Courtney Coleman is a mother of three, occupational therapist, and Family Engagement Coordinator at the Center for Independence. As both a professional and the mother of a daughter with cerebral palsy, Courtney brings a unique perspective that blends clinical experience with the realities of parenting a child with a disability. She is passionate about supporting families, building community, and helping parents navigate the emotions, challenges, and unexpected joys that can follow a diagnosis.

Mary Kay Heldman is a board certified licensed social worker with nearly 4 decades of experience. Born in Mexico and raised in Puerto Rico, Mary Kay is bilingual in Spanish. She has a passion for enhancing healthy communities. At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Mary Kay supports the Early Motor Development Clinic, Complex Movement Disorders Clinic and the outpatient pediatric physician clinic. She also facilitates the Spanish and Tiny Tots caregiver support groups at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to provide education, support and connection for our families. Mary Kay is an adjunct professor for the University of Missouri-Kansas City in the Social Work department teaching courses on death and dying and Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees. She has been an adjunct professor in the school of Social Work for nearly 2 decades starting off at the University of Cincinnati and also at North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Cristina Brea, M.D. is an attending physician in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and the Early Childhood Clinic at Lurie Children's Hospital. Dr. Brea is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

Rachel Byrne is the Executive Director at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. She has been working in the field of pediatric rehabilitation and cerebral palsy research for the past 15 years. Rachel has a background in physical therapy, with a particular interest in neuroplasticity and motor learning. Her early career as a clinician delivering physical therapy services in schools, hospitals and private practice is underpinned by her research interests focused on knowledge translation and the impact on a person’s ability to participate in the community across the lifespan.