About Us
NeuroMind – Schaumburg, IL
Pediatric Neuropsychologist Esther Chin, PhD, owns NeuroMind in Schaumburg, Illinois. Dr. Chin and her team help children, parents, schools, physicians, and therapists by testing children and teens ages 2 to 18 for neuropsychological, developmental, and medical conditions.
Our Mission
NeuroMind exists to bring life-changing hope and resources to parents, children, and their families, empowering children to achieve their maximum potential in school and life.
Our Core Values
At NeuroMind, we espouse eight holistic core values based on science, creativity, and faith.
- Change lives by applying proven scientific research that integrates behavioral, social, emotional, physiological, and behavioral principles in a warm, caring, and creative environment.
- Appreciate every child’s God-given uniqueness.
- Respect each child’s gender, ethnicity, culture, abilities, and neurodiversity.
- Communicate with academic and health professionals, parents, and children with care and collaboration.
- Support, guide, and enable parents to advocate for each child’s school and life success.
- Advocate for the child and assist with resource navigation.
- Empower parents and children to unlock each child’s unique potential.
- Regard God as the ultimate healer.
Where We Are
NeuroMind serves children and families throughout the Chicagoland Area, especially the west and northwest suburbs. We are located in Schaumburg, IL, near I-90 and the Meacham Road exit, Our address is:
1365 Wiley Road, Suite 147, Schaumburg, IL 60173
How To Begin
We’re here to help. Connecting a child to NeuroMind testing and services is the same whether you're a medical provider, therapist, school personnel, concerned parent, foster parent, or guardian.
At any time, day or night, please leave a voicemail at:
Include your name, phone number, email, and the best time to reach you.
We'll contact you as soon as possible (usually within 1-2 business days).
NeuroMind Referrals and Requests
We welcome referrals from medical providers, therapists, school personnel, and other professionals. Most often, however, concerned parents contact us directly. See what types of insurance we accept.
Get More Answers by reading our responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pediatric neuropsychology and testing.
About Esther Chin, Ph.D.
Esther Chin, Ph. D., is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric neuropsychology. Dr. Chin and her team offer pediatric neuropsychological testing, differential diagnoses, road maps for success, and appropriate resources for children to unlock their full potential.
She is also married and has a school-age daughter. In her leisure time, she enjoys playing the piano, hiking, and traveling. She is also a foodie.
Languages Spoken
Bilingual, Dr. Chin speaks English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin).
Education and Experience
Dr. Chin is currently on staff at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.
Before launching NeuroMind, Dr. Chin was a pediatric neuropsychologist at Ascension Alexian Brothers – Behavioral Health Hospital for 8 years.
Dr. Chin has earned numerous academic degrees and has vast experience in her field:
- Two-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW).
- Both a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California.
- Master of Science in cognitive neuropsychology from the University College London, United Kingdom.
Research and Publications
Furthermore, Dr. Chin has published research in prestigious professional journals, including:
Community and Professional Presentations
If you want to expand your staff’s understanding of neuropsychology or a specific condition or disorder, Dr. Chin enjoys presenting at school districts, healthcare clinics, and hospitals.
Dr. Chin has a particular interest in research topics related to concussion, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and cultural neuropsychology.
She has presented dozens of posters at highly respected professional conferences, including at:
- The International Neuropsychological Society annual meetings
- The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) annual meetings,
- The American Psychological Association (APA) meeting.
Current Professional Memberships
Dr. Chin actively participates in professional associations and conferences. She co-chairs the Chinese Special Interest Group (SIG) at the Asian Neuropsychological Association (ANA). Besides being an active member of the ANA, she is also a member of the:
- American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- The International Neuropsychological Society (INS) (associate member)
Jacquelyn Starenko
Jacquelyn (Jackie) Starenko is the psychometrist at NeuroMind. Psychometrists give and score neuropsychological tests under the supervision of a clinical neuropsychologist.
Jackie is also the office manager at Neuromind. She is engaged in:
- Scheduling
- Collecting insurance information and other forms
- Answering nonclinical questions
Experience
Before working at NeuroMind, Jackie was Dr. Chin’s psychometrist at Ascension. There, she gained immense experience administering neuropsychological tests to children with diverse medical, behavioral, emotional, and developmental conditions.
A kind and warm professional, Jackie also has extensive behavioral knowledge. She has served as an ABA therapist—a therapist who specializes in communicating with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Jackie worked 1:1 with children and adolescents with ASD in the clinic, at home, and in school.
She also has expansive knowledge of pediatric behavior, including behavioral dysregulation and behavior management. Jackie is also drawn to research about children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Credentials
In addition to her work experience, Jackie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University Chicago with a minor in Spanish. While at Loyola, she completed a summer internship at Tuesday’s Child in the behavioral intervention program. After graduation, she accepted a behavioral interventionist role in the TC Scholars Preschool.
Kaitlyn Ayala, MA/SSP, LPC, PEL, NCSP
Kaitlyn Ayala is a licensed professional counselor as well as a nationally certified school psychologist and licensed professional educator.
Kaitlyn conducts all aspects of neuropsychological evaluations at Neuromind:
- Intake
- Testing
- Feedback
- Report writing
Experience
Kaitlyn currently works full-time as an Early Childhood School Psychologist in the St. Charles school district.
She has considerable experience conducting academic assessments for children ages 3-21 in the educational setting.
She also currently teaches the Theories and Assessment of Intellectual Functioning course in the grant-funded Preparing Educators as School Psychologists in Northern Illinois (PESP-NI) graduate program through the Department of Psychology at Northern Illinois University.
Kaitlyn previously worked as a registered behavior technician, providing in-home Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She also worked as a pediatric neuropsychometrist, performing psychological and neuropsychological assessments for children and adolescents with a wide range of disorders including:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Learning disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Mood and anxiety disorders
Her clinical interests include working with children with ASD and conducting psychological assessments.
Credentials
Kaitlyn earned her bachelor of arts degree in psychology and linguistics, with a minor in gender and sexuality studies, from Northwestern University.
She subsequently attended Northern Illinois University, where she earned her master of arts in psychology and specialist in school psychology degrees.
Research and Publications
Katie also enjoys consuming and conducting research. Her work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including:
Parents: See an overview of the process for parents to have a child tested.
Healthcare Providers and Educators:
We proscribe to a clinical model and a holistic approach to your child’s testing that involves benefit verification, intake, testing, and feedback.
We’re here to help. Connecting a child to NeuroMind testing and services is easy. At any time of day or night, please leave a voicemail at:
Include your name, phone number, email, and the best time to reach you, and we will contact you as soon as possible (usually within 1-2 business days).
See What Health Professionals Are Saying About the NeuroMind Team
Psychotherapist
“As a mental health provider, Dr. Chin is my go-to pediatric neuropsychologist. Over the years, I have referred many families to Dr. Chin, and I often hear positive feedback from their experiences with her.
I highly recommend Dr. Chin due to her professionalism, organization, and detailed neuropsychological reports. She truly takes the time to understand her patients by collaborating with other providers in their care team, and thus, her reports, suggestions, and resources are instrumental to families and/or schools.
She is kind, informed, and supportive, and it gives me peace of mind to be able to refer patients to her—I know they’re in such good hands!”
Neurologist
“Dr. Chin is an excellent neuropsychologist. I rely on Dr. Chin and her team for accurate and comprehensive assessments of my patients in order to gain diagnostic clarity.
I have worked with her for years and continue to be impressed by her ability to provide in-depth evaluations for children of all ages. Her assessments are invaluable in helping guide medical management. “
Psychologist
“Dr. Chin’s evaluations are comprehensive and thorough. I feel very confident referring clients to Dr. Chin, because I know she will take the time to really understand them.
Her reports are detailed and informative, but also easy to understand.
She provides solid recommendations for parents so they know how to apply her findings.”
Pediatrician
“Dr. Chin and her team provide incredibly valuable information for my patients and their families. She provides a very thorough assessment with many resources that help us fully understand a patient’s needs, which then guides treatment plans. She is truly one of the best!”
Psychologist
“It is a pleasure collaborating with Dr. Chin and her team. Dr. Chin takes the time to call and talk with me about mutual clients.
Her reports are thorough and complete and provide valuable suggestions regarding clients continued care.
I have referred many clients for testing and feel Dr. Chin’s excellent services are of huge value to our community.”
