
Meet the Team

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. .
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.
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.
Dana H, MS DT
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.
Dana is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and in her free time loves to explore the culinary world of Chicago with her husband, Harley.
Elena M
Director of Billing and Insurance
Elena is the LEEP Forward Medical Insurance Advisor, Communications & Office Manager, helping families navigate through insurance benefits as swiftly and painlessly as possible. Born in Chicago, she is a graduate of DePaul University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. Elena brings a strong sense of compassion through her own experiences with helping her own beautiful son get the coverage he needs. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and making her son laugh. If you have any questions regarding medical insurance just ask for Elena or also commonly referred around the office to as “Diego’s Mom”.
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).
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!
Shana T, M. Ed
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!
Lindsey D, MS OTR/L
Occupational Therapist (Department Head)
Lindsey grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and received her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Lindsey also has a Bachelors of Social Work (BSW), which she received from Indiana University, Bloomington. Lindsey has enjoyed working at both LEEP Forward and Quantum LEEP Academy locations for the past 2 and a half years. Her demonstrated passion is to provide services to promote and support participation in everyday activities across multiple environments. She finds joy in seeing every child flourish and grow to their greatest potential. Lindsey has substantial experience with the DIR® Floortime approach, sensory processing, and feeding.
In her spare time, Lindsey loves traveling (to both warm and cold destinations!), exercising, and spending time with family and friends!
Katie L, OTD OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Katie grew up in Columbus, Ohio and just recently moved to the windy city to start her career as an occupational therapist. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Psychology from Ohio University and went on to get her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Katie spent time during her doctoral capstone researching evidenced-based interventions and strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to engage in daily occupations and has experience working with children with ASD during graduate school. Katie is interested in feeding and reflex integration and has plans to take courses to specialize in these areas. She enjoys being silly with kids and helping them maximize their potential through meaningful activities.
In addition to work, Katie enjoys concerts, walks/runs around the city, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and taking her pup, Lola, to the dog park.
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.
Izzy N, MS CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
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.
Kat G, MSW LSW
Social Worker
Katrina Gainey grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. She graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). She also completed a one-year accelerated program at the University of Houston-Main, where she obtained her to Master of Social Work (MSW). In her five years of working with children, Katrina has worked with children who have neurodevelopmental disorders in both residential and educational settings. Through this experience, she has developed a particular interest in helping this population with their socio-emotional development, and emotional regulation. She has had the chance to organize social skills groups while collaborating on multidisciplinary teams and conducting one-on-one interventions with kids who have neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Her passion is advocating for all children, while delivering therapeutic services to promote their overall wellbeing. She is excited to have an impact on the different children at Leep Forward and Quantum Leep Academy.
In her spare time, Katrina loves traveling, listening to music, weightlifting, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Anthony P, MSW LSW
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.
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!
Nico S, LSW 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.
Alex N, MS CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
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.
Michelle S, MS OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Michelle was born and raised in San Diego, CA. After high school she moved to the Pacific Northwest for college and attended the University of Washington, where she graduated with degrees in psychology and communications. Michelle spent several years working in sales before realizing that her true passion was working with children. She moved to Chicago in 2015 for graduate school and graduated from Rush Universities master's of Occupational Therapy Program in 2017. Michelle has been working with kids in various therapeutic settings ever since including: therapeutic day schools, outpatient clinics, private practice and hospitals.
Michelle has a passion for helping kids gain the skills they need to be more independent and successful in all areas of their life. She loves to use fun and meaningful activities to increase children’s motor, cognitive, and sensory skills so they can engage in life's every day activities with competence and confidence. When Michelle is not working she loves to spend time with her husband, two year old daughter, and mini golden doodle. She loves the outdoors, reading, and gardening.
Danielle W, BCBA
BCBA/ Clinical Supervisor
Danielle is from Northwest Indiana and received her bachelor's of psychology from Purdue University and a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from National Louis University. Danielle has worked with a variety of populations ranging from 2½ to 16 years old and adults from 27 to 75 years old. She thoroughly enjoys spending time with her clients and teaching them new skills that can help improve their quality of life.
When she is not working, she enjoys binge watching anime, learning about tea, working out, and playing with her dogs. She strongly believes that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, and/or mental capacity.
Sarah E, MA LPC NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah attended Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis for her bachelor’s degree, where she majored in Sociology. While in school, Sarah worked as an Educational Professional with a variety of age groups as young as infants to adolescents. She also was a Direct Support Respite Professional who worked closely with adults and children with disabilities and their families. After 12 years of working as an Educational Professional and as a Direct Support Respite Professional, Sarah discovered that she was interested in helping others in the context of navigating their personal challenges. To accomplish this, she pursued her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Attending Adler University, Sarah graduated with her master's in 2022. During her time at Adler University, she worked as a community service intern where Sarah mentored children and adolescents at the Howard Area Community Center. Sarah also completed her clinical internship with The Schools Group by providing individual, crisis, and group counseling psychotherapy services with children, adolescents, and adults.
Sarah approaches clients with warmth, empathy, and compassion by seeking to understand what they are going through. She feels it is indeed an honor to walk alongside every one of her clients as they share their journey. Sarah values working collaboratively and having strong therapeutic relationships with clients and families, so that together, we can explore the areas where they need help in reaching their greatest potential and increasing clients’ overall well-being and happiness.
In Sarah’s free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends and loved ones, trying new foods, cooking, traveling to new places, working out, listening to music, going to comedy shows, and watching some good Netflix shows.
Kaira L
Assistant Clinican
Kaira was born in Colorado Springs, CO and moved around as a kid and lived in Germany, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and then back to Colorado. Kaira graduated from the University of South Dakota in May of 2021; with a bachelor's in Criminal Justice and Sociology. In college, Kaira was able to go on a AWOL trip to Chicago to learn about domestic violence and do volunteer work. When Kaira was in Chicago she fell in love with the city and hoped to live there one day. After graduating college, Kaira moved to Appleton, Wisconsin to work at a Boys and Girls Club. Kaira worked with teens specifically and was able to learn how to form meaningful relationships with youth. After some time, Kaira transitioned to a different company, as a Youth Support Specialist. In this role, Kaira was able to work one on one with youth on different goals and skills. After living in Appleton for a year; Kaira's partner got a job in Chicago and they decided to make the big move.
In Kaira's free time she likes to hangout with her two cats; Rain and Coral. Kaira likes to paint, read, garden and watch movies. Kaira loves to explore the new city and cannot wait to see everything Chicago has to offer!
Celeste D
Assistant Clinician
Celeste is a Chicago native. She received her undergraduate from Northeastern Illinois University, in which she obtained a double major of Psychology and Sociology. Currently, she is studying at North Park University in which she will obtain her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In the future she would like to become a licensed therapist that caters to children and adolescents.
Celeste always encourages a playful and respectful environment for a child's development. She believes that children learn about themselves not just through biological and physiological changes, but also through external factors including relationships and play! She believes her life would be incomplete if she isn't working with children. In her spare time she loves to binge watch Netflix, try new restaurants and thoroughly enjoys reading or having a cookout with her family!
Andy A
Assistant Clinican
Pronouns: They/Them
Andy started working at QLA in June of 2022. They got their bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in mental health, and is currently also getting their master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling! Andy loves working with kids/adolescents, and wants to continue to work with that age group throughout their career.
"This was my first job I got that was related to what I wanted to do, and this has really solidified that I’m heading in the right direction. Working with kids is truly what I feel my purpose is. I love building connections and relationships with the kids around me, figuring out their needs and wants, no matter what level of communication they are currently at. I adore all of the kids in the program and seeing their growth from when I first started until now brings more joy to me than anything else."
Outside of work, Andy plays rugby as their favorite way to relieve any negative emotions (as well as just loving the sport for what it is)!
Jada B, BA RBT
Lead Classroom Facilitator/RBT
Jada was born in Cleveland, Ohio however moved to Chicago during grade school. Jada attended The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology. Jada has always loved working with children since she started babysitting in her teen years. Jada has always had a passion for working with children, whether it is volunteering at a preschool or becoming involved in her church’s youth group. After college, Jada worked in the Chicago public school system as a Teacher’s aide working with children from preschool through elementary school.
In the future, Jada plans to go back to school to earn her master’s degree in Psychology and continue working in the behavioral health field.
Rebeca L
Assistant Clinican/ Developmental Therapy Intern
Beca, as she is mostly known, was born and raised in Ecuador. She received her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the university UDLA in Ecuador. She moved to Chicago in 2017 to work as an Au Pair for two years and then went back home to work as a teacher’s assistant and an ESL elementary teacher. Now she's back in Chicago to pursue her master’s degree in Child Development, Special Needs Concentration from the Erikson Institute.
Since she was very young, Beca and her family enjoyed volunteering at summer camps for children with special needs and in different orphanages. As well as traveling to help children of low resources in different parts of Ecuador.
Alicia G
Assistant Clinican
Alicia grew up and resides on the south side of Chicago. She received her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Alicia has continued her studies, towards earning her Masters Degree at Erikson Institute in Child Development. Alicia’s passion for servicing families and children started as volunteer work With the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Alicia has also worked closely with children ranging in age of infancy to school aged.
In Alicia’s spare time she likes to take on fun DIY projects and spend time with friends and family.
Isabelle L
Assistant Clinican
Isabelle or Izzie grew up in Skokie. She received a bachelor's in Neuroscience from Baylor University in Waco, TX this past May. Izzie has always had a passion for working with children and has worked with different age groups throughout her life whether it be volunteering at a summer camp or tutoring kids one-on-one. She plans to further her education after taking a gap year and hopes to pursue a master's in behavioral analysis and become a BCBA.
When Izzie is not working, she likes to read, listen/play music, and bingeing shows.
Beca L
Assistant Clinican
Beca, as she is mostly known, was born and raised in Ecuador. She received her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the university UDLA in Ecuador. She moved to Chicago in 2017 to work as an Au Pair for two years and then went back home to work as a teacher’s assistant and an ESL elementary teacher. Now she's back in Chicago to pursue her master’s degree in Child Development, Special Needs Concentration from the Erikson Institute. Since she was very young, Beca and her family enjoyed volunteering at summer camps for children with special needs and in different orphanages. As well as traveling to help children of low resources in different parts of Ecuador.
In her free time, Beca likes to spend her time hanging out with friends and family, watching movies, riding her bike, playing soccer, and painting.
Lea M
Assistant Clinican
Lea was born and raised in Illinois. Lea is passionate about helping the growth with her clients, and fostering meaningful relationships with clients and families. She is a firm believer of inclusion.
After work Lea enjoys spending time with her son and family, listening to music, trying new activities, and looking for new recipes to cook.
David M
Assistant Clinican
David Munoz is recent graduate from DePaul University. David is currently in the process of obtaining his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at DePaul. Being a Chicago native, David has experience working with children in Chicago Public Schools under the Cities Mentor Project. Working with kids in communities across Chicago, David enjoys working as both a friend and a mentor, and is eager to work with LEEP Forward at Quantum Leep Academy and help whoever he can.
In his free time, David loves to exercise, write, play games, and play piano. David is beyond thrilled to learn and grow as a person within Leep Forward!
Olivia T
Assistant Clinican
Olivia was born and raised in Park Ridge, a suburb of Chicago. She went on to attend the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) to study both psychology and sociology. Olivia is driven by the rapport she builds with clients and their family's, helping to create a collaborative therapeutic experience for everyone. She has always had a passion for working with kids, however began working as a travel behavioral therapist for kids on the spectrum and that opened the door at QLA for her.
Olivia has been with the company for over a year now and is very excited to help contribute to her clients growth!
Daisy R
Assistant Clinican
Daisy was born and raised in the south side of Chicago. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration of personality, and a minor in Communication from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Daisy plans on continuing her studies and going to graduate school in a couple of years. All throughout High School, she did different volunteer work such as helping out at school events, volunteering at after school camps for different locations, and plans on doing more volunteer work soon. Daisy has always had a passion to help others in different ways, and learning about how to grow in different ways, and is excited to gain more experience at LEEP.
In her free time, Daisy enjoys watching different kinds of movies - whether it is scary or comedy. One of her favorites include Harry Potter or Halloweentown movies. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and last, but not least.. Her dog. She also enjoys going on walks, listening to music, and going out to new places with friends to try out new food and to create new experiences.
Teena R
Assistant Clinican
Teena is looking forward to starting her educational journey and plans to enroll at Truman College this spring to start her pursuit of a B.A degree. Teena has personal experience working with individuals with developmental differences, as her brother has Autism.
She is excited to be taking her first official step in her learning journey in this field working as an Assistant Clinician at QLA!
Jasmine M
Assistant Clinican
Jasmine was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. She holds a certificate in Social Work, is a Certified Nursing Assistant, and a Registered Behavior Technician! Jasmine graduated from North Park University in 2019 with a Bachelor's in Psychology. Having dipped her toes in many different careers, she hasn't quite decided what degree to get her Master's. Currently Jasmine is debating between OT, ST, Education, Social Work, or Family Therapy and is hoping to explore several of these fields as she joins the LEEP team.
When not working, Jasmine is with her daughter doing all things toddlers do! On the rare occasion she's not with her, you can find her enjoying family game nights and silent car rides!
Jacqueline P
Assistant Clinican
Jacqueline was born in Colorado and has lived in Chicago for four years. She attended Loyola University Chicago where she earned her Bachelors in Psychology and Educational Policy. Throughout her undergrad, Jacqueline has worked with students in various school settings including after school, summer camp, and assisting day to day in school activities.
In her free time, Jacqueline loves to dance! She has training in dance styles including hip hop, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballet, and tap. Jacqueline currently directs a dance company, teaches hip hop classes, and is a part of a professional hip hop team in Chicago.
Mariah M, MSW
Assistant Clinican
Mariah attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as a first-generation student, for both her Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work (MSW) degrees. Her MSW has a Clinical Concentration with a focus on mental health. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge and experience while working at LEEP Forward at Quantum Leep Academy. Mariah strives to promote the destigmatization of mental health and create safe and brave spaces for those she works with. She is currently working towards receiving her License of Social Work and plans to obtain her License of Clinical Social Work.
Mariah was born and raised in Chicago and is one of the oldest amongst her 9 siblings. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, weightlifting, laughing, listening to music, watching movies, spending time with her family and friends, and dancing. Mariah also hopes to travel outside of the United States more frequently and has a lifelong goal of seeing the seven wonders of the world.