About

Dr. Cook is an esteemed pediatric attending physician with over a decade of experience in providing comprehensive care to pediatric patients. Her expertise spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, catering to children from birth to the age of 18 with acute and chronic illnesses. Dr. Cook obtained her medical degree from the prestigious University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital, affiliated with the University of Illinois. 

Driven by a passion for preventive care, Dr. Cook is dedicated to preventing complications from pediatric diseases that are preventable and treatable, such as obesity and childhood asthma. She has made it her mission to ensure that parents receive the necessary anticipatory guidance and education regarding general pediatric care, as well as their children’s specific illnesses, in a relatable and accessible manner. 

In 2020, Dr. Cook embarked on a mini-fellowship that focused on specialized training in pediatric primary mental health disorders. This invaluable experience has equipped her with the expertise to address the pressing demand for pediatric mental health treatment. Dr. Cook strives to help her young patients gain access to appropriate care for primary mental health disorders. She firmly believes in taking a holistic approach, emphasizing the significance of addressing the physical and social aspects of mental health care alongside medication and therapy.  After a thorough assessment, medical concerns contributing to mental health issues will be addressed. If appropriate, Dr. Cook incorporates natural remedies along with low doses of psychotropic medications if necessary, and diligently monitors her patients throughout their treatment journey. 

In 2024, recognizing the need for timely autism diagnosis and initiation of therapy, Dr. Cook gained her certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist.  At, this time she offers no wait list appointments to assess and diagnose children with suspected autism. Dr. Cook with provide appropriate referrals to those that qualify and provide resources for children that may not meet diagnostic criteria for autism but continue to require specialized services. 

Dr. Cook’s expertise and desire to provide the highest level of pediatric care, has also ignited her passion to serve those mothers and infants that suffer from breast feeding dysfunction, poor weight gain, infant reflux, and a myriad of other conditions that result from infant oral restrictions. These oral restrictions are better known as lip, cheek and tongue ties. In 2023, Dr. Cook embarked on an educational journey to best serve these families. She is now a member of the American Laser Study Club. She is pleased to offer no wait consultations to determine if your infant is a candidate for an in office lip, tongue or cheek tie revision. Dr. Cook can provide these procedures without anesthesia using the LightScalpel CO2 laser. Dr. Cook is pleased to offer referrals to help your infant achieve the best results possible after release of lip, tongue  and cheek ties. 

As a mother herself, Dr. Cook understands the importance of compassionate care and treats her patients as if they were her own children. She warmly welcomes the opportunity to provide comprehensive pediatric care to patients of C & C Pediatrics Wellness Center in New Lenox, IL. 

With her vast knowledge, empathetic approach, and commitment to holistic well-being, Dr. Akilah Cook is dedicated to empowering children and adolescents to thrive in both their physical and mental health. Her exceptional care, combined with her genuine passion, makes her an invaluable asset to the pediatric community.