I have been in practice since 1979 when I received my masters degree from the University of Chicago-School of Social Service Administration with a concentration in working with individuals, families, and groups. The first four years of my postgraduate experience were at Metropolitan Family Services where I received extensive training in family therapy. Then in 1983, at the same time that I began my private practice I started counseling police officers for the Chicago Police Department.

The experience that I had with the CPD led my late partner, Jerry Bolger and I to conclude that the police needed specialized services that needed to be close to, but external to, a police department. With that in mind, in 1987 we founded The Police Assistance Center which later became known as St. Michael's House where I remained for twenty years until Jerry passed away and I decided to devote myself to my private practice on a full time basis.

On the personal side, I have been happily married to my wife Lynette since 1983. We met in graduate school, but in 2002 she left the field to follow her true passion. She now owns and operates her own business-Three Bags Full: Knitting Studio in Northbrook. We have two wonderful sons. Our oldest graduated with the highest academic distinctions from Lake Forest College in 2009 and now lives in the city supporting himself by giving guitar lessons while contemplating graduate schools in music composition. Our younger son is a true scholar and an English major at Amherst College in Massachusetts. I am an avid golfer and would like to run for mayor of Sportsman's Country Club if the office ever comes into existence.