I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MSW/LCSW)  and also a Registered Nurse (RN) with a focus in Psychiatry. Although I approach most psychological issues from a non-medication perspective, I've had 10 years of experience working with clients who successfully use medication to manage some particularly distracting symptoms. 

This combination of skills enables me to assess my clients for disorders that might benefit from medication and to comfortably work with the medical professionals who are also supporting the client. My medical background invites clients to safely discuss physical and sexual issues that they may feel uncomfortable speaking about with non-medical professionals.

I've been working in the field of  Psychiatry for over 18 years and gaining hands-on experience as a marriage partner and a parent of two along the way. I raised my children in the West Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago and in the suburb of Wilmette. I've been an active member in my community via local green issues and social justice concerns. I'm an enthusiastic Chicago theater buff and an avid reader.

My clinical experience as an RN was at the Stone Institute of Psychiatry at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, working with adults in severe, acute crisis in an in-patient setting. In the role of Psychotherapist, I counseled adults and senior adults at Family Services of South Lake County in Highland Park. I served as Psychotherapist to adolescents and young adults (ages 16 to 21) at Threshold's Young Adult Program in Chicago under Dr. Mark Fagan. I also provided in-home psychotherapy for Medicare clients and their family members following hospitalizations with Care Collaborative from the communities of Rogers Park to Hyde Park along the lakefront. Following these employment settings, I began my independent practice working with the group psychiatric practice of Dr. Theodore Handrup, JR. and Dr. Cynthia Handrup in 2008. I've been the owner of my solo private practice since 2011.

Education and Licensing

Wesley Passavant School of Nursing/Northwestern Memorial Hospital  1978

Illinois Licensed Registered Nurse (RN)   #041.187397

North Park University, Chicago 1999

Master of Social Work (MSW) Loyola University - Chicago  2004

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #149.012290