OUR STaff
Katie Saltzman
Katie started in the ABA field in 2013 as a behavior therapist, working directly with children and teens ages 2 to 17. Through that experience, she became interested in how ABA worked behind the scenes and moved into operations, where she found her calling. Over time, Katie worked across each non-clinical department, including Office Manager, Billing Specialist, and Operations Director, before becoming the CEO and Owner of Center for Autism North Shore. Her focus is on supporting families and staff while making sure services run smoothly and remain accessible.
Katie enjoys seeing the progress children make, supporting families along the way, and watching behavior technicians and BCBAs grow in their roles. She comes to work each day with the goal of making CANS the best possible place for every child, family, and staff member who walks through the doors. She is driven to build one of the strongest ABA programs in the area and to create a place where both children and staff can grow and succeed.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys cooking, DIY projects, and cycling.
Michael Lucio, BCBA
Originally from Michigan, Michael has been working in the field of ABA since 2015. He is especially passionate about early intervention and collaborating closely with caregivers to build practical strategies that support regulation, communication, and connection in everyday life. His clinical approach is rooted in neurodiversity-affirming, child-led practices that prioritize autonomy, meaningful skill development, and authentic relationships.
Michael values creating supportive, engaging environments where children can explore, communicate, and grow in ways that feel natural and empowering. He believes strong collaboration between families and the clinical team is key to helping children build skills that carry into everyday life.
Outside of the center, Michael loves traveling to new countries, baking sourdough recipes from scratch, and trying new restaurants whenever he gets the chance.
Elizabeth Arriaga, BCBA
Raised in Chicago, Liz has been working in the field of ABA since 2018. She is especially passionate about early intervention, strengths-based programming, and partnering with caregivers to build practical, meaningful skills that carry over into everyday life. Liz loves creating individualized, creative treatment plans that feel engaging and fun while still targeting real growth.
She is a strong believer in supporting all forms of communication and meeting each client where they are. Her approach is optimistic, collaborative, and team-centered, ensuring families and the clinical team feel supported, heard, and empowered, knowing that clients thrive when everyone is on the same page.
Outside of the center, Liz enjoys getting lost in fantasy novels, experimenting in the kitchen, diving into creative hobbies like sewing and oil painting, and discovering new music!
Scott Saltzman
Scott graduated with a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2011. He began working in the Emergency Department and advanced to Trauma Nurse, then Charge Nurse, and eventually House Supervisor for the 400 bed hospital. After working in administration for a few years, and seeing the faults in our healthcare system, he began looking into opening his own rehab facility or nursing home, where he could ensure all patients and family members were cared for as individuals, not just numbers.
After talking with his sister Katie, they decided to open the Center for Autism North Shore in Evanston, IL. Since opening, Scott has overseen the financial aspects of the center, helped develop processes and procedures, and ensured that all staff members, clients, and families felt like family and were treated as such.
When not working at the hospital in Lafayette, LA or at CANS, Scott enjoys cooking, working outdoors, and spending time with his wife, Bethany, and his son, Eli, and friends.
Logan Silva
Originally from the suburbs of Minneapolis, Logan moved to Chicago in 2020 to attend Loyola University Chicago. He began working in the field of ABA in 2024 during his senior year of college and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in ABA while working as a Registered Behavior Technician.
Logan has primarily worked with children under 7 and is especially passionate about early skill development through assent-based, child-led, and naturalistic teaching approaches that support meaningful growth while ensuring learners have positive and engaging experiences.
Outside of the clinic, Logan enjoys running, biking, watching the NFL, and exploring new restaurants throughout Chicago.
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