Laura Goltz OTR/L is the owner of Timber 
Ridge Pediatric Therapy, LLC. She has been practicing OT for 25+ years and has experience with all stages of life including: preemies in the neonatal intensive care unit, in-patient and outpatient pediatrics, pregnant mothers on bedrest, and with adults in in-patient and outpatient rehabilitation. Her areas of training include NDT certification, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, Kinesio Taping, sensory integration, Torticollis and other baby treatment, vision therapy, and the cardio-pulmonary system. Laura also provides parent coaching and enjoys helping families achieve a happy home!
Maria Koumantos, MS OTR/L has experience working with children from birth to 18 years of age in various setting including outpatient, home, and school based services. She is an Early Intervention provider and certified in the Therapeutic Listening program. Her areas of special interest include sensory integration, visual motor coordination, core strengthening, and vision therapy. She loves collaborating with families, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals as an integral part of a child’s success.
Rachel Morris OTR/L is our school manager. Rachel grew up working with children who had autism, hearing impairment, and other developmental disorders. She has experience working with kids who have autistic spectrum disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, traumatic brain injuries, brachial plexus injuries, burns, cancer, and premature infants. She is trained in Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) administration, Therapeutic Listening™, and Interactive Metronome™.
Ronna DeKoven, OTR/L, C/NDT is an OT manager. She has been practicing for 40 plus years in pediatrics first in the school setting and for the last 30 years in a clinic setting. Ronna has attended education opportunities meeting her clinical interests in evaluation and treatment of infants, children and adolescents. She has participated in professional training resulting in NDT certification and Sensory Integration Certification including administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT.) Ronna strives in her therapy sessions to incorporate play, enjoyment and motivation to engage a child in the treatment process. A primary component of the therapy plan includes collaborating with family members as well as members of the therapy team.
Madonna Nash, OTR/L, C/NDT, is a published teacher, clinical instructor, and world-renowned occupational therapist. She is a leader in the areas of neurodevelopmental treatment and clinical management of neuro-motor, musculoskeletal, and sensory processing throughout the lifespan. Madonna is devoted to assessment and treatment, consultation and
teaching throughout the world. Impacting and enhancing the life of families, therapists and children is her reward!
Katherine Jordan, MS, OTR/L received her masters degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She emphasizes collaboration with parents and other professionals to create fun, family-centered, and occupation-based treatment plans. She has experience working with children who have sensory integration dysfunction; autism spectrum disorder; down syndrome; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and hearing, vision, and cognitive impairments. She is passionate about pediatrics and helping her clients achieve greater functional participation in the activities they engage in everyday. Kate enjoys dancing and spending quality time with her large, loving extended family.
Yarelly Velazquez, MS, OTR/L graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with her masters in occupational therapy. She is passionate about working with children and families, and has gained experience using evidence-based practice in therapy. Yarelly is currently obtaining an occupational therapy doctoral degree, focusing her research on increasing awareness and quality of OT services for Latinx families. As a bilingual provider, Yarelly aims to enhance collaboration with Spanish-speaking families to improve client-centered care. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, spending time with family, and trying new local restaurants.
Rayli Kanter, MS, CCC-SLP received her Master’s degree in Speech and Language from Lehman College and her Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language and Audiology from Stern College in New York. Rayli enjoys working with the pediatric population in order to promote growth in play, language, and social skills. She has experience working with children from early intervention through high school in clinics, schools, and in home settings. Her areas of interest include working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Receptive and Expressive language disorders, and social-pragmatic communication. She has training in the PROMPT method. Rayli will be providing speech therapy services in schools and in our Deerfield clinic. In her free time, Rayli enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family.
Sydney Ferstein, MS, CCC-SLP received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Speech & Hearing Sciences and went on to receive her master’s from Northwestern University in Communication Sciences & Disorders. She has worked with children age 3-19 years of age in a variety of clinical, school-based, and home settings. Sydney has experience evaluating and treating articulation and phonological disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, social pragmatic disorders, motor speech disorders, and fluency disorders. She will be providing speech therapy services in schools and in our Deerfield clinic. Sydney enjoys spending quality time with her friends & family and reading mystery-thriller novels.
Veronica Meza, MS, OTR/L ,graduated from Lewis University with her Masters of Science in occupational therapy. She loves learning about different cultures to promote diversity and inclusion as art of her pediatric work whenever possible. Veronica has varied pediatric experience including working with children who have autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing, vision, and cognitive impairements, and more. Veronica enjoys spending time with family, spending time outdoors, and trying new local restaurants.
Ashley Pak, MS, OTR/L, graduated from Lewis University with her Masters of Science in occupational therapy. Her passion for occupational therapy started while serving a volunteer at Timber Ridge before OT school! She has experience working with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings. Ashley strives to provide client-centered, evidence- based, and fun interventions to promote participation in daily routines and meaningful occupations. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, taking yoga and pilates classes, and engaging in self-care activities.
Jennifer “Jen” Dahms, MOT, OTR/L received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from North Central College. She has various pediatric experience and is familiar with diagnoses including ASD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, and more. Jennifer values providing client-centered and trauma-informed practice. She strives to foster a space that makes clients feel safe and comfortable to learn and grow! Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with her loved ones.
Suzanna Glowacki, MOT, OTR/L graduated from Saint Louis University with her Master of Occupational Therapy. She has experience working with children who have developmental delays, autism, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, feeding, and sensory processing difficulties. She uses evidence based practice and client centered care to help her families achieve their goals. She is fluent in Polish, enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and exploring different neighborhoods in Chicago.
Nicole Ruprich, OTD, OTR/L received her doctorate in occupational therapy at University of Michigan- Flint. She focused her doctoral capstone experience on researching infant development and implementing research into practice. She enjoys working with children and incorporating fun and evidence-based treatment plans into sessions. She is passionate about providing client-centered care and collaborating with families and other professionals to create interventions for each individual child. Outside of work, Nicole loves spending time with friends and family as well as exploring new cafes and shops in Chicago.
Dana Matasek, MS, OTR/L, MS, OTR/L graduated from Regis College with her masters in occupational therapy. She has experience working with children with diagnoses including Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, ASD, and cognitive impairments. She is passionate about utilizing a strength-based approach and collaborating with a child’s team to promote best outcomes. Dana enjoys reading, spending time outdoors and with family and friends.
Darlene Mazilu, our medical biller has over ten years of experience in the medical field. She started her career as a Medical Assistant and went on to become the Office Manager of a thriving Family Practice. From there, she moved on to a position managing a Physical Therapy office. She took some time away from the medical field and spent it caring for children in a daycare facility. Darlene is a mother of three who enjoys yoga, trying new cuisines and family movie nights.
Jenny Landsman,our office manager has over 23 years experience in the non-profit world dealing with project and program management to help enhance the community. She was the office manager of a thriving social service agency for over 10 years. Jenny is the proud mother of five wonderful children.