Meet our Clinicians
Dr. Ben Pyykkonen, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr. Benjamin Pyykkonen is the director of the doctoral program in clinical psychology at Wheaton College and is a licensed clinical psychologist. He is a fellowship-trained clinical neuropsychologist and is actively engaged in research to advance our understanding of the experience and impact of various conditions and diagnoses across the lifespan (ages 6 - 90+).
Dr. Pyykkonen has been working as a clinical neuropsychologist in practice for more than 15 years and has been actively engaged in clinical research over the same time. As noted above, Dr. Pyykkonen is also actively involved in research to better clarify factors related to accurate diagnosis and to better understand the cognitive and emotional impact of diagnoses/conditions across the lifespan, including Traumatic Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, dementia (Alzheimer’s, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Frontal Temporal Dementia), and epilepsy. This academic work richly informs his clinical work and the effectiveness of his work as a clinical neuropsychologist in each evaluation.
In addition to his work as a clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Pyykkonen has considerable experience helping people navigate issues in therapy related to depression, anxiety, relational difficulties, grief/bereavement, ADHD, OCD, and life challenges associated with aging and/or chronic illness.
Education
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (ILLINOIS TECH.)
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology/Rehabilitation Psychology
RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Two-year post-doctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology
COOK COUNTY REHABILITATION HOSPITAL - OAK FOREST, ILLINOIS
Internship/Residency - Clinical Psychology
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
M.S., Clinical Psychology
WHEATON COLLEGE
B.A., Psychology
Contact
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pyykkonen, please email Joanna.wagoner@hesedpsych.com
Dr. Eiko Venovic, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Eiko Venovic is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than a decade of therapy experience, including a variety of specialties. Dr. Venovic was born and raised in Japan and, after completing the doctoral program at Wheaton College, completed advanced postdoctoral training in the Chicagoland area.
Dr. Venovic has clinical specialties helping clients with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, acculturation, interracial relationships, identity, and self-esteem. Dr. Venovic utilizes both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches with her clients to increase emotional well-being, improve relationship quality, and develop a lifestyle more consistent with her clients' values.
Education
WHEATON COLLEGE GRADUATE SCHOOL
Psy.D., Clinical Psychology
WHEATON COLLEGE GRADUATE SCHOOL
M.A., Clinical Psychology
JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY
B.S., Public Relations
CONTACT
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Venovic, call 331-707-4031 ext. 1005.
Dr. Brad Kahle, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Treatment Issues: Dr. Kahle is a generalist who treats depression, anxiety, anger, bipolar disorder, childhood dysfunction, loss & grief, communication & relationship difficulties, coping with physical health-related problems, and spiritual/faith concerns. He specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. He has a special interest in helping those with infertility and adoption-related difficulties.
Education & Training: Dr. Kahle completed master's and doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology from Forest Institute for Professional Psychology. Trained in the theory and application of Self Psychology, he uses an integrated approach in therapy. He is a member of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and is licensed in Illinois as a Clinical Psychologist.
Background and Experience: Dr. Kahle has extensive experience in inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient therapy. Prior to joining Hesed Psychological Services, Dr. Kahle worked at Meier Clinics (now closed) for over 35 years in various therapeutic and leadership roles. Most recently, he was the National Clinical Executive Director and Regional Director of the Illinois offices. At Hesed, Dr. Kahle will focus on providing encouragement, hope, and healing to his clients, which is his most rewarding work. Additional Information: Therapy is a collaboration between clients and the therapist. He strives to build an open, trusting, and supportive environment in which growth and change can take place. Research has demonstrated that the therapeutic relationship is the most important healing factor. He develops an individualized treatment plan and utilizes evidence-based interventions. Additionally, he integrates Christian and Biblical principles as his client’s desire. He also enjoys spending time with his wife of 40-plus years, adult children & spouses, and grandchildren.
Education
FOREST INSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
PsyD. - Clinical Psychology
M.A. - Clinical Psychology
TAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts
Dr. Christina Hollman, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Christina Hollman is a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, specializing in neuropsychological assessment for adults. She completed her neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Dr. Hollman has experience working with a variety of diagnoses including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, neurosurgical candidates, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, other medical/health conditions, and psychiatric concerns.
Education
WHEATON COLLEGE GRADUATE SCHOOL
Psy.D., Clinical PsychologyWHEATON COLLEGE GRADUATE SCHOOL
M.A., Clinical PsychologyBAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Bahelor of Arts, PsychologyCONTACT
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hollman email her at: drchristinahollman@hesedpsych.com or call (314) 499 - 5953
Mr. Andrew Linder, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Andrew Linder is a licensed clinical Social worker who brings 37 years of clinical experience to Hesed, 30 of which were with Meier Clinics. He works with individuals, couples, and families. Common issues that he works with include Anger, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Blended Families, Boundaries, Co-dependency, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Depression, Divorce, Fears, Grief/Loss, Marital Concerns, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Parenting, Relationships, Sexual Addiction/Pornography, Spiritual issues, Stress, Trust, and Woundedness. In addition to these, Andrew is passionate about helping clients work through issues involving Self-Esteem, Guilt, Shame, and Self-Forgiveness. He provides services to many couples and families and is passionate about helping clients to heal, restore, and improve relationships.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO
MSW - Master of Social Work
TRINITY INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts
Dr. Alyssa Donovan, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Donovan is a licensed clinical psychologist who helps clients with anxiety, OCD, and traumatic stress. She also has specialized training in child therapy and parent coaching.
Dr. Donovan utilizes cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and solution-focused approaches. She conducts therapy in English and Spanish.
Education
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
M.A., Clinical Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
B.A., Psychology
CONTACT
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Donovan, click here or call (331) 707-4031 ext 1010.
Dr. Maggie Bila, PsyD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Bila is a postdoctoral fellow at Hesed Psychological Services. Dr. Bila has extensive experience working in crisis stabilization, academic medical centers, and Veterans Administration hospitals.
Education
WHEATON COLLEGE,
PSYD, Clinical Psychology
WHEATON COLLEGE
M.A., Clinical Psychology
NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE
B.S., Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology
CONTACT
To contact Dr. Bila click here or call (331) 707-4031.
Dr. Jen Kern, PsyD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Kern is a postdoctoral fellow at Hesed Psychological Services. She has extensive experience in assessments with adults and children. She also has significant experience in supporting children and adults as they manage challenges in life related to social concerns, depression, anxiety, executive functioning, and adjusting to major life changes across the lifespan.
Education
WHEATON COLLEGE,
PSYD, Clinical Psychology
WHEATON COLLEGE
M.A., Clinical Psychology
CONTACT
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kern, click here or call (331) 707-4031.
Samantha Kurapaty, B.S
Practicum Student/Therapist
Samantha is an Indian American therapy extern at Hesed Psychological Services. She is interested in the use of CBT/DBT, exposure/response prevention, and psychodynamic/family systems approaches to promote greater understanding of self, others, and the thought patterns one engages in. She also appreciates the role that various parts of one's identity (such as family, culture, race, religion, gender, country of origin, and more) play in shaping one's perspectives and worldviews, and seeks to consider all of these things together in her understanding of a person.
Education
WHEATON COLLEGE,
PSYD, Clinical Psychology
WHEATON COLLEGE
M.A., Clinical Psychology
Hesed Counseling and Assessment Services
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