Speech Therapist

Deirdre is a Certified Orofacial Myofunctional® therapist, is a TBI ambassador with The Breathe Institute (Dr. Zaghi), trained in PROMPT (level 2), the Lidcombe Program for stuttering, ABA therapist, ARFID trained, Certified Lactation Counselor, Foundations in Manual Therapy: Voice and Swallowing Disorders, Feeding Therapy, amongst many more classes, certifications/degrees, and awards. Throughout the years, she has worked with a wide variety of children with disabilities from birth to adults of all ages. She works with a team of ENTs, Orthodontists, Orthotropic specialists, Sleep specialists, Dentists, Craniosacral therapists, Physical therapists, and Pulmonologists. Deirdre has success with children and adults because she understands the boundaries between discipline and fun. She has a unique way with people and is able to “tap” into each person in a different way and immediately establish rapport with them. She treats all of her clients as a part of her own family and believes that family involvement is a necessary ingredient for the best results.

Special Education

Emily Perrotta is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst. She received a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Teaching Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University. As an elementary Special Education Teacher, Emily has a passion for making a difference in the lives of children with special needs.

Occupational Therapist

Kristin Rapillo holds a Bachelors in Psychology and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy, with a focus on pediatrics. While in graduate school Kristin worked with a young woman with Retts Syndrome and developed a home exercise program, researched and trialed adaptive techniques for activities of daily living and worked with Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), under the guidance of an Assistive Technologist, to encourage independence in daily living. Kristin’s interest in OT was inspired by watching a sibling receive OT. She saw the benefits of working with children in their home environment and how focusing on a holistic approach can positively impact a child. Kristin is dedicated to working with a patient and their family to create the most accessible environment for a child to play and learn. She loves to watch a children achieve their goals through play while becoming more independent in their environment. In addition to her experience with Retts Syndrome, Kristin is also working with a MCHS patient.

Physical Therapist

Stella holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Saint Louis University. She has worked for the past five years as a school-based physical therapist with Chicago Public Schools, where she focuses on improving students’ independence, participation, and safety within the school environment. She regularly advocates for students’ physical, functional, and adaptive equipment needs to support meaningful access to their education.

She has experience working with children with rare genetic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and other complex developmental conditions. As the mother of a young daughter diagnosed with MEF2C-related disorder, she brings both professional and personal insight to her role and values opportunities to connect with families regarding gross motor development and functional mobility.