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Meet the Team 

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

Lorell Marin, M.Ed, LCSW, BCBA, DT, is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of LEEP Forward, a pediatric clinic that is innovative and focusing on a neurodiverse population. In 2001, she founded LEEP Forward. LEEP Forward is a  developmental therapy clinic and therapeutic preschool. Lorell has always honored each child’s and families' individual differences and believes your approach also needs to be tailored. There is not just one way to provide support. LEEP Forward  was fueled by her expertise in multiple approaches to create individual programs that allow each child to become curious, confident life long learners themselves. 

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As a lifelong learner, Lorell has recently completed training to become an Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist and Trauma-Informed Care practitioner. Lorell started her career as a special education teacher and has trained in a variety of additional certification programs, including level 2 DIR(R) practitioner, RDI (Relationship Development Intervention), The Play Project, Mendability, SCERTS, TEACCH, Social Thinking programs, and more. Lorell continues to demonstrate her commitment to ongoing learning and development. Her biggest teachers have always been her clients. 

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Lorell prioritizes listening to her clients and honoring their journey. She knows that with the right support, the children she works with will take over the world, and that's a world worth creating.This evident with her latest endeavor which includes creating innovative programming that continues to support her clients as they grow, including teen and adult programming.

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Elena M

Chief Operating Officer 

Elena is the Chief Operating Officer and Administrative Executive at LEEP Forward, where she is deeply committed to ensuring that families feel taken care of and supported throughout their journey. Her passion for the organization shines through in her dedication to nurturing both the staff and the community, making LEEP a special place for all involved.

Born in Chicago and a graduate of DePaul University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Elena brings a strong sense of compassion and expertise to her work. Drawing from her personal experience in advocating for her own son and years of helping families find the resources they need, she is a trusted advocate for the community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and making her son laugh.

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Dana H, DT, MS

Chief Clinical Executive Director 

Dana is a credentialed Developmental Therapist and has been a Lead Therapist at LEEP Forward since 2013 and has also worked as the Transition Coordinator. Dana received her professional DIR-FCD Model certificate in Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Development through the Profectum Foundation. She implements the DIR® Floortime model in the therapeutic preschool groups. Dana received her undergraduate degree in ElementaryEducation from the University of Wisconsin and taught in the public schools in Aiken, South Carolina. Dana returned to Chicago and graduated from The Erikson Institute with a Master’s in Science with a focus in working with children with special needs. 

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Dana is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and in her free time loves to explore the culinary world of Chicago with her husband, Harley.

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Nick R 

Program Director 

Nicholas was born in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, with three brothers and a large family. When it was time for college he didn’t go far, receiving his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Nicholas has also received his DIRFloortime® certificate promoting basic functional emotional development and higher functional development through International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL).

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He first became a part of the LEEP family in 2013 by volunteering his free time, but it didn’t take long before he realized this work was his true passion and joined the team full time. Nicholas has moved and explored all across the states, living in both California and Boston working with all ages from infants to young adults but always seems to make it back to his true home, Chicago. One of Nicholas’s favorite quotes is, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” and loves to bring the fun, joy and play into every group and activity he is a part of!

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Leigh M, OTR/L 

Program Director 

Leigh received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Therapeutic Studies and Occupational Therapy in a 5-year accelerated program at Boston University.  After earning her Master’s degree, Leigh moved back to Chicago for her clinical fieldwork rotations. Though pediatrics was her original passion, Leigh wanted to gain experience working with a variety of populations and spent the first 5 years of her practice working with adult and geriatric populations in hospitals, inpatient rehabs and skilled nursing facilities. 

 

Leigh joined the LEEP team in 2017 and has worked her way up from an occupational therapist to a senior occupational therapist and most recently has transitioned into the role of Program Director. During her time at LEEP, Leigh has learned and accomplished so many things! She loves working with and learning from a multidisciplinary team approach and has focused her continuing education on sensory based movement disorders. In addition, Leigh has a passion for sensory friendly and inclusive design within homes and businesses and has enjoyed helping families design sensory play rooms within their homes.  

 

In her spare time, Leigh enjoys exercising, interior design, spending time with family and friends, and traveling the world!

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Shana T, M. Ed, DT

Program Director 

Shana has her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Special Education. Shana started working at Leep Forward in 2016, and worked as a lead teacher for 5 years at Leep Forward. For the past two years Shana has been a special education teacher in public and charter schools in Chicago. After two years away, she decided to return to her home at Quantum Leep Academy & Leep Forward! Shana is excited to return as the Program Director, and continue to use her passion of collaborating academics with the DIR and ABA models. Shana believes In order for any learning to take place, strong and meaningful relationships are the foundation. all learning can be fun and engaging! In order for any learning to take place, strong and meaningful relationships are the foundation.

 

This past summer Shana got married in Chicago to her now husband, Michael! In her free time you might find Shana playing with her dog Rigby, spending time with her siblings, nieces, and nephews who live in Chicago, traveling as much as possible, and crafting of all kinds!

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Corrine P, OTR/L 

Occupational Therapist 

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. 

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Zoey Z, OTR/L 

Occupational Therapist 

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.

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Anthony P, LSW, MSW

Social Worker 

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.

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Ofelia R, MS, MSW

Social Worker 

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).

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Erin V, MS, BCBA

Clinical Supervisor 

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!

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Nico S, LCSW, BCBA 

Social Worker/Clinical Supervisor 

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.

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Yvonne C, LCSW 

Social Worker 

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!

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Brianna G, PT DPT

Physical Therapist 

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.

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Rachelle K, M.Ed., DT

Clinical Supervisor/ Developmental Therapist 

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.

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Alyse S, MS, BCBA 

BCBA/Clinical Supervisor/ ABA Department Head

Alyse grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion from Miami University of Ohio. Following her undergraduate studies, she returned to Chicago to further her education, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Ball State University. She successfully completed her master’s program and shortly thereafter achieved her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. 

 

Alyse brings a wealth of experience from both school and clinical settings, working with children and young adults of all abilities. She was inspired to join Leep Forward because of its innovative and dynamic practice model, which aligns with her passion for redefining ABA therapy beyond traditional, table-based methods. By integrating play-based strategies, she nurtures meaningful connections and crafts personalized interventions that cater to each individual’s needs. Her dedication to this progressive approach has shaped her into a compassionate, versatile, and highly effective BCBA. 

Outside of work, Alyse loves spending quality time with her family by hosting family holidays, traveling to new and familiar destinations (New Buffalo, Michigan being a favorite!), and discovering all that the city has to offer alongside her husband and 18-month-old daughter. 

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Heather V

Administrative Operations Coordinator 

Heather grew up in southwest Wisconsin and has made Chicago her home for over seven years. She received her Bachelor's Degree in English and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin before working as a paralegal in immigration and environmental law for several years. Through this experience, she discovered her love of working with people from all walks of life. Heather has enjoyed working with children volunteering in after school programs in the past, and is excited to spend more time in an academic environment at Quantum LEEP Academy. 

 

In her spare time, Heather loves crafting including knitting, crocheting and sewing, as well as hanging out with her cat/best friend, Errol.

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Kristell B

Medical Billing Specialist 

Kristell best known as Kris, Originally from Honduras, she moved to Chicago, where she now calls home. With 9 years of experience in the healthcare industry as a medical biller, she has developed a strong expertise in navigating the complexities of medical billing and insurance processes. Outside of work, she is a proud mother of two kids, and a pet owner to a dog and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys biking, exploring the city, and spending quality time at the park with her family. 

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Brittiny L

Medical Billing Specialist 

Bio Coming Soon...

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Aria K

Leads Coordinator

Aria was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her three younger siblings. After completing high school, she ventured to Chicago to pursue a BA in Psychology at Roosevelt University. There, Aria immersed herself in the vibrant academic community and developed a passion for learning more about human behavior. She sought to apply her knowledge and experiences in ways that positively impact others. Aria started at LEEP as an assistant clinician, then stepped up as a classroom lead facilitator, and now she’s taking on the role of Leads Coordinator.

 

Aria is thrilled to spread playfulness and support positive collaborations across all of our classrooms! In her free time, Aria enjoys spoiling her two cats, biking by the lake, spending time with friends, and taking trips to see her family.

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Quantum LEEP Academy
1447 W. Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL. 60613

(773) 944-0864

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