
WHO WE ARE
We are a private, family-owned and run special needs provider.
Therapy Tree, LLC is a New Jersey LLC co-founded by Walter Chavez, MS OTR/L and his wife and business
partner Jennifer Palinkas-Chavez, MA, LPC. Therapy Tree, LLC was created in 2007 to address a variety of
needs. Walter was interested in translating his experience into a private practice that would provide the
opportunity for his own family to work together. He also sought to provide personalized therapy with a feeling
of home to other families. In keeping with a family focus, Walter's sister, Susan Chavez, MS OTR, joined
Therapy Tree, LLC in 2008. In 2009, Lauren Ilg, MS CCC-SLP, introduced speech therapy to the practice.
Together we strive to build a pratice that allows our families to spend time together and nurture our passions
for helping other families through special needs therapies.
Our practice is built on our passions for the various components of special needs therapies and finding a family
of therapists who want and need to juggle family, community, and their commitment to helping kids. We strive to
maintain excellence by creating a treatment experience that maintains a feeling of home.
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About us
All rights reserved. Copyright 2008
Owner and Occupational Therapist
Walter Chavez, MS OTR
Experience
- Public Schools: Preschool Disabled Program and Elementary Schools
- Early Intervention
- Hospital setting: Pediatric Outpatient Therapy and Camp
- Private Office
- In-services at Preschool
- Presenter at Conferences
License, Certification, & Training
- Nationally certified by the Board of Occupational Therapists
- New Jersey State Licensed
- New Jersey State School Certified
- Member of AOTA
- Member of NJOTA
- SIPT Training
Occupational Therapist
Susan Chavez MS OTR
Experience
- Public Schools: Elementary Schools
- Early Intervention
- Private Office
- Presenter at Conferences
License, Certifications, & Training
- Nationally certified by the Board of Occupational Therapists
- New Jersey State Licensed Occupational Therapist
- New Jersey State School Certified Occupational Therapist
- SIPT Training
Speech Therapist
Lauren Ilg, MS CCC-SLP
Experience
- Public Schools
- Early Intervention
- Special Needs School
- Private Office
License, Certifications, & Training
- New Jersey Licensed Speech Language Pathologist
- New Jersey Certificate for Speech Language Specialist
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech Language and
Hearing Association
- PROMPT Training



As an owner and founder, I am passionate about the field of
occupational therapy. My life's work is to share my skills and
knowledge with families. When you choose Therapy Tree, LLC,
you will enter into a relationship with caring, well-trained
therapists.
I love working with children! I cannot imagine a more
fulfilling way to spend my time than helping children
interact in their world. I have been in the field of
Pediatric Occupational Therapy for more than 5 years.
Helping Children Communicate and have their voices
heard is the purpose of my work. I have worked with
children on the Autism Spectrum for 9 years.