ABA Therapy, Neuropsychology, & Pediatric Therapy

Meet North Shore Pediatric Therapy

We've been serving the Chicagoland community since 1999 as a leading provider of early intervention Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Mental Health Services, and Neuropsychological Diagnostics.

We are dedicated to helping all children, including those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Insurance accepted

We accept many major insurance providers and private pay. We'll perform a complimentary benefits check on your behalf.
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Meet our Clinical Leaders

Liza Bodner

BCBA, Regional Director

Liza received her Bachelors of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences with Minor in Psychology from Indiana University, and a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

As a Regional Director and BCBA at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Liza oversees the clinical operations of the Chicagoland locations, as well as provides internal clinical support to our BCBAs, leads the internal ABA apprenticeship fieldwork study program preparing students pursing their master’s in ABA to become BCBAs, and also serves as our internal ACE coordinator providing internal continuing education events to our team of BCBAs.

In addition to her role at NSPT, Liza also has served as an adjunct professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology teaching master’s courses to future BCBAs. For Liza, expanding the reach of our services to new communities and areas where there are limited options on comprehensive pediatric therapy providers is the most rewarding part of the job, and she loves growing the field through her work with student mentorship.

Liza's passion for pediatrics can be traced back to her 1birthday, when she started her own business teaching water safety skills and stroke lessons to children in her community.

Greg Stasi

PhD, Chief of Neuropsychology

Dr. Stasi is a 2005 graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology. Over the years, Dr. Stasi has been published professionally and has given numerous presentations on Neuropsychology. Previously, Dr. Stasi was an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and an adjunct professor for The Illinois Institute of Technology.

In 2009, Dr. Stasi started the Neuropsychology and Testing Center for North Shore Pediatric Therapy. In his tenure, he has helped thousands of kids reach their fullest potential.

Rhiannon Law

PhD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Rhiannon Law, Ph.D. is a graduate of Indiana University - Bloomington. She obtained her Master of Arts degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University and her undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Dr. Law works closely with patients and their families to provide comprehensive assessments to inform diagnostic impressions and to guide broader treatment planning.

Angel David

PsyD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Angel David, Psy.D. obtained her Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from George Fox University in Newberg, OR. She completed her internship in Child and Adolescent Neuropsychology and Educational Testing at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, CA, and post-doctoral training in Pediatric Neuropsychology at Ascension Health in Hoffman Estates, IL.

Dr. David specializes in neuropsychological evaluations for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mood/behavioral concerns, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and complex medical conditions, with toddlers, children, and adolescents. Dr. David works with families by providing comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to aid in diagnostic clarification and to better connect them with appropriate services for treatment.

Stephanie Sorrentino

M.S., CCC-SLP, Business Development Director

Stephanie Sorrentino, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a board-certified pediatric speech-language pathologist and clinical leader from North Shore Pediatric Therapy. Stephanie obtained her bachelor’s and master's degrees in Speech-Language Pathology at Eastern Illinois University. Stephanie completed her clinical fellowship with EBS Healthcare and Northwestern Medicine’s Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Stephanie's expertise lies in working with children on the autism spectrum. She takes special interest in augmentative/alternative communication, pediatric feeding/swallowing disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, language processing disorders, and ADHD. She has extensive experience with clinical program development, directing multidisciplinary teams, and designing clinical training programs.

Stephanie is an early intervention specialist, SOS feeding trained, and a DIR/Floortime certified practitioner. She enjoys conducting educational webinars for parents, clinical mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ryan Emry

MS, BCBA, Area Director

Ryan Emry received his Bachelor of Science from The Illinois Institute of Technology, and his Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

As an Area Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Ryan works as a clinician while also supporting a great team of Behavior Therapists, Behavior Analysts, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists, across multiple centers.  

For Ryan, watching our children learn and grow is the most rewarding part of the job.  

When Ryan is not keeping busy at the clinic, you can find him spending time with his wife and two amazing daughters.

Lainie Cohen

MS, BCBA, Area Director

Lainie Cohen received her Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University and her Master’s in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University in Boston. As a Center Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Lainie provides supervision and mentorship to a team of great therapists including BCBAs, OTs, Mental Health, and Speech Therapists. She also provides supervision to field work students as they study to become a BCBA and oversees the day to day operations at the Des Plaines center.

For Lainie, increasing clients' functional communication is the most rewarding part of the job, as well as watching therapists grow in the field. Lainie is passionate about supervising and teaching individuals who have an interest in the ABA field, as well as parents, to gain more knowledge regarding implementing skill acquisition goals and behavior intervention plans.

When Lainie is not busy at the center, you can find her trying new restaurants with her husband!

Ashley Ballard

BCBA, Center Director

Ashley received her master's degree in behavior analysis as well as her bachelors degrees' in psychology and women and gender studies from Western Michigan University.

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Center Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Ashley oversees the clinical and operational practices of the Bucktown (Chicago) location, as well provides supervision to Registered Behavior Technicians and field work students.

For Ashley, hearing about client successes from their families is the most rewarding part of the job. She loves being able to cheer on her clients and celebrate their victories!

Ashley's passion for working within the field of behavior analysis can be traced back to her undergraduate years at WMU, where she was initially introduced to the field of ABA. Ashley's first practicum experience was in an early childhood classroom. During this time, Ashley worked one-on-one with the children. She was able to see the clients make strides and knew then that she was meant for this career.

When Ashley is not keeping busy with her work at NSPT, you can find her in a Zumba class, playing fetch with her cats, or traveling the Midwest to visit family and friends.

Kailee Chonko

BCBA, Center Director

Kailee Chonko received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Illinois State University in 2011 and Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University University in 2017. As a BCBA and Center Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Kailee oversees and provides services to children with autism, as well as provides supervision and mentorship to BCBAs and BCBA students, RBTs, and speech, occupational, and mental health therapists.  

Kailee's passion for helping children can be traced back to high school, when she began babysitting for a neighbor with special needs. For Kailee, seeing progress with her clients and watching them grow is the most rewarding part of the job, and she loves working with little ones who are just beginning their ABA journey.

When Kailee is not keeping busy with her clients, you can find her at the beach or exploring the city!

Annaluisa Farietta

BCBA, Clinical Director

Annaluisa received a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Houston, and a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. As an ABA Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Annaluisa oversees the ABA Department at the Deerfield Clinic, and she also supports her clients and the professional growth of the team.

For Annaluisa, seeing the clients' progress is the most rewarding part of the job, and she enjoys collaborating with parents, therapists and her client's teachers to attain generalization of skills across settings. Annaluisa's passion for pediatric therapy can be traced back to 2019, when her son participated in feeding, speech and occupational therapy.

When Annaluisa is not keeping busy with supporting her clients and the clinical team,  you can find her visiting unique family friendly experiences with her husband and son. Ask her about how to order the best items from a menu at restaurants. It’s her secret talent!

Kayleen Flores

BCBA, Clinical Director

Kayleen received her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and a Bachelor's in Psychology from St. Leo University. As a Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Kayleen oversees the ABA department at Lake Bluff as well as the Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging Committee (DEIB).

For Kayleen, client progress is the most rewarding part of the job. She loves providing mentorship to students and Behavior Therapists to reach their true potential. Kayleen's passion for pediatric therapy can be traced back to 2005, when her baby brother received OT, and SLP services.

Ask her about how to dance - it’s her secret talent! When Kayleen is not keeping busy with her Lake Bluff Team, you can find her on a run, or traveling with her husband and beautiful daughters.

Chelsey Harmon

MA, BCBA, Clinical Director

Chelsey Harmon received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Services with a minor in Holistic Health from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University.

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Center Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Chelsey oversees the clinical and operational practices at the Naperville, IL location, and provides supervision to Registered Behavior Technicans and field work students.

For Chelsey, hearing about the successes and wins of clients from her team members is the most rewarding part of the job, and she loves being able to help her team grow and achieve their goals.  

Chelsey's passion for working with the pediatric/autistic community, can be traced back to her childhood years where she became very close with a family friend through church who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Throughout Chelsey’s undergraduate years, she worked with children in daycare centers and before and after school programs. After her undergrad, Chelsey worked as a Behavior Therapist working with adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After a year there, she knew she wanted to become a BCBA!

When Chelsey is not keeping busy with her work at NSPT, you can find her binging the newest Netflix shows, hopping on her Peloton, and spending time with her fiance and family.  

Alyssa Koci

M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Director

Alyssa Koci received her bachelor of arts degree in Communicative Sciences & Disorders and Spanish, and a masters of science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Midwestern University. As the speech-language pathology (SLP) team lead at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Alyssa provides clinical care to children birth to 16 years old, as well as provides professional development and clinical support to the team of speech-language pathologists company-wide.  

For Alyssa, mentoring SLPs to provide the best clinical care for their clients is the most rewarding part of the job, and she enjoys creating opportunities for clinicians to to grow at any level of their career.  

Alyssa's passion for speech-language pathology can be traced back to her uncle, when he was diagnosed with ALS. Her uncle’s SLP fully supported his communication throughout his life and assisted in his changing feeding and swallowing needs. Alyssa strives to provide this for her clients across the lifespan.  

When Alyssa is not keeping busy with play-based therapy, sitting on the ground with Mr. Potato Head, you can find her cross-stitching on the couch with her dog. Ask her about the game show The Price Is Right... she may have had a special appearance!

Simone Light

BCBA, Clinical Director

Simone Light is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who specializes in pediatrics, particularly early intervention. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Applied Behavioral Sciences, with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education and Intervention, from the University of Kansas in 2018. There, she spent nearly three years teaching in an ABA-inclusive preschool classroom, working on various research projects as an undergraduate research assistant, and providing 1:1 support to autistic clients.

Simone completed her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri in 2020. There she spent two years as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) working in the Severe Behavior Clinic, conducting Functional Analysis (FAs) for those who needed it throughout the state of Missouri, assisting, and conducting her own research, and accruing hours to become aBCBA.

Since becoming a BCBA in 2020, Simone has worked in a variety of settings, including pre-schools, schools, homes, clinics, and throughout the community. Simone approaches ABA through a neuro-affirming, child-led, trauma-informed, and strength-based lens.

Kelly Namanja

BCBA, Clinical Director

Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University. As a Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Kelly oversees the BCBAs and RBTs in the Vernon Hills clinic and provides support to all clients and families in the Vernon Hills location.

From the time she was a child, Kelly always knew she wanted to work with children. After loving her Intro to Psychology course in high school, she wanted to find a way to blend these two passions. As a sophomore psychology student at Notre Dame, she took a practicum course and was assigned to be an ABA therapist for a little boy with autism. She immediately knew she found her calling and never looked back! The most rewarding part of the job for Kelly is helping children achieve milestones and skills that are the most meaningful to their families.

When Kelly is not in the clinic, you are most likely to find her at one of her three children's sporting events or curled up with an historical fiction novel. Unless it's a Saturday during football season when she's cheering on the Fighting Irish!

Cara Newman

M.S., OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Clinical Director

Cara Newman is an occupational therapist certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. She earned her Master's in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2013 and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

As OT and PT Clinical Director at NSPT, Cara provides services to clients as well as clinical mentorship and support to the OT and PT team scompany wide. Cara’s interest in using her movement knowledge in a therapeutic setting started while supporting a therapeutic dance program based out of the Krannert Center for Performing Arts in Urbana, Illinois. Cara has worked with pediatric populations for her entire career, starting in Early Intervention (0-3) and transitioning to working both in outpatient pediatrics as well as an intensive therapeutic PreK & Kindergarten program prior to starting at NSPT.

Cara has experience working with clients with a variety of diagnoses including Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, CHARGE Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Dyspraxia, Global Developmental Delay, PURA Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and Sensory Processing Differences among others. Cara enjoys using developmental movement concepts to help her clients accomplish their goals. When not working, Cara is likely reading or running.

Stefanie Platt

MS, BCBA, Center Director

Stefanie Platt received her Bachelors of Science from Indiana University, and her Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. As a Center Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Stefanie oversees the operations at the Arlington Heights center while also supervising a great team of staff. Stefanie also provides behavior analytic services directly to clients.  

For Stefanie, watching the children make progress and helping the families learn is the most rewarding part of the job, and she loves supervising fieldwork students whose goal are to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts.  

When Stefanie is not keeping busy with the center, you can find her spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog!

Our Centers

Our ABA centers are fully equipped with all the resources your child needs to have a blast while enhancing their skills. We are conveniently located in throughout the Chicago area, including Arlington Heights, Chicago (Bucktown), Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Lake Bluff, Lincolnwood, Naperville, and Vernon Hills.

Whether you require the expertise of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Behavioral Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, our dedicated multi-disciplinary team is ready to offer exceptional support and treatment in a warm and friendly environment.

Kid drawing of three blocks

Our Locations

Testimonials

Why we do what we do.
Success looks different for every child... But we bet we have a story that matches your child's needs. Like James, who started with us as non-verbal and lacking the ability to initiate and maintain social interactions. Today, he can speak complete sentences, clearly state his needs, and navigate social interactions with his friends!

Contact us to get started

  • 1
    Submit an inquiry form
    Completing this secure form helps us understand how we can serve you.
  • 2
    We'll reach out to you!
    One of our dedicated team members will connect with you to discuss services, your insurance benefits, and your family’s needs.
  • 3
    Paperwork & insurance
    We'll review and confirm your insurance benefits, and we'll work with you to gather additional paperwork required and discuss financial expectations based on insurance.
  • 4
    Treatment personalization
    We'll schedule an assessment date for your child with one of our clinicians. This assessment will serve as the basis for your child’s personalized treatment plan. After, we'll meet to discuss recommendations and your child’s treatment plan and start date.
  • 5
    Start making progress!
    We will greet and welcome your child to our warm and supportive environment where our staff will provide 1-on-1 care to meet our treatment goals.

Download our Guide for Families

We know that choosing a local ABA facility can be a hard decision. We’ve created an informational guide to help you understand more about the questions you should be asking while meeting with different providers.

Although we talk about our services here, our highest goal is for you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable about picking a provider that is the best fit for your needs. You are making a decision that will impact the entire trajectory of your child’s life!
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The cover of the NSPT Guide for Families, which helps families to figure out the questions to ask when picking an ABA provider.