REGISTERED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS (OTR/L)
Anna received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. She is certified in Neuromuscular Development Treatment, Listening Program, NOMAS, Assistive Technology, Infant Massage, and Sensory Integration including the administration and interpretation of the SIPT. Anna has worked with children in various settings including rehabilitation, group homes, home health, neonatal intensive care unit, out-patient, burn unit, and school districts. She also provides training and educational services to local colleges, school districts, and developmental programs. Anna founded Step-By-Step Pediatric Therapy, Inc. in 2002 and has opened "The Clubhouse", a sensory integration clinic in 2008. Anna’s special area of interest and expertise is with high risk/premature infants with significant medical complications. Her passion for this population began when she gave birth to her own set of triplets who were born at 29 weeks gestation. Anna's first love, however, is Sensory Integration. Anna became SIPT certified in 2003 and has taken extensive training in Sensory Integration since then. Anna also has advance practice in swallowing and feeding and is a lactation educator consultant. She is also certified in Vital Stim. Outside the clinic, Anna loves to dance, cook, travel, and of course... play.
Miladys received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Southern California in 2004 and received her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Miladys discovered her passion for pediatrics while working as an early intervention teacher. Her special interest is in pediatric feeding/swallowing difficulties in which she is currently working on getting her advance practice certification. Miladys has worked with a wide range of diagnosis in the clinic, in-home, and within the school-based environment including developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, feeding and swallowing difficulties, seizure disorders, genetic syndrome, autism, and other neurological disorders. Miladys is meticulous in her work. She goes above and beyond to make sure that her clients have the best service. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and a blessing to all of her clients. Outside of work, Miladys enjoys baking, crafts, and shopping for toys!
“My passion lies in making a positive impact in my clients and their families and empowering them with the tools to confront yet another day in their lifelong journey at PLAY!!” ~ Miladys
“My passion lies in making a positive impact in my clients and their families and empowering them with the tools to confront yet another day in their lifelong journey at PLAY!!” ~ Miladys
Courtney received her Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, and her Masters of Science degree in occupational therapy from Stanbridge University. She became interested in pursuing occupational therapy after volunteering under an occupational therapist and working alongside her as an early interventionist. To her, occupational therapy is a perfect combination of everything she wants in a career. She strives to spend quality time with her clients and build a rapport, as well as increase their quality of life and help them reach their fullest potential. In her free time, she loves to read, hang out with friends and family, and binge watch shows and movies.
Rachel received her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and is certified in sensory integration. Rachel grew up in Africa most of her childhood. Her parents was part of a research team. Rachel loves being with kids and has a very warm and caring personality. Parents loves her for her thoughtfulness and reliability. In her spare time, she loves to read books, listen to podcast and hike! She also loves to travel!
Chia received her Bachelor's Degree in Nutritional Science at the University of Arizona and completed her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy at Washington University. She is a Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) certified Occupational Therapist. She also earned Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) certification in the area of feeding and completed multiple workshops focusing on gross/fine motor in the area of pediatric neurorehabilitation. Chia has worked with a wide range of diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Down Syndrome, congenital disorders, Cerebral Palsy, and prematurity. She has a passion for working in pediatric occupational therapy and supporting each child to reach their optimal potential by providing strategies, building on their strengths, and collaborating with families and other professionals involved in a child’s life. In her spare time, she likes to hike, travel, cook, eat, and watch movies!
Cindy received her Masters degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California. It was through working as an assistant teacher that she discovered her love for helping kids develop necessary skills and reach their highest potential.Cindy loves to listen to other people’s life stories and is genuinely interested in what people have to share! She loves to hang out with her friends and family, explore new places and restaurants, read, cook, and play video games.
Jilianne received her Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, and her Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of Utah. She was inspired to become an OT while studying Kinesiology and after interning here at Step by Step Pediatric Therapy! She loved the idea of working with children through play and being able to impact their everyday lives. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and dog outdoors, being a plant mom, and binge watching TV shows.
Lauren received her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills. The next travel destination on her bucket list is Japan! She went as part of a cultural exchange program in 2018 and it was very educational. She hopes to go back one day during the spring to see the cherry blossoms, learn more about Japan’s culture, and try new foods! In her free time, she loves playing video games, photography, going on boba runs, and doing DIY crafts.
Holly is from San Diego, California. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Human Development from University of California, Davis. She received her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy from West Coast University. She loves connecting with the families of the children she works with, especially when she can help parents gain a better understanding, rapport, and appreciation for their kids through occupational therapy education and training. She would love to stay in an igloo somewhere in Northern Sweden/Norway and witness the northern lights!
Lesley received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Irvine and Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University. She comes to Step-By-Step Pediatric Therapy with a background in serving the pediatric population from birth to 18 years old. She has experience working with various diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Prematurity, feeding difficulties, Global Developmental Delay, and other neurological disorders. Lesley chose to pursue a career in occupational therapy because she loves that she can use creative methods and science to promote independence and support her patients in becoming the best version of themselves. She enjoys helping children learn important skills they need to carry out daily activities such as playing, dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, and so much more. Outside of work, Lesley likes to hike with her dog, bake, read, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
Jacklyn obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine. She graduated from Stanbridge University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has worked as a Behavioral Interventionist, and she speaks both English and Cantonese! Jacklyn’s favorite actress is Zendaya, and she loves R&B/Soul music. In her free time, Jacklyn loves going to the gym to stay active and explore different fitness activities, hiking, playing volleyball, and making DIY crafts!
Nicole attended California State University, Fullerton for her undergraduate degree in Psychology and later obtained her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Puget Sound. She pursued occupational therapy in hope of providing equitable health services for families in underserved communities. She loves working with the pediatric population where she gets to use creativity, fun, and humor to encourage clients to learn and gain confidence. In her spare time, she enjoys rock climbing, cooking new dishes, and camping.
Allison obtained her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California State University, Los Angeles. She graduated from Stanbridge University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Allison was inspired to become an Occupational Therapist after meeting an occupational therapist who taught her how to better care for her loved one during a time of need. During her free time, Allison enjoys spending time with her loved ones, singing, playing the guitar and piano, and pickleball.