Lake Bluff, IL ABA Therapy for Autism, School Readiness,
and Pediatric Therapies

Laura Corrado received her Bachelors degree from Illinois State University and her Masters degree from Kaplan University. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Laura oversees clinical and operational oversight for her team at the Lake Bluff location. She also provides support to her team of BCBAs, ACCs, and RBTs.

For Laura, helping children express themselves is the most rewarding part of the job, and she loves how gaining these skills positively impacts their lives across all environments. When Laura is not keeping with busy with work related to her clients, you can find her spending time with her children and her husband.

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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.

Sierra Jones received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Carthage College, and Doctoral degree from Rush University in Occupational Therapy. As the Assistant Clinical Director of Occupational and Physical Therapy at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Sierra maintains a partial caseload and supports the OT and PT departments by providing clinical leadership and ensuring quality of care. Sierra is accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

For Sierra, building bonds with the clients is the most rewarding part of the job. Sierra’s passion for helping people gain and build independence can be traced back to childhood when she watched a loved one struggle with the loss of independence due to an illness, and became inspired by the work of the OT in helping her loved one gain her confidence, spirit, and independence back. Ask her how to juggle, it’s her secret talent. When Sierra is not keeping busy with friends and family, you can find her hanging out with her dog and reading in the park.

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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.

Dana Ignarski, MS, BCBA received her Master of Science degree with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University in 2019. As a BCBA at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Dana provides clinical recommendations and oversees teams of BTs to best support the growth of each client while they receive ABA services.  

For Dana, client outcomes are the most rewarding part of the job and she also loves training RBTs and upcoming BCBAs in the field. Dana's passion for ABA therapy can be traced back to 2006 when she switched her Musical Theatre major in her undergraduate study to psychology and began her ABA career. Ask her about singing or yoga, these are her secret talents. When Dana is not keeping busy with her clients, you can find her kayaking and enjoying outdoors with her family of five.

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Betty Lupia is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist licensed in Illinois. Betty attended Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, Illinois where she received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2017. She graduated with her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Midwestern University in 2019.

Betty has been working as a pediatric speech-language pathologist at North Shore Pediatric Therapy (NSPT) since August of 2021. Prior to working at NSPT, Betty worked as a contracted SLP for U-46 in Elgin where she worked with students pre-k through 8^th grade in general, exceptional needs, and autism population classrooms. Her areas of competence and interest include: programming and developing of low tech and high-tech AAC systems, DTTC for treatment of childhood apraxia of speech, diagnosis and treatment of phonological/articulation disorders, diagnosis and treatment of language disorders ages 18 months-21 years, diagnosis and treatment of childhood fluency disorders.

Guadalupe Mercado is a board-certified occupational therapist with experience working with the pediatric population. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll University with an emphasis on public health and a minor in Psychology.  Also, she earned her master's in occupational therapy from Carroll University.

Guadalupe has practiced with the pediatric population in various settings such as outpatient rehabilitation, hippotherapy, school, daycare, and clinic. Within these sites, she has treated children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, coordination disorders, developmental delay, and sensory processing disorders. Guadalupe has taken continuing education courses including the SOS Approach to Feeding and Interoception-based course.

When not at work, Guadalupe enjoys hanging out with family and friends, going on vacation, concerts, working out, cooking, and reading.

Francesca Orlando received her Master of Occupational Therapy from Elmhurst University, and a bachelor’s degree of science from Central Michigan University. As an Occupational Therapist at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Francesca provides compassionate, as well as fun and engagement treatments.  

For Francesca, being with the kids is the most rewarding part of the job, and she enjoys making new connections people. Francesca’s passion for OT can be traced back to undergrad when she volunteered for a summer camp working closely with other OTs. When Francesca is not keeping busy with work, you can find her swimming, painting, and playing with her dog.

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Priya Patel is a dedicated advocate for individuals with autism, combining her expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis with a deep passion for making meaningful change. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Saint Louis University and went on to complete her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University.

As a BCBA at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Priya plays a vital role in guiding and supporting BCBAs, RBTs, and clients. Her journey in ABA began in 2018, when she first started working with the autism community—an experience that solidified her commitment to empowering individuals and fostering progress. She finds the greatest reward in witnessing her clients' growth and forming strong, supportive connections with them.

Beyond her professional life, Priya stays active and energized through workouts and sports. When she’s not on the move, you’ll likely find her enjoying quiet moments with her beloved dog, embracing the perfect balance between dedication and self-care.

Alicia received her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology, and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School.

As an Assistant Clinical Coordinator at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Alicia oversees/provides creating and implementing behavior support programs and skill acquisition targets under the supervision of their BCBA, in addition to assisting with implementing data collection procedures with CentralReach to evaluate progress and treatment fidelity for different skills and domains. In addition to ABA therapy, Alicia has collaborated with other clinicians (SLP’s, PT’s, and OT’s) to further assist clients with generalizing skills across settings.

For Alicia, supporting growth in milestones for children in diverse cultures, where curiosity sparked in human development, communication differences, and the unique world of neurodiversity is the most rewarding part of the job.

Alicia's passion for pediatrics can be traced back to her senior year of high school, when she started her own research on the Deaf community and neurodevelopmental disabilities. On her off time, Alicia enjoys spending time with her adorable standard poodle and travel.

Magali is currently attending Ball State University to obtain her Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. As a Junior Assistant Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Magali works with other BCBAs to help create goals for our clients, as well as trains and supports other staff members. For Magali, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing clients and staff flourish and make progress. Magali enjoys being outdoors, gardening, playing with her cats, volunteering with kids at church, and road trips with her husband.

Anna Zahn is a licensed physical therapist who is excited and passionate about serving the pediatric population, as she has always wanted to work with children since she herself was a child. She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from Gateway Technical College and began work as a physical therapist assistant in 2018. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Applied Health Science degree at University of Wisconsin–Parkside, and continued her education further by achieving a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2022.

Anna’s previous pediatric experiences include a 12-week clerkship at Little Steps in Highland Park, Illinois where she treated children who presented with torticollis, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays, hypotonia, seizure disorders, orthopedic injuries, and a variety of rare genetic disorders. She also participated in the Early Intervention program, assisting the treatment of children aged 0 to 3 years old in the child’s home or a neutral environment. When she’s not working with kids, she enjoys her hobbies of creative writing, reading, crafting, and being active.