History - Westside Children’s Therapy

In the Family 25 Years

Westside began in the Cassidy family farmhouse in Homer Glen, founded by Shari with a mission to do more than just achieve clinical results — her goal was to transform families’ lives. This vision has been carried forward by every member of the Westside team.

In the early days, Shari didn’t have a formal business plan. Her primary focus was ensuring that anyone in need of services had access to them. Tim, her husband, has been an essential part of Westside’s success, offering expertise in accounting and unwavering support. Their children, Corynn, Devin, Mark, and Neilan, have also played key roles in therapy and operations, shaping Westside into what it is today.

Shari Cassidy

Founder

Shari Cassidy, Founder of Westside Children’s Therapy, is a pediatric physical therapist with nearly 40 years of clinical experience spanning a variety of medical settings. As a graduate of Northwestern University in 1984, Shari’s passion for children led to an early career at Children’s Memorial Hospital, where she dedicated 12 impactful years. Motivated by a desire to bring high quality city therapy services to the suburbs, Shari began practicing independently, marking the beginning of a company that would be later named Westside Children’s Therapy. Her strong interest in understanding the basis of movements and in learning what drives human performance led to quality clinical outcomes among her patients. Over the next 25 years, this approach propelled Westside in becoming the largest pediatric therapy provider in Illinois, supporting over 5,000 children with developmental needs. Today Shari dedicates her time to mentoring therapists and instilling her technique of hands-on, skilled therapeutic intervention. Beyond her professional pursuits, Shari enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, skiing, hiking, and experiencing the great outdoors with her family.

How We Got Here

1984

1998

Shari saw patients through Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

1986

1997

She started picking up private patients through Children’s that doctors at the hospital referred to her. She saw the patients at their homes.

1988

Shari Cassidy begins seeing patients in her family’s farm house

1993

She moved sessions to her home in New Lenox when her family tore down the farmhouse.

1996

Shari opens “Children’s Therapy Specialists” with another clinician in Frankfort.

2006

The first Westside Children’s Therapy in Joliet with a small part-time team.

2015

Location expansions begin with a second clinic opening in Frankfort.

2016

Westside expands its services by adding Feeding Therapy to support picky eaters.

2018

Serial Casting is introduced to help children with mobility and muscle tone challenges.

2019

Counseling services are added to support emotional and behavioral development.

2020

Diagnostic Services launch, providing comprehensive evaluations for children.

2025

Westside celebrates the opening of its 30th clinic location in the Chicago suburbs!