Anita is a dedicated Conductive Education specialist with over 30 years of international experience supporting individuals with motor disabilities. Since 2004, she has led innovative, person-centered programs that empower children and adults with neurological motor disorders—particularly those from low-income communities across Chicago—to achieve greater independence and an improved quality of life.

Anita earned her Bachelor of Arts in Conductive Education at the renowned András Pető Institute in Budapest, Hungary. She also holds a BA in Elementary School Education from Teacher’s College in Győr, Hungary. Her career has spanned several countries, including Greece, Spain and in the United States.

Since 2022, she has served as President of ACENA (the Association for Conductive Education in North America), leading efforts to expand awareness, training, and access to Conductive Education across the continent. She is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, including the several World Conferences on Conductive Education, the European Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Conference, and annual ACENA gatherings.

A native Hungarian speaker, she is also fluent in English, and Spanish. Anita volunteers her expertise to develop CE programs. Her passion for advocacy, cultural exchange, and empowering individuals with disabilities continues to inspire her work in both professional and volunteer capacities. Outside of her professional life, she values time with her family and gatherings with friends .Anita enjoys sports, traveling and is an avid reader and lifelong learner.

Elizabeth Pandya has been a physical therapist since 2005 when she graduated from Grand Valley State University. She has decades of experience working with children and young adults with physical disabilities. Liz joined the Center for Independence full-time in 2006 after discovering her passion for pediatric therapy while working as an aide for the Center over summers during undergraduate.

Elizabeth values the Center’s holistic, transdisciplinary approach and enjoys collaborating with families and equipment vendors to ensure each child has the tools they need to thrive. Her goal is to empower children of all abilities to move, explore, and engage fully in their world.

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys working out, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Gabriela Molnar is a Conductive Education Teacher and motor rehabilitation specialist with more than 35 years of international experience. A graduate of the Peto Institute in Budapest, Hungary, she has dedicated her career to helping children and adults with cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders build independence, skills, and confidence.

Since 2005, Gabriella has been part of the Center for Independence, where she leads the Conductive Education program, mentors staff and students, and advocates for the benefits of this unique approach. Known for blending discipline with creativity, she incorporates art, games, and movement into her sessions—making therapy both structured and joyful. Families value her guidance and celebrate the progress their children achieve under her care.

Gabriella also serves as Financial Director of the Association for Conductive Education in North America (ACENA). Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, yoga, art, and caring for her home aquarium.

Lauren Pazda has been part of the Center for Independence since 2018, first as an occupational therapy student and then as a licensed therapist after earning her Master of Occupational Therapy from Governors State University in 2019.

Her passion for occupational therapy is rooted in personal experience, growing up with a brother with Autism and witnessing the impact that therapy and family support can have on daily life. These early experiences inspired her commitment to empowering children with disabilities and their families through meaningful, functional progress.

Lauren values the Center’s unique family-like environment, where therapy extends beyond traditional approaches. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration with families and the power of the group therapy setting, believing that growth achieved in therapy is most impactful when carried over into the home, school, and community.

What inspires Lauren most are the participants themselves referring to the therapy room as her “happy place.” Lauren’s favorite things are spending time with her family and friends, shopping, drinking coffee, and doing fun, hands-on activities with her own children.

Emma has her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University and has been part of the Center for Independence family since 2019. Emma truly cannot imagine a better place to do the work she loves.  Emma's passion for movement and helping others started long before that. As an Irish dancer for over 25 years, she developed a deep appreciation for training, muscles, and recovery. At the same time,  Emma found so much joy volunteering with children with disabilities and quickly realized she could combine both passions through physical therapy.

What makes the Center so special to Emma is the sense of family and support. From the staff to the participants and their families, there’s a true community here where everyone is connected and celebrated. Emma feels grateful every day to be part of a place that not only values clinical care but also uplifts and supports families in such a meaningful way.

Outside of work, Emma loves spending time with friends, checking out new restaurants downtown, traveling, and helping out at Southport Bettys, a bar and restaurant my partner opened.

Jim is a dedicated licensed physical therapy assistant working with children and young adults with physical disabilities at the Center for Independence since 2013. Before that, he managed an adult orthopedic clinic for 11 years. Jim has a passion for helping children and young adults reach their fullest potential through movement, play, and  intensive exercise. With training in child development and therapeutic interventions, along with orthopedic, vestibular therapy, and personal training, Jim specializes in working with people of all ages and abilities, including those with developmental delays, neurological conditions, and orthopedic challenges.

His approach is family-centered, focusing not only on each person’s unique strengths but also on empowering parents and caregivers with strategies they can use in everyday life. Jim believes therapy should be engaging, supportive, and fun! He strives to create an encouraging environment where people feel motivated to explore and achieve new milestones.

Jim was drawn to the Center because of the kids and families, AND the amazing staff, dedicated to providing top-notch interventions, along with love and care, to help motivate and challenge the kids and young adults to reach their absolute best potential in life. He loves pushing the kids and young adults to achieve goals that they never thought they could, and seeing the looks on families' faces when they do.

Outside of work, Jim is highly involved at his church, teaching elementary kids on Sundays, along with helping out with his  church’s Access program for kids and young adults with special needs, which he helped bring into existence in 2019. Jim also enjoys spending time with my wife and two sons, along with anything outdoors in warm weather. GO PACKERS!!!

Savanna Yu is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy who graduated from Northwestern University. She joined the Center for Independence in May 2026. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, Savanna spent more than 10 years teaching dance to children, fostering creativity and creating engaging, supportive environments that made learning fun.

While at Northwestern, Savanna participated in research focused on children with cerebral palsy, which inspired her passion for working with children with disabilities. Savanna is passionate about helping each child reach their individual goals and believes that meaningful progress comes from combining therapy with creativity, play, and family involvement. She enjoys celebrating every milestone and strives to create a positive environment where children feel confident and motivated to succeed.

Outside of work, Savanna enjoys traveling, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. A fun fact about Savanna? She performed professionally as a member of contemporary and aerial dance companies throughout the Chicagoland area. Her background in dance continues to inspire the creativity, movement, and joy she brings to therapy every day.

Amanda has been with the Center since 2009. She holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a certification in Conductive Education. Her journey with the Center began during her final clinical rotation as an OT at the Center, where she fell in love with this unique approach and saw firsthand how impactful it is for the children we serve. From early in her career, Amanda knew she wanted to work at a place committed to welcoming every child—regardless of background, income, or insurance status.

During the summers, Amanda provides in-person therapy. During the school year Amanda advocates for Center families securing authorizations with Medicaid and private insurance, ensuring children and adults with disabilities have access to the therapy services they need.

What Amanda loves most about her work is watching the pride and joy on children’s faces as they achieve new goals and accomplish things for the very first time. Collaborating with families to set meaningful goals and building  schedules that work best for them are a privilege and one of the many reasons she feels so grateful to be part of the Center.

Outside of work, Amanda homeschools her three daughters, which has given her an even deeper appreciation for the joy of learning and the importance of fostering growth at every stage.

Talia is an occupational therapist at the Center for Independence. She earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has nearly 15 years of experience working with children from birth through young adulthood, including five years as a nursery school teacher.

Her passion for pediatric occupational therapy began when she attended therapy as a child. Talia's early experiences inspired a lifelong commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. She is passionate about helping children and families build confidence, develop strong relationships, and reach their goals. Talia’s approach focuses on fun, positive therapeutic relationship building while targeting the unique strengths and needs of each person she sees.

Talia joined the Center for Independence in September 2025 and enjoys being part of a collaborative team that blends teaching and therapy through conductive education, emphasizing both individualized treatment and social interaction in a peer-driven environment. She lives in Chicago with her wife and enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, and going on runs and walks through her neighborhood. Fun fact, Talia was a circus performer as a child and teenager, and still enjoys practicing when she can!

Ani is a dedicated and compassionate licensed Master social worker who earned her degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2017. Drawing on a strong foundation in behavioral therapy, Ani skillfully incorporates evidence-based techniques into both group and individual sessions to support her clients’ personal growth and emotional well-being.

Ani is especially passionate about working with individuals who share the lived experience of having a disability. She finds deep fulfillment in creating safe, inclusive environments where clients feel understood and empowered to share their thoughts and feelings. For Ani, there is something profoundly unique and enriching when similarly abled peers come together to support one another and build community through shared experiences.

In addition to her direct work with clients, Ani is committed to supporting the entire family system. She provides individualized guidance, resources, and advocacy to help families better understand and navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with raising a child with a disability. Ani is especially skilled in assisting families through key transitional periods, including the shift from middle school to high school and from high school to post-secondary pathways. Whether families are exploring appropriate day programs, vocational options, or continued education, Ani serves as a knowledgeable and supportive partner throughout the process.

Her empathetic approach, clinical insight, and unwavering commitment to advocacy make Ani a trusted and effective ally for both clients and their families. She remains inspired by the resilience, honesty, and growth of the communities she serves.

Charlie has over 15 years of experience working in adult services, with a deep commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When he launched his career in 2009, Charlie quickly recognized the significant need for resources and guidance as families navigated the transition into adulthood. That realization inspired his dedication to creating opportunities that promote independence and improve quality of life.

Over the years, Charlie has worked in a variety of settings, including recreation, high school transition programs, and adult services, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges individuals and their families face. As Program Manager for the WTC program, Charlie provides leadership that emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and innovation in service delivery.

What drives Charlie is the ability to connect individuals with the resources and support they need and seeing the meaningful impact these connections have on their lives. He remains committed to developing programs and partnerships that empower individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals

Lena is a Cook County native and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As an Employment Specialist, she brings a people-focused and proactive approach to her work.

Known for her positive outlook and energetic personality, she is passionate about supporting individuals in achieving meaningful employment while helping them build confidence and independence.

Courtney Bouley has been part of the Center for Independence family for more than 17 years. She first joined in 2001 as a volunteer, later became a summer camp aide, and eventually worked her way up to Lead Classroom Assistant at the age of 25.

Introduced to the Center through her aunt Michele, who worked as a PTA, Courtney quickly fell in love with the Center’s mission, as well as the staff, children, and families she serves. She especially values the close-knit, family atmosphere that makes the Center such a special place for everyone.

One of Courtney’s most cherished memories is witnessing the joy on a child’s face when they tie their shoes for the very first time—a moment of pure accomplishment she’ll never forget.

Outside of her role at the Center, Courtney enjoys staying active through sports, exploring her creativity with crafts, and rescuing animals in need.

Courtney Coleman brings more than 20 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, working with children across hospital, school, and home settings. Her career has been dedicated to helping children with disabilities develop the skills they need to thrive in daily life, while supporting families in navigating the challenges and triumphs of care-giving.

In addition to her professional expertise, Courtney has 3 children and is also a Center parent to her 6-year-old child with cerebral palsy. This dual perspective—as both a clinician and parent—gives her a unique understanding of the needs, hopes, and concerns of families served by the Center.

As Family Engagement Coordinator, Courtney is passionate about creating meaningful connections with parents and caregivers, offering resources, coaching, and peer support to empower families and strengthen the Center’s community of care.

Jenny joined the Center in May 2026 as the Development and Administrative Coordinator. She has political science degrees from Saint Louis University and University of Notre Dame.  She spent nearly 40 years working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency until she retired in 2025.

Jenny has seen the impact of the Center for Independence firsthand. Her now-adult son participated in the Center's programs for many years, giving her a deep appreciation for how the Center for Independence transforms the lives of children and their families.

Jenny and her husband, a retired physical therapist, live in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.  They have two sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law.  She  enjoys biking, gardening, and spending time with family.

Colleen has been part of the Center for Independence since its inception. She first came to the Center at just four years old, growing up surrounded by the support, encouragement, and love of the staff who helped her reach countless milestones. In 2013, she came full circle by joining the Center as an employee—a role she cherishes as both humbling and rewarding.

Living with cerebral palsy, Colleen is passionate about showing participants and families that a disability does not define what someone can achieve. She often shares her favorite analogy: just as a football player wears pads and a helmet for protection, mobility devices like walkers and wheelchairs are tools for safety and achievement—not limitations. Her goal is to help children and parents see that with perseverance, everyone can accomplish greatness.

Colleen’s favorite part of her work is being a role model. She loves guiding participants through challenges, problem-solving alongside them, and celebrating big and small victories together. She also enjoys collaborating with therapists to develop creative class plans and feels honored that the team trusts her insight and leadership.

Beyond her work, Colleen has a lifelong love of sports. She’s a devoted Duke basketball fan, an avid March Madness watcher, and placed 4th in the National Boccia Ball Tournament. She also enjoys working out, spending time with her family, and embracing new adventures.

For Colleen, what makes the Center unique is its community of love, encouragement, and celebration. Every day, she strives to make a difference—reminding everyone she meets that “you’re never fully dressed without a smile.”

Natalia is one of the front desk receptionists at Center for Independence — welcoming visitors with a friendly smile and helping keep the front desk running smoothly. She is also a center graduate, attending since she was 2 years old. With her own unique experience with disability, Natalia loves being able to connect with both participants and families.

Outside of work, she is studying Information Technology part-time, combining her love for her community with her passion for tech. If you have a techy problem, she’s your girl! Some of her hobbies include playing video games and traveling. Fun fact: Natalia has travelled to 9 different countries

Brandon Ramirez is a valued member of the Center for Independence team, serving at the front desk where he helps keep the Center running smoothly each day. His responsibilities include translating via phone in Spanish, organizing materials, making copies, and maintaining a welcoming and clean environment. Brandon is always ready to assist with a variety of tasks, ensuring that staff, participants, and families receive the support they need. His reliability and dedication make him an important part of the Center’s daily operations.