Alexis Riffle M.S., DTE
Clinical Director/Founder, Developmental Evaluator

Alexis has been working with children and their families for over 15 years. She began her journey as a child development intern in her undergraduate program and then moved to Chicago. Once in Chicago, she worked at Rush University Medical Center as a Case Coordinator for the Early Intervention Program. It was there that she found her calling to become a Developmental Therapist.

After a few years of working as a Case Coordinator, Alexis began her journey to becoming a Developmental Therapist in 2011. To achieve this goal, she worked nights after her hospital shift, and weekends to finish her training hours. Once completed, she proudly founded Northstar Pediatrics in February of 2013. She wanted to create a company where children and families enjoyed working with their therapists and create a family environment for employees.
Our mission is to provide the highest quality of services, by therapists who are dedicated and passionate about what they do.

Alexis earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Child Development from Arizona State University in 2006. From there she studied at the Erikson Institute here in Chicago, where she obtained her Master’s degree in Child Development with a Specialization in Infancy. During her master’s program, Alexis interned at a therapy clinic in Skokie, where she learned to implement therapy tactics for children with a range of developmental delays and disabilities. She has been trained and worked in playgroups, as well as one on one with Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists.

Alexis specializes in global development, behavioral challenges, autism spectrum disorder, and socialization patterns. She loves to perform evaluations, supervise other Developmental Therapists, and teach families how to support their child as they grow.

She is grateful for her supportive family and friends who have helped her create her dream.

Rachel Borowiec, MA/CCC-SLP
Speech and Language Pathologist Program Manager

Rachel has worked as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist for the past 22 years. She grew up in Urbana, Illinois. Her curiosity and interest in communication disorders started in 3rd grade after reading a book about Hellen Keller. Rachel earned B.S from the University of Illinois in Communication Disorders in 1998 and M.A from the University of Minnesota in Speech Pathology in 2000. After graduating, she moved to Chicago where she started working at Chicago Public Schools (2000-2013) and in the Early Intervention Program (2007-Current).

Rachel is passionate about providing speech-language services to children in underserved areas of Chicago. She loves working with children and families within the natural environment where parents and caregivers are an integral piece of the team in supporting communication growth and development. Rachel has knowledge and experience with a variety of communication needs/disorders; however, she specializes in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and using PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).

Victoria Hernandez B.A. Early Childhood, DT
Developmental Therapist

My name is Victoria Hernandez. I was born and raised on the Northside of Chicago, Illinois. I have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2015. In 2018 I obtained my Developmental Therapist credentialing through Provider Connection.

I have been working with children and families for over 12 years. My passion for early childhood education can be traced back to my pre-professional days. Whether as a part-time nanny, teacher assistant, or volunteer for babysitting jobs, I’ve been in the early childhood path from the start. I particularly enjoy working with young children and their families as I find it rewarding being part of their day to day development.

After completing my Bachelor in Early Childhood Development, I launched my career as a Lead Teacher for a preschool in Portage Park. During my role, I learned a variety of different tactics to support children and families. After a few years of working as a Lead Teacher, I began a new position as a Home Educator in the Humboldt Park area. During this position, I learned a variety of different methods to implement for children and families in their learning environment. Also, I was trained and worked in individualizing family services and group socializations.

My journey to becoming a Developmental Therapist started in 2017. I worked day after day to complete my training hours. Once I completed my hours, I enthusiastically started working with Northstar Pediatrics in June 2018.

Lauren Kukowski, M.S., DT
Supervisor/Developmental Therapist

Lauren Kukowski is originally from Michigan. She came to Chicago to pursue Early Childhood Special Education at Loyola University in 2010 and never left. After graduation Lauren worked as an assistant teacher in 15-36 month classrooms, lead teacher in an 8 week to 36 month classrooms and most recently, the assistant director of operations at the McCormick Childcare Center at Swedish Hospital as a part of North Shore Health.

Along with working at the center, Lauren continued her education at Erikson Institute and earned a Master’s degree in Child Development- Infancy and Administration in 2020. Her truths are that humans are natural scientists and growth happens in the context of safe relationships. Working with children means supporting the adults who are around them.

When Lauren is not working with families, she focuses on her art and fundraising as a part of the Associates’ Board for Swedish Hospital as a part of North Shore Health.

My name is Kanisha McCants and I was born and raised in Chicago. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies from Northern Illinois University in 2014 and a masters degree in Child Development from Erickson Institute in 2019.

I launched my career after graduating in 2014 as an early childhood educator. For 5 years, I was a teacher for various age groups aging from infants to 5 year olds. From there, I accepted a new role in Early Childhood Education as an Assistant Director for an early childhood education center. After servicing families and children for 3 years in administration, I knew I wanted to make more of an impact on the lives of children and their families. After learning about how influential a Developmental Therapist can be, I decided to move forward with obtaining my credential. I’m especially excited to continue exploring all of what this new career has to offer!

In my personal time, I enjoy quiet moments to read & journal, bike riding, and spending time with family. I am also very innovative and enjoy letting my creative side shine through different projects.

Lauren Szwajkowski M.S. Early Childhood Education, DTE
Supervisor/Developmental Therapist/Evaluator

Lauren Szwajkowski was born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago. She has been an Early Childhood Educator since 2012. While receiving her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, she worked as an infant, toddler, and preschool teacher.

After graduating, Lauren started her teaching career in a 1st/2nd grade split classroom. Working in a split classroom taught her how to provide support and instruction to a variety of learners. Eventually, she moved to kindergarten. During this time, Lauren had the opportunity to become an instructional leader. She was responsible for facilitating her team and analyzed student data.

As time passed, Lauren was offered a 1st grade position. She was also given the opportunity to coach new teachers. She enjoyed making connections with her students and families. Eventually, teaching led her to a new opportunity: early intervention. Lauren felt like it was time to take her skills as an educator and apply them to her new role as a developmental therapist. She is ecstatic about this new journey, and is looking forward to working with Northstar Pediatrics.

Charlie Greengoss, Mat Education, DT
Developmental Therapist 

Charlie Greengoss is a Chicagoland native with his bachelors degree from The University of Wisconsin – Madison in Communication Arts with a focus on Media. After years of creating content for multiple media formats throughout his 20’s – including digital, print, radio, and even analog vinyl, he obtained his Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education in 2021 from National Louis University, and pursued a role teaching kindergarten after student teaching PreK. This new role brought him much joy and happiness, and it was clear that the shift in career was one that was motivated by helping others learn and become their best versions of themselves. It is his belief that foundational early learning is where confidence and self esteem are developed that set the course for one’s life and how they connect with their world.

Charlie loves to develop relationships with others, and brings patience and empathy to his work as a Developmental Therapist in training. While classroom teaching provided him with a deep skillset in managing a classroom. developing lesson plans and differentiating learning, he is elated to now be working with students in a 1:1 capacity, where he is able to give them time, energy, and attention tailored for their specific developmental needs. He is grateful to be providing direct support to families and to be a part of the Northstar team!

Laura Loranger, M.Ed. DT, 
Developmental Therapist 

Laura Loranger is a licensed early childhood and K-8 special education teacher who takes a trauma-
informed and child-centered approach to developmental therapy. She holds an M.Ed. in Special

Education and a B.A. in Psychology. Laura specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down
syndrome and other cognitive disabilities, and behavior intervention. She has a wealth of
professional and personal experience in these areas.

Tiffany Harrison, DT
Developmental Therapist 

Tiffany Harrison has been working in early childhood education for over 15 years. She has been an advocate for children in the foster care system, a teacher’s aide, worked in professional development and also product development. She has worked in a variety of roles and is looking forward to her next challenge as a Developmental Therapist. She has a Master’s Degree in Child Development from Erikson Institute. She is passionate about advocating for children and their families.

She lives in Chicago and loves exploring the city with her husband and young daughter. She is proud of her work as the Board Chair for SisterHouse, a recovery home for women.

Jenny York, M.S., DT
Developmental Therapist 

Jenny York is an early childhood educator who has worked in a variety of settings to support young children’s early learning and development. Jenny received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan. Following graduation, Jenny moved to Chicago and taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd and 5th grades for Chicago Public Schools. In 2012, Jenny earned a Master of Science in Child Development and Administration from the Erikson Institute. From 2018 to 2023, Jenny served as the Inclusion Director at a not-for-profit play-based preschool in Evanston, IL where she worked closely with staff and families to support children in the school’s Inclusion Program. Since 2015 Jenny has volunteered for Evanston Cradle to Career, working on early childhood policy and advocacy that supports systems change in her community.

As a practitioner, Jenny works from a strength-based, neurodiversity affirming mindset that embraces the whole child and supports their unique interests and needs. Understanding that no two children follow the same developmental pathway, Jenny embraces the opportunity to tailor her treatment approach for each child to best meet their developmental goals. Jenny believes strongly in partnering with families and other therapists to ensure the best outcomes for each of her clients. She enjoys helping parents and caregivers develop strategies to support and advocate for their children.

Amy Turner, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Amy L. Turner, BCBA, brings over a decade of dedicated experience working with children and families, commencing her journey in 2009. Originating from a therapeutic day school with a focus on autism and related disorders, she transitioned to private therapy, specializing in home-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Amy’s profound expertise stems from eight years as a behavior technician, culminating in the attainment of her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and subsequent Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst. In her role as a BCBA, Amy has seamlessly supported children and families across diverse settings, encompassing school, clinic, home, and community environments. With specialized proficiency in areas such as toilet training, fostering cooperation, enhancing communication, and boosting social skills, Amy’s commitment extends beyond professional realms to her roots in Lisle, IL, where she was born and raised. Her unwavering dedication to the Chicagoland community is evident in her passion for continuous service.Currently serving as a Clinical Integrity Officer, Amy ensures the highest quality of care for families accessing private ABA therapy. Thrilled to contribute her expertise to the Northstar Pediatric team, Amy remains steadfast in her commitment to excellence and community support.

Shauntell Dudley, M.S., DT
Developmental Therapist 

Shauntell Dudley has worked in early childhood for over 20 years. Her professional experience includes employment in a community-based daycare environment as a Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Assistant Director. This continuum of non-profit and corporate structured early care and educational environments provided a foundation for her transition to the school district. She began her career as a preschool assistant teacher and prekindergarten teacher. During this time, Shauntell earned her Master’s in Education, an Educational Specialist degree, and a Behavioral Specialist endorsement (LBS1). Her interest in becoming a developmental therapist started when she witnessed the care and dedication shown to her daughter, who received early intervention services. Through this, Shauntell wanted to become a developmental therapist to incorporate tools learned in the childcare and school setting to continue to connect with families. Shauntell enjoys learning new things, traveling, and making memories with family and friends.