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.

Specializations/Interests:

• Sensory Integration (SIPT) Certified
• Early Intervention Specialist
• DIR/Floortime
• The Intentional Relationship Model
• Leadership and Management

Director of Eyas Landing – Speech Language Pathologist

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.

Specializations/Interests:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Autism
• Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders
• Apraxia of Speech
• Developmental Language Delay
• Feeding
• Articulation
• Fluency
• PROMPT Certified
• Beckman Oral-Motor Certified

Director of Merlin Day Academy

Working collaboratively to support children with achieving their goals is the epitome of what influences my experience with Eyas Landing. The integrative and whole-child/family-centered approach is what really energizes and motivates the continued success we see in children.

Credentials and Certifications

• Director of Special Education Endorsement
• General Administrative (Type 75)
• School Social Worker (Type 73)

Occupational Therapist

I worked at Blue Bird Day Northcenter for 3 years before taking a break to spend time with family during Covid. I missed Blue Bird/Eyas Landing and decided to return!

Clinical Expertise

• Sensory Integration
• DIR Floortime
• Intentional Relationship Model
• Emotional Regulation
• Feeding
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Executive Functioning Skills
• Handwriting Without Tears
• Therapeutic Groups
• Community Integration

Occupational Therapist, Onboarder

I completed my 14 week doctoral internship at Eyas Landing with a focus on program development, leadership, and advanced clinical practice within sensory integration. I am so excited to re-join the team as an Occupational Therapist and continue to grow and learn.

Clinical Expertise

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• IRM
• Executive Functioning Skills
• Social-Emotional Skills
• Handwriting without Tears
• Sensory Integration
• Trauma Informed Care

Occupational Therapist

I am a third generation therapist (grandfather was a corrective therapist and mother is also an OT) and had the fortune of growing up surrounded by their knowledge, kindness, and unique skills that I have always admired. 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.

Clinical Expertise

• Sensory Integration and Processing
• Intentional Relationship Model
• Leisure Participation
• Social Emotional Learning
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Self-Regulation

Speech-Language Pathologist

I always knew that I wanted to work with kids. I was introduced to speech language pathology in college and knew that it was the right fit for me! It is so rewarding to help children with their development!

Clinical Expertise

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Receptive and Expressive Language
• Social Pragmatic Language
• Feeding

Speech-Language Pathologist

I was introduced to speech-language pathology while volunteering in high school. I loved the combination of language and science, and knew it was the perfect fit. I love being able to connect with clients and families and find creative ways to make therapy fun!

Clinical Expertise

• Expressive and Receptive Language
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Social/Pragmatic Language
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Speech-Language Pathologist

I came to speech therapy later than most, retraining as an SLP 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.

Clinical Expertise

• Dysphagia
• DIR Floortime
• Voice
• AAC

Department Lead of Physical Therapy

I chose Physical Therapy as my profession as a young college student. I always believed in helping others reach their potential. As a graduate student, I fell in love with pediatrics…

Clinical Expertise

• Early Intervention (birth – 3 years old)  
• Torticollis  
• Therapeutic Handling

Physical Therapy Assistant

Growing up I saw first hand how physical therapy 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. I am excited to continue learning and growing my skills as I work with the children at Eyas Landing!

Professional Goals

1. To continue growing as a clinician and add to my knowledge through experience and continuing education.

Physical Therapy Assistant

I became a Physical Therapist Assistant because I had to do physical therapy myself due to sports injuries when I was younger. I really enjoyed the process of physical therapy and I wanted to be able to give back to others the same as the physical therapy staff did for me. I also wanted to be able to help others and be able to help them live their best quality of life.

Professional Goals

1. I have always wanted to work with children and adolescents. I want to be able to give back to the younger generation while being an advocate and ally for them.

Social Worker, Therapy Case Manager

I’ve always loved being in caretaker roles doing work where I can build meaningful relationships with people. I became interested in therapy because of my own difficulties with mental health as a teenager and the positive experiences I had with therapists and social workers at school. I knew that I wanted to be able to provide that care for others, especially children and adolescents.

Clinical Expertise:

• Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders
• Children & Adolescents
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Social Identity Development
• Trauma-Informed Care

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. Working with numerous clinicians and backgrounds, I found I most connected with social work…

Clinical Expertise:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• Self-Esteem
• Anxiety
• Children (4-11)
• Adolescents (age 12-18)

Teacher, Therapy Case Manager

Eyas Landing has allowed me to advance not only in my career but school as well. Providing RTI services at Augustus Tolton…

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology,
Northern Illinois University

Professional Goals

• Complete school to advance my career and gain my M.Ed. and Ed.S. in school psychology.
• Master my position as a Therapeutic Tutor by providing push in and pull out services.

Special Education Teacher, Therapy Case Manager

I’m excited that my journey within education continues to grow and evolve! This is my 16th year in education. Since 2014, I shifted from general education to supporting students with diverse needs as a special education teacher. I’ve always been drawn and inspired by teaching due to the opportunities it provides me to motivate, educate, learn from, and advocate for students! It’s about…

Clinical Expertise

• Gradual Release of Instruction, Differentiation, IEP and 504 Development and Advocacy
• Case Management and Mentoring
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (Pre-K to 8th Grade)
• Executive Functioning
• Guided Reading and Math
• Assistive Technology
• Social Emotional Learning
• Flexible Seating
• Multi-Sensory Learning
• Jolly Phonics
• Handwriting Without Tears

Behavior Analyst

I started working with children with ASD as an undergraduate research assistant in college. I fell in love with the children and decided to pursue a job as a registered behavior technician following graduation. I went back to school and got my BCBA certification after realizing how much I loved the field. There is nothing better than helping a child work on a skill and seeing the light in their eyes when they’ve finally achieved it. I am excited to be apart of the Eyas Landing team!

1. My goal is to one day become a mentor or consultant to help young adults/adults with ASD work through dating, social interactions, and communication barriers that arise with friendships and relationships.
2. I would also love to teach others who are less knowledgable about ASD in schools, workplaces, etc. to increase inclusion and acceptance.

Behavior Therapist

I have always been interested in helping people and when I came across the ABA field, I knew I would be a great fit. Having grown up with neurodiverse family members, it is very important to me that every child receives the resources and support they need. Also, I have previously worked at a therapeutic preschool and kindergarten program where I gained professional experience in the field. I hope to help many kiddos during my time at Eyas Landing and look forward to building meaningful connections along the way.

• CPR & AED Certified
• Safety Care Trained

Lead Behavior Therapist

I always knew I wanted to help people and I thought it’d be through the law field. A little over two years ago I was introduced to ABA. At first I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but then I instantly fell in love with the field. Shortly after working in the field for a couple months, I knew that this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life, so I applied to grad school. I love what I do and I honestly couldn’t be happier to work in a field that makes me feel like I’m not even working.

• DIR Floortime
• Sensory Integration
• Toileting
• Maladaptive behaviors
• PECS protocols

Behavior Therapist

Being born with a severe speech impediment and being placed in special ed classes, my history of helping others started as simply as helping my classmates every day, which bloomed into my life passion to continually help others through volunteer work and professionally.

To be honest my goals are a little bit of a mixed bag. I love learning and making the most of each philosophy and disciplinary and can see myself in multiple different roles. I will be happy as long as I continue to grow in my knowledge and use that to help my clients in day-to-day work.

Behavior Therapist

In my sophomore year of college, I become EMT certified and volunteered several times a month until I graduated. I enjoyed this work but wished that I could follow through with my patients. I explored other fields and ABA caught my interest. I never imagined myself working with children, but it has been one of the greatest leaps I have ever decided to take!

When I first started in ABA, I only did direct on-site therapy. Coming to a multidisciplinary environment like Eyas Landing has been enriching and refreshing. Having the opportunity to work with other disciplines and see the clients grow in this environment has been amazing.

Behavior Therapist

I have over seven years of working with children and I’ve always been the most impacted by my students with disabilities. I want to help them navigate the world and make it more inclusive for them.

1. I want to go back to school to become a therapist. I am undecided in what field yet.

Department Lead of Therapeutic Assistants

For as long as I can remember, I loved to hear other peoples life stories and to help them in whichever way I can.

1. To open my own clinic/organization for underprivileged youth to better aid them in life.

Therapeutic Assistant

At Eyas Landing, I plan to continue along my path of being able to support a variety of different learners in a therapeutic setting. I have a degree in Public Heath Equity and Art and Technology from Mills College. Previous experiences include working with young children at theater camp Brain Arts and applying alternative learning methods with high school students at Spry Links High School.  As someone passionate about integrating various therapies for young minds, I’m excited to be here!

Bachelors in Public Heath Equity and Art and Technology,
Mills College

Therapeutic Assistant

I have a passion for helping out, and caring for people. I want to make sure people are being taken care of and feel accepted, and safe.

• CPR/First Aid

Social Work Degree,
Malcom X

Therapeutic Assistant

After graduating with a degree in Psychology, I struggled to decide on a career path. I knew I wanted to help people, but the day-to-day heaviness that traditional therapists encounter seemed too much for me. Discovering my love for working with young children at a Montessori school, I found I wanted to have and create fun at work. I ultimately landed on pediatric Occupational Therapy because it will allow me to disguise therapy in play and can make huge differences in children’s (and their families’) lives.

1. I aim to become a pediatric Occupational Therapist, either working at a school or an outpatient clinic.
2. Through my time at Eyas Landing, I hope to learn more about ways to support children with social and developmental challenges as well as better understand the unique roles of a child’s care team.

Therapeutic Assistant

1. My goals are to get a master in mental health counseling and to one day open my own counseling center.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology,
with a minor in human development and family studies,
Indiana State University

Therapeutic Assistant

I’ve always been passionate about helping the differently abled, to motivate them and their parents, to help them discover and sharpen their strengths, and assist and guide them towards improved quality of daily living. I believe being a therapeutic assistant gives me the opportunity to be an aid to fulfill that passion of mine.

• Play Based Receptive and Expressive Language Therapy
• Speech Sound Disorders
• Pragmatic Language

Therapeutic Assistant

Helping others is something that I care about deeply. I’m excited to join this team in supporting young minds in an equitable learning environment.

1. I want to continue my education and training in clinical work to more effectively help others reach their personal mental/behavioral goals.

Therapeutic Assistant

I’ve always been interested in the medical field and previously worked as a medical assistant at an orthopedic clinic. I enjoy working with young people and learning about human development, and I want to gain more diverse clinical experiences as a therapeutic assistant.

1. My goal is to gain more clinical experience and become a Physician Assistant.