My name is Maureen Ofiara and I am the owner of Embark Speech and Language Therapy. I am a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed within the state of Illinois. I have both a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Eastern Illinois University. I have provided speech and language therapy services to children ages 18 months through 8th grade. I absolutely love working with kids. It never gets old to see the look on their face (and mine!) when they say a sound correctly for the first time after working so hard towards it. The confidence inside them increases immediately. I am also a huge lover for early intervention and/or late talkers. I love being on the floor and working through play with a child. I use a multi-modal approach of repetitive language modeling, gestures, sign language, and pictures throughout the session. It is so exciting to see a child grow using this technique!​I currently specialize in evaluating and treating children with expressive and receptive language delays, late talkers, articulation/phonology disorders, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I am a certified Early Intervention provider and trained in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). I stay current with best practice by participating in professional development courses, reviewing current research, and collaborating with fellow speech-language pathologists. I provide services in your home, off-site daycare, and via tele-therapy. I primarily service in Chicago and the surrounding northern suburbs. I provide tele-therapy in the state of Illinois. I like to come to YOU for added convenience for your family. It is also important to make use of your child’s natural environments for the most functional type of therapy. I am currently accepting private-pay with an option of a superbill for reimbursement and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans. Embark Speech Therapy is in the process of being credentialed for Aetna PPO and UnitedHealthcare PPO plans.