Meet The IPT Team

Marlies received her B.S. in Neurobiology and Communication Disorders and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Cincinnati. Her graduate fellowship focused on preschool children with autism, utilizing visual teaching and total communication approaches. Marlies has delivered lectures at the Illinois Speech and Hearing Association (“The Do’s and Don’ts of Co-treating Children with Autism”), staff in-services and at the Autism Healthcare Forum focusing on the therapeutic treatments used for children with autism. She is trained and reliable in the assessment of young children with autism through use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Continuing education includes topics such as the Kaufman Apraxia intervention, Floortime, Relationship Development Intervention, Sensory Integration, feeding therapies, The Impact of Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nutrition in children with special needs and as well as the Picture Exchange Communication System. Medically complex concentrations have focused on Neurological anatomy, etiology identification and related risks or impairments. She has been with JCFS Chicago since March, 2000.

Megan received her B.A. in Communication and Sociology from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. She has been with JCFS Chicago since January of 2007, working with the Early Childhood Autism Academy (ECAA) for 3 years, then joining our Integrated Pediatric Therapies program in 2010. Megan’s past experience includes case management and residential services for adults and children with severe-to-profound disabilities. Continuing education and training include ABA and Discrete Trial Teaching as well as additional interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders such as Sensory Integration, Picture Exchange Communication Systems, various language eliciting strategies and training and extensive experience using the TEACCH method. She has also attended training through Early Intervention incorporating the use of everyday household items with children and their families during play and therapy.

Marci received her Masters of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy with honors from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has experience working in outpatient pediatric clinics, hospital settings and community mental health agencies where she designed social and life skills groups for children and adults with a variety of developmental, intellectual and mental health disabilities. Marci utilizes a combination of evidenced-based and creative sensorimotor strategies to increase client motivation, skill development, and overall family engagement in the therapeutic process. She has received specialized training in Yoga for the Special Child and Therapeutic Listening. Recent continuing education training also includes topics such as developmental disabilities, sensory processing disorders, social skills training, ADHD, family quality of life and coaching.

Marizela earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Lake Forest College. She has worked with many families and children in the Social Services field for over eleven years. She has worked with children with profound physical and developmental disabilities with an emphasis on children with (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder. Prior to working in IPI, Marizela worked as a T.A. in the Early Childhood Autism Academy through JCFS Chicago for two and a half years, which was based on the TEACCH method. Previous experience also includes work and internships at Laremont-SEDOL (Special Education District of Lake County), Arden Shore Child and Family Services and KGH Consultation and Treatment, Inc. In August 2010, Marizela began working in the IPI program as a skill building Paraprofessional. Currently, Marizela works with children and families in order to implement programs developed by certified IPI therapists. She sees clients in their homes, communities or on-site in the clinic. Some of the interventions she provides include: discrete trial, behavior management and modification, sensory integration, while also focusing on communication methods (i.e. oral, visuals, PECS), ADL’S (Assisted Daily Living Skills) and social skill building exercises. Marizela is also certified through the Illinois State Board of Education as a Paraprofessional and also bilingual being certified through Illinois Early Intervention Program, as both an Interpreter and Translator in English and Spanish languages. As a parent of three, she also strives to maximize the potential of each child and advocate for them alongside their families. Marizela has been with JCFS Chicago since February 2008.

Allison graduated from Saint Xavier University in Chicago with her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. She enjoys working with young children with motor-speech and language delays, and focuses on working with the entire family to promote healthy relationships by using global communication strategies, like gestures, baby sign language, picture exchanges, as well as verbal speech. Allison also works with adolescents on their reading and auditory comprehension, memory, and other school-related skills. She uses a combination of neuro-developmental play and structured language-based therapy to motivate children to communicate, learn, and be kids. Allison’s intern experience includes working at Southwest Cook County Cooperative Associate for Special Education, where she practiced therapies to help young adults with disabilities learn adaptive skills in order to live and work independently, and at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, which focused on infants with feeding aversions, bilingual children with Autism, and adolescents with head trauma. Allison has been working with IPI since August 2012 and works with children in both individual and group therapy.

Kristen received her degree in Masters of Occupational Therapy with high honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She has experience working in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation hospital settings with a variety of ages and diagnoses ranging from orthopedic issues to neurological disorders. She also has experience working in the public school setting and outpatient/home health pediatrics addressing issues including fine/visual motor development, handwriting skills, sensory processing/self-regulation and ADLs. She is trained in the Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum and the Sensational Brain program. Continuing education topics include Sensory Integration, pediatric taping and managing visual deficits.

Jennie Marble completed her master's degree in speech-language pathology at Northwestern University and her undergraduate work in psychology and linguistics with honors at Pitzer College. As Director of the Integrated Pediatric Therapies program, she has strived to build a team of neurodevelopmental specialists who provide high-caliber direct service and a program that meets the needs of the community. Jennie's clinical interests include medical complexity, developmental delays, and feeding and swallowing concerns. Jennie enjoys presenting and panel facilitation. She is certified through the Illinois Early Intervention Program. She has been with JCFS Chicago since 2007, and she sees clients in our Northbrook and Rogers Park offices, as well as in homes and in the community.

Jody Miller is a speech-language pathologist and clinical supervisor who has worked at JCFS since 2008. Jody regularly supervises student clinicians, recently earning a position as Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University. Her specific related interests include early childhood, motor speech development and autism. Jody is certified through the Illinois Early Intervention Program. In recent years, her clinical services have expanded to include providing neurodevelopmental consultation to local preschool programs. Jody holds both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Northwestern University. She provides services in our Northbrook and West Rogers Park clinics, as well as in homes, early childhood and community settings.

Valerie Seiffe is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with a bachelor's degree in speech and hearing science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Purdue University. She got her start at JCFS Chicago in 2018 and has additional experience as a school-based SLP in San Diego. Valerie is passionate about working with children from birth to 18, with a particular focus on early intervention and school-aged care. Her interests include neurodiversity-affirming practices and speech and language delays. She has taken specialized courses in Natural Language Acquisition and Gestalt Language Processing and has led social groups for both children and adults. Valerie sees clients at our Northbrook and West Rogers Park offices.