Speech-Language Pathologist
Blue Bird Day Employee Since 2024

• Lee Silverman Voice Training (LSVT) LOUD Certification
• Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) Student Certification
• BLS CPR Provider Certification

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Receptive/expressive language acquisition

Petrus N., Maghinang C., Mroz A., Ailey S., LaGorio L (July 2024). Poster presented at the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD) 17th World Congress. Chicago, IL.

Throughout my undergraduate and graduate career in speech-language pathology, I’ve worked with children, teenagers, and young adults in the school, outpatient, and inpatient setting. In all these settings, 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 to continue to help children in any way I can.

I would like to continue developing my clinical expertise through continuing education and professional development opportunities. I would also like to focus on developing relationships with clients and their families so I can continue to understand how I can best support them.

My advocacy is centered around policy change and legislature that ensure individuals with disabilities are supported in educational and vocational settings.

Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy,
University of Illinois at Chicago

Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy,
University of Illinois at Chicago

Bachelors in Psychology,
Loyola University of Chicago

I have been familiar with Blue Bird Day since before I began graduate school, when I was originally interested in working as a paraprofessional. I have also talked to my peers in graduate school about their clinical internships at Blue Bird Day. From then until now, I have always resonated with Blue Bird Day’s mission to champion children and ensure that their individual needs are prioritized.

Blue Bird Day fosters socialization, sensory regulation, and pre-academic learning in children ages 2–7 years in therapeutic rotations that simulate  preschool and kindergarten settings. Our compassionate therapists practice a relationship-based and family-centered approach, provide parent training, and collaborate on goals and individualized intensive treatment plans for your child.

We believe in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary team approach to therapy.  A team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, developmental therapists, behavioral therapists, physical therapists, and therapeutic assistants are created for each child to ensure child and family are fully supported and the best possible results are achieved.  

Options for individualized, group and virtual therapy sessions are available as well. 

Want to learn more or you have a specific question? Feel free to connect with us here!