CEO and Occupational Therapist
Established Eyas Landing (2007), Blue Bird Day (2014), Merlin Day Academy (2018)

• Licensed and Registered Occupational Therapist
• Developmental Therapist Certification
• Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) Certification
• Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention Certified
• CPR/First Aid Certified
• The Listening Program Certified Provider-Bone Conduction
• Credentialed Early Intervention Specialist with Evaluator Credential

• Leadership and Management
• Therapeutic Use of Self and the Intentional Relationship Model
• Sensory Integration

I discovered the field of Occupational Therapy when teaching English in China in 2003. While a preschool teacher in Shanghai, I was fortunate to work with a young child with autism and his occupational therapist. The experience changed my life and after returning back to the USA, I was determined to become a successful occupational therapist and make an impact on young children’s lives. 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. While working with families across these settings, my colleagues and I noticed a need within our community for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary preschool program and established Blue Bird Day in 2014. I opened Merlin Day Academy in 2018 to provide a supportive and therapeutic environment to continue learning after preschool and kindergarten, for children ages 6-14. It’s been an amazing journey since the moment I knew my calling and I couldn’t be happier that I not only listened but have accomplished exactly what I am meant to do.

• Chicago Food Bank
• Chicago Bonds Fund
• Chicago Autism Network
• Autism Speaks

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 really enjoy seeing the growth within our children and families each year, but it is also incredible to see the growth and transformation within our therapists as they thrive in our supportive, nurturing and collaborative environment.

2020 New Alumni Award
University of Illinois Chicago Applied Health Science
2017 SPARK Autism Hero Award
SPARK
2017-2019 Top Autism Speaks Chicago Walk Sponsor
Autism Speaks Chicago
Expertise Best Preschool in Chicago
Blue Bird Day
2007 Mulcahy Research Scholar
Loyola University of Chicago

(Nov 2020). Intervention Recommendations for Children With Autism in Light of a Changing Evidence Base.

(Jan 2018). 8 Easy Things Parents Can Do To Help Their Kids Succeed At School.

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!