Chicago CBM Psychologists, Therapists and Staff

Daniel S. Kirschenbaum, Ph.D., ABPP – Director

Dr. Kirschenbaum, a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois and four other states, was Director of the Eating Disorders Program at Northwestern University Medical School, where he is Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. He is also the Clinical Director and Vice President, Clinical Services, for Wellspring, a Division of CRC Health Group.

Dr. Kirschenbaum is a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Psychological Association and former president of its Division of Exercise and Sport Psychology. He has served as a consultant to the United States Olympic Committee, the National Basketball Association, the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the Chicago Bears, numerous professional journals, and several major corporations.

Dr. Kirschenbaum has provided invited addresses at many professional conferences world-wide, received numerous grants for research, and published 10 books and more than 100 articles in professional journals and books on weight loss, sport psychology, and related topics. His books include: Mind Matters (1997); Smart Golf (1998); The 9 Truths About Weight Loss (2000); The Healthy Obsession Program (2005); and the Sierras Weight Loss Solution for Teens and Kids (2007).

In 2000, the American Council on Exercise and its Board of Directors unanimously endorsed The 9 Truths About Weight Loss as the best book ever written for the public on how to lose weight and keep it off. His research on the improving the mental game in golf received the third prize in Golf Magazine’s and the World Scientific Congress of Golf’s (St. Andrews University, Scotland) first annual Science in Golf competition in 2001.

Susan A. Shrifter-Fialkow, M.A., L.C.S.W. – Assistant Director

Ms. Shrifter-Fialkow, Assistant Director of the Center for Behavioral Medicine since 1990, is a 1984 graduate of the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. She also completed a two-year advanced training program in marital and family therapy at The Family Institute (a Northwestern University affiliate). Her background includes co-designing and directing the first inpatient and aftercare treatment program in Chicago for overweight children and adolescents. Ms. Shrifter-Fialkow also served as Program Coordinator for the Eating Disorders Program at Northwestern University Medical School prior to joining CBM. Ms. Shrifter-Fialkow has co-authored publications on weight control and is a frequent public speaker.

Kristina Pecora Kelly, Psy.D.

Dr. Kelly is a new addition to CBM, working in the group practice since August 2008. As a postdoctoral fellow, she currently works with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, and weight loss issues. Dr. Kelly also runs a post-bariatric surgery group once per month, in partnership with Pacific Laparoscopy. A recent graduate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Dr. Kelly’s background is in clinical health psychology, working with clients to support their emotional health while they deal with physical issues such as diabetes, chronic pain, and stroke. Her research interests include effectiveness of weight loss programs for youth, and eating disorders related to obesity/overweight. She has published three articles on the treatment of obesity and co-authored 9 presentations at professional international conferences on this topic.

Sherry Hirsch, Office Manager

Sherry Hirsch serves as the Office Manager for Center for Behavioral Medicine. Sherry received her BA in Education from Miami University of Ohio and was a high school English teacher for many years. She then became a marketing executive before becoming CBM’s office manager in 2006.

Sheila Culkin, Ph.D. – Psychologist

Dr. Culkin received her doctoral training in clinical psychology at Northwestern University Medical School, under Dr. Kirschenbaum’s direction. Drs. Culkin and Kirschenbaum have been working together for 24 years. Dr. Culkin specializes in weight control treatment, but also in working with older adults.