Therapists

Founders and Senior Therapists

Michael Vernon, LCSW

Michael is the co-founder of Psychotherapy Associates of Chicago. He earned his graduate degree from Smith College in 1999. Prior to entering private practice Michael worked in a number of area clinics, including the University of Chicago and University of Illinois at Chicago Hospitals. Michael began working in private practice in 2001 and co-founded PAC. He has worked extensively with clients on issues related to anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, and trauma. In addition to his background in traditional psychodynamic theory, Michael also has a strong interest in Buddhist psychology and incorporating mindfulness-based approaches. Individuals interested in this specialization can find additional information at www.MichaelVernon.org.

Email:  Michael@psychotherapychicago.com

 

 

Jonathan Levy, LCSW

Jonathan is the co-founder of Psychotherapy Associates of Chicago. He earned his graduate degree from Smith College in 1997. Prior to entering private practice he worked at Lutheran Social Services and Chicago Lakeshore Hospital. In addition to co-founding PAC in 2001, Jonathan consults with area nursing homes, where he supervises a team of psychotherapists who provide counseling to residents. Jonathan’s clinical specialties include depression, addictions, parenting issues, and anxiety. He has also presented stress-reduction workshops and seminars to corporations and health care centers.

Email:  Jonathan@psychotherapychicago.com

 

 

Staff Therapists

Julie Matija, LCPC

Julie has been working as a therapist since 2002.  Prior to joining PAC she worked at a number of local clinics, including Lutheran Social Services, Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network, and Children’s Memorial Hospital.  Julie holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Northwestern University, as well as a master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  Julie has extensive experience working with adults, families and children.  She specializes in addressing the behavioral and emotional difficulties of children as well as the effects of these issues on the family.  Julie also works with adults who have anxiety, relationship issues, a history of trauma, and anger management problems.  Julie embraces a collaborative and culturally-sensitive therapeutic approach that includes elements of psychodynamic theory, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral strategies for growth.  

Email:  Julie@psychotherapychicago.com

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Allison Schechter, PsyD

Allison is a licensed Chicago psychologist and earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2007 from Argosy University/Phoenix. Prior to joining PAC she worked at several forensic psychiatric hospitals (including Elgin Mental Health Center and Fulton State Hospital) and private practice agencies. Before moving to Illinois last year, Allison worked at her own practice in Seattle, Washington where she provided forensic evaluation services for adults referred by the court (including Competency to Stand Trial and Diminished Capacity evaluations) and conducted psychological assessment and testing services for various agencies.  Allison also has significant experience providing psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, couples, and families. She has worked extensively with issues related to anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship conflict, communication difficulty, and family stress. Allison is also an adjunct professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she has taught Psychopathology to graduate students.

Email:  Allison@psychotherapychicago.com

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Kristin Pederson Flores, LMFT

Kristin Pederson Flores received her Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Before joining PAC, she maintained a private practice in Evanston and worked at Community Counseling Centers of Chicago.  Kristin has significant experience working with children, families and couples. Her approach to therapy emphasizes the importance of seeking and creating healthy relationships. She specializes in issues related to life-stage transitions, depression, anxiety, adolescence, relational conflict, parenting, and family stress. Kristin utilizes family systems, cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic theory in her practice and seeks to develop a collaborative relationship with clients.

Email:  Kristin@psychotherapychicago.com

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Maddie Scudiero, LCPC

Maddie Scudiero is a graduate of the New School University in New York City.  She completed her training in both cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapy.  She has worked with a diverse client population, ranging from individuals, families, and couples.  Maddie has extensive experience assisting people through life transitions related to career, relationships, disability, and living with chronic medical conditions.  Additional areas of expertise include stress management, anxiety, and depression.  She is currently a practicing student of the Shambhala Center for Buddhist studies and incorporates many of these principles in her work.  Maddie is a compassionate and empathetic psychotherapist, dedicated to helping her clients reach their optimal level of well-being. 

Email:  Maddie@psychotherapychicago.com