Developmental Therapists

Aimee has worked as a teacher for children with special needs and at-risk factors for over 15 years. She has a bachelor's in Early Childhood Education with an Early Childhood Special Education approval letter and a master's in Elementary Education. Aimee is also a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Aimee was awarded the Benny Delgado Rising Star award in 2023 by the Illinois Developmental Therapy Association. 

Chea has been working with children and families for 20+ years. She has a bachelor's in Early Childhood and a master's in School Social Work. Chea is a licensed social worker, licensed professional educator, and developmental therapist. She has special interests and qualifications to support families in crisis intervention and significant trauma. 

Crystal has been teaching young children for over 30 years. She has a bachelor's and a master's degree in Elementary Education, as well as National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist. She is also the mother of twins who were born prematurely. Crystal is excited about working with families and children in the Early Intervention system. 

 Faith has worked with children and families for over 15 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in Special Education. Faith worked as a developmental therapist before teaching K-2 special education and is excited to serve families through Early Intervention once again. 

 Jazmine Powell is a dedicated early childhood education professional who has been serving families since 2011. As a former group family childcare provider, she brings extensive experience and credentials to her work with young children.
Jazmine holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University and maintains multiple Illinois Gateway credentials, including Infant/Toddler, ECE, Sayd, Family Child Care, and Director credentials.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jazmine is a proud mother of an 18-year-old son who is pursuing a degree in construction management. She is also a devoted aunt to twins with autism.
Jazmine's mission is to provide the high quality developmental therapy services for children and families, bringing her passion and expertise to nurture the next generation. 

Jennan has been passionate about working with children and families for 20 years. She graduated in 2012 with a bachelor's in Early Childhood Special Education. She taught at Head Start for five years before becoming a developmental therapist for Early Intervention in 2019. Jennan is certified in infant and toddler yoga as well as infant massage. She believes that children learn through play during daily experiences. 

Jessica has been working with children and families for 12 years. She has a bachelors in Early Childhood Education and is working on completing a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has been a developmental therapist for 7 years and was awarded the Benny Delgado Rising Star award in 2020 by the Illinois Developmental Therapy Association. 

 Jessie is a Teacher of the Deaf with nine years of experience working alongside students and their families. She graduated from Illinois State University in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Special Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, and went on to earn her Master's degree in Early Intervention for Multisensory Disabilities in 2024. Jessie is certified as both a Developmental Therapist and a Developmental Therapist-Hearing. She’s excited to focus her work on supporting children from birth-to-three and helping families navigate their journey to ensure the best start for their little ones.  

 Katie has worked as a blended Preschool Teacher for seven years, serving at-risk youth in the public school district. She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education with a Letter of Approval in Special Education, as well as a master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Katie is excited to work more closely with families to help build children's development through play and exploration.

Rebecca has over 35 years of experience working with children. She has a bachelor's in Elementary Education and a bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. Rebecca has the letter of approval to teach Early Childhood Special Education and has a masters in Elementary Education. 

 Rhonda has worked with children and families for 20+ years. She graduated with a bachelor's in early childhood education in 2023. Before becoming a developmental therapist, Rhonda taught preschool children in the public school system for 15 years. She has also worked as a preschool teacher for Head Start. Rhonda values her passion for Early Childhood Education and knows children learn best in their natural environment.  

Tammy has worked with children and families for over 20 years as a Developmental Therapist. She has a master's in Developmental Therapy from Henderson State University. Tammy is a certified Infant Massage Instructor and has completed yoga for youth in trauma training. Tammy founded Early Intervention Services, Inc.

Jessica has a  Master's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Child & Adolescent development. She has completed her undergraduate education at Kendall College at National Louis University with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. Jessica has many years of experience working with both children and their families. Jessica also has experience working with children and families who have gone through trauma and abuse. She is dedicated to making a positive impact for all children and their families. 

 Jodie graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special Education in 2018. Through the duration of college she was an assistant preschool teacher and, later, a nanny. Post graduation she went on to be a Registered Behavior Technician and then to be the Site Manager of a non-profit organization serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Most recently she has been in the corporate therapy/nursing world and is ready to get back to working hands on with families! Jodie is also currently working toward her Board Certification for Advocacy in Special Education. She believes every child should be embraced for who they are and learn and grow the way that best suits them! 

   I am a Mother of 3 amazing kids (young adults)and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I have a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. 

I have been working with young children and their families for over 20 years in and outside the classroom teaching 0-3, PreK and Kinder. I have a love and passion for the little people and I also was a mom who had her children in EI due to premature births.  For myself, this is where it all began in having an interest to change lives in a more direct close approach and work with families who need support. 

I am thrilled to add the title Developmental Therapist to my credentials as I serve the Chicagoland areas helping children become their best! 

Together we can is my motto.. it always takes a village.

Laura has been working with children and families for over 2 years now. She is currently a Parent Educator for Baby Blossoms. She conducts home visits to families prenatally through 3 years old. She provides resources and support for children to begin pre-k.

She has a bachelors in Elementary Education and a master’s in Youth, Child, Family Studies. She worked in the education field for 9 years and early childhood for 13 years.

I have been married 27 years and have three grown children. I am a huge supporter of early intervention. My son at the age of 1 received services for occupational, physical and speech. Today he is 16 years old and is thriving academically and socially.

I am looking forward to serving families in creating a fundamental support system for their child to succeed.

 I have a bachelors in Special Education and an Early Childhood Education Certificate, bringing 7 years experience in the school setting - 5 as a paraprofessional and 2 as a special education teacher. Inspired by m son’s journey through early intervention, I am passionate about helping families navigate this process. My goal is to provide compassionate support, empowering children to achieve their dreams and helping families in their day-to-day lives.  

Kristy has been working with children and families for over 20 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Kristy taught 5th grade for two years and was a developmental therapist for six years before becoming a service coordinator for Illinois Early Intervention. Kristy has returned to developmental therapy part-time to provide more support to children and families in the Early Intervention program. 

 Heather Schuster holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, along with a letter of approval in Special Education (birth to age 3). She is licensed with a Type 04 Illinois teaching certificate and also holds a short-term endorsement in Music. Heather played a key role in the launch of an Early Childhood Center, where she taught infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for two years. She then spent three years teaching Preschool at a private elementary school before transitioning to the public school system in 2016. Since then, she has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Second Grade. Heather is deeply passionate about nurturing young learners and building strong partnerships with families. Now a proud mother of twins, she brings both professional and personal insight to her new role as a Developmental Therapist in Early Intervention. 

 Magda is a proud mom of three who has worked with children in several different daycare and preschool settings; ranging in roles from teacher to center director. Experienced in operating enrichment classes to modifying and implementing an engaging curriculum that supports children with different needs as well as strengths. A previous participant in in-home tutoring and home visiting, she understands the need for family support. She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childcare and Education and is always expanding her knowledge in child development and overall global awareness. 

Megan has been working with children and families for over 10 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Educational Studies and a masters degree in Early Childhood Education. She is certified to teach from the age of birth up to 6th grade. Megan has experience teaching both in early childhood centers, and in the school setting. 

Megan left the classroom once she became a mom, and she is excited to return to her passion of helping children, through Early Intervention."

 Aimee

 has a bachelors degree in early childhood education and is currently in school for a masters degree in applied behavior analysis. She has worked with children for 18 years in various roles like preschool teaching and respite care. She has experience with children of all developmental abilities and loves making a positive impact in their lives. The connections she has made to families in her care have been life changing and are the most valuable experiences. Aimee can’t wait to begin working with Early Intervention and continue to make a difference for children and their families.

Tomiko is passionate about working with children and families. She has over 20 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education programs as a teacher, site director, program manager and advisor. Tomiko holds the Illinois Gateways Credentials for Infant Toddler Specialist and Director Cadential. Tomiko has a Master's degree in Communications and Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education/Psychology. She loves to educate, inspire, uplift and empower families through her practice. 

 As a mother of six and a credentialed Developmental Therapist, Holly brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, fostering environments where children can thrive and families feel empowered. With over fifteen years in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, nonprofit founder, curriculum specialist, and program director consistently focused on early intervention, child development, and family engagement. Her background includes designing K–6 and early childhood curriculum, mentoring educators, and building collaborative partnerships with families to support growth across cognitive, social-emotional, and physical domains. Holly has earned Montessori certification, an associate’s degree in education, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, and will complete her master’s degree in educational policy organization and leadership with a focus on diversity and equity this spring. With a solid foundation in child development, curriculum design, and family systems, Holly brings an empathetic, evidence-based, and culturally responsive approach to early intervention. Her goal is to collaborate closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that every child and their family receive the support they need to reach their full potential — and that every milestone is met with celebration and confidence. 

 Hello! I am Nia Beverly and so excited to be a part of the team as a developmental therapist!  I have over 10 years of experience in early childhood education and development, serving children from various counties throughout the state of Illinois. I have a Master’s Degree and PEL in Early Childhood Education from DePaul University as well as a graduate certificate in Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation from Georgetown University.  I am passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of young children! I am also dedicated to implementing strategies that provide children with the tools they need to accomplish milestones in their cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. I am honored to work for Early Intervention Services Inc. and I look forward to meeting you all! 

I graduated in 2021 with my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood: Special Education. For the last three years, I have been a teacher for preschoolers that have special needs. Through my teaching experiences, my curiosity grew of what the process/system/resources children were provided prior to entering school. That is when I discovered becoming a developmental therapist, and working with families in order to provide the best support for them and their children (even in Spanish!).

I am a big enthusiast of learning through play and am excited to start this new journey.

 With over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Shamyra Brown has devoted her career to supporting young children and their families. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Child Development and Family Studies. Shamyra has served as a Lead Teacher, Home Visitor, and Home Visiting Specialist connecting families across Illinois to essential early childhood resources. She values building strong, personal relationships with families and looks forward to continuing this work in her new role as a Developmental Therapist, helping children grow and thrive. 

My name is Shannon Meyer and I have a bachelors in Early Childhood Education. I worked at an early childhood center as a preschool teacher for about 5 years. I then moved on to becoming an infant/toddler specialist at my local child care resource and referral and I did that for about two years. I then became a training and recruitment specialist for National Louis University. I am in the process of becoming a Developmental Therapist at this time. My passion is and has always been to work with young children and their families in the early childhood field. I have two children a three year old girl and an 18 month old boy. My kids are the light of my life and my favorite thing in the world to do is spend time with them.  

Vandana Caruso is a Developmental Therapist with extensive experience supporting young children and their families. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Montessori Teaching Certificate, and she also brings years of experience as a parenting coach.

With a holistic, compassionate approach, Vandana helps children develop communication, motor, social-emotional, and cognitive skills while partnering closely with families. She provides guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies to nurture each child’s growth and create supportive, engaging environments where both children and families can thrive 

Cori has always had a passion for working with children with disabilities. She earned her master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University in 2017 and has worked in pediatrics since. Cori enjoys working closely with families to assist in improving the child's independence with everyday activities and enhancing their overall development. Cori also owns and operates an outpatient clinic, Pediatric Therapy Playhouse. 

Laurie has a life-long love of young children and is thrilled to be able to offer Early Intervention OT services. She brings almost 25 years of experience as an Occupational

Therapist in a variety of in-home and community-based settings. Her undergraduate education was in Psychology and Child Development before she went on to earn her

Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine. She has previously treated children with mental health challenges, trauma,

and severe disruptions in their lives including placement in foster care and emergency housing. Laurie’s passion and expertise is in finding solutions and interventions that not

only help the young child to thrive, but also considers the needs of the entire family. In addition to her work with Early Intervention Services INC she owns a mobile Occupational Therapy practice, Pyrkia Health Services PLLC.

Laurie is Mom to 3 children and has personal experience as a parent receiving support for complex medical and developmental challenges, including Early Intervention services.

Christine has been an Occupational Therapist for over four years, graduating from Washington University School of Medicine in 2019. She began her career working with adults, teens, and children in an outpatient neurological clinic. She began working in EI in 2023 and has been working exclusively with the pediatric population since. She has experience working with a wide variety of diagnoses including those with complex medical needs. Christine feels that families know their child best and loves collaborating with families on strategies to implement their goals into their daily routines. Outside of work, Christine lives in Park Ridge with her 14 month old son and husband.  

Tracy received her Master’s degree from St. Louis University in Occupational Therapy in 2012. She understands the importance and incredible benefits that therapy offers in caring for her own son Jordan, who was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome in 2001. She was so inspired by the therapists who have helped Jordan throughout his life, helping him learn to walk, feed himself and just grow as a human being that she decided to become a therapist herself. Seeing the kids grow and overcome obstacles that otherwise were thought impossible are the most rewarding gifts of being a therapist. She is excited to continue her career with Early Intervention Services and hopes she can inspire the kids and parents that she works with every day the way the therapists in her life have inspired her throughout her son’s life. 

Cierra is the mother of two children, a girl and a boy (whom she is proud to say participated in Early Intervention services). Her own experience as a parent navigating life and Early Intervention with her son sparked her interest in working with children outside of the school setting. She has been cheering on patients of all ages and their caregivers in various areas of the medical field with an AAS as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, a bachelor's in Exercise Science and Applied Health, and an AS for Certified Nursing Assistant. From her own experience, she believes it is crucial for caregivers to know they have a shoulder to lean on in times of doubt and to remember each child is unique with their individual sparkle.