SPECIALIZED THERAPY SERVICES - Key Persons
Angie believes in empowering health and preventative medicine. She uses a strength and wellness based approach, creating ease, health, and wellness for clients. Angie holds a M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, B.S. in Music Therapy, and is nationally board certified in music and massage therapy. Since 2006, she has worked in treatment centers, hospitals, nonprofits, hospice, preventative care and developmental services. Angie collaborates with other natural health providers to offer unique treatment choices and recommendations. She sees her clients for who they are at their core and uses her extensive training to heal and empower her clients with the tools they need to thrive. Angie offers traditional family counseling, couples, children, adolescent, group counseling, addiction/recovery treatment, and music therapy
Beth is both an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and a Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) who specializes in the area of language and literacy development in individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
After earning a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Counseling, Beth completed a second Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders before earning her Master's of Science in Communication Disorders degree from Western Kentucky University. Beth also completed an advanced graduate certification program in Assistive Technology prior to becoming certified as a RESNA Assistive Technology Professional.
With almost a decade of experience in the field of education and child development, and four years of experience as an SLP, Beth has had experience working with clients ranging in age from infancy to geriatrics. Though she has had the privilege of treating clients with autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, TBI, ADHD, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, apraxia, selective mutism, and fluency disorders, it was her experience working with individuals with multiple disabilities and/or complex communication deficits that led to the discovery of her passion for providing AAC services designed to meet the unique communication needs of this population. Beth believes that all individuals are capable of communicating and developing literacy skills!
Beth's clinical expertise in the area of AAC includes assessment; system acquisition and programming; direct treatment; communication partner coaching; and training/consultation for families, educational teams, and clinical teams on both AAC implementation and comprehensive literacy instruction. She has extensive knowledge and experience in the implementation of both low and high-tech symbol-based language systems and is skilled in determining appropriate alternate access methods (i.e.- eye-gaze, partner-assisted scanning, switch activation, etc.) when physical and/or visual impairments present a barrier to effective AAC use.
Cathy has been a nurse for over 45 years graduating from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing in 1971. After years in hospital nursing she pursued school nursing to meet her family's needs. She has worked the last 23 years in the school setting. While working in Hemet Unified School District, San Jacinto Unified School District, Temecula Unified School District, and Lake Elsinore Unified School District she received a Masters Degree In Counseling from La Verne University and a Health Services Credential from San Diego State University. She believes in helping parents become informed advocates for their children. After raising her 4 children, she now enjoys travel, hiking and her 15 grandchildren.
Christina is a graduate of California State University at Northridge, where she received her BA in Physical Education and her Physical Education credential. She worked as a PE teacher for 13 years before going back and getting her Adapted PE credential. Christina also has a credential in PE in the state of Oregon where she worked as an elementary PE teacher before coming back to California to work in Adapted PE for Specialized Therapy Services. Christina has worked for Specialized Therapy Services since 2014. Christina has worked with students from preschool to college age for 30 years, but she finally has her dream job working with students with special needs. Christina keeps active walking, hiking and riding her bike, with her husband, around the San Diego area where she loves being outdoors enjoying the lovely weather.
Job Titles:
- Speech - Language Pathologist
Courtney Rams has been a speech-language pathologist since 2015. She has worked at Specialized Therapy Services/The Oas Center for the past four years. Her special interests include early intervention, language disorders, articulation/phonology, social skills and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Courtney has experience working in hospitals, schools and private therapy clinics. Courtney received her bachelor's degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Wyoming. She is licensed by the State of California, holds a certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a current member of ASHA.
Job Titles:
- Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
Cynthia is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, IMF #85621 (an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist) and received her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University. Over the past four years, she has worked in a variety of settings including ABA tutoring, substance-abuse rehabilitation, long-term residential care for clients with serious mental illness and domestic violence counseling. She has an affinity for families and teens and began working with OAS Specialized Therapy Services in October 2017. Her strengths include person-centered and mindfulness based approaches, trauma, behavioral issues, anxiety, depression and grief and loss. Cynthia helps her clients develop insight, meaningful purpose, and empowerment through play and talk-therapy. She is passionate about teaching her clients' effective coping skills and providing developmental guidance for their growing, individual self-expression.
Dana has been a pediatric speech therapist since 2004 and been with STS since 2012. Her experience includes working with charter schools, school districts, early intervention agencies, and as the director of a Non Public Agency. She also has worked at the university level as a clinical supervisor with CSUSM and currently serves as a part time faculty member at CSUN. She graduated from San Diego State University with both her bachelor's and master's degrees, later obtained the Special Education Advocacy Certificate from the University of San Diego, and recently completed her clinical doctorate at RMUoHP. Dana is a Hanen® Certified Speech Language Pathologist in: It Takes Two to Talk®, More Than Words®, and Target Word®. She has continued to further her clinical skills by receiving advanced trainings in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Lidcombe Fluency Program, The SCERTS ® Model, and DIR®/Floortime™ Model. Dana also completed the Social Thinking® Clinical Training program with Michelle Garcia Winner and uses the Social Thinking® methodologies as a part of assessment and treatment sessions. She truly believes in a team approach, working together with family members and other professionals in order to foster the best possible outcome for the whole child.
Devon DuBois is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (LMFT, #87052). She received her Masters degree from Alliant International University and has spent the past 7 years working in a variety of mental health settings. She has experience presenting for organizations such as The National Charity League, The United States Navy, the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists, and MOPS. She has received extensive training in the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) model and has experience working with military populations, trauma-survivors, distressed couples and families, and adolescents. Devon is passionate about helping individuals make healthier decisions, find balance, and overcome challenges related to anxiety, learning disabilities, or depression. Her approach is collaborative in nature, and much of her theoretical framework is centered around attachment theory. Her mission is to help adolescents experience improved health, increased happiness, and more success in life and in the classroom.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Elana is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), credentialed school counselor with her PPS, and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She holds her B.S. in applied developmental psychology and her M.A. in counseling. Elana has worked in the school-setting providing counseling services to support students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development. She believes in first establishing rapport with her clients, in order to provide a safe and supportive environment where all clients can feel heard. Elana recognizes the power of working alongside a multidisciplinary team to best support each individual. She is passionate about working with children and adolescents to help them develop advocacy skills, effective coping skills, and feel empowered to make positive change.
Erin joined the Specialized Therapy Services team in 2013 as the Operations Manager.
With over 16 years of experience in healthcare recruiting and management, Erin brings to the table experience in business development and a strong expertise of the ever changing healthcare industry. She has managed a diverse project portfolio, including market analysis studies, managed care systems, product feasibility profiles, and customer satisfaction measurement.
Since coming on board with STS, Erin has spearheaded the exponential growth of Specialized Therapy Services and the inception and development of The Oas Center. Erin grew up in Northern California and has called San Diego home for the past 18 years.
Jeanne Salvadori is recently retired from her position as the School Nursing Services Program Specialist for the San Diego County Office of Education where she supported school nursing and school health services for all of San Diego County schools. Prior to that, she was the lead school nurse for Carlsbad Unified School District for many years. She also has experience as a public health nurse.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Jen Finkelstein is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California. She received her master's degree from the University of Hawaii and worked with youth in schools in Hawaii before returning to her hometown of San Diego. She has worked for more than 9 years in a variety of settings including non-profits such as the Tariq Khamisa Foundation and North County Lifeline, where she implemented and supervised programs such as gang prevention, teen pregnancy prevention and juvenile diversion programs. Jen has also volunteered for many years with the Urban Surf 4 Kids Program which works with local foster youth in San Diego, Nevada, Florida and northern Baja. She believes in working collaboratively to help teens and adults leave behind the struggles they face today and help them to shift their perspective and to equip them with the tools to move onward to a future of happiness and success.
Jenny has been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2018 and has worked at Specialized Therapy Services since 2021. Jenny has experience working with children with feeding difficulties, sensory processing challenges, fine and visual motor deficits, and self-regulation difficulties. Jenny is certified in Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and has taken additional training in dysphagia, swallowing, and oral-motor based feeding. Her goal is to help children grow to be happy, healthy, and confident in all areas of their daily life. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys traveling, running half marathons, walking her dog on the beach, and photography.
Jenny's favorite quote is "Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led the dreams in your heart".
Joanne has been working as a pediatric Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant since 2019. Joanne has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Seton Hall University, a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and an Associate's Degree in Science and certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. After working for years in non-profit and clinical research organizations, she discovered and developed a passion for the impact of occupational therapy when her son received occupational therapy services as an infant. Joanne has experience providing occupational therapy services to students in schools, at home, virtually and in the clinic with STS. Joanne enjoys helping children explore their unique strengths and develop into confident, independent and emotionally aware participants in their educational, home and social environments.
Julia Maushart is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Diego, California. Julia has worked with individuals, couples, children and families for more than 7 years. She began her career as part of North County Lifeline where she counseled youth, individuals and families by providing support with life transitions, academic planning, behavioral issues and interpersonal relationships. Since 2009, she has facilitated support groups and educational classes, such as Teen empowerment and Development, Social Skills, Anti-bullying/Theft, Anger Management and Parenting Education. Julia has been working in the school setting for the last 5 years and finds working with students extremely rewarding. Her goal is to help students uncover their inherent strengths, innate potential and sense of direction. She focuses on the unique needs of each student improving insight and awareness so they are able to grow as individuals and make significant progress toward their goals.
Julie Shullo has been working in education for over 10 years receiving both an Education Specialist credential and multiple subject teaching credential. She received a Master's Degree in Education from California State University San Marcos. As an Educational Therapist, Julie is a member of the Association of Educational Therapists and the International Dyslexia Association.
Working with children and teens from kindergarten through 12th grade, Julie has experience teaching in the public school setting as well as with private clients. She has worked with students with a variety of learning differences, including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADHD and Executive Functioning Weaknesses. Julie has previously worked at San Elijo Middle School and Urban Discovery Academy. She continues to support students through Integrative Educational Therapy and San Diego Educational Therapy.
Kari van den Eikhof is a Marriage Family Therapist Intern (IMF), credentialed teacher, and artist from North County San Diego. She received both her Bachelor's in Liberal Studies and teaching credential from California State, Long Beach in 2011 and later earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 2017. Kari has spent her career in education, teaching both preschool and kindergarten before returning to graduate school. While in graduate school, Kari trained as a high school mental health counselor. In addition to working as an IMF, Kari enjoys drawing and painting, and she has found success incorporating art in counseling sessions to help students express themselves non-verbally. Kari believes in the power of human connection, and seeks first to build trust and respect with students in order to create a space of growth, self-discovery, and healing.
Katrina knew from a young age she wanted to work with children with special needs. While working as an aide in a special education preschool, she met an amazing occupational therapist who helped Katrina find her true passion of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
Katrina graduated in 2008 from Dominican University of San Rafael with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings including outpatient pediatric clinics, a hand clinic, in-home for early intervention, in the community, and in the schools. Katrina has experience working with children with physical disabilities, social-emotional challenges, feeding, and sensory processing difficulties. She also really enjoys being a clinical instructor and teaching occupational therapy students the hands-on portion of their education.
Kelly was born and raised in Northern California, but fell in love with San Diego while attending college. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a minor in Mathematics from the University of San Diego. Kelly thoroughly enjoys working with children and is passionate about seeing them grow and learn new skills. She offers academic tutoring services at Specialized Therapy Services, and works for Snapology of San Diego, teaching STEAM classes to children with both typical and atypical needs. Kelly's long-term goals include attaining a Master's Degree that will allow her to continue pursuing her passion.
Kerry has taught in the special education field since getting her Masters Degree in 2002. She grew up in Connecticut, but attended college in Boston, Massachusetts, where she began her career at one of the few schools for students with Traumatic Brain Injuries. Kerry has experience in a variety of levels of special needs classrooms, but found herself enjoying the middle school aged students the best. After moving to California, Kerry gained experience in the Resource and Inclusion Room setting as a lead teacher for many years. She has three young girls who take up quite a bit of her time, so she enjoys the ability to continue working in the special education field on a part-time basis, because the role and profession has always been a passion of hers!
Kimberly received her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the District of Columbia and has completed the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program at California State University, Northridge. Kimberly moved from the east coast and now calls sunny San Diego home. She brings experience in both the pediatric clinical and special education settings.
Kimberly strives to provide a warm and nurturing clinic environment for clients, their families, and staff. Her extensive experience includes working with autistic children as well as developmentally delayed, hearing impaired, and verbally challenged children aided by the support of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). In the area of AAC, she completes assessments, programs systems, provides direct sessions, and training/consultation for families and educational teams. She believes in the importance of focusing on these three key points: presume competence, model, and add joy to communication.
She is intermediate level proficient in American Sign Language and is a Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) trained clinician. Kimberly especially enjoys working with young children and their families, focusing on child led play-based therapy to facilitate and enhance communication with a neurodiverse affirming approach.
Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys time with her family, traveling, the beach, and yoga.
Kimberly received her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of the District of Columbia and has completed the Assistive Technology Applications Certification Program at California State University, Northridge. Kimberly now calls sunny San Diego home and brings experience in both the special education school setting as well as the clinic setting. Her extensive experience includes working with children with Autism, developmental delays, hearing loss, and verbally challenged children requiring Augmentative Alternative Communication.
She has training in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), behavior management through Autism Training Solutions, and is Intermediate Level American Sign Language proficient. Kimberly especially enjoys working with young children and their families, focusing on child-led play based therapy to facilitate and enhance communication.
Lyndy has been working with children as an Occupational Therapist for the past 20 years. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from UCSB and a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from USC. Lyndy has a passion for working with children. She has experience treating children with Autism, Learning Challenges, ADHD, and Emotional Trauma. Lyndy has extensive knowledge evaluating and treating children of all ages who have fine motor and gross motor delays, sensory processing difficulties, visual motor and perceptual difficulties, and/or developmental delays. Lyndy is knowledgeable in the areas of handwriting and sensory integration and uses various programs in her practice. Lyndy is driven by the opportunity to make a difference in children's lives and to assist them to become more independent individuals in society.
Mandy received both her Bachelor's Degree (2002) and her Master's Degree (2004) in Communicative Disorders from San Diego State University. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language & Hearing Association (ASHA), the Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential, and has been a licensed Speech Language Pathologist in Texas and California. Mandy has worked as an SLP serving children from 18-months to 18-years old in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practice, in-home care, and school-based settings, using both in-person and virtual formats. She especially loves working in early intervention, helping young children access their world by developing language. Mandy started working with Specialized Therapy Services in 2017 and loves being a part of a supportive team of professionals with a passion for helping people reach their fullest potential. In her free time, she loves to play games, travel, take photos, and spend time with family.
Job Titles:
- Certified Behavior Analyst
- LMFT, BCBA
Marc Rosenberg is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Encinitas, California. He received his Masters of Arts in Sports Business from the University of San Francisco in 2007 and his Masters of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton in 2012. Marc has worked with individuals, couples, children, and families for over 10 years in a variety of settings including private practice, educationally related mental health services, and social and community service agencies. He began his counseling career by serving children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders and has continued to broaden his scope of practice by introducing new populations of clients throughout his career. Marc's passion for health and fitness plays a prominent role in his treatment process, using a holistic perspective and integrative treatment strategies to best support his clients growth. He believes that change is made through collaboration and team supports, and he strives to provide each client with a supportive and engaging environment in which to process their journeys, and create healthy road maps for their future success.
Michelle was born and raised in New York, New York, She went to Suny Albany University for Undergraduate studies and Long Island University Brooklyn for her Masters Degree. Michelle began her career working with children at NYU medical Center/Rusk Institute. Michelle has been working with children for many years in a variety of settings. Since moving to California, she has been supporting children at multiple private practices. Her focus is working with school aged children making the connection between education and motor development.
I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and just moved to San Diego. I attended The University of Texas at Austin for my Bachelors and Our Lady of the Lake University for my Masters. I've worked 5 years in a school setting, working primarily with bilingual students. I speak Spanish fluently. I enjoy playing soccer, reading, and being outdoors in my free time. My next goal is to learn how to surf! I also love to travel, I'm always up for a travel adventure!
Nicole earned her doctorate in physical therapy from Columbia University in 2007 where she was honored with the Excellence in Pediatrics award.
Dr. Irizarry is passionate about empowering her clients through therapeutic play and helping families achieve their goals through easy to follow home programs. Since 2010 she has been using yoga as part of her practice to help keep children engaged while in physically challenging poses.
Aside from being a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California, Dr. Irizarry is also a certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Specialist who enjoys working with individuals with lung and heart disease to improve quality of life and teach that exercise is possible. Dr. Irizarry is looking forward to joining the team at STS!
Ryan Sterk has been working for Specialized Therapy Services for 2½ years as an Adapted Physical Education Teacher. He attended California Baptist University where he received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology, as well as a teaching credential for Physical Education. He then attended classes through Point Loma Nazarene University to receive an additional authorization for Adapted Physical Education.
Ryan's favorite thing about his job is that he is able to work with so many different students that come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Ryan loves helping students realize their true potential while they are having fun doing it. He also enjoys helping students exercise and learn how to lead a healthier and more physically active lifestyle.In his free time, Ryan coaches volleyball and enjoys spending time with his wife Ashley and their two dogs, Duke and Jax. Some of his other hobbies include playing volleyball, fantasy football, surfing, and being active however he can.
Ryann Moehn Grenevitch is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego who specializes in working with children and families. Since graduating from the University of San Diego with her Masters in 2002, Ryann has conducted individual, group and family therapy in a school-based setting focusing on the academic, social and emotional development of each student. Her passion is working with children and adolescents on a variety of issues impacting school and home. Ryann applies individualized treatment approaches to best fit the needs of the client. She has worked with students with a wide range of mental health issues achieve their IEP goals alongside teachers, parents and school administrators. Ryann strives to create a safe, empathetic, supportive and nurturing environment for all of her clients.
Job Titles:
- Speech - Language Pathologist
Sheena received her B.S. in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State University and her M.S. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University. She is licensed by the State of California and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Sheena has worked for Specialized Therapy Services at The OAS Center since 2020. She has clinical experience, working in-person and virtually, serving both charter school students and pediatric outpatient clients with a wide variety of support needs. Her clinical interests include play-based early intervention, neurodiversity-affirming therapy, and school-age stuttering therapy. In her free time, Sheena loves spending time with her husband and son. They enjoy going camping in their RV and relaxing on the beach.
Steve Oas - Founder, President
Steve graduated with a Masters Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University in 2000. He originally began working with children on the Autism Spectrum as behavior therapist and then worked as a Speech Therapist in the Madison County Public while completing his graduate program. While in the Master's program Steve became well trained in both voice and fluency therapy for adults and children, often lecturing and running trainings for undergraduate students.
After college, he moved to San Diego and started working for Sharp Healthcare with both adults and children in a variety of communication and swallowing disorders. During his time at Sharp he learned the importance of looking at child development across the various cognitive processes including sensory, vestibular, attention and language.
In 2004, Steve founded Specialized Therapy Services (STS) working with charter schools, the San Diego Regional Center, health insurers, medical practices, and private clients providing speech therapy, assistive technology, and parent training. In 2007 Steve completed the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at Cal State Northridge. In addition to managing STS, Steve continues to work as a consultant for schools to assist and implement special education services, provide social skills training, assistive technology assessments/training, augmentative communication assessments, and supervision of speech pathology programs.
Susan is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego. Susan has always had a passion for working with children, adolescents and teens. Before becoming a therapist, Susan volunteered as a children's coordinator at a domestic violence shelter. During and after graduate school, she worked from a trauma-based perspective with foster children and foster parents at an agency. Since becoming a therapist, Susan has worked in private practice with a variety of populations, her favorites being children and families. Using a variety of techniques, including art and play interventions, Susan strives to help children ages 3 through 18 to express what they might not yet have the verbal skills to convey, in order to help them more effectively communicate, problem-solve, process emotions, and interact with others. She feels fortunate to be in a position to help children develop tools that can help them experience life more fully and successfully.
Job Titles:
- MFT Associate Client Manager
Susan received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and Bachelors in Psychology from UCSD. After college, Susan began working with people with developmental disabilities in an independent living and day program setting. It was here Susan found her passion for working with people with developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential and life goals. As a Program Manager for a day program, Susan learned the importance of having a strong team working alongside clients.
After receiving her graduate degree, Susan worked with children, adolescents, and young adults in diverse settings including Uganda, Africa. She has experience working in schools, hospitals, and private practice. Susan started working for Specialized Therapy Services in 2015 and loves being a part of a team of people supporting populations with special needs.
Valerie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.She received her Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Brandman University. She received a teaching credential in 2007 and has been working in the mental health field since 2013. She has worked with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families in a private practice setting, and has experience in the areas of Parenting, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, and Trauma. Valerie provides valuable assistance to all students in the areas of academic achievement, career, and social/emotional development, ensuring students become productive, well-adjusted members of society. Valerie has been helping people transcend their past and live fulfilling lives. She strives to learn what her students want out of life and help them achieve their goals. Valerie is a firm believer that there is hope of a brighter future for everyone that she meets. Her commitment to change, innovation and growth coupled with her empathetic and compassionate approach creates the opportunity for keeping hope alive. Valerie's teaching background and her own life experiences as a parent and wife have presented her with opportunities to develop meaningful connections with people from a wide array of backgrounds. She is a true advocate and believes in empowering students to make positive choices toward pursuing life goals. Valerie is a compassionate, helping professional who believes in a strengths-based approach with a proven record of helping people regain control of their own lives.