Westside Children's Therapy

02/20/2026

There's still time to submit drawings for our "This is Me!" T-Shirt Design Contest! 🎨

We want to see Westside kiddos get creative and showcase who they are. The winning drawing will be featured on our 2026 Autism Awareness Month t-shirt in April!

All entries must be submitted to marketing@westsidect.com by February 27th. In your email, please include a clear photo of your child’s drawing, their name, and which Westside clinic they go to.

Want some inspo? Here's a sneak peek at just some of the amazing drawings we've received from Westsiders so far! 👀

02/19/2026

With Spring Break coming up, many families are starting to plan their getaway. Water parks can be a great option! Check out our guide to sensory-friendly indoor water parks near Chicago for calmer, more enjoyable experiences for all. 👇

Looking for sensory-friendly indoor water parks near Chicago this winter? Indoor water parks are a […]

02/18/2026

Support is strength. 💪

No matter what your family is navigating, whether it’s big emotions, life transitions, or everyday challenges, having a counselor in your corner can make all the difference.

Hear more from Westside’s Kevin Stromberg, M.S. Ed., LCPC, LMHC, LPC, NCC, ACS, and McKenna Henning, LCPC, NCC, about how counseling can help validate family experiences and be a support system at any stage of life.

Want more real conversations about pediatric therapy? Check out full episodes of “In Session” on our YouTube channel through the link in our bio! 🎙️

02/17/2026

Ladies and Gentlemen...Loves Park ✨

Last week, we officially welcomed our 29th clinic to the Westside family! We’re proud to grow our commitment to providing families in the Greater Rockford Area with compassionate, comprehensive therapy services.

Check out the link in our bio to learn more about how we can help your child thrive!

02/16/2026

Last but certainly not least, give it up for this year's first Westside Way Award Winner for Teamwork, Rockford BCBA Taylor Hughes! 🎉

The fifth pillar of our G.R.E.A.T. Outcomes, the Teamwork Award recognizes someone who embraces being part of a "team of teams" and promotes collaboration and selflessness in their work.

From providing guidance to RBTs who don't report to her to collaborating with off-site BCBAs to help struggling patients, Taylor goes above and beyond to support all patients and team members. She does this without being asked and with a positive attitude.

We are so grateful for all of your support, Taylor! Congratulations! 👏

02/13/2026

Love was in the air at our clinics this week! ❤️

From creating cards for our kiddos' loved ones to displaying heartfelt door decorations, Westsiders embraced creativity, reflection, and appreciation leading up to Valentine's Day.

What are some of your family's traditions? 💌

02/11/2026

Our message to parents of teenagers?

Keep. Showing. Up. 👏

Hear from Westside’s Sr. Director of Counseling, Dr. Joyce Kraus, DSW, LCSW, ACSW, on how to show you’re there for older kids as they navigate the challenges that come with growing up. Want to learn more from our panel of counselors? Check out full episodes of “In Session: A Pediatric Therapy Podcast” on our YouTube channel! 🎧

02/10/2026

This year's first Westside Way Award winner for Attitude went to Schaumburg East OT Zofia Cieslarczyk! 🎉

Representing the fourth pillar of our G.R.E.A.T. Outcomes, the Attitude Award recognizes a Westsider whose presence embodies the positive and fun environment we cultivate for our patients, families, and team members.

Supportive, joyful, and resilient, Zofia lifts up everyone in her clinic and faces every challenge with heart and confidence.

"Over the last few months, Zofia has navigated unexpected caseload shifts as patients changed their plans beyond her control," said her nominator, Dustin Cook. "She approached this challenge with grace and determination by completing 13 evaluations in a short period of time to continue to use her time to change patient lives! She did this all while keeping her warm demeanor and optimism."

Congratulations, Zofia! 👏

02/09/2026

Sharing Love the Westside Way 🥰💌

Thank you to our team members for all of the incredible work you do! ❤️

02/06/2026

Comprehensive, collaborative care is our love language ❤️

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible team members across all of our specialties who make our mission possible!

Want to help us share the love? Send these cards to the care providers in your child’s life! 💌

02/05/2026

In anticipation of Autism Awareness Month in April, we are excited to announce the “This is Me” T-Shirt Design Contest! 🎨♾️

This is a great opportunity for Westside kiddos to showcase their creativity and celebrate every part of themselves. We’ll showcase the top 10 entries across our social media channels, with the winning entry being featured on our 2026 Autism Awareness Month T-Shirt! Here are the guidelines ⬇️

1. Either at their clinic or at home, your child can draw their favorite people, pets, places, things, hobbies, or anything else that showcases who they are!
2. Please use markers for vibrant colors.
3. Avoid using the color yellow.
4. Please use an 8.5 x 11 inch blank white sheet of paper for the drawing.
5. Do NOT put your child’s name on the front page.

All entries must be submitted to marketing@westsidect.com by February 18th. In your email, please include a clear photo of your child’s drawing, their name, and what Westside clinic they go to. We can’t wait to see what they come up with! 👀

02/04/2026

No matter how your child is communicating, it means something 💬

Westside speech therapist Rebecca Lonkar, MHS, CCC-SLP/ILCBC/L, emphasizes the importance of showing children that they’re understood, even before they can say it out loud.

Want more tips on how you can support your child’s communication journey? Check out episodes of “In Session: A Pediatric Therapy Podcast” across audio platforms! 🎙️