Each provider affiliated with OCCI is solely responsible for all matters concerning a client's clinical care, and all questions about that care should be addressed to her/him. Each provider maintains his or her own private practice, separate from the other OCCI members. Furthermore, professional records are separately maintained, and no other member of OCCI can have access to them without your specific written permission.
All providers maintain the highest standard of confidentiality and privacy, which will be discussed with you in the first session. Because it is possible that you may meet your therapist by chance at a church service or event, rest assured that we will not ever indicate that you are a client or discuss your concerns outside our private office. Likewise, it is our policy not to interact on social media with current clients, as per professional ethics codes.
All providers maintain the highest standard of confidentiality and privacy, which will be discussed with you in the first session. Because it is possible that you may meet your therapist by chance at a church service or event, rest assured that we will not ever indicate that you are a client or discuss your concerns outside our private office. Likewise, it is our policy not to interact on social media with current clients, as per professional ethics codes.
Ary Christofidis, Ph.D.
Founder & Director - Phone: (312) 593-3294Locations: Park Ridge: 1580 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 319E, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Also offering telehealth appointments via phone and video. Call directly to discuss if it is an appropriate option for you. Please note that not all insurance companies will cover Telehealth.
Dr. Christofidis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. He sees people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, marital conflict, and family discord. Dr. Christofidis also treats youth who are struggling with emotional and family issues and clients who are dealing with a diagnosis of cancer, assisting them with the emotional challenges that accompany the disease. His approach in working with clients includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Family Systems therapies. The foundation of his approach to therapy comes from his three years of study at Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology and the teachings of the Orthodox Christian Church. Dr. Christofidis received two graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh: a Masters in Clinical Social Work and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. He has worked in two psychiatric hospitals, three university counseling centers, and a residential treatment facility. Dr. Christofidis received intensive training in family therapy from The Family Therapy Center at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in 1993. His most recent clinical experiences include working six years as a contract psychologist at The Family Institute of Northwestern University and seven years as a part-time psychologist at the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook Illinois. Dr. Christofidis is a nationally recognized speaker within the Pan-Orthodox community and has been a guest speaker on “Come Receive the Light” radio program on the Orthodox Christian Network.. He has led clergy and clergy wives retreats and Family Synaxis seminars. He is a regular guest speaker at parish events in the Chicago area. In 2013 he was a keynote speaker at the "Pastoral Challenges in Marriage" Conference at Holy Cross Seminary. In 2014 the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago appointed Dr. Christofidis to be a representative to the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care.
Randa Karadsheh Anderson, Ph.D., LCP
Phone: (847) 650-3952 Locations: Park Ridge on Tuesdays only at 1580 N. Northwest Hwy. #125C, Park Ridge, IL 60068.
Telehealth the remaining days.
Dr. Anderson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who treats adults, adolescents, and children. She works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief & loss, divorce, and relationship conflicts. Managing stress, anger, and adjustments to significant life changes are also a frequent focus of treatment. Dr. Anderson often treats women struggling with parenting and marriage issues. Young adults frequently seek her services for guidance in career development and relationship concerns. With a background in Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, she works collaboratively with clients to improve emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. She offers a safe and supportive environment in which to explore underlying issues contributing to current problems.
Dr. Anderson received her Doctorate in Psychology from The University of Chicago. She completed her clinical psychology training at the University of Chicago Hospital and at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center. For over 20 years, she worked as a staff psychologist at the Bradley Counseling Center in Lake County, where she provided outpatient psychotherapy, as well as taught child psychotherapy seminars and supervised graduate students.
Dr. Anderson is committed to offering her professional knowledge and skills to the Orthodox community through volunteer work. She currently serves as the President of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion (www.OCAMPR.org). She also is a consultant to the Mental Health Ministries of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops (https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/ministries/mentalhealth/), and she co-chaired the working group that developed the National Directory of Orthodox Mental Health Providers (https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/mental-health/). Through the Thriving in Ministries program (www.thrivingorthodox.org), Dr. Anderson facilitates peer learning groups for clergy wives in the Chicago area. She has been a guest speaker on various programs for both the Orthodox Christian Network and Ancient Faith Radio.
Dr. Anderson received her Doctorate in Psychology from The University of Chicago. She completed her clinical psychology training at the University of Chicago Hospital and at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center. For over 20 years, she worked as a staff psychologist at the Bradley Counseling Center in Lake County, where she provided outpatient psychotherapy, as well as taught child psychotherapy seminars and supervised graduate students.
Dr. Anderson is committed to offering her professional knowledge and skills to the Orthodox community through volunteer work. She currently serves as the President of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion (www.OCAMPR.org). She also is a consultant to the Mental Health Ministries of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops (https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/ministries/mentalhealth/), and she co-chaired the working group that developed the National Directory of Orthodox Mental Health Providers (https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/mental-health/). Through the Thriving in Ministries program (www.thrivingorthodox.org), Dr. Anderson facilitates peer learning groups for clergy wives in the Chicago area. She has been a guest speaker on various programs for both the Orthodox Christian Network and Ancient Faith Radio.
Kristine Kallimani, LMHC
Phone: (219) 781-5250
Location: Oryna Counseling Center, 1512 W. 96th Ave, Suite E, Crown Point, INDIANA 46307
Kristine is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with individual adults. She maintains a general practice of counseling and treats a wide array of life’s problems, including depression, adult ADHD, and adjustment issues such as loss of a loved one, job loss or becoming a new parent. Kristine is experienced in treating trauma and abuse. She also counsels women who are experiencing post-partum depression.
Kristine completed a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Miami in 1997. She has counseled at the Loyola University Sexual Dysfunction Clinic, at the Porter Starke Services, Inc. Mental Health Practice in Northwest Indiana, and at the Barry University Center for Advanced Learning. In addition, Kristine has worked with cancer patients.
Prior to pursuing her degree in counseling, Kristine studied theology for one year under the guidance of Metropolitan Kallistos Ware. This life changing experience prompted Kristine to choose a career in counseling within the context of the Orthodox faith. Kristine is an active volunteer in her parish community and has done mission work at Project Mexico.
Kristine completed a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Miami in 1997. She has counseled at the Loyola University Sexual Dysfunction Clinic, at the Porter Starke Services, Inc. Mental Health Practice in Northwest Indiana, and at the Barry University Center for Advanced Learning. In addition, Kristine has worked with cancer patients.
Prior to pursuing her degree in counseling, Kristine studied theology for one year under the guidance of Metropolitan Kallistos Ware. This life changing experience prompted Kristine to choose a career in counseling within the context of the Orthodox faith. Kristine is an active volunteer in her parish community and has done mission work at Project Mexico.
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Fr. Charles Joanides, Ph.D., LMFT
Spiritual Consultant to OCCI
Location: Newburgh, New YorkPhone: (845) 565-5641
Father Charles Joanides was ordained in 1980. He has served several parishes across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. He also directed the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s (GOA) outreach ministry to intermarried couples and their families from 1997-2014. He is married and both he and his spouse, Presbytera Nancy, have been blessed with two children and four grandchildren.
He holds the following advanced degrees: an M-Div. from Hellenic College/Holy Cross, an M.A. in Human Development and Family Relations with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iowa State University.
Father Charles is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) and an approved AAMFT supervisor. He teaches marital and family therapy at Nyack College in The Alliance Graduate School of Counseling. Some of the courses he teaches are: Foundational theories in Marriage and Family Therapy, Assessment and Treatment and Medical and Mental Issues and Marital and Family Therapy. He has a small private practice specializing in reclaiming marriages. He also treats individuals, couples and families, who struggle with medical, emotional and mental health disorders. Whenever possible, he seeks to integrate human science with his client’s religious and spiritual background.
Father Charles has authored numerous books and articles. His latest books are entitled: Attending to Your Marriage: A Resource for Christian Couples, The Journey of Marriage in the Orthodox Church and Challenges in Pastoral Care: Divorce and Remarriage . His writings have appeared in numerous professional journals, magazines and newspapers. He has been interviewed by a number of radio programs, including Ancient Faith Radio and Come Receive the Light. He has conducted numerous pre-marriage and marriage building retreats, and he has been a featured speaker at a number of local and national conferences. He is currently semi-retired, in addition to his teaching responsibilities and small private practice, he continues to function as a supply priest and a consultant for the GOA’s Department of Marriage and Family.
He holds the following advanced degrees: an M-Div. from Hellenic College/Holy Cross, an M.A. in Human Development and Family Relations with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iowa State University.
Father Charles is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) and an approved AAMFT supervisor. He teaches marital and family therapy at Nyack College in The Alliance Graduate School of Counseling. Some of the courses he teaches are: Foundational theories in Marriage and Family Therapy, Assessment and Treatment and Medical and Mental Issues and Marital and Family Therapy. He has a small private practice specializing in reclaiming marriages. He also treats individuals, couples and families, who struggle with medical, emotional and mental health disorders. Whenever possible, he seeks to integrate human science with his client’s religious and spiritual background.
Father Charles has authored numerous books and articles. His latest books are entitled: Attending to Your Marriage: A Resource for Christian Couples, The Journey of Marriage in the Orthodox Church and Challenges in Pastoral Care: Divorce and Remarriage . His writings have appeared in numerous professional journals, magazines and newspapers. He has been interviewed by a number of radio programs, including Ancient Faith Radio and Come Receive the Light. He has conducted numerous pre-marriage and marriage building retreats, and he has been a featured speaker at a number of local and national conferences. He is currently semi-retired, in addition to his teaching responsibilities and small private practice, he continues to function as a supply priest and a consultant for the GOA’s Department of Marriage and Family.
Betty Sellas Paganis, LICSW
Phone: 617-681-5681Location: 1155 Walnut Street, Suite #22, Newton Highlands, MA 02461Illinois: Teletherapy only
Betty is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, licensed in Illinois and Massachusetts. She is also a Certified Psychosynthesis Life Coach. Betty attained her Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work. She works with adults seeking to cope with issues such as loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions and those who seek to identify and overcome obstacles that prevent them from growing personally or professionally. She draws upon a variety of treatment modalities in order to address a client’s needs.
She works part-time at Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, MA, and especially enjoys working with college and graduate students. Previously, Betty worked as a school social worker for over two decades with children ranging in age from early childhood through elementary school. Betty has a deep love for Orthodox Christian Missions. She is a founding member of Mission Team Chicago, a pan Orthodox group that supports the work of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. Betty has participated on short-term mission teams to Uganda and Alaska, as well as on a work team at Project Mexico.
