History

Childhood

Phyllis was born Phyllis Kravitz on March 12, 1977, in Monticello, Louisiana, a suburb of Baton Rouge. Her parents were first generation Polish Jews with working class jobs. They lived a humble, hardscrabble life, Phyllis’s father saving money to pay for his daughter’s education.

Mind Over Matter

In high school, Phyllis developed an affinity for psychology: a science her parents looked down on as impractical woo and a fragile basis for a career. Nonetheless, Phyllis went on to study psychology at Louisiana Tech. During a summer internship at a clinic in Baton Rouge, Phyllis met Isaac Hendricks, a well-regarded behavioral analyst with an impressive resume. Isaac took an instant liking to Phyllis and soon made her his personal assistant.

As the months went on and Phyllis resumed her education, she continued to work for Isaac’s practice, for real pay. The two began a romantic relationship. It was somewhat scandalous, as they were colleagues, never mind that Isaac had about 15 years on Phyllis. Phyllis didn’t mind the gulf in their ages, taken in by Isaac’s intelligence and charisma.

In time, Phyllis and Isaac were married in a civil ceremony. Mr. and Mrs. Kravitz were less than pleased with their daughter’s decision, Mrs. Kravitz breaking off with her daughter until such time as she ‘came to her senses’.

Marriage had a stagnating effect on Phyllis’s career, and the completion of her PhD was hindered by her subsequent pregnancy. During this time, Isaac cemented his role as the chief breadwinner of the family, seeing patients and teaching classes.

Their son Micah was born in September 1999, a few months after Phyllis completed her undergraduate study. During Micah’s infancy, Phyllis spent most of her time at home, delaying her higher education as her husband’s star continued to rise. The extra time with Micah meant Phyllis became especially close to her son, who she doted on, at the same time as concerns developed over the lack of time Isaac was spending with him.