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.

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.

Holly Stubnar is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) dedicated to improving the lives of persons with special needs while practicing research-validated methods of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology from Ashland University in Ohio and a Master of Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University. In the last 7 years of implementing ABA, she has gained a multitude experience with the following populations: children with autism and other developmental delays in home and in school settings, foster children and foster parents, families dealing with abuse and neglect, adults with developmental disabilities in an institution and group homes. She is trained to assess, develop, and supervise both skill acquisition programs as well as programs aimed to reduce challenging behaviors for persons with autism and other developmental delays.

Shelly Weiss is a speech-language pathologist who received her bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and her master’s from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Shelly comes with experience working as a play partner at Clinical Connections throughout her undergraduate work at Marquette, as well as work experience in the Atlanta Public School district. Shelly will be acting as a therapist to the Speech Kids and Classroom Connections Day School and as a consultant to Classroom Connection, Play Partners, and the North Shore Teen Center programs. She is excited to be working with such a supportive team and to be back in the work environment where she developed a passion for speech therapy.