Cindy Mrotek

BCaBA, LBS1
CEO & Founder of a.c.e. therapies

Job title & educational background: Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst & Learning Behavior Specialist

With a Bachelor’s of Arts in Special Education from the University of St. Francis and a BCaBA certification from the Florida Institute of Technology, Cindy has equipped herself with the necessary tools to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves. Her collaboration with educational attorneys to ensure that Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is being met underscores her commitment to advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Location + full-time or part-time: Full time across all locations
Professional Experience: (Brief overview of your experience in the field i.e. how long have you been with a.c.e./working with this population) Over 20 years of experience in developing programs and interventions, both in public and private sectors, reflects her dedication to improving the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Not only does she work directly with children and adults, but she also trains staff, develops behavior intervention plans, and contributes to the creation of Individualized Education Programs through consulting and advocacy.

Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday? I love providing families with realistic hope that their life can improve and have better quality. I am passionate about coming to work and connecting with clinicians and families on how we can develop not just a program of skills.

Why a.c.e. therapies?/ what sets our clinic apart? Cindy’s personal connection to the disability world is through her sister-in-law, Karyn, who has Down syndrome. The role of a caregiver and a clinician provided great insight to selecting and teaching quality skills that would make a significant difference for the family.

Fun Fact About You: If I wasn’t in the field of helping individuals with disabilities, I would want to work for a professional baseball team! I worked for the Chicago White Sox for 25 years in Guest and Investor Relations. I love the sport of baseball and the atmosphere of a baseball field. I also am a volunteer for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and assisted in developing a Chicago CARE team for this rare cancer. We recently lit the Chicago skyline green for their awareness day in February. If I’m not at a baseball or softball field with my children, you can probably find me at a CrossFit gym.

Sruthi Rameshkumar, MA, BCBA, LBA

Clinic Director & Lead BCBA at a.c.e. Therapies Adult Learning Center in Downers Grove

Job title & educational background: MA, BCBA, LBA – Clinic Director & Lead BCBA at a.c.e. Therapies Adult Learning Center in Downers Grove. Undergraduate degree (BS) in Behavioral Sciences from Western Michigan University. Masters degree (MA) in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University

Location + full-time or part-time: a.c.e. Therapies – Adult Learning Center (in Downers Grove); Full-Time

Professional Experience: Sruthi has been with a.c.e Therapies for 2 years and supported in opening our one-of-a-kind Adult Learning Center in Downers Grove. Sruthi has been working within the field of ABA for 9 years. She brings a wide range of experiences serving as a clinician in public schools, therapeutic day schools, and center-based settings with clients ages 2-27. Sruthi’s areas of focus in clinical practice include behavior reduction and functional skill acquisition of adults and children on the autism spectrum with significant behavioral needs, cultural humility in practice, and systems management in behavior analytic settings. Her passion is working with adults on the autism spectrum with limited repertoires to support them in leading fulfilling lives across a variety of vocational and independent living settings. Sruthi believes that the best part of being a BCBA is the ability to make data and evidence-based decisions and see meaningful behavior change on a day-to-day basis with our learners.

Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday? Sruthi, herself, is the sibling of an adult on the autism spectrum, and has personally seen the impact of and need for quality ABA services since childhood.

Why a.c.e. therapies? The amazing clients and RBTs at a.c.e. Therapies – Downers Grove create the absolute best environment for work, growth, and continued learning.

Fun Fact About You: Sruthi is a proud two-time alumnus of Western Michigan University and aims to fulfill their program’s motto to “save the world with behavior analysis!”

Sidney Neugebauer MS, BCBA

Clinical Lead – Naperville

Job title & educational background: MS, BCBA, LBA – Clinic Director & Lead BCBA at a.c.e. Therapies, Naperville. Undergraduate degree (BS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of South Dakota. Master’s degree (MS) in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Location + full-time or part-time: a.c.e. Therapies –Naperville; Full-Time

Professional Experience: Sidney has been with a.c.e Therapies for 4 years as a BCBA after starting as an RBT with the company for 1 year. Overall, she has worked in the field of ABA for 8 years. Sidney supported the opening of our one-of-a-kind Adult Learning Center in Downers Grove. She brings a wide range of experiences serving as a clinician in center-based, home-based, and within the community settings with clients ages 2-27. Sidney’s areas of focus in clinical practice include behavior reduction through skill acquisition of functional language, toleration of situations, teaching within context, and accepting no. Her passion is working with children on the autism spectrum with limited repertoires to support them in leading fulfilling lives, and she recognizes that preparing for adulthood starts with foundational skills acquired throughout the lifespan! She has most recently gained experience in working with siblings who both have a diagnosis of autism, building independence, playing, and working together.

Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday? What drives me to come to work every day is seeing the progress the learners we work with make along the way! My favorite part of my job is when a learner acquires and generalizes a skill to the home setting, making them more independent within their everyday routines.

Why a.c.e. therapies? I love that a.c.e. therapies is family-centered! Our centers are designed to create a space as similar to their everyday environment as possible, which creates opportunities to teach skills within the context in which they happen naturally. I love working with a multidisciplinary team and collaborating on goals with everyone who works with the learners I serve. My favorite part about working with a.c.e. is that we work as a team.

Fun Fact About You: On the weekends, you can find me listening to Taylor Swift, playing volleyball, or pickleball. I was born and raised on a farm in South Dakota and frequently travel back to visit my nephew and family.

Amanda Bagby, MA, BCBA, LBA

Clinic Director at Merrionette Park

Job title & educational background: Merrionette Park Clinic Director and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (MA, BCBA, LBA)
Received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021
Received a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Degree and a Certificate in Autism from Ball State University in 2023

Location + full-time or part-time: Marionette Park, Full-Time

Professional Experience: I have been in the field for 5.5 years and have had 3.5 years of RBT experience prior to becoming a BCBA and will be celebrating my 2 year anniversary this June! I started with a.c.e. this past March and look forward to continuing to grow with our Merrionette Park team!

Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday?
What drives me to come to work every day as a BCBA is knowing that the work we do truly changes lives. Seeing a child communicate a new word, gain more independence, or a family feel more empowered — those moments are everything. I’m motivated by the progress, both big and small, and the chance to collaborate with others who care deeply about helping people reach their potential. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s journey toward a better quality of life.

Why a.c.e. therapies? I joined a.c.e. therapies due to the close professional relationship that our CEO, Cindy Mrotek, offers her team. She is actively involved in client care and works day in and day out to empower her team and improve client care, this is not something seen at many therapeutic companies! Our Merrionette Park clinic is currently going through restructuring of our program to help improve overall client group and social skills, generalization of skills, and client-focused therapeutic teams. We look forward to having structured group times for all clients to participate in to explore a variety of topics and activities, more group outings, and creating smaller teams to promote consistency in care for all of our clients!

Fun Fact About You: A fun fact about me is that I love walking around Chicago and taking pictures of the city — I’m always looking for cool architecture, street art, or little hidden gems. It’s my way of unwinding and staying curious, even outside of work.

Anything Else You’d Like to Share: 
I have spent my fieldwork researching Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and tailoring it to be utilized in ABA services, much of the research I have done helped me create a 6-week program that I use with the children I work with. I love using tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy because they help kids learn how to handle big feelings, focus on what matters to them, and build confidence in who they are. It’s not just about changing behavior — it’s about helping them grow into resilient, flexible thinkers who can face challenges with courage and kindness.

Donna Martinez, MA., BCBA, LBA

Job title & educational background:
Board Certified Behavior Analyst/ Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

Location + full-time or part-time:
Marionette Park; Part time

Professional Experience:
I have been in the field for 5 years, I have worked as an RBT for 3 three years and will be treating as a BCBA for 2 years this September. I started with a.c.e therapies April 2025.

Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday?
I enjoy seeing children learn new skills and their growth from the first day they start services to the day they are discharged. I love when working with a client it doesn’t feel like “work” we are learning and playing and having fun together.

Why a.c.e. therapies?
Good client to staff ratio, having a smaller team to be able to understand the clients programs, skills, and areas of growth better. I am excited to teach and continue to promote generalization of skills with the clients and work side by side with the Behavior technicians to continue their education and skill set as well.

Fun Fact About You:
I am both a Boy mom and a Dog mom. I love trying new places to eat in Chicago and traveling with my family.

Greg Sauder, MOT, OTR/L, ASDCS

Director of Therapy Services

Job title & educational background: Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Graduated from Midwestern University with my Masters of Occupational Therapy. I am a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who has enjoyed the experience of making therapy fun and functional for over a decade. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Bradley University in Peoria, IL and obtained my Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL.

Location + full-time or part-time: Full-Time. All ACE locations

Professional Experience: I have been a pediatric occupational therapist for over 13 years, working primarily in outpatient therapy settings. Throughout my career, I’ve gained extensive clinical experience and have also taken on leadership roles, allowing me to support both the therapeutic and operational aspects of pediatric care.

Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday? I truly value the connection I build with my young clients—being able to meet them where they are, engage in play, and make therapy both fun and functional is incredibly rewarding. I feel young at heart myself, which helps me create a space where kids feel comfortable and motivated. Seeing progress, no matter how big or small, is what fuels me and keeps me excited to come to work each day.

Why a.c.e. therapies? I believe that collaboration is essential for achieving meaningful therapeutic gains, and that’s one of the things that really drew me to A.C.E. Therapies. The team here is made up of highly skilled, dedicated therapists who consistently go above and beyond for their clients. That level of commitment and teamwork creates an environment where both kids and clinicians can truly thrive.

Fun Fact About You: I’ve built a sensory gym in my basement—complete with swing hook-ups—for my 7- and 10-year-old daughters to enjoy. It’s been a fun way to combine my professional knowledge with play at home, and my kids absolutely love it!

Anything Else You’d Like to Share: I earned my Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) certification to better support the ASD population, which I have a deep passion for. I’m committed to continually learning and growing so I can provide the most effective and individualized care for every child I work with.

Jamie Mapel, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist | Part-Time at Naperville & via Telehealth

Job title & educational background: 
Jamie is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 12 years of experience helping children find their voice. She holds a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Rockhurst University and dual undergraduate degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Location + full-time or part-time: Part-Time at Naperville & via Telehealth

Professional Experience: Jamie has worked in a variety of settings including schools, Early Intervention, and outpatient clinics, bringing a wealth of experience to her role at a.c.e. therapies, where she’s been part of the team for nearly two years. She specializes in AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), speech-sound disorders, and early language development.

Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday? Jamie is passionate about speech therapy because of the joy and connection it brings. “I get to work with the best people,” she shares. “Every day I’m lucky enough to laugh, grow, and connect with kind, curious, and resilient learners who inspire me”.

Why a.c.e. therapies? She values the collaborative approach at a.c.e. therapies: “What sets this clinic apart is how interdisciplinary it is. We work together across disciplines to make sure every learner gets exactly what they need to thrive”.

Fun Fact About You: Outside of work, Jamie lives in Naperville with her husband, two children, and four cats. She enjoys reading, running, and bike rides with her family. Fun fact—Jamie is one of ten siblings!

Charlotte Wilson, OTR/L

Job title & educational background: (Degrees + certifications) Occupational Therapist, Registered/Licensed

Location + full-time or part-time: Downers Grove and Naperville, Part-time

Professional Experience: (Brief overview of your experience in the field i.e. how long have you been with a.c.e./working with this population) I have been with a.c.e therapies since November 2024. I have been working with this population since 2018.

Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday? (choose 1 or create a response that draws from any/all questions) I like that Occupational Therapy utilizes my creativity. I also like making a positive difference for clients and their families. I learn a lot from my clients every day.

Why a.c.e. therapies?/ what sets our clinic apart? a.c.e therapies has a particularly dedicated staff and is supportive of clients and staff.

Fun Fact About You: (Something personal to help families connect with you) I play guitar and keyboard and I love cooking!

Emily Monbarren, CF-SLP

Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellow

Job title & educational background: I am speech-language pathologist in my clinical fellowship (CF-SLP). I graduated with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Location + full-time or part-time: I am at Naperville and Downers Grove, and I am full-time.

Professional Experience: I just started with a.c.e. this month, and I am so happy to be here! Prior to starting at a.c.e., I completed two years of clinical internships and externships working with children, adolescents, and adults. I had a variety of clinical placements including public and therapeutic schools, pediatric clinics, community clinics, and my university clinic (Elmhurst University). Prior to starting my graduate program, I worked as a registered behavior technician (RBT), therapy aid, and life coach.

Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday? I love working with children and teens/young adults! I enjoy teaching language skills in natural and meaningful contexts, such as motivating play schemes, because it facilitates experiences of joy and connection related to communication. Speech and language plays a role in every aspect of our lives, so being able to help others make gains that are going to positively impact their overall quality of life drives me to come to work every day.

Why a.c.e. therapies?/ what sets our clinic apart? a.c.e. therapies provides a feeling of welcome-ness that can be hard to find at larger clinics. When I first toured the clinic and met the team, I immediately felt like I was at home. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to start my SLP career at a.c.e.!

Fun Fact About You: I love horseback riding! When I was younger, I rode horses competitively in speed-based events. In the future, I hope to combine my love for horseback riding with my passion for speech-language pathology.

Greta Zilyte

Community Outreach and Marketing Manager

Job Title & Educational Background:
Community Outreach, Event Planning, Social Media, & Marketing Manager across all a.c.e. therapies locations. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and have completed Occupational Therapy Doctoral coursework.

Professional Experience:
With a solid foundation in psychology and occupational therapy, I’ve developed strong skills in communication, strategic problem-solving, and community engagement. I bring a unique perspective to outreach and social media by applying an occupational therapy-informed lens. My work focuses on strengthening community relationships, creating meaningful content, and elevating brand visibility. I’m passionate about inclusive outreach and ensuring everyone feels welcomed and informed.

What motivates you in this role?
Having had personal experience navigating the healthcare field, I understand how overwhelming it can sometimes feel. My lived experience allows me to help others feel empowered, supported, and understood. I’m passionate about making therapy approachable for individuals of all abilities and building meaningful connections within our community.

Why a.c.e. therapies? What sets this clinic apart?
I really value our organization’s community presence! Our community partnerships ensure that we can provide you with the resources you need. Clients not only receive excellent care, but also have access to a broader network of support. That sense of connection and collaboration is what makes a.c.e. therapies stand out to me.

Fun Fact About Me:
I love immersing myself in cultural events and experiences! I’m also bilingual—I speak Lithuanian.

Cheri Taylor

Naperville Clinic Manager

Job Title & Educational Background:
Full-Time Clinic Manager at Naperville

Professional Experience:
New to a.c.e therapies. I come from another pediatric clinic where I spent 8 years working as an administrative assistant, clinic manager, and ending as Supervisor of Admin Operations.

What motivates you in this role?
Getting to set up services for our families and seeing the impact my work makes is what I like and enjoy about this job.

Why a.c.e. therapies? What sets this clinic apart?
I was really drawn in by Cindy Mrotek’s dedication not only her pediatric clients, but for the adult community as well.

Fun Fact About Me:
As a kid, I received speech services due to a severe Ankyloglossia (tongue tie). I got scared on the operating table and did not have it corrected. I still have my tongue tie.