Children’s Pediatric Therapy Services & Autism Evaluations in Joliet, IL
742 Essington Rd,
Joliet, IL 60435
779-260-5658
joliet@westsidect.com
815-373-0099
8 AM-7 PM Mon-Fri
Early Answers & Real Support for Children Ages 5 & Under
One of Westside’s original clinics, Joliet has spent years building something rare — a team families genuinely trust that delivers ABA therapy, speech, OT, PT, feeding therapy, and counseling under one roof for children across a wide range of developmental needs.
For families with early concerns, no-cost autism evaluations deliver answers in days. Get a fast, clear starting point when time matters most.
Answers, Faster • Built for the Early Years • All Care, One Place • Unified Team
When Should You Consider an Autism Evaluation?
Early identification is important, especially for kids under age 5. Potential signs of autism or another developmental difference include:
- 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 Joliet, our team is here to support you. We offer virtual diagnostic testing so you can get answers sooner, and from the comfort of home.
The Westside Way at Joliet
At our Joliet 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.
Therapies Offered at Westside’s Joliet Clinic
From ABA services in Joliet to speech therapy, physical therapy, and family counseling, our clinic offers comprehensive solutions that local families trust. Led by board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), registered behavior therapists (RBTs), and expert clinical staff, our Joliet clinic ensures that you find reliable therapy right where you are.
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Our SAIL program offers fast, no-cost virtual autism evaluations with results in just a few days. We help families understand what the results mean and guide them toward the right next steps — whether that’s therapy at Westside or support elsewhere in the community.
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Westside Children’s Therapy offers holistic ABA therapy for children in Juliet, designed to help them reduce challenging behaviors, develop social skills, and live more joyfully. We work with parents to ensure continued development at home while delivering evidence-based, tailored therapy programs in our sensory-friendly atmosphere, where your child can grow freely.
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Everyone struggles with expressing themselves at one point or another. That’s why, in addition to ABA therapy in Joliet, IL, we also provide counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults (including caregivers and family members). Our skilled therapists create a structured setting where you and your child can explore emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and learn to communicate more positively.
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Our expert therapists also ensure that mealtime no longer feels like a hassle. By combining sensory, motor, posture, oral, behavioral, and nutritional factors, our feeding therapy services help parents and caregivers better manage children with feeding concerns. For seamless therapy, our feeding rooms replicate common eating areas, and we even provide neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for swallowing disorders.
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Becoming self-dependent is key to living a fulfilling life, and at our Joliet clinic, that’s what we want for every child who walks through our doors. Hence, our services include personalized occupational therapy plans that cover everything from in-depth evaluations to real-time progress tracking, addressing concerns such as attention deficits and delays in fine motor skill development.
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If your child is struggling with motor development, Westside Children’s Therapy offers expert-led, one-on-one physical therapy sessions that can help accelerate mobility or regain movement after injuries. Our therapists specialize in cerebral palsy, growth-related pains, muscular dystrophy, and other physical challenges.
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Our Joliet clinic also provides speech therapy plans delivered by seasoned speech pathologists who tailor them to your child’s articulation, social skills, stuttering (dysfluency), and expressive and receptive language skills. We conduct each session in a warm, sensory-friendly setting where learning feels fun.
Why Families Feel Confident Choosing Westside in Joliet
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:
- Answers Through SAIL, Without the Wait: Our SAIL program offers fast, no-cost autism evaluations with results in days — so Joliet families can move from uncertainty to a clear plan without the typical delays.
- ABA Rooted in the Whole Child: ABA therapy for children in Joliet at Westside goes beyond behavior — it's built around communication, independence, social connection, and daily life skills, with individualized plans that evolve as children grow.
- Everything Under One Roof: ABA, speech, OT, PT, feeding therapy, and counseling are all available at the Joliet clinic, coordinated by a team that works together and communicates across every service a child receives.
- A Team With Deep Community Roots: Westside Joliet has been part of the local community for years. Families here aren't just clients — they're known. That sense of belonging creates trust, and trust is what makes long-term progress possible.
- Sensory-Friendly, Child-First Spaces: From sensory gyms to the Question of the Day and Prize Bins at the front desk, the Joliet clinic is designed to make children feel welcomed and at ease the moment they arrive.
- Support That Extends to the Whole Family: Counseling at Westside Joliet is available for children, adolescents, and adult caregivers — because supporting a child well often means supporting the people around them too.
Empower Your Child’s Development in Joliet
Getting started with pediatric therapy should feel simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:
1. Contact our team
Reach us at 779-260-5658 or 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 & 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.
Brad Czochar
Diagnostics
Brad Czochar
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!
Virgen M. Quiñones-Fernandini, MD
Diagnostics
Virgen M. Quiñones-Fernandini, MD
Diagnostics
Dr. Virgen M. Quiñones-Fernandini serves as Senior Medical Leader at Westside Children’s Therapy. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Ponce Health Sciences University and an Executive Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota. She completed residency training in General Psychiatry, followed by fellowships in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. In addition to her medical training, Dr. Quiñones-Fernandini holds Montessori certifications in Assistant to Infancy (0–3 years) and Early Childhood (3–6 years), as well as credentials as a Registered Yoga Teacher and Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher.
With more than 20 years of clinical, academic, and healthcare leadership experience, Dr. Quiñones-Fernandini has dedicated over 18 years to caring for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Throughout her career, she has served in numerous leadership roles within academic medicine, including Medical Director of the PHSU Wellness Center, Associate Program Director for Adult Psychiatry and the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, Vice Chair of Clinical Services, and Clerkship Director at Ponce Health Sciences University. Her work has centered on comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, interdisciplinary collaboration, physician education, quality improvement, and expanding access to evidence-based, family-centered behavioral health services.
Dr. Quiñones-Fernandini specializes in autism spectrum disorder, child and adolescent psychiatry, ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, neurodevelopmental disorders, addiction medicine, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and integrated behavioral health. She is passionate about partnering with families, empowering caregivers through education, and delivering compassionate, collaborative care that supports each child’s unique strengths and needs.
Outside of work, Dr. Quiñones-Fernandini enjoys spending time with her husband, four daughters, and extended family. She also enjoys practicing yoga and meditation, crocheting, exploring nature, and traveling. A lifelong learner, she is passionate about mentoring healthcare professionals, fostering leadership development, and expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based care for children and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
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How long does it take to get an autism evaluation in Joliet?
With our SAIL program, 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 through our SAIL program is completely free. There’s no cost to the family and no obligation to continue with any services after testing is complete. We believe early answers shouldn’t come with a financial barrier.
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What pediatric services are available at Westside’s Joliet clinic?
Westside Children’s Therapy offers a comprehensive suite of pediatric services in Joliet, including autism diagnostic evaluations, feeding therapy, physical therapy, ABA therapy, and counseling for adolescents and caregivers. With us, families get holistic therapy solutions under one roof, led by seasoned pediatric professionals.
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Does my child need a medical diagnosis to start therapy?
For services like occupational, feeding, or speech therapy, an initial diagnosis isn’t required, but it can reveal specific concerns. That said, for ABA therapy programs, a thorough medical diagnosis for autism is typically required for insurance verifications. Our team can help you navigate these steps hassle-free.
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What age range does Westside’s Joliet clinic support?
Our Joliet clinic mainly serves children from infancy through age 18. However, for specialized pathways such as ABA therapy, we recommend starting at age 3. Moreover, we support counseling needs for individuals over 18, including adults who are caregivers or family members seeking therapy.
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How can speech therapy help my child?
Speech therapy doesn’t simply help with “talking.” It enhances your child’s ability to articulate (make sounds accurately), express language (say words together), be receptive to language (understand what others are saying), and work through their dysfluency (stuttering). Together, these allow them to flourish in social settings and find their voice sooner.
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What is feeding therapy, and who can benefit from it?
Feeding therapy is a targeted approach primarily aimed at “problem feeders,” picky eaters, and children with medically diagnosed feeding difficulties. Feeding therapy uses various factors, such as posture, motor skills, and nutrition, to evaluate challenges and help children overcome them.
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How long are therapy sessions typically scheduled?
Session schedules typically depend on the kind of therapy your child needs, their unique challenges, and overall therapy goals. Most therapy sessions last an hour, but in some cases they can run longer. For instance, ABA therapy sessions tend to be more intensive and often last longer than an hour, depending on how your child interacts and the concerns they display.