Lorell Marin
Founder/CVO 
 M.Ed, LCSW, BCBA, DT 

Kim grew up in upstate New York with her three siblings before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science, in Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Exercise Science. She fell in love with the idea of working with children and went on to get her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from The Ohio State University. During Kim’s doctoral capstone, she spent a year researching and implementing evidence-based, sensory-based interventions for youth who have experienced trauma. Throughout graduate school, she continued to work with children in a variety of contexts, from preschools, to community centers, to assisting with aquatic research. Kim loves using the power of play to communicate with children, helping them achieve their highest potential physically, emotionally, and socially. She recently moved to Chicago to start her career as an occupational therapist and is excited to be a part of the incredible LEEP Forward team!

During Kim’s free time, she enjoys discovering new restaurants in Chicago, fostering service dogs, and spending time outside with friends and family.

Alex was born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Speech, Language and Learning from Northwestern University. 

Alex is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships with her clients and their families to create an environment that promotes development. Alex has experience working with a wide variety of pediatric clients, including those with language delays and disorders, phonological and articulation disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. She’s a firm believer in the undeniable value of an interdisciplinary approach to care and she’s excited to be a part of the teams at both LEEP Forward and Quantum LEEP Academy. After work, Alex enjoys trying new restaurants around the city, listening to live music, and traveling with family and friends.

Nico was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. He then moved into the city of Chicago to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for both his undergraduate degree in psychology and his master’s degree in social work. Nico has extensive experience working with children with diverse needs in multiple settings including client’s homes, therapeutic clinics, and in-patient psychiatry. After working in these settings throughout his education and post graduation, Nico decided to further pursue his education within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and complete an additional master’s degree in ABA through Arizona State University where he graduated and became board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) in 2021.

 
Nico currently provides both social work and ABA services to children individually and within groups at Quantum Leep Academy where he continues to enjoy supporting children and their families achieve their goals.

Sara was born and raised in the north suburbs of Chicago before heading out to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for college. At the University of Pittsburgh, Sara graduated with her bachelor's degree in Health Services and her clinical doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy. Sara is passionate about providing occupational therapy services for people of all ages in order to help them achieve their highest potential. Sara worked at a therapeutic horseback riding facility for more than 10 years serving children and adults with social, emotional, and physical needs. Sara has since spent time in Chicago and New York expanding her knowledge in various settings including hospitals, inpatient rehab, home health, and outpatient services. Sara recently moved back to Chicago and is so excited to be part of the LEEP Forward team!

In Sara's free time she loves traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Corrine grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, where she attended Michigan State University. After graduating from MSU with a Bachelors in English, Corrine moved to Chicago to teach in Chicago Public Schools. Corrine received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from University of Illinois at Chicago in 2021 and began her career as an OT. 
 

As an Occupational Therapist, Corrine strives to use a neurodiversity affirming approach to help clients and families accomplish their personal goals. Corrine particularly enjoys participating in play-based therapy that incorporates the clients' own interests and strengths. In her spare time, Corrine enjoys playing board games and snuggling with her cats. 

Zoey was born and raised in the great city of Chicago. She moved to St. Louis where she attended Washington University in St. Louis for her undergraduate and graduate studies, earning her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2022. After earning her Master's, Zoey moved back home to Chicago and has worked in pediatrics ever since. She has a passion for providing client-centered and strengths-based therapy to meet clients where they’re at and to help them reach their fullest potential. Zoey’s areas of interest include sensory processing and integration, fine motor skills, and executive functioning.

In her free time, Zoey enjoys spending time outdoors, crocheting, and trying new restaurants in the city.

Abbey is from Moline, IL of the Quad Cities. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Speech & Hearing Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Master’s degree at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, UT. She has experience working with children on a wide variety of skills including expressive language, auditory comprehension, implementation of augmentative and alternative communication, phonological and articulation disorders, fluency, social skills, voice, and expanding their food repertoire. She believes that the only thing more rewarding than advocating for her clients is seeing her clients learn to advocate for themselves.

During her time in graduate school out west, Abbey fell in love with the outdoors and continues to enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring new places. She also enjoys embroidery, cooking, rollerblading with her dog, live music, and spending time with her pets.

Izzy was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago as the youngest of four children, however she has been back and forth between living in Texas and Chicago. Izzy received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX in May 2019. She received her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL in May 2021. Izzy holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed in the state of Illinois. Throughout her professional career, Izzy had the opportunity to work in the public schools and outpatient settings with children of all ages with a wide variety of speech and language disorders including receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, social skills, auditory processing disorders, and other developmental delays.

As a speech language pathologist, Izzy is committed to celebrating vulnerability, showcasing differences, finding commonalities, and employing creative techniques so that her clients can thrive at their own pace and in a style that suits them. Izzy is thrilled to be a part of the teams at both LEEP Forward and Quantum Leep Academy.

Emma is new to Chicago from the suburbs of Detroit. She received her Bachelor's degree at Michigan State University and her Master's degree in Speech Pathology at the University of Toledo in 2021, where she went on to receive her CCC's and become ASHA certified. Emma's past experiences include working with both children and adults with a variety of speech and language needs in both outpatient settings and within an elementary school environment.

Emma is excited to join LEEP and develop relationships with the students as well as their families. Encouraging differences is important to Emma and she is looking forward to collaborating within the transdisciplinary team to help foster every individual's needs!
In her spare time, Emma enjoys exploring the city, spending time with friends and family, and missing her two family dogs back at home!

Megan was born and raised in St. Joseph, Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Butler University and her Master of Science degree in Speech, Language and Learning from Northwestern University. She has experience working with children of all ages and skills, including those with articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays and disorders, implementing augmentative and alternative communication, fluency, autism spectrum disorder, and Down syndrome. Megan is interested in engaging children in therapy using evidence-based interventions and play-based approaches.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys farmers markets, Cubs games, baking, walking along the lake, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Megan is excited to be a part of the LEEP Forward team!

Lauren was born and raised in LaPorte, Indiana. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Butler University and her Masters of Science degree in Speech, Language and Learning from Boston University. Lauren has experience working with children of all ages and skills in the private clinic setting, public schools, and medical setting. She has worked with a wide range of speech and language disorders, including articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays and disorders, fluency, and autism spectrum disorder. She also has experience in both detection and intervention regarding feeding and swallowing disorders. As an SLP, Lauren is passionate about connecting with children and their families/caregivers in order to form a meaningful therapeutic relationship.

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Outside of work, Lauren enjoys trying new restaurants, going to sporting events, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family and friends. She is so excited to be a part of the LEEP Forward team!

Brianna grew up in Chicago, Illinois and just recently moved back from St. Louis, Missouri to continue her career as a physical therapist. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Education and went on to get her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. Brianna started her career as a physical therapist in an Assisted Living Facility and then transitioned into the school districts around the St. Louis area. Brianna loves challenging kiddos with gross motor activities and helping them maximize their potential. In addition to work, Brianna enjoys concerts, rollerblading, spending time with friends and family, and all things Disney.

Erin was raised in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. She attended Michigan State University where she received her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2019. She then moved to Chicago to attend The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she received a master's degree in ABA. In March of 2022, Erin passed her boards to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. After working at QLA as an AC for a little under a year, Erin continued her career at QLA as a BCBA. Throughout high school, college, and in her master's program she was lucky enough to have worked and volunteered in different settings and fields, such as hospitals, schools, clinics and camps, with children of all abilities and ages.

Erin has always loved working with children, and is so excited to continue that work at LEEP. In her free time, Erin loves to hangout with her dog Winnie, explore chicago with her friends, and watch MSU football!

Maddie was born and raised in Minnetonka, MN. She attended Miami University and received her bachelor’s degree in Special Education. While in school, Maddie discovered Applied Behavior Analysis while working at an educational placement center for learners on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities. Maddie went on to receive her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Throughout schooling, Maddie has worked with individuals ages 2 to 22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a Direct Support Professional, adaptive sports coach, respite provider, academic tutor, and social skills instructor. Maddie has most recently worked with learners on the autism spectrum ranging from 2 to 10-years-old within a therapeutic clinic setting providing ABA services. As a sibling of someone with developmental disabilities, Maddie understands the value of meeting learners and their families where they are, embracing their individuality and goals, developing strong trusting relationships, and teaching skills with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life.

In Maddie’s free time, she’s often spending outside time with her Australian Shepherd, Bodie. She also loves to hike, paint, cook, listen to podcasts, and spend time with friends and family.

Katrina Gainey, known as Kat, is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a deep commitment to supporting children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Kat earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Winthrop University and completed an accelerated Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a clinical practice concentration at the University of Houston-Main.

With five years of experience in diverse settings—including residential, private practice, outpatient, and educational environments—Kat has honed her skills in addressing socio-emotional development and emotional regulation. Her specialization includes working with children diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, OCD, and ODD. Kat is dedicated to staying current with the latest research and techniques to provide the most effective support for these populations. Kat has a strong background in organizing social skills groups, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and delivering individualized therapy and interventions. Her passion lies in advocating for all children, particularly those with neurodevelopmental disorders, to enhance their overall wellbeing.

Outside of her professional life, Kat enjoys traveling, listening to music, weightlifting, hiking, and cooking. She is enthusiastic about continuing her work with the exceptional professionals at Leep Forward and Quantum Leep Academy, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the children she serves.

Anthony was raised in the suburbs of Chicago. This is where he discovered his passion for working with children. He volunteered as a youth leader for four years at his church. After high school he moved to Texas where he received his bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University. Upon graduation he moved back to Chicago to pursue his master’s degree at Loyola University. Anthony has experience providing individual, family, and group mental health services to clients from a wide range of backgrounds. Nothing brings him greater fulfillment than bringing a smile to a child’s face and helping them navigate the struggles of everyday life.

In his free time Anthony likes to spend time in nature, hangout with his sisters, and read.

Ofelia was born and raised in Chicago, near Rogers Park. She graduated from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) with both a BSW and MSW, and is a licensed social worker (LSW). During her MSW program, Ofelia interned at an agency where she ran skills groups for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). During grad school, she was a mental health therapist for children and adolescents. Ofelia has always been passionate about working with children and adolescents. Before completing her BSW, Ofelia had also worked at a daycare and as a full-time nanny.

Outside of work, Ofelia enjoys being in the kitchen. She enjoys making new dishes and trying out new flavors. During the pandemic, she also picked up baking as a new hobby. She likes visiting different coffee shops and exploring new restaurants. Did I mention she is a foodie? She also enjoys reading mental health related memoirs. Although she may not be very artistic, she enjoys anything related to arts and crafts and playing instruments (and also going to concerts).

 

Bio Coming Soon...

Yvonne grew up in Maryland and moved to Chicago in 2021 to be near friends and family. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's in Sociology, focused on Law, Justice, & Social Change. Yvonne completed her MSW at the University of Maryland, completing internships in residential crisis and domestic violence mental healthcare. Yvonne has experience providing individual and group psychotherapy services to children and families in outpatient, residential, community, and therapeutic day school settings. She also taught literacy in Detroit Public Schools for 3 years. Yvonne is certified in Psychological First Aid, and Disability Inclusion & Accessible Design. She is passionate about social justice and creating therapeutic spaces where clients feel valued and supported. Yvonne has facilitated racial development groups, parent guidance sessions, and creative writing therapy groups. She loves working in pediatrics and supporting the intersection bewteen education, community, and therapy.

In her free time, Yvonne likes reading, baking, puzzles, and going on tour with her favorite band!

Rachelle grew up in southeast Michigan and received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Toledo and her master’s of Education from Ashland University. Prior to moving to Chicago, she lived in Columbus, Ohio where she taught 1st grade for 9 years years and worked as an Intervention Specialist through the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program for 2 years. As an Intervention Specialist she worked 1:1 in the homes for school aged children with Autism. When Rachelle moved to Chicago, IL she began working at Leep Forward as a Lead Therapist while pursuing her Developmental Therapist credential. She is now a Developmental Therapist Clinical Supervisor for Leep Forward and happy to be a part of the Leep Family! She enjoys working collaboratively with Leep’s comprehensive team to support the children and their families at Leep Forward.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and hiking.

Bio coming soon...

Brooke is a Chicago-based Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). After growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, Brooke went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University and her Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. Brooke has experience working with autistic individuals between the ages of 2-12 years old across clinic, home, and community settings.

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Her favorite part about of being a BCBA is getting to be a part of her learner’s growth as they progress in their independence and confidence! She is passionate about teaching functional communication, utilizing naturalistic teaching styles, and fostering unique interests in each of her learners. 

In her free time, Brooke loves walking the Chicago lakefront and exploring new restaurants and bookstores in the city!