Amy Wechsler, MSW, LCSW, DT
Clinical Director and Founder
From an early age, Amy knew she wanted to work with children. She spent many summers as a counselor and teacher’s assistant at the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association and in preschool and daycare settings, where her passion for helping children thrive began to take shape. In 2006, Amy earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, gaining valuable clinical experience interning at the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center and volunteering at the Crisis Nursery. It was during her time at the Crisis Nursery that she became profoundly inspired by their slogan, “Island of Safety.” This concept deeply resonated with Amy, planting a lifelong desire to create spaces where others could feel secure, understood, and valued. She wanted to become an “island of safety” for others, providing support to those navigating life’s challenges.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Amy pursued a Master’s in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago, where she interned in both the neonatal intensive care unit at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County and as an outpatient therapist at Niles Family Services. These early experiences helped shape her clinical approach, rooted in empathy, understanding, and family-centered care. Following her studies, Amy became a licensed clinical social worker and a credentialed Early Intervention Specialist and Evaluator. Her expertise spans a wide range including child development, anxiety and related disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on empowering families to support their children.
Founded on a commitment to high-quality therapy services and building relationships that honor lived experience, Amy founded PlayWorks Therapy, Inc. in 2011. Through her personal and professional journey, Amy realized that the very qualities she often faced challenges for—asking too many questions, caring too much, and being “too involved”—were her superpowers. Embracing her relentless curiosity, attention to detail, and passion for meaningful leadership allowed her to build a practice that was not just effective but truly unique.
Driven by a passion for empathic and authentic leadership, neurodiversity-affirming practices, and clinical education, Amy realized that helping others see their differences as their greatest strengths was central to her mission. Amy advocates for inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding in both the professional and therapeutic setting. Amy’s mission is to empower and educate others, cultivating a growth-oriented mindset fueled by curiosity.
Amy lives in the northern suburbs with her three children. In her free time, she enjoys running, exploring new restaurants, and spending quality time with family and friends.