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 with extensive experience working with
children, adolescents, and adults. She has dedicated her career working with individuals who
suffer from the following:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Developmental Delays
- Learning Disabilities
- Anxiety Related Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Grief/Loss
- Life Transitions
- Postpartum Depression
Due to Dr. Kanter’s extensive work in therapeutic day schools, she collaboratively works with
parents of children with Individual Education Plans (IEP) and other alternative needs in school,
by empowering them to advocate and obtain the best and most appropriate services afforded to
their child. She works actively with schools, attending Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings
and collaborating with other professionals, as well as parents, in order to provide the most
appropriate and effective treatment plan for each child, adolescent and family.
Dr. Kanter provides a safe, comfortable therapeutic and nurturing environment for treatment,
allowing the individual to grow and develop new strengths. She utilizes several strategies to
engage individuals and families in treatment, including but not limited to:
- Client-Centered/Individual Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral and Family Therapies
- Facilitating a strength-based approach
- Allowing the individual to develop and recognize their personal strengths.
Dr. Kanter education and background include the following:
- Master’s and Doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology
- Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Tulane University
- Years of specialized training in therapy and diagnosis of children and adolescents in
addition to her extensive work with adults and families
- She completed her psychological assessment training at the Village of Hoffman Estates
Department of Health and Human Services
- Completed her Doctoral internship at New Connections Academy
- Worked as the Clinical Director at New Connections Academy, where she provided
individual and family therapy within a therapeutic day school with students diagnosed
with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ranging from Asperger’s Disorder to High Functioning
Autism, who also exhibited a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues
- While at New Connections Academy, she was actively involved in supervision and
providing a first-rate training experience for future psychologists

Mr. Scott Hiss

Staff Therapist/Academic Advocate

Scott Hiss is a seasoned educator who is passionate about creating environments that foster personal growth, especially for students who are not suited for traditional school systems. Today, he channels his background and experiences into helping his clients meet their goals and ambitions, with a focus on tapping into their inner creativity and passions.  

 

Scott is currently pursuing becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). He is a proud graduate of St. Xavier University, where he earned a master’s degree in educational administration, and DePaul University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and social science. A member of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honors Society, Scott has been recognized for his teaching with the National Honor Roll Outstanding Teacher Award and as a finalist for the Unilever Performance Plus Award. 

 

Scott’s professional experience includes positions within the Alternative School Network and the Johns Hopkins-based Achievement Academies, both within Chicago Public Schools. Scott also served as Dean of Alternative Education for District #230 in Chicago’s South suburbs and later as a substitute teacher and track/cross country coach in the Northwest suburbs. 

 

A lifelong resident of the Chicago area, Scott is also a long-suffering Chicago sports fan who is also passionate about history and current affairs. In his free time, Scott loves to spend time with his wife and two teenage children. 

Ms. Nikki Tyson

Staff Therapist

Nikki Tyson is a seasoned professional with vast experience in the hospitality and corporate world. Nikki has a Masters degree in project management from the Keller School of Management. She also holds Bachelors degrees in psychology and general studies with a minor in legal studies from Columbia College of Missouri. 

 

Nikki is currently working towards obtaining her LPC (licenced professional councelor). Nikki also plans to complete her doctoral training in the near future. 

 

Nikki is passionate about helping people explore their strengths and weaknesses to live their best life. Nikki believes in a client centered approach that leverages individual experiences and facilitiates each person's unique personality.

 

Nikki builds an environment based on mutal respect and communication.  Nikki provides a non judemental safe space to foster growth and discovery. Nikki embraces the diverse needs and wants of the community.

 

Nikki is a lifelong resident of Chicago's Northwest suburbs. She loves spending her free time with family and friends and is a referee for a local volleball club.