Kathleen
Loomos-Ostry
Kathleen Loomos Ostry
- Campus: Chicago, IL
- Department: School Psychology
- Institution: The Chicago School
- Address: 325 N Wells Street Chicago, IL 60654
- Office Phone: (312) 410-8967
Biography
Dr. Kathleen Loomos Ostry joined The Chicago School in 2013 as an adjunct faculty member in the School Psychology Program and as of August, 2021 became core faculty in the program. During August 2024 Dr. Loomos Ostry has transitioned to the Program Chair role with continued teaching responsibilities. Prior to joining The Chicago School as full-time faculty, she worked as a school psychologist for the Chicago Public Schools for over 25 years. She completed her doctorate at Loyola University, Chicago. Dr. Loomos Ostry served as the Illinois State Delegate to the National Association of School Psychologists from 2020 trough 2023. She is currently the president-elect for Illinois School Psychologists Association since 2016.
Education History
Degree Institution Year B.A. Northeastern Illinois University , Chicago, IL 1986 M.Ed. University of Illinois - Chicago , Chicago, IL 1992 Ph.D. Loyola University - Chicago , Chicago, IL 2001 Professional Memberships
Role Organization President-Elect Illinois School Psychologists Association Member National Association of School Psychologists Member American Psychological Association Presentations
Title Location Date Supporting Grieving Students through Tiered Supports Denver, CO February 2023 Becoming Grief Informed in the Era of Covid-19 Springfield, IL February 2022 Becoming Grief Informed in the Era of Covid-19 Chicago, IL April 2021 Impact of Exposure to Trauma on Students, Staff and School Community. Chicago, IL August 2015 PREPaRE WS#2: Crisis Intervention and Recovery: The Roles of School Based Mental Health Professionals. Chicago, IL May 2015 PREPaRE WS#1: Prevention and Preparedness: Comprehensive School Safety Planning Chicago, IL December 2014 PREPaRE WS#2: Crisis Intervention and Recovery: The Roles of School Based Mental Health Professionals. Chicago, IL October 2012 PREPaRE WS#2: Crisis Intervention and Recovery: The Roles of School Based Mental Health Professionals. Chicago, IL October 2010 PREPaRE WS#2: Crisis Intervention and Recovery: The Roles of School Based Mental Health Professionals. Chicago, IL April 2010 School Psychology: Type 73 Certificate Regulations:  The How and Why of Certificate Renewal. East Peoria, IL January 2010 Community Involvement
Role Organization Volunteer Boy Scouts of America - Northeast Illinois Council: Wilderness Engineering Society Volunteer Siena Retreat Center Volunteer The Chicago School Social-Emotional Learning at Oakley Square Areas of Expertise
Area Expertise Child & Adolescent Development Learning/Learning Disabilities Clinical Psychology / Mental Health Cognitive Behavioral Therapy PTSD/Trauma Crisis Intervention School Psychology Academic Interventions Cognitive Assessment Positive Behavior Supports Response to Intervention Systems Change Licenses
Certified School Psychologist , Illinois Certified Special Education Teacher - LBS-1 , Illinois Certified General School Administrator , Illinois Question and Answer
Please describe your teaching philosophy. Teaching for me is explicitly linked to learning. As an educator, I have refined, deepened and continue to
increase my understanding of the teaching-learning connection. My goal when working with students, whether completing an assessment with them, meeting with them for counseling or teaching course content is to make a positive difference in their lives and help them realize their full potential. My goals are to empower them to become better versions of themselves and continue on as lifelong learners. I hope to instill in them a love of learning as well living a life of service to others.
Please provide a statement or philosophy regarding the practice of psychology. As a school psychologist, I recognize there are various perspectives and ways of thinking about how humans think, feel and behave. Given my work with children, adolescent and adult learners, I primarily use a social and cognitive behavioral learning theory orientation. I consider an individual's environment, behavior and cognition to support positive change and improved learning and life outcomes.
Why did you choose to enter the field of psychology? School Psychology is the perfect blend of education and psychology. While studying to become an educator, I was always drawn to my psychology courses and how we can use an understanding of one's brain development, needs and environment to influence and create positive life outcomes for children, adolescents and their families.
What advice would you give to a student entering The Chicago School? Try - take risks in your learning
Ask - take advantage of those here to support you
Be - enjoy the learning experience