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We are color along

A Gentle Place for Growing Minds

A calm, supportive space where children feel safe, understood, and encouraged as they grow and develop their communication and everyday skills.

our purpose
why color along exists
Color Along was born out of a desire to bring the “care” back into healthcare. For too long, our founder watched as the business of healthcare overshadowed the human connection, leaving families feeling like numbers on an assembly line. Color Along was created to be different—a sanctuary that feels like "coming home," where a therapist will always take the time to pause, listen, and truly support you. The heart of our practice was forged in the Fall of 2020. Amidst a global lockdown, our founder, Munira, faced the devastating loss of her father to COVID-19. Navigating profound grief from afar, she described feeling completely "broken." Yet, in that vulnerability, a powerful realization emerged: even broken crayons still color. This simple but profound metaphor became the cornerstone of our clinic.

It is a reminder that perfection is not a prerequisite for purpose. Even when life presents unexpected challenges, we still possess the vibrancy and potential to create something beautiful. In a moment of profound confirmation, Munira received the blessings of her spiritual father, His Holiness Syedna Aaliqadar Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS). This spiritual guidance served as a powerful sign that she was on the right path, giving her the final strength needed to open her doors. Today, Color Along is a tribute to resilience. We don't just treat patients; we color along with them, helping every child create their own unique and beautiful picture.

5+

Years Supporting

2000+

Happy Families

10+

Experienced Therapists

Founder

Meet Munira Shakir-Badri, Founder & CEO

Munira’s journey began with a search for her true calling. After graduating with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy in the Winter of 2007, her early career took her through the intense worlds of acute care hospitals, skilled nursing, orthopedics, and neuro-rehab. But it was during a pivotal summer, working under the mentorship of a pediatric OT, that she found where she truly belonged: in the joy and complexity of working with children.

Determined to honor her late father's wish for her to start her own practice, Munira officially launched Color Along in the Fall of 2020. Channeling his lessons to "work hard and give back tenfold," she began humbly—working out of her car and traveling to families' homes. Just six months later, her personal touch and dedication allowed her to move into a shared 400-square-foot studio.

By November 2022, the practice had blossomed, expanding the team and moving into a larger office. Today, Munira leads a thriving, comprehensive center of over 10 therapists offering OT, PT, Speech, Feeding, Executive Functioning, Life Skills, Vision, and Myofunctional Therapy. Her mission remains steadfast: ensuring every child is believed in, every parent is heard, and no one is ever treated like a number.

our philosophy

our care philosophy

We believe progress happens best when children feel comfortable, supported, and understood. Our approach focuses on building confidence, everyday skills, and long-term development and not just short-term outcomes.

1.

Personalized Therapy Plans for Every Child

2.

Parent-Involved Care and Home Support

3.

Ongoing Progress Tracking and Adjustments

4.

Supportive and Accessible Care Experience

People You Can Feel Comfortable With

Meet The Color Along Therapy Team

Our team of caring pediatric specialists works closely with families to provide calm, supportive therapy for your child’s development.

Lauren Makowski

Lauren Makowski

Speech-Language Pathologist

Lauren earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Illinois State University and brings years of experience as a school-based SLP.

AQ Badri

AQ Badri

System Administrator

AQ earned his Master of Engineering in Computer Science from the University of Fairfax. He also holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from VBSPU.

Syeda Warda Jameel

Syeda Warda Jameel

Care Coordinator

Syeda holds a Master’s degree in Medical Informatics, bringing a unique blend of technical organization and compassionate care to the team.

Laura Eskoff

Laura Eskoff

Physical Therapist

Jumana holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Computer Science and is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the AAPC.

Trusted Insurance Partners

Insurance Plans We Work With

Athena

All Savers

Allegiance

Allied Benefit Systems

Anthem BCBS

BCBS of Illinois

CHAMPVA

Cigna

Meritain Health

Optum

Surest

UMR

Visit Us

Visit our locations

Hindsdale Office

Color Along Pediatric Therapy

120 East Ogden Avenue, Hinsdale, Illinois 60521, United States

Orland Park Office

Color Along Pediatric Therapy

9651 West 153rd Street, Orland Park, IL, USA

join our team

careers at color along

We’re always looking for compassionate professionals who are passionate about helping children grow. If you’re interested in joining a supportive, family-focused therapy team, we’d love to hear from you.
vIEW OPEN POSITIONS

here for your family

Here to Support Your Child’s Growth

Our team is here to listen, guide, and support your child’s development, every step of the way.

We take the time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your child’s care.
You’re not alone in this — we’re here to support both you and your child.

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Therapy Session

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