Our Team
The LifeSpeed team is composed of dedicated, caring professionals who strive to exceed expectations on every level. LifeSpeed functions as a top-down system in that our BCBAs set the standards that our Therapists are then expected to meet.
Executive Leadership
Tony Russo MA, BCBA
Owner
Recognizing the lack of continuing support options available to adolescents, young adults, and adults living with developmental disabilities and/or cognitive disorders, Tony founded LifeSpeed to make Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services more accessible to this underserved population.
Prior to college, Tony honorably served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps; eventually attaining the rank of Sergeant in the elite 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. Tony earned a Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Tony oversees every aspect of the support LifeSpeed offers, ensuring that the highest degree of care is provided to each of our clients. In his free time, Tony is active in his commitment to encourage the ethical treatment of all animals, and is avid proponent of physical fitness.
Courtney Murawski MS, BCBA
Clinical Director
Courtney earned a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018, and has extensive experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in an in-home, at-school, and an in-clinic setting. In her role as Clinical Director, Courtney provides substantial guidance to all LifeSpeed team members as they create and maintain Individual & Family Treatment Plans for the clients they support.
Courtney approaches her work with an encouraging, tireless attitude, and she is committed to always prioritizing the relationship LifeSpeed shares with our clients over the programming goals we are trying to achieve. Courtney is a very dedicated practitioner, and she truly goes above and beyond to maximize positive outcomes for her clients and their families. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys working out, cooking for friends and family, and meditating.
Kim Phelps, MSW
Client Services Coordinator
Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Saint Xavier University, and is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work. In her role as Client Services Coordinator, Kim oversees all aspects of the day-to-day operations while specifically focusing on connecting families with appropriate resources for their loved ones.
Kim has an extensive background in navigating State-funded services for people diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and her expertise is centered on securing and maintaining funding for young adults who need additional support transitioning to a shared living arrangement.
Some of the professional roles Kim has held include direct support, case management, department management, grant writing, waiver funding acquisition and the coordination of public benefits and entitlements.
Behavior Analysts
LifeSpeed recognizes the importance of our BCBAs having a trusting therapeutic relationship with all of the families they support, and we continue to actively seek out ways to better understand a trauma-informed care approach to ABA.
Behavior Therapists
Jamia Powell
Lead Behavior Therapist
Brandon Wendt
Lead Behavior Therapist
Xoliswa Disipi
Lead Behavior Therapist
Luis Martinez
Lead Behavior Therapist
Elizabeth Coronado
Lindy McCrae
Tate Paglia
Geena Fajardo
Karen Mojica
Sidhant Sehgal MS, BCBA
Director of Adult Programming Sidhant Sehgal, or simply Sid to those he works with, graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2022.
A lifelong scholar, he also holds a Doctor of Medicine degree in Homoeopathic Medicine from India. As the Director of Adult Programming, Sid provides clinical oversight for the CORE Day Program and the adult agencies supported by LifeSpeed. Believing that everyone should be the architect of their own life, his collaborative and holistic approach recognizes each person’s unique learning history while respecting their current circumstances.
By emphasizing enriching environments and community integration, Sid ensures that support is tailored to each individual’s path toward long-term growth and independence. Outside of his professional work, Sid enjoys spending time with his family, practicing Taekwondo with his son, and watching and playing various sports.
Lizbeth Bernal Ramirez MS, BCBA
Lizbeth was awarded a Master of Science degree in ABA from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. A dedicated practitioner who brings a blend of expertise and cultural humility to the field of ABA, Lizbeth draws on the unique experiences she’s had working closely with families of many different backgrounds as she identifies programming goals for her clients. With a focus on supporting children with autism spectrum disorder,
Lizbeth is deeply committed to understanding the importance of a child’s history prior to identifying future outcomes. Outside of work, Lizbeth enjoys spending meaningful time with family - embracing the balance between work and personal life.