NCE’s 2023-2024 fiscal year, illustrating how the College is following through with our commitment to the betterment of education on both a local and national level.
IN THE LOOP ISPP NEWSLETTER SPRING 2026 • VOLUME 16
WELCOME TO SPRING AT ISPP
As the Spring 2026 term comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the work, growth, and connection we have shaped at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology (ISPP). We invite you to revisit the moments that made this term meaningful and look ahead for what is to come next from the ISPP community. IN THIS ISSUE ISPP Assembly Community Events and Gatherings
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology (ISPP) is designed to educate and train students to become effective health service
Since its founding in 1976, ISPP has continuously strived to provide excellent doctoral training in an APA-accredited, academically rigorous, and nurturing environment. We are proud of our 49 year legacy.
psychologists. ISPP aspires to develop
psychologists who have the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for successful clinical practice. The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology (ISPP) is designed to educate and train students to become effective health service psychologists. ISPP aspires to develop psychologists who have the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for successful clinical practice. Since its founding in 1976, ISPP has continuously strived to provide excellent doctoral training in an APA-accredited, academically rigorous, and nurturing environment. We are proud of our 49 year legacy.
Presentations and Publications Student and Alumni Spotlights Get Involved! Resources
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR Leah Horvath, PhD PROGRAM DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Greetings, ISPP Community and Friends!
We are heading into the busy season – though most of the seasons of the doctoral program and graduate student life are busy! But the transition from spring to summer also brings transitions and endings for many in our community. Our first-year students transition from being new students who feel they don’t know anything to knowledgeable doctoral students ready to take on peer mentees and embark on their diagnostic practicum. Our more senior students are ready to transition from practicum student to intern. And our internship cohort is ready to transition from trainee to doctor! All of this will be happening over the coming months. But at this moment, we can take a pause. We can breathe, reflect, and be present in the moment. Perhaps skimming through our ISPP newsletter will be your chance to pause, reflect on your own doctoral program experience, and appreciate that time in your life. I hope you enjoy reading the ISPP happenings and the lovely people included in this edition. Turn to page 6 to see our students and faculty in action at the Midwest Psychological Association conference. Read thoughts and reflections from our current student spotlight on page 8 – Stephan Oliveira (moving from second to third year student this summer!), and turn to page 10 to hear from Dr. Winley – our featured doctoral graduate. On page 5, we’ve shared some photos from the Illinois Psychological Association’s Advocacy Day. I am particularly proud and excited to share that the ISPP program now has a required Advocacy Psychology course. We offered the first section during the winter semester – the students and I learned so much together and from our wonderful guest speakers, including ISPP alum Dr. Sharon Pinto Khurana. I encouraged students to join me at the 2nd Annual IPA Advocacy Day event in Springfield. We had a great experience! Seeing our students passionate and excited about advocacy brings me hope and joy!
Current Students — We’re In Need of Peer Mentors!
https://forms.gle/VM5W2D4qt BDgHH2s8
The ISPP Peer Mentoring Program is run by the ISPP Student Assembly, and pairs established ISPP students with peers who are newer to the program. The role of a peer mentor is to provide support, encouragement, and information to a fellow student throughout their time at ISPP. Please fill out this survey if you are interested in being paired up!
Sending my best to our ISPP community,
Leah
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ISPP ASSEMBLY
FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
It is the mission of this organization to provide both personal and professional support and development opportunities to the students of ISPP at NLU. We aim to promote a strong community environment that facilitates student well-being, engagement, relationship building, and personal growth, with a focus on respect and dignity for all.
Winter Events In this term, the ISPP Assembly hosted
SAVE THE DATE! End of the year Celebration & Intern and Graduate Send-Off June 2, 2026
an Interview Workshop event, a Practicum Packet event, and a Notification Day Event Upcoming Events
12:00 - 2:00 PM
18 S Michigan Ave
02
The Assembly is shifting and growing, so expect more nuanced events! In the summer, expect to find the End of the Year Celebration and a Tevera How-to- Guide
SHARE YOUR VOICE https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp QLSfWA1anXlfapLH7lDYTaGYLPv5_WyBb 5pZSM8bMCuq5l9LN_g/viewform
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COMMUNITY GATHERINGS
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR WINTER 2026 EVENTS!
Community events bring people together, strengthen connections, and create a shared sense of belonging.
Multitheory Case Conference A Big Thank You to Sarah Prather, Dr. Biedermann, Dr. Panchal, and Dr. Pinney for their excellent presentation and discussion in the Multitheory Case Conference today! Your thoughtful, compassionate, and caring presentation and discussion really highlighted the humanity of the work and the importance of empathic relationship in psychotherapeutic work. Thank you for sharing your talents and expertise with the ISPP Community!
Starting a Private Practice Dr. Amanda Rios, ISPP alum and founder/owner of the Center of Relational Power, PC, shared her expertise on how to build a private practice for the second year in a row. We had stimulating conversations on the logistics and ethics behind a successful practice. Thank you, Dr. Rios!
Self-Care Event
Thank you to Ana Perez, Dulce Valenzuela, Maninder Singh, Stephan Oliveira, and Tania Abukoush for hosting a fun event today! Students took time for connection, crafts, and caring for others. As part of the self-care event, students colored quilt squares, which will be turned into a quilt that benefits children in need through Project Linus. Check out the beautiful people holding the beautiful squares!
Together, we made 31 quilt squares! Learn more about Project Linus: https://www.projectlinus.org
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SPRING 2026 • VOLUME 16
ADVOCACY DAY
STUDENTS AND FACULTY ADVOCATING FOR MENTAL HEALTH
On Wednesday, May 13 , ISPP Students and faculty joined other members of the Illinois Psychological Association and headed to the State Capitol for our annual Advocacy Day! th
Doctoral Students Hadeel Damra, Tyler Ferguson, and Alissandro Lemus joined Drs. Anissa Rivers and Leah Horvath as part of the IPA Contingent. We attended committee meetings, watched Senate proceedings from the Gallery, and found our legislators’ offices (it’s a bit of a maze in the Capitol!) to provide information, advocate for IPA priorities, and ensure that mental health remains a top priority for our state. Our mission was clear. We advocated for two critical pieces of legislation that will strengthen the mental health landscape in Illinois:
SB 1743: Focused on expanding access and ensuring the sustainability of psychological services.
HB 4495: Aimed at removing barriers to care and supporting the mental health workforce.
We were proud to join IPA and represent the psychologists and patients of Illinois as we work toward a more accessible and equitable healthcare system.
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SPRING 2026 • VOLUME 16
ISPP AT MPA 2026
CONTRIBUTION TO RESEARCH
Students and faculty represented ISPP with excellence at the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference!
Braa Elkhidir presented her dissertation research, “A Qualitative Study of Immigration, Trauma, Post-Traumatic Growth, and the College-Experience among MENA Immigrant Students.”
Taylor Williams presented her dissertation research, “Black Protection: Black Social Media Competency and Urban, Black Adolescents on Social Media.”
Kylie Schmidt presented her dissertation research, “Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Fathers’ Parenting Approaches.”
Dr. Biedermann and colleagues presented a roundtable discussion titled “Reproductive Deserts: Doctoral Programs in Clinical Psychology.”
Braa Elkhidir
Taylor Williams
Kylie Schmidt
Dr. Biedermann
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Recent highlights include: Dr. Biedermann presented at the Association for Women in Psychology Conference: "Reproductive Justice Begins in Our Classrooms: A Feminist Response to a Lack in Clinical Psychology." Co-presented papers: "Another Reproductive Desert: Training in Reproductive Health, Development, and Psychology in Doctoral Programs in Clinical Psychology" "Creating an Oasis: A Reproductive Psychology Course in a Clinical Psychology Graduate Program." Recent publications: Biedermann, C. (2025). Matrescence: Illuminating Oedipus's shadow. The International Journal of Controversial Discussions, 3(2), 29-41. Biedermann, C. (2025). Matrescence: Illuminating Oedipus's shadow. In S. Kayatekin (Ed.) Primary femininity: Discussions on central identity. International Psychoanalytic (IP) Books. ISBN: 9781969031120. Biedermann, C. (2026). Book review: Pregnancy, assisted reproduction, and psychoanalysis. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 74(2), 201-208 RECENT PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS CONTRIBUTION TO RESEARCH Students and faculty share with us their recent contribution to psychological research.
Featured in the NLU 2026 Outstanding Dissertation Award recipients are ISPP’s very own!
Community Capacity
Awardee: Ana K. Perez; Advisor: Dr. Leah Horvath Dissertation Title: Familismo: Exploring a Culturally Sensitive Correlation Between Parentification and Relationship Satisfaction Amongst 1st Generation Mexican-American Adults Through an Attachment Theory Lens Awardee: Aaleiyah Spaulding; Advisor: Dr. Brad Olson Dissertation Title: Strengthening The Shield: Exploring Post-Traumatic Growth In Law Enforcement
Have news to share? Email lhorvath1@nl.edu to tell us about your publications, presentations, or professional accomplishments!
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SPRING 2026 • VOLUME 16
CURRENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: STEPHAN OLIVEIRA
2 YEAR PSYD STUDENT (HE/HIM) ND
How did you get interested in psychology?
Initially, I became interested in clinical psychology in high school after being close with another peer with schizophrenia. When we had first met, she had not received any treatment nor diagnosis and her symptoms were emerging. Through our connection, I heard firsthand how her experiences with clinical care were burdened by systemic failures, leading me to investigate further regarding the structures of clinical practice. I learned about my own family’s history with clinical psychology in Brazil and the Tupiniquim women in our recent and further lineage had been involuntarily institutionalized for psychosis due to the pathologization of Indigenous cultural, religious, and medicinal practices. As someone who had been intertwined with the ways in which clinical psychology could produce harm, I wanted to learn why this was the case and what I could do to change it.
More about Stephan:
Stephan is currently a doctoral level diagnostic extern at LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services. He has been involved at NLU as a teaching assistant for ISPP, graduate
Do you have any advice for prospective students?
Learn the nuances between licensures and what is expected from each kind of credential! It can be incredibly difficult to find out what the differences are between an MSW, a PsyD, LMFT, etc, etc, etc. and even what your state requires of you. When looking at a school, as important as internship match and EPPP pass rates are, look into the histories of each respective institution as well. There have been a lot of shake ups in clinical psychology doctoral programs that have contributed to why some of the statistics you find might be a little confusing! Learning how to holistically interpret statistical data with the qualitative context is a great skill to develop now, because you’ll be doing it a ton during the program.
student assistant, and AmeriCorps Campus Contact VISTA to support Black and Latine students.
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CURRENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: STEPHAN OLIVEIRA
2 YEAR PSYD STUDENT (HE/HIM) ND
What has been the most challenging aspect of your training?
In a field that is concerned with the personal, you can be caught by surprise by what ends up being more personal to you than you realized. You learn a lot about what resonates with you more heavily and how that impacts the way that you show up in spaces. There is such a tricky balancing act regarding how vulnerable you get in professional spaces because much of this work is vulnerable by its very nature. You’re constantly reflecting on and evaluating yourself. For example, I thought that I wouldn’t be interested in working with children, but I found out through practicum that I actually really enjoy working with kids! I’ve learned a lot about the ways that I show up in rooms and how that shapes the way I view all my various worlds. It’s a growing pain for sure, but it’s very welcome. What are your professional goals? Upon licensure, I would like to develop an enduring relationship with our LGBT+ community health centers in the Chicago area to create a practice that specializes in assessment and diagnostics for transgender and nonbinary individuals. Additionally, there is a significant lack of transfeminine providers and transgender providers of color in the field of psychology; my hope is to create outreach programming that encourages these populations to seek careers in psychology through mentorship and education.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DR. L K. WINLEY (WINLEY K.), PSYD, LP, HSP-P
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (USE WINLEY - NO GENDERED PRONOUNS)
If you'd like to share, please tell us about any work you do in the areas of advocacy, social justice, or working with underserved populations. My work has always lived at the intersection of clinical care, advocacy, and systems awareness. As a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder of WaterYourFire Wellness Collective, I focus on creating spaces, both therapeutic and professional, that actively protect dignity, honor identity, and reduce harm for people who are often underserved or marginalized within healthcare systems. Much of my clinical and consultation work centers Black, Indigenous, and people of color; LGBTQIA+ and gender- diverse individuals; and those navigating trauma related to race, class, sexuality, and gender identity. Growth-Promoting Conversations™ centers nervous-system safety, dignity as non-negotiable, and an explicit awareness of power and identity. Over the past year, I have begun sharing this framework more broadly through writing, teaching, and professional dialogue, including its integration into my work at WaterYourFire Wellness Collective. Seeing this framework resonate with clinicians, leaders, and community members, especially those who have felt unseen or unsafe in traditional spaces, has been deeply affirming and meaningful. What has been the most rewarding part of your career thus far? The most rewarding part of my career has been witnessing people reconnect with themselves in ways that feel sustainable and self-honoring. Whether I am working with an individual client, supervising a trainee, or consulting with an organization, the moment that stands out most is when someone realizes they no longer have to shrink, perform, or abandon themselves to belong. I have also found deep meaning in mentoring and supervision, especially in supporting emerging clinicians as they develop their professional identities while navigating systems that are not always designed to support them fully. Being able to model that it is possible to practice psychology with integrity, boundaries, and humanity has been one of the quiet joys of my work.
More about Dr. Winley K
Founder and Clinical Director of WaterYourFire Wellness Collective Creator of Growth- Promoting Conversations™ Dr. Winley K is also an independent contractor and
consultant for the LGBTQ Center of
Durham, Therapy for Queer People of Color, HEART Crisis Response Program, and New Direction YFS.
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SPRING 2026 • VOLUME 16
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DR. L K. WINLEY (WINLEY K.), PSYD, LP, HSP-P
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST (USE WINLEY - NO GENDERED PRONOUNS)
Please tell us about a recent accomplishment that’s meaningful to you.
One of the most meaningful accomplishments for me has been the continued development and public sharing of Growth-Promoting Conversations™, a framework I created to support safer, more honest, and future-oriented ways of relating, both in clinical spaces and beyond. This work emerged from years of clinical practice, training environments, and lived experience observing how often conversations cause harm, even when intentions are good. Growth-Promoting Conversations™ centers nervous- system safety, dignity as non negotiable, and an explicit awareness of power and identity. Over the past year, I have begun sharing this framework more broadly through writing, teaching, and professional dialogue, including its integration into my work at WaterYourFire Wellness Collective. Seeing this framework resonate with clinicians, leaders, and community members, especially those who have felt unseen or unsafe in traditional spaces, has been deeply affirming and meaningful. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In five years, I see myself continuing to expand work that bridges clinical practice, education, and systems-level change. I envision WaterYourFire Wellness Collective continuing to grow as a space for thoughtful, identity-honoring care, while Growth Promoting Conversations™ evolves as a widely used framework across clinical, educational, and organizational settings. I am particularly interested in contributing to conversations about how psychology trains clinicians, supports ethical leadership, and addresses burnout and harm within its own systems. My long-term goal is to help shape spaces where both providers and clients can engage in work that is not only effective but also humane, sustainable, and future building.
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ISPP is committed to supporting student well-being, academic success, and access to essential resources. GET INVOLVED!
American Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) APAGS is a division within the American Psychological Association (APA) dedicated to representing and addressing the needs of graduate students in psychology. APAGS provides resources, support, and advocacy for psychology graduate students to help them succeed in their academic and professional pursuits. Get Involved Resources For Graduate Students of Color
Antiracism & Intersectionality and Workgroup
All are encouraged and welcome to join us as we host an open conversation on race, racism, and the intersectionality of gender and gender identity. We meet every Tuesday at 6pm CST. https://nl.zoom.us/j/92136874153 ISPP Diagnostic Practicum Support Group
This group, led by PsyD student, Dhairya Rana, is a space to help
students feel more grounded, prepared and supported as they prepare to start
diagnostic practicum. Mondays 7:15-8:15 PM DRana@my.nl.edu
Show your ISPP pride!
Redbubble ( Thank you to PsyD student Tina Giordano for creating the logo and shop !) Threadless (I 💙 ISPP Merch)
Check out our merchandise:
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National Louis University believes ALL students can THRIVE through the advocacy of an inclusive campus and the support of a caring community, where students feel a sense of belonging and empowerment to not only be academically successful, but thrive personally and professionally. THE THRIVE CENTER
Single Stop As we begin the academic year, the Thrive Center is encouraging for staff and faculty to promote this excellent service. Single Stop is a one-stop application that provides all resources available to individual needs from housing, healthcare, education, financing, and much more! Volunteer Opportunities With our partnership with the Chicago Food Depository and other incredible events, the Thrive Center invites everyone to sign up for volunteer opportunities across the year. Pick a Date on Our Calendar
Thrive Emergency Fund Application
The Thrive Emergency Fund provides temporary, short-term financial assistance to currently enrolled students who are unable to meet essential expenses due to a temporary or unexpected hardship. This emergency funding program is designed to offer financial assistance to students in the form of one-time awards (typically not exceeding $1000). Emergency funding is NOT intended to provide ongoing relief for recurring expenses. Decisions regarding disbursement of funds are made on a case-by-case basis.
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ISPP is committed to supporting your well-being, academic success, and access to resources. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Food & Hygiene Pantry (18-Rm. 526) NLU’s food and hygiene pantry provides resources to help sutdents overcome the basic-needs barriers that impeded their academic success, physical health, and social emotional life. Learning Support NLU’s Learning Support provide personalized tutoring (both virtually and onsite) in writing, math, computer science, and English- language learning (ELL/ESL support); coordinate with faculty to support student learning; host workshops and events to prepare students for major assessments; create and curate help guides and tutorials; and advocate for equitable educational access.
Wellness Center In crisis? Text “START” to 741-741 or call 988 The NLU Student Wellness Team is excited to announce the launch of our new partnership with BetterMynd, a virtual mental health platform that provides 8 free therapy sessions to all actively enrolled NLU students. Balancing classes, jobs, family, and just life in general, can be incredibly overwhelming. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Register with BetterMynd using your NLU email address and book your first free session. Prefer in-person counseling? Visit Skylight Counseling at the Chicago campus Wellness Center for on- campus appointments, walk-ins, or emergency support. 122 S Michigan Ave, 3rd Floor Innovation Wing - Office 3096
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Help Hotlines
Help and Crisis Lifeline: 988 (Call or Text) The Trevor Project: Text 678- 678 or call 866-488-7348 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453 Elder Abuse Hotline: 800-252- 8966 National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders: 847-831- 3438 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE National Runaway Safeline: 800-786-2929 Crime Victims Hotline (Stalking): 866-689-HELP Alcohol Abuse and Crisis Intervention: 800-234-0246 National Safe Haven Alliance Crisis Hotline: 888-510-BABY Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273- 8255
Looking for a therapist? https://www.nami.org/ https://locator.apa.org/ https://openpathcollective.org/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
NLU Conference Funding for Students NLU is opening conference funding for all students. They can cover the registration fees, and students can apply through the InvolveU app! The point of contact for this is Delyna Perez (dperez33@nl.edu ) from the Office of Student Engagement. NLU Dining Dollars Program Starting with the Spring term, the students attending class at the Chicago campus will have the opportunity to purchase dining “dollars” (credits) to either the Daily Grind or the new Skylight café on the 12th floor using excess FA funds (if applicable). They will get a credit for the meals on their student ID that they can scan to purchase meals from either location. Students will need to complete a request form each term to get the credits added on, and the charge will be added to their student account (just like a book or computer voucher) to be paid with FA. Once the student submits the request, SF will review and let LITS know to add the funds. Students who cannot or do not utilize financial aid funds to participate in the meal plan can choose to use a debit or credit card to pre-load Dining Dollars to their Student Identification Card at webpurchase.nl.edu.
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