Scholar, Founder, CEO, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and President‑Elect of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association
Dr. Laura Mraz, OTD, OTR/L, is a nationally recognized pediatric occupational therapist, scholar, and entrepreneur whose work has reshaped the landscape of neurodiversity‑affirming care in Chicago and beyond.
She is the Founder and CEO of Eyas Landing (est. 2007), Blue Bird Day (est. 2014), and Merlin Day Academy (est. 2018), three pioneering programs operating under the unified corporate umbrella Three Birds One Mission.
Together, these organizations deliver a full continuum of multidisciplinary, evidence‑based services for children with autism, developmental differences, and complex learning needs.
Education & Clinical Training
Dr. Mraz earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University Chicago (2007), where she was named a Mulcahy Research Scholar. She completed both her M.S. in Occupational Therapy (2010) and her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (2011) at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
Leadership & Professional Impact
In 2025, Dr. Mraz was elected President‑Elect of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association (ILOTA), reflecting her long‑standing commitment to advocacy, practitioner development, and elevating the role of occupational therapy in public health and education.
Across her nearly 20‑year career, she has been recognized as an innovator in multidisciplinary pediatric therapy, championing collaborative care models that integrate occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, ABA, social work, developmental therapy, and neuropsychology.
Her programs were among the first in the nation to implement a fully coordinated, cross‑setting therapeutic model spanning clinic, home, school, daycare, and virtual environments.
Founder of Three Landmark Programs
- Eyas Landing (2007): A therapist‑owned outpatient clinic specializing in sensory integration, autism, feeding disorders, and relationship‑based practice. Eyas Landing
- Blue Bird Day (2014): The first therapeutic preschool in the United States designed specifically for autistic and neurodiverse children, now operating in West Loop, Northcenter, and Wheaton.
- Merlin Day Academy (2018): A therapeutic elementary school for ages 6–14, fully licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education and offering a unique alternative to traditional academic environments.
Credentials & Certifications
Dr. Mraz holds advanced clinical certifications including:
- SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test)
- Developmental Therapist Certification
- Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention (Instructor Certified)
- Interactive Metronome Certified
- The Listening Program – Bone Conduction Provider
Awards & Honors
- 2025 UIC 10‑Year Service Faculty Award
- 2020 UIC Applied Health Sciences New Alumni Award
- 2017 SPARK Autism Hero Award
- 2017–2019 Top Autism Speaks Chicago Walk Sponsor
- Expertise.com Best Preschool in Chicago (Blue Bird Day)
Publications & Thought Leadership
Dr. Mraz is an active writer and educator, contributing articles on autism, child development, sensory processing, feeding, mental health, and family support. Her work appears across multiple platforms, including a robust library of articles published between 2024–2025.
She also authored peer‑reviewed pieces such as:
- Intervention Recommendations for Children With Autism in Light of a Changing Evidence Base (2020)
- 8 Easy Things Parents Can Do To Help Their Kids Succeed At School (2018)
Community Engagement & Service
Dr. Mraz actively supports and collaborates with:
- Autism Speaks
- Chicago Autism Network
- SPARK Community Advisory Council
- American Occupational Therapy Association
A Unique Approach to Pediatric Therapy
Providing our clients with innovative, evidence-based, and client centered care has always and will continue to drive Dr. Mraz and her team at Eyas Landing, Blue Bird Day, and Merlin Day Academy. Her innovative, proprietary services include:
- A Wide Variety of Therapies Under One Roof
- Concierge Administrative Team
- Comprehensive Insurance Verification & Claim Management
- Mobile App with Updates for Caregivers Throughout the Day
- Highly Trained, Compassionate Therapists
- Staff Mentorship, Professional Development and Continuing Education
- Evidence-Based Practice Leveraging Best Practices from Multiple Therapy Disciplines
- Data Collection to Inform Therapy Progress
- Proprietary Intensive Therapeutic Rotation Models
- A Commitment to Continual Growth, Learning, and Improvement
Dr. Mraz’s individualized approach to therapeutic intervention and our data-informed treatment planning help us support each child and their family’s unique goals. Three Birds One Mission provides support for a variety of conditions, including:
