Crisler Lovendahl, M.A., CCC-SLP/L
Executive Director and Clinical Connections Director

Crisler Lovendahl is a speech language pathologist and child development specialist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wellesley College and her Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology from Northwestern University. Cris began her career in the Waukegan Public Schools in 1983 and remained there for 12 years; highlights of this experience include the creation of the model Headstart Preschool Language Classroom and the development of the district's birth-to-three early intervention program. Cris also worked at the Pediatric Alternatives in Creative Therapy (a clinic of Condell Hospital) where the benefits of working side by side with physical and occupational therapists proved invaluable. Cris began her private practice in 1995 with a focus on children with Sensory Integration Dysfunction and related disorders. She is a member of ASHA (American Speech-Language and Hearing Association), and is the mother of two boys.

Kari Becker is a special education teacher and educational consultant. Kari received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theatre Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University and her Master of Arts, in Special Education at University of Illinois at Chicago. She began her work with SpeechKids six years ago as a Play Partner providing social-emotional support in the home environment. Since then, Kari has assisted in the development of the Classroom Connection model and works closely with families and school staff to create effective and successful educational programs for children with special needs. In addition, Kari provides trainings for teachers and parents on such topics as: visual organization and scheduling, curriculum development for special needs children, independence in the learning environment and adaptations and modifications in the classroom. Kari is proud to work at SpeechKids with a staff that is truly devoted to the children and families they service.

Damon received his degree in Occupational Therapy from Winston-Salem State University. Damon has experience working with children on the autism spectrum, sensory processing disorders and ADHD and related disorders. For the past 4 years he has provided therapeutic services to children and adults with special needs at both a private clinic and a school specializing in teaching children with spectrum disorders. By leading social skills groups, providing recommendations within classroom settings, and involvement in the community, Damon has provided support to children in a variety of environments and capacities. He enjoys working with parents and children to improve each child's functional performance and quality of life. He believes we need to "meet the children where they are in order to take them to where we want them to be." Damon is excited to work collaboratively with the team at Clinical Connections to provide transdisciplinary support to children and their families. Damon focuses on regulation and engagement, visual-perceptional and visual-motor skills as well as visual-spatial-organizational skills, fine and gross motor abilities (strength, agility, and motor planning). Ideation, sensory processing, and sensory integration are also maximally supported.

Molly Reider is a Speech Language Pathologist who received her bachelor's degree in communicative disorders from BIOLA University and her master's in speech language pathology from California State University, Fullerton. She comes with experience working in the Los Angeles Unified school district and in early intervention programs for toddlers with communicative delay. Molly will be acting as therapist and consultant to the Speech Kids, Classroom Connection, Play Partners, and the North Shore Teen Center programs. She is delighted to be a part of such a creative and supportive staff.

Amy is a licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience treating children, adolescents and adults. She received her Masters degree in social work from Aurora University in 2002. She has been practicing social work for over 10 years and feels privileged to work with individuals and families who have struggled with social-emotional issues. Amy is the mother of two daughters and very excited to join the Clinical Connections team.