MEET OUR SPEECH THERAPISTS
Joanna (She/Her)
Joanna was born and raised in San Diego but studied and worked in San Francisco for eight years. Joanna received 2 degrees from San Francisco State University: a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders with a minor Special Education and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with an emphasis in Inclusive Early Childhood Practices. Joanna has a deep passion for serving children and their families by providing culturally responsive and neurodiverse affirming services. Joanna strives to create a safe and inclusive place for all, while supporting growth and development. In her free time, Joanna enjoys going on hikes with her dog and life partner, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her friends and family.
Adrien (They/Them)
Meet Adrien, a spirited soul who hails from a quaint Washington town and blossomed into a community education dynamo. From their early days as a math mentor for young minds, Adrien's journey led them to Western Washington University in Bellingham, where they delved into Linguistics and Japanese, sowing the seeds for a future in education.
Adrien embarked on a transformative path in 2018, venturing into the realm of Speech Language Pathology. An unwavering advocate of play-based learning, they thrive on teamwork and community cohesion, championing diversity and tailoring their approach to honor each individual's unique needs.
Between leveling up in video games, strumming melodies on their guitar, and chilling with their bearded dragon and two feline companions, Adrien's life brims with color. Their ever-expanding plant family and captivating canvases reflect their creative flair. A bookworm at heart, Adrien's downtime involves immersing in literary realms, often accompanied by their loved ones. Beyond the pages, they're an explorer of both mind and locale, seeking treasures in their community's nooks.
Sam (She/Her)
Samantha grew up in Brookfield, Ohio and got her degree in speech-language pathology at the University of Akron. She has a special interest in working with children 5 and under. Samantha takes lots of pride in being able to provide support to children and to their families and enjoys helping children understand how to communicate with others. When she’s not treating, you can find Samantha camping, hiking, running or checking out cool new places to eat and shop with her dog Tango in tow whenever possible 🐶
Joyce (She/Her)
Joyce is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist licensed in California. She earned her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alabama and Bachelors in Psychology from Southern Methodist University.
Joyce's favorite populations to work with are infants, toddlers, and school-age children. Joyce has extensive experience providing play-based, neurodiversity affirming speech and language therapy to build receptive-expressive language skills, articulation, feeding abilities, and play skills. She is trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding and is a certified SOFFI® professional.
On her days off, she loves cuddling with her dogs, traveling, buying too many plants from the farmers market, and practicing latte art with her husband.
Megan (She/Her)
Megan Lamison received her master’s degree from California State University Northridge in 2017. Megan holds a certificate of clinical competence (CCC) and is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Megan has spent her career working in multidisciplinary settings to expand her knowledge base to better serve her clients and their families.
Having received speech therapy herself when she was 2-years old, Megan developed a passion for Early Intervention and early childhood development. She loves working with children and their families through daily routines and play to develop speech and language skills. She utilizes child-led, play-based therapy to create a naturalistic learning environment for language growth. Megan is trained through level 2 of PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets), completed the “Feed the Peds” pediatric feeding course, and recently received a certificate of competence in the Natural Language Acquisition course. When not working, Megan loves to binge watch her favorite shows, play video games, read, build lego, dance, and cuddle with her cat (Wicket) and dog (Nibbler). She is also a huge Star Wars and Disney fan and is always ready for a trip to Disneyland.
Marielvi (She/Her)
Meet Marielvi Reyes, a vibrant Dominican-American rooted in the heartbeat of New York City. Armed with dual Bachelor's degrees in Special Education and Spanish from Seton Hall University, she's a master of building bridges. Her journey led to a Speech-Language Pathology Master's from St. John's University, focusing on bilingualism. Since 2014, Marielvi's been an educator, lighting up the paths of the d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing, autistic individuals, and those with cerebral palsy.
She's all about cultural inclusivity and celebrating neurodiversity. The early years (0-3) are her playground, where she witnesses incredible growth. When not working, Marielvi dives into yoga, hikes, true crime docs, doggie snuggles, and cosmic gatherings.
Rachel (She/Her)
Rachel is originally from Chicago and moved to San Diego after receiving her accreditation in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University. While in graduate school Rachel had the opportunity to gain meaningful experience working with children and adults in educational, medical, and private practice settings. She has a passion for working with young children with Autism and additional developmental disabilities. Rachel’s favorite part of early intervention is having the opportunity to promote use of speech and language strategies within a play based and family-centered approach while utilizing all forms of communication. In her free time, Rachel enjoys surfing, trying new restaurants, attending concerts, and exploring all San Diego has to offer!
Thomas (He/Him)
Meet Tom Nelson, MS, CCC-SLP (He/Him) - Our Beach-Loving SLP Extraordinaire! Tom is a transplant from the charming small towns of Massachusetts to the sunny shores of San Diego. He brings his passion for working with children to the forefront of our team. His journey into the world of pediatric speech therapy was inspired during his time as a gymnastics coach, after years of competing in the sport himself.
Tom holds a BS degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MS degree in Speech-Language Pathology from New York Medical College. His versatile experience spans across private practice and educational settings, where he's worked with children aged from birth to 18 years.
Tom's heart lies with the early intervention population, recognizing the paramount importance of communication skills in the formative years of life. He's grateful for the opportunity to work with children in their natural environments, all while empowering their families.
When he's not donning his SLP cape, Tom enjoys soaking up the sun on beach days, cherishing quality time with family, painting the town with friends on lively nights out, grooving to concerts, and embarking on culinary adventures at San Diego's finest eateries.
Danielle (She/Her)
Meet Danielle Bustamante, MS, CCC-SLP (She/Her) - Danielle's academic journey began at San Diego State University, where she delved into Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences. Her academic journey led her to pursue graduate studies at Adelphi University, honing her expertise in the field.
With a background in early behavioral health, Danielle's professional passion lies in supporting students with diverse communication needs. She brings a fun and neurodiversity-affirming approach to her work, aiming to foster meaningful connections and promote independence. Specializing in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), she is dedicated to improving the lives of children through communication.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Danielle leads an active and vibrant life. A true Californian at heart, she can often be found soaking up the sun at the beach or enjoying the company of her large family. An avid cook and artist, she channels her creativity into crafting meals and captivating artworks. Danielle's love for outdoor activities knows no bounds, as she embraces all types of riding and rolling sports, from biking to skating. And amidst it all, she cherishes moments spent listening to audiobooks while taking leisurely walks or runs. She treasures the beauty of San Diego's sunsets and quality time with her friends and family, especially her two nieces.
Cami (She/Her)
Meet Cami, one of the awesome speech therapist at J&S Pediatric Therapy, Inc., proudly serving the vibrant community of San Diego. Cami is a native of this sunny city and earned her master's degree in communication disorders from Emerson College. Specializing in the early intervention, Cami has a passion for working with children aged 0-5.
Cami brings valuable experience from her time supporting children aged 0-18 in various areas, including language development, articulation, social-pragmatics, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Outside of her professional life, Cami loves exploring new workout classes, traveling to exciting destinations, and basking in the San Diego sunshine with her doggo!
Alex (He/Him)
Meet Alex Gersh, a highly skilled therapist with over a decade of experience. Alex has become a trusted ally in guiding children towards their communication goals and empowering them to express themselves confidently to the world. Alex's approach is as unique as the children he serves. By blending a child-directed, strengths-based model with his specialized training in music and theater, he creates sessions that captivate and inspire week after week. At the heart of Alex's practice lies a strong belief in the importance of early intervention. He understands that the building blocks of communication laid down in childhood shape a lifetime of interactions and opportunities. That's why Alex is dedicated to seeing his clients and their families thrive, celebrating every milestone along the way.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Alex leads an active and creative life. Whether he's running, swimming, hiking, or indulging his passions for board games, video creation, and music, his boundless energy and enthusiasm shine through.
Claire (She/Her)
Meet Claire! Claire grew up in Walnut Creek, California, and later moved to San Diego to study Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University. After being accepted into graduate school at San Francisco State University, she returned home but couldn’t wait to be back near the beach again! Throughout her academic journey, Claire gained valuable experience working with diverse populations in both school and medical settings. Seeing her clients reach their communication goals fueled her passion for helping children and their families with their unique needs. She is committed to fostering a culturally responsive and neurodiverse-affirming environment in all of her work. Outside of her professional life, Claire enjoys playing pickleball and soccer, drawing, discovering new coffee and food spots, and spending time with her dog, Korra.
MEET OUR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Tatum (She/Her)
Tatum was born and raised in Los Angeles County. She moved to San Diego in 2016. Since then earning her B.S. in Applied Health Science from Point Loma Nazarene University and her Masters of Occupation Therapy from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences - San Marcos. Tatum loves working with children and their families, helping them to engage and function as best as possible in their everyday life and routines. When she’s not working Tatum loves to go to trivia night, cook, travel, roller skate, snowboard, and catch all of San Diego’s perfect sunsets.
Rebecca (She/Her)
Rebecca Robinson, the rockstar pediatric occupational therapist at J&S Pediatric Therapy, brings adventure to her sessions! Hailing from Bethesda, MD, she settled in sunny San Diego after a whirlwind tour across the country. Armed with a Master's in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Rebecca wields the power of play-based activities and parent coaching to ignite children's engagement and independence. When she's not helping kids conquer their goals, you'll find her scaling rock walls, riding the waves on her surfboard, striking a pose in yoga class, or chilling in a hammock with a book. Rebecca rocks the therapy world with her dedication, creativity, and undeniable zest for life!
Giovanna (She/Her)
Meet Giovanna Lopez, OTD, OTR/L (she/her/ella), a passionate Spanish-speaking occupational therapist based in Southern California. With a decade-long stint in San Francisco, she recently returned home to continue her career. Giovanna earned her Doctoral degree in occupational therapy from Samuel Merritt University, underlining her commitment to the field.
Giovanna's journey ignited in high school, evolving into a deep-seated devotion to empowering individuals with diverse physical, mental, and cognitive differences. Her extensive experience spans roles as a volunteer, coordinator, and paraprofessional, fostering adaptability and understanding.
Central to Giovanna's approach is her strength-based, creative, and empathetic mindset, shaping a therapeutic space that motivates and brings joy to her clients. Collaboration remains pivotal; she emphasizes transparent communication among service providers, parents, and caregivers to provide holistic support.
Beyond her professional strides, Giovanna treasures moments in the outdoors, cherishing time with her puppy, Beary, and cooking traditional Mexican dishes. Her story epitomizes dedication, empathy, and advocacy, as she continues transforming lives, guiding individuals to reach their fullest potential with unwavering enthusiasm.
Victoria (She/Her)
Meet Victoria (she/her), a dedicated occupational therapist with a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. As the eldest of five, Victoria is a trailblazer, being the first in her family to attend college. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology and a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. Victoria's diverse professional journey includes roles as a paraprofessional, children's art studio coordinator, teacher (pre K-5/6), and ABA therapist. Her experience spans various settings, such as hippotherapy, skilled nursing, memory care, and schools. Victoria finds particular joy in working with children and is thrilled to collaborate with families to serve the community.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Victoria values quality time with family and friends, enjoying mini road trips, exploring new restaurants, and indulging in the simple pleasures of a good book or movie. For Victoria, life is about creating cherished moments and lasting memories with loved ones.
Devon (She/Her)
Meet Devon Ayres, OTD, OTR/L (she/her), a valued member of the JSPT team and a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist. Devon is passionate about ensuring that every child has access to early intervention services, fostering their development from an early age.
Devon earned her Occupational Therapy Doctorate from the University of St. Augustine and remains a contributing faculty member, bringing a wealth of knowledge to our team. Her expertise extends to postural control development in infants, and she actively engages in research to contribute to the field.
With extensive experience in therapeutic approaches for children with a history of trauma and non-speaking autism, Devon's play-based and compassion-focused sessions create a nurturing environment for growth. Her approach not only supports children but also empowers parents to participate in their child's developmental journey.
Outside of the clinic, Devon enjoys spending quality time with her husband and young son, embracing the great outdoors of California.
Hannah (She/Her)
Hailing from Seattle, WA, Hannah holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound. With a diverse background spanning outpatient pediatrics, early intervention, and prior experience as an ABA behavior technician, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.
Passionate about fostering meaningful engagement between children and families, Hannah is adept at devising innovative strategies to facilitate participation in activities. Hannah specializes in addressing sensory, social skill, feeding, and self-regulation challenges, all through a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes safety and playfulness. Hannah is fluent in Spanish and proficient in sign language, which enhances her ability to connect with diverse communities. Central to her ethos is the belief that every child and family possesses the inherent capacity to thrive given equitable access to resources, tools, and support.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Hannah enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading, painting, and dining out in San Diego.
Priya (She/Her)
Priya, born and raised in India, initially pursued a career in Microbiology, earning a Master's degree in the field. In 2009, she embarked on a new path by relocating to the USA to train as an AMI Montessori teacher at the Elementary level and dedicated herself to educating children across various regions of the USA.
During her teaching tenure, Priya's interest in child development deepened, leading her to discover Occupational Therapy. Priya began observing OT sessions alongside her teaching responsibilities. She pursued enrollment in an OT program while continuing to teach, eventually graduating with her master's degree in occupational therapy.
Drawing from her extensive experience working with children and families, Priya adopts a collaborative approach, valuing teamwork and family involvement in her therapy sessions. She maintains a focus on child-centered and family-led practices, ensuring a holistic approach to each individual's needs. Outside of her professional endeavors, Priya finds joy in spending time with her family, particularly her daughter, fostering connections both in the USA and in India. She also indulges her passion for travel, exploring diverse destinations, and prioritizes self-care as an essential aspect of her well-being.
Esbe (She/Her)
Meet Esbe, MOT, OTR/L! Esbe joins JSPT with extensive experience in Early Intervention and a background as an infant educator. Esbe has a passion for early childhood mental health, attachment, bonding, and co-regulation. She takes a strengths-based approach, empowering caregivers and children to highlight their unique skills and abilities.
Outside of work, you’ll find Esbe exploring with her toddler, discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, or enjoying a bag of chips.
Alex (She/Her)
Meet Alex, MOT, OTR/L! With years of experience supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, Alex brings a wealth of expertise to help the little ones we serve reach their full potential.
When she’s not working, Alex loves spending time with her furry friends, diving into a good book, watching football, camping, or soaking up San Diego’s beautiful weather with a hike or outdoor adventure.
MEET OUR INFANT EDUCATOR
Natalya (She/Her)
Meet Natalya, RN, BSN, PHN—our passionate infant educator who is committed to promoting childhood development and community well-being. Natalya earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Point Loma Nazarene University, where she also minored in pre-therapeutic psychology and sociology while excelling as a dedicated cross country and track athlete.
Known for her compassionate and bubbly personality, Natalya thrives on forming meaningful connections with the families she serves. She finds immense joy in nurturing the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of infants and children, viewing it as an honor to help shape their unique strengths and development. Fluent in Spanish and proud of her Mexican heritage, Natalya integrates cultural sensitivity and inclusivity into her practice.
Outside of work, Natalya is always seeking adventure—whether she's running trails, exploring nature with loved ones, or competing in lawn bowling tournaments with her family. Family, friends, and her partner are central to her life, and she brings that same energy and passion to supporting and empowering the families she works with.
MEET OUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Jordan (She/Her)
Meet Jordan, the talented physical therapist at J&S Pediatric Therapy, Inc. Originally from Minnesota, Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from studying in Switzerland and Oregon. Her unique combination of professionalism and a fun-loving spirit makes her an excellent fit for JSPT.
Jordan has extensive experience in outpatient pediatrics, the NICU, and inpatient pediatric surgical and oncology units. She has worked with children facing a wide range of conditions, including gross motor delays, torticollis, mobility challenges related to autism, cerebral palsy, and various genetic disorders. We’re thrilled to have Jordan on our team!
MEET OUR ADMIN TEAM
Presston (He/Him)
Meet Presston, our Executive Administrator, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences and skills to our pediatric therapy practice. Born and raised in the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles County, Presston's educational journey began at his local community college, where he delved into business, science, and even wine studies. Building upon this foundation, Presston earned his B.S. in Viticulture and Enology from the prestigious University of California, Davis. His path then led him through the sun-kissed vineyards and bustling breweries of California, where he honed his administrative prowess and keen attention to detail.
With a background in real estate and banking practices, Presston brings a rich tapestry of organizational skills, financial acumen, and a commitment to quality to our team. His analytical mindset, cultivated through his scientific background, ensures that evidence-based practices are seamlessly integrated into our therapy techniques.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Presston finds joy in the stunning beaches of San Diego. You might spot him savoring tacos in Mexico or enjoying a glass of wine with friends under the Southern Californian sun when he's not busy overseeing the administrative intricacies of J&S Pediatric Therapy, Inc.
Javier (He/Him)
Meet Javier Rosales, our Client Services Coordinator! Javier fell in love with San Diego after visiting once and decided to move here in 2001. Javier pursued higher education in Los Angeles, earning a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with a Certification in Alternative Nutrition. Javier's extensive background includes supporting families in early child education programs, providing direct patient care at a variety of medical practices, and managing nutritional services in schools from pre-k to 12th grade. Committed to professional growth, Javier is dedicated to helping families and children in need. Beyond his work, Javier enjoys San Diego's beauty with outdoor runs, beach days, and lively karaoke sessions with friends and family.
Daisy (She/Her)
Meet Daisy, our Office Manager! Daisy has a passion for education, art, design, and fashion. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Spanish has deepened her connection to her roots, enabling her to serve a diverse population with her bilingual abilities. Daisy’s also holds a Master’s in Design and Technology, which empowers her to blend education and technology to create innovative solutions.
Her love for art is evident in her hobbies, which include painting, drawing, and fashion design. Daisy's passion for art complements her dedication to education and her role at J&S Pediatric Therapy.
Children are Daisy's biggest inspiration. As a former kindergarten teacher, she is deeply committed to children’s education and their success in school. At J&S Pediatric Therapy, Daisy has the privilege of utilizing her skills and experiences to support a diverse population of clients. This role allows her to merge her interests in education, art, and technology to create enriching experiences for the children served by the organization. Daisy is grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from the clients, who continually teach her empathy, patience, and resilience.
Jennifer (She/Her)
Jenny, our Operations Support Specialist at J&S Pediatric Therapy, is a dedicated student with aspirations to become a speech-language pathologist. Her current role allows her to support our team while she gains valuable insights into the therapeutic field. Jenny's passion lies in helping individuals of all abilities enhance their communication skills. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing to K-Pop and attending their concerts.
MEET THE FOUNDERS OF J&S PEDIATRIC THERAPY, INC.
Jovany (He/Him) & Scott (He/Him)
Jovany and Scott met at the California Speech and Hearing Association convention in 2016. Legend has it they were wearing the same shirt, but this remains unproven. Regardless, they bonded over lunch and dad jokes, quickly becoming friends. They traveled together across states and countries, sharing more than just a similar sense of humor.
Both Jovany and Scott had a similar outlook on the field of speech-language pathology and were passionate about early intervention. They believed in its power to shape a person's understanding of neurodiversity and disability from an early age. Celebrating the unique qualities that make people special, they dreamed of assembling a team of like-minded specialists.
Together, they put pen to paper and opened J&S Pediatric Therapy in 2021. They hired their first employee in March 2022, and now they have a thriving team of over 30 individuals dedicated to helping people.
Today, their mission continues as they seek to be create a kinder, more accepting world, one where everyone receives the support they need to meet their maximum potential.