Therapy isn’t just about milestones—it’s about progress that feels meaningful for your child and family. Starting early allows us to meet your child where they are, celebrate every win, and help them grow in ways that matter most to you.
We hear this a lot. Here's why:
Michelle received her B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive & Behavior Neuroscience and her M.A. in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorder from San Diego State University.
As a Clinical Director and BCBA at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Michelle provides neurodiverse- affirming, individualized ABA services with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and caregiver partnership. She is especially passionate about supporting linguistically diverse learners and creating treatment approaches that honor each child’s communication style, culture, and individuality. For Michelle, the most rewarding part of the job is building confidence and supportive relationships with children and their families. She enjoys finding creative and naturalistic ways to support the development of replacement behaviors, communication, play, and independence. She loves working on goals through play; sharing reciprocal smiles and giggles is her favorite part of the day.
Michelle’s passion for behavior science began early through helping support the care of her autistic brother. She has a theory that her interest in behavior may have started even earlier than that, realizing as a toddler that being exceptionally well-behaved in stores, charming nearby adults, and strategically timing a public tantrum dramatically increased the odds of leaving with a new toy.
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!
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.
Rhiannon Law, Ph.D. is a graduate of Indiana University - Bloomington. Dr. Law works closely with patients and their families to provide comprehensive assessments to inform diagnostic impressions and to guide broader treatment planning. Dr. Law specializes in testing related to ADHD, autism, learning, and complex medical conditions (epileptic syndromes, genetic/metabolic disorders). Past research has focused on joint attention in autistic toddlers, pediatric performance validity testing, executive functioning following traumatic brain injuries, and trauma-informed systems in schools. Dr. Law has worked with families in a variety of settings, including pediatric hospitals, academic medical centers, schools, DCFS/juvenile justice, and residential treatment centers.
Dr. Law works closely with patients and their families to provide comprehensive assessments to inform diagnostic impressions and to guide broader treatment planning.
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.
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 Vice President of Clinical Quality & Training 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.
Cindy Belliveau received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Social Work degree from University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Cindy provides Mental Health awareness, consultation, and support throughout NSPT.
For Cindy, being an advocate for Mental Health support in a interdisciplinary agency is the most rewarding part of the job.
Cindy's passion for social work can be traced back to childhood when she just wanted to help people who are hurting. Ask her about how to engage reluctant kids to just think they're having fun together. It’s her secret talent!
When Cindy is not keeping busy with helping kids build coping skills, you can find her walking her dog, reading a book or hanging out with family or friends!
Maria received her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University, and a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As an occupational therapist at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Maria provides occupational therapy services to help children develop their skills for play, learning, and daily routines in a fun and engaging environment.
For Maria, building connections with the children and families is the most rewarding part of the job. Maria's passion for OT can be traced back to undergrad when she interned at a therapeutic preschool working closely with the OTs. When Maria is not keeping busy with work, you can find her exploring new hiking trails, spending time with loved ones, and discovering new coffee shops.
Essence Cole is an Assistant Clinical Coordinator at North Shore Pediatric Therapy’s Des Plaines location. She graduated from Denison University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Global Health and Psychology. During her undergraduate years, Essence conducted research and worked closely with vulnerable populations and individuals with disabilities as a Direct Support Professional, which sparked her passion for advocacy and becoming a change agent.
Following graduation, Essence began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician, gaining experience in both home- and center-based autism therapy. Her dedication to the field and love for the children and families she serves inspired her to take the next step in her professional journey. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Behavior Analysis at Florida Tech, with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
As a Family Child Advocate at North Shore Pediatric Therapy Ashley oversees the front desk and provides friendly customer service to the Des Plaines Community. For Ashley, connecting with families is the most rewarding part of the job, and she enjoys assisting families and interacting with others.
Ashley's passion of caring for others can be traced back to her childhood, when she would assist with caring for her siblings and cousins. When Ashley is not keeping busy with assisting families and staff, you can find her working on her next project.
Cyndi Eddy received her Masters degree in Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago. Cyndi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Practitioner for North Shore Pediatric Therapy. She works with diverse populations including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities children with ADHD (Attention Deficit/.Hyperactivity Disorder) and DMDD (Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
She enjoys engaging children in different treatment modalities in the best interest of the child, treating the whole child. Treatment goals include teaching children the necessary skills for managing difficult emotions combining mindfulness techniques, emotional regulation methods and effective communication strategies.
When she is not engaging clients in a therapeutic relationship she is painting floral scenes or walking her Golden Retriever.
Jennifer received her bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Northern Illinois, and a master's degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Ball State University. As a BCBA at North Shore Pediatric Therapy in Des Plaines, Jennifer assists in supporting a caseload under the guidance of her clinical director.
For Jennifer teaching life skills and functional communication is the most rewarding part of the job. She loves to watch clients gain new skills and see them gain independence. When Jennifer is not working at the center you can often find her reading or hiking.
Kaitlynn Harper, MA, CCC‑SLPis a licensed Speech‑Language Pathologist who supports children in developing meaningful, functional communication skills. She has experience working with children with speech and language delays, social communication difficulty, early language development, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). In addition, she has completed training in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) to support gestalt language processors. Kaitlynn’s therapy style is child‑led and strengths‑basedwith an emphasis on positive, engaging sessions and family collaboration. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and spending time with her friends, family, and black lab.
Kari received her Bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and is currently working towards obtaining her Master's in Applied Behavioral Analysis through Ball State University.
As the Lead Assistant Clinical Coordinator at North Shore Pediatric Therapy in Des Plaines, Kari provides clinic support to staff as well as assists our clinical director, Michelle, in managing her client caseload.
For Kari, building relationships with the clients is the most rewarding part of the job, and she loves when she sees her client's reach goals that they have been working so hard to achieve! Kari's passion for ABA can be traced back to 2020 when she started her first Behavior Therapist position. Ask her to show you how to throw pizza dough! It's her secret talent. When Kari is not keeping busy with school, you can find her curled up with a good book!
Raquel "Kelly" Rausch is a Lead Board Certified Behavior Analyst at North Shore Pediatric Therapy in Des Plaines. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University. She has a Masters in Behavioral Psychology from Pepperdine University and also holds a Masters in Neuroscience from University College London.
As a Lead Board Certified Behavior Analyst at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Kelly oversees a team of Registered Behavior Technicians and works together with families to achieve optimal client gains. Kelly has over 10 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and enjoys providing mentorship to aspiring students.
Outside of her professional life, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, visiting Door County and training her two energetic Border Collies, Minnie & Cooper.
How We Care
From the very first conversation, we get to know your child as a whole person — their strengths, their personality, what makes them light up. Then we build a plan around them and your family's everyday life, because real progress has to fit the people living it.
Every plan starts with the child in front of us, not a standard package of hours. We look at who your child is and what they need right now, and we adjust as they grow.
A plan only works if your family can live it. We weigh your routines, your priorities, and your family's wellbeing so therapy supports your whole household, not just a calendar.
We guide and coach you every step of the way, because the most meaningful progress keeps going at home, long after a session ends.
Your child is never a diagnosis or a number to us. We get to know the person you love, and we measure success by the moments that matter to your family.
Talk with our Des Plaines team about the right support for your child. After filling out our form, you'll find: free consultations, a complimentary benefits check, and a quick, personal reply from our team.
Contact usEvery service below exists to close a real gap in your child's day — at home, at school, with friends. Here's what we work on, and why it matters.
Our BCBAs build programs around your child's strengths, interests, and what matters most to your family, then adjust constantly as they grow, learn, and surprise everyone. Great ABA is playful, connected, and shaped by your child’s voice, and that’s the standard we’re known for.
Explore ABA Therapy at NSPT →
Our mental health clinicians support children ages 3+ in understanding their emotions, building regulation strategies, and feeling more at home in their own minds, while keeping families informed and connected throughout.
Explore Mental Health and Social Work →Our physical therapists support children who are building gross motor skills, coordination, strength, and balance — because every child deserves to move through the world on their own terms.
Explore Physical Therapy →Our in-house neuropsychologists provide comprehensive autism evaluations for children 18 months and up. No referral maze. No 9-month wait.
A full picture of your child's strengths and support needs, delivered with care and honesty.
Whether your child is building their first words, expanding their language, or exploring new foods and textures, our speech-language pathologists meet them exactly where they are and open doors to richer communication.
Explore Speech and Feeding Therapy →OT builds the daily living skills that shape a child's confidence — getting dressed, holding a pencil, navigating sensory experiences.
Our occupational therapists work alongside your child to make those moments feel more manageable and more theirs.
Our Des Plaines center sits on Lee Street, easy to reach for families across town and from neighboring Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, and Niles. Whether you're coming from O’Hare, downtown Des Plaines, or the Metra station, getting your child to consistent, weekly therapy shouldn't mean a long drive—and here it doesn't.
We work hand-in-hand with the schools your kids actually attend. That means coordinating with Community Consolidated School District 62 and Maine Township High School District 207 on IEP goals, evaluations, and the language that shows up in your child's school day. You'll see support that lines up with what their teachers and therapists are already doing, not generic recommendations.
And because Des Plaines is built for families—Lake Park and the Des Plaines River Trail, the Park District pools, and a walkable downtown by the Metra station—we focus on the real-world skills that let your child take part: regulating in a busy playground, joining a team, ordering for themselves on a Saturday outing. Therapy that travels off the mat and into their actual life here.
Yes. Our Des Plaines clinic at 950 Lee Street provides center-based ABA therapy for children with autism, plus autism testing, neuropsychology testing, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health services. We serve families across Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Niles, and the surrounding suburbs.
We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and accept many major plans, including Optum, United Healthcare, Tricare, Multiplan, and NorthShore. We'll run a complimentary benefits check so you know your coverage before your child starts.
We support children from as young as 18 months through the teen years. Early autism testing is available for children 18 months to 4 years, and ABA programs are tailored to each child's age, strengths, and goals.
We work hard to keep wait times short. After you reach out, our team walks you through a benefits check, paperwork, and an assessment, then builds a personalized plan so your child can begin as soon as possible.
Our Des Plaines location is a dedicated pediatric therapy center with private one-on-one therapy rooms, sensory and gym space, and our Blossom Prep classroom for school readiness. It's also home to our neuropsychology testing team. Care here is center-based; ask our team about the options that best fit your family.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children build communication, social, and daily-living skills through individualized, play-based teaching led by a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA).
Yes. We offer early autism testing for young children and can guide your family through the evaluation process and next steps if a diagnosis is identified.
Families come to our Des Plaines clinic from Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Niles, Rosemont, Morton Grove, and Elk Grove Village.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and accepts most major plans — including Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare, Multiplan, and NorthShore. Before your child begins, we run a complimentary benefits check on your behalf, so you understand your coverage up front.
Not sure about your plan, or whether you need a referral?
Call us at 877-486-4140 and our team will walk you through every step.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy provides compassionate, neuroaffirming care for children and families. Our expert team offers autism testing, ABA therapy, speech, occupational, and physical therapy. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with families to help every child grow, learn, and thrive.
Services at North Shore Pediatric Therapy and Gracent Pediatric Therapy centers are provided by affiliated professional corporations.
