Katie O’Connor, MOT, OTR/L graduated with her Masters of Occupational Therapy degree from The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in December 2016 after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign in May 2014. Since graduating, Katie has primarily worked in the school setting supporting a variety of learners in a multitude of programs. She has worked closely with students with a variety of diagnoses including Down Syndrome, Autism, ODD, ADHD, and Developmentally Delayed. In addition to supporting fine and visual motor needs, Katie has worked closely with the various behavioral based programs, as well as the trauma-informed care program within her district. When not working, Katie loves spending time with her friends and family. She is constantly trying out new recipes in the kitchen or reading a new book. Her favorite thing to do on a long weekend is to explore new cities!

My name is Elizabeth Sapoznik and I am an Occupational Therapist. I love working with children and find it rewarding to see their gains from therapy. In the therapeutic environment, I find it beneficial to learn new therapy techniques daily and collaborate with others around me. In my free time, you will find me most likely outdoors walking my dog, biking, or running. I am so excited to be joining the Communication Clubhouse!

Megan is thrilled to join the Clubhouse team! She graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and went on to earn her Doctor of Occupational Therapy with a pediatric specialization from The Ohio State University in 2024. Megan is passionate about family-centered care, celebrating the unique qualities of each child, and meeting children where they are to achieve their goals. She has worked closely with a variety of diagnoses, including ASD, ADD, ADHD, ODD, Down Syndrome, Fragile X, CP, and MD. Megan’s interests include play-based therapy, fine motor skills, sensory-based therapy, and social skills development. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, puzzles, baking, board games, and attending sporting events or concerts.

Hi, my name is Saddiya, and I hail from the city of brotherly love. I am a recent OT grad and spent some time working at a school-based clinic, so I am very excited to start my outpatient pediatric journey. The reason I chose OT, then went into pediatrics, is because I wanted to show that what you are born with doesn’t define you. Any individual, disability or not, can be exceptional. Other than work, I love to do all things socializing, traveling, trying new foods, and making Chicago feel like home!

Jessica joined The Clubhouse in 2019 to provide physical therapy services privately in the clinic and through Early Intervention. She also provides PT services remotely via telehealth. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in psychology from Elizabethtown College in PA. She attended graduate school at Arcadia University and graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2016. Throughout her career, Jessica has treated children with a variety of needs and diagnoses including Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, torticollis, plagiocephaly, idiopathic toe-walking, developmental delay/premature birth, and a variety of rare genetic conditions. Jessica enjoys seeing her clients meet new developmental milestones and reach functional goals to help them become more independent. She especially loves sharing those special moments with their families. In her free time, she loves going for walks with her dog Corey, indoor cycling, and volunteering with the “Crawlers and Walkers” group at Gigi’s Playhouse, a non-profit organization that serves individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.

Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Rush University. Erin joined the Clubhouse in 2021 and has provided speech-language therapy services at our clinic, in schools, and through Early Intervention. Erin enjoys having the opportunity to work with children of all ages in varied settings through the Clubhouse. She has specific interest in supporting early language, articulation, social communication, and language comprehension. Erin prioritizes functional goals and working with families/educators to promote generalization of therapy progress to home and school environments. In her free time, Erin enjoys cooking, playing board games, and exploring the city with family and friends. 

Michaela received her undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders and vocal performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Michaela has clinical experience providing support to children with a wide range of communication needs, including speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders, stuttering and cluttering, developmental language disorder, receptive/expressive language delay, and voice disorders. She is passionate about providing neurodiversity-affirming services that build on each individual’s unique communication strengths and allow them to interact authentically, confidently, and successfully with peers and adults. She greatly values working together with children, families, and educators to help facilitate successful communication across all environments.

Cassidy is a speech-language pathologist from Kalamzoo, MI who earned her undergraduate degree in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences from Western Michigan University and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kent State University. She enjoys working with children on the Autism Spectrum and supporting early language with the use of AAC. She is passionate about being a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who supports language acquisition through child-led play and functional activities. Cassidy acknowledge the importance of family involvement and a collaborative team approach in order to support a child’s success with their communication goals. In her free time, Cassidy enjoys reading, traveling, being outside, and spending time with her cat. 

Fatima is a speech-language pathologist who loves seeing the progress a child can make when both the therapist and family work together to provide support. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. Fatima has been servicing students in the Archdiocese of Chicago for a decade. Her primary areas of interest include receptive and expressive language, pragmatics, articulation/phonology, and stuttering. Fatima is also a credentialed evaluator for Early Intervention and conducts bilingual evaluations for Spanish-speaking families.

Courtney joins the Clubhouse in her fifth year as a speech-language pathologist. She received her Bachelor’s degree in communications sciences and disorders from Illinois State University in 2016 and Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Saint Xavier University in 2019. Courtney found her niche with the pediatric population and has spent her career working with kiddos from birth-18 with a variety of communication disorders. She enjoys involving families in treatment to make sure that her patients can be successful in all functional settings. In her free time she loves spending time with her family and friends and traveling to new cities with her fiancé! She is excited to get started with the Clubhouse in the Catholic schools.

Jennifer is a licensed and certified speech language pathologist with over twenty years experience in the field of pediatrics. She has worked with children across the age span, from Early Intervention (0-3 years) through adolescents in high school. Jennifer specializes in speech therapy services related to Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD), Receptive and Expressive Language Disorders, Social and Pragmatic Language, Autism, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), Selective Mutism (SM), Articulation, Phonological Awareness and Disorders, Executive Function, Cognitive Function, Fluency, Early Language Disorders. Jennifer received her bachelors and masters degrees from Northern Illinois University. She is a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Illinois Speech Language Hearing Association (ISHA). She is a mother of four delightful children.

Lisa joins the Clubhouse with over 20 years of experience as a speech pathologist. Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders & Sciences from Eastern Illinois University and her master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Governors State University. Lisa joined the Clubhouse in December 2023 and is providing speech-language therapy services to the private/parochial schools in collaboration with Chicago Public Schools. Prior to coming to the Clubhouse she worked in schools, clinic setting, & provided speech services through Early Intervention (E.I.). Lisa has a strong background within the schools with both Service Plans & IEP’s. Lisa prioritizes functional goals and working with families/educators to promote generalization of therapy progress to home and school environments. In her free time, Lisa enjoys spending time with family & pets, reading, camping, & attending her sons’ various school events.

Brooke is a Chicago-based Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). After growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, Brooke went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University and her Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. Brooke has experience working with autistic individuals between the ages of 2-13 years old across clinic, educational, home, and community settings.

Her favorite part about being a BCBA is getting to be a part of her learner’s growth as they progress in their independence and confidence! She is passionate about teaching functional communication, utilizing naturalistic teaching styles, and fostering unique interests in each of her learners.

In her free time, Brooke loves walking the Chicago lakefront and exploring new restaurants and bookstores in the city!

Peter received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Roosevelt University and his Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University. He has been working with kids with autism and other various developmental disabilities for seven years in clinical, school, and in-home settings. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, 3D printing, Star Wars and Marvel movies, as well as working with his hands to create.

Colleen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who truly loves her job. Colleen has earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Human Services and her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Aurora University. She has been a BCBA for almost 7 years and has worked with a variety of ages and settings including therapeutic day schools, special education cooperatives, residential services, and clinics which has given her a well rounded experience.

Colleen’s favorite part of being a BCBA is getting to know the individuals and families that she works with, learning their end goals, and helping them break down and achieve the smaller goals in order to reach those larger goals toward independence, communication and more.

Outside of work, Colleen enjoys relaxing outside and spending time with her husband and her 2 dogs, Rosie and Mack!

Maritza is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst who joined the Clubhouse as an RBT in 2021. She previously worked in home-based settings and transitioned to center-based when she joined the Clubhouse. She began as an RBT in 2019 and became a BCBA in 2025. She enjoys collaborating with her clients’ families and outpatient to achieve the best outcomes for her clients. She is passionate about helping her clients reach their communication goals and achieve independence. In her free time, she loves spending time with family, scrapbooking, and playing with makeup.

Claire has been working with kids since 2010. Previously, Claire has worked in daycares and nannied, as well as worked in the ABA field since 2021. She enjoys watching children learn and grow! In her free time, Claire likes to paint, listen to music, and hang out with friends.

Ivanna is an undergraduate student at Loyola University Chicago. She has worked in ABA for over a year and loves working with children. In her free time, she likes to read, write books, and play with her kitten, Tsuya.

Jamyah is a behavior therapist that recently joined Clubhouse after previously working for The Place for Children with Autism. She is on a journey to go back to school to further her education in Human Development and in the future she see herself eventually becoming an BCBA. She has two nephews who have both been diagnosed with autism and they are the motivation behind her wanting to further her career in this field. Between being a first time mom and school she has been working with children with autism for nearly 3 years. She loves forming a relationship with her kiddos and loves to see her kids grow and advance. Her favorite things to do in her free time are cooking, singing, and being a mom.

Liz has three years working with children on the autism spectrum. She is very passionate about what she does. She has a big heart for kids and helping them grow into their full potential. In her free time, you can find her hanging out with her friends, taking walks by the lake, or reading a good book!

My name is Daisy, I am a new RBT at the communication
Clubhouse. A little about me is that I am an undergraduate at Dominican University majoring in Biology-Chemistry and minoring Health Communication and I want to become a pediatrician. I was recently introduced to the field of ABA and I love seeing the
progress the kids make and how happy their families’ are. In my free time, I like to try different places to eat with my sister.

Ben is a Registered Behavior Technician with a degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Political Science from the University of Missouri St. Louis. Ben knew after college he wanted to work with people in an impactful way, and that pushed him toward ABA. Ben appreciated working in the ABA field and decided to go into it full time, feeling that it was where he made his biggest difference. Ben hopes to purseu his BCBA, other related master’s program, or a teaching certificate. In his free time, Ben enjoys playing and watching soccer, practicing martial arts, spending time with freinds and family, and walking his four-year-old Dachshund Mix named Mavis.

After graduating from Saint Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Siobhan has been passionate about working as an RBT. She has loved seeing every child succeed, becoming independent and learning their ways of coping with emotions. Since Siobhan has an older brother with Autism, she values being a supportive adult for children who need help. Outside of work, you can find her camping, playing video games, and going on adventures!

Dyani has worked in the ABA field for almost 4 years, with previous experience as an ABA Training Specialist and a Scheduling Manager. Additionally, as an RBT, she has provided services in the Home-based, Daycare, and Clinic settings for clients aged 2-18 y/o. Dyani has been passionate about the field of ABA and its purpose; she takes pride in setting clients and their therapists up for success with adequate training and consistent schedules. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants in the city, hanging out with loved ones, and reading a good book at local coffee shops.

Evelyn has been working in the ABA field for three years. She is currently attending Oakton Community College with the goal of joining the police academy. Originally from Chicago, Evelyn is passionate about working with children and is dedicated to helping each child make meaningful progress in their lives.

I grew up in Plainfield in a small family of 5. I love finding joy in the simplest things, being outside, and creating safe and fun learning environments. I’m currently in college working on my undergraduate in Psychology. I played collegiate volleyball and found joy working with kids as a volleyball coach. I have been providing ABA services as a behavioral technician for 3 years now. I’m looking forward to meeting new clients and improving families and children’s quality of life and independence one day at a time.

For the past two years, Joshua has served as an RBT and client leader at Freedom Therapies in Alabama. He received a bachelor’s in Psychology from UAB and is moving to Illinois for his significant other. Joshua plans on continuing his education in the field of ABA by pursuin BCBA credentialing at ASU. His experience with clients extends from nonverbal kiddos to high-functioning school-age kids. Outside of work, Joshua plays video games, practices piano, goes hiking, and takes care of his two pets, Ophelia (dog) and Tanya (Cat).

Amber moved to Chicago last summer from Columbia, Missouri. She has been working with kids of all ages for almost ten years now. She graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri, and she has been working as an RBT in the ABA field for the past tow years. Outside of work, Amber loves playing basketball, doing arts and crafts, and spending time reading and writing. She is excited to keep growing in this field and build strong connections with the team!

Hi! My name is Akua, and I’ve been a registered behavior technician for about ten months now. Currently, I’m studying for my bachelor’s in psychology. In my free time, I like to make clothes, jewelry, and other types of art. I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know
everyone!

With two years of experience as a swim instructor working with children from 3 months to 12 years old, I have discovered a true passion for helping children grow and strengthen their skills. My background has given me the opportunity to support and motivate children, especially when they feel nervous or uncertain. I am recognized for my patience, calm demeanor, and personable approach, which help me connect with children and foster their development in a nurturing environment. In addition, I studied American Sign Language English-Interpretation at Columbia College Chicago, which has deepened my appreciation for diverse ways of communicating and connecting with others. Outside of work, I love staying active by working out, kayaking, or going on road trips. I also enjoy unwinding with movies, video games, and trying my hand at crochet.

Hello! My name is Gladys Gonzalez, and I’m thrilled to be joining The Clubhouse as a Registered Behavior Technician. I bring over 20 years of experience working with children in early childhood education and daycare settings. I’ve also completed the required coursework to become a daycare director, and I’m excited to now apply my skills in the field of ABA therapy.

My passion has always been helping children grow, learn, and thrive in supportive, nurturing environments. I believe in building strong relationships with families and providing consistent, compassionate care tailored to each child’s needs.

Outside of work, I enjoy dancing, creating healthy meals, spending time with loved ones, and relaxing with music or a good walk outdoors. I’m also big on self-care and finding joy in the little things.

I’m truly looking forward to getting to know all the amazing families and being a part of your child’s journey here at The Clubhouse!

My name is Poonam Rahman, and I am a Registered Behavior Technician currently pursuing my Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Capella University. I have experience working with children across various developmental levels, supporting their growth through individualized ABA interventions. I am passionate about fostering a supportive, engaging, and collaborative learning environment to help each child thrive. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time outdoors. I also love connecting with friends and family, traveling, and trying out new creative projects.

Prior to starting at the Clubhouse in 2016, Yvonne was an office manager for several years. She loves seeing how much the kids enjoy coming to the Clubhouse and watching the progress that they make.

Susan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She joined the Clubhouse in 2015. Prior to joining the team Susan worked as an Administrative Assistant in the plastics industry, and spent time being a stay at home mom. She loves getting to know the children and seeing them progress. In her spare time she enjoys travel and family time watching movies.

Kluadia has six years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Throughout this time, she developer patience, organizational skills, and the ability to form strong relationships with children and their families. After gaining experience in early childhood education, she began working with children and discovered ABA. She has been a Behavior Technician for a year and a half and aspires to continue advancing in her career to become a BCBA. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as golfing and skiing, as well as reading and spending time with family and friends.

“Sometimes, what your students need the most at the moment has nothing to do with your lesson plan.”