Our Story
Most of the individuals who arrive at our door, or to this website, share something special with one another. They each have a story which they are asked to tell often, which stabs at listeners’ hearts, and which ultimately lead them to us.
They learned that modern medicine’s best solution for the treatment of their damaged nervous system is not a procedure nor any particular medication. Instead, it is a commitment to physical therapy, to working very hard, for very long, for an outcome that can’t be predicted well at all. With iron will they accept the odds, accept the struggle, and get to work.
Somewhere along the way they discover a frightening reality about their fight for recovery. Not all Neuro PT looks the same. People are trying different things. Research is challenging the ways of traditional therapy, and Physical Therapist’s on the frontier are accepting that challenge.
It is here that we turn towards TryAbility. TRYAbility was born from the imagination of two passionate women, a PT and her patient both who understand this need and share a deep passion for helping those with neurological deficits. It is the culmination of their desire to improve both the physical and mental well being for those with physical disabilities.
Sakina, a well respected Doctor of Physical Therapy, has worked in neuro-rehabilitation for the past 20 years and has received neuro clinical specialty training, multiple sclerosis certification and has advanced training in Locomotor training and FES stimulation. She has dedicated her career towards inspiring hope in her patients’ lives through rehabilitation and research. Sakina met Traci while working as the Clinical Director at an outpatient clinic in the Chicagoland area.
Traci became paralyzed from the chest down as a result of Transverse Myelitis in 2008. After completing traditional rehab, Traci traveled across the U.S. seeking out the best research and treatment options, in the hope to regain lost function and movement. Having had a longstanding desire to help others in similar situations, Traci set up the United Paralysis Foundation with the hope to raise funds for research vested in curative and restorative treatments for paralysis.
After various successful business ventures, Traci met Sakina in 2010, and immediately felt a connection. She saw that her approach to intensive Activity Based Therapy, combined with her compassion for her patients, was the best approach for her and others suffering from similar conditions. Sakina’s passion, goals, and desire to enhance neuro-rehabilitation was synergistic and contagious.
After extensive thought, the two women decided that it was time to follow their dreams and to embark on a new venture to open up a rehabilitation center that not only provided intensive rehabilitation, but also provided an umbrella of opportunity for those with neurological diseases through employment, advocacy, and social support.
TRYAbility Neurorecovery center will be an integral component of the larger mission of uniting people with disabilities who strive to improve function, health, and be productive members of society.
Mission
To bring inspiration and innovation to every person with a neurological impairment via education, advocacy, and excellence in patient care.
The nervous system is a playground for innovation, and neuro rehabilitation needs to provide a means to tap into its potential to change and reform.
At TRYAbility we are striving to be a leader in neuro rehabilitation, patient experience, clinical outcomes, research and education to transform the lives of individuals with neurological impairments and physical disability.
Vision
Revitalizing the society by optimizing movement to improve human experience. To inspire and nurture the human spirit. Transform the society by optimizing movement for all people with neurological impairments and disability.
- We are constantly focusing on innovation.
- We believe in the simple not the complex
- We believe in the power of the human resilience.
- We believe in empowering the community by providing opportunities for the differently abled.
Mission
To bring inspiration and innovation to every person with a neurological impairment via education, advocacy, and excellence in patient care.
The nervous system is a playground for innovation, and neuro rehabilitation needs to provide a means to tap into its potential to change and reform.
At TRYAbility we are striving to be a leader in neuro rehabilitation, patient experience, clinical outcomes, research and education to transform the lives of individuals with neurological impairments and physical disability.
Vision
Revitalizing the society by optimizing movement to improve human experience. To inspire and nurture the human spirit. Transform the society by optimizing movement for all people with neurological impairments and disability.
We believe that we are on the face of the earth to make a great impact in people’s lives through hard work, dedication, and through the spirit of altruism.
- We are constantly focusing on innovation.
- We believe in the simple not the complex.
- We believe in the power of the human resilience.
- We believe in empowering the community by providing opportunities for the differently abled.
Team Bios

Sakina Valika PT, DPT, NCS, MSCS
Sakina Valika is a licensed physical therapist and board-certified Neuro Clinical Specialist. Sakina has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northern Illinois University...

Traci Fernandez
Traci has owned and operated numerous organizations throughout her career as well as held Executive positions at multiple fortune 500 companies. Traci was a Founding member and Operating President of...

Jackie Davis, PTA, LMT
Jackie Davis earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from University of Illinois, completed her massage therapy certification from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy, and received her Physical Therapist Assisting...
About Us
TRYAbility provides intensive Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy to those with Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Parkinson’s, etc. in the Chicago area.
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Business Hours
Our Standard Business Hours are below, however evening hours are available by Request.
- Mon - Fri: 9am to 5pm
- Saturday: Appt by Request
- Sunday: Closed