Our Team
Sara Bartus, MA, MSW, LCSW (She / Her)
Practice Owner
Sara Bartus has been working with children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, and social skills challenges for over 10 years. She utilizes an individualized and personal approach with each client and incorporates principles of structured teaching and applied behavior analysis into her work.
Sara graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work and psychology and then went on to receive her master’s in social work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has a second master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Sara is trained in structured teaching and was honored to accept an invitation to the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF) Future Leaders program.
Sara values each and every one of her clients and prides herself on helping them reach the milestones they have set. She offers individual therapy and also assists in the facilitation of group social skills therapy.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO, UnitedHealthcare / Optum PPO
Dr. Genevieve Thornton, Psy.D. (She / Her)
Founder of SociAbility
Dr. Thornton, is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of SociAbility. Her professional goal is to create a whole life for the people she serves – those with autism spectrum disorders. She has been working with children and adolescents for nearly 20 years, and she is dedicated to helping her patients become interested, engaged members of their communities.
Dr. Thornton has been in private practice in Northbrook, IL, since 2008. Prior to that, she worked with neurobehavioral centers in the Chicagoland area, including Rush Neurobehavioral Center in Skokie, the Pediatric Consultation Center in Glenview, the University of Chicago and the Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Dr. Thornton also conducts diagnostic evaluations for autism for those who have not yet received a diagnosis.
She is a graduate of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Insurance Accepted: None (Private Pay Only)
Dr. Grant W. Boyer, Psy.D. (He / Him)
Dr. Boyer is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with majors in Psychology and English. He has an MA from Loyola University in Community Counseling and a doctorate (Psy.D.) from The Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a minor in Psychoanalytic Therapy. Dr. Boyer has spent 20 years as clinical director at L.L. Kerns, MD and Associates, specializing in psychotherapy for children, adolescents, young adults, and families.
Dr. Boyer has extensive experience conducting psychological testing for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, cognitive functioning, intellectual/learning disorders, emotional disorders, and personality functioning. He has supervised post-doctoral fellows for 15 years. Clients who seek counseling services from Dr. Boyer struggle with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar depression, major depression, PTSD, personality disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, autism spectrum disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, sexual orientation concerns, and impulsivity. Dr. Boyer is on varied insurance panels, with years of experience conducting disability evaluations for the State of Illinois. Interests include self-care, health, exercise, reading, and parenting.
Insurance Accepted: Aetna PPO, BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, UnitedHealthcare / Optum PPO
Dr. Alexandra Scekic, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Psy.D., LBA, BCBA (She / Her)
Dr. Alexandra Scekic is a dually trained school psychologist and Licensed, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), currently completing her postdoctoral fellowship in clinical psychology. She provides comprehensive assessment and individualized therapy services for children and adolescents at SociAbility. Dr. Scekic earned her doctoral degree in School Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and holds a master's degree in Educational Psychology and a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. She completed her predoctoral internship through the Illinois School Psychology Internship Consortium.
Dr. Scekic has extensive experience supporting children and adolescents across school, clinic, home, and private practice settings. She brings over seven years of experience supporting children with autism and other developmental needs, including early intervention and school-age services. Her background includes developmental assessment, behavioral intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration, allowing her to tailor her approach to each child's communication style, learning profile, and unique developmental path. Her combined training in psychology and behavior analysis enables her to integrate developmental, behavioral, and emotional perspectives when supporting children and families.
Dr. Scekic is committed to culturally responsive and neurodiversity-affirming care. She believes deeply in partnering with parents and caregivers, honoring their insight, and working together to create meaningful, achievable goals. Her communication style is warm, clear, collaborative, and patient. She values building trusting relationships and adapting her approach to each child's individual needs and developmental level. Her therapeutic approach is relationship-focused and grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavioral interventions, mindfulness strategies, and play-based techniques to help children feel safe, capable, and proud of their progress. Above all, she strives to create a supportive environment where children can grow with confidence and families feel truly seen and supported.
Dr. Shawna L. Solsvig, Post-Doctoral Fellow, MA, LPC, R-DMT, GL-CMA, GIPC (She / Her)
Dr. Shawna Solsvig is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed dance/movement therapist (R-DMT), Graduate Laban Certified Movement Analyst (GL-CMA), and Dr. Becky Kennedy Certified Good Inside Parent Coach® who is completing Post-Doctoral training at SociAbility. With more than 20 years of training and experience, she has worked with people with diverse challenges across the life span, specializing in early childhood and elementary-age development, and parent coaching. In addition to therapy, Dr. Solsvig provides psychological assessments. Dr. Solsvig graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Psychology, and a minor in Spanish. She completed a terminal masters degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling, and a Graduate Certificate in Laban Movement Analysis from Columbia College Chicago. Dr. Solsvig holds a second masters degree in Clinical Psychology, and completed her doctoral studies in the same, at The Chicago School.
Dr. Solsvig has experience working with multi-cultural, interdisciplinary teams in locations such as behavioral and medical hospitals, public and private schools, community mental health, wellness organizations, and private practice. She is a passionate advocate who brings a genuine inquisitiveness, accessibility, and collaborative style to her interactions. In addition to providing parent guidance, she has facilitated individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds and various life experiences.
Hailing from the Midwest, Dr. Solsvig enjoys reading, water-skiing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She has lived abroad, speaks Spanish conversationally, loves new adventures, and is endlessly inquisitive. She is an Enneagram 2 (The Helper), an optimist at heart, and is humbly honored when invited to walk alongside people in their earth life journey.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO
Dr. Carly Walder, Psy.D. (She / Her)
Dr. Walder is a licensed clinical psychologist who has more than 10 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children and adolescents, in addition to providing parent support services and facilitating group therapy for children and adolescents. Throughout her trainings and clinical practice, she has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds who have presented with a variety of struggles and challenges. Various settings that she has trained and worked in include a private practice, a therapeutic day school, and various social service agencies, including one specializing in autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, she has worked in a special education classroom and started her career path by volunteering as a social peer and at a crisis hotline.
Dr. Walder received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her dissertation research focused on collaborating with young adult siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum in order to better understand their lived experiences and to find strengths and solutions to challenges that they have encountered.
Dr. Walder takes a relational approach to therapy and incorporates systemic and behavioral techniques. In addition, she utilizes techniques from evidence-based therapies while working with children and adolescents. She enjoys collaborating with other professionals and works to find appropriate referrals for various services needed as she sees the whole child.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, UnitedHealthcare / Optum PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO
Dr. Maria Yakovleva, Psy.D. (She / Her)
Dr. Yakovleva is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in neurodevelopmental assessment. She has extensive experience providing diagnostic clarification of autism spectrum disorder and related conditions in medical and rehabilitation settings. Dr. Yakovleva is committed to making assessments a collaborative and therapeutic process. In addition to psychological assessments, she specializes in treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Clients can expect focused, goal-directed therapy sessions grounded in interventions that have been proven to work, such as exposure and response prevention. Dr. Yakovleva values the participation of family members and other providers in the treatment process to enhance boundaries and foster lasting change.
Dr. Yakovleva holds her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Pediatric Developmental Center at Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Her dissertation research during graduate school explored social factors contributing to perceived loneliness. She completed a doctoral internship at Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Yakovleva earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of San Diego and served as a special education teacher through Teach For America. Dr. Yakovleva is experienced in providing services in both the English and Russian languages.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO, UnitedHealthcare / Optum PPO
Samantha Biggio, MSW, LCSW (She / Her)
Samantha is a licensed clinical social worker with expertise helping children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder. She sees every client as their own, and uses an individualized and personal approach while incorporating structured teaching and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
In addition to private practice, Samantha has extensive experience in a therapeutic day school where she works with a variety of age groups (kindergarten through college). She has experience as a job coach, enabling clients to be successful in the real world by learning skills like interviewing, professional communication and etiquette.
Samantha graduated from St. Ambrose University with a bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology. After her undergrad, she went on to earn a master’s degree in Social Work from Erikson Institute in Chicago, where she focused on children and family services in the community.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO, UnitedHealthcare / Optum PPO
Jennifer Bonk, MSW, LSW, PEL (She / Her)
Jennifer graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a focus on children and families, from Northeastern Illinois University. In 2022, Jennifer received her Professional Educator’s License (PEL) in School Social Work from the University of Chicago. She has extensive experience working with youth and adults on the autism spectrum, as well as serving clientele afflicted with anxiety, depression, oppositional defiance disorder, and learning disabilities.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a School Social Worker, Jennifer supports her clients through a person-centered approach. She engages her clients by utilizing evidence-based frameworks and collaborating with her clients to develop goals, utilize positive coping skills, and engage in appropriate social interactions. We are extremely grateful to have Jennifer aboard to share her talents by facilitating group therapy.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO
Karen Cohen, MS, LPC, NCC (She / Her)
Karen is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, identity concerns, and significant life transitions. She also works thoughtfully with neurodivergent adults and values creating treatment that is individualized, reflective, and responsive to each person's unique needs and goals.
Her approach is relational, insight-oriented, and collaborative. Drawing from psychodynamic and Jungian perspectives, Karen helps clients better understand the emotional patterns, beliefs, and relational dynamics that may be shaping their lives outside of their awareness. She believes that effective therapy begins with a strong therapeutic relationship and strives to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, carefully understood, and supported in making changes that are both meaningful and lasting.
Karen earned her bachelor's degree in philosophy from Northwestern University and her master's degree in counseling from National Louis University. She completed an Advanced Clinical Fellowship in Trauma at the Center for Contextual Change and graduated from the Jungian Psychotherapy Program at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago. She holds degrees in art education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and, as a practicing artist, brings a genuinely creative and symbolic orientation to her clinical work — a way of perceiving pattern, form, and meaning that informs how she listens and what she notices.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO
Lauren Crane, MSW, LCSW (She / Her)
Lauren Crane is a licensed clinical social worker who works with children, adolescents, and parents navigating ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, mood disorders, learning differences, emotional regulation challenges, and social difficulties. She has experience providing therapy in both therapeutic school and clinical settings and is passionate about helping clients feel more confident, connected, and understood.
Lauren takes a warm, collaborative, and strengths-based approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs and personality. She incorporates evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, social-emotional learning, and social skills support to help clients build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and navigate everyday challenges with greater confidence. She is also trained in the UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®).
Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Business and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Miami University (Ohio), her Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and her Master of Social Work from Boston University.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO
Cameron Klemme, Marriage and Family Therapy Intern (She / Her)
Cameron is passionate about supporting neurodivergent clients—including those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning differences—as well as individuals managing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. She also works with clients navigating relational challenges, building social skills, and cultivating deeper self-awareness in connection with others.
Her therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and holistic, integrating mindfulness practices to help clients develop present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, and greater connection to themselves and others. Cameron explores how past experiences and relational patterns influence current functioning, while working collaboratively with clients to foster resilience, insight, and self-compassion.
Cameron believes that meaningful therapeutic work is rooted in a strong, trusting relationship. She strives to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen and heard—one that invites curiosity, authenticity, and emotional safety. Her goal is to help each client feel empowered to explore their inner world and build deeper, more fulfilling connections in their lives.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Aetna PPO, Cigna PPO
Carlie Krider, MSW, LCSW, NMT Phase I (She / Her)
Carlie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has been working with SociAbility since Fall 2023. She graduated with her master's degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago in May 2024. Her degree specialization is in advanced clinical practice, with an emphasis on children and families.
Carlie has extensive experience working with children and adolescents. In previous experiences, she has served clientele on the autism spectrum, as well as those with ADHD, social anxiety, and oppositional defiance disorder. Carlie approaches every client from a client-centered and strengths-based approach, while taking into consideration the environmental aspects at play in a person’s life. She believes in collaborating with her clients to develop goals, learn positive coping strategies, and engage in favorable social interactions.
Carlie has undergone advanced training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Carlie has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. NMT provides a framework for understanding and addressing the relationship between brain development and functioning in the context of trauma. Through assessments that collect full developmental history as well as current functioning levels, NMT trained clinicians are able to tailor interventions and promote healing through a developmentally-sensitive, trauma-informed approach.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO
Danielle Pettinato, MS, LCPC (They / Them)
Everyone is the expert of their own story. Danielle focuses on listening and providing a safe space to collaboratively explore the challenges that inhibit individuals from leading a meaningful life. We can often feel helpless and hopeless as a result of past experiences or due to feeling a loss of control in our lives. Danielle helps clients focus on how their current thoughts, actions, and behaviors keep them stuck in an endless, vicious cycle of constant struggle. Danielle empowers individuals to reclaim control of their lives and draw from their strengths and resiliency to move toward positive change.
Danielle is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with experience working with individuals with a wide variety of mental health struggles, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, and self-injury. They have provided mental health treatment for the past seven years in both an inpatient setting and within local community organizations.
Danielle obtained their master’s in Clinical Counseling from National Louis University. They specialize in CBT, DBT, mood management, behavioral therapy, and establishing connections with others.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO
Chris Sheard, MSW, LCSW (He / Him)
Chris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been working with SociAbility since 2016. Over the years, he has supported children, teens, and adults in strengthening emotional awareness, communication, and executive functioning skills across both individual and group therapy settings. He earned his Master’s in Social Work from Boise State University and has extensive experience working with neurodivergent clients as well as those navigating anxiety, depression, and social challenges.
Chris takes a person-centered approach to therapy, prioritizing the development of a genuine, trusting relationship with each client. He connects through shared interests and creates a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves while working toward meaningful goals.
His work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping clients build psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, open, and engaged even when facing difficult thoughts or emotions. Chris supports clients in exploring their values and making choices that align with the kind of life they want to live.
With neurodivergent clients, Chris emphasizes a balanced approach to social development that centers on self-acceptance. He helps individuals better understand their own experiences, including awareness of masking and its impact, while also building practical social skills and goals that can be adapted across different contexts.
Chris is dedicated to helping his clients increase confidence, deepen self-understanding, and create lives that feel both fulfilling and aligned with who they are.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO
Halle Winkler, MSW, LSW, PEL (She / Her)
Halle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who received her master’s degree in social work from Aurora University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Elmhurst University. Her concentration is in School Social Work (PEL/Type 73). Halle completed her school concentration internship at Glenbard South High School where she worked on social-emotional goals with students in the special education setting, ran social skills groups, provided Tier 1 and Tier 2 Interventions in the alternative education setting, and provided social-emotional support to students in the general education setting.
Halle is currently a high school social worker in Oak Park, IL. Additionally, Halle is a certified yoga teacher and earned her 200hr Yoga Teacher & Social Emotional Learning Facilitator certification from Breathe for Change in 2021. Halle is passionate about mental health and empowering her clients to see their own strengths.
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross BlueShield PPO, BlueCross BlueShield Blue Choice PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO