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 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 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…”

Justine C, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist, Department Lead

“I love the concept of providing these children an opportunity to gain new skills and meet their goals within a structured school-like program. In addition, collaborating with other disciplines and the child’s family are key to increasing the child’s independence and participation in their daily activities.”

Olaleye (Leye) O, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I always had the desire to work in the healthcare field due to my parents being healthcare professionals, but I was always stuck on what profession I wanted to pursue. I discovered Occupational Therapy while I was in college, and I loved how OTs were so holistic with their treatment and being able to witness a person’s progress in the therapy.”

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

“I discovered the career path of Occupational Therapy during my last year of my undergraduate education so I took a two year gap in my schooling and worked as a RBT at an Autism Services clinic. I loved working alongside our OT at the clinic and found a passion for the play and strengths-based therapy style.”

Abby G, OTR
Occupational Therapist

“I have always enjoyed working with kids and with an interest in healthcare, occupational therapy was a perfect fit for me! My clinical expertise includes Reflex Integration, American Sign Language, and Emotional Regulation. My professional goals are to host a student and to take on a leadership role.”

Lydia G, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I’ve always had an interest in working in the health care industry. Initially, I wanted to be a Doctor and work in underserved communities but I quickly realized that I wanted a profession that follows a patient throughout their health journey as well as build rapport and relationships with them.”

Audrey W, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“My brother received services since he was a baby. My professional goal is to become board certified in pediatrics. I have a Masters of Occupational Therapy from Chicago State University. My clinical expertise is in sensory integration and fine and gross motor skills.”

Anne G, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

Nicole S, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, Department Lead

“Growing up, I was always interested in working in healthcare, but was not quite sure which direction to go. Thankfully, my aunt, who is a school-based nurse, told me about the profession of speech language pathology.”

Elizabeth K, M.S., CCC-SLP
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist

“I decided early on I wanted to help children of all ages and abilities be able to communicate and interact with the world. My professional goal is to continue to help individuals achieve their own goals. I specialize in DIR Floortime and Early Intervention.”

Brianna H, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I always knew that I wanted to work with kids. I was introduced to speech therapy in college and knew that it was the right fit for me! It is so rewarding to help children with their development! I was drawn to BBD by the interdisciplinary model and the every day collaboration.”

Vanessa F, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I witnessed a patient’s recovery s/p CVA and the Speech-Language Pathologist’s role in that patient’s recovery and was inspired to become a clinician. I received my Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Midwestern University and I specialize in Language Development.”

Hollie R, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I originally went to school for teaching and ended up taking a few speech pathology classes and knew it was the right fit for me… I’ve worked with adults since graduating in 2008, but I always knew I also wanted to be able to work with children and their families to help achieve their communication goals.”

Sarah N C, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I was originally interested in speech pathology because my grandpa worked with a speech therapist after having a stroke, but I joined a research lab in undergrad doing early language research with children from birth to 3 and fell in love with speech therapy in pediatrics!”

Judy P
Physical Therapist

“My journey towards becoming a physical therapist started after I underwent a total hip replacement. I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare, but was not sure which profession I wanted to go into. Being able to experience first-hand what it was like to have the support of my physical therapist throughout my recovery inspired me to become a physical therapist myself. I wanted to provide that same support and encouragement to others while also helping them regain their functional independence.”

Alicia V, DPT
Physical Therapist

“While pursuing a degree in speech pathology and audiology, I also participated in classes within the dance department. It was there that I became fascinated with how the body moved and worked. Shortly afterward, I switched my path to physical therapy and never looked back. Since completing my degree, I have found a true love for working with children…”

Al R, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant

“I started teaching dance classes to children when I was 13 years old and continued into my professional career as a ballet dancer… I knew that I wanted to work in a pediatric setting when I began transitioning into a career as a licensed physical therapist assistant. I love working with children and their families to develop the child’s love for movement and help them discover ways to find accessible and joyful ways to move and play.”

Tiana K, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

“My interest in nutrition began in high school when I discovered the connection between proper nutrition and athletic performance as a competitive swimmer. I later became interested in child nutrition when I worked at WIC providing nutrition education to mothers and children with various feeding difficulties.”

Kelly D, LBS1, M.Ed., BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Department Head

“My favorite thing about working at Blue Bird Day is our collaborative approach to therapy. I love being in an environment where I am on a true “team” for each of my clients, informed by different fields of expertise and experience.”

Raquel R, BS, MSc, BCBA
Senior Behavior Analyst, Onboarder

“I found myself volunteering at a special recreation and have loved working with children ever since! …I love being able to focus on play-based learning strategies and incorporate reinforcement and motivation into a variety of learning environments from individual sessions to small group environments.”

Daniel (Danny) M, BA, BCAT
Senior Behavior Therapist

“My clinical journey began towards the end of 2017 in the Bay Area of California. There, I worked with kids who demonstrated the joy of learning. They inspired my commitment to neurodiversity and making our shared communities more accessible.”

Salena B, BCBA
Behavior Analyst

“I enjoy working with such a diverse group of children and a diverse group of therapists. So much knowledge is gained from therapists of different concentrations by our collaborative therapy approach. This allows us to have a well-rounded approach when supplying services.”

Jessica G, BCBA
Behavior Analyst

“I decided to move to London for my master’s in child psychology and while abroad I had the amazing opportunity to intern at a child development center where I discovered ABA. I absolutely fell in love with the idea of helping kiddos with ASD reach their full potential.”

Jaimie C
Behavior Therapist

“I have taught preschool for 13 years and am pivoting away from Early Childcare Education into more Child Development. I want to explore Behavioral Therapy and hone my skills to better support children. I am very interested in the multi-disciplinary approach at Blue Bird Day.”

Jennifer O
Behavior Therapist

“I knew that I wanted to work in this field when my younger brother was diagnosed with autism. From a young age, I was happy to support my family in all the ways I could… This experience led me to discover my passion for helping neurodivergent individuals reach their full potential.”

Kari K
Behavior Therapist

Stephanie D, MS, BCBA, LBA
Behavior Analyst

Thailer M
Behavior Therapist

Kathy T, RBT
Behavior Therapist

Kayla T
Behavior Therapist

“I received my Bachelor of Social Work from Oakland University.”

“I received my Bachelor of Social Work from Oakland University.”

“I received my Bachelor of Social Work from Oakland University.”

Jamie V
Behavior Therapist

“I enjoy supporting others and learning how they are unique through narrative or shared experiences. However, when we are not equipped to meet our own needs, getting proper support and professional guidance can be an essential tool. Therapy has been a game changer in my personal life, so I hope to offer similar support to others because everyone deserves to have their needs met.”

Anna G
Behavior Therapist

“I have a huge passion for children and learning their behaviors. My professional goal is to be able to analyze children’s behavior to better their quality of life. I support Make-A-Wish and Sarah’s Circle. I am currently an undergraduate studying Psychology and Neuro.”

Melanie L, LPC
Lead Social Worker, Therapy Case Manager

“It is rewarding to help a child make a friend, advocate for themselves or engage further with friends and family… I continue to work collaboratively with my clients and their families to aspire them to find their strengths and provide them with the tools to positively change their lives.”

Emily L, MSW/PEL
Therapy Case Manager, Social Worker

“I always knew that I wanted to work with children… Having the ability to be in a therapist role, meet the children where they are at and work towards their goals while also being in a field that emphasizes advocacy and social justice is why I pursued this path.”

Elena M, MSW
Therapy Case Manager, Social Worker

“I’ve dabbled in a lot of different social work realms (foster care, community organization, case management and direct therapy). So far I’ve enjoyed my time with kiddos the most! Once the pandemic hit, I decided to move home to Chicago and start my masters.”

Julianne B, MSW
Therapy Case Manager, Social Worker

“I decided to become a therapist after my amazing experience with my own therapist as a child! They helped me gain confidence and overall improve my wellbeing, which inspired me to want to do the same… I have worked with youth of all ages in schools, non-profit organizations, and private practice.”

Kira R
Lead Therapeutic Assistant

“I have always been interested in pursuing a career that focused on helping others… My time as a teaching assistant at the campus preschool gave me the chance to gain firsthand experience working with children. During this time, I realized I was passionate about working with kids.”

Mariela V, BSKin
Senior Therapeutic Assistant

“I have observed that with children, the first few years of their lives you can build their confidence and really set them up for success in their future. I want to be part of a program that really prioritizes a child’s well being and makes them feel comfortable; which is why Blue Bird is the ideal place to be in.”

Alexis P
Therapeutic Assistant

“Growing up I have always had a passion for helping children… I then found out about the title therapeutic assistant, which allows me to work with therapists as well as children. As a therapeutic assistant, I am excited to learn more about disability and making connections with children and families.”

Amelia R
Therapeutic Assistant, Receptionist

“I recently graduated from the University of Iowa, studying social work. After finishing the BSW program, I decided to join Blue Bird Day because I have always loved working with children. I wanted the opportunity to gain experience and skills working in a clinical setting.”

Komaria M
Therapeutic Assistant

“From a young age, I was captivated by the complexities of a child’s developing mind. Babysitting as a teenager within a homeschool community exposed me to various parenting styles and in college, working as a preschool assistant teacher, I saw firsthand how different teaching methods influence early childhood development.”

Madeleine (Maddie) N
Therapeutic Assistant

“I decided to become a therapeutic assistant to learn more about the development of young children as well as observe the different therapeutic occupations that blue bird offers its clients. I love connecting with kids and their families and I’m so excited to be at Blue Bird Day NC!”

Taylor G
Therapeutic Assistant

“..Becoming a therapist at Blue Bird Day allows me to continue learning about developmental and neurological diseases as well as the therapy and treatment that facilitates flourishment. Introducing therapeutic practices at a young age is extremely beneficial for living out a full life, and I am excited to be an integral part of the process.”