One team, one plan, one child — academic and clinical care under one roof for every learner. About Us:
Black Bear Academy began in June 2003 as a pilot program to support children and families in the Chicago area. With an eighteen-month-old son at home, founder Maureen Black decided it was time to put a long-time vision in motion and established BBA in a 1400 square-feet space at Irving Park and
Hermitage with three employees. Maureen served as executive program director and consulted with families, schools, and therapists to provide exceptional services to students both at BBA and in external programs to support the success of Black Bear students as they transitioned to other city programs. In the fall of 2009, Maureen and her husband Kevin closed their therapeutic company Clinical Assist to continue their research and focus their full attention on continually improving the programming at BBA. Sadly, Maureen struggled with declining health following a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and passed away in November 2019. Dr. Lori Tall became the new owner of Black Bear Academy in 2020. Her experience in pediatric neuropsychology, passion for mentorship, and dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration make her well-suited to continue to build an exceptional offering of academic and therapeutic programming to support children and families at BBA. We Believe:
Black Bear Academy is a center for learning that provides education and support to children of all ages and their families in the Chicago area. We offer a wide range of academic and therapeutic programming that reflects our commitment to meet the needs of children at all skill levels as they learn, grow, and develop. Our teachers and staff are passionate about student-centered approaches to learning and development that serve the needs of the whole child. Our research-driven programming is uniquely tailored to meet each child’s individual needs. We offer a wide range of classes and services that engage children in fun, multi-sensory approaches to learning and development.
