Dr. Laura Mraz, OTD, OTR/L
Executive Director, Occupational Therapist

“I really enjoy seeing the growth within our children and families each year, but it is also incredible to see the growth and transformation within our therapists as they thrive in our supportive, nurturing and collaborative environment.”

Noah G, MSW, LICSW
Clinic Director

“Throughout my last 12 years in the social services field, I have continued to be inspired by the talent, passions, and determination demonstrated by both my peers and the children, adults, and families I worked with.”

Dr. Irma G, PT, DPT
Assistant Clinic Director

“I chose Physical Therapy as my profession as a young college student. I always believed in helping others reach their potential. I love working with each child and their diverse personalities. It truly is a joy when they achieve another milestone.”

Amanda L, MA, CCC-SLP
Director of Program Development, Speech-Language Pathologist

“I received speech therapy as a child due to my difficulty with articulation, specifically producing /s/. While I can remember how my difficulty communicating affected me, I remember even more so the impact my speech-language pathologist had on me.“

Susan K, OTR/L
Lead Occupational Therapist

“I have always loved helping children develop. My clinical expertise includes Feeding, Sensory Integration, and Early Development. I also helped establish Best Practices for Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) in the School Setting for the State of Illinois.”

Dr. Mirely M, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I grew up in a medical setting and was destined to be in the medical field… I wanted to help children have the best childhood possible. So, I became an Occupational Therapist to help children in a meaningful way that allows them to enjoy the things that make them a kid.”

Hailey S, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I am a third generation therapist and had the fortune of growing up surrounded by their knowledge, kindness, and unique skills. This inspired me to continue in their footsteps and use this motivation to learn and develop as much as I can to be the best occupational therapist I can be.”

Mallory W, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I decided to become an Occupational Therapist (OT) after watching my grandpa recover from multiple strokes/chronic health conditions. I love the holistic perspective of Occupational Therapy  and how we can utilize that to help clients achieve their full potential to participate in their valued activities!”

Olivia L, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I needed to… make a difference in peoples lives for a fulfilling career. After working at a school for kids with autism, I decided to become an occupational therapist because I can take a holistic approach to help others reach their fullest potential and reach maximum independence for greatest quality of life.”

Hannah D, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I began working with children with special needs when I was very young and always enjoyed seeing them make progress. As I got older, I was able to see the difference working with an OT could make. After spending time shadowing OTs, I knew this was the job for me.”

Paige C, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I chose to become an OT after working many years in special recreation, where I gained a deeper understanding of what having a disability can mean to an individual and their family. I love that occupational therapy focuses on finding success in many of the little things in life.”

Olivia B, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I chose to major in Psychology because I am passionate about working with people! Along the way, I learned about Occupational Therapy and the wide range of things we can do for clients. It continues to amaze me how much we can do to benefit our clients and how interesting and different each day is in this field.”

Elizabeth M, M.S., CCC-SLP
Lead Speech-Language Pathologist

“I was excited to join the Eyas Landing Team in 2020. The feeling of being welcomed and excited about joining the team made me feel at home. I love the excitement when you walk through the doors and the smiles on the kids’ faces when they enter.”

Julia A, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I am endlessly interested in communication, linguistics, and cognitive science. More importantly, I was drawn to having a career where I could create bonds with clients and foster safe and individualized learning environments.”

Stevie S, MS, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“After working as a nanny for children that received in home speech therapy services, I realized that being an SLP was both a job that I could work 1:1 with children, make a huge impact… and see work directly applied to functional skills and needs.”

Suzanne C, MS, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I came to speech therapy later than most, retraining as a Speech-Language Pathologist after 10 years in administration. I never saw myself working with children but I love being able to do work that is meaningful, difficult and fun all at the same time.”

Jaimie G, MS, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I decided to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) when I found that it was a job where I could combine my compassion and love for science. I enjoy working with my clients 1:1 to make a change and witness their growth over time.”

William S, MS, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I began as an acting teacher for after-school programs, then realized I could have more lasting impact on students if I worked on communication. My lifelong love of language and working with children led me to become a Speech-Language Pathologist.”

Gabriela G, MS, CFY
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I was an early intervention interpreter for 13 years and enjoyed the individualized support for families. Working in all providers, speech therapy was special as it is a profession consisting of a wide scope of practice. Working with bilingual children and their families was and continues to be of importance in my occupation as a speech pathologist…”

Taylor C, MS, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I have always known I wanted to work with children. I love being a positive presence in their lives, and am inspired by the way they see the world, bringing excitement to everything they do. My passion lies in helping children communicate effectively, empowering them to express themselves and connect with those around them.”

Maggie M, MS, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I decided to pursue a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist because of my interest in the arts/theatre and psychology. I wanted to find a way to combine my playful/creative side with my scientific/clinician side. I learned more about Speech Pathology during college and I’ve never looked back since.”

Samantha M, MS, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“From a young age, I knew that I wanted to work with children because I recognize that the experiences and guidance provided to a child early in life can shape their future profoundly. With a deep-seated desire to positively impact children during their formative years, I knew that I wanted the work I do to be fulfilling and rewarding.”

Rosealeen G, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant, Department Lead

“Growing up, I saw first hand how PT can impact a person’s life. Seeing family go through physical rehabilitation is what sparked my interest in the field. Since then, my clinical experiences in various settings have shown me what physical therapy can do for people of all ages.”

Nathan O, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant

“I honestly did not know much about the PT world prior to joining the PTA program. I wanted a change in career paths and it just seemed like something I would be interested in. I quickly became a big advocate and believer in physical therapy, as well as the other types of therapy.”

Liliana B, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant

“I am a compassionate PTA with a strong passion for helping individuals regain their mobility and improve their quality of life. With over four years of experience in the field, my ability to adapt treatment plans based on individual needs and progress has resulted in consistently positive outcomes for my patients.”

Taylor B, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant

“I love working in pediatrics as a PTA, especially because I didn’t like exercise as a child. Now, I enjoy making exercise fun for kids by turning therapy sessions into playful, engaging activities. Helping children overcome physical challenges and seeing their progress brings me so much joy! It’s rewarding to support their journey to better mobility and health.”

Andrew B, PEL-PC
Lead Social Worker, Therapy Case Manager

“I transferred to the college of applied health sciences during my sophomore year of college. Here, I began working closely with occupational therapists and physical therapists at clinics and hospitals around Chicago… I found I most connected with social work.”

Angelica B, LSW
Lead Social Worker, Therapy Case Manager

“I love everything about social work and I’m so excited to be working in this new role! Previously I was an EI Service Coordinator and I’ve also worked in medical social work with the VA. My professional goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).”

Jillian E, MSW
Social Worker

“I have a passion for empowering people to be the best version of themselves. I have received support and resources from therapists, which inspired me to want to become a therapist myself. Through clinical experience… I found therapeutic relationships with clients to be fulfilling.”

Courtney B, LSW
Social Worker

“I previously worked with youth involved in the juvenile justice system. I was drawn to social work because it allows me to support individuals as well as other the folks involved in their lives. I value being able to build a therapeutic relationship with each person I work with!”

Jennifer O, LSW
Social Worker

“I became a social worker because I have a deep passion for helping and assisting people with their needs. It is very fulfilling to me and makes me feel like I am working within my purpose.”

Emily P, LSW
Social Worker

“I love assisting individuals with meeting their goals while also considering social barriers and advocating for change.”

Cassie U, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

“My curiosity and passion for people led me to becoming a therapist! I’ve had the privilege of young adults coping with neurodivergence and mental health concerns in private practice.”

Grace K, MSW
Social Worker

“I love working with children and adolescents because I believe that our childhood experiences shape our future development. In college I took classes in both psychology and social work, but I ultimately chose to pursue a career in social work because I really appreciate how social work focuses on a person in their environment and how our environments can affect us.”

Pamela B, MSW
Social Worker

“After moving from Mexico in 6th grade, I turned to music as a way of expression. I began my bachelors in music therapy but knew I wanted to do something where I would be able to help others in a broader way. After a few years, I started my MSW and graduated May 2024. I hope to help children be able to find an outlet to express themselves and be their most authentic selves.”

Mary Kate D, M.Ed., BCBA
Lead Behavior Analyst

“I started working in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2013 without any knowledge or experience of the field. I quickly developed a passion for the field, the kids we work with, and eventually decided to pursue a graduate degree. I became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2018.”

Kevin S, MA, BCBA
Behavior Analyst

“Having a sibling with special needs really made me appreciate the field. ABA gave me a glimpse of the world as my sister views it; which has helped me form a stronger bond/relationship with her.”

Darko C, BCBA
Behavior Analyst

” I moved to Chicago this past fall after passing my BCBA exam. I attended the University of Florida for undergrad and Georgia State University for graduate school. My experience has been primarily in the treatment, management, and research of individuals who engage in severe challenging behavior.”

Vanessa R
Lead Behavior Therapist

“When I graduated from undergrad, I was introduced to the ABA world and I quickly grew to love it. Working as a BT, I learned that I can make an impact all while having fun. It didn’t take long for me realize that this was a field that was meant for me and decided to pursue a masters in ABA.”

Alyssa I
Lead Behavior Therapist

“I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sociology. I have worked with children in a summer camp setting and as an elementary special education aide. I realized how much I love helping kids develop their talents and make progress towards their goals, so I decided to pursue a career in ABA.”

Sadie M, RBT
Behavior Therapist, Administrative Assistant

“I have had a passion for working with individuals with special needs my entire life… I began working as an in-home RBT, aiding my clients growth in social interactions and relationship building, collaborative and open ended play, as well as encouraging community involvement.”

Julian U
Behavior Therapist

“I have always been passionate about working with children and trying to help people in need…  I get to do something I love in studying behavior, as well as working with creative children. I am confident in my ability to create a positive environment where children are able to thrive and succeed.”

Jesse J
Behavior Therapist

“After going to school for some time and working with kids in a camp setting almost my whole life, I wanted to continue bring this light of love and understanding to anyone in need of it. I’m interested in pursuing a career in therapy and I love working with kids!”

Jatxin R
Behavior Therapist

“I have always had a passion for working with children, and when I was first introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), it was something I quickly fell in love with. Helping both families and children achieve life changing goals is truly a rewarding experience.”

Jessica E, RBT
Behavior Therapist

“While completing observation hours at an ABA facility, I noticed similarities between myself and the autistic clients. A year and a half later, I received my official autism diagnosis… I hope to spend the rest of my career helping autistic clients and families develop self-advocacy and self-compassion.”

Aaron H
Behavior Therapist

“I have always loved helping others, and working as a paraprofessional across several schools in Central Florida demonstrated to me how rewarding it is to work one-on-one with kids to help them reach their fullest potential. The glowing reviews that I’ve read online made it an easy decision to join Eyas Landing.”

Noa J
Behavior Therapist

“I was hired as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist my junior year and I fell in love with the work and especially my clients. I graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. My professional goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).”

Cameron G
Behavior Therapist

“I have always wanted to help people and try and make a differences in people’s lives. I think therapy is very important and the stigma around it should be minimalized as I believe therapy can help everyone.”

Mishaila Y
Behavior Therapist

“I have a bachelors degree from Lincoln University. I wanted to work at Merlin Day Academy because of my love for children. My professional goal is to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).”

professional goal is to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).”

An P, M.Ed
Behavior Therapist

“I made the decision to enter the field of ABA Therapy and School Psychology because I love seeing growth that clients and students achieve. Working in ABA and as a school psychology graduate student has been extremely meaningful for me because of the connections made with a community and learning how to foster positive change and well being.”