Staff Bios
Amy Grant – Speech Language Pathologist and Founder of Turning Wheels Pediatric Therapy
Amy Grant is a Speech Language Pathologist and Founder of Turning Wheels Pediatric Therapy. Amy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Purdue University and Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Marquette University. She holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is Illinois State licensed. Amy has over 19 years of experience working with children birth to 18 years old in an inpatient/outpatient rehab setting and private practice. She treats all types of speech and language disorders in children birth to adolescents however her passion and specialty is working with children birth to 5 years old. Amy resides in Wheaton with her husband and 3 children.
Ali McDonald – Speech Language Pathologist
Ali has many years of experience working with children with a variety of speech and language disorders, however, her passion is working with children with apraxia, articulation/phonological disorders, and autism. She is trained in several evidenced-based approaches including Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT), Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol, and Dynamic Tactile and Temporal Cueing (DTTC). Ali is listed in the Apraxia Kids directory of Speech-Language Pathologists as someone who has expertise in treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She has also received advanced training in DTTC. Ali has worked in several professional settings, including public schools, pediatric outpatient clinics, and early intervention.
Ali received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Vanderbilt University and graduated with her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University in 2008. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is licensed through the state of Illinois. Ali lives in Wheaton with her husband and four children.
Amber Hardy – Speech Language Pathologist
Amber Hardy received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Illinois University. She holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is Illinois State licensed. Amber has over 18 years of experience working with children birth to 18 years in a variety of settings including pediatric outpatient clinics, public schools, and early intervention. She also has experience in working in a therapeutic recreation environment. She treats a variety of speech and language disorders and has passion in working with children with articulation/phonological disorders, fluency disorders, and language delays. Amber resides in Winfield with her husband and 3 children.
Ashley Cooke – Physical Therapist
Ashley received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee after completing her undergraduate degree at University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. She is Illinois State licensed, and has gained valuable experience working in pediatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings. She has been working in pediatrics for over 7 years, has experience working with children with a wide variety of diagnoses, including neuromuscular injuries, genetic disorders, torticollis, and much more.
Ashley has extensive experience working with children in the aquatic setting, and has advanced work with adaptive equipment to support mobility (i.e. manual and power wheelchairs, gait trainers, standing frames, pediatric walkers, lower extremity orthotic management, etc.). She has achieved competencies in therapeutic taping techniques, casting interventions for lower extremities, and has taken continuing education courses supporting Neuro-Developmental Treatment. Ashley is passionate in working with children and helping to advance the practice of pediatric physical therapy. She lives in Naperville with her husband, young daughter and dog.
Ashley Minogue – Speech Language Pathologist
Ashley holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is Illinois State licensed. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Disorders from Northern Illinois University and her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Elmhurst College. Ashley has over four years of experience working with children of all ages in the school and clinical settings. She evaluates and treats a variety of speech and language disorders; however, her passion and speciality is working on early language development and articulation/phonological disorders. Ashley has experience using multiple different therapy approaches to fit the child’s needs and has specific training in PROMPT techniques. Her passion is building relationships with children and their families while creating a fun and safe space for kids to learn and grow!
Ashley Hettlinger – Occupational Therapist
Ashley earned her B.A. degree in Health and Human Physiology Health Promotion and a certificate in Disability Studies from the University of Iowa. She then earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. She is Illinois State Licensed and maintains NBCOT certification. Ashley has been practicing since 2021 in outpatient pediatrics and has experience with a variety of diagnoses including: Autism, ADHD and ADD, ODD, anxiety, neurologic disorders, spina bifida, CP, visual motor deficits, fine motor delays, executive functioning deficits, anxious and picky eaters, and toileting/potty training difficulties. Ashley enjoys making therapeutic tasks fun and motivating for the kiddos she works with. Also, she values addressing the whole child and incorporating the family unit into her service delivery in order to promote optimal progress and carry over to all natural environments. Ashley is the Special Interest Section co-chair for the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association, and she lives in Lisle with her husband and her Bichon Frise puppy, Holly.
Becca DeMoss – Speech Language Pathologist
Becca received her Bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Midwestern University. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is licensed through the state of Illinois. She has also received specialized training and certification as a Lactation Counselor through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. Becca’s clinical experiences include working with children from birth to adolescence in outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab, NICU, and acute care hospitals. Becca has treated and evaluated individuals with dysphagia, pragmatic language disorders, Articulation and Phonological Disorders, Language Disorders, Fluency Disorders, Aphasia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Neurodegenerative Disorders. She feels passionate about working with pediatric swallowing disorders and feeding difficulties, especially picky eaters. Becca currently resides in Wheaton with her husband and three children. Outside of work, she loves coaching volleyball, running, traveling, being outside, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Carly Mercurio – Speech Language Pathologist
Carly received her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and her Master’s Degree in Medical Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Washington Seattle. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is Illinois State licensed.
Carly comes from Michelle Garcia Winner’s licensed Social Thinking® clinic in San Jose, CA, where she treated children and adults with an emphasis on social-emotional development, perspective taking, organizational skills, flexible thinking, etc. She has completed training in The Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding. Carly also has four years of experience working with children of various ages and diagnoses. Carly’s greatest areas of professional interest include pragmatic language, feeding, and articulation.
Carly currently lives in Elmhurst with her husband, daughter, and chocolate lab.
Erin Luy – Occupational Therapist
Erin received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO after completing her undergraduate degree in Biology at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. She gained valuable experience working in inpatient and outpatient therapy settings at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton and has been working as an occupational therapy for 20 years. Erin has completed training in sensory processing, functional vision therapy, therapeutic taping, casting, splinting and modalities. She has experience treating children with neurological injuries and has completed and presented research on this topic. Erin also teaches classes in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program at North Central College in Naperville. She loves working with children and enjoys the challenge of making therapeutic activities fun and exciting. Erin lives in Wheaton with her daughter and son.
Halie Ybarra – Occupational Therapist
Halie received my Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois after completing her undergraduate degree at Indiana University, Bloomington. While at IU she received my bachelors in exercise science and minors in nutrition and psychology. Halie is licensed in the state of Illinois and maintains her National Board Certification of Occupational Therapy. Halie has a certification in Physical Agent Modalities and is also certified in SOS Approach to Feeding. She has experience working in all different settings such as a skilled nursing facility, adult outpatient clinic, sports medicine facility, and a hand clinic. She previously worked as a registered behavior technician working with children with autism in an ABA clinic prior to beginning graduate school. She enjoys working with children and finding new ways to make therapy fun! Connecting with families and seeing growth with the kids is what makes her love this job!
Karrighan Quick – Speech Language Pathologist
Karrighan is entering her fourth year as a practicing speech and language pathologist. She graduated from Illinois State University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology and has loved every communication adventure since! The privilege to improve communication skills and provide children with a voice is the most rewarding privilege for her.
Her greatest amount of experience comes from preschool-elementary school-age populations. She has been fortunate to work with children with diverse communicative abilities including some of the following: nonverbal communicators who utilize devices, articulation challenges, individuals who stutter, expressive/receptive language deficits, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, functional communication deficits, and so much more.
Having the ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others is why Karrighan chose this field and loves what she does! She feels beyond fortunate to work with children while they accomplish amazing things!
Kayla Donovan – Speech Language Pathologist
Kayla received her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Central Michigan University where she also completed Touchpoints Individual Level Training. Kayla also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences as well as a certificate in Disability Studies from the University of Iowa where she completed her undergraduate education. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed in Illinois. Kayla strives to make therapy a place where children look forward to coming and is always looking for new ideas to make therapy fun and engaging! Her professional areas of interest include fluency, pediatric feeding, and developing language skills. Kayla currently resides in St. Charles and when she is not working, she enjoys putting together puzzles, reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors!
Kelsey Kadlec – Speech Language Pathologist
Kelsey received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Speech Language Pathology from Miami University in Ohio. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is licensed in the State of Illinois. Additionally, Kelsey has completed a 28 hour training in Orofacial Myology. Kelsey has 9 years of experience working with children in various school settings (public, charter, therapeutic day) and private practice. For the last 6 years, Kelsey has been with Turning Wheels. Her areas of professional interest include: Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), speech sound disorders and pragmatic language disorders. Kelsey lives in Glen Ellyn with her husband, three children, and mini Golden Doodle.
Kellie Cosens – Family Advocate and Intake Coordinator
Prior to joining Turning Wheels, Kellie worked in the marketing research industry for 13 years before transitioning to be a stay at home parent. Her time is spent focusing on her two kids, both with therapy needs, and is highly involved in the day to day school and therapy updates and goals. She is active in the PTA and is the special needs liaison for her son’s school. Kellie is passionate about helping other families on their therapy journey which led her to start a support group for local parents who have gone through similar experiences and have the need for a sounding board. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and advertising from Michigan State University. Kellie lives in Wheaton with her husband and two children.
Kristin Tonn – Speech Language Pathologist
Kristin has Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois and a Master’s Degree in Communicative Disorders from Northern Illinois University. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is Illinois State licensed. Kristin has over ten years of experience working with children of all ages in the school and clinical settings. She evaluates and treats a variety of speech, language, and fluency disorders. Kristin sets a positive and encouraging tone during her speech therapy sessions, and enjoys making her sessions as motivating as possible for her clients. She believes that the best learning comes with fun! Kristin lives in Wheaton with her husband, two daughters, and golden retriever.
Madison Oberheide – Speech Language Pathologist
Madison is a certified/licensed speech-language pathologist and myofunctional therapist. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is Illinois State licensed. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Elmhurst College in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her Master’s Degree from Midwestern University in Speech-Language Pathology. Madison is the Clinic Director at our St. Charles location and thrives on building relationships with families and staff. Madison has experience working in a variety of clinical settings including acute care and in-patient rehab, Early Intervention and in the public school setting. She has experience providing speech, language and feeding therapy and specializes in myofunctional therapy for infants through young adults. Madison has a passion for working with children and their families and enjoys creating a fun and engaging learning environment for her patients.
Megan Sommerfield – Speech Language Pathologist
Megan received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Iowa and Master’s of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Saint Xavier University. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association and is Illinois State licensed. Megan has over 11 years of experience working with children/adolescents with a variety of speech and language disorders in both educational (public, therapeutic) and clinical settings. Megan has a passion for helping children communicate and especially enjoys working with school-aged children experiencing difficulty with articulation and receptive and expressive language skills. Megan sets a positive and upbeat tone during her speech therapy sessions and enjoys building connections with her clients and their families!
Megan Taddeucci – Speech Language Pathologist
Megan is a speech and language pathologist with strong interests in gestalt language processing, total communication (e.g., use of sign, gestures, spoken language, pictures, or AAC to meet wants and needs and express thoughts/ideas) and bilingual language (Spanish). She is certified in Natural Language Acquisition for gestalt language processors and provides therapy in both English and Spanish if preferred. She is very knowledgeable about augmentative and alternative communication devices (TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, Tobii Dynavox, Go Talk, etc.) and is a partner with Saltillo-PRC for assessment and use of speech generating devices within the clinic setting. Megan believes the best therapy is child-led and sensory regulated for support at every level of communication!
Shanna Platten – Occupational Therapist
Shanna received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Cleveland State University, in 2006 after completing her undergraduate work in Biology at Ohio University and CSU. She is a Illinois State licensed therapist, and maintains a NBCOT certification. She has been an Occupational Therapist for over 17 years – working initially in inpatient and acute rehabilitation then moving into pediatrics in the outpatient setting. Shanna has experience treating children with a variety of concerns including orthopediatic conditions, developmental delays, executive functioning concerns, and ADHD. She enjoys helping children reach their greatest potential for school readiness and independence with activities of daily living. She lives in Wheaton with her husband and 3 school age children.