James A. Shalley, Psy.D.

Dr. Shalley has worked as a clinical therapist for over sixteen years. As the first of the therapists to join the Associates in Family Care group, he was instrumental in assisting Dr. McKinley in developing the practice. 

Jim's primary focus is developing self-awareness in his clients so they are free to make changes to improve the quality and condition of their lives. His humor and relational style is helpful to his client’s progress and success in treatment. Jim enjoys working with individuals on their personal development, recovery from most typical emotional dynamics, i.e. depression, anxiety, divorce, grief and loss, as well as other significant life transitions. He has had great success in working on sexuality issues with both men and women. With extensive training in theology, Jim is a seasoned thinker on spiritual formation issues and values the opportunity to incorporate spiritual dynamics in the healing process.

Jim is a gifted communicator both one-on-one and in large gatherings and is also part of the Associates in Family Care speaking team which conducts seminars for personal growth, relationships and leadership. He has a passion for all who seek his services to experience a level of congruency based on the goals they establish.

Education and Credentials
Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, Adler School of Professional Psychology
Master of Divinity, Nazarene Theological Seminary
Bachelor of History, Olivet Nazarene University


Sandra Lee Blood, M.A., L.C.P.C.

Sandra Blood heads up our Associates in Family Care – Lake Zurich office, which she established in 1989.

Prior to Associates in Family Care, Sandra worked with Cornerstone Counseling Association where she led a 12-week therapy group for sexual abuse survivors. She was also one of the original Crisis Response Team members when HCA Woodland Hospital opened in 1990 in Hoffman Estates where she conducted psychological assessments and processed voluntary and involuntary inpatient admissions.

Sandra is a single parent who raised two daughters doing administrative work before changing careers. She has extensive business experience, primarily in sales and marketing. Sandra also managed respiratory therapy seminars in hospitals and was a book reviewer for the Journal of Psychology and Christianity. She is a published author, her most recent piece appearing in The Chicago Caregiver about the trip she and her brother took to the Grand Canyon with their mother who has Alzheimer’s.

Sandra enjoys volunteering at Willow Creek Community Church and lives a productive single life in the northwest suburbs with her cat Green Eyes.

Education and Credentials
Master of Clinical Psychology, Wheaton College
Bachelor of Psychology, Roosevelt University
Internship, The Guidance Center-a subsidiary of Elmhurst Hospital

To review two of the articles written by Sandra, click the links below:

Coping With Fear and/or ER:The Emotion Response Or What can the mind/body connection do for me?

Simone R. Schmale, M.S.Ed., L.C.P.C.

Simone is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who joins Associates in Family Care in Naperville and Lake Zurich.  Her clinical experience was gained in a variety of settings including an inpatient hospital for children and adolescents, and a Partial Hospitalization Program for adolescents and adults, which also provided a specialized program for substance abuse, and outpatient treatment centers.  Simone also serves as clinical advisor to the West Suburban Bipolar Group located in DuPage County.

Simone is passionate about serving adolescents and children and works effectively with families on multi-dimensional concerns. A tenacious and compassionate counselor, Simone's clients enjoy her collaborative approach as she assists them to alleviate the strain of life stressors and traumas in order to reach their individual and collective goals.

In addition, Simone is a professionally trained singer and musician and lives in Wheaton with her husband and baby daughter.   


Sharon J. Gilbert, M.S., L.C.P.C.

Sharon is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has been practicing psychotherapy for over 14 years and has worked in agency, hospital and private settings. She is experienced in working with adolescents, couples, families and individuals.

Sharon's clients and students consistently praise her use of humor and her ability to truly understand what people are going through. And her capacity for challenging people to bring out the best in her clients often helps them exceeds their own expectations of themselves. 

Sharon is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology and Education at several schools in both graduate and undergraduate programs. She provided personal, educational and career counseling to students and members of the community during her internship at College of DuPage. There she also co-taught Career Directions and Communication Skills. Sharon has also worked in outplacement and career counseling, and corporate Human Resources. 

She is a frequent presenter at many local day care provider organizations, PACES and various other venues.

Education and Credentials
Master of Counseling Psychology, Benedictine University
Bachelor of Psychology, North Central College
Internship, Addison Township Social Services and College of DuPage

To review two of the artlices written by Sharon, click the links below:

Divorce and Children and/or The Changes of Adolescence

Denise C. Makowski, Psy.D.

Dr. Makowski has been a licensed psychologist for twelve years in the state of Florida and Illinois. Her private practice experience has been with adults, couples, families, adolescents and children providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment. Her areas of clinical focus include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, developmental concerns, parenting and women’s issues.

Denise has enjoyed a variety of other professional experiences including a faculty position at the Bayfront Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program, Clinical Faculty work at the University of South Florida- Division of Child Development and Neurology, consultation for the State Child Protective Services organization, and the Manatee County School Board, as well as adjunct faculty instruction for Argosy University.

This variety of experiences has allowed her to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds in different capacities, which she has found extremely rewarding both personally and professionally. She values and respects the therapeutic working relationship with her clients and the important uniqueness of the challenges that they face.

Education and Credentials
Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, Florida Institute of Technology
Master of Clinical Psychology, Florida Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Psychology and Accounting, University of South Florida

Douglas L. McKinley, Psy. D.