Des Plaines, IL ABA Therapy for Autism, School Readiness,
and Pediatric Therapies

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.

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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.

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.