Psychological Assessment and Psychotherapy
Serving the Chicago Area
PHONE: 847-410-9059
MEET THE STAFF
Amanda Gerber, Psy.D.
Amanda Gerber, Psy.D. is the President of Interaction Dynamics. Dr. Gerber is a licensed clinical psychologist who is passionate about serving clients and their families in the Chicago community by using a multidisciplinary approach. Cultivating a safe and nurturing experience is of utmost importance to Dr. Gerber, as she knows that choosing to enter therapy is not always an easy task. She believes in building a solid foundation and relationship with clients through building rapport, providing a safe space, and tailoring treatment to the clients’ individual needs. Dr. Gerber has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and young adults who have struggled with a wide range of psychological issues, including neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders, and complex trauma. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and loss. Dr. Gerber provides expert testimonies for family custody agreements, family reunification therapy, and custody evaluations/ parent capacity assessments. Dr. Gerber is also trained in EMDR, a modality used to help process traumatic memories and the cognitions associated with them. She is a graduate of DePaul University and completed her doctorate at Adler University. Dr. Gerber is an adjunct faculty member at Adler University and on the ACEPT Chicago executive committee.
Megan Griesel, Psy.D.
Dr. Griesel, Psy.D. is a pre-licensed clinical psychologist. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore the different parts of themselves, relationships, and their lives whether it be generational, past, present, or future. I meet clients where they are at and provide a space that encourages self-exploration and empowerment. I view therapy as a space where individuals can be vulnerable, increase insight into their lives and ways of being, and learn adaptive skills that resonate with them to implement into their daily lives in cultivating long term changes. I believe that we can change our reality by having the courage to change how we show up in our relationships and in other parts of our lives. Everyone is capable of healing old patterns that no longer serve them and adapting new ones that foster growth and positive change. I have experience in working with a broad range of presentations including complex trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, grief, and interpersonal issues.
Claire Spinka, Psy.D.
Dr. Spinka approaches therapy as a collaborative and compassionate space where meaningful connection and emotional exploration can unfold. Rooted in a relational psychodynamic framework, her work centers on fostering a safe environment where vulnerability is welcomed and explored with care.
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She has extensive experience working with the lifespan and is continually inspired by the depth and resilience clients bring to the therapeutic process. Whether someone is navigating a major life transition, coping with grief, managing the complexities of mood or personality disorders, or exploring issues related to identity and relationships. Dr. Spinka meets each client with warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for their unique experience. She has particular interest in grief and loss, couple’s therapy, and working with individuals seeking deeper self-understanding and more fulfilling connections with others.
Dr. Spinka believes that both therapist and client identities are always present in the room, shaping the therapeutic relationship in meaningful ways. Attending to these dynamics with openness and intentionality is central to her work and can be a powerful part of the healing process.
Maren Panzirer, Psy.D.
Maren Panzirer, Psy.D. is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Interaction Dynamics. She is deeply passionate about fostering healthy connections and promoting emotional well-being as clients navigate life transitions, relational difficulties, anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, and more. Dr. Panzirer believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential in bringing about meaningful change and takes a collaborative approach to therapy to empower clients to enact the change they desire. Dr. Panzirer has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and couples, and has extensive experience facilitating group therapy with all age groups. She is a graduate of Northeastern University and completed her doctorate at the Chicago School. Dr. Panzirer is a pre-licensed professional and is supervised by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Amanda Gerber, Psy.D.
Jess Sweeney, M.A.
Jess Sweeney, M.A., is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University. Originally from New York, she moved to Chicago after earning her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Columbia University. As a therapist, Jess brings warmth, authenticity, and deep respect for the vulnerability involved in engaging in therapy. She is committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported. Her approach is collaborative and grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins with feeling truly understood.
Jess’s work is informed by a psychodynamic lens, she helps clients explore how early experiences shape current patterns, relationships, and emotions. She integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques when helpful, creating a style that is insight-oriented, goal-driven, and practical.
She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of goals and concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, relational difficulties, life transitions, and identity exploration. In addition to therapy, she has conducted comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and emotional functioning.
Jess strives to meet each client with openness and respect for their unique story and cultural background. Her work centers on fostering resilience, self-understanding, and personal empowerment. In her free time, Jess enjoys spending time with her cats, exploring new coffee shops, and thrifting.
Layne VanDyke, M.A.
Layne VanDyke M.A., is a doctoral student at Adler University. Layne has experience with second and third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which he conceptualizes through a systems lens. Layne believes that therapy should be a collaborative process. His previous experience includes working in schools, community centers, and inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. Layne has an interest in developmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Layne has experience working with individuals who present with these conditions and several others. Layne's focus will be on building a safe and authentic therapeutic space to explore yourself and the challenges you face.
Riley Kowalski, M.A .
Riley Kowalski, MA is a graduate of George Washington University and a current clinical psychology doctoral student at Adler University, emphasizing in traumatic stress. As a predominantly humanistic therapist, Riley approaches clinical work with the belief that every person possesses an innate ability to make meaningful change and heal through building self-awareness. Her approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and a tremendous respect for the complexity of human experience. She strives to provide a therapeutic space where clients feel genuinely seen and supported as they navigate their unique challenges.
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Riley’s previous experience has focused on supporting her therapy clients through grief and loss, trauma, significant life transitions, and severe or persistent emotional distress. She approaches these challenges with evidenced-based modalities tailored to the client’s needs, as well as with ample encouragement and the recognition that healing is not always linear. Additionally, Riley also has experience in psychological assessment and can help clients to learn more about their symptoms and the best evidence-based treatments for their specific concerns, such as those relating to ADHD, trauma, mood dysregulation, personality disorders, and anxiety.
Sienna Chavez, M.A.
Sienna Chavez, M.A., is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University. She takes a psychodynamic, relational approach to therapy and is committed to creating a collaborative, strengths-based space where clients feel supported and empowered. Sienna integrates mind-body practices into her work and draws from her experience in both private practice and hospital settings to support clients across the lifespan and from diverse cultural backgrounds. She is especially passionate about working with multicultural populations and tailors treatment to honor each client’s unique identities, experiences, and values.
Sienna has experience conducting psychological assessments and providing treatment for a range of concerns, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, chronic pain, personality disorders, and adjustment disorders. She strives to help clients connect with their inner strengths, foster personal growth, and make meaningful, sustainable changes in pursuit of a more fulfilling life.
Louie Gerber
Hi. I am Louie, a 4 yrs old Shih tzu, and I belong to Dr. Amanda. I am spunky, loyal and despite how small I am, not afraid of anything except loud noises. I have never met a person I didn’t like. I love to play fetch, watch TV and cuddle at home. But honestly, I love going anywhere with Dr. Amanda (therapy sessions and running errands)!
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You see, I am a special dog at Interaction Dynamics and have a very important job. My job is to bring smiles, comfort and some much-needed stress relief to any Interaction Dynamics clients and healthcare staff who will let me visit with them. And I enjoy my job.
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“Thank you Louie for your devoted service. You are truly our "heart dog", and I love that we get to share you with so many other people." Dr. Amanda Gerber
