Co-Founder, Executive Director, and Board President

Stefanie Maiuri

Stefanie is a seasoned educator and executive leader who believes that all of the paths in her life have led her to found Bridges Development Center. Pivotal moments and extraordinary people have guided her to learn and unlearn as a mother and educator. Stefanie’s unforeseen journey as the mother to a beautiful, young autistic son has allowed for the discovery of her true passion: to advocate and create a learning environment inclusive to neurodivergent children and their families.

Stefanie served as the Executive Director of The Alliance for Early Childhood, a community nonprofit organization in the North Shore of Chicago from 2018-2022. Collaborating with educators, parents, and the community at large, ignited Stefanie’s desire to create and lead on a systems level in the nonprofit sector. During this time, Stefanie continued to grow her own family, having two more children. The work of early childhood inspired her own capacity as a mother and equipped her to adapt to the continuously evolving needs of her own family. Following the lead of her oldest and finding his diagnosis, she was always centered through strengths-based support and play-based learning and exploration.

Prior to her role at The Alliance, Stefanie spent eleven years in education in Highland Park, Illinois as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and district administrator. Her experiences in education, her steadfast values, and her expertise have always been deeply rooted in how children develop and learn.

Stefanie finds absolute joy in raising her own neurodivergent child, and he is the bright light in her life. She and her husband have both embraced, and continue to navigate, raising a neurodivergent child. She is committed to creating a much needed paradigm shift.

Stefanie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership from Loyola University. She currently lives in Oakland Township with her husband and three young boys, which she often refers to as “the frat.”

stefanie@bridgesdevelopmentcenter.org

Co-Founder, Director of Learning, and Board Treasurer

Jessica Ravineala

Jessica is a licensed occupational therapist and an entrepreneur dedicated to best supporting neurodivergent children through tailored therapeutic services.. Jessica has always believed in the power of co-regulation and has observed true magic unfold through child-led, relationship-based models in her practice as therapist.

After completing undergraduate degrees focused in psychology and human development, Jessica received her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She started her career as a therapist at an outpatient clinic, focusing on sensory processing and Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based model (DIRFloortime®) and fell in love with this approach while gaining valuable experience. Without any notice, this clinic closed abruptly. Recognizing that most clinics in the area had adapted a behavioral approach, Jessica was called to action and partnered with a colleague and The Therapy SPOT was quickly born.

Since 2014, The Therapy Spot has significantly evolved, serving both Troy and Farmington Hills with 17 therapists on staff specializing in child-led, neurodivergent affirming services for children and adults, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Jessica is passionate about educating the community and partnering with parents in neurodivergent affirming approaches that focus on regulation and connection over compliance and has made tremendous impact over the years.

With deep roots in caregiving even from the start as a young babysitter, Jessica found herself naturally gravitating toward families with children who would otherwise be labeled as “difficult.” She observed the power of connection and knew some way and somehow, this was her calling in life. Jessica is charged to influence the way our society views and makes space for neurodivergent children.

Being on the front lines as a mom has been just as much, if not more, of a learning experience for Jessica. As a mom to her 3 year old daughter and baby on the way, she has learned to closely watch and celebrate the little moments.

Board Secretary

Mari Pagone-Franklin, M.A. CCC-SLP

Mari is a certified speech-language pathologist in Illinois. She received her Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University.

She currently works as the Department Head of Speech and Language therapy at Kickstart Therapy Network in Wilmette, Illinois. In addition to her work at Kickstart, Mari teaches as an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University’s graduate program in Speech, Language and Learning. Mari has worked with neurodiverse children and their families for over 20 years with extensive experience with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Stuttering, Apraxia, Articulation Disorders, Receptive/Expressive Language Disorders, Gestalt Language Learners and Augmentative/Alternative Communication. As a DIRFloortime ® certified play therapist, she has shared her passion for learning through guided play as the editor of the Affect Based Language Curriculum, President of the Alliance for Early Childhood, consultant to local school districts and as an advocate for her clients. Mari has additional training in PROMPT,and DTTC for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Her belief in child led learning and collaboration with educators and families has helped her support the whole child and achieve true learning and meaningful growth that is individualized to each client.

Mari lives with her husband and three children in the northern suburbs of Chicago. In her spare time, she volunteers with local community organizations and enjoys playing with her dog, reading, supporting the arts and traveling.