We're glad you're here!
Welcome to the Chicago Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
join the acbs chicago board
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Who We Are
ACBS Chicago
Welcome to the Chicago Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. We are a group of practitioners located in the greater Chicago area who are committed to education, community, and dissemination of information related to evidence-based practices grounded in contextual-behavioral science.
What is ACBS?
The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science is an international community of scholars, researchers, educators, practitioners, and others, dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering and the advancement of human well-being through research and practice grounded in contextual behavioral science.
Get involved
Workshops & Events
Consultation Groups
Consultation Groups
Our annual workshops have covered topics like case conceptualization, neurodivergency, trauma, and working with children.
This year's spring conference included DJ Moran, Matthew Skinta, and Russ Harris.
Consultation Groups
Consultation Groups
Consultation Groups
Over the years, therapists from the community have supported each other through bi-weekly peer consultation and book clubs. If you’re interested in leading a peer consultation group, we have resources for you! Please reach out.
Meet Ups
Consultation Groups
Meet Ups
Approximately twice per year, we host a meetup for anyone interested in learning more about ACBS, ACT, RFT, or the community. Let us know if you’re interested or if you have any ideas for an ACBS Chicago social event!
Contact Us
We would love to connect!
We welcome questions, feedback, requests, and opportunities for expanding the Chicagoland ACBS community.
ACBS Chicago
Meet the Board
Kat Johnson, President
Ginny Nikiforos, Vice President
Ginny Nikiforos, Vice President
Kat Johnson (she/her), LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in private practice. She has served as the Vice President on the ACBS Chicago Chapter Board since 2024-2025.
Ginny Nikiforos, Vice President
Ginny Nikiforos, Vice President
Ginny Nikiforos, Vice President
Ginny Nikiforos (she/her), LCSW, BCBA, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Certified Behavior Analyst working in private practice at Guiding Behavior Counseling, PLLC. She served as member-at-large from 2022-2025.
Jamie Cooper, Secretary
Ginny Nikiforos, Vice President
Jamie Cooper, Secretary
Jamie Cooper (she/her), PsyD, LCP, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist working in private practice at Pathways Psychology Services. She has served as the secretary on the ACBS Chicago Chapter Board since 2021.
Tim Lo, treasurer
Leonidas (“Leo”) Gkimisis, LCPC, Psychotherapist | ACT & FAP Practitioner
Jamie Cooper, Secretary
Timothy Lo (he/him), LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in private practice at Chicago Therapy Group. He has served as Treasurer on the ACBS Chicago Chapter Board since 2022.
Alison Beauvais Carris, Member-at-large
Leonidas (“Leo”) Gkimisis, LCPC, Psychotherapist | ACT & FAP Practitioner
Leonidas (“Leo”) Gkimisis, LCPC, Psychotherapist | ACT & FAP Practitioner
Alison, Ali, Beauvais Carris (she/her), LCPC, BCBA, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is the founder of Behavioral Learning, PLLC, a small group practice and adult learning center. Ali has served on the ACBS board as member-at-large since 2025.
Leonidas (“Leo”) Gkimisis, LCPC, Psychotherapist | ACT & FAP Practitioner
Leonidas (“Leo”) Gkimisis, LCPC, Psychotherapist | ACT & FAP Practitioner
Leonidas (“Leo”) Gkimisis, LCPC, Psychotherapist | ACT & FAP Practitioner
Say someth Leonidas Gkimisis is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (CA) specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). His clinical work focuses on helping adults cultivate psychological flexibility, deepen self-awareness, and s
Say someth Leonidas Gkimisis is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (CA) specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). His clinical work focuses on helping adults cultivate psychological flexibility, deepen self-awareness, and strengthen meaningful relationships through present-moment awareness and authentic emotional expression.
Leo’s approach emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as a powerful context for growth—supporting clients to live with greater intention, alignment, and vitality. He provides telehealth services for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, and challenges with self-compassion or direction in life.
Outside of his practice, Leo enjoys creative design, nature photography, and caring for his many indoor plants.
Natalie Colombana-Walsh, Student Representative
Natalie Colombana-Walsh, Student Representative
Natalie Colombana-Walsh, Student Representative
Natalie Colombana Walsh (she/they), MA, is a current third-year PhD student at Wheaton College with experience in adult neuropsychology.
Pam Katz, Past President
Natalie Colombana-Walsh, Student Representative
Natalie Colombana-Walsh, Student Representative
Pam Katz (she/her), LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in private practice at Pam Katz Counseling, PLLC. She has served as the President on the ACBS Chicago Chapter Board since 2022, and as treasurer 2019-2022.