Welcome to the team!

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 the Clinical Director 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.

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Simone Light is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who specializes in pediatrics, particularly early intervention. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Applied Behavioral Sciences, with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education and Intervention, from the University of Kansas in 2018. There, she spent nearly three years teaching in an ABA-inclusive preschool classroom, working on various research projects as an undergraduate research assistant, and providing 1:1 support to autistic clients.

Simone completed her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri in 2020. There she spent two years as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) working in the Severe Behavior Clinic, conducting Functional Analysis (FAs) for those who needed it throughout the state of Missouri, assisting, and conducting her own research, and accruing hours to become aBCBA.

Since becoming a BCBA in 2020, Simone has worked in a variety of settings, including pre-schools, schools, homes, clinics, and throughout the community. Simone approaches ABA through a neuro-affirming, child-led, trauma-informed, and strength-based lens.

Stephanie McIlhattan, M.S., BCBA, received her Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and her Masters of Science in ABA from National Louis University.

As a Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Stephanie oversees the ABA department at the Bucktown center. For Stephanie, watching clients progress and witnessing them learning new skills is the most rewarding part of her job. She is passionate about socially-valid interventions that are going to make a true and positive impact on her client's lives. Stephanie also loves mentoring therapists, students and future BCBAs!

When Stephanie is not keeping busy at NSPT, you can find her at Pilates classes, reading a good book, or trying all the newest restaurants in Chicago!

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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.

Bio coming soon

Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University. As a Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Kelly oversees the BCBAs and RBTs in the Vernon Hills clinic and provides support to all clients and families in the Vernon Hills location.

From the time she was a child, Kelly always knew she wanted to work with children. After loving her Intro to Psychology course in high school, she wanted to find a way to blend these two passions. As a sophomore psychology student at Notre Dame, she took a practicum course and was assigned to be an ABA therapist for a little boy with autism. She immediately knew she found her calling and never looked back! The most rewarding part of the job for Kelly is helping children achieve milestones and skills that are the most meaningful to their families.

When Kelly is not in the clinic, you are most likely to find her at one of her three children's sporting events or curled up with an historical fiction novel. Unless it's a Saturday during football season when she's cheering on the Fighting Irish!

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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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!

Chelsey Harmon received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Services with a minor in Holistic Health from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University.

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Center Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Chelsey oversees the clinical and operational practices at the Naperville, IL location, and provides supervision to Registered Behavior Technicans and field work students.

For Chelsey, hearing about the successes and wins of clients from her team members is the most rewarding part of the job, and she loves being able to help her team grow and achieve their goals.  

Chelsey's passion for working with the pediatric/autistic community, can be traced back to her childhood years where she became very close with a family friend through church who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Throughout Chelsey’s undergraduate years, she worked with children in daycare centers and before and after school programs. After her undergrad, Chelsey worked as a Behavior Therapist working with adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After a year there, she knew she wanted to become a BCBA!

When Chelsey is not keeping busy with her work at NSPT, you can find her binging the newest Netflix shows, hopping on her Peloton, and spending time with her fiance and family.  

Kailee Chonko received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Illinois State University in 2011 and Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University University in 2017. As a BCBA and Center Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Kailee oversees and provides services to children with autism, as well as provides supervision and mentorship to BCBAs and BCBA students, RBTs, and speech, occupational, and mental health therapists.  

Kailee's passion for helping children can be traced back to high school, when she began babysitting for a neighbor with special needs. For Kailee, seeing progress with her clients and watching them grow is the most rewarding part of the job, and she loves working with little ones who are just beginning their ABA journey.

When Kailee is not keeping busy with her clients, you can find her at the beach or exploring the city!

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.

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.

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!

Dr. Jeremy H. Greenberg, BCBA-D received three masters degrees and his doctorate from Teachers College Columbia University.  As a Clinical Director with North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Jeremy oversees the applied behavior analysis services as well as therapists in the Glenview center for all of the clients and families.

For Dr. Greenberg, empowering behavior analysts, therapists and parents with strategies and tactics from the science of applied behavior analysis to improve the quality of life for children with special education needs and their families is the most rewarding part of the job.  He enjoys the process of working with teams towards common goals.

Dr. Greenberg has a passion for evidence-based interventions and research in the field that can be traced back to his administrative and clinical posts in Hong Kong and New York. When Jeremy is not keeping busy with the clients and therapists in Glenview, you can find him making images through photography or behind the decks, DJing.

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Christina Fick is a passionate Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Clinical Director at North Shore Pediatric Therapy. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Illinois State University in 2018, where she served as a research apprentice with The Autism Program (TAP). This role allowed Christina to gain hands-on experience with children and families, laying the foundation for her future career.

In 2021, Christina completed a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. While completing her degree, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in clinics, homes, and community settings. After becoming a BCBA, Christina gained additional experience working in a therapeutic day school, as well as an inpatient psychiatric hospital. This broad range of settings has enhanced her trauma-informed approach and provided her with a well-rounded perspective on behavior analysis.

Christina is passionate about seeing client progress and finds immense fulfillment in working closely with parents to achieve positive outcomes. She is also dedicated to teaching and mentoring other BCBAs and RBTs, sharing her knowledge, and helping others grow in the field.

Outside of her professional life, Christina enjoys caring for house plants, exploring new recipes, and spending time with her pets.  

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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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