At M Street Pediatric Therapy, every family we serve is at the center of our care. Our commitment goes beyond therapy—it's about building lasting partnerships, advocating for accessibility, and creating a community of support. Central to this mission is Sara Stepanovich, our dedicated Early Intervention (EI) Social Worker and Director of Operations, whose compassion, experience, and dedicated advocacy reflect the core values of M Street.
What Does an EI Social Worker Do?
An EI Social Worker wears many hats—guide, advocate, counselor, and resource connector. Sara works hand-in-hand with families, navigating everything from complex paperwork and insurance hurdles to connecting families with essential services and support networks. Her holistic approach ensures no family feels isolated, overlooked, or overwhelmed by the intricacies of early intervention.
A Passion Fueled by Real-Life Impact
Sara's drive to become a social worker was sparked by her deep-seated belief in the power of tangible, meaningful change. Seeing a family secure SSI benefits, smoothly transition to school-based services, or find relief from challenges like food insecurity fuels her passion daily. Every small win is a big victory in Sara’s eyes, reinforcing her commitment to meaningful advocacy and practical support.
Trust, Empathy, and Partnership
Trust is the cornerstone of Sara’s work. She walks alongside families through every step, empowering parents with the confidence to advocate for their children’s needs. Understanding that raising a child with unique challenges is a journey filled with highs and lows, Sara provides steady, compassionate support—always there with empathy, guidance, and encouragement.
Navigating Challenges with Dedication
Sara knows firsthand that the path of social work comes with challenges, particularly limited time and complex systems. However, her strength lies in her exceptional ability to manage these demands without compromising care. Sara’s consistent commitment ensures every family receives personalized attention, thoughtful solutions, and dedicated support.
Lifelong Learner and Problem-Solver
Sara recognizes that parenting is one of life's most rewarding yet challenging roles. Though she may not have all the answers immediately, her curiosity and problem-solving nature drive her to seek innovative solutions. By staying informed through ongoing training, research, and collaboration with colleagues, Sara continuously enhances her ability to support families.
From Chicago Suburbs to Global Impact
Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Sara always envisioned working closely with children and families. Her academic foundation in psychology from Dominican University, paired with her impactful volunteer experiences—particularly aiding families affected by natural disasters in Fiji—deeply shaped her compassionate perspective. From these experiences, she understood the importance of equitable access to resources, fueling her passion for advocating for families.
Diverse Experiences Informing a Compassionate Approach
Sara’s experience spans many different areas of social work, from foster care and homelessness services to hospital settings and disaster relief efforts. She’s worked with organizations like AmeriCorps, the American Red Cross, the International Rescue Committee, and FEMA, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges families face. Notably, her disaster relief experience includes working with FEMA, where she was on the ground supporting survivors of the devastating 2023 Hawaii wildfires. Now at M Street, she combines administrative insight with hands-on care, ensuring families have the support they need exactly when they need it most.
Supporting the M Street Team
As Director of Operations, Sara leverages her social work expertise not just to support our clients and their families but also to support the staff at M Street. Whether addressing concerns around caregiver and child safety, helping staff navigate compassion fatigue, or swiftly providing resources to enhance their efficiency, Sara ensures the team is well-supported and empowered. Her ability to tackle challenges rapidly and effectively makes her indispensable, ensuring staff always have what they need to do their best work
Beyond the Office: Mentorship and Community
Sara continues her passion for nurturing growth as a soccer coach at Dominican University, her alma mater. On the field, she guides young athletes to build teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence—values she seamlessly integrates into her work at M Street.
Embracing M Street’s Culture
Sara deeply appreciates M Street’s unique culture, where collaboration, innovation, and a genuine commitment to families intersect. She values the practice's dedication to professional development, advocacy, and research-based interventions that directly benefit families, affirming why M Street stands apart in pediatric therapy.
Why Families Choose M Street
Choosing M Street Pediatric Therapy means partnering with professionals who genuinely care—not only about your child’s development but also about your entire family’s well-being. Sara embodies this ethos, ensuring every interaction is infused with compassion, respect, and a sincere dedication to making a tangible difference.
At M Street Pediatric Therapy, our mission thrives because of compassionate leaders like Sara Stepanovich. Together, we’re not just providing therapy; we're creating a community where families feel seen, supported, and celebrated every step of the way.
