Cassandra L. Esposito, PhD

As a clinical child psychologist, I work with children and adolescents struggling with significant behavioral and emotional difficulties. I was inspired to pursue my career after working as an undergraduate with at-risk, urban youth in Chicago. I learned that I wanted to help children and families in crisis develop the unique tools needed to build resilience in the face of trauma and stress.

In my practice, I value patient- and family-centered care. To work effectively with children, I believe it is necessary to understand that no child functions in isolation, but rather as part of their family unit. I work to help families and caregivers understand their child’s behaviors, enhance the relationship, and improve behaviors through positive and evidence-based practices.

I have expertise in behavioral parent training, treating children with trauma- and stress-related disorders, child behavior problems and crisis intervention/stabilization. As a staff psychologist at College Hill, I work with interdisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions and programs of care in an acute-psychiatry inpatient setting.

My research interests include understanding and implementing interventions for children and adolescents in acute care settings that promote stabilization and recovery.

In my free time and for my own self-care, I enjoy reading, baking, and traveling to visit my friends and family.