About Alex
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in working with children, teens, and young adults—especially individuals with chronic medical conditions. I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology (Child/Family Subspecialty) from Loyola University Chicago in 2016. I completed a clinical internship in pediatric psychology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (2015–2016), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (2016-2019). Currently, I am a faculty member at Northwestern University in the Department of Medical Social Sciences. There, I conduct community-engaged research focused on helping adolescents and young adults with cancer and survivors engage in healthy behaviors and enhance their well-being.
My clinical expertise centers on providing evidence-based therapy to address emotional, behavioral, and social challenges during childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood. For younger patients, I often involve caregivers in the therapeutic process. I use a range of approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and behavioral interventions. I take a developmental-systems perspective, which means I consider how various life stages and social contexts—such as family and peer relationships—can present both challenges and opportunities for growth.
I especially enjoy working with young people navigating stress, anxiety, and depression, including during life transitions such as entering adulthood, adjusting to a new medical diagnosis or treatment, or coping with changes in school, work, or relationships. I also support clients in building healthy self-care habits, such as following medical recommendations, exercising regularly, and getting quality sleep. My goal is to help each individual develop practical tools to manage stress and stay grounded in the values and activities that matter most to them.
