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.”

Monal P, MS, OTR/L
Clinic Director, Occupational Therapist

“Early on, I knew I had to work with children… OT has been a field that has never ceased to spark my curiosity, has solidified my ability to see the magic in bubbles, and has brought the importance of a wholistic point of view to the forefront of my daily interactions with clients, families and colleagues.”

Grace C, MS, CCC-SLP
Assistant Clinic Director, Speech-Language Pathologist

“I have always had a passion for languages and the way language connects us to the world around us… Helping children to gain their own voice, build connections with others, and explore their worlds is a joy each and every day.”

Grace M, MS, OTR/L
Assistant Clinic Director, Occupational Therapist

“I had open-heart surgery at the age of ten and received occupational and physical therapy in the hospital to help me relearn how to independently get dressed, perform self-care tasks, and walk safely. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to help children with their skill development.”

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…”

Dr. Kristi T, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I always knew I wanted to work with children in a mental health/healthcare profession, and was introduced to the field of Occupational Therapy by my older sister who is also a pediatric OT. I fell in love with OT and knew that it was what I wanted to do after interning at Eyas Landing Summer Camp.”

Janett F V, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I first learned about Occupational Therapy through volunteering with an Occupational Therapist who was providing services to children who suffered perinatal stroke. It was very rewarding to see the progress of these children and the excitement of the family and child as their goals were being met.”

Payton D, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“I have always wanted to pursue a career that helps others, and that desire led me… to occupational therapy. I have a passion for working with kids of all abilities and developmental levels… as I learned about occupational therapy, I knew it was the perfect fit for me and I fell in love with the profession.”

Amy M, MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“My path to occupational therapy was a series of moments and decisions. I took a couple of years researching and shadowing different professionals. When I shadowed an OT, I remember thinking wait I can do this as a job and have been excited about occupational therapy ever since.”

Aaron D, COTA/L
Occupational Therapist

“I was looking for a career where I could be active while helping others. OT quickly came up on my radar as the most holistic approach to making a difference in peoples’ lives. I want to continue to develop my knowledge and skills as an OT practitioner and hopefully one day work in an administrative position.”

Lauren U
Occupational Therapist

“I first found Blue Bird Day in 2021, where I worked as a TA before starting occupational therapy school. I fell in love with the multidisciplinary approach and saw firsthand the amount of growth that the children had with their skill development after participating in this program! I am so excited to return as an OT…”

Harper R, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“As I began deciding and discussing what I wanted to do in life, my dad mentioned occupational therapy… I shadowed a therapist working on brushing teeth with a child and I knew that was what I wanted to do. Though simple, I knew after seeing that work, seeing it help someone so directly, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Dr. Megan H, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

“From a young age, I’ve felt a deep passion and enthusiasm for working with children. At the same time, I watched my mom bravely overcome breast cancer, an experience that profoundly shaped my desire to help others achieve their goals and reach their full potential. These experiences guided me to a career in pediatric occupational therapy.”

Elle G, MS, CCC-SLP
Lead Speech-Language Pathologist

“My family cared for foster children within our home through a crisis foster organization in Chicago. Going from caring for children with complex medical and developmental needs within my own home to pursuing a career treating communication disorders in children seemed like a natural transition.”

Elizabeth V, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Reagan S, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Alissa S, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Christy D, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

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

Pooja T, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Elena B, MS, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Allie E, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Katie Moran, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“It is so rewarding to provide individuals with skills to help them effectively communicate with the world around them… I’m happy to say I’m back to what I love best, working with children to help them build confidence and autonomy in their own communication abilities.”

Ariana Bermudez, MS, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“My name is Ari, and I am a brand new SLP on the West Loop team!  I just graduated from Lewis University and am super excited to be working. Throughout grad school, I was most fulfilled working with the early childhood population and with complex communicators.”

school, I was most fulfilled working with the early child

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

“…It’s been so special to see how unique, individualized strategies work in a child’s brain to help them expand their language, allowing them to flourish in their development. Knowing that I have played even a little part in a child’s developmental journey is a rewarding prospect that motivates me…”

school, I was most fulfilled working with the early child

Alison D, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“When I expressed interest in becoming a teacher, my mom encouraged me to look into speech-language pathology and work in the schools. After one class in communication sciences and disorders, I fell in love with the field and helping people communicate.”

school, I was most fulfilled working with the early child

Dr. Brooke S, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Department Lead

“Becoming a PT seemed like the perfect answer to everything I was looking for: active lifestyle, meaningful work, and opportunities to grow and learn throughout my career. I love being able to improve my patient’s quality of life, giving them the tools and confidence to succeed and do the things they want to do!”

Dr. Ashley S, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist

“I tore both of my ACLs playing sports and ended up switching gears to pursue a career as a physical therapist… I love working with kids because they bring joy and excitement to every session, and I can provide intervention at a critical time period in their lives where they will get the most benefit going forward!”

Dr. Erin L, DPT
Physical Therapist

“I have always wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and physical therapy just seemed to fit! I am very passionate about helping people and want to be an advocate for my patients. I enjoy learning about how movement and exercise affect the body and seeing those results in my patients…”

Dr. Erin H, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist

“I am your typical washed up high school athlete who was turned on to PT from my multiple team members injuries. I decided to pursue PT after observing at a pediatric PT Clinic that had hippotherapy! I… attended PT school at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, where I was the peds girl in my class.”

Reilly S, RDN, LDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

“Throughout high school, I developed a passion for working with kids with special needs through various activities including extra curriculars and volunteer work. Early in my high school years, my plan was to get my degree in Special Education until I found my great interest in nutrition and how amazing the power of food really is…”

Melissa R, BCBA, MA
Lead Behavior Analyst

“I have always loved working with clients/patients and supporting them to be as independent as they can and to reach their full potential. I fell in love with Blue Bird Day’s program and the ability to have all therapists under one roof collaborating as one team to meet the needs of the clients and their families.”

Kitana W, RBT
Lead Behavior Therapist

“I was inspired by my autistic brother to help people like him. I love how big the spaces are at Blue Bird Day and how it seems more like a school. My professional goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the near future and also to hopefully own my own clinic one day!”

Jessica E, RBT
Lead Behavior Therapist

“While completing observation hours at an ABA facility for a college class, I noticed similarities between myself and the autistic clients. A year and a half later, I received my official autism diagnosis. I worked for almost 4 years at that same facility, learning to accept, accommodate, and celebrate my autism alongside my students.”

Donna M, BA, BCBA
Behavior Analyst

“Growing up my younger brother went to a different school than me, one that had a special education program… I was very involved with my brothers’ education. Helping out made me feel like I was making a change in the world. That is when I knew I wanted to work with children with special needs.”

Amanda B, BCBA
Behavior Analyst

“I have a family member with Down Syndrome who is very active in the special education community. I have always found interest in helping those with special needs and helped my cousin with many of her extracurricular activities… I have found my passion in ABA therapy.”

Ronald Y, RBT
Behavior Therapist

“Ronald, thank you for jumping in our pod and being so flexible with your many roles! You are so helpful and always bring smiles and fun to the afternoon pod! You are great with the kiddos and we are lucky to have you! Thank you for always giving 100% in each and every session!!” — Peer Testimonial

Nicholas R, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst

“I began working with individuals who have autism and other developmental disabilities in college. I completed the Behavior Analysis Emphasis… As I continued being exposed to the science of behavior analysis, I continued to see it’s benefits in relation to helping people, which was one of my ultimate career goals.”

Melissa G
Behavior Therapist

“I started nannying a wonderful 7-year-old and later I was given the opportunity to work with kids with developmental disorders and autism. I continued to realize that working with children is very rewarding and I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing I could contribute to improving their overall quality of life.”

Yvonne A
Behavior Therapist

“I decided to become a Behavior Technician because I genuinely enjoy helping people. Seeing individuals with behavioral challenges or developmental disorders thrive and improve brings me joy. I’m here to support their journey towards a happier and more fulfilling life!”

Helen I, MS, BCBA, CCLS
Behavior Analyst

“I’ve always been interested in human development and working with children, so entering the ABA field felt like a natural transition. Being able to celebrate milestones in a child’s developmental course is one of the greatest achievements while working as a BCBA!”

Brianna W
Behavior Therapist

“I have two autistic nephews that needs help and guidance throughout the family. This is the first we’ve ever dealt with anything like this so I educated and employed myself to know better and transfer what I know unto them. My professional goal is to become a BCBA.”

Armina Z
Behavior Therapist

“I am passionate about working with kids because I love to watch them grow and reach developmental milestones. I am interested in going to school for Speech Pathology because I think everyone should have the resources to learn to communicate, whether that is verbally or nonverbally!”

Vanessa O
Behavior Therapist

Maria A
Behavior Therapist

“Growing up I would always tell my mom that I wanted to become a doctor and save lives… When the pandemic occurred, I chose a path in healing that is often not seen in the BIPOC community. I decided to start therapy and throughout my healing process, I discovered that one can save lives without it being surgical.”

LaMar S, RBT
Behavior Therapist

“I began working in behavioral health during 2020 while completing my undergraduate degree in psychology. I’ve conducted research on social psychology, stereotype threat, memory, and learning. I am now a masters student studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at DePaul University…”

Crystal L
Behavior Therapist, Therapeutic Assistant

“From a very young age, I assisted immediate members of my family with special needs. It became second nature to me to nurture and provide care to those around me. Those traits, paired with my love for children and previous experience as a caretaker and teacher, inspired me to look towards the field of pediatric therapy.”

Molly R, MS, DT
Department Head of Developmental Therapy, Therapy Case Management Specialist

“I studied child development to gain scientific knowledge and theory in order to provide equitable opportunities for children and families to realize their full potential. Nothing matters more than a child’s early years and I am passionate about continuing to learn how children develop, thrive, and learn.”

Mercedes H, LCSW
Department Head of Social Work, Therapy Case Manager

“I am blessed to be working in a field that allows me to constantly learn. Social work looks at the many entities that affect an individual or a group and allows collaboration to problem-solve, advocate, and empower them. My interest in working with children and families stems from wanting to do exactly that.”

Danielle S, LPC
Therapy Case Manager, Licensed Professional Counselor, Onboarder

“I completed my undergraduate degree in public health at Miami University and completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago. I have experience working with adolescents as a former special education aide as well as a private practice in the Chicago suburbs.”

Joshua M, MSW
Therapy Case Manager, Social Worker

“I have always been passionate about working with youth… My coursework and practical experiences challenged me to embrace the importance of person-in-environment approaches and ignited my passion for providing directed and supportive therapeutic care to young children.”

Madeline H, MSW, LSW
Therapy Case Manager, Social Worker

“I have always felt a desire to support people through stressful times and overcome challenges faced day-to-day. I was drawn to social work as a way to support my community and individuals simultaneously. Through my time at school and in the field, I developed a passion for working with children.”

Avery E, LPC
Therapy Case Manager, Licensed Professional Counselor

“I became a therapist when I realized how much I enjoyed helping others with their mental health. I took a college level psychology class in high school, and my passion for mental health started there. Being able to help anyone in their time of need is a very rewarding and worthwhile experience.”

Katelyn S, LSW
Therapy Case Manager, Licensed Social Worker

“Since high school, it has always been a goal of mine to work with children in a clinical setting. I have always been very passionate about advocacy in areas of mental health and social justice, which is what led me to pursue my Master’s Degree in Social Work! I am currently working towards my LCSW.”

Gemma H, MSW, LSW
Therapy Case Manager, Licensed Social Worker

“Working with children and families as a behavioral therapist and social worker both outpatient and inpatient has pushed me to value person centered, collaborative approaches in my work. I believe in meeting children and families where they are at…”

Amanda O, MED
Child Development Behavior Specialist

“I have had a passion for working with children at an early age and was a preschool teacher for several years. Over the years, my passion to help children of all ability levels was ignited and when I learned about the work of developmental therapy I knew I had found exactly what I’d been searching for.”

Amber L
Lead Therapeutic Assistant

“Often as a teacher who has ten toddlers in my care, I felt as though I was not doing enough to help children who were not reaching developmental milestones as quickly as other children their age. Because of this, I began looking into developmental therapy so that I could be of service to children in need.”

Reign J
Lead Therapeutic Assistant

“I have always had a passion for working with children. I always knew that I wanted a career in healthcare and becoming a therapeutic assistant was a great way to start. Being able to observe my client’s growth and see their development is incredibly rewarding and something that I look forward to every day.”

Paulina G
Senior Therapeutic Assistant

“I majored in Speech Pathology and Audiology because I knew I wanted to help people. I have always loved being around kids and I think Blue Bird is the perfect environment to put my degree to use and gain more experience. My professional goal is to continue to grow and develop professional skills as a therapist.”

Crystal J
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, to provide aid to accommodate them and to assist and guide them towards improved quality of daily living. I believe being a TA gives me the opportunity to be an aid.”

Zakeyah P
Therapeutic Assistant

Ethan H
Therapeutic Assistant

“I decided to go into the realm of therapy with the goal of being able to help others and see a change in individuals by working with them. After starting in college to become a teacher, I had realized I enjoyed the connections and being able to help emotionally.”

Xochitl M
Therapeutic Assistant

“Through my undergraduate coursework, I became interested in acquiring a deeper understanding of developmental and cognitive psychology. I thankfully came across this opportunity where I can work in healthcare and pediatrics, both of which I’ve always had a passion for.”

Brianna M
Therapeutic Assistant

“I have always loved working with children and find that being in their presence is both engaging and therapeutic… From a more personal angle, my younger sibling was diagnosed with ADHD and I have always admired the passion and zeal of the therapists to aid in developing the child’s belief in themselves.”

Arianna L
Therapeutic Assistant

“I became a TA after taking many courses in child development and disability education classes during my undergrad at UIC. I have always been drawn to Child Psychology and supporting those on the spectrum as well as those with physical and cognitive disabilities.”

Denise G
Therapeutic Assistant

“I am currently on my journey to getting my Bachelors in Psychology and I love working with children, so being a TA here at Blue Bird is perfect! My goal is to learn in this working experience and become better at what I do and hopefully open new doors in the future.”

Rylee S
Therapeutic Assistant

“I just recently graduated from Purdue and I wanted to find a job that would give me experience working with children, specifically those who are neurodivergent. I minored in Human Development and Family Sciences, and many of those classes focused on atypical child development…”

Izabella D
Therapeutic Assistant

“I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I wanted to become a Therapeutic Assistant because, in the future, I want to provide some sort of care, especially therapy. I chose BBD because of the exposure to multiple therapies in a fun and open environment with kids!”