Meraki Health encompasses much more than its Limitless Therapeutic Day Program. Founded in May 2005 by Sarah Weiler, Meraki Health provides Speech, Occupational, Physical, Behavioral, and Medical Nutrition Therapy, as well as social work services. We also offer consultations and training for caregivers and providers.
“Our philosophy is to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to be heard and seen,” Sarah said. Meraki Health uses comprehensive and science-driven intervention to benefit the whole person so they can reach their potential for daily living and relating to others.
“We want them to shine in the world despite any limitations that seem to be placed on them.”
Prior to establishing Meraki Health, Sarah had been a practicing speech-language pathologist in early intervention and schools, as well as inpatient and outpatient skilled nursing centers and hospitals in the Chicago area.
“I became acquainted with a very talented group of private practitioners who took me under their wings and assisted me in establishing my own practice,” she said.
The freedom of assisting families in practical and functional ways that other settings would not allow helped Sarah decide to fully pursue a private practice. That early endeavor has grown to become a multi-disciplinary professional corporation that serves families in Sarah’s hometown of Newton, Ill. and the surrounding communities, where this type of resource was very lacking.
While building Meraki Health has been challenging at times, Sarah knows her work is invaluable to the families they serve.
“My biggest professional inspiration is seeing the twinkle in the eye of a child who has learned how to communicate in a meaningful way (whatever that may be) and to see the joy in the caregiver who acknowledges it,” she said.
She enjoys empowering others so they can relate and communicate, thereby living their lives within their communities in ways that they can be fulfilled. “I love seeing families playing together, going on outings, and doing the things that so many take for granted.”
Meraki Health serves a varied group of people, making each day different and memorable. Through services that range beyond occupational and physical therapy, the staff builds relationships with patients to not only better serve them, but to truly connect with them on a personal level. Most of the work at Limitless is play-based, so the goal there is to promote joyful interactions.
Overall, the goal of Meraki Health is to help the community see children and families with differences for who they are and what they are capable of, rather than showing pity, dismissing them or applying stereotypes.
“Please keep your minds open and know that there is much more to these individuals than you can see,” Sarah said. She also urges everyone to keep in mind that when they are struggling or know of someone else who is, there is hope and there is help.
With an array of in-office and outpatient services designed to benefit not only the client, but also caregivers, Meraki Health works with people in every age and stage of life.
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