Arlington Heights, IL —ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy

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!

Rebecca received her bachelors in psychology from Hope College, and a masters in special education from Northeastern Illinois University. After a career in special education, she obtained her BCBA from Florida Institute of Technology. As a Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Rebecca oversees applied behavior analysis services and team members at our Arlington Heights Center.

For Rebecca, connecting with children on their special interests, building relationships and watching children gain new skills is the most rewarding part of the job. She loves teaching behavioral strategies to families and seeing them celebrate in these milestones.

When Rebecca is not keeping busy finding ways to meaningfully connect with children, you can find her competing in barn hunt sports with her dog, curled up with a suspense novel, or painting.

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Debbie McGee is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) licensed in the state of Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and her Master of Arts Degree from Northern Illinois University  in Communication Disorders in Science.

As Assistant Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Debbie oversees Speech and Mental Health services as well as provides speech therapy. Prior to working at NSPT, Debbie worked at an outpatient pediatric clinic with children between 1-year to 16-years-old. She has experience treating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, Apraxia, receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders.

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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.

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.

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.

Allison (Ali) Borchers is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who received her Master's of Science degree in Child and Developmental Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and her Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

As a BCBA at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Ali partners with children and families to develop culturally-sensitive, assent-based services that strive to meaningfully improve their lives. She also supervises the behavior technicians who provide therapy to ensure treatment fidelity while also supporting the growth and development of these invaluable clinicians. Ali has experience working with both children and adults with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities which has provided her with perspective about the changing needs an individual may have across their lifespan. She strives to integrate these experiences with her ongoing love of learning to ensure that her clients and their families are given the best possible tools and supports to be successful in their daily lives.

For Ali, seeing children grow and thrive is the most rewarding part of the job and she loves the smiles and laughter that can lead the way to these important changes. Ali's passion for both children's therapy and behavior analysis can be traced back to her undergraduate roots in Theatre Arts at the University of Iowa where she personally learned the importance of play therapy for people of all ages.

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Ashlyn is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from Iowa State University and earned her Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northern Illinois University.

As a BCBA at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Ashlyn oversees Behavior Technicians and collaborates with families to provide them with the support and training to provide the most effective and beneficial care. Ashlyn has experience working with both adults and children with a background in therapeutic day school environments.

For Ashlyn, seeing the growth and milestones the children achieve is the most rewarding part of the job, and she loves being able to be a part of their journey. When Ashlyn is not keeping busy in the clinic, you can find her making sourdough bread, going on walks, and enjoying time with family and friends.

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Lalaine Halum is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) licensed in Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Elmhurst University in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and her Master of Health Science Degree from Governors State University in Communication Disorders in Science.

Lalaine has worked at North Shore Pediatric Therapy (NSPT) since October 2023. Prior to working at NSPT, Lalaine worked at an outpatient pediatric clinic with children between 1-year to 16-years-old. She has experience treating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, fluency disorders as well as implementing high- and low-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Katy has worked as an occupational therapist at North Shore Pediatric Therapy since December 2022. She received her Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree from Concordia University-Wisconsin in 2016.

Prior to NSPT, Katy worked in another pediatric outpatient clinic and has also worked in public, private, and therapeutic schools. Professionally, she is interested in promoting functional independence in activities of daily living, visual perception, and executive functioning skills with her clients. Katy is certified in the S.O.S. Approach to Feeding and enjoys working with clients on their feeding therapy goals. Academically, she has mentored OT students in their fieldwork placements and clinical internships. Katy is involved with professional organizations such as the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association (ILOTA)  and American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). She also sometimes volunteers with The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) to provide access to adaptive sports and equipment for individuals with physical and visual impairments.

In her free time, Katy enjoys knitting, cooking, gardening, and riding her bike in the warmer months.

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As the Client Service Experience Specialist and Community Liaison at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, I work with all new or returning ABA therapy clients, whether newly diagnosed with Autism or families seeking a new ABA clinic. Additionally, with over 15 years of experience as a mom of a wonderful 15-year-old girl with intellectual disabilities and Autism, and as a nero diverse child advocate, I provide resources to our families. These resources range from parent support groups and accommodating activities around town to sports and camps for those seeking extracurricular activities beyond therapy. Helping families that are new to this journey has become a true passion of mine. My husband and I were blessed to receive tremendous support from our community in finding help and resources, and I have made it my mission to pay it forward!

When we are not attending or hosting a special needs event, you can find me learning about my Taino roots, listening and dancing to salsa music, exploring old and new art, reading, creating something of my own in the way of creating fun new popcorn flavors, or making fun handbags and jewelry! Of course, all in my spare time!

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Melissa Schmitz is a board-certified occupational therapist who earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in developmental psychology.

Melissa has experience working in public schools, therapeutic day schools, and outpatient pediatric clinics. During her undergrad she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician and paraprofessional helping students with disabilities reach their maximum potential. She has experience working with clients with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), attention-deficit hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and global developmental delay among others. She values building loyal relationships with clients and their families.

When not working, she enjoys spending her time with family and friends and staying active.