About Us
History of the Program
The Chicago Autism Academy (CAA) was founded by Laura A. Hartwell in 2001 under its original name Behavioral Interactions (BI). Ms. Hartwell was a teacher and therapist working with students with special needs when the community called upon her to open a private school.
The original program opened in Oak Lawn, Illinois, near 103rd Street and Cicero Avenue. Due to its one-of-a-kind programming and success, the program quickly outgrew the location and moved to Palos Heights, Illinois (121st Street and Harlem Avenue) in 2005. It was at this time that BI changed its name to CAA and received approval as an official “nonpublic school” by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). In 2008, once again due to overwhelming growth, the program moved to Frankfort, Illinois where it remains today. Ms. Hartwell remains the President and acting Principal for the program.
Our Mission
Our Vision
- To provide critical skills to students to enable students to participate in the least restrictive environment
- To reduce or eliminate those maladaptive behaviors that prohibit students from progressing to the next least restrictive environment.
- To increase the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, families, and the community.
Our Administration Team
Michele Talley, School Support Specialist
Kristin Vagt, Service Coordinator
Laura A. Hartwell, MA, BCBA, Principal
Daniel McQuillan, MBA, Chief Business Officer
