Kris Bielskis has been a pillar of support and advocacy for students in Byron Schools since 2007. As a speech-language pathologist with decades of experience, she’s a key figure in helping students overcome communication challenges and achieve their full potential.

Kris’s journey into the field of speech-language pathology began after graduating with her master’s degree in 1996. Initially, she worked in the hospital setting, gaining valuable experience in both adult and pediatric care. During her time on the brain injury team and in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Kris developed specialized expertise in helping infants and children with feeding and communication difficulties. “I fell in love with pediatrics and working with birth-to-three populations,” she explains. “It was fascinating to see how early intervention could shape a child’s development.”

This passion for early intervention inspired Kris to start her own private practice, which she continues to operate alongside her work in Byron. Through Illinois’s Early Intervention program, Kris has worked with children across Ogle County, often following them from infancy to school age. “It’s a unique experience to watch kids grow and develop over the years,” she shares. “Some of the students I see in Byron now, I first worked with as infants. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

At Byron Schools, Kris plays a multifaceted role, focusing on students with autism and other communication challenges. Her caseload spans elementary through high school, allowing her to make a lasting impact on students as they progress through the district. “I work with a spectrum of needs, from articulation issues to using communication devices for nonverbal students,” Kris says. “The technology we use today has opened doors for kids in ways I never imagined when I first started.”

Kris is also part of a close-knit team of speech therapists at Byron Schools, working alongside Kelly Hilliker and Andrea Barrett. Together, they bring diverse expertise to the district, ensuring students receive the highest level of care. “We’re fortunate to have an in-house team,” Kris notes. “It allows us to collaborate effectively and tailor our approaches to meet the unique needs of each student.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of Kris’s work is seeing students overcome barriers and succeed in ways others may not have thought possible. “Some of my students with autism or apraxia are nonverbal when I first meet them,” she explains. “But with the right tools and support, they start to communicate—and it’s like discovering an entire world beneath the surface.”

Kris also works closely with general education teachers to foster understanding and support for students with communication challenges. “A lot of my role involves educating teachers about conditions like apraxia and sensory dysregulation,” she says. “When teachers understand the ‘why’ behind a student’s behavior, they can better support them in the classroom.”

In addition to her professional achievements, Kris is deeply connected to the Byron community as a parent. Her three children have all gone through Byron Schools, and she speaks highly of the district’s commitment to excellence. “It’s been wonderful to have my kids in the same district where I work,” she shares. “Two of them have gone on to college, and my youngest is a senior now. Byron has given them—and me—so much.”

Reflecting on her career, Kris emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning in her field. “Speech pathology is constantly evolving,” she says. “From new research to advancements in technology, there’s always something to learn. Our district has been incredibly supportive of continuing education, which allows us to stay at the forefront of best practices.”

For Kris, speech-language pathology is more than a career—it’s a calling. “Communication is the foundation of everything—academics, social skills, relationships,” she says. “Helping students find their voice, in whatever form that takes, is the most fulfilling part of my job.”

As Byron Schools continue to thrive, professionals like Kris Bielskis are ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed. Her dedication to bridging communication gaps and fostering understanding is a testament to the strength and compassion that define the Byron community.