Our Team

Mindy is a certified and licensed occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience. She received her post professional Master’s degree in occupational therapy at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She is a certified early intervention provider and evaluator for the state of Illinois.

Mindy has worked with infants through young adults in a variety of settings including hospital based outpatient programs, schools, the Illinois Early Intervention System and private clinical settings.  Mindy’s commitment to providing the most effective treatment for children inspired her to form Kick Start. She currently lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, three teenage children, and two dogs.

​

Mindy is SIPT® certified, has a certificate in DIR®/Floortime®,is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage through IMUSA, and has received extensive training in supplemental treatment approaches including NDT®, TAMO®, SOS®, Sensory Integration, Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention, Therapeutic Taping and a variety of listening programs including Therapeutic Listening®, Samonas®, AIT®, and Integrated Listening Systems®.

She has extensive experience treating children with a variety of diagnoses and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team developing comprehensive treatment programs integrating the family’s priorities with the identified developmental needs of the child.

Esther is a certified and licensed occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She received her Master’s degree in occupational therapy at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

She is a certified early intervention evaluator and provider for the state of Illinois. Esther has worked with infants through school aged children in a variety of settings including hospital inpatient and outpatient, the Illinois Early Intervention System, schools and private clinics.  The formation of Kick Start is the realization of a dream to provide the highest quality, innovative treatment to children, and continued education and training for therapists. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband and three children.

​

Esther is SIPT® certified and has received extensive training in many treatment approaches including DIR®/Floortime®, NDT®, Therapeutic Listening®, Kinesio-taping, and Sensory Integration. She has experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses as well as working closely with parents to assess and develop treatment strategies to help regulate their children and increase functional performance. Esther has worked intensely over the years collaborating with outside team members and as part of in house multi-disciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive treatment planning for her clients and families.

Erika Larson, holds a Master’s degree in Special Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Theatre Studies and is a Developmental Therapist.

She has an advanced certificate in DIR/Floortime, is a Certified PLAY Project Consultant In Training. Erika has co-founded the National Pediatric Developmental Differences Forum. She has been working with families for the past 20 years and is often asked to consult with parents around the topics of development, education and best parenting practices. She specializes in helping children on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, developmental delays and general anxiety and depression.

​

Also a mom of two precocious boys, Erika is a true “problem solver” and adores helping parents find solutions so that “every day can be a good day.”  Originally trained as an actor, Erika has taken her passion for performing and transformed it into a passion for play.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, tending for 2 dogs and 6 chickens, and killing it at karaoke.

Amanda holds a Master’s of science degree in early childhood education from the Erikson Institute in Chicago and has an Illinois Professional Educator License for teaching endorsed in early childhood education with special education approval. She is also a credentialed Developmental Therapist in the state of Illinois.

​

Amanda has over seven years of clinical experience including that of leading therapeutic preschool and transitional kindergarten programs as well as in home and community schools. Amanda has completed trainings in the the DIR/Floortime methodology through ICDL and the Profectum Academy which is reflected in her philosophy of teaching and practice. Amanda believes in a developmentally appropriate approach to learning including differentiation of instruction, accounting for individual profiles, and collaborating with therapists for a team approach. Amanda also believes it’s the “process not that product” to promote meaningful and engaging experiences for each kiddo.

​

Amanda is excited to be a part of such a knowledgeable, dedicated team at Kickstart! In addition to offering 1:1 Developmental Therapy, she also leads our Therapeutic Preschool programming and many of our Social Groups. In her free time, Amanda enjoys traveling and spending time at home with her five chickens!

Clare is a certified licensed occupational therapist in the state of Illinois. She received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Rush University, and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. 

She has extensive experience working with the pediatric population in a clinic and therapeutic school environment as well as early intervention and school-based settings. She has worked with children aged 2 to 10 in addition to young adults with a variety of developmental differences including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down’s Syndrome, dyspraxia, feeding disorders, genetic disorders, and social emotional challenges. Her interests include Sensory Integration, reflex integration, Handwriting Without Tears, DIR/Floortime, and feeding therapy. Clare is passionate about helping children reach their full potential and supporting their confidence in their natural contexts. She enjoys discovering what motivates each child and finding innovative ways to support their participation in meaningful play, peer relationships, and functional activities. She believes that a fun, inter professional, and family-centered environment can best promote volition and growth in each child’s development.

Clare is excited to be a part of the Kick Start team and support children in both 1:1 and group environments. In her free time, Clare enjoys riding her bike, spending time with family and friends, and outdoor adventures. 

Mari Pagone M.A. CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist, and Mom of three children living in the northern suburbs of Chicago. She has worked with children and families impacted by Autism, ADHD and learning challenges for over 20 years. As a DIR certified play therapist, she has shared her passion for learning through guided play as a guest lecturer at Northwestern University, editor of the Affect Based Language Curriculum, President of the Alliance for Early Childhood, consultant to local school districts and as an advocate for her clients.

Nehama Morton is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience as a therapist working with children and adolescents. She was born and raised in Israel and has been living in Evanston for the past 25 years with her husband and three grown children. She earned a BSW from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a MSW from Loyola University. She received additional training in the Developmental, Individual-differences, & Relationship-based model (DIR®) and earned a coaching certification in CTI Coaching.  

Her career focus has been on children, young adults, and their parents who were struggling with variety of issues. In her practice, she has helped children and families deal with emotional difficulties, ADD/ADHD, executive function management, and other cognitive disabilities and behavioral issues. She has practiced in a pediatric occupational clinic and has used the DIR® model with at-risk youth and adolescents. Her specialty is working closely with the parents and teachers of children on the autism spectrum. Nehama's extensive experience with high risk adolescents in school settings, clinics, and private practice led her to co-found Our House, a group home for homeless youth in Evanston. She is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University.

Nehama's work is grounded in her belief that the therapist's job is to support parents and children with effective tools so that together they can live healthy and productive lives.

Kathleen (Kathy) Lord is an occupational therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience, and a holistic nutritionist, blending the two specialty fields in the treatment of children with developmental differences.  (A very recent addition to Kick Start,) she is a California native and has previously worked in rehabilitation settings, state and county programs, NICU, school-based settings, and private home-based services throughout her career, which has also included Hippotherapy.

Kathy’s clinical specialties include Sensory Processing, Vision Processing, D.I.R./Floortime, Infant Massage, Therapeutic Listening/Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), Safe and Sound Protocol, Interactive Metronome -Clinic and Home-based, Yoga for kids, Kinesio-taping, Brain Gym, Oral-Motor-Feeding, S.O.S. Approach to Feeding, Pediatric Weight Loss and Nutritional Consultations.

Anne has been working with children in many different settings for sixteen years. She has extensive experience working with Autism Spectrum Disorder having worked in a Therapeutic Day School for the last nine years. 

Anne embraces the DIR model bringing a relationship based approach to her clients. Anne believes that utilizing play along with regulation and engagement is key to a successful therapeutic process. 

In her free time Anne enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her two dogs, traveling, and golf. 

Lizhira (Liz) is a certified and licensed occupational therapist assistant (COTA). She earned her Associates of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant at Fox College and her bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services with a minor in Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).

Liz has experience in different settings including hospital inpatient, schools, and early intervention. She has worked with children of different ages and diagnosis. Her goal is to support children and achieve their fullest potential through child led play. She enjoys working with a multidisciplinary team along with parents to find new ways to provide the best support for a child’s development.

In her free time Liz enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Damen is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over seven years of experience as a therapist working with children, adolescents, teenagers and adults and has practiced in case management, hospital, school and outpatient therapy settings. She earned her Masters degree in Social Work from Adelphi University in New York and her Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.

As a clinician, Damen is devoted to learning about her clients and helping them work towards their individual goals using professional knowledge and creativity. She is a team player and has extensive experience working with schools and advocating for IEP, 504 plans and specific resources needed to help her clients be successful in the school setting.

Her career focus is on children from preschool age through adulthood and families struggling with a variety of issues, including emotional difficulties, ADD/ADHD, executive function management, and other cognitive disabilities and behavioral issues.

She has a particular clinical interest in working with young children, building self-esteem and helping with guidance through play therapy. She aims to bring patience and understanding into all therapy sessions. Damen is passionate about her work and strives towards supporting her clients in feeling safe, valued, and empowered. When not at work, Damen loves to spend time with her three children, ages three, nine and twelve.

Kristen recently entered the field of speech and language pathology following many years working in education and mental health. She graduated from Northwestern University with a Masters is Speech, Language, and Learning, where she gained broad clinical experience with adult and pediatric populations in person and via teletherapy. Kristen has evaluated and treated patients and students ranging in age from 1-90 years, with special interests in acquired and neurodevelopmental disabilities, learning differences, and those with social and pragmatic language challenges. Kristen is committed to building meaningful relationships with little learners and their families to foster a collaborative, positive therapeutic experience for everyone.   

Kristen is excited to be a part of Kick Start’s interdisciplinary model and looking forward using her professional and academic background to build confident communicators and continue to contribute to the unfolding of engaged, curious and motivated little ones.  When not at Kick Start, Kristen enjoys exploring libraries and farmers’ markets in the Northwest suburbs with her husband and dog, traveling to see family in Michigan, and dreaming about future travels beyond the Midwest.

Kate is a certified and licensed occupational therapist in Illinois. She received her Doctorate in occupational therapy at Midwestern University, her Master’s in Science degree from Benedictine University, and her Master’s in Teaching from Olivet Nazarene University.  

While serving as an elementary teacher at an international school in Europe, Kate gained experience working with kids of all ages who came from many countries around the world with diverse backgrounds and diverse needs. As a former exercise physiologist and coach, Kate has also had experience setting up programming in multiple community and clinical settings for the pediatric population. As a child Kate never had a good understanding of her own sensory system and why her body had feelings that were different than others. Now she is passionate about helping support kids and their families in their sensory journeys.   

Kate lives with her husband, three children, two dogs, two cats, two chinchillas, a hedgehog and a handful of fish (Yep. Lots of animals!) In her spare time, she enjoys teaching Zumba and traveling! 

Jessie is a licensed occupational therapist with her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Rush University and her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

Jessie has clinical experience with the pediatric population in both outpatient and community-based settings and recently completed her Doctoral Capstone at a Chicago-based non-profit organization to increase digital literacy skills for adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. While at Kick Start, Jessie is excited to play with kids of all ages and abilities to facilitate increased participation and self-determination in fun and meaningful activities.  

In her free time, Jessie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking new recipes, playing tennis, and watching football. 

Talia is a licensed occupational therapist who graduated from Rush University with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Community Health with a concentration in Rehabilitation Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Talia has clinical experience in both hospital inpatient rehabilitation and pediatric outpatient services. She has worked with children ages 7 months to 21 years to facilitate participation in meaningful occupations.

Talia’s Doctoral Capstone focused on increasing knowledge regarding the adaptive behavior skills of children enrolled in a preschool-readiness program at an outpatient clinic.

Talia is excited to be a part of the Kick Start team in order to support children in meaningful occupational engagement in both individual and group sessions! When not at Kickstart, Talia loves spending time with her family, cooking, and baking.

Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) earning her Masters Degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. She also holds a second Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education Administration from National Louis University. Combined, she has over 15 years experience working with children and adolescents in multiple different settings.

Prior to becoming a Clinical Social Worker, she worked as the head early childhood education teacher for 8 years, mostly consisting of the Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms. She also has experience working with children and youth in the foster care system assisting with vocational, independence and enrolling their children into Head Start Programs. Most recently, she worked as a medical social worker in a pediatric emergency room focusing on clients impacted by trauma, chronic illnesses and assessing risks of safety.

She holds a certification as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP) as well as a certification in Crisis Prevention and Intervention from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). She has also undergone extensive training in attachment-based play therapy interventions to treat trauma, emotional dysregulation and behavioral challenges. She also demonstrates her unwavering commitment to mental health by being committee members for both the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance and the National Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for teen mental health prevention.

Her number one goal is to provide a safe, nurturing and structured space for your child to begin or continue their journey. She uses many therapeutic approaches and tools tailored to each individual client to aid them in healing, meeting their potential, identifying negative cognitions, limiting unwanted behaviors, and discovering their self-worth.

Eileen is a licensed speech-language pathologist who received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from University of Washington, and her Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Notre Dame.

She has experience in both outpatient clinics and public schools, with children ages 1 to 18. She has worked with children who have delays/disorders related to speech (including motor speech/apraxia), language, fluency, pragmatic language, and voice. Eileen believes in building relationships with clients, to have fun while making progress. She also believes in collaborating with families and other professionals to help children meet their goals.

Eileen is an Evanston native who recently moved back to Chicago after many years on the west coast. Prior to speech therapy, she worked in online advertising at Google. Now, Eileen enjoys spending time with her husband, five-year-old son, and two-year-old daughter, from whom she has learned all things Star Wars, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Octonauts. Eileen loves coffee, trying new workout classes, and doing Wordle.

Susannah is a licensed occupational therapist with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from The University of Scranton and her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in Spanish from the same institution. She was a four year member of the NCAA Division III swim team, studied abroad in Bolivia, and hosted campus-wide social justice programs.

Susannah is an Early Interventionist with pediatric clinical experience in therapeutic preschool/kindergarten and outpatient settings. She has worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Global Developmental Delay, Sensory Processing and Regulation challenges, and visual motor integration impairments. She is passionate about creating therapeutic environments where children and families feel respected and cared for. She is creative and integrates meaningful activities to help children reach their goals and increase independence in everyday living spaces.

Susannah is excited to serve the Kick Start Community! In her free time, she enjoys fellowship with family and friends, road trips, reading WWII era novels, and spending time in nature. 

Brette is a certified and licensed Speech Language Pathology Assistant who received her Associates from College of DuPage. 

Brette has experience in both outpatient clinics and community-based settings working with children ages 1 to 9 as an SLPA.  She has experience working as a Registered Behavior Therapist and Supportive Living Assistant for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. In that role, Brette worked within homes for 6 years, with ages ranging from 12 to 20. She provided one-on-one assistance, met basic needs, assisted with communicating and promoted a satisfying and fulfilling life. She has experience with de-escalating challenging behaviors and applying strategies to find appropriate replacement behaviors to meet each individual client’s needs. 

Brette is looking forward to helping the Kick Start community find more effective and efficient ways to communicate their needs, wants and more! 

In her free time, Brette enjoys exploring the city with her Chow-Chow mix, Bear. She also sings as a Bass in an acapella women’s choir.

Emily is an educator with professional experience in ESL and special education. At Oberlin College, she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology while participating in research focused on pediatric and adolescent chronic pain. Emily became interested in special education while working as an ESL instructor in Japan, where she taught classes for university students with special needs and volunteered at an occupational therapy center.

Her volunteer experience also includes working with elementary school students through Evanston's Youth and Opportunity United program. In her free time, Emily loves exploring different crafts - embroidery, painting, digital art, and sculpture are among her hobbies.

As a program assistant, Emily is excited to bring her creativity and love of learning to Kick Start!

Rina holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in child welfare from Aurora University, and a Bachelor’s of arts in Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development from Southern New Hampshire University.

Rina has clinical experience working with youth and adolescents in both outpatient and residential settings as well as over six years of experience as an early childhood educator. Rina’s clinical experience includes supporting children and adolescents who struggle with ADHD, emotional dysregulation, suicidal ideation, self-harm, sensory-based challenges, anger management, school issues, and complex traumatic experiences.

Rina’s career focus is on early childhood-aged children and their families who struggle with behavioral issues, emotional dysregulation, and trauma-related challenges. Through a holistic and family-centered approach, Rina strives to support young children in learning how to identify and process their emotions in an effective and safe manner. 

​

Outside of work, Rina enjoys exploring nature, giving her dog endless belly rubs, and discovering good children’s books.

Yvette is a licensed occupational therapist who graduated from Midwestern University with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and received her Bachelor's in Rehabilitation Sciences and a double minor in Disability and Human Development and Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).

Yvette has clinical experience in acute care and outpatient pediatrics. Yvette completed her student clinical rotation at Kick Start, where she developed a strong passion for working as a pediatric occupational therapist. She has an interest in supporting both the family and children in understanding their sensory-motor development. She also has a passion and interest in mental and behavioral health services. She completed her Doctoral Capstone with a focus on mental health services for Chicago First Responders.  

Yvette is excited to be a part of the Kick Start team and support children and their family's needs. In her personal life, Yvette enjoys spending time with her son and husband, traveling, and power lifting.  

Laura is a licensed occupational therapist with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Keiser University.

Laura has worked in both public/private schools and outpatient clinics. She has unique experience creating and leading OT workshops as part of a school curriculum for PK3 and PK4 students. She is currently licensed in both Illinois and Florida and has worked with children and families with a variety of ages, diagnoses, and developmental concerns. 

Laura is passionate about working with children and seeing their confidence grow in their own abilities to perform in school and at home. Communication between parents, teachers, and other health professionals is one of Laura's many strengths. She values working as a team to provide the best care for each child and their families. 

In her free time, Laura enjoys playing competitive beach volleyball, spending time with her husband and German Shepherd, traveling, and being outdoors.

Julia is a certified and licensed occupational therapist assistant. She recently earned her Associates of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance at St. Catherine’s University and her bachelor’s degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration with a minor in Health Science at Grand Valley State University. 

Julia has experience in rehabilitation therapy during her time working at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center. Additionally, she has experience working with children across a variety of settings including in the school, outpatient, and a community-based setting. Julia enjoys working with clients, parents, and colleagues to ensure that children have

the best opportunity to reach their full potential. 

In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, playing volleyball, traveling, and spending time with friends and family

Dulce has a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in children, youth, and families from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Bachelors in Psychology from Dominican University.

​

Dulce has experience working with children and families with diverse backgrounds and various ages. During college, she gained experience providing individual counseling to Spanish speaking parents, and children ranging from the ages of seven and 18 years old for two years.

She has experience working in preschool setting, she has worked as a teacher assistance in a Spanish-speaking preschool, and in a Montessori preschool.

​

Dulce has a passion working with children and families, and Kick Start is the perfect fit. She's excited to be a part of this team and do what she loves best.

In her free time, she enjoys crafting, spending time with her family, and enjoying nature.

Sarah graduated with her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from DePaul University and received her Bachelor's degree from Blitstein Institute, Touro College in Speech and Communication Disorders. 

​

Her clinical experiences include both in clinic and school settings, working with children and adults in various areas such as expressive and receptive language, articulation, literacy, executive functioning, memory, fluency, and AAC. She has previous experience as a preschool assistant teacher, as well.

​

She loves to work with each child and his/her family at Kick Start and create engaging therapy to foster communication growth.

In her free time, you can find her enjoying the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Danielle is a licensed Occupational Therapist with a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. Danielle’s journey into Occupational Therapy began after a career as an elementary school teacher where she gained experience teaching grade K-2, as well as middle school students experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges at a therapeutic day school. It was within these experiences that Danielle discovered a true passion for supporting children to navigate their emotions, fostering problem-solving skills, and enabling them to fully engage fully in daily activities. 

Danielle’s clinical experience includes early intervention, outpatient pediatrics, and acute care. Her therapeutic approach is characterized by her love for using play as a medium to connect with children, encouraging their participation in meaningful everyday activities. She enjoys supporting and collaborating with families, caregivers, teachers, and fellow professionals to ensure a holistic and comprehensive approach to a child’s success. 

In her freetime, you can find Danielle teaching group fitness classes at Powherhouse Fitness Studio in Park Ridge. She loves all things outdoors, exercise, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter Emma, family, and friends.