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Meet The Team

At EB Pediatric Resources, we are proud to be a multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our clients. Our diverse backgrounds and expertise allow us to provide comprehensive, tailored support that meets the unique needs of each child and their family. With a shared commitment to excellence, our team collaborates closely to create an enriching environment that promotes learning, social skills, and emotional well-being. Together, we strive to empower children and their families, ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive at home, in the community, and at school

Owner/Executive Director

Elizabeth Benney, MA, DT, CIMI

Elizabeth Benney is a Developmental Therapist and Evaluator for the Illinois Early Intervention Program as well as an IAIM-certified Infant Massage Instructor. She was the founder of the Illinois Developmental Therapy Association and served as Chair of Professional Development for several years. Her practice specializations include certification in the Interactive Metronome programTherapeutic Listening program (“Core/Listening with the Whole Body”), and Infant Massage Instruction. She has had extensive experience addressing atypical sensory integration and her practice specifically addresses sensorimotor stability and organization. She utilizes various modalities including DIR® model of Floor-time as well as ABA protocols to tailor her sessions to each individual child as appropriate.

Elizabeth earned her graduate degree from University of Chicago and collaborated with graduate schools to provide child development graduates and interns with supervised clinical experience and training. She opened the Learning through Play Center several years ago as a forum in which she and her staff could design a unique style of developmental playgroup, which utilizes structure in conjunction with various modes (art, music, movement) tailored specifically to help children organize, adapt, socialize, communicate, and learn effectively in group settings.

Clinical Administrator

Megan Panik

Megan is the Office Manager and runs the office like clockwork! She helps families work through the complications of commercial and state insurance policies. Although she is now part of our administrative team, Megan has provided ABA therapy services for several years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Baker College in Jackson, Michigan. She served as Lead Therapist on an ABA team and received commendations for her leadership role in providing impactful coaching, mentorship, and training to ABA staff. She is very familiar with data collection and analysis, tracking progress, and implementing necessary adjustments to optimize therapy programs. Her last position was as Operations Supervisor Assistant in an Autism Center where she pioneered the creation of new roles for staff and empowered them to take on additional responsibilities in-house. If you cannot find an answer, Megan will help you find the best solution!

Associate Director

Kailey Rawston, BCBA

Kailey Rawston is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with five years of experience in applied behavior analysis. Before specializing in this field, she worked in elementary education through AmeriCorps, fostering a strong foundation in teaching and support. Kailey earned her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Communication Disorders from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Throughout her career, Kailey has worked in diverse environments, including clinics, homes, and schools, gaining extensive expertise in behavioral management for individuals and groups. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan, from ages 3 to 21, but has most recently focused on children aged 3 to 8. Kailey specializes in teaching adaptive skills such as dressing, toileting, and eating, as well as addressing food selectivity and establishing routines while reducing challenging behaviors.

Her work environments include individual 1:1 therapy, family and caregiver training, RBT training, and providing school supports. Kailey is deeply committed to collaborating with educators and school staff to enhance student outcomes, particularly for children with autism and their families. She is passionate about empowering each child to reach their fullest potential and creating a positive impact in their lives.

Speech Language Pathologist

Kellsey O’Rourke – CF, SLP

Kellsey is one of our Speech Language Pathologists! She earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Marquette University. Kellsey provides speech pathology services for our clients across a variety of settings and ages. She conducts evaluations and direct therapy for patients in our outpatient clinic and in patients’ homes for the birth-to-three Early Intervention Program. She enjoys working with EI families and focuses on the importance of parent coaching and counseling. While at the Academy of Accelerated Learning in Milwaukee, she evaluated and treated a caseload of students with varying abilities and diagnoses, created intervention plans for students in Pre-K to 5th grade, and conducted formal and informal assessments to document progress toward IEP goals. As a student, she participated in specialized clinical programs and employed evidence-based approaches including neuroplastic techniques, implementation of a literacy-based curriculum targeting phonological awareness and fluency skills; addressed social communication skills in functional activities with adolescents with developmental disabilities, and used evidence-based approaches in treatment targeting pitch, resonance, and intonation.

Speech Language Pathologist

Illiana Falkenstern – SLP, CCC

Illiana is experienced in assessing, diagnosing, and treating children ages 18 months to 18 years in linguistically diverse, fast-paced environments. Well-acquainted with sensory integration therapy and augmentative and alternative communication devices and programs. Skilled in assessment and treatment of bilingual children with concomitant language and speech disorders. Licensed for practice in Illinois, Michigan, Florida, and Texas with a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Certified as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) by TEFL.org (180 hour program with classroom component). Achieved advanced proficiency in Russian and intermediate proficiency in French, with an undergraduate background in Linguistics.

Speech Language Pathologist

Devynn Vega – SLP, CCC

Devynn is a dynamic and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) who thrives on helping children discover their voices and build confidence in their communication abilities. She brings a strong academic foundation to her work, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Grand Valley State University.

Her journey into speech therapy began with hands-on roles as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Teaching Assistant at The Goddard School, where she developed her skills and passion for working with children. These experiences inspired her commitment to creating therapy sessions that are not only effective but also enjoyable and tailored to each child’s unique strengths.

Devynn’s ability to connect deeply with families is further enhanced by her fluency in Spanish, which allows her to support a diverse range of clients. Known for her creativity and vibrant approach to therapy, she is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging environment where children can achieve meaningful progress and thrive.

Occupational Therapist

Annette Magro – OTD, OTR/L

Annette is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist who earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2023. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Auburn University. Annette specializes in pediatric occupational therapy, providing services in both clinic-based and school-based settings.

Throughout her career, Annette has worked with children and adolescents aged 4 to 21, focusing on key childhood and school-based occupations such as fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, handwriting, coordination, life skills, emotional and self-regulation, visual-motor integration, and motor praxis. She is experienced in conducting formal evaluations, developing individualized treatment goals, and implementing effective strategies to support her clients’ progress.

Annette has a strong history of collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including classroom teachers, school administrators, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and special education professionals. In her clinic-based practice, she provides individualized therapy for children with diverse diagnoses, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, and oppositional defiant disorder.

Her expertise includes helping children develop essential skills such as self-care, activities of daily living (ADLs), feeding, sensory processing, social interaction, emotional regulation, and handwriting. Annette is also trained in the Theraplay approach and has prior experience in behavioral management, gained while working with a counseling firm during her occupational therapy education. She is passionate about empowering children to reach their full potential and supporting families along the journey.

Occupational Therapist

Johanna Gregory – OT/R

Johanna is our Lead Occupational Therapist. She earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Gannon University in Erie, PA where she was on the Dean’s List all semesters of her tenure. Her primary focus is pediatrics and she’s spent several years working with children across a variety of settings and with a variety of diagnoses. As part of the EBPR team, she provides OT direct service and group activities, evaluates children for needs, develops appropriate treatment plans and goals, and collaborates with teachers at school settings on classroom adaptations and therapeutic play activities. She has an innate gift for implementing sensory, motor, and social-emotional activities for children in clinics and schools.  As a preschool teacher, Johanna developed lesson plans and facilitated classroom activities that were developmentally appropriate for the student population. Whether she is working at preschools, child care centers, or pro bono clinics, Johanna is wonderful with children. Her enthusiasm and energy is boundless–as is demonstrated by her Varsity Volleyball Academic All-American status while at the university!

Occupational Therapist

Gayatri Chander – OTD/OTR

Gayatri is a skilled pediatric occupational therapist with extensive experience across a variety of settings, including early intervention, acute care, and developmental therapy. She currently works full-time in Early Intervention in the Chicago Land area, providing therapeutic services to young children with developmental delays and motor impairments. Gayatri holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain University and a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her background includes work at Swedish Covenant Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and the Spastic Society of Northern India, where she gained expertise in treating children with cerebral palsy, autism, and other neurological conditions. Certified in Early Intervention and Sensory Praxis Testing, Gayatri is committed to ongoing professional development and has a strong passion for supporting children and families in achieving their developmental goals.

Behavior Technician

Jillian Owens

Jillian is an experienced Behavior Technician who earned her Bachelor in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development and graduated with honors (Magna cum laude) from DePaul University.  She’s had over 5 years providing direct services in collaboration with occupational therapists to plan, implement, and administer educational, vocational, and recreational programs that restore or enhance performance in individuals with functional impairments. She has had experience in parent coaching, classroom planning/organization, and resolution of students’ behavior and/or academic problems.  Prior to that, she worked with the Chicago Cities Project as a mentor–her duties included crisis intervention, monitoring student progress, resolving behavioral, academic, and other problems, and working with parents and teachers to determine priorities for students and their resource needs.

Registered Behavior Technician

Alicia Perez- MA Psychology

Alicia has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, a Master’s degree in Psychology, and is certified as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Her expertise reflects a strong foundation in both human services and psychology, with a focus on supporting individuals with behavioral needs. She is a dedicated and compassionate RBT with experience delivering early intervention therapy in a center-based, supportive environment. She works closely with children by implementing individualized programs and behavior intervention plans designed by her BCBA Supervisor. She continually expands her knowledge through ongoing training, mentorship, and staff development meetings, striving to provide the highest level of care and support for her clients.

Licensed Social Worker

Austin Wylie – MSW

Austin is a dedicated Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with extensive experience in school social work and family resource management. He has experience in the public school system, where he supported students and families through a range of services, including managing IEP and 504 plans, conducting intake screenings and evaluations, and providing crisis intervention and individual counseling.

Austin earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of South Carolina, building a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and community engagement. His professional background spans diverse settings, including schools and family services, focusing on resource management, social-emotional learning, and family needs assessments.

Austin has significant expertise in teacher and administrator collaboration, behavioral and environmental education, and direct student support, including weekly counseling and classroom observations. He is passionate about fostering safe, equitable resources for children, adolescents, and families while promoting supportive relationships that build individual strengths and competencies.

Driven by a commitment to community integration and engagement, Austin works to empower those he serves and create lasting, positive change.

 

Behavior Technician

Sareh Ma'ani

Sareh is a Behavior Technician, from Argentina, who is working on her pre-requisites to apply to Graduate school for Speech Language Pathology. She has various experience with children, from daycare to working at Walt Disney World. Her passion lies in providing accessible care for Bilingual people and she is happy to be able to do that through ABA Therapy at EBPR!
Registered Behavior Technician

Anne Callahan - RBT

Registered Behavior Technician

Moira Laufer - RBT

Office Manager

Jennifer Hagen - RBT

Jennifer is a dedicated Office Manager and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with over four years of experience in administrative roles and more than a decade of experience working with children. She holds an Associate’s degree in the Arts and brings a unique blend of organizational expertise and a deep passion for child development to her role.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked in various capacities supporting children’s growth and learning, including as a toddler and preschool teacher, nanny, and volunteer cheerleading coach. Her experience as an RBT has further enhanced her ability to support children with diverse needs and foster their development in meaningful ways.

As a proud mother of two wonderful daughters, Jennifer’s personal and professional experiences have enriched her understanding of children’s needs and development. She is known for her creativity, energy, and exceptional multitasking skills, ensuring a supportive and well-organized environment for both children and her team.

Jennifer is deeply passionate about helping children thrive, supporting their growth, and making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.