Deerfield, IL ABA Therapy for Autism, School Readiness,
and Pediatric Therapies

Dana Ignarski, MS, BCBA is the Clinical Director at the Deerfield clinic. She has over 15 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and a deep passion for supporting meaningful progress for children and their families. Dana finds the most rewarding part of her work to be partnering with families and celebrating each child’s growth—moments that continue to motivate and inspire her every day.

Dana’s journey into ABA began in 2006, when she changed her undergraduate major from Musical Theatre to Psychology. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and her Master of Science degree from Capella University. Dana began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician and has worked in the field since 2008. She has been a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst for six years and is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality clinical leadership and care.

Dana has been with NSPT for a year and a half and previously served as the Lead BCBA at the Lake Bluff location before transitioning into her role as Clinical Director at Deerfield.

Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending time with her family of five, kayaking and hiking outdoors, traveling to northern Wisconsin, practicing yoga, and singing in a band. She is looking forward to meeting everyone and becoming part of the Deerfield community.

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. Kayleen previously worked as Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, overseeing 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.

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 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.

Bio coming soon

Brianna received her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Psychology from DePaul University and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

As a Lead Assistant Clinical Coordinator at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Brianna implements and creates skill acquisition programs and goals with the supervision of her BCBA, as well as providing staff training and documenting data collection to ensure procedures are being implemented consistently and accurately to support meaningful progress for clients. For Brianna, seeing the passion and love staff share for each client is the most rewarding part of the job. Seeing the support staff provide one another and every client they come across builds a community that is like no other and is one Brianna is grateful to be a part of.

Outside of work, Brianna enjoys baking and spending time with her miniature poodle.