Our Northcenter Team

Blue Bird Day’s therapists are among the most highly trained and experienced in Chicago. We believe in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary team approach to therapy. Our compassionate therapists and staff build strong relationships with clients and their families and are dedicated to helping children achieve goals and build confidence in their everyday lives. Our knowledgeable therapists and staff are truly what makes Blue Bird Day extraordinary and what helps us to stand apart from the rest. Our interdisciplinary team members include:

Meet Our Directors!

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

“In 2007, I established Eyas Landing where I first provided developmental therapy services for children in Early Intervention and have since grown the company to offer a wide range of therapy services that are provided in the clinic, home, school, daycare and virtually.”

Sarah Hirschman Regional Clinic Director

Sarah H, MOT, OTR/L
Regional Clinic Director, Occupational Therapist

“I became intrigued with the field of occupational therapy while providing childcare for a boy who had cerebral palsy. I had the opportunity to join his therapy sessions and was blown away by the impact occupational therapy had in helping build his independence and engagement in everyday life.”

Dr. Naila Ludwig, DPT, Clinic Director Blue Bird Day Northcenter

Dr. Naila L, PT, DPT
Clinic Director, Physical Therapist

“I was a student Athletic Trainer and became fascinated with physical rehabilitation of the human body. I took my interest and dove intoPT at the very start of undergrad... By the end of my clinical rotations, I knew I had a passion for work with children and being surrounded by their high energies and smiling faces.“

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

“I received speech therapy as a child… While I can remember how my difficulty communicating affected me, I remember even more so the impact my speech-language pathologist had on me... I strive to do the same for other children by empowering my clients, and their families, to achieve their full potential…”

Molly R, MS, DT
Assistant Director of Program Development, Developmental Therapist

“I have worked with young children, families, and educators for over 10 years. Throughout my volunteer and work opportunities, I quickly learned the importance of positive early childhood experiences on later development and the impact relationships have on children throughout their years.”

Learn More About Our Northcenter Location!

Blue Bird Day’s pediatric therapeutic facilities were designed with the child’s needs in mind by occupational therapist and child development specialist, Dr. Laura Mraz. Our Northcenter facility was specially created using the evidence-based approach to promote client participation and engagement. A variety of suspended swings, crash pads, and obstacle course materials are used in the sensorimotor gyms to get bodies moving, while the minimal design removes unnecessary dysregulating distractions.

Blue Bird Day kids are highly motivated to engage in our therapeutic program and enjoy the many options the space offers. Whether it’s climbing to the top of our rock wall or crashing into our ball pit, clients use this space to conquer many obstacles and reach their goals.

Our Northcenter facility includes:

  • Learning Focused Therapy Rooms
  • Minimalist Lunch Rooms
  • Nut Free Kitchen Facilities
  • Innovative Sensory Retreat Rooms
  • Individual Treatment Rooms
  • Interactive Sensorimotor Gyms
  • Quiet Rooms For Rest
  • Individual Cubbies
Blue Bird Day Northcenter hallway filled with cubbies
Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our Northcenter Chicago location. There are two child-sized tables with brightly colored cube chairs, a bookshelf filled with kids books, a cabinet filled with toys, and a white rocking chair.
Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our Northcenter Chicago location. There's a child-sized table, a bookshelf filled with kids books, a cabinet filled with colorful plastic tubs, and rainbow paintings on the walls.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our Northcenter Chicago location. Contains a platform swing, an exercise ball, a balance beam, a bolster swing, walking steps, and a foam wedge. The floors are covered with blue padding for safety.
Blue Bird Day Northcenter lobby with black chairs and couches and children's toys to play with while you wait.
Interactive Therapeutic Sensorimotor gym at our Northcenter Chicago location. Contains a rainbow lycra swing, a flexion disc swing for vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation, stepping stones, and a foam wedge. The floors are covered with blue padding for safety.
Blue Bird Day Northcenter lobby with two black chairs, children's toys to play with while you wait, and boards filled with notices on the wall.
Therapeutic preschool or kindergarten classroom from our Northcenter Chicago location. There are three child-sized tables with blue chairs.
Colorful dominoes scattered on a table at our Blue Bird Day Northcenter Chicago location.