Welcome to
Illinois Speech Therapy
At Illinois Speech Therapy, it is our mission to provide exceptional speech therapy services to individuals with speech, language, cognition, and swallowing impairments. We provide comprehensive evaluations, personalized therapy plans, and evidence-based treatment to achieve the best patient outcomes. We offer a variety of options for speech therapy through our practice to make it easy and convenient for you or a loved one to have access to therapy including:
In-home sessions for individuals who live in Chicago
In the office at our downtown Chicago clinic
Virtually via our teletherapy platform
Our team of highly qualified Speech-Language Pathologists have deep experience evaluating and treating complex disorders. They are well-equipped to help you or your loved one regain, restore, or preserve the skills necessary to communicate and swallow. Take a look at the services offered by our Speech Pathologists to see if you think you may benefit from speech therapy!
Our Team
Carissa Schroeder, MS, CCC-SLP
Owner
Carissa is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist and founder of Illinois Speech Therapy. Prior to starting the practice, Carissa worked as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University where she evaluated and treated adults in a top tier acute care hospital. She is experienced in providing speech therapy services to patients with varying levels of medical complexity that struggle with communication and swallowing difficulties. Shortly after becoming a SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program provider, a speech therapy program created by Parkinson Voice Project and designed for individuals with Parkinson's, Carissa developed a passion for working with this patient population and loved the difference she was able to make. This is ultimately what sparked her desire to build her own practice to make a larger impact on those in the Chicagoland area.
Her other areas of speciality include acquired neurogenic disorders including stroke and TBI, degenerative diseases including ALS and Parkinson's, and head and neck cancer. Carissa approaches each of her clients with compassion, support, and advanced knowledge in her field. She strives to get the best functional outcomes for her clients and continues to stay up to date on the latest evidence-based practices.
Carissa received her Bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences, with a minor in Spanish, at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana (ILL!), and went on to get her Master's degree in Speech Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In her free time, Carissa enjoys spending time with her two daughters, cooking new recipes, and renovating her home with her husband.
Certifications:
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
MBSImP™ Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program Provider
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment® (LSVT LOUD) Provider
McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program
Respiratory Muscle Strength Training
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Certified
Awards:
ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE) - 2021 & 2023
Distinguished Early Career Professional (ECP) Certificate - 2023
Nibia Joseph, MS, CCC-SLP
Nibia is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist who provides individualized, purposeful care tailored to each of her clients. She sees clients in our office, in their homes, and virtually.
Nibia has extensive experience working with adults across a variety of settings, including inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing and long-term care, as well as outpatient services within independent and assisted living communities. She has experience addressing a broad range of conditions including cognitive-communication deficits, acquired neurogenic disorders, degenerative diseases, and dysphagia. Nibia is passionate about helping individuals regain confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in their daily lives. She values functional, real-world therapy that supports each individual’s personal goals, whether that involves returning to their favorite activities, improving communication with loved ones, or getting back to enjoying their favorite foods again.
Committed to lifelong learning and evidence-based practice, Nibia strives to deliver effective, outcome-driven care while fostering a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment. She approaches each client with empathy, clinical expertise, and a strong commitment to person-centered treatment.
Nibia earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Marquette University.
Outside of work, Nibia enjoys crafting, trying new recipes, exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, and spending time with friends and family.
Certifications:
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program Provider
Ivanka Northrop, MS, CCC-SLP
Ivanka is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist with experience working with both children and adults. She provides Telehealth services for Illinois Speech Therapy and has exceptional experience delivering virtual speech therapy to clients of all ages.
Ivanka has worked with a variety of adult populations including stroke, TBI/multiple TBI, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and head and neck cancer. Additionally, she had the opportunity to serve veterans at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center, where she participated in and led a Memory Group for veterans involved in a combined inpatient PTSD and substance misuse program. Ivanka enjoys creating functional cognitive goals and therapy for her clients as well as providing effective voice therapy to those with Parkinson’s disease.
Ivanka received her Master’s Northwestern University in Speech, Language, and Learning at Northwestern University. Prior to graduate school, she received her Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Elmhurst University.
In her free time, Ivanka enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her three dogs, trying new foods, exercising, and exploring new heights through indoor rock-climbing.
Certifications:
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program Provider
Tara Olsen, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Tara is a skilled and compassionate provider with over 12 years of experience serving individuals across the continuum of care. Prior to joining Illinois Speech Therapy, Tara gained comprehensive experience at rehabilitation hospitals nationwide, specializing in acquired brain injury and stroke recovery. Tara sees clients both in their homes in Chicago as well as at our clinic.
Tara is experienced in addressing conditions that impact cognitive-communication, motor speech, voice, swallowing, and language skills. Tara has worked extensively with individuals impacted by neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, Huntington’s, and dementia), acquired brain injuries (including traumatic injury, stroke, and cancer), and functional neurological disorders.
Committed to promoting life participation, Tara approaches each patient with empathy and expertise, ensuring tailored treatment plans that address unique needs and goals. She is dedicated to providing person-centered care that empowers her patients and their families.
She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in speech pathology at Marquette University, where she developed a strong foundation in clinical practice and research.
Outside of work, Tara enjoys photography, reading, DIY projects, and biking. She loves traveling and spending time at home with her family.
Certifications:
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program Provider
Certified Brain Injury Specialist
VitalStim Therapy Provider