‘The magic of Paula’: Dr. Young leaves legacy of wit, expertise, and deep connection
A true driver of social connection, Paula Young, PhD, is fondly remembered as a “party on wheels” — and she made sure to bring everyone along with her.
Whether at a conference or a Cubs game, Marty Franklin, PhD, Rogers’ clinical executive director, says Dr. Young and her larger-than-life sense of humor had a way of taking center stage. More than that, he says, she invited people into the spotlight with her.
“She could bring even shy people into her party. You’re going to have a good time with her, and that’s well known,” Dr. Franklin says. “You hang out with her for more than 15 minutes, and your sides are going to be aching from laughter. But her humor was all part of the connection. Her style was such that everybody was in on the joke.”
A million memories
Known as much for her big personality as her professional expertise, Dr. Young passed away in March after a meaningful career in behavioral health. She joined Rogers in 2016 as clinical supervisor of the Skokie, Illinois, clinic, moving up to the role of executive director of Clinical Training and Development.
Long before that, Dr. Franklin met Dr. Young at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in the early 1990s as part of Dr. Edna Foa’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, where he supervised her as an intern. They hit it off right away.
“People would come by my office and ask, ‘What were you doing in there? It sounded like you’re at a comedy club,’” Dr. Franklin recalls.
From their comedy club to a jazz club (where their exuberant laughter got them kicked out), Dr. Franklin has “a million” memories of Dr. Young, all tied to one throughline: Dr. Young’s ability to make people feel welcome, whether they were supervisees, patients, or strangers soon-to-be friends.
“This is just the magic of Paula, bringing people together,” Dr. Franklin says. “It was a remarkable experience to be in her presence, truly.”
An unforgettable impact
Dr. Franklin recalls Dr. Young’s ability to connect with people on their level, whether at a conference focused on the treatment of OCD in the context of autism or at his joint 60th birthday party with his wife (doubling up for a 120th birthday party). That quality served her well professionally, he says, as a “topflight clinician” and expert in cognitive therapy for depression.
“Paula had the special skill of knowing how to speak to her audience,” says Nancy Goranson, PsyD, director of Internship Practicum Training. “She simplified concepts without diluting them, making them understandable. She was perfect in her role as an educator.”
As Bella Gambino, director of Operations in Skokie, says, Dr. Young was not only a respected leader in the organization, but also a clinical psychologist, supervisor, professor, and true expert in the field.
“She was incredibly smart, with a depth of knowledge and insight that shaped her work and inspired those around her,” Bella says. “Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was a colleague, mentor, and friend to many of us. She was truly an amazing person and had the biggest sense of humor — bringing warmth, lightness, and laughter even in challenging moments. Her compassion, guidance, humor, and dedication left a lasting impact that will not be forgotten.”
Derek Offman, instructional designer II, who worked closely with Dr. Young, echoes that sentiment, remembering their many conversations.
“She’s probably the smartest person I knew, but you’d never know it because she was so approachable,” Derek says. “She was so funny and so quick. She made me laugh literally every time I talked to her. She had some of the best stories I’ve ever heard. She never took herself too seriously. She was unapologetically honest. Above all, she was one of the nicest people.”
For example, Derek recalls how Dr. Young went out of her way to help his daughter with a school project about anxiety.
“She always had time to talk, even if it was just a personal conversation that interrupted her day. She would do anything to help,” Derek says. “She would check in if we hadn’t talked in a while. She would talk me through work challenges. She also could tell if I was feeling off. At the end of the day, she just made work so much better. Her laughter, her sarcasm, her wit — I’ll never forget it.”
Neither will others who crossed paths with Dr. Young. She was honored on the first night of the ADAA Conference, with Dr. Franklin giving remarks. Instead of the traditional moment of silence, he planned something more her style.
“There was never a moment of silence around Paula Young, ever,” he says. “So instead of that, I decided to break into a famous Irish wake song called ‘The Parting Glass.’ Whether I butcher it or not, I think I’m doing her justice. She would have a laugh at my expense. That’s more fitting of her spirit. Do not take yourself too seriously about Paula Young.”
Still, Dr. Young found a way to do serious work, always grounded in levity.
“We just wholeheartedly laughed together,” Dr. Goranson says. “And she was incredibly smart—such a savvy psychologist.”
Having worked closely with Dr. Young, Dr. Goranson says her ability to connect with others and to embrace the moment — often with humor — defined her spirit until her final days.
“She showed such strength at the very end, managing to shift her perspective and find joy in those last moments,” Dr. Goranson says. “Even then, she was always thinking of others. Those she mentored will remember her for the rest of their careers.”
A lasting legacy
Heather Jones, PhD, chief clinical officer, praises Dr. Young’s passion for teaching and mentoring.
“She invested heavily in early career clinicians, not only building their skills, but instilling confidence and a sense of purpose that will continue to ripple through the work we do every day,” Dr. Jones says. “Her influence lives on in the many clinicians she trained and supported.”
Dr. Jones says she is incredibly grateful she got to know Dr. Young personally.
“She had a way of connecting with people that made you feel both challenged and supported, and I will carry that with me,” Dr. Jones says. “As we process this loss, I encourage us to also honor Dr. Young’s life and legacy by continuing the work she cared so deeply about supporting one another, investing in our teams, and delivering the highest quality care to those we serve.”
Just as she did in life, Dr. Young’s legacy has the power to lift everyone up, reminding us to carry her spirit of connection forward.
“If you knew Dr. Young, you know she was not only a great leader, advocate, and expert in her field — she was also incredibly kind, always ready with a joke, and known for her unmatched wit that made every interaction one to remember,” says Cindy Meyer, Rogers’ President and CEO. “She stayed true to what mattered to her — connecting with people, building relationships, pouring her heart into training, and moving the field of psychology forward. Our hearts go out to her family and friends as well as everyone at Rogers who worked closely with her. She made an incredible impact and she will be missed. Let us also celebrate Dr. Young’s life, the lasting impact she made, and the many lives she touched through her kindness, compassion, and leadership.”
