit. During her tenure in the State Attorney’s Office, she worked on the Ted Bundy serial murder case, 1978-1979. During that time, Dr. Rom-Rymer co-founded and was the first Board president of Refuge House, a shelter for surviving families of domestic abuse in Tallahassee, Florida. Refuge House will celebrate its 44th anniversary in 2022. Dr. Rom-Rymer was a keynote speaker at the Refuge House 40th anniversary celebration, in 2018.
Dr. Rom-Rymer is one of the psychologists who created the field of forensic geriatrics in 2000, testifying, nationally, in cases concerning the sexual abuse of older adults in nursing homes and writing book chapters about the role of the forensic psychologist in geriatric settings. Foreseeing the critical need for comprehensive mental health prescribers, Dr. Rom-Rymer undertook training in Clinical Psychopharmacology during the 1990's and became a national leader in the advocacy for psychologists' prescriptive authority, when she was elected the fourth president of the fledgling APA Division 55 (Pharmacotherapy) in 2004. As President of the Illinois Psychological Association from 2011-2012 and from 2013-2014, Dr. Rom-Rymer led the Prescriptive Authority Movement toward successful passage of its legislation in May 2014, earning the Governor's signature in June of 2014.
Dr. Rom-Rymer has held many administrative positions in psychiatric hospitals throughout the Chicago metropolitan region. She has also lectured extensively in the Departments of Psychiatry, at the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, and Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and in the Departments of Psychology, at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. She was a member of the first APA delegation (2012) to visit the health clinics, Universities, and community mental health centers, in Havana, Cuba. Dr. Rom-Rymer has a clinical practice in Chicago and a national forensic consulting practice. She has given numerous lectures on clinical and forensic issues (sexual trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, child abuse, child custody litigation, substance abuse and trauma, sexual harassment in the workplace, the role of the forensic psychologist in the courtroom) throughout the United States and Canada.
Dr. Rom-Rymer is acknowledged to be a force for social change in her community in Illinois. She is on the Board of Directors of Thresholds, the largest and oldest social service organization in Illinois, serving the seriously mentally ill. Dr. Rom-Rymer has also partnered with NAMI in working to provide comprehensive mental health services to the NAMI community.
Dr. Rom-Rymer served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Alliant International University from 2009-2014 and was Vice President of the Board from 2012-2014. From 2008-2014, Dr. Rom-Rymer was a significant donor to the APA Division 18/Alliant International University Scholarship Fund for Native psychologists, studying to become prescribing psychologists at Alliant University. After holding conversations, in 2010, with Dr. Rose Weahkee, a member of the Navajo Nation, who served as Director of Behavioral Health at the Indian Health Service (IHS), about the dire need for more comprehensive mental health care on tribal lands, the IHS gave authority to prescribing psychologists to prescribe medications on some tribal lands.
For over two decades, Dr. Rom-Rymer has been an active scholarship donor for graduate students and established psychologists, in partnership with Alliant International University, the American Psychological Foundation (APF), and the American Indian and Alaska Native Society of Indian Psychologists (SIP). Dr. Rom-Rymer has received several awards for her work, including: "Distinguished Illinois Psychologist" from the Illinois Psychological Association (2012, 2014), "Outstanding Service to the Community" from the Princeton University Club of Chicago (2013); "Outstanding Psychologist of the Year" from the APA's Division 31 (2014); APA Presidential Citation for Outstanding Leadership (2015); APA Karl Heiser award for Legislative Advocacy (2015); Alfred M. Wellner, Ph.D. Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Register of Health Service Psychologists (2016); Outstanding Psychologist Award from the Illinois Psychological Association (2016 and 2017); Social Impact Leaders Award from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (2018); "Outstanding Leadership" Award from AMITA Health (Ascension) Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital CEO, Clayton Ciha (2019); Inspirational Leader Award from the South African Psychological Society (2021); and “Honored Valued Ally” from the Society of Indian Psychologists (2022).
Most recently, Dr. Rom-Rymer was in the Chair Trio of the APA Council Leadership Team (2018-2020), a past member of the APA Board of Directors (2018-2019), and a candidate for APA President (2023). Dr. Rom-Rymer is currently Chair and President of the Board of Directors of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists (2021-2022); Founder, President, and CEO of the Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists (IAPP); and co-founder and co-chair of IMPAP, the International Movement for Prescriptive Authority. In her position with IAPP, Dr. Rom-Rymer is continuing to implement the Prescriptive Authority legislation in Illinois; consulting with State Psychological Associations, nationwide, on legislative advocacy campaigns for Prescriptive Authority; and completing a book, to be published by APA Press in 2023, on the impact of the Prescribing Psychologist Movement on the national healthcare crisis, "The Revolution in Healthcare: How Prescribing Psychologists are Changing the Healthcare Delivery System."
Kyle Bonesteel, Ph.D. , ABPP-CN, MSCP, BCN
Vice President
Dr. Bonesteel is a board certified prescribing neuropsychologist as recognized by the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) and is the founder of NeuroHealth Associates, a practice dedicated to neuropsychology, brain mapping, neurofeedback, and psychopharmacology. He was trained as a post-doctoral fellow at Northwestern University Medical School in the departments of behavioral neurology and neuropsychology, and has previously served as a professor of Neurology at Loyola University Medical Center. He is board certified in EEG neurofeedback and has a post-doctoral specialization in psychopharmacology. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, he has taught and supervised doctoral trainees and has lectured in the neurology residency program. He has served as Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee for the Illinois Psychological Association and currently serves as the Vice President of the Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists (IAPP). His work in brain mapping and neuropsychology has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, WGN News, Channel 7 ABC news and other media outlets.
Gretchen Boules, Psy.D. , MSCP
Secretary
Dr. Boules is the 5th Licensed Prescribing Psychologist in the state of Illinois and has been a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois for over 25 years. Dr. Boules is the Founder, President and CEO of Boules Clinical Psychology Group PLLC, in Burr Ridge, IL.
Dr. Boules is the Program Manager for Alexian Brothers/Ascension Illinois Health Systems Prescribing Psychology Fellowship program; the only IDFPR approved program in the state of Illinois. Dr. Boules will also have the designation of being one of the first Prescribing Psychologists to see patients at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health/Ascension Illinois Health Systems in 2022.
Dr. Boules is Board Certified in Tele-Mental health (BC-TMH) and is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance, the “gold standard” for yoga teacher training.
Dr. Boules received her BA from Loyola University of Chicago, and her MA and Psy.D. from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology. She completed her APA Approved Pre-doctoral Internship at the State University of New York at Buffalo. While at University at Buffalo, Dr. Boules was invited by Dr. Christine Courtois to field test a psychoeducational group for adult survivors of sexual abuse and was subsequently acknowledged in her book: Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse, by Dr. Christine Courtois. Dr. Boules has continued her work with trauma survivors in various settings. Dr. Boules completed her MSCP at Alliant International University/California School of Professional Psychology and her Certificate of Biological Sciences from Northwestern University. She is also one of the pioneering graduates from Alexian Brothers/Ascension Illinois Health Systems Prescribing Psychology Fellowship Program.
Dr. Boules served as Chief Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Psychology Practicum and Internship program at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, IL from 1992-1999. Dr. Boules’ Internship program received APPIC approval under her direction. Dr. Boules worked as a Clinical Psychologist for the Outpatient Clinic at Centegra Health Systems from 1996-2000. Dr. Boules was an adjunct faculty member for the Psychology Department at Elmhurst College from 1996-1999 where she taught undergraduate Psychology courses. Dr. Boules held the office of President for Chicago Society of Clinical Hypnosis from 2000-2002, Vice President from 1998-2000 and Newsletter Editor from 1996-1998.
Most recently, Dr. Boules was recognized in Hinsdale Living Magazine’s 2021 “Power Women” feature. Dr. Boules was also acknowledged in Hinsdale Living Magazine’s “Premier Doctors”2022 issue.
Claudia Mosier, Psy.D., MSCP
Treasurer
Dr. Mosier is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and Louisiana and a Medical (prescribing) Psychologist in Louisiana. The majority of her clinical focus has been with LGBTQ+ individuals, chemical dependency treatment and trauma informed care. A particular focus is treating people who have mood disorders and who are HIV+. Dr. Mosier volunteered at the first domestic violence shelter in Chicago. She has worked in residential CD treatment programs, a methadone maintenance program, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient programs and in private practice. She had a psychological and neuropsychological assessment practice for many years. She has taught diagnostic and therapy practicums and for 3 years in the 1980’s she helped develop and teach the first PsyD course on LGBTQ competency. She was the psychologist for the first LGBTQ inpatient dual diagnosis program and subsequently developed and ran Living With Pride, the first LGBTQ sober living house in Chicago. She was the Director of Mental Health and Youth Services for the Center on Halsted and, with Northwestern University, developed the first APA approved LGBTQ psychology internship. For 20 years she was a consulting psychologist for the Department of Children and Family Services – working primarily with DCFS “rainbow” youth. In 2016 she returned to school to obtain a postdoctoral master’s degree in psychopharmacology. In 2019 she became licensed to prescribe psychotropic medications in Louisiana. In 2020 she became the 6th Prescribing Psychologist in Illinois. In 2021 she was inducted to the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame.
Jeremy Bidwell, Ph.D. , MSCP
Dr. Jeremy Bidwell, an Illinois licensed clinical psychologist and licensed prescribing psychologist, is the founder and director of The Lodestone Center for Behavioral Health, an outpatient mental health group practice, opened in 2010, with offices in Woodstock, Hinsdale and Oak Park, Illinois. Dr. Bidwell received his MSCP from NOVA Southeastern University and completed many of his MSCP classes while still a graduate student. Dr. Bidwell also holds a Certificate in Primary Care Behavioral Health from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Bidwell specializes in integrated care, and is passionate about coordination of care between outpatient family medicine and mental health. Dr. Bidwell is a member of the American Psychological Association and a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists.
Brandi Boan, Psy.D. , MSCP
Dr. Boan has over a decade of experience in the fields of psychology and psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate education at Aurora University, double majoring in Biological Sciences and Psychology. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She completed her doctorate education at Adler University.
Dr. Boan has extensive training that included a predoctoral internship and postdoctoral residencies. She completed her internship at Elgin State Hospital and her post-doctorate training at a variety of clinics and hospitals. Dr. Boan completed her neuropsychological training at Rush University and her residencies in Clinical Psychopharmacology in the Ascension Illinois Health System Hospitals.
Dr. Boan is an active member of the American Psychological Association, the Illinois Psychological Association, the Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists (Board Member), and the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology. Dr. Boan has authored several articles about healthcare, as well as given presentations and lectures, related to brain injury and concussions. She has also spoken about the importance of outreach and health services in rural areas. Dr. Boan is a healthcare pioneer and was the second prescribing psychologist to be licensed in the state of Illinois. Dr. Boan has also been recognized as a leader in the fields of Psychology and Neuropsychological Assessment.
Dr. Boan provides medication management for adults experiencing a psychiatric and psychological disturbance. She has experience treating anxiety disorders, depression, mood dysregulation disorders, and psychosis. She provides in-depth neuropsychological assessments, related to various neurological disorders, dementia-related disorders, developmental and learning disorders, mental health disorders, surgical evaluations, and evaluations related to differential diagnosis.
Dr. Boan's approach to treatment involves a combination of biological, psychological, and philosophical principles to better understand behavioral, cognitive, and neurological functioning. This framework allows for a thorough conceptualization of a person’s personality, history, health, and assessment performance. Understanding "the whole" person allows for individualized treatment that incorporates medical and holistic treatment recommendations that will help the individual and their family. She believes that treatment is most successful when recommendations are collaborative, provide immediate results, and allow for lifestyle changes.
For more information regarding Dr. Brandi K. Boan, please visit https://thebrainclinicllc.com/
Lisa Busch, Ph.D, MSCP
I have enjoyed being a licensed clinical psychologist for over 25 years. Now more than ever, I find great purpose and meaning in my profession. I’m o@en at my Naperville group practice, Modify, which I founded in 2000.
I received my BS from Michigan State University and my Ph.D. from Illinois Institute of Technology and completed my APA predoctoral internship from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I received my masters in psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I began my clinical training at Illinois Masonic Medical Center where I started a women’s mental health track and assisted in the management of an APA internship program. After having children in the early 2000s, I decided to open a practice or a better work-life balance.
My psychotherapy is grounded in compassionate, solution-focused treatments with a dash of humor. We work together to figure out a plan to restore your health, wellbeing, and relationships. Adding the psychopharmacology piece to my training as a psychologist has led to a more comprehensive understanding of the individual. It is known that chronic stress can wreak havoc on one’s body, such as increased heart rate, hypertension, and inflammation. Long-term stress can increase the odds of stroke, heart attack, or cancer. Thus, psychiatric medications with the intention of lowering stress and its related symptoms may be a very reasonable option especially if the symptoms are very troublesome. Potentially alleviating symptoms through psychiatric medication, also allows the person to take full advantage of the range of therapeutic interventions available if desired.
My background as a clinical and prescribing psychologist allows me to provide treatment that emphasizes psychological interventions and natural means of self-care (e.g., exercise, yoga, diet, improved sleep, socialization, and supplements) while avoiding unnecessary psychiatric prescriptions that can lead to further complications and side effects. My objective with Psychopharmacology is to prescribe the least amount of medication(s) while still being effective. When not at the practice, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, taking in a White Sox game (I still like Cub fans!), working out, boating, or whipping up a meal in the kitchen.
Clayton Ciha, MS
Clayton Ciha is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Illinois Health’s Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, a 141 bed psychiatric and addictions facility with inpatient, ambulatory health, and outpatient services. He also collaborated with key administrative, clinical, operational, and philanthropic stakeholders to build the first residential facility for that health system: the Foglia Family Foundation Residential Treatment Program, a 48-bed anxiety and addiction program, which opened in Spring 2017.
Additionally, he is Senior Vice President of Ascension Illinois Health’s Behavioral Medicine Institute with operational oversight of twelve additional hospital-based psychiatric and ambulatory health programs throughout the northwest, west, southwest and metro areas of Chicago. Mr. Ciha also serves as President for both the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health and Ascension Illinois Health Housing and Health Alliance and oversees the Ascension Illinois Health Addictions Services. He is also a chairperson for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association Behavioral Health Forum.
Mr. Ciha has been with the Ascension Illinois Health System for twenty years. Previously he served as the Administrative Director of Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute and was the first business development director for Alexian’s free-standing psychiatric facility.
Suzanne Courtney, Psy.D., HSPP
Dr. Courtney earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1999 after first having a career in Nursing and Nursing Education. As a published author in both fields, Dr. Courtney has remained active in both clinical work and education in her combined fields of training.
Educated also in Mass Casualty and Disaster Response by faculty from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. Dr. Courtney has served as both a commander and field consultant in state lead and national disaster responses including, but not limited to the Columbine shootings, 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina, in addition to the COVID-19 Pandemic. She is currently the Director of Behavioral Science, Graduate Medical Education/Family Medicine Residency Program, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She is a Research Affiliate at the Shaw Center for Children and Families at the University of Notre Dame where she is also a guest lecturer at the Center for Compassionate Care in Medicine. In addition the these responsibilities, Dr. Courtney is also president and CEO of Integrated Healthcare Solutions, and offers private consultation through this organization.
Corey Dabney, Ph.D., MBA
Dr. Corey Dabney is the CEO and Chairman of Dabney Behavioral Health in Chicago, Illinois. Dabney Behavioral Health is committed to providing Mental Health support services for children, parents, caregivers, and educators. Dr. Dabney is passionate about education and healthcare, specifically, how these two areas impact our communities. As the Founder of the First African American University in the State of Indiana, Dr. Dabney is a leader in developing opportunities within the medical and mental health profession. He is a Lifetime Member of the National Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi, a Former Board Member of the Indiana Association of Private Career Schools and a current Board Member of the Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists. A great supporter of the arts, Dr. Dabney enjoys acting and production, rounding out his unique, multi-hyphenate career path.
Kasturee (Tia) Dasgupta, M.A.
Leila Ellis-Nelson, Psy.D.
Dr. Ellis-Nelson graduated from The University of Toledo in 2009 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, her Master’s of Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2012, and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2015 from The Chicago School. Her training was completed with a diverse clientele throughout various settings including Kennedy King College, Northwestern University, Bowling Green State University, Harper College, and Ada S. McKinley Behavioral Health Services. Dr. Ellis-Nelson is an Assistant Professor at Roosevelt University in the Department of Psychology and owner of JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity) consulting firm, Changing Perspectives LLC. She’s also an Advisory Board Member for Brown Girl Do Gymnastics, and she’s also on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists, assisting in all board endeavors, with an emphasis on research and equitable access. Some of her professional interests include the influence of societal norms on the ability of cultural minorities to pursue and obtain advanced degrees, consultation, mentorship, outreach, competent diagnostics|assessment of new and recurring clients, kink culture, the destigmatization of mental illness, the ways in which individuals adapt to the changes associated with college life, and developing individualism. Her passion for these areas is evident in her dissertation, The Effects of Internalized Racism and Family Values on Higher Education Degree Attainment for African Americans, which focused on the disparities in sociopolitical, familial and academic support that many African American children and young adults face.
Morgan Ferris, MA, Psy.D., MSCP
Morgan Ferris-Johnston, Psy.D., MSCP (she/her) is a postdoctoral fellow, finalizing her licensure requirements in Illinois and Indiana. She is pursuing an advanced pediatric neuropsychology fellowship at O’Koon Psychology Group. Dr. Ferris-Johnston completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology from Adler University. Additionally, she received a master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Ferris-Johnston has five years of previous experience training in large academic medical centers including Loyola University Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center (RNBC), Presence Health, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. Dr. Ferris-Johnston has a strong clinical interest in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders as they progress across the lifespan. Her dissertation work focused on understanding and supporting the occupational impairments adults diagnosed with ADHD experience.
Alexa Halliburton B.S.
Alexa Halliburton graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Kentucky in 2022 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Pharmacology. Currently, she is a student at Roosevelt University, earning a PsyD degree with a Neuropsychology concentration. Also, she is a Neuropsychology Technician at the University of Illinois-Chicago in the Neuropsychology Clinic. Here she is gaining experience working with neuropsychologists and testing for various conditions affecting cognition and behavior, such as: attention-deficit disorders, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline in elderly patients. Also, Alexa has experience working with children. She previously tutored elementary school children in the Chicago Public Schools who were below their benchmark as a result of the setbacks from COVID-19.
At Roosevelt University, Alexa is the representative for The Association of Neuropsychology Students and Trainees (ANST). In this organization, she organizes meetings based on topics of educational and student involvement opportunities and professional development for students who are also interested in neuropsychology. In Alexa’s undergraduate years, she founded an organization called “Minority Students in Neuroscience,” which was created to provide resources, support, and community to underrepresented students on campus interested in or majoring in neuroscience. In February 2022, this organization was awarded the “Professional Organization of the Year” by the UK NAACP at the annual Freedom Ball for its contribution to students on campus. Also, she served as the Community Outreach Coordinator in NeuroCATS, a student-led organization at the University of Kentucky, and worked as a statistics tutor for the free peer tutoring services that were offered by the University of Kentucky. In October 2022, Alexa was awarded the Lyman T. Johnson Award, which is given to at least one African-American student from every college at UK whose academic achievement and ability to impact the University is recognized in honor of the first black student to attend the university in 1949. The Director of the Neuroscience B.S. program nominated Alexa out of 5,000+ students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Likewise, as someone who values community and representation, Alexa aspires to provide neuropsychological services to underserved communities and diverse populations in her professional career as a neuropsychologist. Finally, Alexa seeks to acquire prescriptive authority by earning an MSCP. By having this additional degree, she aims to be a resource and provide a sense of security to those with financial and/or geographical barriers where there is a lack of mental health professionals.
Regarding research experience, Alexa was an awardee of the inaugural African American Research Training Scholars Program at the University of Kentucky. With this, she conducted research in the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center on neuroinflammation process after a spinal cord injury with Dr. John Gensel and Dr. Andrew Stewart. She also worked with Dr. Mark Fillmore in a human behavioral pharmacology lab in the Department of Psychology. Here, she researched humans’ cognitive processes, impaired judgment, and ability to take risks while under the influence of alcohol. Alexa has always been passionate about behavioral neuroscience, cognitive processes, and pharmacology. Therefore, Alexa’s clinical interests include: cognitive and mood disorders, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and pharmacology.
Jerrod Handy-Robinson Psy.D., MSCP, MS, MA
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in providing culturally competent mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on individuals who identify as sexual, racial, and/or gender minorities. As a Black gay man myself, I understand the unique challenges faced by members of marginalized communities and I am committed to creating a safe and supportive space for all of his clients.
I received my Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and I have also earned several Master’s degrees in the areas of General Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Clinical Psychopharmacology. I have worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals and medical clinics, forensic locations, and private practice.
I am passionate about using evidence-based practices to help all clients achieve their goals and improve their mental health. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing difficulty with gender identity, sexuality/sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, career transitions, healthy living, work-life balance, stress management, and general mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, mood instability, etc.). I believe that it is vital for people to trust the therapeutic space and know that it is safe, welcoming, and free of judgment. I work with clients to help them identify goals of treatment that are aligned with their values and beliefs.
In addition to my therapeutic work, I am actively involved in providing comprehensive psychological evaluations in the domains of neurodiversity (e.g., Autism and ADHD), personality, intellectual, academic, and cognitive.
When not working, you can find me engaged in video or board games, cooking, being physically active, or spending time with my partner. I am a proud member of the Black LGBTQ+ community and I am committed to using my position of power and privilege to promote greater understanding and acceptance for all members of this vibrant and resilient community.
Matthew Harings, Psy.D., MSCP
I am a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist operating in the Chicagoland area. I started my private practice, LifeSpan Behavioral Health P.C., in 2021. I earned my doctoral degree in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology from Adler University in 2019 and my Master’s of Clinical Psychopharmacology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology that same year. With my training in primary care settings including Adler Community Health Services, Aunt Martha's Pediatric Clinic, Northwestern's CHAMP and Transitional Care programs, and Near North Health I seek to integrate psychological health with medical health for comprehensive treatment.
Outside of the rigor of doctoral training, I served as Chair of Illinois Psychological Association for Graduate Students, President and Founder of Adler's Psychopharmacological Association, and board member of Illinois Association for Prescribing Psychologists. In serving in past and present positions with these organizations, I intend on advancing the prescribing psychologist movement to provide the pediatric population with safe and effective psychological and psychopharmacological treatments.
Page Haviland, Ph.D., MSCP
Nancy Healy-Haney, Psy.D., MSCP, RN, MPH
Dr. Haney has practiced as a licensed psychologist for over twenty years since 1996. She is currently providing individual therapy for adult and child psychotherapies for a wide range of mental illness categories. She is schooled in multi-modal psychotherapies including EMDR, and provides clinical psychotherapy, health psychology, and psychological testing. Additionally, Dr. Haney is a licensed registered nurse.
From 2018 until 2020, Dr. Haney was a fellow in the Ascension Illinois Health Behavioral Medicine Institute training program as a prescribing psychologist fellow. She graduated from the Ascension Illinois Prescribing Psychologist Program upon fulfillment of the State of Illinois statutory requirements for licensure as a prescribing psychologist. In 2021, Dr. Haney obtained her State of Illinois license as a Psychologist with Prescriptive Authority.
In the near future, Dr. Haney will be providing psychological services as a prescribing psychologist to
Illinois clients.
Dr. Haney has practiced as a professional licensed psychologist since 1996; licensed for adult and child psychological Services; schooled in multi-modal psychotherapies including EMDR, providing clinical psychotherapy, health psychology, and psychological testing, currently provides individual therapy for adult and child psychotherapies for a wide range of diagnostic categories.
Additionally, Dr. Haney was accepted into the Ascension Illinois Health Behavioral Medicine Institute as a prescribing psychologist fellow, in July of 2018, and received such training until November of 2020. Obtained psychiatric training and supervision at the Ascension Illinois Health Center for Mental Health, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Psychologist with Prescriptive Authority License issued March 2021.
Practiced and licensed as a registered professional nurse in the State of Wisconsin since 1995.
As a State of Illinois licensed psychologist will be practicing as a prescribing psychologist in the State of Illinois.
Brian Humphrey, Psy.D. , MSCP
Dr. Brian Humphrey is a licensed Medical Psychologist and a licensed clinical psychologist, professor, psychometrician, clinical training supervisor, researcher, and author who has provided psychotherapeutic services in healthcare, forensic, and academic settings. As a graduate with honors from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Dr. Humphrey earned a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Psychology with a concentration in pre-medicine. He subsequently earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology “With Distinction” at Adler University in Chicago and later earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Dr. Humphrey is the first Licensed African American male Prescribing Psychologist in the State of Illinois and the country.
As an agent of social justice, he actively challenges systems that maintain discrimination, lobbies for resources to improve adverse conditions in underserved communities, and advocates for equal access to physical and mental healthcare. While much of his clinical training and employment has been in a primary care setting, Dr. Humphrey is a skilled clinician with direct clinical experience in Forensics, Community Health, Private Practice, and academia. He is an active member of the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association. Dr. Humphrey provides care to culturally diverse populations including Children, Families, Adolescents, Adults, Geriatrics, and Marital and Family systems. Dr. Humphrey has a passion and research interest in issues/ dynamics related to Men's Health and Wellness and both founded and was the Director of the Men’s Health Initiative at Cook County Health, a program that functions within Englewood Health Center targeting social determinants of health that affect the holistic wellness of African American men in underserved communities. His non-professional interests include photography, videography, musical composition, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Genessa Lewis, Psy.D., MSCP
Dr. Genessa Lewis has been a lifelong resident of Chicago, IL and graduated from public schools. Dr. Lewis has always held an interest in mental health and began her career working in areas of case management and working in residential group homes for the chronic mentally ill. In 1990 Dr. Lewis left the immediate field of mental health and began a career in law enforcement with the Chicago Police Department. Dr. Lewis, while continuing her education in Psychology, moved up the ranks within the police department, culminating to the appointed rank of District Commander, where she led the ranks of over 350 police officers, including captains, lieutenants and sergeants and ensuring the safety and well being of the residents and visitors of her district. Dr. Lewis also led as a Commanding Officer, units which included Forensic Investigations and Human Resources. It was during her 27-year tenure with the Chicago Police Department that Dr. Lewis began to recognize that the trauma that the residents of the City of Chicago experienced was not much different from the trauma that the police officers who worked the streets of the City of Chicago also faced. And it was this unfortunate shared connection between civilians and police officers that Dr. Lewis found a meaningful way to tether her passion for psychology, community, and law enforcement.
Dr. Lewis retired from the Chicago Police Department in 2016 with the career rank of Captain. However, her feeling that she was leaving behind traumatized residents and police officers, both of whom she could personally empathize, became her reason for furthering her education. After heavily weighing the idea of applying to medical school, Dr. Lewis felt she could better serve her community and her fellow-officers by becoming a prescribing psychologist. This pursuit was realized in November, 2023 and in January, 2024 Dr. Genessa Lewis became the first African American female, Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Illinois to become a Licensed Prescribing Psychologist. Dr. Lewis currently practices as the sole owner of Midwest Public Safety Psychological Services and as the co-founder of Higher Ground Wellness Group, LTD, both located in Oak Park, Illinois.
Elizabeth Malkin, MA, MSCP
Daniel G. Morjal, Psy.D., MSCP
Dr. Morjal earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from UIC. He earned both his Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology (Chicago) as well as his Masters in Clinical Psychopharmacology from Alliant International University. After completing his Prescriptive Authority Fellowship with the AMITA hospital system, he had become licensed as the 10th Prescribing Psychologist in Illinois.
Throughout his career, he has been able to provide services through his training and experience in a variety of settings including corrections, private practice, State of Illinois mental health centers, and nursing/rehabilitation facilities.
In addition to his work in private practice, Dr. Morjal is also a state-certified instructor with the Cook County Institute for Law Enforcement Education and Training. Since 2008, he has taught a variety of courses related to the topic of mental health to Law Enforcement Officers and trainees. He currently teaches multiple courses in the Crisis Intervention Team Training (CIT) program for both the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the Chicago Police Department, including the topic of Psychopharmacology. For a number of years, he had been partnered with the Waukegan Police Department to provide services to Officers and their families.
Dr. Morjal is currently employed at Dr. Jessica Ransom and Associates. As a Prescribing Psychologist, he is able to provide a more comprehensive understanding and approach to health and wellness with his patients.
He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), Illinois Psychological Association (IPA), International Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), and the Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists (IAPP), where he was elected as a board member.
Derek Phillips, Psy.D. , MSCP
Dr. Derek Phillips is a licensed clinical and prescribing psychologist (#12) in the state of Illinois, a licensed psychologist in Florida, and a board-certified medical psychologist. He is the youngest prescribing psychologist in Illinois and the only one in central or southern Illinois. He is a clinical neuropsychologist and prescribing psychologist in the Department of Neurology at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon. He is Executive Director of the APA-designated, M.S. in clinical psychopharmacology program (MSCP) at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ, where he also teaches psychopharmacology in the APA-accredited clinical PhD program. Dr. Phillips served as a Health Service Psychologist in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2019-2021. Previous academic appointments included adjunct professorships at Lake Land College in Mattoon and in the M.A. in clinical psychology program at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.
Dr. Phillips obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology (summa cum laude) from Olivet Nazarene University in 2009, as well as his Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology and Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology with a clinical neuropsychology concentration from the APA-accredited Adler University – Chicago campus in 2012 and 2015, respectively. Dr. Phillips completed his one-year, predoctoral internship in clinical psychology in 2015 at Centerstone Consortium in Bradenton, Florida, and two-year clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship in 2017 at Psychological & Neurobehavioral Services in Lakeland, Florida. He then obtained his MS in clinical psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2019 and completed his 18-month prescribing psychology residency at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in 2021.
Regarding current service to psychology, in addition to serving as a member-at-large of the IAPP Board of Directors, Dr. Phillips is secretary of Division 42 (Independent Practice), treasurer of Division 44 (Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity), member of the APA RxP Designation Committee, member of the APA CPT Advisory Committee, and immediate past president of the Illinois Psychological Association. Additionally, he was chair of the APA Board of Convention Affairs in 2022, the first-ever early career psychologist (ECP) president of APA Division 55 (Society for Prescribing Psychology) in 2021. He also serves on the journal editorial board for Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology and previously was on the editorial board for Practice Innovations. Previous service includes member of the APA Council of Representatives from Division 55; member of the APA Practice Organization’s Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice (CAPP); IPA Graduate Student Section Chair (IPAGS) and IPA Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Section Chair; and ECP Chair of the Florida Psychological Association. He was awarded the Walter Katkovsky Scholarship for Psychopharmacology Training in 2017 by the American Psychological Foundation. In 2020, he was awarded the Patrick DeLeon Prize for Outstanding Student Contribution to the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy by APA Division 55. In 2022, Dr. Phillips was named Educator of the Year by Division 55. He also received the Diversity Award from Division 42 and an APA Presidential Citation from Dr. Frank Worrell, both in 2022. In 2023, he received the Outstanding SPTA ECP Leader Award from Division 31 and was elected an APA fellow through Division 55.
Edgar A. Ramos, Psy.D.
Dr. Edgar A. Ramos is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 17 years of varied clinical experience. In 2004, he received his Master's Degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. In 2006, he received his Psy. D., from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He received his clinical training pre and post doctoral at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital. Dr. Ramos has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults. He has worked in various residential settings, Behavioral Health Hospitals, Nursing homes, and Community Mental Health Centers throughout Chicago. In addition, Dr. Ramos is a full time faculty at Concordia University Chicago in the Human Services department graduate programs . His primary focus is teaching in the Psychology department. Dr. Ramos supervises and trains Masters and Doctoral level students at several sites. He is fluent in Spanish and provides clinical care in both Spanish and English. Dr. Ramos is an expert in the area of adolescent gangs. He has presented extensively on the topic.
Dr. Ramos is an avid comic book collector and has merged his passion and love for psychology and comics by intertwining them both in the way he works with children and adolescents as well as presenting on the integration of comic book superheroes on mental health.
Jessica Ransom, Psy.D. , MSCP
Dr. Ransom is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, practicing since 2006, and a Prescribing Psychologist since 2020. She has the unique distinction of being one of the first Prescribing Psychologists in Illinois and allows her to better understand her patient’s experiences and symptoms. Her patients have the opportunity to have a provider who can treat the full psychological presentation. Dr. Ransom is an Alum of Illinois School of Professional Psychology (2005) and Alliant University (2017), where she received the specialized Psychopharmacology and Graduate Science courses to fulfill the prescriptive privilege degree requirements for Illinois.
In her private practice in Ravenswood, Dr. Ransom provides therapy and testing to adults, teens, couples, families, and those impacted by chronic and terminal illness. She feels it has been a privilege to help manage the whole mental health picture of her patients.
Gerardo Rodriguez-Menendez, Ph.D. , ABPP, MSCP
Dr. Rodriguez-Menendez has held a broad spectrum of responsibilities in education, administration, research, and consulting. During his career he has served as a public school teacher, university professor, researcher, Chancellor of a university, Dean of Colleges of Psychology, clinical psychologist in private practice, consultant focusing on organizational leadership and professional and regional accreditation, and presently, Chair of the Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology Program.
Dr. Rodriguez graduated with a Master of Science degree in Visual Disabilities from Florida State University. He was hired in Miami-Dade County, the nation's fourth largest school district as a special educator, and worked in the public school system with predominantly low income minority students who were physically disabled. In finding better ways to help them, he embarked in the study of Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology. He completed his internship at the teaching hospital of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and obtained a post-doctoral fellowship in Pediatric Neuropsychology. He became a licensed psychologist in Florida in 1996.
Dr. Rodriguez is a Board Certified Psychologist with the American Board of Professional Psychology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology. Until recently, he held physician privileges with Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital in Hollywood Florida, Level 1 Neurosurgical Trauma Centers. He is bilingual and has published his research in both English and Spanish. Dr. Rodriguez's research interests include psychopharmacology, neuropsychology, pediatric psychology, mindfulness practices, clinical supervision, competency based assessment, and education.
Mary Talen, MS, MA, Ph.D.
Mary R. Talen, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and the Director of Primary Care Behavioral Health at Ascension Illinois Resurrection Family Medicine Residency, Chicago, IL. She graduated with her masters and doctoral degree from Columbia University in psychology and a Master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology. She has taught family medicine residents, medical students, family nurse practitioners and doctoral clinical psychology students in behavioral health and multi-professional teamwork. Dr. Talen has focused her research, teaching and clinical practice in systems-based healthcare. She has published and presented at national and international conferences in primary care psychology and collaborative behavioral health. Her current areas of research and scholarship are primary care psychology training, complexity and team-based care in primary care, physician wellness, art, humanities and healthcare, and developing quality improvement and population healthcare initiatives.
Samantha Taylor, MS, MA, MSCP
Samantha Taylor graduated from Indiana University with a triple major in Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Spanish. She completed a Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology from Tiffin University and is a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology student at Adler University in Chicago. While in her second year of the doctoral program, she began the online courses for the Masters in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and has since been awarded her MSCP. She is completing her internship year at Adler Community Health Services where she will be able to integrate her training in clinical psychology and clinical psychopharmacology while doing a rotation with the Rush Nursing Program at Saint Leonard's Ministries and Grace House. She is looking forward to being able to provide integrated care to people who otherwise would not have readily available access to it.
Joseph Troiani, Ph.D. , CADC
Executive Member at Large
Joseph E. Troiani, Ph.D. is a retired U.S. Navy Commander. He is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Adler University in Chicago where is the founding director of Military Psychology at Adler, and the Director of the online M.A. Program in Psychology with emphasis in Military Psychology.
Stephen C. Veltman, JD
Executive Member at Large
Stephen C. Veltman, JD, is the founder and President of Stephen C. Veltman, Ltd., a law practice based in the Chicago area. He received his BA and JD from Loyola University of Chicago and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1979. Steve was an Equity Partner and Shareholder at the Chicago firm of Pretzel & Stouffer, Chtd. from where he retired in 2019.
Steve has devoted a large portion of his practice to the defense of mental health practitioners, representing psychologists and psychiatrists in cases ranging from alleged misdiagnoses, harmful drug interactions and suicides, among others. Steve has successfully defended numerous such cases through trial. Steve has also lectured on risk management in the mental health field to various professional groups.
Steve has served as a legal consultant for the IAPP since its inception and is currently a member of the IAPP Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
Anna Maria Węgierek, Psy.D., MSCP
Dr. Anna Wegierek has over 20 years of experience in the field of psychology. Her educational accomplishments include three master's degrees and a doctorate in clinical psychology, as well as a postdoctoral certificate in neuropsychology. She is the 13th licensed prescribing psychologist in the State of Illinois.
In 1994, Dr. Wegierek opened the Wegierek Psychology Center, Inc. and has worked there ever since. Dr. Wegierek is the 223rd forensic examiner in the United States. She assesses psychological and neuropsychological functioning, including how individuals pay attention, think, remember, make decisions, and learn.
As a licensed prescribing psychologist, Dr. Wegierek is able to give expert advice on the benefits and risks of taking psychotropic medications. Please click on these links to download articles from her website and from her YouTube channel.
Dr. Wegierek’s motto is "doing” and she does get things done! When asked to describe herself, she says that she is extraverted, intuitive, a thinker, and a good judge of personality traits! She is decisive and loves helping to lead others to work hard in order to lead a healthy and full life!
