Dr. Ryan Abraham is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Program for Psychology and Religion. He earned his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. His program included specialized training integrating spirituality and religion with evidenced based psychotherapy approaches. He has particular interests in integrating spirituality and religion in psychotherapy, mindfulness, trauma recovery, anxiety, mood disorders, couple therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), and psychological assessment. He is licensed to practice in the state of Missouri. His professional memberships include the American Psychological Association (APA), the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS), and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Sciences (ACBS).

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Adkins is a licensed psychologist in Missouri and part of the Program for Psychology and Religion. She earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College Graduate School, Wheaton, Illinois. Dr. Adkins completed her postgraduate training at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute in two programs, the Program for Psychology and Religion and the Pain Management Program. She works with adult clients, including those with acute and chronic physical health conditions, and with older adults. In addition, Dr. Adkins works with those who grieve because of a loss, such as the loss of a loved one, the lose of a dream, etc. Prior to becoming a psychologist, Dr. Adkins had a career in nursing. This experience gives her great appreciation of the interplay between physical and mental health.

Office Location: Macklind

Clinical Director, Gender Affirming Program for Transgender and Individuals with Non-Binary Identities

Dr. Kaylie Allen is a licensed clinical psychologist working in the Gender Affirming Program and the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders. Dr. Allen has received specialized training in treating trauma, OCD, and anxiety disorders during her two-year postdoctoral fellowship at SLBMI, during her internship at the Gulf Coast V.A., and while completing her doctoral degree at Central Michigan University. Dr. Allen has a research background in sexual assault, LGBTQ+ issues, exposure therapy, and mindfulness, and she has completed a variety of trainings in trans and gender-expansive mental healthcare.

If you are considering Dr. Allen for a therapist, you can expect active, change-oriented therapy that incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindful self-compassion. She works with outpatient clients facing difficulties that include anxiety, perfectionism, mood disorders, substance use, relationship conflicts, and other problems. Ethical nonmonogamy, nontraditional family structures, and kink lifestyles are all welcomed and affirmed in her practice. Dr. Allen is especially passionate about working with LGBTQ+ clients and exploring the way these identities intersect with other issues. Dr. Allen works with adults and adolescents on an individual basis. She also co-leads a trauma processing group and a queer resilience group at the Macklind office.

As a queer woman, Dr. Allen is committed to providing education and training to the general community as well as healthcare professionals that will improve access to, and quality of, mental healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals. She also works with PrideCenter STL to provide a free queer community class about topics related to emotional well-being.

Dr. Allen is available for consultation and trainings.
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Office Location: Macklind

Bonnie Applewhite, M.D. is an adult psychiatrist at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Dr. Applewhite attended Washington University in St. Louis for her undergraduate degree, where she achieved her bachelor’s degree with honors in Spanish and International Studies. She received an achievement award for Spanish and belonged to a variety of honor societies such as Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Delta Pi, Golden Key International Honour Society and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Dr. Applewhite earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, and was granted an achievement award in both Psychiatry and Infectious Disease at graduation. Dr. Applewhite completed her Psychiatry Residency at Washington University School of Medicine.

She subsequently achieved her board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Applewhite also combines a strong academic background in the humanities with her medical education and research experience to forge a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to mental health treatment. She has researched new medications for Parkinson’s Disease and written a book chapter on movement disorders. She has also been involved in collaborative models of healthcare delivery between internal medicine and psychiatric providers. Dr. Applewhite has integrated her foreign language abilities, study of international affairs and experiences abroad to create a culturally-competent and inclusive practice. Though Dr. Applewhite treats a variety of conditions, areas of special interest include gender, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, anxiety disorders, neuropsychiatry and the integration of psychiatry and internal medicine.

Alice Andres, Psy.D. is a Licensed Psychologist the Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD). She graduated in 2013 with a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Additionally, she received post-graduate training in psychological assessment at Brain and Body Integration, LLC in Denver, CO, and she has continued to specialize in the area of conducting psychological evaluations at various mental health agencies since 2015, most recently at UMSL-Center for Behavioral Health in St. Louis, MO.

Dr. Andres specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders, traumatic stress, mood disorders, behavioral issues, severe mental illness, personality disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions, and neurocognitive disorders with all age groups. Also, her research background has primarily focused on working with older adults and addressing end-of-life issues such as existential despair, cognitive impairments, and health-related issues. Indeed, she completed an undergraduate research scholar with the Memory and Cognitive Aging Laboratory at the University of Missouri-Columbia and obtained her BA with Honors in Psychology in 2006. She also has extensive experience with developing and implementing mindfulness-based interventions, and her doctoral dissertation focused on creating a mindfulness and narrative therapy group for older adults. Furthermore, Dr. Andres is bilingual, she obtained her BA in Spanish from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2006, and she is passionate about providing culturally-sensitive therapeutic services in both Spanish and English.

Office Location: Macklind

Katie Arnold is Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. She completed her Masters of Arts in Art Therapy Counseling, and studied acting, visual art, and music during her undergraduate education. Katie is also trained in EMDR and currently consulting for further certification. Katie uses evidenced based approaches while also utilizing an experiential lens and trauma informed expressive therapy interventions. Katie has worked with a variety of diagnoses in residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive IOP environments. Katie specializes in treating trauma as it co-occurs with other diagnoses. Katie works in the Eating Disorder Program and also sees clients from the Gender Affirming Program.

Office Location: West County

Dr. Ayden is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine. She is dual board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Ayden specializes in the areas of eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and ADHD. She has treated patients in a wide variety of clinical settings, including inpatient, residential, partial hospital, intensive outpatient, and outpatient, and has cared for many elite athletes and student-athletes.

She completed her General Psychiatry Residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine, where she was chief fellow during her last year of fellowship. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University. While in university, she was an NCAA Division I student-athlete and with her team won a Big Ten Championship and competed in the NCAA Final Four. She earned her medical degree from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, and while there, she led medical student seminars on the Mind-Body connection and was a tutor in the courses of Histology and Neuroanatomy. She continues to have an interest in Integrative Psychiatry and is pursuing further training in this field.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Bazile-Sawyer works as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD) at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. She graduated in 2000 with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Saint Louis University, completed her clinical internship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Consortium, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and post-doctoral fellowship training in Clinical Psychology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Center for Trauma Recovery. She completed her post- doctoral training in behavioral health and trauma assessment and treatment.

In addition, she has experience in inpatient & Ambulatory Mental Health, Forensic Psychology, as well as Research, Teaching, Supervision, and Consultation in Clinical Practice. Dr. Bazile-Sawyer is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in behavioral health pre-surgical evaluations and treatment. More specifically, she conducts pre-surgical bariatric evaluations and treatment for clients suffering from mood, anxiety, eating disorders, and/or trauma reactions. She is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Office Location: Macklind

Kelly Birmingham-Watts, Psy.D. is a Postdoctoral Resident with the Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD). She completed her Psy.D. requirements from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and her Predoctoral internship with the St. Louis Psychology Internship Consortium. Kelly’s clinical interests include co-occurring disorders centered around anxiety and over-controlled behaviors. She has experience treating a wide variety of psychological disorders integrating cognitive-behavioral and somatic interventions.

Office Location: Macklind

Ms. Bulin is a licensed clinical social worker providing therapy with the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD Program).  She graduated in 1994 with a master’s degree in social work Washington University.  She completed a 3-year, post-graduate training in Gestalt Therapy at the St. Louis Gestalt Institute.  Ms. Bulin specializes in the treatment of trauma-related issues i.e. childhood trauma, sexual trauma, war trauma, and domestic violence.  She also specializes in depression, anxiety, work related problems, family conflict, and life stressors causing great difficulty in all parts of life.  She applies a multi-faceted approach specific to the patient’s needs with a strength-based foundation using CBT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, CPT, Gestalt therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and mind-body complimentary approaches.  She welcomes children, adolescents, adults, and families.

Office Location: Macklind

Tiffany Burke is a staff clinician at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. She earned her master’s degree in counseling from Lindenwood University and her bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from SIUE. Tiffany is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri. She works with adults and is specifically interested in substance use and co-occurring disorders. She also has experience working with depression, anxiety and trauma. Tiffany comes from a client centered perspective and believes in meeting the client where they are. She uses CBT, Motivational Interviewing and solution focused therapy to assist her clients reach their goals.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Kelly Bushur is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist working in the West County office. She received her doctorate from Southern Illinois University- Carbondale and is licensed in Illinois and Missouri. She has over 20 years experience addressing a wide range of challenges and concerns and works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Dr. Bushur treats a variety of concerns including anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD/LD, behavioral problems, autism spectrum disorders, grief, and related problems. She has particular interests in working with gifted children, adolescent development, and managing life transitions successfully. She has specialized training in CBTI for insomnia. She develops individualized treatment plans using an array of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Bushur offers daytime and evening appointments.

Office Location: West County

Claudia earned her B.A. in Psychology and French in 1986, her M.A. in Human Development Counseling in 1990 and her Ph.D. in Family Therapy in 2016 all from Saint Louis University. Her early experience as a therapist was in families and couples. She has extensive history working with undergraduate and graduate students’ mental health focusing on anxiety, depression, and relational issues and eating concerns. She also has experience working with individuals dealing with trauma. She has received extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and has experience working in this modality. Dr. Charles has received training with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Health Behavior and Wellness Coaching. Areas of interest include: Anxiety, Depression, Relationship and Family Issues, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Culture and Diversity issues.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Chi, M.D. is an adult psychiatrist at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. She completed her medical degree and general psychiatry residency at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She earned her bachelor’s degree in stem cell biology from Harvard University. Dr. Chi has clinical expertise in a broad range of psychiatric illnesses, including mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use.

Dr. Cone is a licensed psychologist specializing in work with children, adolescents, and their families. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dr. Cone’s experience over the past 30 years has included in-home family therapy with juvenile offenders, residential treatment, inpatient programs, and traditional outpatient services. She has training in Multisystemic Family Therapy but also draws from a variety of other evidence-based treatment approaches to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals. Her particular interests include the treatment of behavior problems, anxiety and mood disorders, and ADHD. Dr. Cone offers afternoon and early evening appointments.

Office Location: West County

Ms. Corn is a master’s level licensed psychologist. She works with children, adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders, mood/depressive disorders (including bi-polar disorder), autism/Asperger’s disorder, ADHD/ADD and other mental health problems. Her clinical approach is insight oriented and cognitive behavioral techniques. She received her masters of arts in clinical psychology from Eastern Illinois University in 1984. She has completed specialist training in anxiety disorders from St. Louis School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior in 1986. Ms. Corn practices primarily at the office in Belleville, Illinois. She is coauthor of the article entitled, “Panic Onset and Major Events in the Lives of Agoraphobics” in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.

Office Location: Belleville, IL

Dr. Dale is a licensed psychologist at the West County office. She graduated in 2000 with a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Mississippi, Hattiesburg, and received post graduate training in Mental Health Treatment (Therapy and Testing/Evaluations) at Renaissance Center in Albany, Georgia. Dr. Dale specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD/LD and treats children as young as 3 years of age, adolescents, families and adults. She is also trained in EMDR, sand play/play therapy, motivational interviewing and CBT. Dr. Dale has an extensive practice in psychological testing.

Office Location: West County

Director, Health Psychology Program
Administrative Director, Gender Affirming Program for Transgender and Individuals with Non-Binary Identities
SLBMI Training Director

Dr. Deb Elliott-DeSorbo is a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed her undergraduate education at Rutgers University before obtaining a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University.

Deb specializes in the areas of gender, sexuality, health psychology, integrated care, military (she was once an active duty clinical psychologist), marital therapy and trauma. She also has a passion for working with geriatric patients. She primarily utilizes a mix of cognitive-behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy but brings in techniques from many other schools of thought when they are of assistance to a client. She is passionate about what she does and wants nothing more than to help her clients succeed in their goals (both therapy goals and life goals). She is the Director of both the Health Psychology Program and the Gender Affirming Program for Transgender and Individuals with Non-Binary Identities, and serves as the Institute’s Training Director.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. DiAntonio is a licensed psychologist and staff member of the Women’s Reproductive Mental Health and Wellness Program. She specializes in assisting women with concerns related to reproduction, including postpartum depression, pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility, and adjustment to life with young children. Dr. DiAntonio uses cognitive behavioral therapy in a supportive context. She helps clients identify what they want to change and then develop the skills to make that change happen.She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1999. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at University of Oregon Counseling Center and her post-doctoral training at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. She ran a private practice in St. Louis for ten years, focusing on reproductive mental health. She has attended advanced clinical training in postpartum depression with a nationally known expert in Philadelphia.

In addition to her primary interest in reproductive mental health, Dr. DiAntonio also treats women and men for a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, and life balance. She has extensive experience with college and graduate students, and offers dissertation coaching. She is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Office Location: Macklind and West County

Jessica Epperson, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Gender Affirming Program and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy programs at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Her professional education includes a bachelor’s degree in theater and dance (with a minor in psychology) from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and a master’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders and related problems as well as those who have experienced trauma. She also has a particular interest in helping address the mental health needs of trans and non-binary communities. She is also passionate about supporting individuals struggling with depression and emotional dysregulation. She utilizes multiple treatment modalities including CBT, trauma focused CBT, DBT, mindfulness and motivational interviewing.

Christina Fales, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in the DBT program at SLBMI, and an adjunct in the Psychology and Religion program. She graduated in 2004 with a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from University of California, Los Angeles, and received postgraduate training in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis. Her academic publications have focused on the brain basis for anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. More recently Dr. Fales received further postgraduate training in Clinical Psychology at Fielding Graduate University, with training in CBT and psychodynamic approaches to treatment. Currently she specializes in the treatment of emotion dysregulation in adults and older adolescents, using cognitive approaches and mindfulness meditation. Additional interests include treatment of trauma and the effects of childhood trauma and poverty on the brain.

Office Location: Macklind

Director, Eating Disorder’s Program

Dr. Rebekah A. Freese is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work and PhD in Philosophy from the University of Missouri. She completed her undergraduate social work degree at University of Texas-Arlington.

Rebekah specializes in the areas of eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, gender and trauma.  She has treated individuals with an array of eating disorders, trauma and BPD since 1997. She has extensive experience with commonly co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance use.  She has a passion addressing population specific issues especially within the LGBTQQA+ community.   She has proficiency in clinical program development, management and growth as well as quality assurance and program evaluation.  She has a strong commitment to work with those who experience high severity of life-threatening behaviors especially youth and young adults.  She has extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (TF-CBT and CBT). While she primarily utilizes dialectical behavioral therapy including radically open DBT, family-based treatment and trauma focused approaches, she brings in techniques from other evidence based theoretical modalities when they are of assistance to the client. She is passionate about her work and strives to assist her clients in developing balance and compassion in their lives.  Currently, Dr. Freese serves on the board of the Flourish Initiative, an organization enhancing the lives of under-resourced youth in the Boone County community.

Office Location: West County

Abigail Giancola is a full-time psychiatric nurse practitioner with SLBMI. She earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and is currently licensed as an APRN in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. She is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is trained to treat individuals throughout the lifespan. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. She has a special interest in treating substance-use disorders, and is waivered to provide medication assisted treatment for opioid dependency.

Office Location: Macklind

Kierstin Godier, MSW, LMSW, is a postgraduate fellow with the Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Clinic. She completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and parents in outpatient and residential settings. Kierstin has extensive experience working with individuals and groups using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Kierstin also has experience with treating trauma as it co-occurs with other diagnoses in children and young adults. Kierstin`s professional interests include trauma, eating disorders, and intimate partner violence. Kierstin approaches every client using an empowerment lens to facilitate a strong therapeutic alliance

Psychiatry
Sofia Grewal, M.D. completed her psychiatry residency and geriatric fellowship at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Prior to joining St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, she has been treating patients across St. Louis in her private practice and provided inpatient and outpatient care in local hospitals. Dr. Grewal has experience in treating depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. She is trained in psychopharmacology and various modalities in treating a range of mood disorders, substance abuse disorders, and psychotic disorders. Her specialty interest is in geriatric psychiatry, where she has provided care to residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities in the St. Louis area. She is board-certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Office Location: Macklind

Director, Psychology and Religion Program

Dr. Christopher Grimes is the Director of the Program for Psychology and Religion at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, and he is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Grimes also maintains a general outpatient caseload providing individual therapy, couple/family therapy, and psychological testing services at the Behavioral Medicine Institute. He has particular interest and training in the assessment and treatment of clergy, religious, and people of faith. Dr. Grimes is licensed to practice psychology in the State of Missouri. His professional memberships include the American Psychological Association, the Missouri Psychological Association, and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies. He is active in research and writing in the area of religion / spirituality and psychological wellness.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Mishell Hashmi is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Eating Disorders Program. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Midwestern University in 2007. She has extensive experience working with eating disorders in Residential, PHP, IOP and outpatient settings. Dr. Hashmi uses an integrated approach and is experienced in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr. Hashmi has also completed training in Family Based Therapy (FBT) for eating disorders, as well as advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR). Dr. Hashmi enjoys working with teenagers and adults. She also has extensive experience working with individuals with self-injury, trauma, mood disorders and transgender issues. She likes to use a collaborative approach with clients to assist them in accomplishing their goals.

Office Location: West County

Dr. Linda Housman is a licensed clinical psychologist working in the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD) at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. She earned her doctorate at the University of MO – St. Louis in 1997 and received extensive forensic training in her internship at the U.S. Federal Medical Center in Springfield, MO, and in her post-doctoral training at the St. Louis Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Center in St. Louis, MO.   For the past many years, Dr. Housman worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs treating PTSD in combat Veterans and military sexual trauma.  She served as the Clinical Coordinator at the St. Louis Vet Center for over 13 years.  In her last 5 years at the VA, she served as Associate District Director for Counseling, ensuring ethical and quality clinical care in the Veteran population. Most recently, here at the Institute, Dr. Housman specializes in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other trauma-related disorders.  She also works with various other anxiety-related disorders, such as Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  Her primary theoretical orientation is Cognitive – Behavioral Therapy (CBT); she is specifically trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and is a certified trainer for CPT.

Office Location: Macklind

Tamara Hoyt is a Licensed Clinical Social worker with certifications in treating eating disorders and trauma. She graduated from George Warren Brown School of Social Work and Washington University in St. Louis with a MSW in 1996. Ms. Hoyt has extensive experience treating a variety of psychological conditions, following the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy protocol; e.g., mood dysregulation, Borderline Personality Disorder, chronic suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and self-harming behaviors. Ms. Hoyt also has significant experience treating survivors of trauma ranging in age from 12 years thru adulthood. Her trauma experience includes training in EMDR, Prolonged Exposure and TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Ms. Hoyt has over 8 years of experience working with eating disorders in adults including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and other variants. Besides DBT Ms. Hoyt is also well-trained in CBT and in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the treatments of anxiety and depression. Ms. Hoyt has presented to professional and public audiences on DBT and the treatment for numerous conditions.

Office Location: Macklind

Director, Eating Disorder’s Program

Dr. Huff is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1991. She has treated individuals with an array of eating disorders in both inpatient and outpatient treatment since 1986. She has advanced training in Family Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders and specializes in working with parents of children with disordered eating. She also has extensive experience working with adult sufferers of eating disorders.

She is passionate about raising awareness about eating disorders and advocacy work. She frequently presents lectures to the professional and educational community on such related topics as Eating Disorders Across the Life-Span, Eating Disorders at Mid-Life and Beyond, and Co-occurring Anxiety and Eating Disorders. She also has extensive experience with commonly co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. An associated specialty is working with caregivers of individuals with disabling psychiatric, developmental and medical conditions, including autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Huff serves on the Board of Directors of Missouri Eating Disorders Association (MOEDA). She also is a member of the St. Louis Adolescent Eating Disorders Coalition. Dr. Huff is a member of the Missouri-Psychological Association, the St. Louis Psychological Association, and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).

Office Location: West County

Ms. Ingram is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian in Missouri. She holds Masters degrees in both Dietetics and Public Health from St. Louis University. She is a clinical dietitian for outpatients and for the Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Ms. Ingram specializes in the treatment of a variety of nutritional issues for all age groups including eating disorder, weight management, maternal and child health, GI issues, diabetes and nutrition support/tube-feedings. In addition, she provides dietary intervention for children including developmental delays and disabilities. She enjoys writing, speaking and health promotion for youth and adults. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association.

Office Location: West County

Dr. Kassing is a Licensed Psychologist working in the Health Psychology Program. She received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oklahoma and earned her master’s degree in Clinical Adult Psychology from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Dr. Kassing has worked in multiple treatment settings including the VA, a hospital clinic, and a residential substance abuse/dependence treatment facility. She has experience addressing a wide range of concerns with adults including psychosis, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and dependence, trauma, grief, and life transition. Dr. Kassing utilizes many modalities of treatment as appropriate including cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, and psychodynamic.

Office Location: Macklind

Spirituality Coordinator

Sister Therese Anne earned a BA in Theology, an MA in Religious Education and an MA in Pastoral Studies, in addition to postgraduate work. Her schools of study include Saint Louis University, Fordham University, Loyola and Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She holds a certificate in spiritual direction from Aquinas Institute in St. Louis. Therese Anne has ministered at the parish level as a teacher, principal, and director of religious education. On the national level, she has been a team member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate. Before coming to minister at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, she was director of ongoing formation for her religious community, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, United States Region. As a spiritual director, Sister Therese Anne feels her mission is to accompany others in becoming the free person that is God’s dream for them.

Office Location: St. Louis

Dr. Knobeloch is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. He completed his PsyD at Indiana State University and a two-year post-doctoral residency in neuropsychology at Psychology Specialists in Decatur, IL. He specializes in providing evaluations for neurocognitive impairment and ADHD, using the information gained to provide each client with strategies to better manage in their daily lives. Dr. Knobeloch also provides psychotherapy services for a range of psychological difficulties, with a specific interest in treating children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety and depression. Dr. Knobeloch primarily uses cognitive-behavioral therapy in his clinical approach, and complements it with a focus on mindfulness and living in accordance with one’s personal values to achieve the best possible quality of life.

Office Location: Macklind

Sam Kramer, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist. He earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and completed his predoctoral internship at the Salem VA Medical Center in Salem Virginia. Dr. Kramer completed his postdoctoral fellowship in the Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, where he received training specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety-related disorders at the outpatient and IOP level of care. He conceptualizes and treats psychological disorders from a cognitive-behavioral framework, and he strives to meet patients where they are to collaboratively help them meet their goals for recovery. He has experience treating a wide range of psychological issues, with particular interest in using exposure-based techniques to treat anxiety disorders and related problems. He primarily treats adults and adolescents.

Office Location: West County

Amy Kurz is a staff clinician at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD) at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Her professional education includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago (Jane Addams College of Social Work). She is also trained in EMDR, a specific trauma treatment preferred by organizations like the Veterans Administration for treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other traumas. Ms. Kurz is a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri and Illinois. She specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders and related problems. She has a particular interest in working with those who have experienced trauma.

Office Location: Macklind

Ms. Lander-Goldberg earned her master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis in 2003. She is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in eating disorders, depression, infertility, self-harm, grief and loss with adolescent and adult females. Ms. Lander-Goldberg often incorporates expressive therapy techniques such as journaling, photography and art into her work with clients. She has more than 20 years experience conducting expressive workshops in a variety of settings including psychiatric hospitals, schools for at-risk youth and residential treatment centers throughout the Midwest.

Office Location: West County

Dr. Carolyn Lee is a Postdoctoral Resident with the Intermediate Care Program (ICP) at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD), under the supervision of Drs. Pollard and Allen. She completed her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN, where she underwent training in chemical dependency treatment center, university counseling center, and community mental health clinic settings. Dr. Lee completed her predoctoral internship at The George Washington University’s (GWU) Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in Washington, DC. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, adjustment, relationship and interpersonal concerns, identity development, grief and loss, body image concerns, women’s issues, and racial and ethnic minority issues.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Margaret Lemp is a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before obtaining her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adler University (Chicago Campus).

Dr. Lemp specializes in the areas of integrated care, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and insomnia. She primarily utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness when collaborating with patients. She is passionate in providing evidenced-based, high quality care to assist patients in achieving their therapy goals. She serves on the health psychology and integrated care teams.

Dr. Lewis is a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed her undergraduate degree at Illinois State University and received her doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. Her specialties include working with patients experiencing medical and health-related issues, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. She enjoys working with adults of all ages who are experiencing life transition or adjustment issues. She also provides psychological evaluation and testing for adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Dr. Lewis practices with an open and affirming approach for all individuals. In addition to working directly with patients, she provides clinical supervision, consultation and education to health care providers and organizations. She believes in creating an individualized treatment plan which utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques in addition to development of insight and coping skills, and she encourages active engagement of each individual in their medical and behavioral care.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Leslie Lopez, Ph.D., LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor within the Children, Adolescents and Family program. She received her Master’s degree in Psychology from Houston Baptist University in 2002, and her Doctoral degree in Psychology from Capella University in 2011. Dr. Lopez works with a variety of ages, including young children, teenagers and adults. Her specific interests include treating behavioral issues in young children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Attachment Disorders. She utilizes multiple behavioral and attachment approaches, and is certified to provide Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Dr. Lopez also treats anxiety, depression and trauma-related disorders at all ages, using primarily cognitive-behavioral methodologies as well as EMDR. She is able to provide services in both English and Spanish.

Office Location: West County

Annemarie Loth, MD is a full-time child and adolescent psychiatrist at SLBMI. She earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine where she served as the chief resident. She is board-certified in both adult and child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Office Location: West County

Dr. Bill Mallot is a licensed clinical psychologist. He completed his undergraduate education at Oklahoma Christian University, and a master’s degree in experimental psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma before earning his Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in 2003. He has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, serving in various roles in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Mallot also has experience in working with trauma and substance abuse clients, as well as in providing supervision and training to graduate and post-graduate students.

Office Location: Macklind

Melanie McKean, D.O., Ph.D. is a psychiatrist for St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, as well as an adjunct faculty member at Saint Louis University. She earned her medical and graduate degrees from Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a combined Internal Medicine-Psychiatry residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. McKean has clinical expertise in women’s mental health and primary care, and she specializes in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders in women of reproductive age. Her areas of interest include preconceptual counseling, antepartum and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, female sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, and infertility.

Office Location: West County

Dr. McKinney received her Ph.D. from Saint Louis University and has worked in SLUCare EAP, Hopewell CMHC’s Families’ First Program and Lindell Hospital’s Chemical Dependency and Stress Unites. Her professional interests include spirituality and mental health, positive psychology, mood/anxiety disorders and stress management. She is experienced in substance abuse assessment and treatment. She is especially interested in working with youth and adults with major depression and bipolar disorder.

Office Location: West County

Director, Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders

Dr. Alison Menatti, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Director of the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Ohio University in 2016, and completed two years of postdoctoral specialty training at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Dr. Menatti specializes in the treatment of OCD and a wide-range of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, posttraumatic stress, specific phobia, and panic disorder. Dr. Menatti approaches therapy from a cognitive-behavioral treatment framework, and provides clinical services to adolescents and adults.

Office Location: Macklind

Mrs. Merrill is a therapist at the Eating Disorders Program. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2007. Mrs. Merrill is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and women’s body image issues. She is also trained as a Christian counselor and is able incorporate issues of spirituality with treatment upon request. Mrs. Merrill is a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) and is currently pursuing certification as an Eating Disorder Specialist through IAEDP.

Office Location: West County

Assistant Clinical Director, Center for OCD & Anxiety Related Disorders

Mr. Mitchell is a senior staff clinician in the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders. He is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in the treatment of children and adults with anxiety disorders and related problems. Mr. Mitchell is a frequent presenter at local and national meetings. His scholarly publications include the journal article entitled, “Clinical Management of Comorbidity in Anxiety Disorder Patients” in the journal Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention.

Office Location: Macklind

Kent E. Newcome is a Certified Civil and Family Mediator as well as a Missouri Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He is a graduate of Washington University (Saint Louis) holding both undergraduate and graduate degrees. He earned his certification in Civil and Family Mediation in a program offered jointly by Washington University School of Law and Missouri State University’s Center for Dispute Resolution. Kent has been in professional practice for over 35 years. Kent maintains a general clinical practice in family, marital and individual behavioral therapy for children, teens and adults at the Institute’s Chesterfield location. He offers mediation for marital dissolution, family or business conflicts and parenting plan revision. He offers evening and Saturday hours for appointments. He has been with the Institute since 1996. In his early years in his profession, he held numerous clinical and management positions in employee assistance, occupational health, managed care and behavioral health companies as well as a private practice and ownership of several small businesses.

Office Location: West County

Dr. Margarita Nogin is a licensed clinical psychologist with the Child, Adolescent, and Family Program.  She received a PhD in school psychology, with a specialization in neuropsychological assessment, from Ball State University.  She completed a two-year post-doctoral residency at Fort Wayne Neurological Center and Fort Wayne Neuropsychology in Fort Wayne, IN.  Dr. Nogin specializes in neuropsychological evaluations for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, neurocognitive impairment (epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, etc.), and mood disorders.  She also provides psychotherapy services specializing in treating children and adolescents with anxiety and depression.  Dr. Nogin is a member of APA Division 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology) and the National Academy of Neuropsychology.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Andrew Orayfig, PsyD is a Clinical Psychologist within the Health Psychology Program at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. He received his Master’s degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. His areas of interest include the intersection of physical health and psychological trauma, spiritual and religious well-being, multicultural sensitivity, and mindfulness-based behavioral therapies.

Office Location: Macklind

Isamar Padilla-Madera, Ph.D. is currently a Postdoctoral Resident with the Eating Disorders and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Program at St Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. She completed her pre-doctoral internship (APPIC-APA) in the Ponce Health Sciences University Internship Consortium, completing the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Generalist Training in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She graduated with a PhD. in Clinical Psychology from Ponce Health Sciences University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Padilla’s interests within her profession are working with persons with serious mental illnesses, trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, and their families. She has had exposure and wishes to continue working on therapies focused on DBT skills, mindfulness, crisis management and anxiety. Also, she has research experience working with relatives of people with psychosis and psychoeducation groups.

Office Location: Baxter and Macklind

Mr. Peebles is an anxiety specialist at the Center for OCD and Anxiety Related Disorders (COARD) at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Mr. Peebles received graduate degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and Missouri Baptist University. In addition to his clinical training, Mr. Peebles has a research background in Neuroscience and Pharmacology and was awarded a grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to support his research. Mr. Peebles has a profound interest in the integration of salient findings of Neuroscience with that of Evidence Based Clinical Interventions.Mr. Peebles’ clinical experience includes specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and anxiety-related disorders during his two year post- graduate fellowship under the supervision of Alec Pollard. In addition, Mr. Peebles has specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and has provided family, group and individual therapy in a community-based crisis stabilization setting. He received additional training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy through The Linehan Institute, Behavioral Tech. Mr. Peebles is recognized as a certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist through the National Certification and Accreditation Association for DBT.

Mr. Peebles has extensive experience with undergraduate and graduate level students and is currently a professor in the Social and Behavioral Science Division at Missouri Baptist University.

Office Location: Macklind

Ms. Peterson is a staff clinician at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD) at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Her professional education includes a master’s degree in counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary, graduate coursework in counseling at Lindenwood University, and postgraduate training in the treatment of OCD and anxiety-related disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Ms. Peterson is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri and Illinois. She works with patients of all ages, but has a particular interest in children and adolescents with OCD and anxiety.

Office Location: Macklind

Founding Director, Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders

Dr. Pollard is Founding Director of the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD) and Professor Emeritus of Family and Community Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He graduated in 1981 from the California School of Professional Psychology-San Diego with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and received postdoctoral training in anxiety disorders at the Behavior Therapy Unit at Temple University Health Sciences Center. Dr. Pollard is a licensed psychologist who works with a range of obsessive-compulsive and anxiety-related disorders, with a special interest in patients ambivalent about or resistant to therapy. He is on the Scientific Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation and chairs the organization’s national training initiative: the Behavior Therapy Training Institute. Dr. Pollard also serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Canadian Institute for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders and the Obsessive-Compulsive Cognitions Working Group research collaborative, and is former chair of the Clinical Advisory Board of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. He serves as a reviewer for a number of professional journals and conference program committees and has authored more than 100 publications, including 2 books: The Agoraphobia Workbook and Dying of Embarrassment: Help for Social Anxiety & Phobia.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Jessica Polson is a Postdoctoral Resident with the Eating Disorders Program at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, under the supervision of Dr. Huff. She will also be involved with the Dialectical Behavior Therapy program and Program for Psychology and Religion under the supervision of Drs. Flanery and Grimes, respectively. She earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, where she received specialized training in the integration of religious/spiritual issues in psychotherapy. She completed her predoctoral internship at Regional Mental Health Center in Northwest Indiana. Dr. Polson has a research background in traumatic stress and posttraumatic growth among international humanitarian aid workers responding to crisis situations (e.g., epidemics, natural disasters). Within a generalist foundation, her clinical interests include post-traumatic stress spectrum disorders, emotion dysregulation issues, and spiritual/religious issues in psychotherapy. Dr. Polson has been educated in a range of theoretical orientations. When working with adolescents and adults, she primarily draws from acceptance- and mindfulness-based therapies (Mindfulness, DBT, ACT, self-compassion) and existential-humanistic approaches. When working children and their caregivers, she primarily utilizes parent-training and behavioral approaches.

Office Location: Macklind, Baxter

Erin Poniewaz, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has worked in mental health treatment services for over 15 years. She received her Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM. She has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree from Webster University in St. Louis, MO. She is currently a therapist in the Women’s Reproductive Mental Health and Wellness program and specializes in the treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Prior to joining the clinical staff at SLBMI, Erin was the creator of, and sole therapist for a Mother Baby Intensive Outpatient Program. This program provided intense psychotherapy and psychiatric support to both pregnant and postpartum women and their families who were experiencing severe difficulties transitioning into motherhood. She also has advanced certification in the treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and values the opportunity she has been given to journey with women and families as they move towards healing.

In addition to her interest in working with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, Erin also has extensive experience in suicide intervention and prevention. As a survivor of suicide loss herself, Erin is committed to helping men and women process their tragic loss and learn to pick up the pieces after losing a loved one to suicide.

Erin is passionate about empowering those she works with to be accountable to themselves for the changes they want to create in their lives. Erin believes it is her role to hold space for those struggling, so they may feel seen and heard. She works to meet her clients where they are and to provide them with the reminder that they are not alone, they are not to blame and in time, they will be well.

Director, Child, Adolescent, and Family Program

Dr. Camille Randall’s therapeutic passions and expertise with children, adolescents, young adults and their families include anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts and negative mood management; daily and academic organization regarding attention or motivation difficulties; positive behavioral practices and communication skills surrounding disruptive behaviors in home and school; coping with peer problems; and adjusting to life changes, including residential relocation, school changes/pressures, passing of close family members, and divided families.

Dr. Randall subspecializes in autism-spectrum disorders, particularly for children, teens and young adults who are experiencing anxiety, sadness and social difficulties related to familial, peer, academic or individuation stressors.

Camille is a Missouri Licensed clinical child and adolescent psychologist, earning her doctorate degree from the University of Kansas Clinical Child Psychology Program (KU CCPP).   Her therapeutic, assessment, supervisory, clinical research and administrative experiences utilizing evidence-based practices (e.g., cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, functional-analytic, stress-reduction/tolerance and mindfulness) in a variety of clinical settings have provided her experience with a broad range of presenting concerns, both common and uncommon in childhood and adolescence. She espouses personal and familial strengths as key in navigating the decision to seek treatment, as well as to influence and secure positive, enduring outcomes.

Office Location: West County

Dr. Angie Randazzo is a licensed clinical psychologist at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute.  She received her doctorate at the University of Missouri St. Louis and her master’s at Southern Illinois University.  She has 27 years of experience treating anxiety, depression and all types of sleep disorders in patients, including insomnia, delayed sleep phase, sleep apnea, shift work, and daytime fatigue/sleepiness using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  CBT targets behaviors and thinking that maintain or worsen mood disorders or sleep disturbances, and teaches patients new behaviors and thinking patterns to improve mood or sleep.

Her primary research interests include insomnia, clinical pharmacology, and sleep deprivation.  She has conducted over 110 clinical research trials.  She is the co-author of the book chapter – Drugs That Disturb Sleep and Wakefulness –  in the 5th edition of Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, and 18 publications on the topic of sleep, including sleep restriction in children, for which she received the 1997 American Sleep Disorders Association Young Investigator Award.

Office Location: West County

Dr. Reeves is a licensed psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children and adults with anxiety. He is a staff psychologist at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD). Other areas of specialty include marriage and family counseling, as well as, treatment for alcohol and substance abuse. He also evaluates and treats adult ADD/ADHD. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Psychology from St. Louis University and received postgraduate training at Bellefountaine Habilitation Center.

Office Location: Macklind

Gina Roggow is a licensed professional counselor in the Eating Disorders Program. She earned her Master’s in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University. Gina has extensive experience providing individual and group therapy in Residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings. She also has advanced training in EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, and Schema therapy, with additional training in DBT, CBT, and cognitive processing. Gina enjoys working with young adults and adults with eating disorders, as well as issues related to self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Her approach as a therapist is to first establish a relationship that is built on trust and understanding, and to provide non judgmental, person-centered counseling.

Office Location: West County

Director, Women’s Reproductive Mental Health and Wellness Program

Dr. Ryan is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in both Missouri and Tennessee, where she maintained a solo practice for 15 years. Dr. Ryan serves as the Director of the Women’s Reproductive Mental Health and Wellness Program at SLBMI. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tennessee in 1994. She has a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of North Texas. Since 1994, Dr. Ryan has provided a wide array of mental health treatment to individuals, couples, older children, adolescents and couples. She has treated children in foster care and their foster parents; collegiate athletes; women and couples undergoing fertility treatments and/or experiencing high risk pregnancies or recovering from pregnancy loss. Over the years she has kept a general practice, treating anxiety; depression; eating disorder and weight management cases; stress management; trauma; relationship issues; career and work-related problems; grief; and relaxation training. From 2002 until 2010 she was the on-site provider of mental health services for employees of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee through their Employee Assistance Program. In this setting she provided individual counseling, management consultation, and conducted numerous psycho-educational lectures to employees on topics ranging from adjustment to change, helping a colleague through trauma, weight management, and stress awareness and relaxation training.

Office Location: West County

Sindhura Saini, M.D. is a psychiatrist for St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she recently relocated to St. Louis after completing her residency in the Cleveland Clinic System, under the Northeast Ohio Medical University program. Dr. Saini has clinical expertise in mood disorders, psychotic disorders and substance abuse. Her particular areas of interest are in bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and addictions, including opioid replacement treatment therapy. Her approach involves both medical management as well as utilizing therapeutic intervention to achieve remission of behavioral health issues.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Schneider is a Licensed Psychologist and Health Service Provider. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2014 and worked in University Counseling Center settings prior to joining the Women’s Reproductive Mental Health and Wellness Program at SLBMI. Trained as a generalist, Dr. Schneider has experience working with a wide variety of clients and clinical concerns. Her special interests include: anxiety, stress, mindfulness, biofeedback, and identity-related concerns (e.g., LGBTQ+, career, relationships, and navigating life transitions). Dr. Schneider uses an eclectic approach in therapy, integrating Cognitive-Behavioral, Interpersonal, Feminist, and Relational-Cultural approaches in her clinical work. She works collaboratively with her clients to help them identify and successfully work toward their personalized therapeutic goals.

Office Location: West County

Dr. Shapiro is a psychologist at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD). He graduated with a Ph.D. in Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology and received postgraduate training in Behavioral Therapy at Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at St. Louis University Medical School. Dr. Shapiro is a licensed psychologist who specializes in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders, including OCD, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety, and Simple Phobias, lifecycle/career challenges, adjustment issues, combat-related PTSD, Financial Psychology, and Solution and Goal Focused therapy. Dr. Shapiro works with ages 15 years and up.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr Paul Simon is a general psychiatrist who joined SLBMI in 2021. He has a wide range of professional interests including adolescent, adult, and geriatric mental health issues. He obtained his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2005 followed by a residency in general psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis. He also has an undergraduate degree in psychology and a masters degree in social science administration from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He is board certified

in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Through his work with the Missouri Psychiatric Physicians Association, he has been active in political advocacy and founded a political action committee. He is a member of the Catholic Medical Association and is involved in the psychology and religion program at the St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. He is especially interested in expanding the provision of mental health services to inner city youth in the St. Louis and other metropolitan areas.

Ms. Taylor is a staff clinician at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD). She obtained her master’s degree in counseling from Shippensburg University and has received extensive postgraduate training in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, including completion of the International OCD Foundation Behavior Therapy Training Institute. Ms. Taylor is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri and has been a National Certified Counselor since 1993. She works with the full spectrum of anxiety-related disorders, but has a special in interest in treating adolescents and adults with OCD.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. Timmerman is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University and completed her post-doctoral training at the Institute for Child and Adolescent Development in Massachusetts. Dr. Timmerman works with children, adolescents, and their families manifesting a variety of difficulties. Her specialties include, but are not limited to, the treatment of anxiety disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity behaviors, tic disorders, trichotillomania, depression, oppositional and defiant behavior, and familial stressors. She has extensive experience in play therapy and its application in the treatment of young children.

Office Location: Macklind

Ms. Toran is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with both the Eating Disorders Program as well as the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD). She has over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy services in a private practice environment. Additional professional experience includes work in hospital and clinical training settings. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University and post graduate studies included marital and family therapy training. Her specializations include eating disorders, mood disorders, couples therapy, and family therapy.

Office Location: Macklind & West County

Michele Vining is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the State of Missouri, a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois. She received her masters of arts degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University. Michele has many years of clinical experience working with families; couples, adults, and adolescents with mental illness and other presenting concerns. She specializes in working with eating disorders, addictions, trauma, and victims of and perpetrators of domestic violence. She has experience working with groups and individuals in residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient eating disorders programs; behavioral health settings; and with substance abuse treatment and after-care. She utilizes a variety of treatment modalities with a concentration of cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy. She provides a compassionate and empathetic approach with her style of therapy. She is a member of the Southern Illinois Counseling Association/Lewis and Clark Chapter.

Office Location: Macklind

EILEEN VOLLMER, MAC is an IOP coordinator and also leads IOP therapy groups. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations/Elementary Education from The University of Arizona in Tucson, studied Biblical Counseling at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis and graduated with her Masters degree in Counseling from Lindenwood University, Belleville. Eileen is also a Certified Professional Wellness Coach and has owned her own nutrition coaching business since 2009 working with individuals and groups to implement healthy lifestyle practices. Eileen has been an educator for over 30 years teaching at all grade levels in public, private and homeschool settings. She places a high priority on connecting with clients, meeting them where they as well as challenging them to reach their potential.

Office Location: West County

Mr. Wilderman is a staff clinician at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD) at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. His professional education includes a master’s degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, with additional graduate training in the treatment of OCD and anxiety-related disorders at SLBMI. Mr. Wilderman is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri and Illinois. Mr. Wilderman provides outpatient therapy to clients ranging from children to older adults, all with a variety of diagnoses. He incorporates evidence-based cognitive behavioral and acceptance-based techniques to create change-oriented, outcome-focused, individualized treatment approaches for all clients. One of his favorite issues to treat is perfectionism.In addition to working as an OCD and anxiety disorder specialist, Mr. Wilderman is experienced at treating chronic mental illness. He is especially passionate about using cognitive behavioral strategies to manage psychosis and improve long-term outcomes for individuals with psychotic disorders. Mr. Wilderman also works on the Gender Affirming Program team to provide culturally competent care to adults with LGB, trans, and gender-expansive identities.

Office Location: Macklind

Lindy Williams is a nationally board-certified counselor, a certified case manager and a Missouri licensed professional counselor. Her clinical interests include LGBT issues, and working with transgender, non-binary, gender fluid and gender expansive individuals. She also works in the areas of eating disorders, grief, depression, anxiety as well as couples counseling. Lindy’s philosophy of care involves a positive regard for her clients that is accepting, empathetic and non-judgmental. She recognizes that no two individuals are the same and works with her clients to set goals that challenge their thoughts and feelings to ultimately lead them to take responsibility for their choices and implement effective coping mechanisms. Her theoretical orientations are eclectic but primarily focus on utilizing CBT and DBT techniques. She prefers to utilize Gottman method techniques for couples’ therapy. Lindy works with adults only and is a member of our Gender Affirming Program.

Office Location: Macklind

Dr. John Wunderlich is a Postdoctoral Resident with the Intensive Care Program at the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD) program, under the supervision of Drs. Pollard and Abraham. He completed his doctoral degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he received specialty training in treating chronic pain and other chronic illnesses. He completed his predoctoral internship with the National Psychology Training Consortium, where he worked as a behavioral health consultant in a primary care setting. Dr. Wunderlich has a research background in chronic pain management. His clinical interests include coping with chronic illnesses, anxiety, depression, and OCD. In his clinical practice, Dr. Wunderlich primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy.

Office Location: Macklind