Our Administrative Team
Meet our Administrative team of Office Managers, Receptionists, Human Resources, Data Collection, Administrative Assistants, Billing Specialists, Facilities, Marketing, IT, and more. Our highly qualified and knowledgeable admin support Blue Bird Day, Eyas Landing, and Merlin Day Academy to help your child achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential.
Laura M
Executive Director, Occupational Therapist
My Story
"I discovered the field of Occupational Therapy when teaching English in China in 2003. While a preschool teacher in Shanghai, I was fortunate to work with a young child with autism and his occupational therapist. The experience changed my life and after returning back to the USA, I was determined to become a successful occupational therapist and make an impact on young children’s lives. In 2007, I established Eyas Landing where I first provided developmental therapy services for children in Early Intervention and have since grown the company to offer a wide range of therapy services that are provided in the clinic, home, school, daycare and virtually. While working with families across these settings, my colleagues and I noticed a need within our community for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary preschool program and established Blue Bird Day in 2014. I opened Merlin Day Academy in 2018 to provide a supportive and therapeutic environment to continue learning after preschool and kindergarten, for children ages 6-14. It’s been an amazing journey since the moment I knew my calling and I couldn’t be happier that I not only listened but have accomplished exactly what I am meant to do."
Rob M
Chief Financial Officer
My Story
"Rob Mraz began his career in China after graduating in Economics from New York University. While abroad, he gained experience advising American companies on establishing businesses in China and gained working knowledge of the Chinese Mandarin language. Once back in the USA, Rob worked as a commodities trader at the Chicago Board of Trade, gaining a well-rounded experience in electronic trading. In 2014, Rob joined Laura full time to serve as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Eyas Landing, Blue Bird Day, and Merlin Day Academy. Rob’s international business and financial experience has brought a tremendous advantage to our organization."
Erin D
Director of Administration
My Story
"One of the first things that struck me about the organization was how much progress and growth we get to be a part of. Everyone fully commits to clients making progress towards their goals and commits to their own personal and professional growth, and improvement of our community. I was hooked after my 2nd week here when a client made eye contact and smiled for the first time – it was a huge moment for him and our whole team and his development just took off from there. This is what I still love about our organization. I learn something new everyday and I’m surrounded by a community that wants to always do the best we can."
Clinical Expertise
Urban & Multicultural Education, Special Education, and Sociology.
Jalesa H
Assistant Director of Administration
My Story
"Volunteering at my church’s youth summer camp and working at the LEGO store lead me to look for a career working with children."
Credentials and Certifications
Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention Certified
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Minor in African American Studies -- Roosevelt University
Krickett P
Administrative Manager
My Story
"As a student, I volunteered with a community organization in Ohio that assists individuals with visual impairments and Autism spectrum disorder. Through this work, I became aware of how difficult it can be for families to access the specialized care and resources they need in order to ensure that their loved ones are able to thrive and lead independent lives. I’ve always been passionate about human rights and inclusiveness in society, so my mission is to be an informational resource and advocate for minorities and other individuals who may be unsure of where to turn for support."
Professional Goals
"My goal is to continue expanding my professional background in healthcare management and program development. I believe everyone deserves equal access to care and want to continue developing high-quality channels of access for these needs to be met in society."
Alex C
Administrative Manager
My Story
"I had just moved to Chicago after finishing graduate school in Boston and I wanted to build administrative experience in a field advocating for families and their health needs."
My Blue Bird Day
"I joined Blue Bird Day in January of 2020 and what interesting years they’ve been! I’ve definitely been glad to work with a positive and flexible team and I’ve learned a lot about being adaptive as an organization."
My Professional Goals
"I ultimately want to work in administration and/or research for an organization committed to ending hunger, eliminating poverty, and/or restructuring local/regional food economies."
Julia R
Senior Administrator
My Story
"I always loved working in a child/pediatric setting and was part of a pediatric clinic in Indiana for 10 years as the Billing/Administration Manager. I am passionate about advocating for children with special needs and have a couple family members with special needs as well. To be able to get services approved and flowing for these kids is a joy and is so rewarding to hear when they’ve made strides and progress."
My Eyas Landing
"I’ve worked at Eyas Landing for years now and have learned and have grown so much. Everyone here is so innovative and passionate about what they do and it is awesome to witness!"
Kristen P
Office Manager, Wheaton
My Story
"I have been in the Western Suburbs working with youth and families in a variety roles since my professional career began. I have worked with the YMCA overseeing the preschool, summer camp, and before and after school program administration. I have been with various soccer clubs as a coach and administrator as well as a program manager at Player Indoor Sports Center. The creation and implementation of organizational systems has always been a passion for me and I have enjoyed watching the growth and development of the programs lead to the enhanced experience of the youth and parents."
Professional Goals
"My goal is to use my experience and passion for working with families to foster a positive start to finish experience of each family and therapist at Blue Bird Day, Wheaton."
Cindy A
Office Manager, Northcenter
My Story
"I’m originally from central Indiana and graduated from Ball State University where I studied hospitality management. I started my career at Lincoln Park Zoo managing guest services staff and providing assistance to zoo patrons. Though I loved the excitement of the zoo and fun of working daily with the public, I ultimately decided to take a leave of absence from this position and spent 9 years raising my two sons. Over that time I enjoyed spending my days with children and became involved in the community at Ravenswood Elementary School. I’ve always enjoyed providing assistance to people and putting my organizational and logistical skills to use so administration feels like a natural fit. As a parent, I’m looking forward to meeting all of the families while watching their children grow and develop daily!"
Professional Goals
"I am excited to gain more administrative experience and would like to pursue a career in human resources or data analytics in the future."
Alaina S
Office Manager, West Loop
My Story
"I decided to work with Blue Bird Day because I want to use my HR, administration, advocacy, and recruiting skills within an agency that works with a community that I’m extremely close to and passionate about. I have seen how critical it is for families to have resources and support, so it’s important to me to know that my employer and fellow team members are all working together to help families and meet the same goals."
Professional Goals
"I’d like to continue to improve upon my recruiting skillset to provide the center with the best talent and support. I hope to grow within Blue Bird Day as a manager and eventually take on more responsibility and leadership."
Jordi P, M.H.A.
Office Manager, Avondale
My Story
"After becoming a father, I have had my eyes opened to all the ups and downs of parenthood. My son went through a time where he needed some Occupational Therapy and it showed me an area in life where I want to make a difference for all children. With a background in veterinary administration, I felt it was a natural fit to find myself with Eyas Landing."
Professional Goals
"To provide an environment that is just as beneficial for the children as it is for the therapists, and support staff."
Education
Master in Healthcare Administration, National Louis University
Matteo G
Office Manager, Eyas Landing
My Story
"From a young age I knew that I enjoyed helping others, especially in a healthcare setting. In my college career I was undecided whether or not to pursue the clinical or administrative side of healthcare. After having experienced both areas, I realized that my passion was in healthcare administration. I really enjoy coordinating with patients, clinicians, and administrative personnel in order to give the best care and comfort for our patients and their families. "
My Eyas Landing
"I’ve been a member of the Eyas Landing and Merlin family since 2021. It has been an honor to watch both companies grow and positively effect so many families around the Chicagoland area."
Clinical Expertise
Scheduling, Billing, Benefits Verification, Insurance Authorization Verification
Omega B
Scheduling Lead, Administrative Assistant
My Story
"I have experience as an academic tutor/support personnel for ages ranging from elementary to college age students. I am passionate about supporting others and ensuring that they have access to the tools they need to succeed and excel. I chose to be a part of the admin team to gain administration experience and grow in the variety of opportunities offered at Blue Bird Day."
My Blue Bird Day
"I believe in the work that Blue Bird Day does. I am excited to be a part of an organization that focuses on supporting children and families."
My Professional Goals
"I plan on pursuing further education in a Master’s or PhD program related to Gender and Sexuality Psychology. I ultimately want to work in or create an organization that works on improving education and health for LGBTQ people."
Abigail T
Scheduling Lead, Administrative Assistant
My Story
"My name is Abby and I am an Administrative Assistant (Scheduling Team) for Blue Bird Day Northcenter. To tell you a bit about me, I graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2019 with my Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a minor in Education. After spending the past two years as a daycare teacher, I realized just how much I love working with children. I am passionate about meeting kids where they are to help facilitate their growth and development. I was excited to find a place like Blue Bird Day that does just that! Before becoming a teacher, I spent time as an Administrative Assistant at Columbia College Chicago. I enjoyed assisting all of the staff in the Development and Alumni Relations Office, and am excited to do the same here!"
My Blue Bird Day
"I started as a Receptionist in May 2021 and transitioned into the role of Administrative Assistant in July 2021. Blue Bird Day is a community that promotes collaboration and growth and I have enjoyed working for this company."
Jonelyn G
Billing Lead, Administrative Assistant
Peer Testimonials
"Jonelyn is doing an awesome job assisting our families with all of their billing concerns in her role. Great job, Jonelyn!"
"Jonelyn is always willing to help in anyway she can and is a billing wiz!"
"She is so helpful and so patient when you go to her with a problem. She also reaches out to make sure none of us are drowning!"
"Jonelyn always gets things done very quickly which is greatly appreciated and so helpful!! She is also very efficient."
Emery H
Merlin Lead, Administrative Assistant
My Story
"I am passionate about the effect that positive administration can have on an organization, and am excited to bring that energy to Blue Bird Day."
My Blue Bird Day
"I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, and greatly benefitted from supportive adults in my life. I am so happy to be a part of that support network here at Blue Bird Day!"
My Professional Goals
"My goal is to create a welcoming and communicative environment that allows people to be their best, most creative selves."
Matthew G
Administrative Assistant
My Professional Goals
"My professional goals are to work as an administrative assistant and eventually move into working as a scheduling specialist."
My Education
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Communication/Public Administration, University of Illinois at Springfield
My Credentials and Certifications
Friends of University of Illinois Springfield Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Liz C
Administrative Assistant
My Story
"After working as a rehabilitation aide, I wanted to gain more knowledge on the administration aspect."
My Professional Goals
"To maximize effective and efficient healthcare systems for everyone."
Clinical Expertise
Physical Therapy Aide & Occupational Therapy Aide
Education
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management, University of Illinois at Chicago
Leslie J, LPC, NCC
Administrative Assistant
My Story
"I knew I wanted to be a therapist since I was young because I’ve always been interested in hearing people’s life stories. I went to graduate school at Boston University to become a mental health counselor and while completing my internship at an adolescent partial hospital program, I realized that I loved working with kids and young adults! I’m passionate about early intervention and providing our young ones with the tools that they need to grow into healthy and happy adults."
My Blue Bird Day
"My niece attended Blue Bird Day for two years and showed so much growth throughout her time here. She had such a positive experience and loved all of her therapists. I was able to experience the energy of Blue Bird Day firsthand when I attended her graduation ceremony. It was so cute, and you could tell that the therapists cared for the kids so much. That’s when I knew Blue Bird Day was an organization I’d be happy to contribute to."
Olivia E
Scheduling Administrative Case Manager
Peer Testimonials
"Just wanted to send Olivia a shout out and huge thank you for all of her hard work at the front office! She's doing a great job following up with parents on their enrollment questions, intake forms, and scripts. It's not always easy to get parents/doctors' offices to fill things out, so I am extremely grateful for her thorough follow up. She's kind, professional, and caring when speaking with clients and I appreciate it so much!"
Natalie M
Administrative Assistant
My Story
"I have a long history in the healthcare field. Before this, I worked for a medical group with Amita Health as an office coordinator. Prior to this, I worked for Select Rehabilitation for about 3 years as a back up program manager. I started out as a rehab tech and worked my way up. I am currently looking to keep working in a more administrative atmosphere."
Melissa M
Administrative Assistant
My Story
"I’ve always been highly organized and enjoy problem-solving. An administrative assistant role allows me to utilize these skills to ensure smooth operations and support the team effectively!"
My Professional Goals
"Overall, my goal is to be a valuable asset to the team now and in the future. I am confident that my skills and dedication to continuous learning will allow me to make a significant contribution to Blue Bird Day’s success!"
My Education
Associates in Fashion Merchandising & Business Management, International Academy of Design & Technology,
Lily G
Administrative Assistant
My Story
"I work well with others and wanted to be in healthcare in a non-clinical way."
My Professional Goals
"I want to go back to school for a masters in healthcare administration."
My Education
Bachelors of Science in Public Health, University of Arizona
Kristi M
Receptionist
My Story
"As my three children were attending school each day, I was motivated to work in a supportive role within the field of education. After supporting schools and administrators for over 17 years in the photography and yearbook industry, I felt drawn towards a new field. I wanted to continue to maintain interprofessional relationships while developing new skills in an environment with daily interactions, with students and families. My experiences have shown me the strong connection between healthcare and education and drove me to find a setting that values both."
My Professional Goals
"I hope to maintain a collaborative role with colleagues and customers while expanding my knowledge of administrative healthcare."
Samantha B
Receptionist
My Story
"I became an admin with Blue Bird Day because not only do I love working with children, but I wanted to make a contribution to something that I not only believe in regards to its necessity."
My Professional Goals
"To have a career in something that brings me true joy."
My Education
Bachelor of Professional Studies, Roosevelt University
Amanda F
Receptionist
My Story
"I love helping people in anyway I can."
My Experience with Eyas Landing
"I love it, everyone is so friendly and caring."
My Professional Goals
"To grow with the company!"
Dorothy R
Data Manager
My Story
"I have always been passionate about young children from a young age, in terms of how they grow and how they learn. I genuinely appreciate children’s natural curiosity about the environment they’re in. I have over fifteen years of experience working directly with infants through elementary age in a variety of settings such as summer camps, child care, after school programs, nanny, and therapeutic school. Within the past few years, I have taken an interest in data collection that helps improve program quality and encourages collaboration to strategize techniques to help children with special needs reach their milestones."
My Blue Bird Day
"My experience with Blue Bird Day has been a positive one from my initial interview to today, years later. I enjoy working with talented and qualified staff with diverse backgrounds in their expertise."
Kate K-M, BA, RBT
Data Collection Specialist
Peer Testimonials
"Thank you for all of the report generations and staying on top of other projects!"
"Kate is a great addition to the Data Team. She's willing to take on any projects and keeps the communication line open. Thank you for all you do!"
"Kate is an angel walking the earth. Her patience, kindness, joy for our kids and sense of self is so refreshing and I love our BT sessions. I know our kids adore you and I admire how you push them and help them grow."
"I wanted to nominate Kate for doing such an amazing job during her BT rotations. You always keep things so positive and structured and the kids seem to enjoy your activities. Thank you for being so awesome Kate!"
Adamajan B
Data Collection Assistant
Peer Testimonials
"You have such a kind heart and positive attitude! Your positivity has helped brighten my day and I know helps brighten the client's day always! Keep being awesome Adama!"
Laura D
HR Associate
My Story
"I have had the opportunity to work, in an administrative capacity, with some of the leading companies in guest experience. It has always seemed like a natural fit for me, as it brings me joy to create an environment in which my team can focus on their role, while I support them. However, raising two kids with SPD has always drawn me to organizations that provide support to families while focusing on the needs of the child. So naturally when I saw Eyas Landing opening a new location in Avondale, my neighborhood, it seemed like the perfect chance for me to partner with a company whose mission is close to my heart. I’m excited to provide HR support to Blue Bird Day and continue to build upon the amazing work that is done here."
Professional Goals
"1) To provide care and support in any capacity needed, while helping to continue to create an inclusive community for both families and team members. 2) To continue to build upon skills I’ve learned over the years and collaborate with all branches to search for new ways we can continue to grow."
Nancy M
HR Associate
My Story
"Staffing and Employee satisfaction has always been an interest of mine. I like being behind the scenes and watching how my efforts help a company I work for grow."
Professional Goals
"Learn and grow within the Human Resources department to provide the best service to the company’s personnel."
My Education
BS in Technical & Human Resource Management, DeVry University
Sophia M
HR Associate
Peer Testimonials
"Shoutout to Sophia for pushing through this extremely difficult week of finals, coverage, and so much more! Y'all are a phenomenal clinician! Thank you for being awesome!"
"You are always so helpful to me when I need it and a great advocate for all of our kids."
"Shoutout to Sophia for tracking and all of the functional communication they have observed [Client] using! The comments in his programming are amazing! Thank you so much!!!!"
"Sophia is a great advocative for her client's needs. She goes the extra mile to give them the tools they need to be successful!"
Ivy C
Staff Accountant
My Story
"I have been a Staff Accountant for over ten years in non-profit social services and before that worked in retail accounting. I enjoy seeing how my work supports our staff and our company’s mission!"
My Blue Bird Day
"I am dedicated to building a more inclusive community both in and out of our workplace. Blue Bird Day and Eyas Landing do this by helping kids thrive and also challenging the world to be more inclusionary regarding neurodiversity."
Evie W
Community Outreach and Intake Manager
My Story
"I have an entrepreneurial spirit. I started in retail and transitioned to wholesale and ultimately owned my own firm representing numerous manufactures in the apparel industry. My greatest accomplishment is owning my own business and employing a team of great representatives. I’m also proud of my ability to be welcoming and put people at ease."
Clinical Expertise
"Customer service, Problem solving, Creativity, Establishing a safe, secure and fun environment."
Aidan M
Marketing Communications Strategist
My Story
"Marketing as a field allows me to combine my interests in writing and design. Working at a pediatric therapy company, there’s always something new and exciting to learn and create! Not to mention, it’s incredibly fulfilling to put my creative stills to work in place that helps improve the lives of children and their families."
My Eyas Landing
"I’ve been a member of the Eyas Landing family since 2016 and it’s been a privilege to watch how the company has grown over the years and how our clients have thrived."
Clinical Expertise
"Graphic Design, Copyediting, Social Media Marketing, and Adobe Creative Suite."
Brandon M
IT Director
My Story
"My story began as many others did in the IT industry; friends and family needed me to fix their computer and I thought I should probably look into being paid for this."
My Blue Bird Day
"Although I don’t directly interact with our clients, seeing their progress is a great motivator for me. My goal in IT is help our therapists spend less time in front of a computer and more time with their clients."
Credentials and Certifications
"ITIL in IT Service Management, Six Sigma Green Belt"
Thomas P
IT Support Specialist
My Professional Goals
"My professional goals are to acquire my CCNA certification. I’d also like to get more experience with systems and technologies that are not related to my networking background."
My Education
Bachelors of Science in Network Engineering and Security, DePaul University
Dylan H
IT Support Specialist
My Story
"I became an admin to help further a good cause and develop my skills."
My Professional Goals
"To become a fully comprehensive IT specialist of Zendesk."
My Blue Bird Day
"Known of the organization since its beginning and excited to be a part of it now."
My Education
General studies, Florida SouthWestern
Jaime G
Facilities Manager
My Story
"I first worked in early childhood education in 2008 when I started my first job as a soccer instructor at Lil Kickers soccer for kids. It was there where I first learned about Blue Bird Day and soon after joined the BBD team for the first time as TA. Two years ago, I left BBD to pursue a career in finance. BBD has always been more than just job for me. It’s a field that I’m passionate about and one that I genuinely believe makes a difference in a lot of kids lives. It’s great to be back and a part of the team."
My Blue Bird Day
"I was a therapeutic assistant from 2015-2018."
My Education
Bachelors in Education and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago
Joseph A
Facilities Tech
Miguel G
Facilities Tech
Jake L
Facilities Tech
Veronica H
Custodian
Carlee M
Custodian
Rosa G
Custodian
Raul C
Custodian
Angelica
Custodian
Jose S
Custodian
James F
Custodian
Rocio P
Custodian