TBEGIN.COM - Key Persons
Christopher Heistand has been working in the field of speech pathology since 1997, working in a variety of settings including private practice, schools and medical (pediatric outpatient, adult inpatient and NICU). His passion remains working with the pediatric population and their families. He enjoys the vast variety of personalities and speech related challenges that he encounters. His approach to therapy is a total communication approach, customizing therapy sessions to fit the needs of each uniquely opposed child and with providing families the strategies and confidence to integrate therapy into their everyday activities. Christopher lives in the greater Olympia area with his wife and two children where they enjoy year round boating, the outdoors, traveling and family activities that are focused on eating fine cuisine.
Gwen is an Occupational Therapist that joined the TB team May of 2022! She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Western Washington University in 2017 and completed her Master's in Occupational Therapy at the University of Puget Sound last year in 2021. Gwen gained experience working with ages across the lifespan through her fieldwork placements in both skilled nursing and public school settings. As a clinician, she advocates passionately for her clients and is committed to providing holistic, personalized care to help meet your family's goals. Gwen grew up in Washington state and spends much of her free time outdoors. Gwen enjoys backpacking, mountain biking, gardening, and taking care of her three new goats!
Jennie Rapacz has over 15 years experience working with small businesses since obtaining her business degree from Western Washington University. Her work experience includes financing, marketing, bookkeeping and business development. She has been with Therapeutic Beginnings for about 3 years doing medical billing and bookkeeping. Jennie is a soccer mom of two active boys and in her spare time volunteers at school and in the community. She likes to read, cook and play outdoors when it's not raining.
Malissa Barnard joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team in August of 2018. She has been employed as an Administrative Assistant in the medical field for over 20 years. She is married to N8 and they have been Lacey residents for over 13 years. Together they have two adult children, who still reside within Lacey. Malissa is a huge Seattle Seahawk fan, enjoys traveling, and loves to walk her 170-pound mastiff, Mr. Bain daily. She loves children and came out of a very short retirement to hang out with your beautiful babies on a part-time basis.
Molly Burger joined the TB team in June 2020 after she relocated back to her native PNW from Virginia. Molly holds a degree in exercise and sport science, and has a background in office administration as well as fitness and wellness. She is excited to be a part of the TB team at the front desk helping to support families and therapy staff. Molly and her husband have experienced living in 10 different states as part of her husband's support of the U.S. military. She enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, cross country skiing, shark tooth hunting, history, and is active in her church.
Rachel Bamer joined the TB Team in September 2019. She has 3 children with her husband, Eric. Her background includes years of healthcare work, as well as work with preschoolers. Her hobbies include yoga, music, dance, traveling and spending time with her family. They enjoy hiking, trips to the beach, and exploring the PNW. Rachel has also been involved with the special needs community for years, as her son has Down Syndrome.
Sarah Swanberg graduated from the University of Washington in 2019 and has experience in a variety of treatment clinics, autism diagnostics and home health. While she enjoys working with people of all ages, her passion lies with the pediatric population. She has special interest in outreach to older children and is looking forward to working with as many populations as she can. While she is a Washington native, she is new to the Lacey area and is enjoying spending her spare time exploring the beautiful wildlife. Her other interests include hiking, photography, baking and crafting anything she can get her hands on.