Pediatric Therapy & Autism Services in Peoria, IL
2601 West Lake Ave., Suite A3
Peoria, IL 61615
309-239-2010
peoria@westsidect.com
815-534-1405
8 AM-7 PM Mon-Fri
COMING SOON!
Don’t Wait. Early Intervention for Children Ages 5 & Under
At Westside’s Peoria children’s clinic, the first five years are treated as the opportunity they are—not a waiting period.
ABA therapy in Peoria, speech, OT, feeding therapy, and counseling are all on-site, delivered by a team known for bringing genuine energy to every session. For families with specific concerns about development, we offer remote autism evaluations for Peoria families at no cost, with results in days.
Answers, Faster • Built for the Early Years • All Care, One Place • Unified Team
When Should You Consider Autism Diagnostic Testing in Peoria?
Early identification is important, especially for kids under age 5. If you’re wondering whether your child may benefit from autism diagnostic testing in Peoria, here are some potential signs of autism or another developmental difference to look for:
- Delayed speech or limited vocabulary
- Repetitive behaviors (e.g., lining up toys, repeating words/phrases, etc.)
- Limited eye contact or difficulty engaging with others
- Strong reliance on routines or becoming upset with small changes
- Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by sounds, textures, or lights
If you’re considering an autism evaluation in Peoria, our team is here to support you. We offer virtual diagnostic testing so you can get answers sooner, and from the comfort of home. Taking that first step can make all the difference—early evaluation leads to earlier support, which gives your child the best possible foundation for growth.
The Westside Way: Family-Centered Pediatric Therapy in Peoria
At our Peoria clinic, relationships come first. Our team takes the time to know your child, partner with your family, and celebrate every milestone along the way. You’ll find a collaborative team that brings genuine enthusiasm to every session and creates a place where kids are excited to walk through our doors.
What sets our approach to pediatric therapy in Peoria apart is the way every clinician stays connected to your child’s full picture. Whether your child is receiving one service or several, our therapists communicate with each other and with your family to ensure consistent, coordinated care. We believe that when families feel supported and informed, children thrive—and that philosophy is at the heart of everything we do at Westside.
Our Pediatric & Autism Therapy Services for Children in Peoria, IL
Knowing where to start can be one of the hardest parts for families. At our Peoria children’s clinic, we provide pediatric therapy in Peoria, IL, with a clear, supportive path from evaluation to ongoing care. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to begin, our team works closely with you to create a plan that helps your child grow with confidence.
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Getting answers early can bring clarity during an uncertain time. Westside Children’s Therapy offers fast access to autism evaluations in Peoria with results in just a few days. Beyond diagnosis, we help you understand what those results mean and guide you through the next steps, so you feel supported in making decisions for your child.
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Our ABA therapy in Peoria is designed to help children build meaningful skills they can use every day. Through structured, individualized sessions, autism therapy for children in Peoria supports communication, behavior regulation, and independence. Therapy is guided by experienced clinicians and paired with parent support, so progress continues beyond each session.
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Our child counseling in Peoria, IL, provides children with a safe, supportive space to work through emotions, behavior challenges, and social concerns. Working with an experienced child therapist in Peoria, IL, children learn practical coping strategies while building confidence. We also support parents with guidance that helps carry progress into everyday life.
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Feeding therapy in Peoria addresses the challenges that can make mealtimes stressful for both children and families. Our team uses a gradual, supportive approach to help children feel more comfortable with food, textures, and routines. By focusing on small, achievable steps, we help build confidence and create more positive, manageable mealtime experiences over time.
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Our occupational therapy in Peoria focuses on helping children build the skills needed for daily routines and independence. From fine motor coordination to sensory processing and self-care, sessions are designed to be engaging while targeting practical, real-life goals. We help children apply these skills at home, at school, and in everyday activities.
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Our speech therapy in Peoria sessions support children in developing stronger communication skills, from early language to more advanced social interaction. Through interactive, play-based methods, children build confidence expressing themselves, understanding others, and participating more fully in conversations across different environments.
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Our physical therapy plays a vital role in helping children develop strength, coordination, and motor skills needed for everyday activities. Many children on the autism spectrum experience challenges with balance, posture, muscle tone, and movement. Our specialists guide them through movement-based activities that improve mobility, body awareness, and confidence. These activities also enhance their participation in school and social settings, supporting their overall quality of life and long-term development.
My daughter also seemed to love all her therapists and would talk about them in her own way. It's pretty funny walking at a campground looking at campsites and Liz starts pointing to each one naming therapist names, saying they can camp there. Truthfully we would still have her therapy there if we weren't moving away.
My daughter was going to Easter seals and I didn’t see a difference but now that she has only been at Westside for a month I have seen a HUGE difference.
Each and every employee that I have talked to are super nice.
Why Choose Westside for Pediatric Therapy in Peoria
Choosing the right therapy provider is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Every parent deserves a team they can trust, a plan that makes sense, and progress they can actually see. Here's what keeps families choosing Westside:
- Faster Autism Evaluations: We help reduce wait times for autism evaluations with results in days—giving Peoria families a clear path forward and the information they need to take the right next step.
- ABA Built Around What Matters: ABA therapy in Peoria at Westside is individualized and grounded in real-life skills—communication, behavior, independence, and daily routines—with plans that evolve as the child grows and goals shift.
- Every Service Under One Roof: ABA, speech therapy in Peoria, occupational therapy in Peoria, feeding therapy, and counseling are all available at one location, supported by a team that actively coordinates across every service your child receives.
- A Team That Works Together: Therapists share progress and align on goals across disciplines—so what your child builds in counseling supports what's happening in ABA, and speech gains connect to everyday communication.
- Cheerleaders as Much as Clinicians: Our Peoria team is known for their enthusiasm. Therapists here don't just deliver sessions—they invest in each child's journey, genuinely celebrate milestones, and bring the kind of energy that keeps kids motivated.
- Families Never Left in the Dark: We communicate clearly and consistently, share practical strategies for home, and ensure caregivers always feel informed and confident about where their child is headed.
Take the First Step Toward Your Child’s Progress in Peoria
Getting started with pediatric therapy in Peoria should feel simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:
1. Contact our team
Submit a contact form, and a team member will be in touch to schedule intake.
2. Intake call
We’ll discuss your child’s needs, verify insurance, and answer any questions you may have.
3. Service matching
From there, we can recommend the right pediatric therapy services and create a custom plan for your child.
Meet Our Clinical Team
Morgan Pawula
Vice President of Operations
Morgan Pawula
Vice President of Operations
Morgan Pawula is the Vice President of Operations and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master of Business Administration and a Master’s in Education. She is passionate about expanding access to high-quality, compassionate care for children and families while supporting the growth and success of clinical teams.
With a background spanning education, therapeutic day schools, and healthcare leadership, Morgan brings a unique perspective to serving children and families with diverse needs. Her clinical specialty is Skills-Based Treatment (SBT), and she is committed to delivering evidence-based, family-centered services that promote meaningful, lasting outcomes.
As Vice President of Operations, Morgan focuses on building scalable systems, developing exceptional leaders, and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. She is passionate about creating innovative programs that improve access to care while enhancing both the patient and employee experience. She believes that strong partnerships with families, clinicians, and community providers are the foundation of exceptional care.
Outside of work, Morgan enjoys hiking, spending time with her family, and exploring new places. She values lifelong learning, community involvement, and creating opportunities that help children reach their fullest potential.
Ali McCarrell
OT
Ali McCarrell
OT
Alison (Ali) McCarrell, MOT, OTR/L earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Governors State University. She serves as the Director of Occupational Therapy and brings experience from Giant Steps Therapeutic Day School in Lisle, IL.
Ali’s clinical interests include neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD, sensory processing & integration, mental health & trauma, complex neurological and genetic cases, and infants. She is passionate about helping each child and family build meaningful skills for everyday life through individualized, playful, engaging, collaborative, and supportive therapy.
Outside of work, you can usually find Ali listening to music, making her own sourdough, or spending time with her two dogs Izzy and Lainey. She appreciates simplicity, enjoys the outdoors and sports (playing and watching), and loves being with the people closest to her—especially her adorable nephew.
Allison Geary
SLP
Allison Geary
SLP
Allison Geary is a Speech-Language Pathologist who holds a B.S. Degree in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a M.S. Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Rush University.
She has experience working in early intervention and outpatient pediatric settings, as well as serving as a team lead prior to becoming a Speech Director. Her clinical specialties include craniofacial concerns including nasality/resonance difficulties, motor speech/apraxia of speech, and early language. She is also a feeding therapist with a focus on dysphagia/oral motor concerns, myofunctional therapy, and infant feeding.
Outside of work, Allison enjoys reading, crocheting, and taking walks with her dog.
Alyssa Sanders
OT
Alyssa Sanders
OT
Alyssa Sanders holds a Masters of Occupational Therapy and serves as a Regional Occupational Therapy Director (OTR/L) at Westside. She brings experience from both outpatient pediatrics and school-based therapy settings, supporting children and families across a variety of needs and environments.
Alyssa’s clinical specialties include sensory processing and modulation, emotional regulation, fine motor skill development, visual motor integration, and executive functioning. She works to help children build practical skills and confidence that carry over into daily routines at home, in school, and in the community.
Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys sports, traveling, and exploring new food in Chicago.
Ashley Fitzenreider
Regional ABA
Ashley Fitzenreider
Regional ABA
Ashley Fitzenreider earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) with about 15 years of experience in the field of ABA.
Ashley began her career supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities before transitioning to a therapeutic day school autism program and later providing home-based ABA services in close partnership with children and their families. She has been with Westside Children’s Therapy for the past eight years, starting as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and growing into her current role as Senior Regional ABA Director. Her clinical specialties include Functional Communication Training (FCT), Verbal Behavior, treatment planning and clinical recommendations, medical necessity reviews, and mentorship and supervision of BCBAs.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family—her husband and two kids, Cameron and Savannah. She loves cooking, trying new restaurants, kayaking, and boating, and she and her family take as many trips as they can to their home up north in Wisconsin throughout the year.
Bradford Czochara
Diagnostics
Bradford Czochara
Diagnostics
Bradford Czochara, Psy.D., ABN, LPC, CGP, earned his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University. He brings a strong clinical foundation to his work, with experience spanning neuropsychology and rehab psychology across the lifespan.
Bradford’s clinical interests include neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as providing individual psychotherapy and group therapy. He is committed to offering thoughtful, practical support tailored to each person’s needs and strengths.
Outside of his clinical work, Bradford enjoys music, video games, reading, and spending time with his family.
Brenda Boehm
Regional ABA
Brenda Boehm
Regional ABA
Brenda Boehm holds an MA in Special Education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). She has worked in the ABA field since 2000, beginning her career in Wisconsin and building more than two decades of experience supporting children with autism and their families.
Her work has included serving as a Clinic Director in Australia, launching both home-based and center-based ABA programs in Malaysia for families in Malaysia and Singapore, and starting centers in Wisconsin and Illinois before joining Westside as a Regional ABA Director in 2026.
An experienced ABA leader, Brenda brings a strong track record in multi-site leadership and clinical operations, with a focus on clinical quality and operational performance. She is passionate about building mission-driven teams and driving excellence through data-informed decision making, OBM principles, and strategic leadership.
Outside of work, Brenda enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage sons, walking her dog, playing cards (especially Euchre), and visiting family in Wisconsin.
Emily Shearer, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Diagnostics
Emily Shearer, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Diagnostics
Emily Shearer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a passion for helping children and families better understand their unique strengths and needs. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa and has extensive experience providing assessment and psychological services across a variety of clinical settings.
Throughout her career, Dr. Shearer has worked at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the Learning and Attention Disorders Clinic, Child and Adolescent Psychology, and the Center for Disabilities and Development. She has also provided services through University of Iowa Counseling Services, LittleStar ABA Therapy, and private practice.
Dr. Shearer specializes in the evaluation and diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that helps families gain clarity, access resources, and confidently move forward with the support their child needs.
Outside of work, Dr. Shearer enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, playing pickleball, and staying active through regular workouts.
Eun-Yeop Lee, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA
Diagnostics
Eun-Yeop Lee, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA
Diagnostics
Eun-Yeop Lee, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA, is a Massachusetts and Illinois licensed psychologist, PsyPACT-authorized psychologist, pediatric neuropsychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with more than 10 years of experience in residential schools, hospitals, private practices, and therapy centers across several states.
Most recently, Dr. Lee served as a pediatric neuropsychologist at Northwestern Medicine’s Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and the Rush NeuroBehavioral Center. She is dedicated to understanding how neuropsychological profiles and medical conditions impact learning and behavior in children and adolescents.
Dr. Lee earned her doctorate in School Psychology from the University of South Florida, completed her internship in Pediatric Neuropsychology at The Watson Institute, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, and completed her postdoctoral training at McLean Hospital in Boston.
She has conducted comprehensive neuropsychological and educational evaluations for children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, and other developmental concerns, providing families with individualized educational and behavioral recommendations. Since graduate school, Dr. Lee has been especially passionate about working with the Early Intervention population (birth to 3 years), with specialized interests in ASD diagnosis and training in the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
Outside of work, Dr. Lee enjoys traveling, staying active through sports and fitness, and is currently improving her surfing and golfing skills.
Kara Steiskal, Psy.D
Diagnostics
Kara Steiskal, Psy.D
Diagnostics
Kara Steiskal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from DePaul University, as well as a Master of Arts and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Adler University. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois (License #071-022326) and began her clinical work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) before expanding her role during doctoral training to include diagnostic assessment and therapy services across community mental health centers, schools, and multi-disciplinary practices.
Kara specializes in diagnostic assessments for children ages 2–16, providing diagnostic clarification for concerns such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and mood disorders. She also offers individualized and family-centered feedback sessions to review results and share tailored recommendations and resources. In therapy, Kara works with children ages 5–17 and supports a range of concerns including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety and depressive disorders, restricted/avoidant food intake disorder, adjustment concerns, attachment disruptions, and school avoidance. She provides individual therapy, parent training and support, and family therapy, using an integrative approach that draws from cognitive and behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy techniques.
Outside of work, Kara enjoys spending time with family and friends, spending time outdoors, cooking and baking, skin-care, and shopping.
Kellie Tarra
OT
Kellie Tarra
OT
Kellie Tarra earned her degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Illinois State University and went on to complete her Master of Science at Saint Xavier University in 2016. She is a licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist (M.S., CCC-SLP/L) with experience serving children from preschool through 8th grade in the school system from 2016–2022. Kellie joined Westside Children’s Therapy in 2022 and is now one of the speech directors. Kellie oversees speech therapists at other Westside locations.
Kellie enjoys supporting children and families across a range of communication needs, with special interests in AAC—having previously served as an AAC evaluator—as well as childhood apraxia of speech, pragmatic language, early language development, speech sound disorders, and fluency.
Outside of work, Kellie loves spending quality time with her almost-one-year-old daughter, her husband, and their two dogs, and she also enjoys doing puzzles.
Kristalyn Turner
SLP
Kristalyn Turner
SLP
Kristalyn Turner, M.S., CCC-SLP, completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at Eastern Illinois University. She began her career as a classroom aide before moving into a school-based speech-language pathologist role, building a strong foundation supporting children across a range of communication needs.
Kristalyn later joined Westside as a full-time SLP, advanced to clinic supervisor, and now serves as Speech Director. She has a special clinical interest in pediatric feeding disorders, including dysphagia, and enjoys supporting children with autism and their families with practical, compassionate care.
Nimisha Perumpel
OT
Nimisha Perumpel
OT
Misha Perumpel holds a Master of Occupational Therapy and is a licensed occupational therapist (MOT, OTR/L) and Regional OT Director at Westside, with experience in both outpatient pediatrics and acute care. She brings a thoughtful, child-centered approach to supporting children and families across a variety of needs and settings.
Misha’s clinical interests include handwriting, fine motor and visual motor integration, executive functioning, and self-care/ADLs, with experience working with infants and toddlers as well. She enjoys helping children build practical skills and confidence through engaging, meaningful activities.
Outside of work, Misha loves traveling, hiking, and art.
Pamela Kooi
SLP
Pamela Kooi
SLP
Pamela Kooi earned her Master’s degree in Speech/Language Pathology after attending Eastern Illinois University and Marquette University. She holds the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) and is a Licensed Speech Pathologist in the State of Illinois. Pam brings a broad range of experience to her work, including working the past 11 years at Westside Children’s Therapy. While working at Westside, she has been a Lead Speech Therapist and currently fills the role of a Director of Speech Therapy.
Pamela specializes in supporting children with language disorders, phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, and gestalt language processing. She is known for a thoughtful, individualized approach that helps children build communication skills and confidence while partnering closely with families.
Outside of the clinic, Pamela enjoys spending time with family and friends, rescuing senior dogs and supporting the Chicago Cubs!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
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How long does it take to get an autism evaluation in Peoria?
Westside Children’s Therapy offers fast access to autism evaluations. Most families complete the full evaluation process in 2 to 3 days—compared to the months-long waits typical at many providers. The entire process is conducted virtually, so there’s no need to travel or take time off work for in-person appointments.
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How much does an autism evaluation cost?
At Westside, autism diagnostic testing is billed to your insurance. Our team will work with your provider to verify coverage and costs upfront, so there are no surprises. There’s no obligation to continue with any services after testing is complete. We believe early answers shouldn’t come with unnecessary barriers.
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What ages does Westside treat at its Peoria location?
Westside Children’s Therapy treats kids of all ages facing developmental challenges at our Peoria location. The clinic’s services are suitable for children from infancy to adolescence. We address the developmental, communication, feeding, and behavioral needs of children in their growth years.
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What conditions can pediatric therapy help with?
Pediatric therapy in Peoria, IL, can help your child who is dealing with various developmental challenges. Our ABA, speech, feeding, and occupational child therapy in Peoria, along with child counseling in Peoria, IL, helps children diagnosed with autism or ADHD who experience injury, have a birth defect, or have any other condition that affects their growth and development.
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How does feeding therapy help children?
Feeding therapy in Peoria supports children who are struggling with eating, chewing, swallowing, or trying new foods. These challenges can stem from sensory difficulties, oral-motor delays, or anxiety around mealtime. With the help of feeding therapy, trained specialists work with children to build comfort, confidence, and skills during mealtime.
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Does insurance cover pediatric therapy services?
Yes, insurance covers pediatric therapy in Peoria. However, several terms and conditions apply. To learn more about them, connect with our team today.
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How can pediatric therapy help my child long-term?
Pediatric therapy creates long-term benefits by helping your child build essential skills that they will need throughout their life. Whether your child is working on communication, behavior, motor coordination, sensory processing, feeding, or emotional regulation, ABA therapy in Peoria provides the foundation for greater independence and confidence as they grow.
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How do I schedule an evaluation at Westside’s Peoria clinic?
Scheduling an appointment with us is straightforward. All you need to do is visit our website and fill out the enrollment form. A member of our team will follow up to discuss your child’s needs and help you get started with the right services.