People have been interested in knots for thousands of years, due to their practical uses as well as their artistic appeal and spiritual symbolism. We chose a simple endless knot with no beginning or end to represent our practice. For us, the endless knot conveys the resiliency of relationships among people; the strength achieved by combining wisdom and compassion in health care; and the durability of change seen when individuals, families, and communities work together.
Behavioral Psychology Associates (BPA) opened its doors in April of 1990 and recently celebrated 32 years of service in the community. We are honored to have participated in the care of thousands of children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Ronald S. Dachman is a clinical psychologist and founder of Behavioral Psychology Associates, P.C. He has over 40 years experience working with children, adolescents, and families. His clinical interests include parent-child conflicts, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, issues related to divorce, and pediatric psychology.
Dr. Dachman received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Western Michigan University and completed his predoctoral internship in behavioral pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Dachman has published several articles in peer reviewed journals on treatment benefiting children and families. In 2019, he published his first children’s storybook, In the Blink of an Eye.
Dr. Dachman sees patients in the Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Ms. Deborah A. Megson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Practice Administrator at Behavioral Psychology Associates. She has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Ms. Megson’s clinical interests include helping parents and their young children navigate through everyday situations such as bedtime, toileting, daily routines, separation issues, social skills, and discipline. Other areas of interest include children and adolescents with anxiety and mood disorders, peer relationships, and family therapy.
Ms. Megson received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from Southern Illinois University. Her clinical and administrative experience includes working for Head Start programs, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and the Ounce of Prevention program in Chicago. Ms. Megson is a member of the Illinois Counseling Association, the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association, the National Counseling Association, and the American Psychological Association.
Ms. Megson sees patients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Dr. Alyssa Burtner is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in therapy and assessment of children, adolescents, adults, and their families. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, parent-child conflict, parent-teen communication difficulties, learning disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), body image, eating disorders, life transitions, trauma, relationship difficulties, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Burtner received her B.A. in psychology from Valparaiso University. She received her master’s and doctoral degree’s in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Schaumburg, IL. Dr. Burtner has experience working in schools, domestic violence and homelessness agencies, and private practice. She has also supervised and trained predoctoral interns in group therapy and psychological assessment.
Dr. Burtner believes the relationship between patient and therapist is one of the most important parts of treatment. She aims to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for people to share their personal stories and respects that every person works through challenges at their own pace. Dr. Burtner uses a combination of cognitive behavioral, client-centered, and insight oriented interventions to help people decrease their symptoms, improve the quality of their relationships, and achieve academic or vocational success.
Dr. Burtner likes to keep her mind and body active in her free time. She has been a flutist for 20 years and enjoys listening to all genres of music and attending concerts. She also enjoys curling up on the couch with her cat, a cup of coffee, and a good book. She often starts her days with a CrossFit workout and enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Dr. Burtner sees patients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Dr. Oana Demian is a licensed clinical psychologist who received her doctoral degree from Adler University, Chicago. She has professional experience in school and private practice settings with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Demian’s clinical interests include ADHD, anxiety, behavioral challenges, depression, interpersonal difficulties, life transitions, and parent-child conflict.
Dr. Demian also conducts psychological evaluations for attention, learning disorders, and emotional challenges. Her approach to treatment incorporates interventions from play-therapy and cognitive behavioral treatment. Dr. Demian is passionate about making genuine connections and approaching each individual with openness and a humble perspective. She aspires to provide a comfortable and collaborative space for people to freely express themselves.
Dr Demian sees patients in our Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates offices and via telehealth.
Dr. Kristy Kipka is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in therapy and assessment of children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Her clinical interests include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attachment, parenting, and the assessment of learning disabilities.
Dr. Kipka received her B.S. in applied psychology from Loyola University of Chicago. She received her master's and doctoral degree's in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Rolling Meadows. Dr. Kipka’s internship was completed at Provena Mercy Hospital in Aurora. Postdoctoral training was completed at United Stand Family Counseling Center.
Dr. Kipka has 17 years of experience working with students from Chicago Archdiocesan Schools in Chicago and the suburbs. She also taught for 3 years at a special education cooperative. Dr. Kipka has supervised and trained many doctoral candidates completing diagnostic and therapy practica, predoctoral internships, and postdoctoral training. She also has extensive experience consulting with school staff and administrators, and in crisis intervention.
Dr. Kipka sees patients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Amy Knize is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in the treatment of anxiety-related concerns, mood disorders, and relationship issues. She has over 13 years counseling experience with adults, adolescents, couples, and families.
Amy received her master's degree in counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Amy's counseling experience includes work with individuals, families, couples, and facilitating group treatment. Prior to joining BPA, Amy refined her skill sets in multiple settings including a counseling center for women and families with parenting and behavioral health needs, an agency specializing in domestic violence, and an Employee Assistance Program. She has received additional training in domestic violence issues (40 hr IL certification), strategic family therapy, Gottman Method couples therapy, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Amy is goal-oriented and tailors treatment to the individual needs of each client. In addition, she collaborates with other professionals to ensure well-rounded care for her clients. Amy is a member of the Illinois Counseling Association and the Illinois Mental Health Counselor's Association.
Ms. Knize sees patients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Alex Kondic, M.D., joined our treatment team in 2015 and has been practicing as a psychiatrist since 2004. Dr. Kondic was born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He began his medical training at Banja Luka in former Yugoslavia; however, he had to suspend his education in 1993, due to the civil war that began in what was then Yugoslavia.
He completed his medical training at Charles University, in Prague, in 1998. Shortly thereafter he moved to the United States and completed his medical internship at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, in 2005. Dr. Kondic finished the final leg of his medical training at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago in 2008.
He has treated patients for a wide variety of disorders and has a special interest in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; anxiety disorders, including but not limited to, obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder; and the range of mood disorders. Dr. Kondic is trained in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and brief psychodynamic therapy.
He is multilingual and is fluent in Serbian, Czech, and English. He is married and has two daughters. His leisure time interests include reading, playing guitar, and chess.
Dr. Kondic sees patients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Dr. Clark Kopelman is a licensed social worker and school psychologist who is dedicated to helping children and families. Over the last quarter of a century, he has focused his training and work in the areas of child and adolescent home and school-based behavioral challenges, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, academic productivity, peer relationship difficulties, crisis intervention, giftedness/talent development, twice exceptionality, and crisis management.
Dr. Kopelman received his B.A. in Psychology from Grinnell College, his MSW from Washington University in St. Louis, and his Ed.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. Dr. Kopelman has trained in hospital-based behavioral pediatric clinics, an in-patient child psychiatry unit, crisis hotlines, a university counseling center, and at the Belin Blank Center for Giftedness. Dr. Kopelman completed his pre-doctoral internship at Academy South, a public therapeutic day school in Township High School District 211.
After finishing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Kopelman completed two AmeriCorps experiences at an agency for alternative youth. He next worked as a therapist at a private therapeutic boarding school after completing his MSW. After earning his educational specialist degree (Ed.S.) and Ph.D., Dr. Kopelman worked as a school psychologist in public school settings for seven years, including five years in a special education cooperative.
Dr. Kopelman believes that the therapeutic alliance is necessary in all work, including assessment, intervention, consultation, and therapy. Clients can best pursue change when they are aligned with an accepting, empathetic, and experienced professional who collaboratively identifies their needs, creates an informed plan, and actively gathers information throughout to monitor treatment success.
Dr. Kopelman loves adventure and exploration. In addition to wrangling two young children, he has traveled to 27 countries across six continents (Antarctica is up next!). Dr. Kopelman is an avid photographer and a music enthusiast who has played guitar for 31 years.
Dr. Kopelman sees clients in our Hoffman Estates and Arlington Heights offices.
Dr. Christina Miksis is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working with children, adolescents, adults, and families for almost 20 years. Dr. Miksis’ clinical interests include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, oppositional and/or defiant behavior, ADHD, parent-child conflict, and couples counseling.
She received an undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Iowa and her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Miksis completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Menta Group. She has extensive experience in administration, clinical trials, student training, supervision/consultation, and providing educational presentations.
Dr. Miksis sees patients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Ellen Sagendorph is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Her clinical interests include anxiety-related concerns; depression and other mood disorders; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); home and/or school-based behavioral challenges; school consultation, including the development of IEP and/or 504 plans; peer relationships and social skills training; self-injury; and LGBTQIA support. Ellen’s practice will focus on the behavioral health of children, adolescents, and families.
Ellen received her masters degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago: Jane Addams College of Social Work and her bachelors degree in social work from Illinois State University. Before transitioning to BPA, Ellen worked as a school social worker at the high school, middle school and elementary school levels.
Ms. Sagendorph sees patients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Suellen Shively-Mack is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of outpatient settings, including community-based mental health facilities. She received her Master’s Degree from The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, with a focus on children and families and the use of cognitive-behavioral treatment strategies.
Suellen’s clinical interests include depression; anxiety; adjustment to divorce and other divorce-related matters; parent-child and parent-adolescent management issues, couples and family therapy, managing stress and life transitions; and family-based treatment of eating disorders.
As a bilingual Spanish speaker, Suellen has experience working with Spanish-speaking populations and providing them with linguistically and culturally competent treatment. Suellen uses a collaborative, supportive approach to help her clients build upon their individual and family strengths in order to achieve their goals.
Ms. Shively-Mack sees patients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Dr. Virginia (Gigi) Seng is a licensed clinical psychologist. Affiliated with Behavioral Psychology Associates since 1999, Dr. Seng specializes in working with children, adolescents and families. Her clinical interests include social skills training, treatment of anxiety disorders, treatment of trichotillomania, and pediatric psychology.
Dr. Seng earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University in Chicago. She received her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Child Clinical Psychology from DePaul University in Chicago. While earning her doctorate, Dr. Seng received clinical training at a diverse range of sites including the community mental health center at DePaul University, the developmental assessment program at Children’s Memorial Hospital, and the community mental health center at Mercy Hospital. She completed her predoctoral internship at Children’s Hospital in Boston where she had a fellowship in psychology through the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Seng is a member of the American Psychological Association.
Dr. Seng sees patients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Sheryl Sierakowski is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her clinical interests include anxiety-related concerns, depression, neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, home and school-based behavioral challenges, grief/loss, relationship issues, trauma, and athletic performance.
Sheryl received her master's degree in counseling from National-Louis University. Her clinical experience includes school-based counseling, therapy on behalf of individuals, parents, families, and couples, as well as facilitating an intensive outpatient program for adolescents presenting with substance use and/or abuse. Sheryl tailors treatment to the individual needs of each client. In addition, she enjoys collaborating with other professionals to ensure well-rounded care for her clients.
Sheryl is a member of several counseling associations, including the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Illinois Mental Health Counselor's Association (IMHCA), and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). She routinely pursues opportunities for professional growth in order to provide the most appropriate care for her clients.
Ms. Sierakowski sees petients in our Hoffman Estates office and via telehealth.
Our support staff greet patients, answer phones, listen to voicemail messages throughout the day, conduct new patient intakes, make sure new patient sessions are scheduled with the most appropriate clinician, check clinician waitlists to fill openings, and trouble shoot with clinicians to help patients schedule appointments in a timely fashion. They also monitor insurance verifications and other insurance-related matters and work with clinicians and patients regarding billing questions. They work hard to make it easier for patients to focus on their treatment.
I highly recommend Behavioral Psychology Associates and have trusted this practice to treat a variety of patient problems for over twenty years. They have skilled therapists who form individualized treatment plans for each patient. They work closely with the primary care pediatricians to help each child succeed in their current challenge. They are excellent communicators and will match your child with a therapist to meet his or her needs.
I am a practicing primary care pediatrician in Hoffman Estates and Algonquin with several associates. For over 20 years, our practice has been referring patients with a variety of psychological problems to Behavioral Psychology Associates under the direction of Ronald Dachman, Ph. D. Our patients have typically commented that they are very happy with the professional mental health services that they received at Behavioral Psychology Associates, and we would certainly continue to recommend their services.
I have been a Pediatrician in Schaumburg for 13 years and have worked closely with Dr. Ron Dachman and his associates on many occasions. Dr. Dachman has treated our patients with kindness and compassion. The level of his care has exceeded expectations. My partners and I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Dachman in our community.
I have been a local pediatrician for many years. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Dr. Ron Dachman and his gifted colleagues for the mental health concerns of my patients and their families. The wonderful team at Behavioral Psychology Associates is well-equipped to provide comprehensive and caring support through a variety of challenging mental health issues that children and their parents face today.
Included among these issues are behavioral and school problems, depression and anxiety, stressors of life transitions and chronic illnesses, and even coping with loss and grief. The dedicated professionals at Behavioral Psychology Associates have the knowledge and skills to guide families to successfully manage their difficulties, and do so with kindness and compassion.
I rely on our partnership to provide complete emotional health and wellbeing for my patients and their families. I confidently recommend Behavioral Psychology Associates as a valuable source of excellent care.
Today, mental health concerns account for a large portion of what I treat in primary care pediatrics. It is vitally important to have access to knowledgeable and trusted mental health professionals with whom I can consult. Behavioral Psychology Associates has been a reliable source of high quality care for my patients since I started in practice twenty years ago. Over that time I’ve developed a collaborative relationship with several of the psychologists on staff. They have served as a valuable resource for advice in dealing with a multitude of issues from ADHD to depression and suicidality and have provided compassionate and comprehensive care to many of my patients who were in need of diagnosis, counseling and emotional support. The care I have experienced, both personally and professionally, has always demonstrated the utmost concern for my patients well-being, and I refer with confidence that my patients emotional and behavioral needs will be well taken care of.
I have been a practicing pediatrician in Arlington Heights for 15 years. Right from the start, I have been fortunate to be part of a collaborative relationship with Dr. Dachman and many other wonderful psychologists at Behavioral Psychology Associates. Many patients have benefitted from the variety of services that they offer. Patients and parents working through preschool behavioral problems, academic concerns, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and many other psychological issues have been supported and guided with great professional skill, empathy, and compassion. I appreciate their willingness to communicate with me so that together we can help our patients. I highly recommend Behavioral Psychology Associates to my patients and have seen wonderful results!
It has been my pleasure to call Dr. Dachman my friend for almost 50 years. We grew up together in the northern suburbs, playing baseball almost every day in the summer. We attended high school together and reconnected again once we started our practices. I can state, without hesitation, that Dr. Dachman is one of the most caring, committed, and compassionate caregivers that I have had the pleasure to work with. He has always been available for patient discussions, has been a resource for information pertaining to all aspects of child and adolescent psychology, and has promptly and comprehensively communicated with us regarding mutual patients. The rest of his staff has been refreshingly approachable and receptive to our requests and suggestions. When a patient requires urgent intervention, Dr. Dachman and his associates have always been able to accommodate our requests in an efficient and timely manner. Unfortunately, mental health issues have become a greater percentage of our practice than ever before. Patients with attention deficit disorders, depression, anxiety, and poor academic performance issues are seen on a daily basis. It is important to have a superior referral source to handle these issues. I recommend Behavioral Psychology Associates without hesitation.
As a pediatrician, and mom of three, I see the challenges that families face while raising children in today’s complicated world. Some children experience extreme adversity while others struggle with the typical stressors of trying to measure up with their peers. Dr. Dachman and his colleagues are an instrumental resource for kids and their parents by helping to teach coping mechanisms to successfully confront challenges, as well as useful strategies to bounce back from setbacks. The clinicians at Behavioral Psychology Associates work as a team with the family and child’s pediatrician to help promote the emotional health and well-being for children with a wide range of psychological needs. I feel fortunate to have had such a close working relationship for more than ten years with this very dedicated group of psychologists.
Our pediatric practice in Arlington Heights has been referring patients to Ron Dachman and his colleagues at Behavioral Psychology Associates for over 25 years. They have handled some of our more challenging cases and have always been readily available to consult with us by phone or email. Our confidence in their work is best demonstrated by the number of our own staff and friends’ family members who we have referred to them.
I have been a Pediatrician in the Barrington and Crystal Lake Community for the last 30 years. Ron Dachman and others at Behavioral Psychology Associates have caringly guided our patients and families for the last 15 years. For part of that time, Ron and his staff shared our office together. Those days were so amazing! I would, several times a week be able to see,share and talk to them about all my patient referrals This group is by far and away the best pediatric psychology group in the Northwestern suburbs. I have seven partners in my pediatric group,and we all are thankful for the Behavioral Psychology team....As I say every day to my patients--we want the A team for your child and family. This practice will continue to receive my special patients.
I have been a Pediatrician in Schaumburg for 40 years and it has been my great pleasure to have worked with Dr. Ron Dachman and his associates for many of those years. As a Pediatric specialist in Psychology Dr. Dachman has served our patients in their time of need with much care, compassion, and concern. I, as well as my partners at Woodfield Pediatrics, cannot thank Dr. Dachman enough.