A brighter beginning for every voice.
Back to Lumina

Hi, I’m Illiana.
I’m glad you’re here.

I believe great therapy goes beyond building skills. It means empowering families, collaborating with educators, and helping every child feel confident, supported, and excited to learn.

As a speech-language pathologist and founder of Lumina, I work with children and teens ages 4–18 and the families who know them best.

Illiana FalkensternCCC-SLP · Founder, Lumina
Illiana Falkenstern, speech-language pathologist, smiling in a brown blazer
Listening comes first.We’ll build from there.

Expertise you can trust.
Care you can feel.

ASHA-certified
CCC-SLP
Experience that matters
13 years in practice
Rooted in our community
Illinois licensed

Who I am.
Here for your child.

With 13 years of experience as a school-based and clinical speech-language pathologist, I bring a well-rounded understanding of how children develop communication skills across different environments.

This breadth of experience helps me see the whole picture: your child’s strengths, areas of need, everyday challenges, and opportunities for meaningful progress.

Credentials & professional background

CCC-SLP
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Illinois licensed
Licensed to practice speech-language pathology in the state of Illinois.
TEFL certificate
Certified in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

A bridge between
home and school.

Understanding school services and coordinating care can feel overwhelming. Having worked within the school system, I understand those challenges and want to help your family feel informed and supported.

Explore how I can help

Understanding the IEP process

I help families navigate their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), understand their communication needs, and share concerns with the school team so they can advocate for meaningful support.

Reports with practical next steps

My evaluation reports include clear, actionable recommendations that school-based therapists can use in the educational setting, connecting the findings to your child’s everyday needs.

Working together, with your permission

With your permission, I can share reports with your child’s school therapist and collaborate with educators and other providers. Together, we can connect support across home, school, and therapy.

Making therapy
engaging & fun.

My background includes four years as a teletherapist, combining clinical expertise with creative, technology-based approaches to learning. I come prepared with engaging digital resources, virtual games, and activities tailored to each child’s interests and goals.

Whether we meet online or in your home, I want your child to feel comfortable, motivated, and excited to participate. Their individual communication style and strengths help shape our sessions, with a focus on skills they can use in everyday life.

What colleagues say

“I had the pleasure of working alongside Illiana Falkenstern and witnessing her dedication to helping children succeed. She consistently demonstrated professionalism, patience, and compassion while creating an engaging and supportive virtual learning environment. Her ability to connect with students and build their confidence in communication is truly remarkable. Illiana’s passion and commitment to providing quality speech and language services make her an excellent choice for any family. I highly recommend her!”

Iesha SmithStudent Services Monitor

Your child’s progress
is a team effort.

You know your child best. I bring clinical experience, practical guidance, and a collaborative approach. Let’s find the next step together.

Let’s get started Chicago, Illinois · In-home & telehealth