The Kanter Crew
We pride ourselves on offering creative therapy to meet the various needs of the community. We believe in a client centered approach that helps guide you through the journey of self discovery.
Dr. Cecily Kanter, Psy D
Founder/Owner
Dr. Cecily Kanter is a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care for individuals and families across the lifespan. With extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults, she brings both deep clinical expertise and a warm collaborative approach to every therapeutic relationship.
Dr. Kanter has a longstanding passion for working with people navigating autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, learning disabilities, anxiety-related conditions, mood disorders, grief and loss, life transitions, and postpartum depression. Her work is grounded in respect, curiosity, and a belief in each person's capacity for growth.
With years of experience in therapeutic day schools and clinics, Dr. Kanter is also highly skilled in supporting families whose children are navigating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and other school-related needs. She partners closely with parents, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that each child's emotional, developmental, and academic needs are understood and supported.
At the heart of Dr. Kanter's practice is a commitment to creating a safe, comfortable therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. She provides personalized treatment plans designed to engage clients in meaningful self-understanding, strengthen resilience, and support lasting emotional well-being.
Dr. Kanter holds both a Master's and Doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Tulane University. Outside her clinical work, she loves exploring the science of the human mind and spending time with her loving family.
Mr. Scott Hiss
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)/Academic Advocate
Mr. Scott Hiss is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and licensed educator who has dedicated his career to supporting people of all ages as they uncover their strengths, navigate life’s challenges, and move toward the futures they hope for. With roots in education and student advocacy, Scott has long been committed to creating spaces where individuals—children, teens, and adults alike—can grow, thrive, and feel genuinely understood, especially those who may not feel fully seen within traditional systems.
In therapy, Scott brings together his educational background with a warm, creative, and deeply person‑centered approach. He works alongside clients to clarify their goals, reconnect with their inner spark, and rediscover the passions that make them feel most alive. Scott is especially devoted to supporting individuals navigating autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, obsessive‑compulsive disorder, mood disorders, and other mental health concerns. He approaches every person with dignity, respect, and sincere curiosity, believing wholeheartedly that each client deserves to be met exactly where they are.
Scott also offers extensive guidance to students and families working through the complexities of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans. He understands how overwhelming these processes can feel and provides steady, knowledgeable support from start to finish—empowering families to advocate confidently and ensuring each student’s needs are honored. His goal is always to help clients reach their full potential, both academically and emotionally.
At the center of Scott’s philosophy is the belief that therapy is deeply personal and never one‑size‑fits‑all. Mental health is a human right, and Scott strives to walk alongside his clients with empathy, openness, and a commitment to creating a space where people of all ages feel seen, heard, and supported as they grow.
Scott holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Saint Xavier University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Social Sciences from DePaul University. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys watching and playing sports and spending time with his wife and their two teenage children.
Ms. Kayla Elaine
Certified Yoga Therapist, Certified Recovery Coach
Ms. Kayla is a certified yoga therapist and recovery coach whose work beautifully blends therapeutic skill, embodied wisdom, and deep human compassion. With more than six years of experience, Kayla supports individuals, families, and small groups in reconnecting with themselves through gentle, mindful, and restorative practices. Her sessions weave together breath, movement, and awareness to nurture emotional regulation, mental well-being, and a grounded sense of self.
Kayla's professional expertise is enriched by her lived experiences as a mother of neurodivergent children. She brings a rare combination of clinical insight and heartfelt understanding to her work, meeting each person with respect for their unique story and sensitivity to the complexities they may carry. Her approach is rooted in flexibility, attunement, and a deep belief in each individual's capacity for healing and growth.
In her work with individuals who have experienced trauma, Kayla offers a presence that is steady, warm, and profoundly respectful. She creates a therapeutic environment where autonomy, choice, and emotional safety are centered, allowing clients to move a pace that feels sustainable and empowering. Her client-centered philosophy emphasizes honoring the whole person. Mind, body, and spirit while gently supporting regulation, resilience, and self-trust.
Kayla is committed to cultivating spaces where people feel genuinely welcomed, seen, and supported. Whether guiding someone through a grounding breath practice to helping them reconnect with their inner sense of ease, she brings a calm, compassionate energy that invites healing and connection.