Juli holds an AAS degree in American Sign Language, a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences, and received her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology in 2006. She joined our team in 2020 and has specialized in pediatrics for her entire career. Juli has both clinic and hospital-based experience, specializing in feeding/swallowing, articulation, language development, AAC use and Apraxia of Speech. Juli is also certified in Infant Massage and fluent in ASL. She especially enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with OT for effective treatment outcomes.
Juli finds watching children become more confident in communicating to be the best part of her job. She loves seeing how improved communication changes a child’s behavior and play skills and values partnering with parents to ensure that children make the best progress possible. She is most proud of the fact that at STEPS for Kids “we are not trying to change children from who they are. We support them in making progress, follow their interests, and understand that every attempt to communicate matters.”

Juli’s message to parents: Small moments of connection throughout the day can make a bigger difference than hours of structured of practice when it comes to communication.

Kelsey joined our team in 2025, following her graduation from Lewis University with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Her special interests include AAC use, social communication, articulation/phonological disorders, and implementation of play-based, neurodiversity affirming care.

Kelsey strives to create a safe, supportive and fun space where children can be themselves while building confidence and skills in communication. She finds that therapy is the most effective when it is individualized to each child’s strengths, needs and interests. She finds it rewarding to be able to adapt each session for success, celebrating progress with her clients. Kelsey enjoys being part of our team because of the commitment to individualized care, and the collaboration that happens daily to support her clients.

Kelsey’s message to parents: Progress looks different for each child and small wins matter as much as big milestones!

Kailey received her masters in Communication Science and Disorders from Elmhurst University prior to joining our team in 2026. She enjoys working with all children to support expressive and receptive language delays especially within early intervention (birth to three years) and for children with ASD. Kailey has special interests in AAC and literacy.
She describes her therapy style as supportive, patient and fun as she provides therapy within a play-based and neurodiversity affirming approach. She finds great rewards in working with families outside the direct therapy session to support progress, especially when parents report progress at home using strategies she has recommended. Kailey is glad to be part of a team that is “incredibly supportive and truly cares for all of their clients.”

Kailey’s message to parents: Model, model, model! Children learn through connection and following your example when it comes to communication.

Having earned her masters in 2005, Gretchen joined the SFK team in 2017. Gretchen’s expertise includes articulation disorders, expressive language disorders and feeding therapy. She holds advanced certifications in feeding and enjoys working with young children. She values collaboration with parents and enjoys getting to know each of her families as way to better support the child.
Gretchen’s approach is rooted in meeting the child where they are, building on their strengths and working on skills needed for success. She loves it when her young clients say their first words (whether in therapy or at home!) and believes that collaboration of the team, family members, and child all come together for success. Gretchen is patient, empathetic and caring while using a play-based approach in sessions.

Gretchen’s message to parents: The best way to practice speech and language skills is during everyday activities, routines and playtime!

Beverly has been with SFK since 2024, practicing exclusively in pediatrics since obtaining her degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019. Her interests include early language development, play-based therapy and AAC use. Bev describes herself as patient, adaptable and encouraging in her therapeutic approach which is rooted in child-led play.

Bev is proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to caring for kids and their families. She knows that learning occurs best when a child is motivated, engaged and practicing their communication skills in natural environments. She enjoys being able to use a variety of spaces at the clinic which create those natural learning environments, especially when collaborating with other therapists and supporting peer interactions for the children.

Bev’s message to parents: Celebrate all the wins, big or small!

Jessica joined our team in 2025, following completion of her masters in speech-language pathology. Her interests include incorporating speech therapy into play based activities and following the child’s lead for interests to engage and motivate. She models incorporating language into a child’s natural environment of play so that parents can easily model similar support at home. Her greatest reward is seeing a child “light up with confidence” in a session, especially when they succeed at something they thought was too hard to accomplish.
Jessica loves how play and a child’s interests are always at the front of therapy at SFK. Whether in the sensory motor gym, the craft room or playing a board game, she sees communication skills grow every day. She loves collaborating with therapists from all disciplines to support the child’s progress, noting that at SFK everyone works together for the good of the child.

Jessica’s message to parents: Supporting your child through therapy is a team effort. Consistency at home turns small steps into huge wins!

A team member since 2021, Heather received her master’s degree in OT in 2007. She has experience with both adults and children in mental health settings, as well as both medical and developmental services. She is especially interested in behavioral health, trauma-informed care, Interoception (body awareness), and executive function skills. Heather holds advanced certifications in handwriting, interoception, trauma-informed care, self-regulation approaches, and feeding.
Heather’s approach to therapy is to “come alongside children and their families to understand challenges, build on their strengths, and find strategies that help them succeed.” She believes that the heart of OT is about meeting children where they are, removing barriers to participation, and advocating for their ability to participate fully at home, school, communities and relationships. She values the collaboration with the SFK team and parents that supports her clients in their successes.

Heather’s message to parents: Your child is more than a diagnosis, a challenge or a milestone not yet achieved. Celebrate their strengths, honor their unique journey, and remember that progress is not always measured in big milestones. Sometimes the smallest steps are the most meaningful.

Hallie joined our team in 2023, having received her master’s in OT in 2016. Launched as a second career, Hallie has found OT to be her calling as a neurodiverse adult helping neurodiverse children and their families navigate the many challenges they face. Using her own experiences and focusing on providing much needed support for her clients, Hallie encourages children and their families to embrace their authentic selves while balancing the demands of daily life. Her approach is to use humor in equal parts with structure, all in a play-based atmosphere where she can be her “loud, goofy, neurospicy self.”
Hallie finds the best part of her job to be getting to know the kids and their families while providing individualized support tailored to their needs. She is trained in DIR/Floortime and Interactive Metronome. She loves playing with the kids and helping them build skills without them even realizing it is happening. Hallie is proud to be a part of a team where clients and staff are both treated with respect and compassion.

Hallie’s message to parents: We are all doing the best we can. Giving your child and yourself grace and compassion in a world that isn’t very grateful or compassionate can be so hard, but so very worth it.

Kayla received her doctorate degree in OT in 2023 and joined our team in 2025. She has focused exclusively on pediatrics in her career and has special interests in sensory integration and related approaches, social-emotional regulation, early intervention, community advocacy and parent education. She has training in DIR/Floortime, Interactive Metronome, Astronaut Training, and is certified in approaches for ASD, TBI, and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion).
Kayla finds great reward in helping children reach their full potential and is proud to be a part of a team that is rooted in values that are reflected in the commitment to care. She enjoys connecting with children for play-based and functional activities, while engaging with parents and caregivers to support their understanding of a child’s strengths and needs. She loves watching children grow, learn and accomplish things they didn’t think possible. Kayla always goes above and beyond expectations in providing the support that a family will benefit from.

Kayla’s message to parents: We are here to support you with the best possible care. Take a deep breath and remember: you got this!

*Coming Soon*

Megan holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Northern Illinois University, earned in 2021. A team member since 2026, Megan has focused on pediatrics and has special interests in Torticollis/Plagiocephaly, Autism, CP, Down Syndrome, and general developmental delays. Her approach to working with children is compassionate, playful and adaptive.

Megan loves getting creative with the children and their families to support them in progress towards goals. She knows that making the work seem like play is crucial for success when working in pediatrics, noting that progress is made when children don’t realize how hard they are working!  She is proud to be part of a caring and devoted team of pediatric specialists and loves collaborating with other therapists to help children succeed in all areas of development.

Megan’s message to parents: Don’t doubt yourself. You are doing great!

A team member since 2026, Michelle received her master’s in social work in 2005. She has extensive experience as a school social worker, with certification as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional. She uses a variety of approaches in her therapy, including client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (mindfulness), solution focused therapy and play therapy. She admires children’s endless energy, curiosity and resilience and loves working with children and their families to support growth.
Michelle appreciates the collaborative team approach to care at SFK and sees how children and families benefit when the team works together to support common goals. She focuses on a child’s strengths, provides parent support and education, and engages with children in a caring, supportive and empathetic manner. Her expertise helps children navigate big feelings, parents find effective strategies, and supports connection that enables successful participation.

Michelle’s message to parents: You are an important part of the team in helping your child make progress and succeed.