Valerie L. Scaramella-Nowinski, PSY.D.

Dr. Nowinski is committed to children, their health, learning, and development. She has worked as a clinician and researcher regarding pediatric brain-behavior development for greater than 35 years.

During the mid-late 1970’s Dr. Nowinski had the privilege of working at a medical trauma center with clinicians and researchers involved in neuroscience evaluation and treatment. The program focus was brain “systems biology”. After several years of master degree work at the center, she pursued doctoral studies in Neuropsychology. She also had the fortune of studying directly with Ralph Reitan, Ph.D., a leading neuropsychologist in the country. His team developed the most widely used brain-behavior assessments.

Her doctoral research was titled “Systems Analysis: A Neuropsychological Investigation of the Psychological Structure and Cerebral Organization of Human Mental Processes”. Dr. Nowinski’s clinical research involves: Electrophysiological dysrhythmias associated with neurodevelopmental disorders; Eye movement related to brain behavior development, especially literacy development; and Neurodevelopment of Intelligence and Learning. Throughout her professional career, she has been deeply involved in developing Neurosystems Biology understanding regarding human development and learning, especially in the pediatric population.

Dr. Nowinski is the founder of the Pediatric Neuropsychology Diagnostic Center, Orland Park, Illinois. The Center houses three specialty programs: Brain Injury Program, Autism Spectrum Program, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders/Attention and Learning Disorders Program. These diagnostic and training programs incorporate an interdisciplinary team of pediatric specialists including neuroscientists, educators, speech language, movement, child development and learning specialists. Bridging neuroscience with education is a primary focus at the center.

She and her team have developed brain training and education programs for thousands of children. The team consults for multiple school districts, hospitals, health and allied health specialists, and child development programs.

Dr. Nowinski has authored numerous articles regarding child brain development and learning. She speaks nationally and internationally concerning pediatric brain-behavior development and learning.

Dr. Nowinski is a member of the International Neuropsychology Society, National Academy of Neuropsychology, American Psychological Association – Neuropsychology Division 40 and the Society of Pediatric Psychology Division 54, the Illinois Psychological Association, and the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology, among others. Dr. Nowinski has been a member of multiple Professional Advisory and Scientific Boards. Currently, she is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board-Advanced Brain Technologies. She is also involved in child advocacy programs regarding health/education policy.

In 2003, Dr. Nowinski and her family founded the Neuropsychology C.H.I.L.D (Child Health Initiative for Learning and Development) Foundation, non-profit 501 (c)(3). The mission of the foundation is, “To promote public awareness of current neuroscience and education research and clinical work related to child development and learning”.

Dr. Nowinski is blessed with her family – her husband, Judge Thomas E. Nowinski, and four children. All are involved in professions that espouse ideals that promote health and well-being. Their four Grandchildren, Elly, Kylee, William and Benjamin, are very special joys!