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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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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.
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
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Cressa VandeSteeg, LCSW
Behavior Support & Parent Coach
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Cressa VandeSteeg, LCSW
Behavior Support & Parent Coach
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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.
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.
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.
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
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
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Carole Thompson
Administrative Director 
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Heather Thompson
Assistant Director |
