Lorell Marin
Founder/CVO 
 M.Ed, LCSW, BCBA, DT 

Kim grew up in upstate New York with her three siblings before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Exercise Science and later completed her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, both at The Ohio State University.

Kim has been a part of the LEEP team for over two years now, and currently serves as the Occupational Therapy Department Head. Certified in DIRFloortime, Kim uses this developmental, relationship-based approach to create a safe, engaging environment where kids feel empowered to explore and grow. Kim tailors each session to meet children at their unique developmental levels, fostering their curiosity and helping them build critical social, emotional, and motor skills through the power of playful connection. Her expertise in using play as a therapeutic tool encourages children to develop confidence, resilience, and meaningful relationships as they reach their fullest potential. 

Outside of work, Kim enjoys exploring new restaurants in Chicago, fostering service dogs, and spending quality time outdoors with friends and family.

Alex grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and earned her Bachelor’s in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, followed by a Master’s in Speech, Language, and Learning from Northwestern University.

For over three years, Alex has been a part of our team and now also serves as the Speech Therapy Department Head. Her goals lie in building meaningful relationships with the kids and their families, knowing that these connections are key to helping them grow. Alex is DIR certified and passionate about play therapy, where she enjoys following the kids' lead to create a therapy experience that’s both fun and impactful. With experience across a wide range of pediatric clients—including those with language delays, articulation issues, and autism. She’s a firm believer in the undeniable value of an interdisciplinary approach to care.

During her time here, she’s formed some incredible relationships and is excited to keep building more. When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find her checking out new restaurants, catching live music, or traveling with family and friends. 

Nico was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. He then moved into the city of Chicago to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for both his undergraduate degree in psychology and his master’s degree in social work. Nico has extensive experience working with children with diverse needs in multiple settings including client’s homes, therapeutic clinics, and in-patient psychiatry. After working in these settings throughout his education and post graduation, Nico decided to further pursue his education within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and complete an additional master’s degree in ABA through Arizona State University where he graduated and became board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) in 2021.

 
Nico currently provides both social work and ABA services to children individually and within groups at Quantum Leep Academy where he continues to enjoy supporting children and their families achieve their goals.

 Sara was born and raised in the north suburbs of Chicago before heading out to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for college. At the University of Pittsburgh, Sara graduated with her bachelor's degree in Health Services and then completed her Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy. 

Sara is passionate about providing occupational therapy services for people of all ages in order to help them achieve their highest potential. Sara worked at a therapeutic horseback riding facility for more than 10 years serving children and adults with social, emotional, and physical needs. Sara has since spent time in Chicago and New York expanding her knowledge in various settings including hospitals, inpatient rehab, home health, and outpatient services. Sara moved back to Chicago in early 2024 and is so excited to be part of the LEEP Forward team! In Sara's free time she loves traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Corrine grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, where she attended Michigan State University. After graduating from MSU with a Bachelors in English, Corrine moved to Chicago to teach in Chicago Public Schools. Corrine received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from University of Illinois at Chicago in 2021 and began her career as an OT. 
 

As an Occupational Therapist, Corrine strives to use a neurodiversity affirming approach to help clients and families accomplish their personal goals. Corrine particularly enjoys participating in play-based therapy that incorporates the clients' own interests and strengths. In her spare time, Corrine enjoys playing board games and snuggling with her cats. 

Zoey was born and raised in the great city of Chicago. She moved to St. Louis where she attended Washington University in St. Louis for her undergraduate and graduate studies, earning her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2022. After earning her Master's, Zoey moved back home to Chicago and has worked in pediatrics ever since. She has a passion for providing client-centered and strengths-based therapy to meet clients where they’re at and to help them reach their fullest potential. Zoey’s areas of interest include sensory processing and integration, fine motor skills, and executive functioning.

In her free time, Zoey enjoys spending time outdoors, crocheting, and trying new restaurants in the city.

Emma is new to Chicago from the suburbs of Detroit. She received her Bachelor's degree at Michigan State University and her Master's degree in Speech Pathology at the University of Toledo in 2021, where she went on to receive her CCC's and become ASHA certified. Emma's past experiences include working with both children and adults with a variety of speech and language needs in both outpatient settings and within an elementary school environment.

Emma is excited to join LEEP and develop relationships with the students as well as their families. Encouraging differences is important to Emma and she is looking forward to collaborating within the transdisciplinary team to help foster every individual's needs!
In her spare time, Emma enjoys exploring the city, spending time with friends and family, and missing her two family dogs back at home!

Megan was born and raised in St. Joseph, Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Butler University and her Master of Science degree in Speech, Language and Learning from Northwestern University. She has experience working with children of all ages and skills, including those with articulation and phonological disorders, expressive and receptive language delays and disorders, implementing augmentative and alternative communication, fluency, autism spectrum disorder, and Down syndrome. Megan is interested in engaging children in therapy using evidence-based interventions and play-based approaches.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys farmers markets, Cubs games, baking, walking along the lake, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Megan is excited to be a part of the LEEP Forward team!

Brianna grew up in Chicago, Illinois and just recently moved back from St. Louis, Missouri to continue her career as a physical therapist. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Education and went on to get her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. Brianna started her career as a physical therapist in an Assisted Living Facility and then transitioned into the school districts around the St. Louis area. Brianna loves challenging kiddos with gross motor activities and helping them maximize their potential. In addition to work, Brianna enjoys concerts, rollerblading, spending time with friends and family, and all things Disney.

Erin was raised in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. She attended Michigan State University where she received her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2019. She then moved to Chicago to attend The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she received a master's degree in ABA. In March of 2022, Erin passed her boards to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. After working at QLA as an AC for a little under a year, Erin continued her career at QLA as a BCBA. Throughout high school, college, and in her master's program she was lucky enough to have worked and volunteered in different settings and fields, such as hospitals, schools, clinics and camps, with children of all abilities and ages.

Erin has always loved working with children, and is so excited to continue that work at LEEP. In her free time, Erin loves to hangout with her dog Winnie, explore chicago with her friends, and watch MSU football!

Katrina Gainey, known as Kat, is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a deep commitment to supporting children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Kat earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Winthrop University and completed an accelerated Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a clinical practice concentration at the University of Houston-Main.

With five years of experience in diverse settings—including residential, private practice, outpatient, and educational environments—Kat has honed her skills in addressing socio-emotional development and emotional regulation. Her specialization includes working with children diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, OCD, and ODD. Kat is dedicated to staying current with the latest research and techniques to provide the most effective support for these populations. Kat has a strong background in organizing social skills groups, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and delivering individualized therapy and interventions. Her passion lies in advocating for all children, particularly those with neurodevelopmental disorders, to enhance their overall wellbeing.

Outside of her professional life, Kat enjoys traveling, listening to music, weightlifting, hiking, and cooking. She is enthusiastic about continuing her work with the exceptional professionals at Leep Forward and Quantum Leep Academy, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the children she serves.

Anthony was raised in the suburbs of Chicago. This is where he discovered his passion for working with children. He volunteered as a youth leader for four years at his church. After high school he moved to Texas where he received his bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University. Upon graduation he moved back to Chicago to pursue his master’s degree at Loyola University. Anthony has experience providing individual, family, and group mental health services to clients from a wide range of backgrounds. Nothing brings him greater fulfillment than bringing a smile to a child’s face and helping them navigate the struggles of everyday life.

In his free time Anthony likes to spend time in nature, hangout with his sisters, and read.

Ofelia was born and raised in Chicago, near Rogers Park. She graduated from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) with both a BSW and MSW, and is a licensed social worker (LSW). During her MSW program, Ofelia interned at an agency where she ran skills groups for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). During grad school, she was a mental health therapist for children and adolescents. Ofelia has always been passionate about working with children and adolescents. Before completing her BSW, Ofelia had also worked at a daycare and as a full-time nanny.

Outside of work, Ofelia enjoys being in the kitchen. She enjoys making new dishes and trying out new flavors. During the pandemic, she also picked up baking as a new hobby. She likes visiting different coffee shops and exploring new restaurants. Did I mention she is a foodie? She also enjoys reading mental health related memoirs. Although she may not be very artistic, she enjoys anything related to arts and crafts and playing instruments (and also going to concerts).

 

Yvonne grew up in Maryland and moved to Chicago in 2021 to be near friends and family. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's in Sociology, focused on Law, Justice, & Social Change. Yvonne completed her MSW at the University of Maryland, completing internships in residential crisis and domestic violence mental healthcare. Yvonne has experience providing individual and group psychotherapy services to children and families in outpatient, residential, community, and therapeutic day school settings. She also taught literacy in Detroit Public Schools for 3 years. Yvonne is certified in Psychological First Aid, and Disability Inclusion & Accessible Design. She is passionate about social justice and creating therapeutic spaces where clients feel valued and supported. Yvonne has facilitated racial development groups, parent guidance sessions, and creative writing therapy groups. She loves working in pediatrics and supporting the intersection bewteen education, community, and therapy.

In her free time, Yvonne likes reading, baking, puzzles, and going on tour with her favorite band!

Rachelle grew up in southeast Michigan and received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Toledo and her master’s of Education from Ashland University. Prior to moving to Chicago, she lived in Columbus, Ohio where she taught 1st grade for 9 years years and worked as an Intervention Specialist through the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program for 2 years. As an Intervention Specialist she worked 1:1 in the homes for school aged children with Autism. When Rachelle moved to Chicago, IL she began working at Leep Forward as a Lead Therapist while pursuing her Developmental Therapist credential. She is now a Developmental Therapist Clinical Supervisor for Leep Forward and happy to be a part of the Leep Family! She enjoys working collaboratively with Leep’s comprehensive team to support the children and their families at Leep Forward.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and hiking.

Alyse grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion from Miami University of Ohio. Following her undergraduate studies, she returned to Chicago to further her education, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Ball State University. She successfully completed her master’s program and shortly thereafter achieved her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. 

Alyse brings a wealth of experience from both school and clinical settings, working with children and young adults of all abilities. She was inspired to join Leep Forward because of its innovative and dynamic practice model, which aligns with her passion for redefining ABA therapy beyond traditional, table-based methods. By integrating play-based strategies, she nurtures meaningful connections and crafts personalized interventions that cater to each individual’s needs. Her dedication to this progressive approach has shaped her into a compassionate, versatile, and highly effective BCBA. 

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Outside of work, Alyse loves spending quality time with her family by hosting family holidays, traveling to new and familiar destinations (New Buffalo, Michigan being a favorite!), and discovering all that the city has to offer alongside her husband and 18-month-old daughter.