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.“

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.”

Ann C, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I started my healthcare journey as a mental health worker in an inpatient psychiatric unit working with adults, older adults, and sometimes teenagers. Working specifically with teenagers with developmental disabilities piqued my interest to pursue a career with early childhood and the possibility of positive outcomes through early intervention.”

Sarah L, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“A friend who was going to major in speech-language pathology mentioned that I should look into occupational therapy. I looked up the profession, shadowed a few different organizations, and immediately I fell in love… I am grateful to be able to help kids through play-based activities to gain independence and to grow to their greatest potential!”

Dr. Nicole P, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I became an occupational therapist because I loved the healthcare field and pediatrics, therefore I wanted to find a career that I was passionate about and loved. I loved the field of occupational therapy because it is versatile, client centered, and it puts knowledge with a passion for people into a career!”

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.”

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
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.”

Jessica R, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I saw a speech-language pathologist as a child for help with my speech sound production. She helped me gain the confidence to use the skills I learned in speech in everyday life, and I want to help children feel confident in their ability to communicate.”

Brianna H, MS, CF-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.”

Danielle Bruk, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I always knew I wanted to work with children and I think human development is fascinating. Communication and interaction with others has always been a special interest of mine. Since becoming a slp, I have loved watching my clients grow and develop to be successful communicators.”

Dr. Diana S, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist

“My father was in a terrible accident when I was almost two years-old, which forced my family to experience first-hand the ability physical therapy has in changing someone’s life… No one could believe his rapid recovery, but it was thanks to all the work everyone involved put in. That’s why I chose this vocation.”

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

“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
Behavior Analyst

“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.”

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.”

Salena S, RBT
Lead Behavior Therapist

“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.”

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.”

Emily G, RBT
Behavior Therapist

“As young as I could remember, I always dreamt of an occupation in which I could help people and make a difference… There is no comparison when working with children because it is super rewarding to see their accomplishments through the scope of your work.”

Angelo D
Behavior Therapist

“My interest in ABA comes from a place of personal experience, having family members with autism and seeing that difference ABA made and wishing we had known about it earlier. I’ve lived in Chicago for the majority of my life and I love this city and its summer festivals and frigid winters.”

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.”

Madelyn D
Senior Behavior Therapist

“I love seeing Maddy create all these fun and exciting experiments and activities for her clients! Her sessions are filled with activities tailored to her kiddo’s interests. She never fails to challenge her client and teach them something new!” — Peer Testimonial

interests. She never fails to challenge her client and teach them something new!” — Peer Testimonial

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.”

Ann (Annie) C
Behavior Therapist

“I have been working in the ABA field for about a year and a half now. I decided to become a therapist because I love working with kids! I think it’s so fun to see the looks on their faces when you help them figure something out or even seeing all the progress that they make!”

Kari K
Behavior Therapist

Stephanie D, MS, BCBA, LBA
Behavior Analyst

Delilah M
Behavior Therapist

Julissa C, BT
Behavior Therapist

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.”

Elizabeth R
Senior Therapeutic Assistant

“I really enjoy working with children and families. After volunteering in the child life department at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, I knew I wanted to become a child life specialist… and am pursuing a master’s degree in child development.”

Kayla T
Senior Therapeutic Assistant

“Kayla showed great patience with our new friend when he had trouble coming in to the clinic. Her empathy and care was clear to see and he was able to calm down with her. We are so excited to have her on our team! She has been doing such a wonderful job.” — Peer Testimonial

Brielle H
Senior Therapeutic Assistant

“Kinder is so lucky to have you, Brielle! It feels like you’ve been here forever and the kids already love you so much. Thanks for jumping right in and and being such a great team member! You work so hard and our Kinder team appreciates you!” — Peer Testimonial

Alexander R
Therapeutic Assistant

“After having gained a degree in clinical/community psychology, I became very interested in providing to specific populations of people who might need more support than others. Finding ways to meet their unique needs is more fulfilling than simply applying a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Sydney S
Therapeutic Assistant

“I am super excited for the opportunity to work with children in this unique setting and gain experience in this field! I believe in advocating for those who might not be able to advocate for themselves and building confidence and independence throughout development.”

Mia H
Therapeutic Assistant

“Growing up in San Francisco, I saw a mental health crisis first-hand, inspiring me to work in communities that needed mental health services. During my undergraduate studies, I became increasingly interested in working with children within the field of mental health.”

Emily L
Therapeutic Assistant

“I have always known I have wanted to help children with disabilities reach their fullest potential for best possible quality of life. I have continued to hone in the specific area I want to do this work in, and with Blue Bird Day, this feels like the perfect place for me.”

Julia S
Therapeutic Assistant

“I always knew I loved working with children… During my time as a teacher, I worked with a 6 year old student with autism. This child was nonverbal. I enjoyed working and building a strong relationship with this child and helping him grow in his language.”

Alexa A
Therapeutic Assistant

“I discovered my passion in making a positive impact on the lives of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I believe that Blue Bird Day is an amazing environment to collaborate with others and contribute my enthusiasm and dedication to create a meaningful change in children’s lives.”

Mariela V, BSKin
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.”