The people who teach, treat, and evaluate your child
At Black Bear Academy, consistency matters. Our credentialed team of licensed clinicians and trained teachers brings experience and a lasting commitment to the children and families we serve. Many of our therapists began at BBA as graduate interns and returned as staff, reflecting the strong culture and sense of connection within our team. This continuity helps create a stable, supportive environment where children can build meaningful relationships and thrive.
Dr. Lori G. Tall, PsyD
Clinical neuropsychologist, Executive Director of Black Bear Academy and Black Bear Elementary, and founder of the Center for Comprehensive Neurobehavioral Care (CCNC)
Dr. Lori Tall is the founder of the Center for Comprehensive Neurobehavioral Care (CCNC) and a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in educational, neuropsychological, and legal assessments, and individual and family therapy. She has worked across clinical and academic settings.
Dr. Tall received her doctoral degree from the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles, interned in neuropsychology at the University of Minnesota, and was a fellow at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was a hospital and community-based psychologist at Cincinnati Children's Medical Center and served as the director of the Assessment Program at The Family Institute at Northwestern University in Evanston and clinical director at Rush Neurobehavioral Center at Rush University Medical Center.
Dr. Tall is committed to mentoring the next generation of psychologists interested in neuropsychological assessments, and to helping as many children, families, and individuals as possible live their fullest lives. She owns Black Bear Academy and its sister school, Black Bear Elementary, and serves as Executive Director of both.
Social, Emotional and Behavioral Therapy
Dr. Kelsey Gass is the Clinical Director and a licensed clinical psychologist at Black Bear Academy, where she specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and their families. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University, with a focus in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology. Dr. Gass has experience working with individuals who present with developmental, behavioral, and mood-related challenges. Her background spans a variety of clinical settings, including therapeutic day schools, pediatric inpatient units, and community mental health centers. At Black Bear Academy, Dr. Gass provides therapeutic services using an integrative approach that blends evidence-based cognitive-behavioral strategies with relational techniques. She values collaboration and takes a multidisciplinary approach to care, working closely with other professionals on the Black Bear Academy team to ensure comprehensive support for each child and family. In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Gass offers diagnostic and neuropsychological evaluations as well as parent coaching to help families navigate their unique journeys. Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Gass enjoys spending time with friends and family, and relaxing with her cat, Milo.
Dr. TaDaisha Short is a clinical psychologist at Black Bear Academy where she provides expert support in addressing the social-emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and developmental needs of children, adolescents, and their families. She holds a PsyD from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is a licensed school psychologist. Dr. Short employs an integrative therapeutic approach that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with strategies aimed at exploring deeper emotional experiences and personal histories. This comprehensive methodology allows her to address both immediate challenges and underlying issues effectively. At Black Bear Academy, she is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that therapy is both engaging and responsive to the needs of her clients. In addition to providing individual and group therapy, Dr. Short provides parent coaching and conducts diagnostic and neuropsychological assessments. Her collaborative work with the multidisciplinary team at Black Bear Academy enhances the comprehensive care provided to clients. Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Short enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children while also engaging in various crafts and DIY projects.
Dr. Anna Castle is a licensed clinical psychologist and the clinical director and director of clinical training at the Center for Comprehensive Neurobehavioral Care (CCNC), where she specializes in pediatric psychological assessment. She completed her doctoral degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and has worked in school and clinical settings throughout the Chicagoland area during her training. Throughout her graduate and professional experience, Dr. Castle has specialized in working with children and their families, specifically working with individuals diagnosed with various neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and ADHD. She has also developed a passion for training and professional development. She finds joy in working with current graduate students and is committed to mentoring psychologists in training. Dr. Castle aims to provide comprehensive assessments, diagnostic clarity, and tailored recommendations in order to best support children, adolescents, and families along with their unique needs.
Amanda is a Licensed Social Worker and the Director of Events and Community Outreach at Black Bear Academy. She graduated with her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver in 2025. She was born and raised in Northbrook, Illinois, and attended Indiana University in Bloomington for her undergraduate studies. This is Amanda's 9th school year at Black Bear Academy, and one of her favorite aspects is the multidisciplinary approach Black Bear Academy clinicians and academic staff take towards supporting each individual child. She has built strong relationships with students, staff, and parents throughout her career and looks forward to continuing to assist in the development of Black Bear Academy students across various classes.
Lauren was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. Lauren received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Indiana University. She has previously worked in therapeutic schools, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and pediatric inpatient settings. As a licensed clinical social worker, she specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families. At Black Bear Academy she provides individual and group therapy to students navigating big emotions and various social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Lauren believes that her role as a therapist is to encourage the use of a client's strengths as tools to empower growth and change, as well as to support and enhance the parent and child relationship within the family unit. Her therapeutic style is collaborative and client-centered and strives to create a warm and nonjudgmental space for kiddos to be heard and be their full selves. When not at work, Lauren enjoys hanging with friends, going to concerts, painting, and being around animals.
Olivia was born and raised in Deerfield, IL. She attended Illinois State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. Following college, Olivia received her master’s degree in social work from Loyola University, graduating in 2023. She gained experience in crisis work at NorthShore Health Systems, conducting psychiatric evaluations in their four emergency rooms. She then began her training working with behaviorally and emotionally challenged children at an Orthodox behavioral school in Rogers Park. In addition, Olivia has extensive training working within the foster care system from working at Children and Family Solutions during college. At Black Bear Academy, Olivia provides individual therapy to students with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Her role as a therapist is to provide unconditional support to children by creating a nonjudgmental environment where each student feels safe to express their feelings. When not at work, Olivia can be seen hanging out with her friends, family, and her dog, Pauly. She also loves doing art projects, watching movies, and exploring the city of Chicago.
Gabrielle Drew is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been working with children on the autism spectrum since 2019. She is dedicated to providing compassionate applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy that nurtures autonomy, confidence, and joy in every child she works with. Throughout her career, Gabrielle has gained diverse experience across therapeutic schools, hospital settings, and clinic-based ABA programs. She values collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams to create individualized supports that meet each child’s unique needs. Utilizing naturalistic teaching strategies, Gabrielle creates meaningful learning opportunities that align with each child’s interests and strengths. Her clinical experience includes conducting comprehensive assessments, providing individualized parent training, personalized goal development, and implementing effective toilet training programs. Grounded in evidence-based practice, Gabrielle strives to deliver individualized care that empowers children to reach their fullest potential. Outside of her professional work, Gabrielle enjoys crafting and spending time with her cat, Luna Moon. A fun fact about her is that she is a triplet.
Occupational therapy
Maggie was born and raised in Chicago and enjoys attending local sporting events and concerts, as well as spending time outdoors with her two dogs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Movement Science from the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology and later completed her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis. Maggie brings a broad range of experience working with both children and adults across a variety of settings, including elementary and therapeutic schools, private clinics, and acute-care hospitals. Since joining Black Bear Academy in 2019, she has served as Director of Clinical Operations and as an occupational therapist. As Director of Clinical Operations, Maggie oversees the daily operations of the academy, supports staff development, and helps ensure the delivery of high-quality educational and therapeutic services. As an occupational therapist, she provides clinical expertise, mentorship, and guidance to the occupational therapy team. Maggie is passionate about supporting the whole child and their family, fostering growth, development, and meaningful connections as children transition through each stage of life. She is proud to be part of Black Bear Academy’s collaborative, multidisciplinary team and looks forward to continuing to support the school’s mission and community.
Jenny was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago. She received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she was able to narrow down her interests in healthcare to occupational therapy. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, then moved back to Chicago to begin her career. She has experience working in a private clinic as well as in the Illinois Early Intervention Program serving children from birth to three years old. Jenny has worked with clients of varying diagnoses and backgrounds during her time as an occupational therapist. She is excited to provide care to a variety of clients and to work with such a close interdisciplinary team, to ensure support for the children to be their most successful selves. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city and suburbs!
Becca received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from Hope College. While at Washington University, she had the opportunity to work with communities to help make environments more accessible to all, from physical mobility to sensory-friendly elements. Becca previously worked at a therapeutic school and in a pediatric outpatient setting, treating infants and toddlers in the Early Intervention Program to clients 19 years old with a variety of intellectual and developmental disorders. She is passionate about treating clients holistically and working as part of a multidisciplinary team to support each child in reaching their fullest potential. In her free time, Becca enjoys cooking, live music, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Emma grew up in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Psychology. Her passion for occupational therapy was shaped early on through her experience growing up with a brother with autism, inspiring her commitment to supporting children and families with empathy and understanding. Before beginning occupational therapy school, Emma gained extensive experience working with children with a variety of needs in multiple settings. Emma moved to Chicago to pursue a Master's in Occupational Therapy at DePaul University. During her time there, she became deeply connected to Chicago through weekly volunteer work and clinical rotations across the city. DePaul extended this sense of community outside of the United States, where Emma and 10 other classmates visited the Dominican Republic to learn about occupational therapy in an international context. For one of her final rotations in her last months of schooling, Emma was placed at Black Bear Academy. Emma loves how Black Bear Academy fosters growth in each child and their family, and she's thrilled to be back as an official staff member! Emma is passionate about helping children build confidence, independence, and meaningful skills through engaging, child-centered interventions. She values teamwork, creativity, and meeting each child where they are at. Outside of work, Emma loves spending days at the lake, trying new Thai restaurants, and exercising her creativity through artwork.
Speech therapy
Milena attended the University of Illinois for her undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Science and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale for her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Milena has worked with school-aged children in an outpatient clinic, at the SIU Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder, and at an inpatient hospital in Chicago treating clients across the lifespan. Additionally, she has experience working in a preschool in the Chicago suburbs. Milena worked closely with Early Intervention students and families as they transitioned to the preschool setting. She has worked with students with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and varying levels of abilities in expressive and receptive communication. She is passionate about working with early childhood populations to support communicative development. Outside of work, Milena enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends!
Meghan completed her undergraduate degree studying Communication Sciences and Disorders and Education Policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then completed her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at Rush University right here in Chicago! During her graduate studies, Meghan participated in a caregiver coaching study and discovered her love for working with pediatric populations and building connections with families and communities. She is dedicated to finding engaging and meaningful ways for children to connect and communicate. She has experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder, phonological disorders, and receptive and expressive language disorders. Outside of Black Bear Academy, Meghan loves to attend concerts, try new restaurants, and travel to new places!
Hannah completed her undergraduate degree studying Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She then completed her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Rush University. Hannah has previously worked in Early Intervention, pediatric outpatient clinics, and therapeutic schools providing individual and group therapy for children with varying diagnoses and backgrounds. Hannah is passionate about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and would like to specialize in this area later in her career. She is an advocate for her clients and believes everyone deserves access to all forms of communication. Outside of Black Bear Academy, Hannah enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with family and friends!
Pooja is passionate about creating inclusive and affirming environments for neurodivergent children. She believes in a responsive therapeutic approach that respects different communication styles and sensory regulation needs. Pooja is dedicated to meeting each child at their level and focusing on their strengths and interests to support language development. Her special interests are language acquisition, gestalt language processing, and augmentative and alternative communication. Pooja has previous pediatric therapy experience at therapeutic schools and Illinois Early Intervention. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech Language Pathology and Linguistics at the Ohio State University and Ohio University. She is glad to be part of the Black Bear Academy team and to help grow an environment of inclusion. In her free time Pooja enjoys learning languages, practicing yoga, making art, and appreciating nature.
Ellen completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish. Before attending graduate school, she spent a year teaching English in Madrid, Spain at a primary school. She completed her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Texas at Austin. Ellen has previously worked in therapeutic day schools, preschools, and outpatient clinics. She also has experience parent coaching which she believes is an important part of client progress. She is passionate about working with the Autism Spectrum population and helping them be effective communicators to get their needs met as well as have meaningful and fun relationships. Outside of Black Bear Academy, Ellen enjoys tending to her many house plants, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Academic
Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Lauren is excited to build her career in the city. Lauren has always had a passion for teaching and working with children, and she is honored to share that passion with the wonderful students of Black Bear Academy. She holds a degree in early childhood education from Miami University with a minor in special education. Lauren has worked as a Black Bear Academy Lead Teacher for several years, refining her techniques to help children progress academically, socially, and emotionally. Lauren also leads academic programs and promotes academic growth in each and every Black Bear Academy classroom. Her goal in teaching has always been to guide children as they explore the world around them, and she hopes to help her students progress in every area of development while teaching kindness and caring for others through her own actions. Lauren believes in parent involvement both inside and outside of the classroom and works toward open communication with each family. She is committed to making the classroom a fun environment where each child feels safe, loved, and encouraged to learn and grow. Lauren also values the continued education that Black Bear Academy promotes. She has earned her Wilson Reading System Level 1 Certification and is recognized as a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.
Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Kaycee received her BFA in Theatre from Concordia University Chicago. During her time there, she worked as a TA in its Early Childhood Education Center with the 3-to-5 blended program. It was there that she discovered her love of working with kids, and she is continuing her education in early childhood education at Triton College. Kaycee has taught at Black Bear Academy for several school years. She is passionate about open communication and collaboration with classroom teachers, parents, and therapists, and believes it is one of the key factors in successful development in the classroom. She strives to make her classroom a safe, fun, and loving learning environment for her students. Outside of the classroom, Kaycee enjoys reading, writing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Born and raised in Skokie, Illinois, Natasha attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where she studied Psychology and Criminology, Law, and Justice. She has experience as an infant and toddler teacher as well as an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist, and has previously worked with children ages 3 months to 6 years old. Having experience providing direct and group support in both a therapeutic clinic and school setting, Natasha has been an advocate for children with a variety of needs. She is passionate about bringing compassion and kindness to her classrooms, and loves to watch the progress her students make academically and socially. Outside of the classroom, Natasha enjoys trying new cuisines and traveling to explore different cultures.
Originally from North Carolina, Kendel now calls Chicago home. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from North Carolina State University and spent 5 years as a special education preschool teacher. Kendel has worked in early childhood education with children from ages 2 to 7 in a variety of classroom settings. During her time as a teacher she developed a profound interest in the effects that social-emotional learning, early childhood experiences, and intervention have on a child's development. At Black Bear Academy, Kendel is a lead teacher. She is eager to be part of a collaborative team and to give each child meaningful experiences and skills that promote growth and development in a fun and nurturing environment. In her free time, Kendel enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, working out, and exploring new restaurants throughout the city.
Audrey brings her passion for education to Black Bear Academy. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Vermont. Before moving to Chicago, she spent two years as a kindergarten teacher, focusing on individualized student needs and integrating equity into her teaching. Audrey also completed a year-long internship in a first-grade classroom within a district where over 30 languages were spoken, which sparked her passion for creating inclusive and welcoming environments for students of all backgrounds. Audrey is a strong advocate for building positive relationships with students and collaborating with families and school staff to develop the most effective plans for her students, believing that "it takes a village" to support a child's education. Her favorite part of teaching is helping students build their curiosity and seeing them apply it in and out of the classroom. In her free time, Audrey enjoys running the lakefront trail, long walks with her dog Billie, and time with friends and family.
Erin is from the southwest suburbs of Chicago and moved to the city almost four years ago. She previously taught in a public school district's kindergarten and first grade special education classrooms, and worked at a private therapeutic clinic in kindergarten classrooms. Erin earned her bachelor's degree from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, and her master's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is passionate about helping all students reach their full potential, taking a multidisciplinary approach to ensure their success. It's important to Erin to create a safe, fun classroom environment where students want to be and where they feel they are an important part of the community. In her free time, Erin enjoys exploring Chicago restaurants, attending concerts, spending time with her two nieces, and serving on the board of a non-profit organization.
Originally from Michigan, Cory has been a resident of Chicago since 2005. He graduated from The University of Saint Francis with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Cory has experience as a 2nd grade teacher as well as Physical Education experience with children ages 4-12. Deeply committed to the whole child, Cory brings a relationship approach to education that prioritizes student confidence, character development, and belonging. Cory shows up with energy, consistency, and genuine care.
Learning support
Courtney was born and raised in the Chicago area. She attended Indiana University Bloomington for her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology with a focus in child development. After graduating, she moved to Scottsdale, AZ, where she was a preschool teacher and quickly became an advocate for her students. After moving back to Chicago a few years later, she worked in a neurodiverse clinic, which enabled her to implement teaching and advocacy together with her clients. Courtney frequently worked one-on-one with her students but was often supporting them in their classrooms as well. She is dedicated to providing the best environment for all learners and to making sure they have fun along the way. She is committed to creating a supportive and engaging community that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. In her free time, she enjoys going to Cubs games, being with friends and family, and exploring new places.
Alec was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduating, Alec moved back to Chicago to work with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Outside of work, Alec enjoys art projects, live music, and time with friends and family.
Rachel grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she studied Sociology and Education. Rachel uses an intentional approach, helping students feel regulated and ready to learn. She enjoys building trusting relationships with students that contribute to a loving and engaged classroom community. Working with children has been a constant in Rachel's life, and she is glad to be part of the Black Bear Academy team.
Administration
The team is easier to understand in person
A tour is about 45 minutes. You will see real classrooms and meet teachers and therapists who can explain how the integrated day actually works.
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