Panelists
Sara Tigay
Clinical Program Manager, Foundations Chicago
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Sara Tigay joined the Foundations Chicago team as clinical program manager in April 2018. With over 10 years' experience working in high-level addiction and mental healthcare in the Chicago area, she is passionate about providing hope a support to each individual she encounters.
Tigay has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky, a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, and became a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor through the College of Dupage. Previously held positions include lead counselor for adolescents, clinical manager for a behavioral healthcare center and private practice and part-time work for the Lawyer's Assistance Program.
When not working, Tigay is enjoying bike riding, yoga, boxing, mindfulness and meditation, reading and improv classes. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Joe, and their daughter Talia.
Salahuddin Syed, MD
AMITA Health Behavioral Medicine Institute
Salahuddin Syed, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in addictions at AMITA Health Behavioral Medicine Institute. He is currently the medical director of AMITA Health’s Foglia Residential Treatment Program, the Center for Addiction Medicine, as well as the inpatient detox program at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital. Additionally he is the medical director for Clinical Informatics and a member of the AMITA Healthcare Leadership Academy.
Dr. Syed completed his residency at Rosalind Franklin University/Chicago Medical School and his addictions fellowship at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He is a dedicated psychiatrist with extensive experience in the treatment of addictions, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. He is also skilled in quality, treatment planning, and recovery-oriented care models. He provides consultation for professionals and is widely known for this patient and family collaboration.
Kimberly Boone, MA Clinicla Psy, LMHC
Clinical Director, Pinnacle Treatment Centers-Recovery Works Merrillville
Kimberly is currently the clinical director at Pinnacle Treatment Centers Recovery Works for their inpatient and intensive outpatient programs in Merrillville, IN. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Indiana and has been in the field of mental health and addictions for 17 years. Kimberly holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hampton University, a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and is currently a doctoral candidate.
Kimberly has worked in various sectors including private practice, community mental health, inpatient and outpatient hospitals, as well as, school settings. Kimberly is very passionate about mental health and addiction and strives to provide the best possible care for all persons through a holistic approach. She is dedicated to providing quality of care and producing the best possible outcomes for all individuals. Kimberly currently serves as a member of the Northwest Indiana Opiod Taskforce and is the chair of the Treatment sub-committee.
Linda Lewaniak LCSW, CAADC
Managing Clincial Director, Insight BHC
Nationally recognized addiction treatment expert Linda Lewaniak, LCSW, CAADC joined ERC/insight in March 2016. A widely respected therapist and administrator, Lewaniak brings over 30 years of experience in the treatment of substance abuse and comorbid mental illness. As the Regional Managing Director in Ill, Lewaniak is responsible for integration of Addiction Services across all programs and levels of care to most effectively treat the co-occurring diagnosis of substance abuse. Leveraging her extensive clinical and operational background, she oversees the delivery of evidence-based, cutting edge substance abuse treatment at Insight’s Chicagoland treatment centers and provides clinical supervision to the multidisciplinary treatment team. Lewaniak also collaborates closely with Eating Recovery Center’s senior clinical leadership across all 28 facilities nationwide to ensure holistic integration of addiction treatment, and provides substance abuse education, training and development for mental health professionals, educators and community resources.