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IPA Council of Representatives and Staff
Kristina Pecora, PsyD, MPP
President 2025-2026
Dr. Kristina Pecora is a licensed clinical psychologist in independent practice in Chicago, Illinois. She is passionate about the transformative power of psychology and finds daily inspiration in the dedication her clients bring to their personal growth and contributions to society.
With a career rooted in both clinical care and public advocacy, Dr. Pecora is committed to bringing psychological thought into public spaces, ensuring diverse voices are heard and represented in the field. She is a vocal advocate for health and mental health issues in the United States and abroad, advancing conversations around trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and accessible mental health services.
Dr. Pecora holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s in Public Policy, along with certifications in Global Mental Health, Conflict Mediation, and Health Coaching. She is licensed to practice in Illinois and across 39 states through PSYPACT, allowing her to connect with and serve clients nationwide via telehealth.
Beyond her professional work, Dr. Pecora is energized by her love for community, movement, and lifelong learning. Whether it’s a morning run, a peaceful walk by the lake, or exchanging book recommendations, she finds joy in both connection and curiosity.
As President of the Illinois Psychological Association, Dr. Pecora is excited to continue building community, strengthening advocacy, and elevating the role of psychology in shaping healthier futures.
IPA COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES (2025-2026)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
Kristina Pecora, PsyD, MPP (2025-2026)
President-Elect
Margo Jacquot, PsyD (2025-2026)
Immediate Past President
Sue Bae, PhD (2025-2026)
Secretary
Abigail Brown, PsyD (2025-2027)
Treasurer
Theresa Schultz, PhD, MBA (2022-2028)
Representative to APA Council
Laura Faynor-Ciha, PhD (2021-2026)
SECTION CHAIRS
Academic Section
Jenine Chiles, PsyD (2023-2027)
Behavioral Medicine & Neuropsychology Section
Derek Phillips, PsyD, MSCP, ABMP (2024-2026)
Clinical Practice Section
Samantha Chiariello, PsyD (2025-2027)
Early Career Psychologist Section
Jamie McKay, PsyD, EdS, NCSP (2025-2027)
Graduate Student Section (IPAGS)
Amanda Ramirez, MA (2025-2026)
Organizational & Business Consulting Section
Steven Rothke, PhD, ABPP (2023-2027)
Section on Ethnic Minority Affairs
Erin Alexander, PsyD (2019-2027)
Sexual Orientation & Gender Diversity Section
Natalie Rose Dille, PsyD (2025-2027)
Social Responsibility Section
Holly Houston, PhD (2021-2027)
Women’s Issues Section
Ivy Burgo, PsyD (2024-2026)
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Metropolitan Region
Gabriela Miniscalco, PsyD (2024-2026)
Jessica Punzo, PsyD (2022-2026)
Clifton Saper, PhD (2023-2027)
North Region
Brandi Boan, PsyD, MSCP (2022-2026)
North Central Region
Blair Brown, PsyD (2021-2027)
South Central Region
Keith Buescher, PhD (2019-2027)
South Region
Jeffrey Kellogg, PsyD (2020-2026)
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Bylaws and Rules
Derek Phillips, PsyD, MSCP, ABMP
Communications
Daniel Polonsky, PsyD
Continuing Education
Susan O’Grady, PsyD
Convention
Kristina Pecora, PsyD
Election
Sara Rusk, PsyD
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Celia Zanayed, PsyD
Ethics
Abigail Sivan, PhD & Susan Zoline, PhD
Finance
Theresa Schultz, PhD, MBA
Healthcare Reimbursement
Heidi Shikora, PsyD
Leadership Development Program
Laura Faynor-Ciha, PhD
Legislative
Sharon Khurana, PsyD & Gregory Sarlo, PsyD
Master’s Practice in Psychology
Sue Bae, PhD
Membership
Amanda Ori, PsyD
Newsletter Editor: Illinois Psychologist
Terrence Koller, PhD, ABPP
PSYPACT
Samantha Chiariello, PsyD
LIAISON AND OTHER IPA POSITIONS
APA Federal Advocacy Coordinator
Kristina Pecora, PsyD
Liaison to IPA Psychology Internship Consortium Board
Gregory Sarlo, PsyD
Liaison from the Clinical Psychologists Licensing and Disciplinary Board
Blaine Lesnik, PsyD
Parliamentarian
Andrea Seefeldt, PsyD