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JENNIFER LINK, M.S.ED, BCBA

CEO

Jen started her career in Orlando, FL working in a group home with children and adolescents with severe behavior challenges. After receiving her B.S. from University of Central Florida, went on to teach at Princeton House Charter School, a school for children on the Autism Spectrum.

She then earned her M.S.Ed in Applied Behavior Analysis from Simmons College in Boston, MA. Under the supervision of Dr. Michael Dorsey, she worked for a non-profit organization, Vinfen, working with individuals in day rehabilitation centers throughout Boston. Jen went on to work as a head counselor and assistant director at Camp Akeela, a summer camp for children with Asperger’s Syndrome. Most recently, she has transitioned from a large company specializing in in-home ABA therapy to start a business helping families on all levels.

Jen launched Roots Autism Solutions because she saw the need for a more personalized, compassionate support system for children with autism and their families.

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JILLIAN BURGARD, M.ED.

CFO

Jillian began her career in education as a teacher at the early childhood level, with a B.S. in Education from Florida State University. Driven to find solutions for students in her class who were experiencing learning and behavioral challenges, she obtained a Masters degree in Education from DePaul University.

Jillian spent over ten years within the Chicago Public Schools as a teacher, case manager, transition specialist, school and district administrator. Her multi-faceted knowledge of the school systems within Chicago and the surrounding suburbs allows Jillian to guide families through all processes of schooling, from entering at the preschool level, transitioning through all grade levels, and to transitioning out of school into the greater world.

Whether your child is struggling to learn or you do not know where to turn when navigating the school system, Jillian collaborates with your family and school to provide lasting solutions.

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JAKE HANSEN, M.S., BCBA

COO

Jake received his BA in Psychology from Illinois State University. During this time, Jake developed a passion for behavioral science and its many applications which led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Through his Master’s program, Jake was able to experience the implementation of behavioral therapy with a wide range of ages, skills, and settings. The culmination of these experiences led Jake to believe an individualized and collaborative approach to ABA produces the most significant results, which led him to work as a BCBA for Roots.

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SAM ANDERSON, M.S., BCBA

ASSOCIATE CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Sam Anderson received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Concordia University Wisconsin. During this time, Sam worked as a Behavior Technician at an ABA company that provided in-home services, where she was first introduced to ABA. Sam quickly found her love and passion for the field of ABA and knew she wanted to continue her professional career providing individualized services to children in need. Sam then earned her master’s degree in ABA at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology while also working as a behavior therapist within the clinic setting providing services to children on the Autism Spectrum. During this time Sam received her supervision from Roots where she was exposed to a variety of new skills. Since becoming a BCBA, Sam has loved working with a variety of children and families as well as her supportive team at Roots. Her passion for this field continues to grow each day and she loves working closely with families and seeing all of the kid’s progression being made.

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ALEXA STEIL, M.S., BCBA

ASSOCIATE CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Alexa received her bachelor degree in psychology and education from DePauw University. She worked at a behavioral intervention camp which sparked her interest into the field of behavioral sciences. She went on to get her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Through her master’s program, she worked as an RBT at Roots and gained knowledge through her supervision and direct experiences with clients. She looks forward to continuing her collaboration with her coworkers, families and other professionals as a BCBA and eager to see her client’s growth and development.

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HANNAH PAUL, M.S., BCBA

ASSOCIATE CLINICAL DIRECTOR, BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Hannah is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 5 years of experience working in behavioral health. Hannah began her career in ABA in 2019 working as a behavior technician with kids aged 4-years-old to 8-years-old. Hannah quickly found her passion and love for ABA and knew she wanted to continue in the field. She started her career by earning her registered behavior technician certification in October 2019 and continued on to earn her M.S. in applied behavior analysis from the University of North Dakota in December of 2021. Throughout her career she has worked with a diverse range of kids aged 2-years-old to 16-years-old and their families. She has a passion for teaching communication, whether through sign language, AAC device, or vocally, and independence as well as supporting families throughout their journey. Her love and passion for the field continues to grow as she watches her clients gain the skills needed to transition into the next phase of their lives.

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PAULA PEREZ, BCBA CANDIDATE

TRANSITION BCBA

Paula Perez earned her undergraduate degree in Human Services from Columbia College, where she built a strong foundation in supporting individuals with diverse needs. Her hands-on experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities during her studies ignited her passion for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Paula worked as a Behavior Technician for an ABA company, providing both in-home and clinic-based services. In this role, she implemented behavior intervention plans and collaborated closely with clients and their families to foster positive outcomes. Paula’s dedication and practical experience in ABA have equipped her with valuable skills and insights, furthering her commitment to enhancing the lives of those she serves.To advance her expertise, Paula pursued and completed an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis at National Louis University.

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OLIVIA MCVEY, M.S., BCBA

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST ADVISOR

Olivia began her career in Columbus, Ohio where she received her B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from The Ohio State University. She went on to work as an Outreach Provider at Haugland Learning Center where she provided home and school based education programs for children on the Autism Spectrum. It is there that she realized the importance of establishing meaningful relationships with the families and children she works with to create lasting solutions.

These experiences led her to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she earned her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis. During her education, she worked in multiple different environments including in-home, clinic, and school based settings providing ABA therapy to children ranging from 3 to 18 years of age. She found the most significant impact working in-home closely collaboratively with families, which led her to Roots Autism Solutions.

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ALLI ALBERT, M.S., BCBA

PROJECT MANAGER

Alli received her undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Miami University. She then taught kindergarten and was a school-based behavior therapist providing 1:1 support to a student with special needs. During that time, Alli was introduced to the field of ABA and found her passion for individualized services for children with special needs. This led her to pursue a career in ABA. She earned her master’s degree in ABA at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology while working as a behavior therapist providing services to children on the Autism Spectrum in home and clinic settings. Since becoming a BCBA, Alli has worked with a variety of children, families, and other professionals. She is dedicated to providing the best treatment possible and loves working closely with families to achieve their goals.

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JENN SEO, M.A., BCBA

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST, ASSOCIATE CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Jenn holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and fine arts from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Practice from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). While in undergrad, she worked as a group therapy leader for individuals in assisted living and rehabilitation centers across the Chicagoland area. Here, she gained valuable experience working with adults with diverse disabilities, including autism, traumatic brain injury, and speech/language impairment. Motivated by a commitment to working with children, Jenn transitioned to become a Registered Behavior Technician, delivering ABA services in both home and clinic settings for children on the autism spectrum while in graduate school.

Jenn is driven by a deep passion for delivering personalized and meaningful care, emphasizing a commitment to upholding client dignity and promoting cultural competence. She hopes to cultivate an inclusive and empathetic environment where clients and their families feel heard, valued, and respected.

Outside of work, her passions include animal rescue, handbuilding pottery, and cooking.

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MEGHAN JOHNSON, M.S., CCC-SLP/L

SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

Meghan received her undergraduate and graduate degrees for Communication Sciences and Disorders from Elmhurst University, graduating in 2020. Meghan began her journey within speech language pathology working with adults in a skilled nursing facility before rejoining her pediatric roots by working within a therapeutic day school and outpatient clinics. She has always had a passion for working with children, working as a camp counselor and teaching in daycares as a teenager and through college. Meghan has 4 years of experience as a speech language pathologist working with 0-18 year olds as well as with alternative and augmentative communication. Meghan loves working with children in their natural environment and collaborating with others through a play-based, patient centered approach to speech language pathology. She finds joy in her ability to support patients to find their voice and improve their ability to communicate effectively and efficiently through total communication.

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AMY PARKER, RN, MSN

PATIENT OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Amy’s background is in pediatric nursing, but once her son was diagnosed with autism she changed directions and went back to school to become a BCBA. Amy finished the academic portion of the BCBA program, and has worked as an RBT. Amy has a unique perspective of being a mom to a profoundly autistic child and an ABA therapist. Amy wholeheartedly understands how difficult life can be, and how vulnerable you can feel on a day to day basis.  Amy is excited to engage parents and provide resources that help to empower families. She is committed to providing a welcoming, supportive environment and to be a listening ear to those in need. Amy is dedicated to ensuring parents and families feel supported and never alone on this journey.

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ERIN FRAZIER, M.S., OTR/L

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Erin received her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University. She has always had a passion for working with children since she discovered Occupational Therapy.  Erin has 5 years experience working with 0-18 year olds  through Early Intervention and working at an Outpatient Clinic. Erin finds the most joy being able to help and collaborate with a whole team, and family to help kids and families meet their goals. Erin loves meeting kids in their natural environment and working on a play-based approach to Occupational Therapy Sessions.

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SAMANTHA BOYLE, M.A., BCBA

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Samantha earned her bachelors in psychology with an emphasis is behavior analysis at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. While earning her degree she worked as a behavior technician in early intervention both in home and clinic. Samantha developed a passion for the science of behavior and its impact on individuals and families. Samantha pursued her master’s degree at the University of Houston Clear Lake where she gained a variety of experiences working with various professionals and populations. She worked alongside families providing guidance in decreasing challenging behavior by teaching communication, daily living skills, and school readiness. Samantha worked with teachers in Houstin public school districts setting students up with skills to learn and training teachers in ABA principles. She is dedicated to continued education to better assist the families and the individuals she works with in exceeding their goals.

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JESSICA ROSE, M.S., BCBA

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Jessica haa been in the field of applied behavior analysis for 6 years. She began working in a therapeutic day school, where she assisted high school students. Later, Jessica went on to work with elementary school-age children. From there, she provided in-home ABA therapy, working with children aged 3-9. Jessica then spent time working in a clinic setting before transitioning to working with adults as a behavioral consultant. Jessica graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and graduated in 2021 with a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Jessica has always enjoyed helping others and discovered her passion for working with children with autism when she entered the world of ABA therapy.

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ROBYN BURGARD

CLINIC MANAGER

Robyn is a dynamic and multifaceted professional with a diverse background in administration, management, and entrepreneurship. Currently, she serves as the Clinic Manager at Roots, where she oversees all aspects of operations, from billing and payroll to HR, ensuring seamless day-to-day functioning and a supportive environment for staff and patients.

Prior to this role, Robyn honed her executive skills as an Executive Assistant for a large textile manufacturer, managing high-level administrative tasks, coordinating executive schedules, and facilitating cross-departmental communications in a fast-paced industrial setting. She also excelled as a Manager and Sales Lead for a prominent medical-based fitness center, where she drove revenue growth through strategic sales initiatives, team leadership, and client relationship management, contributing to the center’s expansion and success.

As a dedicated mother to a neurodivergent child, Robyn brings personal insight and expertise in navigating therapies, educational accommodations, and the school system, advocating effectively for inclusive support and resources. This experience has deepened her empathy and problem-solving abilities, which she applies across her professional endeavors.

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BERENICE VELASQUEZ, BCBA CANDIDATE

TRANSITION BCBA

Berenice brings five years of experience working in applied behavior analysis. She has always had a strong interest in helping others and in the field of psychology, which led her to pursue a career in ABA. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and completed an internship at an ABA clinic that sparked her passion for supporting children and families. Berenice has experience providing in-home and clinic-based services, with a strong focus on building daily living skills and communication. She recently completed her graduate program in ABA at National Louis University. She is committed to continued growth in the field and prioritizes assent-based and compassionate care, while collaborating closely with families and team members to support meaningful, individualized progress for each child.

ABA Therapists & Specialists

At Roots Autism Solutions, we provide individualized autism therapy services across the Northern Illinois area. Each child is thoughtfully matched with a team of therapists based on their unique needs, personality, and family goals. Our team includes specialists in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, all working together to help your child thrive.

Our Therapist Matching and Training Process

Experienced ABA Professionals

We begin by selecting therapists with a strong background and years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to ensure quality care from day one.

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Parent-Informed Therapist Matching

You know your child best! We actively recruit therapists who meet specific qualities or preferences shared by your family.

Certified and Trained Technicians

All therapists are either fully certified as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or undergo comprehensive training during our onboarding process.

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Ongoing One-on-One Supervision

Our therapists receive continuous support and professional development through individualized supervision with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and our training specialist.

Looking for Autism Therapy in the Chicago area?

Let us help you build a therapy team tailored to your child’s strengths and needs. Contact us today to learn more about our autism services across Illinois.

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