Jessica Cerniak

Dr. Jessica Cerniak's training as a clinical psychologist led her to study and work in various parts of the country and, more recently, internationally. She first earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Communication Studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Dr. Cerniak then relocated to California and earned a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, at Pepperdine University. As part of that program, her training focused on Narrative therapy and work with culturally diverse children, adolescents, and families in school settings. Dr. Cerniak then transferred to the University of Denver where she completed a master's and doctoral degree in clinical psychology with concentrations in psychological assessment and child and adolescent treatment. She returned to Chicago to complete her APA-accredited predoctoral internship training at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. More recently, Dr. Cerniak completed a certificate in Global Education for the 21st Century at the UN Mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica, as well as a certificate in Maternal Mental Health through PSI and 2020mom.org.

Dr. Cerniak is a licensed clinical psychologist whose experience includes providing individual, group, and family therapy in a wide range of settings, such as elementary, middle-school, high school and college counseling centers; private practice; community mental health centers; and various hospital units, including emergency rooms and inpatient and partial hospitalization programs. She first joined TCSPP in 2006. Initially working as the associate director and then director of training for the Clinical PsyD program in Chicago, Dr. Cerniak transitioned into a core faculty Associate Professor position in the MAP program in 2011. In addition to teaching and conducting research, she is active in her local community, co-chairing and representing health professionals as a voting member on a county board focused on maternal, child and adolescent health, and she volunteers at local schools. Dr. Cerniak also is an active member of the CPA/SVPA Grassroots Stakeholder Team, and she serves as a peer reviewer for the Online Learning Journal as well as for the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA Division 2).