Behavioral
Health

Eyonna Knighten, Psy.D. is a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Pediatric Psychology at Primary Care Psychology Associates. Dr. Knighten earned her Doctoral degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a specialization in child and trauma psychology. She completed her Doctoral Internship at MiraCare Neurobehavioral Health in Palos Heights, IL.

Dr. Knighten’s clinical experiences include working in pediatric hospitals and outpatient settings with children, adolescents, and their families. She has received training in various evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as attachment-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), play therapy, and person-centered therapy.

When addressing patient needs, Dr. Knighten emphasizes holistic evidence-based care from a biopsychosocial perspective. She is passionate about developing individualized treatment plans specific to patient needs. To help her patients understand their strengths and challenges, Dr. Knighten believes in providing a supportive environment to promote resiliency, self-compassion, insight, and growth.

Areas of Expertise

ADHD, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorders, Attachment, Autism, Depression, Conduct Disorder, Grief, Psychological Testing, Trauma and Trauma-related psychological concerns 

Denise Gardner received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Marquette University, completed her pre-doctoral internship at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, and her fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

"I enjoy helping children learn to better understand their emotions and experiences and to develop skills to cope with difficult situations in their lives. It’s great to see the sense of pride and accomplishment when children are able to take charge and feel empowered to overcome challenges in their lives. Sometimes they even use therapy skills to help their friends who are having a hard time!"

Denise takes pride in working with youth with a variety of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, disruptive behaviors, and difficulties with emotion regulation. When she is not at work, Denise enjoys traveling, reading, and making cross-stitch gifts for her family and friends.

Q&A

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU THINK PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN 

ABOUT YOU?

For 10 years, I was a figure skating coach for the Special Olympics. It was immensely rewarding! 

WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Doughnuts! Whenever I travel, I make sure to put a local doughnut place on the itinerary.

WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I’ve always been inspired by the work of Fred Rogers (“Mr. Rogers”). A quote that resonates with me is If we … can only make it clear that feelings are mentionable and manageable, we will have done a great service for mental health.

Margaret Christie, Ph.D. is the Director of Assessment and a Pediatric Psychologist at Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC. She earned her Doctoral and Master’s degrees from Illinois State University in School Psychology with an emphasis on working with children, adolescents, and families. Prior to this, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Christie completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Munroe Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. There, she completed specialized training in providing services in primary care medical settings. Dr. Christie has worked in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, and community clinics. Her research has focused on the development and delivery of valid and reliable evaluations for ADHD and Autism.

Dr. Christie utilizes evidence-based approaches when working with children and families and has extensive experience with cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, social skills training, exposure therapy, exposure and response prevention, and habit reversal training among many other techniques. She enjoys using a warm, client-centered, and solution-focused approach with families and incorporates clients’ strengths and values into treatment to empower them to reach their goals.

Dr. Christie sees patients at Fairview Pediatrics in Grayslake, Illinois, and via virtual visits.

Shauna Freedman, Psy.D. earned her degree at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In her free time, Shauna enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband have a daughter.

Shauna sees patients in-person at Pediatric Partners and can see any PediaTrust patient virtually, no matter which office they usually go to.

"I have always loved (even from an early age) working with children. From a young age, I have always connected well with youth. When I knew I wanted to pursue psychology, I did not think twice about specializing in pediatrics. I’m passionate about helping the pediatric population manage any challenges they may face through strengths-based and creative modalities."

Q&A

WHAT IS YOUR COMFORT FOOD?

Chocolate!

WHAT ARE YOUR GUILTY PLEASURES?

The Bachelor and General Hospital!

WHAT ARE YOU THE MOST PROUD OF?

I’m most proud of being a mom and being able to balance my career and motherhood!

Kimberly Nguyen, MA is a Psychology Intern in Pediatric Psychology at Primary Care Psychology Associates. She is currently completing the final year of her doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology from The University of Michigan – Flint, and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Kimberly has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with a wide range of presenting concerns. She has trained out of a variety of clinical settings, including psychiatric hospitals, private practice, and community mental health clinics. She is proficient in providing individual, family, and group interventions. Her clinical interests include working with individuals and families experiencing acute and chronic reactions to traumatic stress, and with presenting problems such as mood and/or anxiety-related difficulties, eating disordered behaviors, emotional dysregulation, identity development, LGBTQIA+ challenges, and sexual violence intervention and prevention. Kimberly is passionate about providing service to vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized populations.

Kimberly’s approach to therapy is based on an integrative modality, emphasizing CBT, DBT, and systems theories. Kimberly prioritizes a culturally sensitive and strengths-based foundation and believes in collaborating with the client. As a proud BIPOC and first-generation Vietnamese American grad student, she enjoys working with all individuals regardless of their identity. Kimberly places a high value on providing a warm, reflective, empathetic, and safe space for all her patients.

Areas of Expertise

Attention and learning problems, Anxiety & Depression, Behavioral and School problems, Eating & feeding problems, Identity formation, LGBTQ+ affirming care, Trauma and Trauma-related psychological concerns, Psychological assessment.