DHANA L. COHEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dhana has been in marketing and advertising for over 30 years. First at the world-renowned Chicago Tribune, then at a Bonneville Radio Station in Phoenix, Chicago Magazine, and an International Home & Design Magazine before founding her own marketing firm in 1998.
Now, as a proud grandparent of an apraxic child, Dhana is dedicating her time to help uncover the missing links to a whole child Apraxia approach.
DR. MARCUS CIRELLI, CFMP, D.C FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Dr. Marcus Cirelli graduated from Life University in Atlanta, Georgia, and has extensive post-doctorate training in Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition through Functional Medicine University. He completed a Functional Diagnostic Medicine program through the Southern California University of Health Sciences and is also a Certified Gluten Expert. Dr. Cirelli serves on the board of directors for a children’s nutrition company and provides care both locally in Cleveland, Ohio, and worldwide through virtual consultations.
A significant and growing cornerstone of Dr. Cirelli’s practice is his work with children experiencing neurodevelopmental challenges. He regularly supports kids with concerns such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, sensory issues, behavioral challenges, and developmental delays—focusing on underlying metabolic, nutritional, environmental, and gut-brain factors that influence cognitive and neurological function.
Dr. Cirelli specializes in identifying and addressing root-cause contributors to chronic conditions. His individualized, systems-based approach helps patients struggling with autoimmune diseases, thyroid dysfunction, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive disorders, cardiovascular risk factors, hormonal imbalances, and complex chronic illness.
DR. BRIANNE LANGLAS, EdD, SLP-CCC, OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
Dr. Bri graduated with a Master’s in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Chapman University in Orange, California in 2011. She discovered her passion in working with children and their families while specializing with early intervention and school aged children.
In a desire to expand her professional knowledge and capability Dr. Bri sought to advance her career with further education. She obtained her second Master’s in School Administration and Leadership with her Preliminary Credential from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California in 2017. During the height of the pandemic, Dr. Bri successfully received her Doctorate of Education from USC in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Bri’s areas of expertise include Autism, Articulation/ Phonology, Fluency, Receptive/ Expressive Language Disorders, Social Skills, and Parent Education. Her training/ certifications include Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), PECS training, Zones of Regulation, and Orofacial Myology
training. Dr. Bri has worked in a variety of settings including private practices, homes, preschools, public-schools, and community based sites with children of all ages.
PAULINA “LENA” LIVINSKY PEDIATRIC SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST & HOLISTIC FEEDING SPECIALIST
Lena has over 13 years of experience supporting families through some of their most frustrating and misunderstood feeding challenges. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2014 with a Master’s in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.
Her approach goes beyond surface-level strategies, blending biology, gut health, nervous system regulation, and developmental science to support the whole child.
Lena’s passion for this work grew from both personal and professional experience. As a mom navigating her son’s picky eating and her own healing from autoimmune disease, she quickly realized that picky eating isn’t about willpower or parenting. It’s often a child’s way of coping with deeper biological or sensory stress. She created the BLOOM Framework to help families uncover what’s really going on and make progress without pressure or overwhelm.
She is the host of The Livin’Sky Podcast, and creator of programs like The Picky Eating Reset, helping parents uncover root causes of picky eating and move forward with a clear, realistic plan that supports both the child and the family unit.
Lena is passionate about helping parents feel confident, equipped, and supported as they nourish their child’s body, brain, and heart
VANESSA MEDINA
My goal is to facilitate healing and restore efficient movement and comfort as quickly as possible. I achieve this through proven hands-on techniques, one-on- one therapy, individualized treatment plans designed for each patient. I am a graduate of Long Island University with my BS/MS in physical therapy. I have been working with babies and young children since 2006.
Over the years I have trained and become an intermediate level Myofascial release therapist utilizing the John F. Barnes approach to Myofascial Release. More recently in 2023 I have taken training in the Gillespie Approach Craniosacral Fascial Therapy with both the CFT Foundation Training and Infant Training. I am currently pursuing additional training in the Masgutova Method: MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) as a Core in Training: Level 1
MICHELLE OPIE
I am enthusiastically in pursuit of guiding others towards fulfilling, meaningful lives through optimal health. I love empowering individuals to confidently embrace the healing journey for themselves. After years of working with young children as a speech-language pathologist, I’ve found that it truly takes a team approach.
I am an airway-focused provider who understands the importance of a healthy airway: nasal breathing, lip seal, proper tongue posture, belly breathing, and a correct swallowing pattern. I will help you discover the root cause of oral motor dysfunction while working closely with other holistic healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive solutions.
I believe that everyone can benefit from the unwinding of the fascia to allow for healthy flow to release trapped trauma, toxic tissue, and tight bodies. An ideal fascial system allows for the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and into the fascia. CFT may help with a new issue, an overwhelming chronic condition, or simply promote general wellness in the body.
SUZY SCHECTER
Suzy comes to the board with high level of business accolades, her background in Accounting, IT and Finance with experience ranging from Big Four public accounting firm to consulting and project management roles. Enthusiastic problem-solver able to balance strategic view with
pragmatic focus on execution
Strong interpersonal skills with emphasis on creating positive relationships with employers, clients and customers through value-add service and training. Special interest in social impact organizations. MBA with high honors from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
TORI SPARLING
Tori Sparling is a holistic health and bioenergetics practitioner, Documenting Hope health coach, and the founder of Simply Holistic Solutions. She provides holistic support to moms for Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Her approach addresses root causes, nutritional deficiencies, gut health, bioenergetics, supporting the foundations of health, and lowering total load with the intent of making speech therapy more effective. She provides virtual health coaching, bioenergetic assessments, books, and free resources.
Her journey with natural health began fourteen years ago when her son healed from apraxia, eczema, and multiple food allergies. She is passionate about reversing and preventing the chronic health conditions that today’s children face.
ROBIN TAXMAN
My journey has always led me to connect with children. With a BS in Special Education and Masters degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and School Leadership, I taught Special Education for 12 years until becoming the mother of 2 beautiful girls and 2 courageous step sons.
I became enlightened by the practice of yoga while searching for a healthy alternative to “working out”. 20 years later I have learned how to blend my studies in yoga, my Special Education teaching experiences and my motherly aspirations to bring a loving and engaging yoga experience to ALL children. With Mr. Rogers as my Spirit Animal, I am able to connect with what’s relevant for children and provide them with tools necessary to navigate their ever-changing worlds.
Yoga provides children with a safe and powerful outlet to let their lights shine brightest and I am so grateful to be their guide!
