Learn About Assential Therapies

Assential Therapies Inc. was founded in 2003 as a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy practice.  We specialize in treating children with feeding disorders. As a multidisciplinary clinic, our mission is to provide family focused intervention to children in our community so that they can achieve near normal function and maximize their potential so that they can be productive and function as independent individuals in society.

Our Team

Assential Therapies Inc. employs some of the finest therapists who are not only passionate about their work but they go the extra mile to help children achieve their maximum potential.

> Join Our Team

Smita Joshi, M.S., CCC-SLP

Founder/Owner, Speech-language Pathologist

Paula Bos, M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech-language Pathologist

Elizabeth Brennan, M.H.S, CCC-SLP

Speech-language Pathologist

Calli Cosentino, M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech-language Pathologist

Stephanie Huelsman, M.S., CCC-SLP

Speech-language Pathologist

Chelsea Lopez, MOT, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Nicole Martens, MSOT, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Patient Stories

This section is designed for our parents to share their journeys including their highs/lows, success/setbacks, and more importantly their message to other parents as a take away from their endeavors of trading waters of developmental delays and social-emotional-physical challenges while advocating for their child.

A Family's Story on their Feeding Therapy Journey

In this patient story, parents shares their struggles with their son’s feeding issues and how through faith in the process, their son was able to achieve milestones they never thought possible. It is easy to feel discouraged and dejected, but it is important to have faith and stay committed to achieving success.

Smita changed our lives. My daughter screamed and cried with every bottle, and was immobile. Now, after a few short months, she is happier and more active than she was!

I would, without a doubt, recommend Assential Therapies to any parent. They are compassionate, knowledgeable, and want the best for the families they work with. When other providers ignored or wrote off my concerns, they supported me.  My preemie baby is a completely different child because of Rima and Smita. I am forever appreciative.

Livia

Livia, Parent

If you are looking for a place that truly cares for you and your child then Assential Therapies is that place! We were so fortunate to get referred to Assential therapies 5 years ago for my daughter. She had a stroke inside me while she was still growing and in turn was born with a birth defect in her airway and developmental delays. She was unable to do anything a normal baby her age could do including drink liquids. We have been working since 2016 with various therapists at ATMFC and each and every one has been as wonderful as the last. If it wasn’t for these amazing individuals my daughter wouldn’t have learned to swallow, drink, walk, write, run or talk. She is now 5 years old and is heading to kindergarten next year mostly on the same level as every other child her age. We are so thankful that these therapists have become part of our family. Everyone here from the owner down want to help your child be the very best they can be. Thank you Assential, we are forever grateful for all the love and help you have provided!!

Mary Beth

Mary Beth, Parent

We were highly concerned with our son’s feeding issues. Our pediatrician had referred us to Assential Therapies after trying other strategies that weren’t working. Assential had the expertise to guide us and finally start making progress.

Creating an individualized plan that consisted of a mix of strategies specific to my child is what finally worked. Assential Therapies does a good job of looking at a child holistically and offering help and guidance in a patient and kind approach. Our son loves his therapist and that is so important in making any steps forward.

Annie

Annie, Parent

Communities Served

  • Park Ridge
  • Des Plaines
  • Niles
  • Skokie
  • Evanston
  • Chicago

  • Norwood Park

  • Edison Park

  • Jefferson Park

  • Albany Park

  • Infants

  • Toddlers

  • Grade School

  • Tweens & Teens