Apple Tree's Therapy Team
One of the most experienced and highly trained pediatric therapy teams in the Southern California Area.
Occupational Therapy
Mona Hart, OTR/L
Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
Mona is the Clinical Supervisor, she is a graduate of San Jose State University with a
Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy since 1999. Mona’s area of specialty is pediatrics. Mona is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. Mona is a member of AOTA, and IDA. She currently facilitates the fine motor, sensory motor, and feeding group sessions of our in-center global therapy program. Mona has developed an exciting family oriented approach to intervention, and includes the family in every aspect of therapy.
Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
Mona is the Clinical Supervisor, she is a graduate of San Jose State University with a
Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy since 1999. Mona’s area of specialty is pediatrics. Mona is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. Mona is a member of AOTA, and IDA. She currently facilitates the fine motor, sensory motor, and feeding group sessions of our in-center global therapy program. Mona has developed an exciting family oriented approach to intervention, and includes the family in every aspect of therapy.
Debra McMillan, COTA/L
Deb is a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant graduating from Santa Ana college in 2016. Prior to OT, she worked in the school setting in the special education pre-school program for 6 years. She returned to school pursue Occupational Therapy because she loves working with children and families in helping them reach their greatest potential.
Deb is a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant graduating from Santa Ana college in 2016. Prior to OT, she worked in the school setting in the special education pre-school program for 6 years. She returned to school pursue Occupational Therapy because she loves working with children and families in helping them reach their greatest potential.
Physical Therapy
Penny Homan-Muise, PT
Penny graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in physical therapy. She is a member of the APTA, and has a Clinical Instructor Certification. Penny is a dedicated professional with more than 20 years experience in pediatrics. Penny has experience with patients pediatrics to geriatrics. She has a passion for early intervention. 
Mala Shah, MPT
Mala graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 1997 with a Master's degree in physical therapy. She has been working in the pediatric field ever since graduating. Mala spent her first 14 years working at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She has been working as a school district physical therapist for the past 10 years. |
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Speech/Language Pathology
Janelle Clease M.A, CCC, SLP
Janelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Long Beach in 2012. Part of the undergrad program included the necessary coursework and clinical hours to practice as a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). She worked at Apple Tree Early Intervention Center as a SLPA while continuing her education at CSULB to earn her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (2014). After graduating, she worked full time at ABC Unified School district, working with elementary and middle school students and their parents/caregivers and teachers. After having a baby, she took a year off from working to be home full time. Now, Janelle seeks to continue to work in the field of speech-language pathology at Apple Tree Early Intervention Center while continuing to grow her own family at home.
Janelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Long Beach in 2012. Part of the undergrad program included the necessary coursework and clinical hours to practice as a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). She worked at Apple Tree Early Intervention Center as a SLPA while continuing her education at CSULB to earn her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (2014). After graduating, she worked full time at ABC Unified School district, working with elementary and middle school students and their parents/caregivers and teachers. After having a baby, she took a year off from working to be home full time. Now, Janelle seeks to continue to work in the field of speech-language pathology at Apple Tree Early Intervention Center while continuing to grow her own family at home.
Ana Cuevas, B.A.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Ana Cuevas graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development and her SLPA license from Cerrito’s College in 2009. She currently facilitates the language class of our Global Group Program, group speech therapy, Baby Steps Program and a dynamic parent education group. She is a strong believer that children learn through play.
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Ana Cuevas graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development and her SLPA license from Cerrito’s College in 2009. She currently facilitates the language class of our Global Group Program, group speech therapy, Baby Steps Program and a dynamic parent education group. She is a strong believer that children learn through play.
Interventionist
Sherylynne Carriveau B.A.
Cognitive Educator/Early Interventionist
Sherylynne is the Cognition Specialist. She has degrees in Child Development, Nursery
Education, BA in Literature and a CLAD Teaching Credential. Sherylynne has worked in the
classroom since she graduated from High School. She has also served as the Children’s
Ministry Director in several churches over the course of 20 plus years.
Cognitive Educator/Early Interventionist
Sherylynne is the Cognition Specialist. She has degrees in Child Development, Nursery
Education, BA in Literature and a CLAD Teaching Credential. Sherylynne has worked in the
classroom since she graduated from High School. She has also served as the Children’s
Ministry Director in several churches over the course of 20 plus years.
Samantha Mathew, M.S., BCBA
Psycho-social Development
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has over 10 years of experience providing early intervention services to families experiencing a variety of special needs. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Miami and a Master's degree in Counseling and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Nova Southeastern University, Samantha has been able to support young children and their families within the preschool, home, and community settings. She has provided individual play-based therapy, led and facilitated play-based parent-child social groups, collaborated with caregivers to train and support their specific needs, as well as assessed and created goals with the entire family to set them all up for success in the present and future. Samantha has seen how critical early intervention is, not just for the child but for the health and happiness of the entire family unit, and as such loves being able to provide it to the families she works with!
Psycho-social Development
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has over 10 years of experience providing early intervention services to families experiencing a variety of special needs. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Miami and a Master's degree in Counseling and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Nova Southeastern University, Samantha has been able to support young children and their families within the preschool, home, and community settings. She has provided individual play-based therapy, led and facilitated play-based parent-child social groups, collaborated with caregivers to train and support their specific needs, as well as assessed and created goals with the entire family to set them all up for success in the present and future. Samantha has seen how critical early intervention is, not just for the child but for the health and happiness of the entire family unit, and as such loves being able to provide it to the families she works with!
Avianna Tagerty, M.M.
Music Therapist
Avianna completed her college education at Berklee College of Music where she majored in music therapy and found her passion for pediatric work. Avianna completed her Music Therapy Internship at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital where she focused on helping support developmental milestones and socialization skills due to isolation within the hospital for long periods of time. Music has always had a special place in Avianna’s heart. She started as a stage actress at a young age and even now continues to perform on the side as a passionate hobby. Avianna believes music has touched every person no matter where they come from or how old they are. Music is a special resource that creates connection and creativity for all who take part in it.
Music Therapist
Avianna completed her college education at Berklee College of Music where she majored in music therapy and found her passion for pediatric work. Avianna completed her Music Therapy Internship at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital where she focused on helping support developmental milestones and socialization skills due to isolation within the hospital for long periods of time. Music has always had a special place in Avianna’s heart. She started as a stage actress at a young age and even now continues to perform on the side as a passionate hobby. Avianna believes music has touched every person no matter where they come from or how old they are. Music is a special resource that creates connection and creativity for all who take part in it.
Consultants
Dr. Robert Vande Steeg Ph.D
Dr. Rob Vande Steeg has 15 years of experience treating children, adolescents, adults and families. His background includes work in special education, community based mental health and outpatient practice.
Dr. Vande Steeg has extensive background in evaluation and treatment of cognitive disorders. He is certified in psychological evaluations and psycho-educational assessments.
Dr. Rob Vande Steeg has 15 years of experience treating children, adolescents, adults and families. His background includes work in special education, community based mental health and outpatient practice.
Dr. Vande Steeg has extensive background in evaluation and treatment of cognitive disorders. He is certified in psychological evaluations and psycho-educational assessments.
In-Home Interventionist
First Step's In-home Interventionist Team
Analidia Kinsler, B.S.
Ashley Martinez, B.A.
Apple Tree Management Team
Carole Thompson
CEO/Administrative Director 
Heather Thompson
Assistant Director |
Julie Flores
Administrative Support Manager 
Tiffany Duran
First Step's Supervisor |
