Apple Tree Early Intervention Center
  • Mission
  • Philosophy
  • Services
    • Baby Step's
    • "First Step's" Individual Infant / Toddler Program
    • "Next Step's" Apple Tree Small Group Global Program
    • "Kids Talk" Social Communication Group
    • Individual Speech, OT, PT
    • "Tummy Time" Infant Program Birth - 12months
    • Ready-Set-Snack
  • Staff
  • Testimonial
  • Support Information
    • Pediatric Physical Therapy
    • Torticollis
    • Hypertonia/Hypotonia
    • Sleeping
    • New Borns and Play
    • Crawling
    • Getting your toddler to share
    • Play with everday items
  • Employment Opportunities
    • Provider
  • Calendar
    • Welcome Packet
    • Contact
  • The Parent Connection
  • What is Early Intervention?
  • Intake Packet
  • COVID-19 Informaiton

Apple Tree's Therapy Team
One of the most experienced and highly trained pediatric therapy teams in the Southern California Area.

​Occupational Therapy

Picture
 Mona Hart, OTR/L
 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. 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.

Picture
Debra McMillan,  COTA
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

Picture
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.

Speech/Language Pathology

Picture
Malissa Hagar M.A.,CCC-SLP
Melissa graduated from California State University Northridge in 2008 with a Masters degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences.  She has worked in both public schools and private practice and has focused on early intervention and parent training throughout her career.  Melissa has had extensive training and experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods for non-verbal or minimally verbal children, is PROMPT trained for children with childhood apraxia of speech or other motor speech disorders, and has been trained in various parent coaching methodologies to assist families of children with speech and language delays and disorders.  Melissa believes in a family-centered, play-based approach to therapy and is passionate about empowering parents by teaching strategies and methods they can use with their children on a daily basis within their own natural environments.

Janelle Clease M.A, CCC, SLP


Photo Coming Soon


Picture
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, individual speech therapy, Baby Steps Program and a dynamic parent education group. She is a strong believer that children learn through play.

Specialized Instructors

Robert VandeSteeg Ph.D


Photo Coming Soon


Cressa VandeSteeg, LCSW
Behavior Support & Parent Coach

Photo Coming Soon


Picture
 Sherylynne Carriveau B.A.
 Cognitive Educator/Early Intervention Specialist

 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. Sherylynne
has served   Apple Tree Early Intervention Center for 19 years. She incorporates both
training children in skills and behavior, as well as, parent education. Her clients include small groups
in the Global Therapy Program, Tummy Time Transition Program, In Home First Step's Program, and
One-on-One Behavior modifications.

Picture
Yosuli Flores
Ready -Set-Snack Instructor
Yosuli is currently seeking to complete her degree in the therapy field.  She has 4 years experience working with children, specifically children with special needs. Previously Yosuli completed training in the are of ABA, and had the opportunity to work utilizing those skills in both school based and inhome environments.  Yosuli has completed the 3500 hands on training hours required by Apple Tree in the area of early intervention and she remains committed to pursuing her degree.

Early Interventionist

Picture
Tiffany Duran
First Step's Supervisor
Tiffany has an expansive background in  early intervention. Tiffany has trained for 5 years in the early intervention field and completed course work pursuit to her position. Tiffany has completed the required 3500 hours of hands on training required by Apple Tree in the area of early intervention .  She remains committed to both her service field as well and continuing to educate herself in the area of child development and early innervation.


First Step's In-home Interventionist Team
Picture
Ashley Martinez, B.A.
Picture
Analidia Kinsler, B.S.
Picture
Magarita Guerrero, B.A.
Carole Thompson
Administrative Director
Picture
Coming Soon



Apple Tree Administration

Picture
Heather Thompson
Assistant Director

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.