Our Leadership Team
Dr. Steven Migalski
Owner and Executive Director
Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Migalski graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1990. The grandson of immigrants from Italy and Poland, he feels a strong connection to the rich cultural diversity of the city, and he has been a resident of Uptown and Edgewater for 25 years. Dr. Migalski studied clinical psychology at Auburn University, Alabama and earned his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology after completing his residency at Northwestern University’s Division of Counseling and Psychological Services in Evanston, Illinois. He served as Director of Psychology for several years at The Josselyn Center and is now in his 17th year on the faculty in the Department of Psychology at Adler University where he teaches psychological assessment, psychotherapy, qualitative research methods, and LGBTQ+ psychology.
Dr. Migalski is a member of both the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association; and his research/clinical interests include mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, relational trauma and bullying, broad issues affecting members of the LGBTQ+ community, intersectionality of racial, gender, and sexual identities, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, gender fluidity in children/adolescents, and the differential diagnosis of ADHD. He works from a contemporary psychoanalytic framework and believes that the therapeutic alliance is the preeminent mechanism through which growth and healthy change occur in all of the psychotherapies. Additionally, Dr. Migalski is an oral historian who studies LGBTQ+ narratives, especially stories of activism, coming out, living with HIV/AIDS, and resilience.
He has been a mental health contributor to “The Afternoon Shift” on WBEZ, Chicago’s NPR affiliate, and has presented on the DSM-5 at NYU/Post-Graduate Medical School, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in NYC, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Recently, he was keynote speaker at the National Conference of the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association in Charlotte, NC. In his free time, he enjoys biking the lakefront path, travel, cooking, and exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Dr. Gregory Bozza
Psychotherapist and Administrative Coordinator
Dr. Bozza is a graduate of the doctoral program in clinical psychology at Adler University -- and psychotherapist at Andersonville Behavioral Health where he has been a staff therapist for several years. Gregory earned his B.A. in psychology from Saint Leo University, and then earned an M.A. in counseling psychology from the Adler University. Gregory has engaged in many philanthropic endeavors during both his professional and personal lives, and has worked in a variety of clinical settings with diverse populations including children/adolescents, in a therapeutic day-school, in forensic and acute inpatient settings, in primary care settings and with patients experiencing developmental delays. Gregory subscribes to an integrative approach to treatment with an emphasis on contemporary psychodynamics and object relations. His clinical interests include psychological assessment, personality disorders, mood disturbances, and trauma. In his free time, Gregory is a musician and enjoys both listening to and creating music.
Dr. Lukasz Urban
Supervising Psychologist
My passion in life is helping people heal from trauma and suffering through warm, authentic, and professional care. I have discovered a natural talent for working with young people and have gravitated towards theories that integrate developmental and parenting principles into clinical practice. Social justice, human rights, and altruism are principles that define the foundation of my clinical perspective. I have had transformative opportunities to work with a variety of marginalized populations including homeless people, children with Autism, at-risk youth, veterans, and incarcerated men. I hope that my clinical work will have a significant and lasting positive impact on the social systems created to empower the disenfranchised. My clinical interest is in theory of personality and psychodiagnostic assessment of personality particularly related to ADHD, Autism, and behavioral/emotional disorders in children and adolescents. My experience working with incarcerated men in state prisons and community transitional settings ultimately led my treatment focus to center on misbehavior (opposition/defiance, externalizing) and disordered personality (antisocial personality disorder).
Our Staff Therapists
Jacob Kowalski
I am a dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. My therapeutic approach is rooted in a blend of evidence-based techniques including time-limited psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused theory, Adlerian theory, existentialist theory, and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT).
I focus on understanding my clients within the context of their social environments, utilizing a systems-based approach to promote lasting change. Whether working with individuals or couples, I aim to create a collaborative and supportive space where we can explore challenges and develop effective strategies for growth and healing.
I have experience in individual counseling as well as couples and marriage therapy, and I am passionate about helping clients build stronger relationships, navigate life transitions, and cultivate resilience.
Max Feller
(he/him/his)
Andersonville Behavioral Health Therapeutic Intern
Adler University '24
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
M.S. Sport and Human Performance
Max Feller graduated from Earlham College with a major in psychology and is currently set to graduate from Adler University in the fall of 2024 where he earned a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a M.S. in Sport and Human Performance. In Chicago, he has worked at Cheetah Gym and has been a Social Emotional Learning Intern with Together Chicago at the John T. Pirie Fine Arts and Academic Center. Feller has been working towards being a practicing psychotherapist for the last six years and is excited to continue this journey via working within Andersonville Behavioral Health as a Staff Therapist. Having been at Earlham, a liberal arts college that emphasizes equity and empathy, Feller is grounded in ethical approaches. His experiences with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Person-Centered therapy inspire him to help encourage healing and growth with compassion alongside constructive analysis. Feller aims to make an impact on all age groups, but particularly would like to advocate for the next generations to feel less stigma regarding mental health. Feller plans to use approaches for clients to feel empowered in their lives during and beyond their therapeutic experiences.
Our Current Interns
Melina Worcester, B.C.J.
(She/Her)
Andersonville Behavioral Health intern
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student
Melina is a second-year graduate student at Adler University obtaining her dual degree, which includes a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Leadership. Prior to her enrollment at Adler University, she obtained her B.C.J. in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Law Enforcement in 2023 at Tiffin University. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Melina was employed by Tiffin University as a security officer as well as an academic consultant. Throughout these employment opportunities, she has been able to develop her skills in crisis management, empathy, communication, and organization. These skills have supported Melina throughout her graduate studies thus far and will continue to be building blocks during her internship experience. Melina gravitates towards Person-Centered therapy, Solution-Focused approaches, and Feminist therapy. Her clinical interests involve working with individuals from marginalized communities, those working through trauma, and system-impacted individuals. Melina strives to hold a safe space for those who work with her in future. Outside of her academic and clinical opportunities, Melina enjoys working out, spending time in nature, and hanging out with her cat Mittens.
Emma Zaknoun, M.A.
Emma is a Pre-Doctoral Extern from Adler University, where she is completing requirements towards a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. She previously worked as a diagnostic extern at Andersonville Behavioral Health where she conducted intake interviews, administered psychological and neuropsychological assessments to individuals across the lifespan, and offered diagnostic and therapeutic feedback. She also completed her therapy externship at a community health setting where she provided individual and group therapy to children between the ages of 9-16 at a Chicago Public School. Emma’s areas of clinical interest include anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, intersectionality, and exploring the way environmental and systemic factors impact mental health. Emma aims to create a warm and supportive environment where individuals feel safe to explore sensitive and vulnerable themes in their lives, while working collaboratively with clients to shed light on areas of growth so that they feel more empowered and confident within their social, occupational, and personal spheres.
Abby Kay
Abby is a 2nd year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Program at Adler University. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Communications from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY where she received in emphasis in Clinical Psychology while completing research on the relationships between both mother’s and daughter’s body image and eating attitudes and the daughter’s health. In addition to be a diagnostician at ABH, Abby is currently completing her diagnostic practicum at Advanced Behavioral Health Services in Naperville, IL. Abby works with all age populations and has experience with diverse client impacted by a variety of diagnoses. Her primary clinical interests include trauma/traumatic stress, children and adolescents, and sexuality and gender-affirming care. In her free time, Abby enjoys reading, discovering new restaurants in Chicago, and playing with her pets: Dolly, Sunny and Cali.
Peyton Matthys
(She/Her)
Andersonville Behavioral Health intern
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student
Peyton is a second-year graduate student at Adler University studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She previously earned a B.A in Psychology with minors in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Winona State University in 2023. During her time at Winona State, she participated in research involving the relationship between types of sexism and women’s aspirations and their self-esteem levels. She hopes to take what she learned from that research and use it in her practice to empower women as they experience both benevolent and hostile sexism in their lives. During her time in both undergraduate and graduate school, Peyton has spent time working with community-based organizations that focus on providing children with the resources and support they need to grow. Most recently, she interned at a southside-based community center that aimed to promote leadership in young children and help them become advocates for themselves and their communities. Peyton's primary career interests are working with adolescents or young adults. She aims to foster genuine and trusting relationships with them as they are in pivotal times in their life where consistent support can sometimes be challenging to find outside the therapeutic relationship. She is excited to be able to work one-on-one with people as they navigate the different aspects of their lives. In her free time, she enjoys spending lots of time with her cat, Calypso, going to different parks in the city to read, trying new foods, and traveling to new places.
Kyle Henry
Kyle is a second-year student at Adler University working towards a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology. Previously, he graduated from Roosevelt University in 2023 with an M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to those ventures, Kyle earned undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Loras College. Deeply rooted in the Midwest, he has worked in numerous roles throughout multiple mental health settings throughout Chicagoland, which has yielded formative, diverse professional experiences. Kyle subscribes to a holistic, contextual & person-centered perspective that aims to work with people in becoming the primary agent of positive change in their life. He thrives on levity and seeks to facilitate a therapeutic space that can be utilized to meet the needs of anyone coming through the door. Kyle's areas of clinical interest pertain to the treatment of trauma, anger, violence, mental performance and substance abuse. His areas of non-clinical interest pertain to weightlifting, grappling sports, camping, axe-throwing and cooking.
Esther Leal
(She/Her/Hers)
Andersonville Behavioral Health intern
M.A. Adler University Counseling Student
Esther Leal is a second-year Graduate Student at Adler University, where she is pursuing a Dual Degree: an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and an M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Leadership. Originally from Brazil, Esther is fluent in Portuguese and has been learning English from a young age, always dreaming of living in the United States. In 2017, she moved to Louisiana, graduating from high school in 2018 before pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in Mathematics from Nicholls State University, where she graduated in 2022. Her academic journey brought her to Chicago in 2023 to pursue her master’s at Adler University. Inspired by her grandmother’s experience with depression and counseling, Esther developed a strong passion for mental health and forensic psychology. She is particularly interested in working with teenage parolees, immigrants, LGBT youth, and patients with challenging diagnoses. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, she is deeply committed to supporting this population. Her professional background includes experience in ABA therapy with children and adolescents. Esther is eager to explore person-centered and feminist therapeutic approaches. She has volunteered at homeless shelters in Louisiana, helped with disaster relief efforts after hurricanes, and supported the Brazilian consulate in Texas. Outside of her professional pursuits, Esther enjoys reading, watching movies, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family. She is dedicated to building trust with her clients by finding common ground and ensuring they feel understood and supported. Passionate about social justice, she is committed to advocating for people of color who are falsely incarcerated, the LGBTQ+ community, marginalized individuals, and the immigrant population.
Kayanna Conroy
Andersonville Behavioral Health Intern
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student
Kayanna Conroy joins Andersonville Behavioral Health as a graduate student at Adler University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She graduated from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy & Religion Studies. Before joining ABH, she worked at Youth Dynamics in Montana as a Youth Home Specialist, providing a supportive and safe environment for the youth. She has also volunteered at Conroy Care Assisted Living in Circle, Montana, and has previously interned with Super 7 Girls in Chicago, Illinois. These experiences have allowed her to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and unique life experiences. Kayanna approaches therapy with an empathetic, open, and curious mentality. She believes in using an integrated theoretical approach to help meet the needs of her individual clients. Her primary areas of interest include working with youth, adolescents, and elder adults regarding depression, anxiety, ADHD, and difficulties relating to trauma and behavioral concerns. As well as working with and holding safe spaces for those who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, reading high-fantasy novels, walking along Lake Michigan, and spending time with her family, friends, and cat, Wrigley.
Isabella Parisi
Andersonville Behavioral Health Intern
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student
My passion lies in working with LGBTQIA+ clients – especially those who are queer, trans, nonbinary, asexual, aromantic, or still exploring their identities. Additionally, I’m interested in working with people who have ADHD, small and large traumas, depression, and anxiety. Prior to pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University, I received a B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in English from Loyola University Chicago. I also have experience interning at a LGBTQ+ homeless shelter for adolescents and organizing in a LGBTQ+ healthcare workers union on behalf of clients and my coworkers.
As a queer, ace-spectrum, and neurodivergent person, who also deals with chronic pain, I understand ways society can marginalize people - though I recognize our experiences may be very different. Therapy is inherently political, and I'm dedicated towards social justice both inside and outside of the therapy space. I strive to make sure my clients’ identities are seen and valued in their entirety by integrating feminist, queer, multicultural, anti-capitalist, and anti-Zionist lenses.
Are you interested in better understanding who you are or how you've lost touch with yourself? Are you trying to process traumas from your past, better recognize relationship patterns, or navigate aspects of your mind? Sometimes social, political, and capitalistic barriers make it feel as if a better life or world is unattainable. Therapy is a place for you to find your voice, power, and ways to cope. Together we can help you discover safety in vulnerability, let go of things that no longer serve you, connect with your emotions, regulate your body's response to triggers, & accept parts of your identity society has led you to suppress.