Angels By Your Side

Pros

• The team of therapists is exceptional and the progress of the children is inspiring to witness.
• The staff consistently goes above and beyond for both the child and the family.
• The center offers themed rooms and focuses on school readiness and autism awareness in a positive way.
• The holidays and the center's creativity create magical experiences for the kids.
• The center prioritizes the child and family, collaborating to find flexible, practical solutions.
• By Your Side stands out in excellence among ABA centers and support services.
• The communication from staff is excellent and the facility is clean and updated.

Review

The experience with By Your Side feels like a breath of fresh air in the world of autism services. The most striking impression is the sense that the team is not just about therapies, but about witnessing real progress in the kiddos, which is consistently refreshing and motivating for families. The therapists and support staff seem to bring a level of care and expertise that resonates beyond routine sessions, creating an environment where growth feels observable and meaningful. It's clear that the effectiveness of the therapy is matched by the warmth and dedication of the people delivering it.

What really stands out is that the staff consistently goes above and beyond. It isn't only about what they do with the child during therapy; it's about how they handle every interaction the family has with the center. Questions get answered with patience and clarity, and the overall tone is one of genuine willingness to help. The impact on the child is tangible - there are fun moments, smiles, and a genuine sense that the child enjoys being there. More importantly, progress is noticeable over time, reinforcing confidence that the approach is working and that the team knows how to tailor it to each child's needs. The sense that this progress is the beginning of something larger is even echoed in the way staff describe the growth as just the tip of the iceberg - the real work and care behind the scenes extend far beyond what meets the eye.

The center itself feels thoughtfully crafted to support both learning and family wellbeing. The themed rooms, emphasis on school preparation, and ongoing autism awareness create a holistic atmosphere that reinforces skills in a practical and relatable way. The center isn't just a place for therapy; it's a space designed to equip families with tips and tricks that can be used at home as well. The commitment to family education is evident, and it's complemented by moments of magic - such as holiday decorations that transform the space into something magical, reminiscent of scenes from a beloved holiday film. The creativity and festive spirit aren't mere adornments; they reflect a genuine effort to give children memorable, uplifting experiences that also support their development and comfort.

From the perspective of a single parent navigating complex systems, By Your Side has been especially responsive and collaborative. The staff listen with care, understand the unique challenges that come with juggling caregiving and scheduling, and work together to find workable solutions. They're not just accommodating; they are proactive, offering flexible scheduling and clear, thorough information about ABA services, insurance matters, and policies and procedures. This level of openness extends to scheduling - adjustments are made even when it's difficult - demonstrating a prioritization of the child and the family over rigid timelines or bureaucratic hurdles. In this sense, the center feels like a true partner who respects and uplifts the family as a whole.

In reflecting on a broader journey through birth-to-3 programs, early intervention, public school systems with IEPs and ISPs, and experiences with various specialists and therapists, By Your Side stands out as exceptionally excellent. The sentiment is not just about feeling supported; it's about knowing that, when navigating this complex landscape, there is a reliable, empathetic ally on your side. The parent who shares this perspective notes that they have never felt as supported by anyone else, and that the care extended to the child is equally matched by the support offered to them as a parent. The emphasis on partnership, care, and sustained assistance makes a strong case for why many families would highly recommend By Your Side.

In concise terms, the overall experience is one of consistent communication, a clean and updated facility, and a team that demonstrates genuine investment in each child's growth. The second reviewer's brief but clear message reinforces the impression of a well-run center that pays attention to the essentials - effective communication, a welcoming environment, and ongoing attention to the child's development. Taken together, these experiences paint a picture of a center that combines professional excellence with heartfelt dedication, delivering not only therapy but a supportive community that families can rely on as they navigate the journey ahead.

This part of Crystal Lake, Illinois offers a variety of amenities and services that are essential for senior living. Within close proximity, there are several restaurants such as The Cottage and Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen, providing convenient dining options. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy nearby for easy access to medications. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians at Illinois Spine Institute and Northwestern Medicine Primary Care Crystal Lake, as well as hospitals like Centegra Hospital in the vicinity. The area also boasts parks such as Three Oaks Recreation Area and Lippold Park, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. In terms of cafes, Starbucks and Panera Bread offer ideal spots for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Overall, this part of Crystal Lake provides a well-rounded community with the necessary resources for seniors looking to settle down in a comfortable and convenient location.

Restaurants

• The Cottage (0.1 miles)
• Goal Line Sports Bar & Grill (0.2 miles)
• Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen (0.3 miles)
• Crystal Lake Brewing (0.3 miles)
• Julie Ann's Frozen Custard (1.1 miles)
• Chen Chinese Cuisine (1.1 miles)
• Arby's (1.1 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (0.2 miles)
• Metra (4.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Mariano's Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)

Physicians

• Illinois Spine Institute (1.3 miles)
• Northwestern Medicine Primary Care Crystal Lake (1.4 miles)
• Centegra Health System (1.4 miles)
• McHenry County Orthopaedics Sc (1.9 miles)
• IBJI Doctors’ Office - Crystal Lake (1.9 miles)
• Family Medicine For McHenry County (2.6 miles)
• Children's Medical Group (3.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Vitalant Blood Donation- Crystal Lake (1.6 miles)
• Centegra Health System (4.7 miles)
• Centegra Hospital (4.7 miles)
• Memorial Emergency Medical Center (4.7 miles)
• Centegra Memorial Medical Center (4.7 miles)
• Sherman Hospital Immediate Care (5.2 miles)
• Centegra Hospital-McHenry (5.6 miles)

Parks

• Three Oaks Recreation Area (1.7 miles)
• Lippold Park (1.9 miles)
• Four Colonies Park (2.6 miles)
• Barbara Key Park (3.4 miles)
• Larsen Park (3.9 miles)
• McHenry County Conservation District (4.7 miles)
• Sunset Park (5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Daily Projects (4.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.5 miles)