Tanya Gluzerman, Psy. D., President & Director of training, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Tanya Gluzerman is a bilingual psychologist fluent in English and Polish who serves as President & Director of Training at Pica & Associates Psychological Services. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2010 from Midwestern University and subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at New Connections Academy where she was trained to work with children and adolescents diagnosed primarily with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Upon completion of her post-doc, she partnered to establish Pica & Associates in 2011. Dr. Gluzerman has over a decade worth of experience with children, adolescents, adults and families in inpatient, residential, forensic, outpatient, and school-based settings. Her particular areas of interest include anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory integration, eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and personality disorders. She has a particular interest in family therapy and working with individuals transitioning into young adulthood, especially those who are struggling to find their voice. Dr. Gluzerman functions as primary clinical supervisor for staff working primarily with children and adolescents.

In her free time, Dr. Gluzerman likes to exercise, hike, travel, and play with & train her German Shepherd therapy dog, Chomsky. She also has a keen interest in developing recipes for people who have alternative or restrictive food lifestyles including gluten free, low carb, and vegan. 

Dr. Gluzerman’s Publications

Michael Pica, Psy. D., VICE President, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Michael Pica serves as Vice President at Pica & Associates Psychological Services. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology in 1999 from Central Michigan University, bringing to the practice over 20 years of clinical experience. Prior to establishing Pica & Associates in 2011, Dr. Pica worked in various outpatient, residential, forensic, and inpatient settings, including serving as clinical director of a child and adolescent psychiatric unit. He has published extensively on dissociative disorders, psychological assessment, clinical training, anger management, and assessed danger to others. Dr. Pica works primarily with adolescent and adult patients who struggle with anxiety, depression, anger management issues, conduct disorder, bipolar/mood disorder, schizoaffective disorder, substance use, borderline and narcissistic personality disorder. Dr. Pica provides couples, marital, and family therapy as well as ongoing clinical supervision to staff who provide therapy services to adolescents and adults.

In his free time, Dr. Pica enjoys exercise, hiking, travel, creative writing, watching Italian soccer, playing with the office therapy dog, Chomsky, listening to 70’s rock music, and over-indulging in cologne.

Dr. Pica’s Publications

Olesia Shalayska, Psy. D., CDP, C-DBT, Director of Psychological Testing, Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Certified Dementia Practitioner

Dr. Olesia Shalayska earned her M.A and Doctoral degree at Illinois School of Professional Psychology. In 2020, Dr. Shalayska added a certification as a DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) therapist. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Shalayska has worked with individuals of all ages and mental health needs. However, her specific interests are in adult and geriatric clients that struggle with comorbid mood disorders and medical conditions. She also believes it is important to work with families to reduce anxiety, stress, fear, or depression which can come with having a loved one with mental health needs. Her training and work experiences have prepared her to work with patients who struggle with substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and changes in cognitive and/or memory functioning.

Dr. Shalayska’s therapeutic framework is predominantly cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy. However, based on the patient’s needs, she will integrate other therapeutic approaches that better help patients achieve their goals. Additionally, Dr. Shalayska has a strong interest and training in psychological assessment. During her externship at Dixon Correctional Center, she completed psycho-diagnostic testing for clarification of diagnosis, emotional distress, and personality characteristics. Over the past 4 years, Dr. Shalayska has developed a proficiency in neuropsychological assessments to clarify cognitive disorders and functional changes. Testing can provide the patient and therapist a guideline for treatment, inform treatment planning, indicate personality traits that contribute to functional problems, and establish accurate diagnosis.

In her free time, Dr. Shalayska enjoys riding horses, traveling with her family and dogs, as well as learning about new cultures and world history.

Morgan Pappas, Psy. D., Clinical Psychology Post-Doctoral Fellow

Dr. Morgan Pappas completed her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg. She began working at Pica & Associates in 2017 to complete her Post-Doctoral Fellowship requirements. As a therapist, she works with a multitude of issues and diagnoses including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, life transitions, marital issues, domestic violence, and sexual assault. She is passionate about women’s issues and her doctoral research consisted of developing a treatment plan for decreasing postpartum depression while increasing the mother-infant bond to create a secure attachment for the infant. Furthermore, Dr. Pappas’ training in Health Psychology has provided her with a comprehensive understanding in the areas of acute and chronic pain management, stress reduction, hypnosis, and relaxation techniques.

Dr. Pappas’ approach to therapy is an eclectic use of several theoretical orientations such as interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, emotional focused therapy, and feminist theory. Additionally, Dr. Pappas received substantial training in conducting diagnostic testing and evaluations during her doctoral internship at the Kane County Diagnostic Center.

Outside of the office, Dr. Pappas enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, and being outdoors.

Christine (Dunn) Lombardo, Psy. D., Licensed Eligible Psychologist

Dr. Christine (Dunn) Lombardo earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg.  Her clinical interests include ADHD, FASD, OCD, PTSD, attachment styles, cross-cultural psychology, and occupational stress. Prior to her current career in clinical psychology, she worked as a juvenile detention officer.  Dr. Lombardo has experience in treating clients for a variety of mental health conditions including but not limited to anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, learning and developmental disabilities, personality disorders, and marital and family issues.  She has provided treatment to children, adolescents, adults, family, and couples from a diverse population of cultural backgrounds.  She also has experience working with the LGBTQ adolescent and adult population.  Dr. Lombardo completed her clinical psychology internship through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (WDOC), an APA-accredited site, where she provided individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing evaluations.  Additionally, she has conducted neuropsychological, forensic evaluations, and academic evaluations through other training sites.  

Dr. Lombardo uses an integrative approach in her application of therapy treatment interventions that include but are not limited to the following: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Family Systems, Interpersonal, and Child-Centered Play Therapy.  She has a positive, empathic, creative, and engaging interpersonal style and a good sense of humor.  She believes in the importance of building and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance to enhance the growth process for individuals in treatment.  

Dr. Lombardo enjoys spending leisure time with her husband, family, friends, and pets.  She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and biking.  Other hobbies include exercising, reading, drawing, painting, cooking, baking, and watching movies and series.

Christine Creighton, MS, LCPC, ATR-BC, ADHD-CCSP, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & Board Certified Art Therapist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider

Ms. Christine Creighton earned her Master of Science in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University in 2012. Ms. Creighton comes with a range of clinical art therapy experiences with children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral or emotional challenges, ADHD, complex trauma, grief/loss, major life transitions, persistent mental illness, and neurodevelopmental disabilities. She has clinical experience working in school-based treatment settings for adolescents, day programs for adults with disabilities, in-home behavior therapy for children with autism, and outpatient mental health treatment for adults.

Ms. Creighton embraces a multi-sensory approach to treatment that is firmly grounded in expressive modalities like: art making, expressive play, movement, and music. Art Therapy creates an additional means of expression that goes beyond words and verbal processing. This fosters opportunities for creative problem solving, builds tangible coping tools, externalizes stress, and builds self-confidence. The expressive arts offer unique possibilities including but not limited to: making art while talking to reduce anxiety, engaging in an art directive focused on a specific challenge or emotion, gently exploring the narratives of art imagery, visually organizing thoughts, or making tangible feelings that cannot be expressed in words such as traumas. Additionally, Ms. Creighton incorporates evidence-based coping techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), applied behavioral models, and Executive Functioning Skill Building/ADHD Coaching to actively meet the individual needs of her patients.

Ms. Creighton has extensive knowledge and experience with adults with profound to mild intellectual disabilities, and specializes in using the creative arts to build social, coping, sensory integration, and life skills. In the fall of 2019, Ms. Creighton received her certification as an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider, completing additional hours and training on ADHD assessment and treatment, Introductory Psychopharmacology, and Educational Management of ADHD.

Personally, Ms. Creighton is an active person who loves to paint, draw, bake, exercise, and garden.

Jake Kolakowski, M.Ed., LCPC, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Jake Kolakowski earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Illinois State University in 2016 and his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University in 2019 Jake has worked in a variety of clinical settings including residential, hospital, and outpatient settings. He previously ran adolescent intensive outpatient groups in Streamwood, IL, and worked at a residential facility with children in Aurora, IL.

Jake is a client-centered therapist who uses different therapeutic interventions-- such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He has several years of clinical experience working with adolescents and young adults with difficulties including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, trauma, relationship issues, and much more. Jake does a great job of advocating for his patients and helping empower them to feel confident and able to tackle life's difficult hurdles and find their own voice.

Outside of the office, Jake loves baseball, video games, board games, comedy, TV shows, and spending time with family-- his wife, baby daughter, and energetic husky.

SARAH RICCIO, PSY.D, POST-DOC

Dr. Sarah Riccio earned her doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. Prior to earning her doctorate, Dr. Riccio graduated from the City University of New York at Brooklyn College with a master’s degree in experimental psychology. During this time, she was the Lead Research Assistant for a study that focused on identifying the early physiological and emotional factors that contribute to future antisocial and criminal behavior. Additionally, her research data was used for a study that was recently published in Brain Sciences.

Dr. Riccio’s primary interest in in psychological assessment and diagnosis. She gained diagnostic experience in inpatient and community health settings, and also worked in a juvenile correctional facility providing therapy and crisis intervention to adolescent offenders. Dr. Riccio completed an additional forensic psychology internship focused on writing specialized Court ordered evaluations, such as those determining competency to stand trial, treatment amenability, and specific intent/insanity. She later completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Kane County Diagnostic Center where she provided therapy to adult and adolescent offenders and conducted psychological evaluations for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court. She has additional experience working in a neuropsychology private practice, where she provided neurofeedback services and conducted psychological and neuropsychological assessment. As a result of her clinical exposure, Dr. Riccio emphasizes the importance of neurocognitive functioning when considering differential diagnosis of emotional, behavioral, and personality disorders.

During her free time, Dr. Riccio likes to travel back to New York to see her family, go shopping, and watch true crime documentaries with her 10-year-old shih tzu, Benji.

KAITLYN AYALA, MA/SSP, LPC, PEL, NCSP SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY, LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, NATIONALLY CERTIFIED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Kaitlyn Ayala is a licensed professional counselor as well as a nationally certified school psychologist and licensed professional educator. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Linguistics, with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies, from Northwestern University. She subsequently attended Northern Illinois University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Psychology and Specialist in School Psychology degrees.

Kaitlyn currently works full-time as an Early Childhood School Psychologist in the St. Charles school district and has considerable experience conducting academic assessments for children ages 3-21 in the educational setting. She also currently teaches the Theories and Assessment of Intellectual Functioning course in the grant-funded School Psychology graduate program at Northern Illinois University. Kaitlyn previously worked as a registered behavior technician, providing in-home Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She also worked as a pediatric neuropsychometrist, performing psychological and neruopsychological assessments for children and adolescents with a wide range of disorders including: ASD, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and mood and anxiety disorders.

Kailtyn primarily conducts psychotherapy with children and utilizes an eclectic approach, often incorporating elements of play-based, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered therapies. Her clinical interests include working with children with ASD, and conducting psychological assessments. She also enjoys consuming and conducting research, and her work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Applied School Psychology, the Journal of Early Childhood Research, and the International Journal of Bullying Prevention.

In her free time, Kaitlyn loves spending time with her husband and three dogs. She enjoys volunteering for her local animal shelter by transporting animals across the country and fostering dogs. She also enjoys reading, hiking, crocheting, and cross-stitching.

SAMANTHA LA ROCCO, MA, LPC, LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Samantha La Rocco received her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016 and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University in 2013. Samantha completed her internship at the Counseling Center of Illinois and provided services to court mandated individuals. Samantha’s experience in treating individuals with a variety of mental health conditions, includes but is not limited to: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders and PTSD. She has provided treatment to children, adolescents, adults, families and couples with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Samantha uses an eclectic approach with her patients which allows her to use the most effective methods to address each patient’s needs. She uses techniques and tools from a variety of theoretical orientations such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy. Samantha takes pride in meeting her patients where they are in their journey and providing the necessary tools and support to assist them in meeting their goals.

In her free time Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, friends and pets. Samantha enjoys taking pictures of her animals and nature. Her hobbies include reading, playing board games, and traveling. Samantha also loves anything Disney or Halloween related.

TERRI CZEPIEL, MA, LPC, LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Terri earned her Masters degree in Human Services/ Counseling from National Louis University (NLU) in 2003 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Terri’s work with individuals of all ages, diverse needs and backgrounds in both inpatient and outpatient settings has equipped her to be able to help individuals with a large variety of challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, domestic violence, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and more.

Terri believes that everyone has their own unique story and journey. She tries to empower individuals by helping them uncover their strengths, find meaning and purpose in their lives and move forward in a positive direction. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative one where both can learn and grow together in a warm and non-judgemental environment.

Terri has an eclectic style and uses a flexible and multifaceted approach to best fit individual needs. Some therapeutic interventions include Cognitive - Behavioral Therapy, Action and Commitment Therapy, Adlerian Therapy and Existential Therapy.

Prior to gaining her masters degree, Terri was an elementary school teacher, parent education teacher, and a foster care provider for children with special needs, which led her to adopt two of her 5 children. She also provided a foster home for over 20 rescue dogs.

In Terri’s free time, she likes to spend time with her five children and three dogs, volunteer and participate in ongoing educational experiences.

MONICA SCHABERG, MA, LPC, LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Monica Schaberg is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Bachelors in Psychology from Northern Illinois University in 2010 and her Masters in Community Counseling from National Louis University in 2014.  Monica has worked in a variety of clinical settings including residential, therapeutic day schools, after school programs for children with special needs,  in homes to provide ABA therapy, and in the mental health department of the Kane County Jail.

Monica’s primary interest is working with children and adolescents.  She uses a person centered approach and will bring in elements of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and family systems therapy.  She believes that no two cases are the same and will adapt her approach based on the individual's needs.  She also believes that when working with children, it is important to take time to build rapport and trust.  Monica does this by exploring the child’s interests and finding ways to bring those interests into the session.

When not working with clients, Monica enjoys spending time with her son and her husband.  They also have a “zoo” at home that includes a dog, three cats, and a pair of guinea pigs. Her hobbies include painting, reading, raising butterflies in the spring/summer, and playing video games with her son.

KARLA VELAZQUEZ, BA, PSYCHOMETRICIAN

Karla is a graduate student in the process of obtaining her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University. Karla attended Aurora University to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree with a minor in Spanish 2023. She is bilingual in Spanish and English, along with this she is a part of the Latino community. She has first had knowledge of understanding different cultures. With the opportunity of knowing both languages and cultures it allows for a better understanding of different challenges one may face. Her occupational experience ranges from being an intake coordinator, group facilitator, bilingual text crisis counselor, and psychometrist. Her clinical goals are to assist individuals of different ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. She has a true passion for this field and is excited to learn more. 

During her free time, Karla loves to hang out with friends and family, try new restaurants, bake and working out.