Full Bio - Dr. Jen
Treatment Style
I strive to provide individualized, supportive, and culturally responsive, patient-first care for neurodivergent (ND) and LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing on relational and feminist principles to ensure therapy is collaborative, affirming, and centered on each person’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. I regularly adapt treatment approaches based on current neurodivergence research and best practices, ensuring interventions are tailored and accessible for ND patients, and I participate in ongoing consultation to ensure my work remains reflective and aligned with the latest clinical standards.
I utilize a range of evidence-based and practical strategies, including: cognitive behavior therapy (CBT & modified CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), parent training & education, psychological behavioral interventions, modeling/video modeling, functional communication strategies, social stories, social skills coaching, structured teaching & visual supports, SOS approach to feeding, and more.
In therapy, I partner with clients (and families, when appropriate) to set meaningful goals, such as increasing self-understanding, building independence, supporting executive functioning, and reducing the impact of stress and trauma. When helpful, I also offer comprehensive psychological assessment to clarify strengths and needs.
With children, there is also a strong focus on supporting parents in incorporating more effective tools to best support their child. When appropriate, I also work with other professionals (e.g. speech therapists, occupational therapists, school staff, etc.) with a focus on building understanding and ensuring consistent support for the patient.
In addition to therapy, I provide ongoing training and consultation for clinicians and organizations, with a focus on neurodiversity, trauma-informed care, and working at the intersections of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent identities.
Areas of clinical expertise/specialization
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Intellectual Disabilities
Developmental delays/differences
Comorbidities (e.g. anxiety, depression, anger management challenges, trauma, PTSD, eating/feeding issues) that often experienced by those with developmental differences
LGBTQIA+ & neurodevelopmental differences community
Parent/family training & support
Behaviors/feelings of overwhelm that are negatively impacting one’s participation in school, work, or other outpatient therapies
Certifications in: SOS Approach to Feeding, UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-II), Council on Quality in Leadership Personal Outcome Measure Interview, & Sibshop Facilitator
Education & Experience
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology - University of California, San Diego
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) - Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL
Clinical Experience: I have experience providing support to individuals with developmental differences and their families. I was very fortunate to train at various Chicagoland sites during graduate school, including Trinity Services, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center’s Pediatric Developmental Center, and Neurocare & Family Services. I completed my internship at AHRC-NYC, and my postdoctoral fellowship at Advocate Aurora Children’s Hospital Developmental Pediatrics Department in Park Ridge (at Lutheran General). After my fellowship was completed, I continued at Advocate Aurora as a clinical psychologist until January 2021. Moving forward, I’m excited to continue supporting patients and their families via my own practice.