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
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. |
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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.
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.
Interventionist
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.
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.
Tiffany Duran
First Step's Supervisor Tiffany has a background in early intervention. Tiffany has trained for 5 years in the field and completed course work pursuit to her position. Apple Tree Management
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In-Home Interventionist
First Step's In-home Interventionist Team
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Carole Thompson
CEO/Administrative Director 
Heather Thompson
Assistant Director |
Julie Flores
Front Office Manager |
