Dr. Pecho (she/her/hers) is a clinical psychologist (and state-certified school psychologist) who works with children, adolescents, and young adults to address a variety of concerns, especially anxiety, mood issues, and school-related stressors (e.g., academic performance, social relationships). She supports clients in developing a healthy relationship with their thoughts and emotions that allows them to feel empowered to act on what is in their control and skilled in moving through what is out of their control.
Dr. Pecho specializes in supporting parents of anxious children and teens as well as parents whose children have difficulty with behavioral and emotional self-regulation. She helps parents and caregivers feel confident in their ability to support their child in managing their emotions, which leads to them feeling more connected to their child and finding greater enjoyment as a family.
When working with younger children, Dr. Pecho seeks to build their awareness of the brain-body connection and how they can feel more in control of their actions and more comfortable with their emotional experience. Dr. Pecho works closely with their parents/caregivers so that they can confidently support their child’s skill development at home, and she has ample experience collaborating with school staff and other providers to help the child see success across settings.
Dr. Pecho is committed to her care being affirming to all, including neurodivergent folks, the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with all racial, ethnic, and religious identities. She believes that all clients bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to therapy and that it is her job to help them do more of whatever it is that they value.
In her free time, Dr. Pecho enjoys spending time with her family and friends, relaxing at home with a book/movie/craft, and exploring the outdoors.
Types of Therapy Utilized: ACT, DBT, CBT, ERP, PMT, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)
Education and Training Background: Dr. Pecho completed her doctoral training at Illinois State University and her pre-doctoral internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Susan Myket, Ph.D. & Associates. Dr. Pecho has worked in a variety of settings, including private practice, a hospital-based outpatient clinic, and schools (preschool through 12th).
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pecho, she can be reached at 847-272-2484 or [email protected].
Dr. Leja (she/her/hers) is a clinical psychologist and state-certified school psychologist who works with children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers. She completed her doctoral training at Illinois State University and clinical pre-doctoral internship in pediatric psychology and integrated care at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Following internship, she completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Susan Myket, Ph.D. & Associates. Dr. Leja has provided services in hospitals, pediatric primary care offices, independent practice, and schools (preschool through 12th grade and K-8 therapeutic day).
Dr. Leja works with children and their families to address a variety of concerns, such as anxiety (including OCD), depression and low self-esteem, attention concerns, school stressors, peer/social difficulties, and challenges with emotional and behavioral regulation. By providing tools for clients to develop a greater awareness of the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, Dr. Leja helps children become skilled in managing their emotions and choosing their actions. Dr. Leja also specializes in working with parents/caregivers to translate evidence-based treatments into practical, effective strategies that caregivers can confidently implement at home to support their child.
When working with adolescents and young adults, Dr. Leja aims to provide a supportive environment for clients to explore their values and the ways in which their current actions are moving them towards or away from the things they find important. Dr. Leja works with adolescents/young adults on concerns like anxiety, OCD, depression/low mood, life transitions (e.g., high school to college), academic pressure, workplace stress, and social issues. Dr. Leja’s clients benefit from learning skills to lessen the impact of unhelpful thoughts and unpleasant feelings so that they can focus on engaging in meaningful life activities.
Dr. Leja’s treatment approach is informed by evidence-based practices, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and behavioral parent training techniques. She is committed to providing a therapeutic environment that is open to and affirming of all identities, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and those of all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
During her free time, Dr. Leja enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, hiking, and reading in her back yard.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leja, she can be reached at 847-272-2484 or [email protected]