Kathleen Ares,
she/her
Psychological testing can provide clear, compassionate insight that guides effective intervention and advocacy.
I specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults facing challenges related to learning, executive functioning, developmental delays, and complex medical conditions.
My goal is to take a warm, collaborative approach to assessment and treatment planning, which is rooted in a deep understanding of how medical, psychological, and social factors shape cognitive and emotional development. My evaluations go beyond test scores - I provide actionable, individualized recommendations that help families, schools, and healthcare providers support a child’s full potential. I work within a developmental framework and regularly incorporate assessment of emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric functioning alongside cognitive profiles.
Whether consulting with a school team, guiding a family through a new diagnosis, or mentoring early-career clinicians, I approach every interaction with thoughtfulness, clarity, and deep respect for the complex experiences that shape human development.
Outside of Tandem, my current clinical and academic work at Advocate Children's Hospital focuses on high-need pediatric populations, including children with complex congenital and acquired medical conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychiatric comorbidities.
I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology. I completed my advanced training through postdoctoral fellowships at Northwestern Medicine/Neurocare and the Child Mind Institute, as well as a clinical internship at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. I also have specialized training in the use of gold-standard autism diagnostic tools.