A New Era of Support Begins: Autism Optimism Illinois Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting at 3030 Finley Road

Apr 3
5 min read

Downers Grove, IL | April 3, 2026

There was a palpable sense of hope, accomplishment, and community spirit in the air on April 2, 2026, as Autism Optimism Illinois (AO-IL) officially celebrated its arrival in Downers Grove with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 3030 Finley Road. Timed to coincide with World Autism Awareness Day, the event marked a significant milestone in bringing innovative, compassionate, and clinically excellent therapeutic services to the western suburbs.

Under a bright rainbow in the sky, what was once just another office park address transformed into a beacon of possibility. From the moment the red ribbon was unrolled and the oversized ceremonial scissors gleamed, it was clear this was no ordinary corporate opening. This was a celebration of inclusion, neurodiversity, and the power of community collaboration. By all accounts, a great time was had by all.

A Vision Realized

Autism Optimism Illinois is dedicated to providing evidence-based, individualized support for children aged 3 to 12 on the autism spectrum and their families.

The new 3030 Finley Road facility features state-of-the-art therapy rooms, sensory-friendly spaces, and dedicated areas for individual and group programming. Displayed mood boards gave visitors a vibrant preview of the center’s full build-out, scheduled to be unveiled at the Grand Opening in May 2026.

A Clinician-Led Partnership: Falé Lā ABA Joins the AO-IL Story

Kailani Bartley (MA, BCBA, LBA), Managing Clinical Director Partner, beamed with pride as she walked through the space, her young daughter, husband, and mother by her side.

“This day means so much to me,” Kailani shared. “To build a place where families feel seen, where clinicians feel supported, and where clients can genuinely grow, that’s the dream.”

She added, “I am so thankful for Chip and look forward to co-branding Falé Lā ABA in partnership with AO-IL. I love my Samoan heritage, and that’s why I selected to co-brand the clinic as Falé Lā ABA, which means ‘House of Sun.’”

The announcement drew enthusiastic applause, capturing the essence of AO-IL: professional excellence, cultural pride, and genuine heart.

[Insert image here – Kailani Bartley and family in the space]

VIP Guests and Advisors

Several key advisory board members made the trip to Downers Grove for the ribbon-cutting, including:

Robb Sackett
Casey Prescott
Steve Schwarz
Matt Pfeifer
Todd Polcyn
Pat Curran
Efrain Aguilar
Bennett Borkowski

Many advisors live out of town, making their presence all the more meaningful.

“This is just the beginning,” said Robb Sackett. “What Chip and Kailani are building here will serve as a model for compassionate, effective autism support across the state.”

Pat Curran, Efrain Aguilar, and Todd Polcyn, each providing strategic guidance in business, BIPOC community engagement, and real estate, were also on hand.

“From concept to concrete reality, this team has done everything right,” Curran remarked. Aguilar added, “Every square foot has been thought through from the perspective of the client and the clinician.” Polcyn noted, “To be here today, seeing the ribbon cut and the doors open, is genuinely emotional.”

Neurodiversity Employment and a Special Connection to Misericordia

Autism Optimism Illinois is also committed to becoming a hub for neurodiverse employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities, drawing inspiration from Misericordia’s exemplary work. The program offers paid employment, skill-building internships, and volunteer roles tailored to individual strengths.

“Inclusion isn’t just a word on a brochure,” said Chip Borkowski. “It’s about who you hire, who you mentor, and who you invite to the table.”

Perhaps the most heartfelt moment came when Bennett Borkowski arrived with his housemates from Misericordia’s Connolly Home, Jamice, John, and Tyler.

“These guys are my family too,” Bennett beamed. “My dad says AO-IL is about community and home. I wanted them here to see what my dad and Kailani are doing.”

Their laughter and curiosity added an irreplaceable warmth, illustrating the inclusive culture AO-IL, specifically Falé Lā ABA, aims to foster.

Community, Commerce, and Neighbors Unite

The ribbon-cutting drew strong representation from the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which offered a formal welcome.

Steve Leiberman from Salmon Partners, the landlord of 3030 Finley Road, said, “From day one, the Autism Optimism team has been professional, passionate, and a pleasure to work with.”

Colleagues from Innovation DuPage (Jill, Beth, and Jim) were on hand to celebrate, underscoring AO-IL’s commitment to scalability and family engagement. Mark Spehr from TrustBank also attended, remarking, “AO-IL is a great partner in the future of our community.”

One of the most delightful moments came from neighboring office workers who wandered over, curious about the commotion.

“We saw the red ribbon and thought, ‘We have to see what’s going on,’” laughed one woman. “It’s so nice to have a place like this nearby.”

The website and phone number were prominently featured throughout:https://www.autismoptimism-il.com(630) 254-1718

Family, Friends, and Looking Ahead

Beyond the VIPs, the celebration was filled with family, friends, and colleagues. Kyle Nugent, a longtime friend of the Borkowskis and Glenbard West head coach, was seen chatting with Kailani and her daughter.

“It’s a party,” Nugent said. “After all the planning, the painting, the ordering, the training, it’s just so good to see people here, happy, excited.”

While the April 2 ribbon-cutting was a joyful milestone, the official Grand Opening is planned for May 2026, with even more extensive build-outs and programming.

“April was the spark,” said Casey Prescott. “May will be the bonfire.”

A Great Time Had By All

As the event wound down, Kailani and her daughter smiled in front of the white boards while advisors chatted with Bennett’s roommates from Misericordia. The champagne flowed. The ribbon was cut. The speeches were heartfelt.

Most importantly, the community, from board members to trusted advisors to neighboring office workers to housemates from Misericordia, showed up, connected, and celebrated together.

For Autism Optimism Illinois, this was proof that when you build with purpose, clinical excellence, and genuine love for the community you serve, people notice. People come. People stay. And a great time is had by all.

About Autism Optimism Illinois

Autism Optimism Illinois (AO-IL) is a mission-driven organization providing evidence-based, compassionate support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Located at 3030 Finley Road in Downers Grove, Illinois, AO-IL offers clinical services, therapeutic programming, and community education rooted in neurodiversity and empowerment.

For more information, visit https://www.autismoptimism-il.com.

About Falé Lā ABA (House of Sun)

Falé Lā ABA (pronounced fah-leh lah), meaning “House of Sun” in Samoan, is the co-branded therapy center operated by Kailani Bartley (MA, BCBA, LBA) in partnership with Autism Optimism Illinois. Rooted in Kailani’s Samoan heritage, Falé Lā ABA brings warmth, light, and cultural connection to therapeutic services.

Together, AO-IL and Falé Lā ABA are building a future where clinical excellence and cultural identity walk hand in hand.

For more information, visit https://www.autismoptimism-il.com. (Falé Lā ABA website is under construction.)