Speech Therapy for Kids in Elmhurst, IL

Jessica is a certified Speech Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) with over 15 years of experience. She has dedicated her career to working with children who have developmental delays and communication disorders, offering a wealth of expertise and compassion in her practice. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders from San Francisco State University, followed by a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Woman's University. For nine years, Jessica worked in public schools, serving a diverse pediatric population. Her specialties include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sensory Processing, Articulation, Receptive/Expressive Language, Fluency, Early Childhood, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Jessica is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their communication goals. She is committed to professional excellence and continuous learning in the field of speech-language pathology.

Michaela is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist licensed in the state of Illinois. She attended the University of Rochester for her undergraduate degrees and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language (ASL) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Brain & Cognitive Sciences with a focus in language development. Michaela then attended Northwestern University where she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Speech, Language, & Learning. There she did internships in both an elementary school with students of varying needs, and in an audiology clinic where she worked with both children and adults with various degrees of hearing loss, including doing some teleheath sessions.

Upon graduating, she began working in the Chicago Public School system, where she worked for 5 years. There she worked at an elementary school where she serviced children from preK to fifth grade in collaboration with other clinicians including occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists. Michaela has experience working with various speech-language needs including speech sound disorders, receptive/expressive language disorders, fluency, and implementation of high- and low-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.

Her primary areas of interest include evaluating and treating speech sound disorders and receptive/expressive language disorders. Her goal is to support a child’s communication growth in any way she can while using evidence-based practices.

Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Elmhurst University and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Lewis University.  As a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist at Gracent Pediatric Therapy, Michelle provides comprehensive evaluations and individualized therapy for children with a wide range of communication challenges.

Michelle finds the most fulfillment in witnessing the progress her clients make and the impact it has on their families. She values building strong relationships with each child and their caregivers, taking the time to learn about their unique interests and incorporating them into therapy sessions to make them both effective and engaging.  Michelle is a strong advocate for collaborative care and works closely with professionals across disciplines to ensure a holistic and consistent approach that supports each child’s overall development.

Her passion for supporting children began during her time working at the YMCA, where she discovered the joy of helping children of all abilities grow and succeed in their communities.  

Outside the clinic, Michelle enjoys spending time with her three dogs, creating handmade décor, and photographing nature at local zoos and arboretums.