Christine Widuger, PsyD
she/her/hers
Christine Widuger
PsyD, Post-Doctoral Resident, she/her/hers
When choosing a career path, Christine Widuger had one motivation: to find her voice and to share it with others. Originally, she thought that meant singing and performing on stage. However, she discovered something more important: finding her voice and then helping others to find their voice too. Dr. Widuger earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Loyola University Chicago. She went on to earn her masters in counseling and doctorate in psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Her focus became advocating for populations who struggled to have their voices heard. Her attention was drawn to working with families involved in the legal system and youth populations to provide additional support and advocacy of mental health needs. She continues to work with a wide range of age groups from young children to adulthood through individual and family therapy services.
Dr. Widuger has worked in multiple settings including: private practice, outpatient clinics, partial hospitalization programs, in school services, specialized behavioral programs, and nonprofit community outreach organizations. She focused her experiences on supporting individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Selective Mutism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, learning disabilities, divorce reaction, eating disorders, self-injury, and adjustment difficulties. She primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Theory in the therapy sessions.
Strength based treatment and positive psychology is the driving force behind Dr. Widuger's approach to providing therapeutic support. She believes that by focusing on a person's strengths anyone can discover their voice and achieve their goals. Therapy is designed with smaller, attainable goals to increase an individual's confidence and self-awareness as they continue moving towards greater opportunities and success. Dr. Widuger encourages each person to take a moment in the spotlight and let their unique voice be heard.
Christine Widuger
Manuel Meza, LCSW
he/him/his
Manuel Meza
LCSW, He/Him/His
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Manuel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who completed his master at Jane Addams College of Social Work. He believes we all have the capacity to change and grow given the appropriate tools and skills.
Manuel prioritizes creating a safe and trusting environment in which a client can work towards their goals in a comfortable, supportive setting. He uses Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavior Therapy, motivational interviewing and family systems theory as a way to help his clients achieve their goals.
Manuel has worked with teens and young adults in a residential setting. He has experience helping others work through their depression, anxiety, trauma, and anger. He currently works with adults experiencing homelessness who have a mental health diagnosis and also conducts crisis assessments at Cook County Hospital ED.
Jessica Piña, LSW
she/her/hers
Jessica Piña
LSW, She/Her/Hers
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Jessica Piña is a Licensed Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work from Lewis University. As a clinician, Jessica believes that therapy should be a process where the client works together with the therapist to gain an increase of self awareness and personal growth. She works with every client through an empathetic and strengths based perspective to create a trusting and safe environment. Every person deserves to feel seen, heard and empowered to embrace one’s self. To do so Jessica believes in utilizing a variety of treatments tailored to best fit each person’s needs and goals.
Jessica has experience working with children, adolescents and adults across different cultural backgrounds. She has experience working with a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self harm, trauma, self esteem and family systems.
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Ruben Castrejon, LPC
she/her/hers
Ruben Castrejon
LPC, He/Him/His
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Ruben Castrejon is a pre-licensed therapist that recently graduated from The Chicago School, and specializes in children and adolescents. He believes that therapy should be a conversation between client and clinician, where the client is the expert on all things in their life and change can happen collaboratively.
Ruben practices under cognitive-behavioral lens, while integrating aspects of Child-Centered Play Therapy, Person-Centered, and Psychodynamic theories. He focuses on creating non-judgmental spaces where clients can feel comfortable and open during sessions, while challenging them to move towards healthier versions of themselves.
Ruben’s clinical interests include working with children and adolescents, young adults, and middle adults. He works with individuals that experience mood and anxiety disorders, transitional conflict, academic stress, family conflict, ADHD and ASD.
Mark Ferreira, PsyD
He/Him/His
Mark Ferreira, PsyD
He/Him/His, Post-Doctoral Resident
Dr. Mark Ferreira is a Postdoctoral Resident who earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Master’s Degree from Roosevelt University. He also holds three Bachelor's degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University.
Dr. Ferreira completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Michigan’s only state-run psychiatric hospital serving children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral challenges. His clinical experience spans inpatient behavioral health hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential programs, and partial hospitalization settings, where he has worked with individuals facing complex behavioral health needs. He has also served as an adjunct instructor, teaching undergraduate psychology courses at the college level.
Beyond his formal clinical training, Dr. Ferreira works as a residential counselor for DCFS-involved youth with complex trauma and provides executive functioning coaching to college students with ADHD across the United States, further enriching his therapeutic perspective.
He provides in-person and Telehealth therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Ferreira works with clients presenting with a wide range of behavioral health concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD management, academic and behavioral challenges, self-esteem issues, identity development, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
He is trained in a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, including Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. Dr. Ferreira values an integrative approach to treatment, tailoring interventions to align with each client’s goals and preferences while creating a supportive and affirming space that fosters self-confidence, insight, and essential life skills.
Delecia Norwood, PsyD
She/Her/Hers
Delecia Norwood, PsyD
She/Her/Hers, Post-Doctoral Resident
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Delecia’s psychology journey is precious and unique to her as it reflects the most important people in her life. Delecia decided that she wanted to further her studies in mental health and become a child psychologist, to help underrepresented children receive culturally appropriate care. In 2019 Delecia began her PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Adler University with an emphasis on trauma. Delecia completed her diagnostic practicum at United Stand Counseling Center in 2020 where she assessed children within the Chicago Public School System for various disorders. Delecia has worked in multiple settings, most of them in community mental health, and school settings. Most of my work has been with children, adolescents, and families aged 3-21.
Delecia has worked with various diagnostic presentations such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Encopresis, Learning Disabilities, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Self-Harm, Self-Esteem, Suicidal Ideation, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Divorce Reactions, and children who engage in problematic sexual behaviors.
Delecia’s theoretical orientation is Humanistic, specifically constructivism. This allows her to build a solid relationship with her clients, as the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important aspects of treatment. Related to constructivism, this approach focuses on the things clients have lost in their lives that led to their need to seek treatment. Additionally, Delecia uses trauma focused-behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy as evidenced based treatments in her work.
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Elizabeth Tomashek
she/her/hers
Elizabeth Tomashek
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Intern
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Elizabeth Tomashek is completing her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at Adler University in Chicago. Currently, she is an Intern at AMS Wellness, where she previously completed an Advanced Therapy Externship. Elizabeth brings a diverse range of clinical experiences, having worked in settings such as private practice, an inpatient behavioral hospital, partial hospitalization programs, elementary and middle schools, an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) center for autism, a gender-based violence (GBV) community outreach organization, and a practice specializing in selective mutism.
Elizabeth has worked with a wide range of clients, from infants as young as 15 months to adults up to 50 years old. She provides individual, group, parent-child, and family therapy, as well as comprehensive psychological assessments. Her clinical interests lie in child development, parenting, attachment, trauma, and the justice system. She is especially passionate about working with pediatric populations and supporting children and families.
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Elizabeth’s therapeutic approach is a fusion between Adlerian Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with elements of Somatic Therapy to support the mind-body connection. Therapy with Elizabeth is a non-judgmental, strength-based, encouraging, and collaborative space. Creating a safe environment where individuals can feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves is highly valued. She prioritizes building autonomy, fostering advocacy, and tailoring treatment to meet each client where they are in the moment. Adapting to the needs of the client is a common thread Elizabeth intertwines in therapy.
Under the supervision of both Dr. Salinas and Dr. Viera, Elizabeth actively engages in interdisciplinary consultation at AMS Wellness to further develop her clinical skills and ensure high-quality care. Her approach emphasizes a deep commitment to advocating and promoting the well-being of the clientele she serves.
Kate Naudin-Kehoe, MA
she/her/hers
Kate Naudin-Kehoe
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Intern
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Kate Naudin-Kehoe (she/her) is a Doctoral Intern in Clinical Psychology currently completing her internship at AMS Wellness. She brings broad clinical experience from hospital settings, community mental health centers, and private practices, where she has worked with individuals across the lifespan. Her training includes providing play therapy for children and individual therapy for adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, work/life stressors, and relationship concerns .
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Kate approaches therapy through a psychodynamic and relational lens, emphasizing the importance of trust, attunement, and emotional safety within the therapeutic relationship. She integrates mindfulness-based practices, somatic work, and polyvagal-informed interventions to support clients in building emotional regulation and deepening their connection to self.
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Her clinical interests include working with children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate the everyday challenges of life. She has experience working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and developmental stages, and she is committed to tailoring her approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
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Kate is passionate about creating a supportive, collaborative space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered in their healing process.
Harpreet Singh
he/him/his
Harpreet Singh
He/Him/His, Doctoral Intern
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Harpreet Singh is currently completing his internship and doctorate in clinical psychology under the supervision of Dr. Alicia Viera. Harpreet earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at California State University, Chico, and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Capella University, from the state of Minnesota. His mission is to continue providing effective therapy services and further hone his testing and assessment skills to better aid clients with their recovery, ensuring they are receiving the most optimal care possible.
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Harpreet is aware of how cultural and societal factors can collide with the management of mental health symptoms or disabilities and thus create added pressures and conflicts for the individual which may hinder self-growth, healing, and development. With 4+ years of experience as a direct care staff and clinical therapist in multiple work settings such as MHRC’s, intensive inpatient, psychiatric hospitals, and community mental health centers, he has continued to hone his clinical skills and remain committed to maintaining multicultural sensitivity when working with adults and the elderly.
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He enjoys working with the adult population as well as late adolescents who struggle with disorders such as depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and psychosis, and who are transitioning into early adulthood. He finds great joy in assisting young adults find their place in the larger world, navigate through obstacles in the way of their dreams and goals, manage their interpersonal relationships with others, and ultimately gain the confidence and independence needed to live their best life.
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Harpreet values a holistic and multifaceted approach to therapy which emphasizes a strong therapeutic relationship built on a foundation of trust, authenticity, and respect for every client. His preferred therapy style is a marriage between psychodynamic and humanistic theory, but he often finds it best to tailor treatment based on the client’s individual needs, with an eclectic mix of techniques borrowed from theoretical branches such as rational emotive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.
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Caitlin Chiri
She/Her/Hers
Caitlin Chiri
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Extern
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Caitlin Chiri is a doctoral student in clinical psychology, concurrently enrolled in a master’s program in psychopharmacology. She has experience working with children and adolescents in residential facilities, private practice, schools, and community settings.
Inspired by her curiosity about the human body and mind, Caitlin’s understanding of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, along with her interest in brain function and neurodevelopment, shape her clinical approach. Her roles in clinical practice, schools, AmeriCorps, and as an RBT have deepened her focus on trauma-informed, family-centered care, emphasizing trust, routines, and communication to support youth overcoming complex trauma and systemic barriers.
Her goal is to integrate biopsychosocial insights with culturally responsive, person-centered methods. Caitlin is committed to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, developing comprehensive treatment plans, and creating safe, empowering environments where youth can thrive. She aims to expand her expertise in trauma-informed practices, family systems therapy, and psychopharmacology to better serve youth and families facing complex challenges.
Bandagi Kaur
She/Her/Hers
Bandagi Kaur
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Extern
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​​Bandagi is pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Adler University, specializing in treating children and adolescents. She is currently an Advanced Extern, working under the supervision of Dr. Alicia Viera.
Over the past year, Bandagi completed her therapy practicum at Connections Academy-East Campys, where she engaged with a diverse clientele of children and adolescents presenting with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, trauma, and anxiety.
Bandagi possesses extensive experience in supporting children and adolescents and holds clinical interests in working with individuals and families throughout the lifespan. Her areas of focus encompass neurodivergent presentations, depression, anxiety, and family systems work. Bandagi’s therapeutic approach prioritizes establishing a secure and collaborative environment for children and their caregivers. She recognizes the significance of the family system and operates from a team-based perspective, ensuring that each child receives attention, support, and recognition for their unique qualities. Bandagi’s objective is to foster acceptance, provide necessary accommodations, and create a supportive environment conducive to personal growth and healing. Bandagi employs a client-centered approach, emphasizing creating a safe and inclusive environment for all clients.
Kailey Pickhardt
She/Her/Hers
Kailey Pickhardt
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Extern
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Kailey Pickhardt is a fourth-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Adler University and an Advanced Extern at AMS Wellness. She has experience providing individual and group psychotherapy, as well as conducting diagnostic psychological evaluations. Kailey has worked in hospital settings, community mental health, and private practice, supporting clients from diverse backgrounds.
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Kailey is passionate about working with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression. She has a special clinical interest in concerns related to sexuality and intimacy. She values working with individuals across the lifespan and prioritizes meeting each client where they are developmentally, emotionally, and cognitively.
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In therapy, Kailey uses a person-centered approach while integrating insights from various therapeutic modalities. She fosters a collaborative, affirming environment where clients feel empowered to show up authentically and without shame. Drawing on relational and attachment-based frameworks, Kailey helps clients explore how they relate to themselves, others, and the world while also attending to the impact of cultural and systemic barriers. Her strengths-based approach supports clients in identifying their inherent resilience and capacity for growth.
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Kailey strives to create a therapeutic space that is warm, adaptable, and free of judgment. She is supervised by Dr. Melissa Salinas and participates in regular consultation with fellow AMS Wellness clinicians to broaden her clinical perspective, deepen her skills, and advocate effectively for her clients.
Nashali Miranda-Cardona
She/Her/Hers
Nashali Miranda-Cardona
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Extern
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Nashali Miranda-Cardona is a Clinical Psychology doctoral student at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology (ISPP) at National Louis University (NLU). She is an advanced therapy extern under the supervision of Dr. Melissa Salinas.
Nashali has experience working with diverse populations of children/adolescents and families through school systems, nonprofit communities, and outpatient services. She is expanding her expertise across the lifespan, couples, and families with a focus on neurodivergent disorders, depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, grief, and family and relational conflicts.
Nashali’s approach to therapy is ensuring a safe space where clients feel accepted and validated. She believes in providing empathy and support to ensure clients feel comfortable expressing and showing their authentic selves in therapy. Nashali aims to work collaboratively with clients as they navigate their daily lives and work towards their goals of growth.
Nina Khawam
She/Her/Hers
Nina Khawam
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Extern
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Nina Khawam is completing her Doctoral degree in clinical psychology at The Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Currently, she is a therapy extern working under the supervision of Dr. Melissa Salinas. Nina has worked with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of concerns in various settings, including a domestic violence and human trafficking shelter, residential treatment facility, inpatient psychiatric hospital, and as a research assistant.
Nina enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Her clinical interests include trauma, PTSD, attachment, anxiety and mood disorders, personality-related difficulties, and more. She takes a relational, collaborative, and person-centered approach in therapy, meeting individuals where they are at and tailoring treatment to their unique needs and goals. Nina's goal is to create a space where clients can feel safe, understood, and validated. She also values using a culturally informed approach to understand how each person's background shapes their identity, experiences, and concerns.
Karissa Gosha
She/Her/Hers
Karissa Gosha
She/Her/Hers, Master's Intern
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Karissa is a clinical practicum student in the Clinical Psychology Counseling Program at Roosevelt University, training under the supervision of Rachel Epps, M.A., LCPC. She approaches therapy with warmth, empathy, and a deep respect for each client’s unique story, aiming to create a space rooted in safety, trust, and connection.
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Karissa has extensive experience working with children of all ages, with a primary focus on early childhood. Before beginning her graduate training, she worked in early childhood education as a parent-child educator, early childhood development teacher, and case manager. Her clinical interests include early childhood development, child behavior, and the impact of trauma on children and families.
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Her clinical work is grounded in a client-centered, strengths-based approach recognizing how past experiences can shape present challenges and strengths. She is also committed to practicing with multicultural awareness, honoring each client’s cultural identity and lived experience.
Karissa is especially passionate about working with children and families, and is dedicated to providing compassionate care as she continues to grow as a mental health professional.
Leora Bar Chaim
She/Her/Hers
Leora Bar Chaim
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Extern
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Leora Bar Chaim is pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University. Currently, she is a therapy extern under the supervision of Dr. Melissa Salinas. Leora has experience working with diverse populations across a range of settings and age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, through experiences such as working in an inpatient eating disorder unit, a children’s home for at-risk youth, and a nursing home for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Leora believes the greatest investment one can make is in themselves and their mental health and well-being. Her clinical interests include working with young adults, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, life transitions, trauma, interpersonal conflict, and more.
Leora’s therapy approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and evidence-based. She uses an integrative stance drawing from a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to each client’s unique needs. Leora is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment and places a strong emphasis on building a trusting therapeutic alliance, as it is the foundation for meaningful growth and change.
Kelley Staley
She/Her/Hers
Kelley Staley
She/Her/Hers, Master's Intern
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Kelley is currently completing a Master’s in Counseling Psychology at The Chicago School and is working under the supervision of Rachel Epps Bauer, LCPC. Prior to becoming a therapist, Kelley had a career in health care and worked with youth (birth to 18) and families in hospitals and clinics. She has extensive experience with child trauma, complex medical conditions and health concerns across the developmental spectrum, which has provided unique insight into the mind-body relationship.
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Her holistic approach to therapy considers a client’s strengths, development and cultural context from a collaborative, empathic perspective. This dynamic approach helps clients develop inner resources, flexibility and connection to relieve distress and achieve their goals. Kelley’s practice is integrative and informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), interpersonal neurobiology and trauma-informed interventions. Her areas of clinical interest include working with children and adolescents, anxiety, depression, trauma, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and coping with medical illness.
Macy Brown
She/Her/Hers
Macy Brown
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Extern
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Macy is completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Adler University. Currently, Macy is a therapy extern under the supervision of Dr. Melissa Salinas. In the past year, she completed her diagnostic practicum at NeuroClinic and Assessments, where she worked with a diverse population of older adults, adults, and adolescents ranging in symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, dementia, learning disorders, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Macy has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults of many backgrounds. Her clinical interests include working across the lifespan, couples, and individuals with focuses on trauma, depression, and anxiety.
In therapy, Macy uses a client-centered and strength-based approach. She is collaborative in nature and focuses on creating a safe, compassionate, and accepting environment for all clients. She believes in creating a safe space in which each individual is accepted, accommodated, and feels validated. Macy works collaboratively with clients to develop resources, insights, and experiences with greater flexibility and connection to their values.
Kayla Nelson
she/her/hers
Kayla Nelson
She/Her/Hers, Doctoral Extern
Kayla Nelson is completing her Doctorate degree in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University. She is entering therapy practicum at AMS Wellness under the supervision of Melissa Salinas, an Illinois licensed clinical psychologist. She has a variety of experiences working with children and adolescents such as being program director at Friendship Circle International. This role involves working with teens and young adults who have disabilities by facilitating programs where individuals can learn, connect, and thrive. Kayla also worked in the Chicago Public School system supporting students through individualized tutoring and socio-emotional development.
In therapy, Kayla prioritizes working with diverse backgrounds and creating a safe space where clients can express themselves and navigate their experiences in a judgment-free environment. This is utilized through a client-centered, humanistic approach that values collaboration and strong therapeutic alliance. She believes goal-oriented techniques and emotion regulation are key to reducing emotional distress.
Kayla’s clinical interests include working with children and adolescents experiencing anxiety disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, family conflict, and more.
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Joe Downs
he/him/his
Joe Downs
He/Him/His, Doctoral Extern
Joe Downs is a diagnostic extern currently earning his doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University. His clinical interests are trauma and traumatic stress, LGBTQIA+ populations, mindfulness-based therapies, and skills-based approaches. As a diagnostic extern, his work focuses on empowering clients by identifying and building upon their inherent strengths while developing personalized coping strategies. Prior to AMS Wellness, Joe earned his B.S. in Statistics & Data Science from Yale University and had a career in the technology sector.
Outside of his professional life, Joe enjoys playing guitar and singing, running, cooking, and yoga. As a practicing Buddhist, he believes that everyone contains within them the capacity to flourish and lead full, embodied lives.
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Brett Leifker
he/him/his
Brett Leifker
He/Him/His, Doctoral Extern
Brett is an upcoming second-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Adler University. He serves as a diagnostician at AMS Wellness where he provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. Brett has worked with individuals across the lifespan, from young children to older adults. He has experience in a variety of settings, including ABA clinics, research hospitals, and both inpatient and outpatient assessment environments.
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He has a particular interest in neuropsychology, with clinical experience assessing neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. Brett is committed to culturally responsive care and takes a data-driven approach to help clients and families better understand their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. He values collaboration and aims to make the assessment process clear, supportive, and empowering.
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Clinical interests: Acquired neurological disorders, adolescent neurodevelopment, and epilepsy-related medical conditions.
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Personal interests: Working out, listening and playing music, tabletop gaming, and watching mixed martial arts.
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