Patricia Scherer, Ph.D.
Dr. Scherer holds a Ph. D. in the Psychology of Deafness from Northwestern University. Her undergraduate work was in the area of education of the deaf. Her graduate work included deafness, audiology, learning disabilities and psychology. As Founder and President of Mental Health and Deafness Resources, Inc., Dr. Scherer is recognized nationally for her knowledge and expertise in the evaluation and treatment of emotionally disturbed or behaviorally disordered deaf children. Since the inception of the first inpatient psychiatric program for deaf or hard of hearing patients at Forest Hospital in 1982, Dr. Scherer has continued to explore innovations in the field of deafness in order to assess their implications in the treatment of the emotionally disturbed deaf child. Dr. Scherer is fluent in sign language.
Lerwut Wongsarnpigoon, M.D. Lerwut Wongsarnpigoon M.D. is board certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. He has been working with the deaf population for the past 20 years. His special areas of interest are psychopharmacology and difficult to treat patients
Judith M. Kahn, Ph.D.
Judith M. Kahn Ph. D., a licensed clinical psychologist and mental health and deafness expert, is the Clinical Director of MHDR. Dr. Kahn received her Ph.D. from the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School (1989). She specializes in treatment and psychological/neuropsychological assessment of children, adolescents and adults who are deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened and deaf-blind, and their families. Dr. Kahn is fluent in American Sign Language.
Feli Sebastian, Ph.D.
Dr. Feli Sebastian received her doctorate from the University of Toledo. She is a signing therapist who believes in the intrinsic value of every individual. Beside her expertise in mental health and deafness, she specializes in the treatment of affective/mood and anxiety disorders, in working with abuse survivors and with family systems. She incorporates experimental/drama techniques and spirituality in an integrated treatment modality. Dr. Sebastian has been a part of the treatment team of Prairieview Center since its inception in 1991.
James Vanderbosch, Psy.D.
James Vanderbosch, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist with 26 years of experience working with deaf children and parents. Prior to joining the MHDR staff, Dr. Vanderbosch worked with deaf and mentally ill individuals in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient and school settings. As Director of the MENDAC Institute's Mental Health Program, Dr. Vanderbosch specialized in working with deaf individuals who were victims of domestic violence and abuse. He continues this work in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and MHDR.
