

Meet Our Team

Kati Wax, Psy.D.
She/Her
kwax@lincolnparkpsychology.com
Dr. Wax is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Lincoln Park Psychology, Inc. Having 10+ years of experience as the Clinical Director, Director of Training, Head of Clinical, and Owner/Operator of renowned therapeutic day schools, Dr. Wax is skilled in working with school aged children, adolescents, parents, families, as well as adults. She specializes in those struggling with mood disorders, impulse control, self-esteem/identity challenges, relationships issues, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and features of personality disorders. More specifically, she is known for helping those who may be at higher risk of using inappropriate or maladaptive coping strategies to deal with stressors, as well as helping adolescents and young adults to navigate life challenges.
Dr. Wax believes strongly that a strength-based approach is essential to fostering a sense of self, a sense of empowerment, and a sense of identity within an individual, and within the family and school system. This is especially true for adolescents who seem to feel lost and overwhelmed by their world.
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Dr. Wax founded Lincoln Park Psychology in order to fulfill her passion for helping others to make meaningful change. In addition, Dr. Wax has found immense joy in supervising large cohorts of clinical trainees since 2010. Having spent much of her career dedicated to clinical training, she and her team developed an APA-Accredited internship training program and she once held the position of President of the Association of Chicagoland Externship and Practicum Training (ACEPT).

Cori Braun, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
She/Her
cbraun@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Cori Braun enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, feelings of isolation and disconnection, coping with life changes, among many more. Cori is skilled at bringing creativity, mindfulness, play, expression, and breath work into therapy to help foster a sense of empowerment, presence, and freedom in others. She also believes in taking an empathetic, strength based approach to her work that centers clients as the experts of their own experience.
In addition to being an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider, her approach to therapy prioritizes validating and humanizing all experiences and the various, unique reactions we all have to them. She believes that all behavior has meaning and aims to help others find a sense of self-compassion, understanding, and awareness in order to foster growth and a deeper sense of satisfaction in life and relationships. Cori believes in meeting the needs of her clients at a level that will be most effective. She sees therapy as a collaborative process, meant to integrate and honor the client’s values, background, identity, and diversity factors to promote individualized growth and empowerment.

Claire Henderson, LSW
She/Her
chenderson@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Claire Henderson is dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, learning issues, trauma, mood fluctuations, behavioral challenges, life changes, and more. Claire has extensive experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum as well as working with families to set their children up for success in the home. In addition, she is well versed in IEPs and 504 Plans and aims to support families through their struggles with classroom environments, academic success, and any needed accommodations.
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Through a trauma-informed and strengths based approach, Claire fosters a therapeutic environment that is safe, accepting, and affirming. She sees therapy as a collaborative experience in which the client is the expert on the client's life and lived experiences. During the therapy process, she will help set realistic and attainable goals, identify individual challenges, and develop steps toward success. Although therapy allows for healing through the processing of often difficult and confusing emotional experiences and subsequent behaviors, Claire provides a space in which flaws, mistakes, and difficulties are normalized as part of the human experience. The pathway toward healing can be fun, creative, and enjoyable, with the ultimate goal of finding a more fulfilling, satisfying, and healthy life.

Hilary Hines, Psy.D.
She/Her
hhines@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Dr. Hines enjoys working with clients from across the lifespan, but has primarily worked with children and adolescents within a therapeutic day school setting as well as adult male veterans (ages 24-75) in a transitional living facility. She has experiences working with those dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, co-occurring substance use disorders, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and life stressors.
Dr. Hines is known for her genuineness in therapy and focus on building strong therapeutic relationships in order to help facilitate change. Her calm demeanor and flexibility helps provide a safe space for clients to explore their challenges, as well as allows her to meet her clients at their optimal level for change. Dr. Hines’ experiences within therapeutic day schools affords her the knowledge of IEPs and 504 plans and an understanding of the difficulties navigating special education. Dr. Hines is also part of the LPP assessment team, conducting neuropsychological, academic, and emotional/personality testing in our office.

Kejuan Lin, MA
She/Her
klin@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Kejuan (KJ) is part of our Testing Team, demonstrating her passion for neuropsychological assessment and helping clients learn more about themselves in order to live a more full and successful life. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has gained invaluable experience in both clinical and research opportunities, training in hospitals and community settings conducting individual and group therapy sessions, with a focus on trauma-specific assessments. Working with diverse clients, including children, adolescents, and adults facing a range of challenges such as autism, learning and attention difficulties, and mood disorders has afforded her the opportunity to broaden her skills and techniques to meet the individual needs of client. Her research interests are centered on clinical and developmental psychology, and she is currently broadening her training in neuropsychological assessment and interpretation under the supervision of Dr. Payne, our Director of Neuropsychological Services. Additionally, KJ's teaching experience as an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University solidifies her passion of advancing mental health care through both research and education.

Sarah Lynch, LSW, CAIF (Certified Autism Informed Professional)
She/Her
slynch@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Sarah is a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Autism-Informed Professional, with an extensive background guiding children, adolescents, families, and young adults toward greater health and fulfillment. She has experience working with individuals experiencing PTSD, trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, life transitions, social struggles, family conflict, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. Sarah also has a passion for working with children and adults on the autism spectrum and is dedicated to providing neurodiverse-affirming care.
Sarah believes therapy can help individuals reach their full potential and believes in a strengths based, individualized approach. She enjoys working with children and families providing trauma-informed therapy and co-creating an open and collaborative space for healing and processing of emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Sarah has additional training in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Adam Mills, Psy.D.
He/Him
amills@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Dr. Mills works with children, adolescents, families, and adults, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, behavioral acting out, life transition struggles, family conflict, self-esteem, social concerns, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and trauma related issues. His vast experiences working in therapeutic day school settings has afforded Dr. Mills the opportunity to work with a diverse array of clients, as well as ignited his passion for working with those who are misunderstood and labeled in a negative way for their struggles.
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Dr. Mills is known for his creativity, genuine nature, and empathic response to his clients. His positive energy, humor, and calm demeanor provide clients with a feeling of safety, facilitating great change and growth. He integrates expressive and creative methods into treatment when traditional "talk therapy" is not suited to an individual, and also focuses on strengths and how to use these to promote a more healthy way of thinking.
Dr. Mills has developed various group therapies including integrating games and fantasy such as Dungeons and Dragons to build on his group members' life skills, social skills, and coping skills. Dr. Mills also has extensive knowledge of IEPs and 504 planning in the public school system, and is familiar with the struggles of navigating special education.

Ellie Paul, NCC
She/Her
epaul@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Ellie is passionate about working with individuals, families, and couples seeking help with various struggles including: mood disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, social communication, identity development, life transitions, sexual intimacy, parenting, and relationship conflict. She is also proud to be an affirming clinician, supporting clients who identify as LGBTQIA+, as well as those from marginalized backgrounds. Ellie is a graduate of The Family Institute at Northwestern University. She has additional training in Emotionally-Focused Family Therapy, Radically-Open DBT, and is grounded in psychodynamic and person-centered approaches. She also tailors her treatment techniques to the individual using CBT, Gottman Techniques, Exposure with Response Prevention, and Gestalt modalities, along with her trademark humor and empathy.
Ellie’s experience in residential placements, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient care settings afforded her the opportunity to work with clients aged 10-75 from diverse backgrounds and with unique life stories. Ellie’s approach includes helping clients see “outside the bubble” we find ourselves in from time to time. From grief & loss to sexuality & intimacy, Ellie works with clients to find or rediscover their authentic voices, creating a therapeutic “nest” of trust, compassion, and a healthy curiosity for the self.
When not working with clients, Ellie can be found cheering on area marching & symphonic bands or relaxing with her two rescue dogs.

Sam Payne, Psy.D.
He/Him
spayne@lincolnparkpsychology.com
Director of Neuropsychological Services
Director of Training: Diagnostic Assessment Externship
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Dr. Payne’s specialties include working with all ages, families, and couples/partners living with a variety of symptoms and presentations including but not limited to: depression and other mood disorders, anxiety symptoms, relational difficulties, persons presenting on the Autism Spectrum, people who identify as LGBTQIAA2S+, neurodivergent individuals, and those who have experienced trauma. Dr. Payne is also part of our LPP Assessment Team, conducting neuropsychological, academic, emotional/personality, and Autism Spectrum Disorder testing in our office.
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In working with his clients, Dr. Payne gathers the context of the person (such as environmental, societal, historical, and social factors) with the aim of understanding the client’s experiences as clearly as possible. He strives to incorporate an intersectional, validating, body-positive, and sex-positive approach to working with clients. He believes that a safe and empathic environment is one in which a client feels empowered and seen, resulting in a basis for movement towards self-actualization, individuation, and personal success.
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In addition to a diverse array of professional experience, Dr. Payne completed the Exploring Psychoanalysis fellowship with the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute to build upon his psychodynamic and psychoanalytic knowledge base and therapeutic experience. Dr. Payne is also trained in the usage of EMDR for various symptoms most notably associated with trauma.

Kelly Sawin, LCPC
She/Her
ksawin@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with a strengths‑ based, individualized approach, based on the belief that therapy is a collaborative journey where every client is the expert on their own life. Kelly was previously a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and although this certification is no longer necessary with her LCPC, she continues to support those with substance use and dependency issues, as well as teenagers and adults managing anxiety, depression, and trauma. Kelly is sought out for guiding clients through life’s twists and turns, exploring identity, values, and relationship dynamics to ensure lasting change in her clients. Building on years of professional experience, she is dedicated to creating a warm, empathetic space where innovative solutions meet personalized care.
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Kelly is particularly passionate about her work with clients navigating ADHD. With firsthand experience and specialized training, she helps individuals understand and embrace their unique thinking patterns. By integrating creative, mindful strategies and practical tools, she empowers clients to harness their focus, organize their lives, and transform challenges into strengths. Her approach centers on validating every experience and fostering self-compassion, so you can confidently move forward with clarity and purpose.

Patrick Sviokla, Psy.D.
He/Him
psviokla@lincolnparkpsychology.com
Director of Clinical Services
Clinical Training Director: Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
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Dr. Sviokla works with children, adolescents, families, and adults, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and trauma related issues. Dr. Sviokla focuses on building a rapport with his clients in order to foster a space for open communication, trust, and positive energy. He offers an interactive experience to those who require something alternative to “talk therapy” and is creative in his interventions. He has extensive expertise in working with schools and families to help children become more integrated into their social and academic communities, fostering a sense of belonging. Dr. Sviokla is also a part of our LPP Assessment Team, conducting neuropsychological, academic, emotional/personality testing in our office.
Dr. Sviokla provides a safe and non-judgmental space for clients of all types to feel comfortable exploring their unique strengths and challenges. Modern life presents a myriad of challenges to everyone and it is often difficult to understand these challenges alone. Dr. Sviokla believes that psychotherapy can help people gain a greater awareness of the roots of their symptoms, which often includes understandable but destructive patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion. Greater awareness leads to a greater ability to make positive changes.

Erin Trainor, LPC
She/They
etrainor@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Erin Trainor specializes in working with adults and adolescents, survivors of trauma, and those who struggle with depression, anxiety, OCD, and life changes. In addition to using Exposure and Ritual Prevention Therapy for those managing OCD symptoms, Erin uses a person-centered approach to counseling, using each client’s unique experience to guide her therapeutic interventions. Erin believes in helping clients identify their strengths and supports, as well as collaborating with each person to build the tools that they need to approach their goals. Her dynamic approach to assisting clients creates flexible, trusting, and adaptive relationships with adults, as well as youth and their families.
As a Certified Yoga Instructor, she often includes somatic tools (mind-body work, breath-work, etc.) to assist clients in becoming more grounded and connected to their bodies and their stories. She is committed to operating within an anti-oppression framework, and is a sex-positive counselor believing in serving the diverse needs of LGBTQIA+ clients in a way that supports their own lived experiences. Erin also has training in a Trauma-Informed Therapy Model, a Certification in Crisis Advocacy, and became a volunteer medical advocate for survivors of violence and sexual assault.

Makiya Tunstull
She/Her
mtunstall@lincolnparkpsychology.com
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Makiya is an integral part of our Testing Team and is excited to offer her services to clients looking to learn more about their functioning through neuropsychological testing. She hold a strong belief that it is vital for mental health providers to not only treat mental health and behavioral disorders, but also to understand the origin of dysfunction and develop an effective treatment plan. Over the years, Makiya has had the opportunity to engage with populations that range from school-aged children and adolescents to college-aged emerging adults and working adults. One of her favorite professional opportunities was administering assessments to children with Individualized Education Plans at a Chicago Public School. Her recent experience providing therapy services to patients at Hartgrove Hospital exposed her to a wide array of backgrounds, cultures, and disorders, broadening her understanding of how each individual may experience the same diagnosis differently. Makiya has also found much success with clients through the group process leading Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Groups, Aggression and Impulse Control Groups, as well as Trauma-Informed Groups. As part of a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Program, she gain invaluable experience administering trauma assessments to clients. Makiya is continuing her growth as a psychometrician under the supervision of Dr Payne, Director of Neuropsychological Services.