GLGPS Board of Directors

Christine Carpenter, PsyD, CGP

Christine Carpenter, PsyD, CGP

President

After serving as chair of the Marketing Committee where she helped usher in a new look, feel and direction for the organization, Christine is excited to step up to the task of leading the organization as president. Christine envisions a GLGPS that continues to offer valuable training experiences to group therapists in the Great Lakes region, in addition to functioning in more of a service role by bringing the power of group healing into our local communities. As a clinical psychologist in private practice for over 20 years, relational dynamics and body-centered techniques have formed the foundation of her therapeutic approach for individuals, couples and groups. She currently teaches Interpersonal Dynamics at University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In this popular course, students learn the elements of effective leadership in a training group – or t-group – setting where the focus is on learning-by-doing. In addition to her clinical services, Christine coaches both business executives who want to maximize their leadership potential, and people struggling with dating and relationships. Please don’t hesitate to connect if you’d like to learn more about GLGPS or how you can get involved.

Bruce Aaron, MSW, LCSW, CGP

Bruce Aaron, MSW, LCSW, CGP

Vice President

After chairing the Program and Training Committee of the Great Lakes Group Psychotherapy Society for 15 years, Bruce served as the Society’s President for a term, steering a steady course through a lot of change in the organization. Bruce is currently serving as our Membership Chair and official welcoming committee.

Bruce has been practicing Gestalt Therapy for the past 32 years. His interest in groups stems from a perspective that our self-concepts arise through repeated interactions in a social field, making groups an ideal setting in which to reorganize such beliefs. He is in private practice in Chicago where he works with individuals and offers three weekly therapy groups. He authored an audio series entitled Gestalt Training: The Psychology of Self-Regulating Success published by Nightengale-Conant and “Coming Out as Life-Long Practice, which appeared in the 2004 Gestalt Review

Marvin Evans, LCPC, MBA, CSOTP, CGP

Marvin Evans, LCPC, MBA, CSOTP, CGP

Treasurer, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Liaison and Scholarship Co-Chair

Marvin remains in the role of faithful treasurer with a fresh vision for how we invest in the growth of GLGPS. With a growth mindset, he has provided faithful stewardship of the organization’s finances as Treasurer, guided our all-white board in our efforts to understand the impact of our privilige as our DEI Liaison, and shepherded students through the scholarship process as Scholarship Committee Co-Chair. He is committed to the service model and is eager to contribute to developing this new direction for the organization.

Marvin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Group Psychotherapist who has been working in the field of counseling for over 20 years.  Marvin is an eclectic therapist with a strong attachment to Reality Therapy.  He specializes in working with marginalized populations on issues of trauma, identity, sexuality, and existential angst implicit in trying to make sense of this thing called life. 

Shawn Flynn, LCSW, CAADC

Shawn Flynn, LCSW, CAADC

Member at Large/Marketing Chair

Shawn has moved on from role of Membership Chair to lead the Marketing Committee where she will continue to manage our social media presence. As Chair she will also bring her creative eye and fresh perspective to our promotions and communications.

Shawn graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago.  In 2018, she opened her own private practice, Modern Connections Therapy.  Shawn is passionate about group therapy and is in the process of becoming a Certified Group Psychotherapist.  In Spring 2021, she began attending the Center for Group Studies Training Program to further her education and development in group work.

Carmen Burlingame, LCSW

Carmen Burlingame, LCSW

Member at Large

Niquie Dworkin, PhD, CGP

Niquie Dworkin, PhD, CGP

Member at Large

Niquie is a Clinical Psychologist with specialized training in psychoanalysis, Gottman Couples Therapy Level 2 and Gottman Seven Principles Leader, modern psychoanalytic group therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, divorce mediation, and substance abuse treatment.  She works with high-conflict couples and families.  Additionally, she specializes in the treatment adults and adolescents with eating disorders; substance abuse; compulsive shopping, gambling, sex, and self-harm; alternative sexual and relationship lifestyles; trauma; parenting; relationship difficulties; and grief and loss.  Niquie has expertise helping couples and families struggling with divisive politics. She runs interpersonal process groups and conducts integrative relational therapy consultation and supervision.