Meet Our Team
We Celebrate the Unique Learning Style of Every Child
Megan Morien, M.A., BCBA
Executive Director of CST Academy
Megan Morien is a Chicago-based Behavior Analyst with more than 20 years of experience working with children in the field. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Family and Human Development from Arizona State University before completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In 2008, Megan accepted a position as a junior ABA therapist at an elementary school with an emphasis on inclusion. Soon, she rose to become an administrator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at the school.
In her role as an administrator, she helped families bridge the gap with their children as they transitioned from preschool to the public school education setting. She also oversaw the implementation of curriculum, programming, and other modifications to ensure the success of all students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). In addition to training teachers, paraprofessionals, and the related service team on these strategies, she also had the opportunity to supervise 25 BCBA candidates, all of whom successfully earned their BCBA certification.
Megan has extensive experience leading parent training sessions to promote consistency and carryover of skills for behavior intervention plans. Her commitment to parent education results in incredible gains for children in the home, school, and therapeutic settings.
Megan has also been asked to address audiences on a range of Applied Behavior Analytic topics, such as how to implement Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans.
Prior to joining the Chicago ABA Therapy team as the Director of ABA Services, Megan gained experience working in various schools in the Chicago area, as well as providing in-home ABA programming in Arizona and Minnesota. She also served as a language instructor for two years in Gifu, Japan.
Katelyn Suski, MA
Director of CST Academy
Katelyn has a true passion for teaching kindergarten and enjoys seeing the growth and independence her students gain throughout this special year. As a teacher, she strives to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.
Katelyn completed both her bachelor’s degree in Special Education and her master’s degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders at Michigan State University. Prior to coming to CSTA, Katelyn worked for Chicago Public Schools as a self-contained special education teacher in grades K-2. She also has experience as an inclusion special education teacher and case manager.
Outside of CSTA, Katelyn enjoys pilates, cooking new recipes, and spending time with her family!
Preschool Team
Lauren Rottinghaus, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, Program Lead
What Lauren loves most about being a teacher at CST Academy is watching the kids grow and develop group learning skills so quickly. She also enjoys seeing peer interactions and friendships form in the classroom. If you are looking for a good read for your kiddo, Lauren highly recommends We’re Going on a Bear Hunt because of how interactive it is!
Lauren completed her bachelor’s degree at Illinois State University and received her master’s degree from St. Ambrose University. Before she joined CST Academy, Lauren had experience working in a blended preschool in the Omaha Public Schools where she worked with children ages 2-5.
When she is not teaching, Lauren finds joy in spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, and enjoying the outdoors (in the summer, of course).
Julie Meyer, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, Program Lead
Julie has a passion for supporting children in their use of multimodal communication, including but not limited to, high-tech AAC devices, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Signed English and spoken language. She loves watching children grow in their ability to express their thoughts, wants, and needs with those around them.
Julie graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Prior to joining CST, Julie gained experience in a variety of pediatric settings, including elementary education, private practice, and early intervention serving children from birth to age three. She also has experience working with children with ASD at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Columbia, MO.
In her free time, Julie enjoys cheering on The St. Louis Blues, running on the lakefront, and trying out new Italian restaurants in Chicago.
Courtney Goedhart, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, PreK Teacher
Courtney strongly believes that collaboration with families and other members of each child’s care team is essential in facilitating development in all areas both within and outside of the classroom. She loves helping her students find their own voice to communicate in a way that is most effective and functional for them.
Courtney completed her undergraduate studies in Communication Sciences & Disorders at California State University-Fullerton and earned her master’s degree from New York University.
When she’s not teaching at CST or reading The Pout Pout Fish with her clients, Courtney enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, trying new restaurants, and trying to cook new recipes at home.
Emily Firmiss, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, PreK Teacher
At CST, Emily specializes in working with clients on early language, articulation, and feeding. She also loves to introduce her clients to her favorite children’s book, Little Blue Truck.
Emily graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Elmhurst College. Prior to joining CST Academy, Emily worked in Chicago Public Schools where she evaluated and provided one-to-one and small group therapeutic intervention for students in grades K-8.
Outside of CSTA, Emily’s favorite hobbies include yoga, reading, cooking, and traveling. Emily is also the youngest of 8 children and enjoys spending time with her family.
Emily Reyes, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, PreK Teacher
Emily loves all aspects of CSTA, but especially promoting early language and positive peer interactions. She incorporates a child-led approach to the classroom to facilitate communication through each child’s unique interests. Emily loves to watch friendships grow within the classroom.
Emily completed her bachelor’s degree at Purdue University and went on to receive her master’s degree from Lewis University. Emily loves working closely with families and other clinicians to ensure each child is growing across all environments outside of the classroom.
In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and taking workout classes.
Stephanie Ochoa, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, PreK Teacher
Stephanie loves so many aspects of speech pathology but specifically, she is passionate about developing her students' early language and literacy skills through play! She enjoys finding new ways to approach teaching by meeting children at their level and building skills using their current strengths and interests. As a bilingual therapist, it is also important to Stephanie that children are exposed to language that they not only understand, but find fun to use too!
Stephanie earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Iowa and her master's degree from Lewis University. She loves working with families to get to know her students better and learn about all the skills they show at home! Working together, Stephanie's learners and their families see incredible growth and gains both in the classroom and at home!
On the weekends, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends and exploring new restaurants in the city!
Caroline Planek, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, PreK Teacher
Caroline loves incorporating interactive stories and songs into her classroom to encourage student participation and growth! Some of her favorite songs include Five Little Ducks, Going on a Bear Hunt, and Down by the Bay. Caroline’s favorite thing about being a teacher at CSTA is getting to watch students develop peer interaction skills and grow friendships in class!
Caroline completed her undergraduate studies in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University and went on to earn her master’s degree from Rush University. She is passionate about working with children with ASD, supporting multimodal communication, and growing language through play-based strategies!
Outside of CST, Caroline enjoys cooking and baking, doing yoga, reading, and spending time with friends and family!
Bridget Roth, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, PreK Teacher
Bridget enjoys contributing to a child’s speech-language development by providing families with a toolbox for assisting their children to navigate the world of communication. Bridget’s work prioritizes team collaboration and taking a dynamic, child-led approach to therapeutic activities.
Bridget completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and received her master’s degree from Lewis University. She has experience working with children with early language development, autism spectrum disorder, social-pragmatic language difficulties, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), and oral motor development.
Outside of teaching at CSTA, Bridget enjoys taking trips to local coffee shops, spending time with her family & dog, listening to music, and getting creative with a new art project.
Haley McCabe, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, PreK Teacher
Haley is passionate about fostering a learning environment for students to have fun and feel safe! Her favorite thing about CSTA is getting to provide opportunities for children to interact, socialize, and share ideas with one another through both play-based and structured learning activities. She is dedicated to meeting the needs of each student individually and supporting them in their overall development through team and parent collaboration.
Haley received her bachelors and masters degree from the University of Missouri - Columbia. She has experience working with the pediatric population in areas including early language development, autism spectrum disorder, speech sound disorders, social-pragmatic language, oral motor/feeding difficulties, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Haley spends her free time cooking, staying active with running or yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends and family!
Elizabeth Wilkes, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist, PreK Teacher
Elizabeth loves working on early language and multimodal communication. She loves incorporating stories, songs, and movement into class. She loves watching children grow, learn, and develop their language and communication skills.
Elizabeth completed her Bachelor's degree in special education at Clemson University and received her Master's degree in speech-language pathology from Rush University. Prior to joining CSTA, Elizabeth was a special education teacher. She has taught in the US, China, and Vietnam.
When she is not working, Elizabeth enjoys traveling, reading, walking her dog, and cheering on the Clemson Tigers.
Kindergarten Team
Erin Bylina, MA
Kindergarten Program Lead
At CST Academy, Erin especially enjoys watching her students unlock their potential and make strides in all areas. She loves collaborating with other team members to help her students grow and become their best selves.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bradley University and her master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Erin has over 14 years of experience as a teacher. Prior to joining CST, she taught a kindergarten and first grade instructional special education classroom. She has also worked as a K-5 special education resource teacher, at-risk pre-kindergarten teacher, and early childhood special education teacher. Erin has extensive experience collaborating with related service providers, including SLPs, OTs, and PTs, and developing IEP goals for her students.
Beyond her work at CSTA, Erin’s hobbies include spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, going to plays and concerts, and reading.
Raechell Sandejas, MA
Kindergarten Teacher
Raechell’s favorite thing about CST Academy is being surrounded by people who are equally passionate about what they do. Raechell enjoys learning from each discipline and appreciates having a support system for her students. Raechell’s practice is driven by the belief that it takes a village to raise a child. She strives to see her students holistically by collaborating with families and other therapists to ensure consistency in the strategies that are employed.
Raechell is fluent in English and Tagalog. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at De La Salle University in the Philippines. Prior to joining CST Academy, Raechell worked in the Philippines as a special education teacher in private schools where she collaborated with multidisciplinary professionals to tailor students’ learning plans to their unique needs.
In her free time, Raechell enjoys crocheting, traveling (especially to the beach), baking and exploring new restaurants.
Multisensory Approach to Learning
Schedule Your Free, Private Tour
