Tasks that were once simple feel monumental. Your own body seems unfamiliar, movements no longer automatic.
We understand the shock, the fear, and the desperate desire for recovery. This understanding fuels our passion. It's why we pair our expertise with cutting-edge therapies, a holistic approach, and unwavering support. Because we've seen the potential within those moments of struggle, the strength that surfaces amidst uncertainty. We're here to help you discover that strength too.
By providing therapeutic challenges, support, manual techniques, modalities, and education, we actively partner with our patients in their healing process. Even in the presence of degenerative disorders, the body’s many systems benefit from proper care and exercise. It is our hope to restore optimal function of the body and mind, with the understanding that as whole beings these gains will extend to the soul and spirit; and to our relationship with ourselves, others, and God; and ultimately to life satisfaction.
Mark started his academic career at the University of Illinois – Urbana where he studied biology for two years. He then transferred to the university’s physical therapy program, located at the Chicago campus, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in physical therapy in 1991.
In 1996, Mark earned a Certificate of Biblical Studies at Trinity International University, better equipping him for lay service in the church and the world. He headed back to school in 2002 to pursue a postgraduate degree in physical therapy, earning a Master’s Degree from Rosalind Franklin University with special emphasis on neurologic physical therapy. At the same time, Mark attained his board certification through the APTA as a Neurologic Specialist, which he has maintained to date. He has attended over 1200 hours of continuing education throughout the years. Perhaps the most important educational experience, however, has been learning from his patients and colleagues over the span of his career thus far.
Having had extensive experience treating in the inpatient acute rehab setting, as well as interdisciplinary outpatient rehab and home therapy experience, Mark opened Restore NeuroRehab in 2022 and has enjoyed this thriving practice, and partnership with the NeuroBalance Center. Mark’s education and experience provide him with ample skill to care for a variety of patient types, including orthopedic, geriatric, trauma, general medical, vestibular and amputation. However, his expertise is in the area of neurologic PT. He treats a variety of neurologic conditions including stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, various balance conditions, neuropathy and others. He is certified in LSVT BIG, providing him with the knowledge and skill to provide this intensive protocol to individuals with Parkinson’s disease and similar disorders. Mark lives with his wife Emily in Mount Prospect, the town where both he and his dad grew up. They have three children who make make them proud every day.
Chad M. Cunningham, an ASHA and LSVT LOUD certified clinician, has had a desire to help others from an early age. His passion for speech-language pathology ignited during his first speech science course, where he excelled in the material and found the subject matter fascinating. This led him to pursue both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology from Western Illinois University, where he further solidified his commitment to the field by serving as President of the Student Speech Language Hearing Association.
His dedication to the field has taken him from Glenview Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where he honed his skills for seven years, to Vista Health System, where he gained valuable experience in both outpatient and acute care settings. Chad is committed to ongoing learning, as evidenced by his LSVT LOUD certification and his deep interest in cognitive science and the metacognitive approach.
Outside of Restore NeuroRehab, Chad is fascinated by the potential of AI and large language models. He believes SLPs play a vital role in advocating for their ethical use. His fascination with cognition and the profound satisfaction of making a tangible difference in someone's life drew him to specialize in neurological disorders. Chad is proud to be a part of the team at Restore NeuroRehab, where he can combine his passion with his expertise to empower individuals facing communication challenges.
Sarah always knew she wanted a career helping people since she was a little girl. Her sophomore year of college, Sarah was offered a prestigious internship at NYU Langone Medical Center with Rusk Rehabilitation Institute. Sarah attended Concordia University-Wisconsin, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science in 2012 and a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2015.
Sarah began her professional career in Bakersfield, CA at Center for Neuro Skills, specializing in neurologic rehabilitation & traumatic brain injury and continued her career in locations throughout the Chicago area. Throughout her career, she has made it a goal to always continue learning. In 2020, she completed her Certified Brain Injury Specialist training with the Neuro Institute, and plans to finish her advanced training with a focus on Neuro-Degenerative diseases in the coming months. Aside from her passion for treating neurological challenges, Sarah also has extensive experience with vision rehab. She approaches patient care with empathy and compassion, while focusing holistically on the individual. Her primary goal is to give her patients a sense of empowerment, fulfillment and control in their care.
Sarah Schmidt is an Occupational Therapist with a passion for working with patients with neurological challenges. Within her professional career spanning 9 years, she has worked in a variety of settings, including acute care, inpatient and subacute rehab, outpatient and a day rehab program; regardless of where her career has taken her, she has always found helping patients with neurological conditions to be especially rewarding.
Ely Newton is a physical therapist with a passion for working with patients with neurological challenges. In her professional career spanning 20 years, she has worked in a wide range of settings, including acute care, inpatient and subacute rehab, outpatient and home health, but she has always found helping patients with neurological conditions to be especially rewarding.
Growing up in Skokie, Illinois, Ely knew she wanted a career in the medical field by the time she graduated high school. Physical therapy seemed to be a perfect calling, offering an opportunity to help others while building relationships with patients and their families. Ely attended Marquette University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2001 and a Master of Physical Therapy in 2003. Ely began her professional career in Phoenix, AZ at St. Joseph Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute, specializing in neurologic rehabilitation and acute care. After 4 years, her adventurous spirit called her to explore travel PT. Ely spent a year practicing PT at facilities around the country, learning the importance of making connections with people from all walks of life, embracing differences, and facing challenges.
Ely eventually returned home to Illinois, continuing her career in locations throughout the Chicago area, including Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (then Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Marianjoy, Advocate Christ Hospital, Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital, and currently The NeuroBalance Center and Restore NeuroRehab.
Ely lives a busy life with her husband, two children, and active dog. Outside of work, she is a part-time chauffeur, taking her children to all of their sports practices and games. She enjoys playing volleyball, coaching her kids from the sidelines, and writing stories about her family life. Ely feels very fortunate and proud to be a part of the Restore NeuroRehab team.
