KIM LECHNER

PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Kimberly Melton Lechner is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who is nationally board certified (NCC). She also has a Professional Educator License (PEL) in School Psychology and School Administration. Kim completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Arts in School Psychology at Governors State University, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Northern Illinois University. Kim has pursued post-doctoral training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Theraplay, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Kim founded Kids First Collaborative after spending fifteen years working in public schools as a Behavior Interventionist, School Psychologist, and a Student Services/Special Education Administrator. During her tenure, she twice received the Those Who Excel Award in the team category from the Illinois State Board of Education. Additionally, she was honored to receive the Crystal Apple- Champion For Children Award for her work as a student services administrator.

Kim is a deeply compassionate counselor who is passionate about her clinical work as a therapist. She has a special interest in supporting women, children, teens, and parents of children with complex medical needs and other disabilities. Additionally, Kim appreciates providing therapy for other therapists who need support. Kim is credentialed through the Illinois Early Intervention System through which she supports eligible birth-3-year-old children and their families. She has considerable experience teaching masters and doctoral level students in clinical mental health and psychology programs, and she enjoys training and supervising other counselors.

Kim is deeply engaged in advocacy efforts on behalf of children with special needs both locally and nationally. Specifically, she co-facilitates the Student Services Parent Advisory Council and volunteers as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee for Special Education for her local school district. Additionally, Kim served for many years as a one-to-one mentor for parents and caregivers of children with Pediatric Feeding Disorders through Feeding Matters. She also served as a member of the Family Advisory Board for Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Kim enjoys reading, connecting with friends, and being with her husband and seven-year-old daughter.