Gay Girolami, PT, MS

Physical Therapist, Executive Director

Education University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, MS; Marquette University, BS

“In high school, when I became acquainted with physical therapy, I immediately understood physical therapy was a career which would allow me to combine my interest in health care, my passion for working with children and my belief that teamwork is vital to success. To watch the joy on the faces of the children as they learn a new skill; to see the happiness in the eyes of the parents as they witness each success; these experiences are priceless. Being a physical therapist is more than a job...it is a privilege and a blessing. Could there be a better way to spend your day...your life?”

Alma Tandoc-Alvarez, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Education University of Illinois at Chicago, MS; University of Illinois at Chicago, BA

“I love being an OT because it gives me the opportunity to help others and make a difference. I enjoy working with kids and their families. It truly is rewarding for me to see the progress the children make and how much this progress benefits their families.”

Angelica Barraza, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Manager

Education University of Texas Medical Branch, BS

“Early in my career, I discovered a love for collaborating with children and families, helping tap their spirit and uncover their potential. To this day I continue to embrace what I witnessed as a volunteer—a dedication to improving the quality of life through engaging and meaningful activities.”

Anne Mohan, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Education IFBE DIE SCHULE, Germany, National Board Certification

“I love working with children because their strength, creativity and untainted view of humanity inspires me. Working closely with their families creates a better understanding of the child's condition and the family's needs and concerns, and allows me to work within my holistic view of patient care.”

Brooke Carroll, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist, Speech Department Manager

Education University of Wisconsin, Madison, MS; University of Wisconsion, Madison, BS

“I love watching the faces of children and families light up as they begin to grasp the complexities of communication or explore a new food!  Interacting with them on a daily basis is amazing.”

Daisy Tan, PT

Physical Therapist

Education University of Illinois at Chicago, BS

“I am inspired by Pathways' commitment and continued search to bring innovative programs to the clients.  I am happy to be part of this organization and strive to provide quality service.”

Danielle Davis, DPT

Physical Therapist

Education University of Illinois at Chicago, DPT; Marquette University, BA

“Growing up, I was fortunate enough to experience, through my youngest brother, how therapists can impact the lives of children and their families.  It looked like magic how they could help my brother meet new milestones and include me and my siblings throughout the process. Today, helping children and their families to achieve their goals is one of the most rewarding parts of coming into work.”

Heidi Sloan, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech/Language Pathologist

Education Northwestern University, MA; University of Maryland, College Park, BA

“Working alongside occupational and physical therapists, I continue to expand my knowledge of assessment and treatment of infants and children with speech, language, and feeding disorders. It is both rewarding and fulfilling to assist children in reaching their full potential. ”

Jacqueline Jensen, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Education University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, BS

“I have a special interest in sensory integration and autism, and I believe that family education and involvement contributes to a great deal of growth and success.”

Jennifer Cohen, DPT

Physical Therapist, Continuing Education Coordinator

Education Rosalind Franklin University DPT, Bradley University BS

“As a physical therapist, I love that every day is different.  I get to work with kids of all ages (birth to almost 30) doing a variety of fun activities and games.  My job is challenging and very rewarding and I am always happy to get up and go to work in the mornings.”

Kathleen Palace Barnard, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Education University of Illinois, BA; University of Illinois, BS

“I really enjoy the collaboration with other professionals and with families. I see the value of working closely in a team with other skilled professionals to achieve the highest functional outcome for children.”

Kelly Laughlin, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech/Language Pathologist

Education Northwestern University, MA; University of Kansas, BA

“I absolutely love pediatric Speech Therapy because children are exciting, enjoyable, honest people who can always make you smile and laugh; it's genuinely fun to work with children!”

Linda Rooke, BScPT

Physical Therapist, Director of Therapy Services

Education Queen’s University, Canada, BScPT

“I enjoy connecting with children of all ages, young adults, and their families as I accompany them on their journey to greater physical independence. At Pathways, I feel very fortunate to have found such a dynamic, professionally stimulating environment to continue my professional growth as a pediatric physical therapist.”

Lisa Rubin, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech/Language Pathologist

Education Northwestern University, MA; Bates College, BS

“Pathways is an ideal work setting because it allows me the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary pediatric clinic and collaborate with other speech-language pathologists on a daily basis.”

Mark Coman

Physical Therapy Aide

“My interest in life has always been human nature and the human potential. It is a pleasure to be around all the wonderful people that work at and come to Pathways.”

Ronna DeKoven, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Education Ohio State University, BS

“Since June of 1991, Pathways Center has afforded me ongoing professional development as well as the ability to think beyond the box in pursuing what is new and exciting in the field of pediatric therapy. It is energizing on a daily basis to collaborate and problem solve with my colleagues and the families. Seeing change and growth that allows a child enjoy life and be successful in what they pursue is extremely rewarding.”

Shruti Joshi, PT, MS

Physical Therapist, Research Assistant

Education University of Illinois at Chicago, MS; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, Bachelor of Physical Therapy

“I decided to join Pathways Center because of the focus on always trying to improve the quality of services for clients and the unique setting in which we work, where research relevant to our clients can be designed and implemented and the results applied in an individual and measurable manner to best serve our populations.”

Takako Shiratori, PhD, DPT

Physical Therapist, Director of Clinical Research

Education Northwestern University, DPT; Pennsylvania State University, PhD; Pennsylvania State University, MS; Marietta College, BS

“I became a therapist to try to understand the neuromuscular organization underlying the coordination of posture and movement beyond theory, by being in practice.  I am learning so much not only about applying research into practice, but more so how to apply practice into research by interacting and working with delightful children and their families—it is very humbling and rewarding.”

Barbara Morin

Family Services Coordinator

“As Family Services Coordinator, I am the initial contact for families seeking services for their child(ren).  I guide families through the intake process with relaxed dialogue and a listening ear.  I love to talk, love to listen, and love to share with others my gift for caring.  I am both a spokesperson for Pathways and an advocate for the families seeking services at our Center.  I’ve recently taken on the pleasure of planning our annual themed winter family party.  This is a wonderful opportunity for me to step outside the intake box and use my creative expression to plan and execute a special event for our children and their families.”

Alissa DePue

Office Assistant

“Being part of a group of professionals, whose mission is to help children, is a great PATH to be on.”

Dawn Moore

Business Manager

“I enjoy being able to use my accounting and other business skills to support the wonderful work that Pathways therapists perform, improving the lives of hundreds of children each year.  While I do not possess the therapeutic skills to help children make progress toward their developmental goals, it is rewarding to know that my work supports our mission.”

Dawn Zerbicki

Billing Manager

“I am honored to be part of such a great Center and it is a wonderful feeling knowing that we make a positive change in people’s lives.”

Donna Lesner

Receptionist

“I have always wanted to be part of an organization that is all about helping children reach their fullest potential.   I love so many things about Pathways.  I have built many relationships with the children and their families.  Watching the children grow and work so hard to reach their goals has been an amazing experience.  The staff here is warm, knowledgeable and dedicated.”

Laura Girolami

Office Assistant

“My business office co-workers are not just co-workers, they are friends. Also, everyone here at Pathways supports one another’s efforts. We don’t just work for a paycheck, we work with a genuine dedication to Pathways.”

Lucy Hernandez

Accounts Manager

“I love knowing that with all that these families have going on I can try everyday to give them peace of mind financially.”

Marcy Pollard

Administrative Assistant

“Working with the wonderful therapists and having the opportunity to grow with Pathways Center has been very rewarding.”

Samantha McBride

Receptionist

“I work with wonderful people and I love my job because I have a small part in something with a big outcome.”

Sarah Garlinger

Accountant

“I chose Pathways because it is a way for me to do accounting in a setting that at the end of the day is all about helping kids.”

Sarah Kerndt

Director of Community Relations

“I find it captivating to see our children running, playing, and laughing, knowing at the same time, they are accomplishing great feats.  What a heart lifting, inspirational experience to know you are part of an organization that enhances a child’s life.”

Tamika Boyd

Receptionist

“What I love about my job is seeing all of the kids come into the Center excited for their session.”

Felicia Kurkowski

Senior Program Director

“I really enjoy the face-to-face interaction when educating parents and customers about the importance of early detection, intervention and tummy time.  As I videotape children at Pathways Center, I get great satisfaction from watching their progress as they achieve their goals.”

Joanne Meyer

Director of Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors

“As an employee of Pathways Awareness since 1997, it has been my privilege to bring the Open Hearts, Open Minds program to worshipping communities of many faith traditions.  Providing accommodations so that everyone can participate is so important.  Faith communities are strengthened when members of all abilities can worship, minister and share fellowship together.”

Kathy O'Brien

Resource Director

“I chose my position at Pathways Awareness so that I could help other parents who have questions about therapy, who don’t know where to go for resources or just need someone to talk to who has been through a similar situation.  I feel that they can benefit from my experience since I have “walked the walk.””

Megan Lenz

Director of Internal and Community Affairs

“I consider it a privilege to be part of an organization with a strong mission and a vision to assure the best for all children. I know that everyone at Pathways shares my excitement about the work that we do. Our therapists and staff possess a rare combination of knowledge, passion and dedication.”

Stacey Dickert

Director of Digital Communications

“Pathways is a place where the entire staff is dedicated to its clients and their families. It is so rewarding to work for an organization so true to its mission. This is a work-life benefit I wouldn’t trade for the world.”

Tiffany Cruz

Digital Media Assistant

“I feel very fortunate to have found an organization and a team so dedicated to a cause like Pathways. Working at Pathways has allowed me to combine two of my favorite things, graphic design and helping young people.”