Even when your child is not speaking, they are still communicating. I’m Poonam, an occupational therapist at Joy & Laughter Developmental Therapy, and in this article I’ll share the many ways children show us what they need without using words. From facial expressions to gestures, body language, and calm moments
Ready to get started? Our expert pediatric therapists are ready to help your child overcome their challenges so they can experience life full of joy and laughter. All you have to do is reach out, and we’ll get started with play-based therapy that works.
Give us a call at (408) 337-2727 or fill out the contact form below to schedule an evaluation with our team, and let’s make childhood fun again!
Ms. Rene
Speech Language Pathologist
Rene has extensive experience working in both public and private school settings. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to provide speech and language services in California and Florida. Outside of her professional work, Rene enjoys learning French, playing the ukulele, and traveling around the world.
Ms. Bryanna
Speech Language Pathologist
She has over 300 hours of clinical experience working with children ages 4–12, gained during her master’s program. Bryanna has experience supporting children with articulation, language, and fluency, as well as some experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She is passionate about continuing to learn more about supporting individuals who use AAC and those who require feeding therapy.
Outside of work, Bryanna loves spending quality time with family and friends, doing arts and crafts, and listening to music. Some of her favorite TV shows include Only Murders in the Building, Stranger Things, and Wednesday. Her favorite Disney characters are Ariel and Stitch.
Ms. Yovanna
Occupational Therapist
Yovanna Gonzalez received her Master of Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. She previously earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and worked as an educator for students aged 8–18. As an Occupational Therapist completing her Fieldwork Level II, she has experience working with adult populations ages 20–65 in Skilled Nursing Facilities and Mental Health Outpatient Settings. She also has previous experience during her fieldwork in a school-based setting with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Yovanna is most passionate about honing her expertise and experience in DIR Floortime, as well as pursuing certifications in feeding, eating, and swallowing. She is bilingual in Spanish and has long served Spanish-speaking communities as both an educator and interpreter. She is excited to join the JLD team and contribute to the organization’s mission of helping children and their families achieve their goals. She believes in the importance of play-based therapy and family-centered practice.
Ms. Terri
Speech Language Pathologist
Terri is a licensed speech-language pathologist excited to join the team and contribute her passion for helping individuals improve their communication skills. She brings experience working with clients of all ages, using personalized, evidence-based therapy to support growth in areas such as speech sound production, language development, fluency, voice, and social communication. Terri is dedicated to creating a positive and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to reach their goals.
Ms. Justine
Occupational Therapist
Justine believes in a family-centered approach, emphasizing collaboration with families and caregivers to support each child’s unique growth and development. She is excited to be a part of JLD Therapy, where she can give back to the community by empowering children to thrive in their everyday lives.
Outside of her professional work, Justine enjoys exploring new places and experiences—whether it’s traveling abroad or discovering local food spots. She stays active by going to the gym and finding creative ways to move throughout her week. Her hobbies include digital scrapbooking, vlogging, and paper theater art, all of which allow her to express her creativity. She values maintaining occupational balance in her own life and enjoys winding down with some of her favorite anime, including Naruto, Weathering with You, and Attack on Titan.
Ms. Elizabeth
Speech Language Pathologist and Feeding Specialist
Elizabeth is VitalStim Certified and a Certified Lactation Counselor. She is proficient in conversational Spanish and has basic conversational skills in ASL.
A lifelong learner and collaborator, Elizabeth is known for her determination—when she doesn’t know the answer, she’s going to find it. She is passionate about making big changes in the lives of her patients and their families, and she believes in empowering caregivers to help skills grow not just during therapy sessions, but across all environments.
Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family. Whether it’s snowboarding, paddle boarding, hiking, or a relaxing beach day, she embraces the beautiful California weather in all seasons of the year.
Ms. Maria
Speech Language Pathologist
Maria enjoys being part of a warm and welcoming team and appreciates the versatility in therapy materials and immersive spaces. She has experience working with both children and adults in home health, school, and nursing home settings. Maria has supported a diverse range of clients, including children with articulation disorders, autism, stuttering, and those who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
In her free time, she enjoys watching Gilmore Girls, listening to Taylor Swift, bike riding, and spending time at the beach with her husband.
Ms. Jessica
Speech Language Pathologist
Pankti is certified in Sensory Integration through the USC Chan Division and has completed training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), further strengthening her skills in working with children with a variety of developmental needs.
She thrives in creative, child-centered environments and deeply values JLD’s mission of creating a space where therapists and families grow together. Pankti sees the opportunity to work at JLD not only as a chance to support children and their families, but also to grow alongside a team that values compassion, innovation, and mentorship.
Outside of work, Pankti enjoys anything artsy, watching cricket (especially during IPL season), and deep-cleaning and organizing spaces (yes, really!). She finds joy in journaling, rewatching classic Bollywood films, and exploring new places with her family. She’s a big fan of both sci-fi and mystery novels—her favorite book is The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. A quote she often returns to is: “The life you are living now is a dream of millions!”—a reminder that even on challenging days, gratitude and perspective matter.
Ms. Amanda
Speech Language Pathologist
Amanda Castillo is a dedicated speech and language clinical fellow who brings a lifelong passion for working with children and supporting families. She earned her Master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from San Francisco State University in May of 2025. She also completed her undergraduate studies at SFSU in 2023, graduating with a double major in Child and Adolescent Development and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, along with a minor in Special Education.
Amanda has been working with children since the age of 15, beginning as a preschool teacher assistant. Her experience spans working with children ages 1 to 12 across a variety of settings. She has supported clients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech sound disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, and has some experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Amanda is especially passionate about helping children find their voice and building meaningful relationships with families to foster progress beyond the therapy room. She looks forward to beginning her career at Joy and Laughter Developmental Therapy, where she is excited to support their mission of providing play-based, family-centered intervention that empowers both children and caregivers.
Raised in a Hispanic household, Amanda has a deep appreciation for cultural and linguistic diversity and loves working with Spanish-speaking families. She values creating a welcoming, supportive environment where every child and family feels understood and empowered.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys reading books, watching movies, going to concert, playing golf with her husband, and Disneyland trips with her husband!
Mr. Zak
Occupational Therapy Student Intern
Ms. Carmelie
Speech Language Pathologist
Carmelie earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Cal State East Bay and brings over eight years of experience working with kids ages 20 months to 18 years across school settings, in-home therapy, and telehealth.
Carmelie has a special love for early intervention and is passionate about helping children with speech sound disorders, language delays and disorders, and gestalt language processing, especially in autistic children. Her approach to therapy is playful, relationship-based, and rooted in the belief that strong, trusting connections lead to the most meaningful progress.
Carmelie was drawn to JLD Therapy because of our shared belief in the power of play. She loves creating sessions that are fun, engaging, and tailored to each child’s unique strengths, interests, and personality.
Outside of work, Carmelie enjoys spending quality time with her energetic toddler, going on hikes, exploring new places, and winding down with a good comedy, medical drama, or basketball game. She’s excited to be part of your child’s journey and looks forward to celebrating every milestone, big and small, along the way.
Ms. Savannah
Occupational Therapy Student Intern
She is drawn to Joy and Laughter Developmental Therapy for its playful, family-centered approach and its commitment to supporting children through creativity. Savannah is excited about the opportunity to work alongside a collaborative team that values individualized care and celebrates each child’s unique strengths.
As a student therapist, Savannah has completed over 100 hours of volunteer experience at both an outpatient pediatric clinic and a specialized school serving children ages 5–21 with developmental needs. She completed her Level I Fieldwork at a pediatric children’s hospital, primarily supporting children ages 0–10 in long-term care. In addition, she has worked with older adults in both community and outpatient physical therapy settings.
Outside of work, Savannah enjoys drawing, spending time with her two tabby cats, and exploring new places. She loves trying different foods and hunting for hidden gems in secondhand shops to add to her many collections.
Savannah loves many Disney characters, especially Baymax from the movie Big Hero 6. She is inspired by his gentle, supportive nature and his motto: “Ready to be your personal healthcare companion.”
Ms. Bella
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Ms. Jenny
Occupational Therapy Student Intern
Jenny is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student at George Washington University, expected to graduate in May 2026. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education Sciences from the University of California, Irvine, with specializations in Early Childhood Learning & Development and Afterschool Learning & Development, along with a minor in Psychological Sciences.
Her academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion—recognized through the 2024 JEDI Curricular Theme Award. Jenny is certified in UCI’s Afterschool and Summer Education program, the Community Resilience Initiative’s Trauma-Informed Educator training, and the Institute for Sex & OT’s Sexuality in OT Practice course. She is also conversational in Korean, which supports her ability to deliver culturally responsive care.
Originally from California’s East Bay, Jenny was drawn to the field of occupational therapy by her passion for client-centered, evidence-based care. She was especially inspired by JLD Therapy’s reputation for compassion, professionalism, and meaningful impact in the community.
Outside of academics, Jenny is a creative and outgoing individual who loves discovering new cafés and restaurants. She enjoys baking for friends and family—her focaccia is a standout favorite—and finds joy in crocheting, a hobby that grew into a small business and now serves a greater cause through donations of baby beanies to local hospitals. Known for bringing laughter to any group, Jenny embraces every opportunity to dress up and celebrate. She’s also a proud cat enthusiast.
Among her favorite reads are Chrysanthemum and Pachinko, and her go-to comfort food is hotpot—especially from Boiling Point.
Ms. Sarah
Speech Language Pathologist
Ms. Heather
Speech Language Pathologist
Heather has extensive experience working with toddlers and school-aged children across various pediatric settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and telehealth platforms. She specializes in Speech Sound Disorders and Early Language Development, with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC). As a recognized provider, she is listed in the Apraxia Kids Speech-Language Pathologist Directory.
Heather emphasizes Parent-Implemented Intervention when working with toddlers and integrates techniques from the Hanen Program for children with Late Language Emergence. She has a strong background in treating language disorders and is passionate about the connection between language, literacy, and phonology. Additionally, she is trained in Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing program, which supports reading comprehension.
Throughout her career, Heather has been committed to educating families, coaching parents, and building meaningful relationships with the children and caregivers she works with. Her approach focuses on individualized, evidence-based interventions designed to help children reach their fullest communication potential.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys traveling, creating pottery for her family and friends, and spending time with her two dogs at beaches and local dog parks.
Ms. Amy
Billing and Collections Associate
Amy chose to join JLD Therapy because of her strong belief in the importance of providing children and their families with the care and support they deserve. In her role as a Customer Service and Billing Associate, she focuses on administrative tasks and is eager to contribute to the seamless operations of the center. With a degree in International Business and fluency in both English and Spanish, Amy is able to engage with a wide range of clients, ensuring they receive exceptional service. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to be part of such a meaningful cause. Outside of work, Amy enjoys swimming, sewing, and volunteering at the animal shelter.
Ms. Alma
Customer Service Associate
Outside of work, Alma is a passionate sports fan, cheering on the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Athletics. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and grandchildren and finds relaxation in watching a good movie.
Jennifer Davis, M.S., OTR/L, SCFES, SWC, PAM
Jennifer Davis has been working with special needs children since 2005 both as a therapist and as a respite care worker. She double majored in Occupational Therapy and Psychology for her undergraduate studies in 2009. She then went on to achieve her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2010 from San Jose State University.
After graduation, Jennifer worked in a variety of settings including schools, home health, and inpatient. Her experience helped her see the value of collaboration for a child’s success, both between therapy disciplines and with families.
In 2012, she established Joy & Laughter Developmental Therapy to ensure she could provide the highest quality of service possible to children and their families throughout Silicon Valley.
Outside of work Jennifer enjoys camping, hiking, cake decorating, outdoor adventures, and spending time with her family.
Languages
English and Spanish (minimal)
Specialty Areas
Autism, feeding, and sensory processing disorder
Advanced Certifications
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Certifications
Feeding Therapy Certifications
Mr. Sid
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager
Sid received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from Menlo College. He is interested in helping JLD expand into a household name across California. He has worked for his church and in the education field for over 20 years doing individual therapy, marriage counseling, family counseling, and overall life improvement for individuals.
Outside of work, you can find Sid watching the San Francisco 49er’s or reading the Harry Potter Series!
Ms. Elise
OTR, Feeding Specialist, and Clinical Manager
Elise earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Augusta University after graduating from the University of Georgia’s Honors College with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a certificate in Disability Studies. She has experience working with pediatric populations of all ages with a variety of diagnosis. She also has years of experience with pediatric feeding difficulties and is one of our feeding specialists at JLD. Elise is certified in the administration of the Save and Sound Protocol, an incredible music program aimed at improving self regulation via the polyvagal theory!
Before becoming an OT, Elise discovered her passion for working with children as a swim coach and instructor, but saw a great need for creating space for those with different needs and talents. Her goal is for everyone to see the bright lights she sees within each and every child, and to encourage them to use their unique talents and abilities to reach their goals.
Elise moved to San Jose from Georgia, where she grew up, and has been loving the West Coast! In her spare time, Elise enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and puppy, hiking, playing board games and playing with her kittens. Her adventures outdoors have inspired a hobby of photography and a collection of vintage cameras, and she loves capturing the beauty of CA!
Ms. Kaitlyn
HR Manager
Kaitlyn graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s in Communications with a minor in Political Science in 2020.
During college she worked as a cooking instructor where she would teach children the basics of cooking. After graduation, Kaitlyn began working as a recruiter and was excited for the opportunity to blend her previous experiences. She is excited to join the JLD team and use her expertise to grow the company to help service more families.
Kaitlyn was born and raised in the Bay Area, but recently returned after living in Montana. She loves being outdoors, listening to music, watching sports, and playing with her dog!
Ms. Jennifer
OTR, Founder and Executive Director
Jennifer received her Master’s Degree in occupational therapy from San Jose State University, after double majoring in occupational therapy and psychology for her undergraduate program. Jennifer has been working with special needs children since 2005 both as a therapist and as a respite care worker. She has experience in working with children across the developmental spectrum and from 1-22 years of age. While Autism has been her primary area of practice she also has hands-on experience in working with children with down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Tourette’s, Dyslexia, ADD/ADHA, sensory processing disorders, mental retardation, and other developmental delays.
Outside of work Jennifer enjoys camping, hiking, cake decorating, outdoor adventures, and spending time with her family.
Languages: English, Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL)
Specialty Areas: Autism, Feeding, Swallowing, and Pediatrics Advanced Certifications: Physical Agent Modalities (PAM), Swallowing (SWC), SPD Pro 1 Certification
Certifications & Continuing Education Jennifer has participated in that are often highly sought after by clients and mentees. Handwriting Without Tears (HWT): Is a nationally recognized handwriting program that helps children gain the skills needed for both print and cursive writing. HWT draws from years of experience and research which helps provide developmentally appropriate, multi-sensory tools and strategies to help children learn the skills for handwriting. Children are taught handwriting skills using interactive materials and activities that help promote the skills needed for handwriting. Visit https://www.lwtears.com/ for more information.
Jennifer has received level 1 certification in this program. Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Solutions: A feeding program that incorporates the principles and practices from multiple disciplines including psychology, pediatrics, occupational therapy, dietetics, and speech-language pathology. The SOS program incorporates sensory, motor, oral, behavioral, learning, medical, and nutritional factors to create a comprehensive program for each child. The SOS program has over 20 years of success for helping infants, children and adolescents learn to eat. For more information visit https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/sos-certification/.
Jennifer has taken beginning and advanced course work in this approach.SCERTS Model: The SCERTS model is a research-based multidisciplinary framework that helps to address many of the problems faced by a person with ASD. The SCERTS model aims to build a child’s skills in “Social Communication”, Emotional Regulation”, and “Transactional Support”. The SCERTS model aims to help children learn and spontaneously react in a variety of settings. To learn more visit their website. The Son-Rise Program for Autism: The Son-Rise program teaches a specific and comprehensive system of autism treatment and education designed to help families and caregivers enable their children to dramatically improve in all areas of learning, development, communication, and skill acquisition. For more information visit https://autismtreatmentcenter.org/.
Jennifer learned this program second hand while providing intensive intervention with a child who’s family received specific training from the options institute.Zones of Regulation Curriculum: The Zones curriculum uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to teach children to become more aware of and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, by managing their sensory needs and improve their ability to problem solve conflicts and share. For more information visit their website at http://www.zonesofregulation.com/learn-more-about-the-zones.html. Jennifer has received first-hand training on this approach by the therapist who developed the curriculum.
Integrated Listening Systems: The iLs system helps to train body/brain integration through a staged approach, starting with the fundamentals of sensory integration and extending through more complex cognitive functions. The iLs program is based on “neuroplasticity” and the fact that the neuronal connections can be improved. For more information on this program visit https://integratedlistening.com/. Jennifer has received certification in the use of iLs for home and clinic use.
STAR Model: The STAR Institue for sensory processing disorders provides treatment, education, and research for children, adolescents and adults with SPD. The STAR Institue provides clinicians with a unique opportunity to receive ongoing education to develop advanced clinical reasoning and treatment skills for individuals with sensory processing.
VitalStim: VitalStim is the only FDA-cleared treatment for NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) treatment for dysphagia. This modality is specifically designed to improve the mechanisms of the swallow. Visit https://www.ciaoseminars.com/home/vitalstim/ for more information. Jennifer is certified to provide treatment using the VitalStim+ system.”
Ms. Amy
PR & Marketing Associate
Amy graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Medicine and Society with a concentration in policy and management. Amy is an individual that is deeply committed to serving her community and wants to make a difference in healthcare. She is a strong believer in communication and found herself deeply resonating with Joy & Laughter Developmental Therapy’s mission to bridge gaps in communication among staff and provide better support for parents. Her passion for working with children was also what drew her towards Joy & Laughter Developmental Therapy as she previously worked as a preschool teacher.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys going to coffee shops with her friends, spending time outside in nature, and traveling whenever she can!
Ms. MarieAnn
Virtual Marketing Assistant
MarieAnn is a Philippines-based Virtual Marketing Assistant. She took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. Prior to working as a VA, Marie went to work as a technical customer support representative and as a lecturer. She brings to our practice 9 years of experience in customer service, administration, and digital marketing. One of Upwork’s top-rated freelancers. MarieAnn has experience working for physicians as a virtual medical biller and podcast assistant. As well as a VA for health and wellness coaches. She has a huge passion for helping others and working for children that’s why she loves it so much being a part of the JLD team. In addition to working for JLD therapy, MarieAnn also works as a Virtual Assistant for First Support CPR and First Aid Training. A company owned by JLD Therapy.
In her free time, MarieAnn enjoys outdoor activities, watch movies spending time with her family.
Mr. Jeffrey
Billing and Collections Associate
Jeffrey received a BA in Administration of Justice in 2020 from San Francisco State University. He is eager to join the JLD team because of how friendly everyone is. Jeffrey is looking forward to working alongside kids and their families in the community.
Outside of work, Jeffrey likes to be outdoors, golf, read, play board games and cards, play video games, and hang out with friends and family. He has a passion for Naruto, Pokemon, and any books written by Brandon Sanderson. He loves Star Wars!
Mr. Marcos
Receptionist
Marcos Prudente Vazquez received his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and graduated with cum laude honors from San Jose State University.
Marcos wants to work for a company that seeks to make the world a better place. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Outside of work, Marcos loves to draw, write and watch movies. He also enjoys reading manga, especially when it focuses on martial arts and long journeys. Marcos also likes to watch professional wrestling. One of his favorite movies is Jurassic Park and his favorite artist is Gorillaz. Marcos’s favorite quote is by Muhammad Ali: “Don’t count the days, but make the days count.”
Ms. Cassandra Joy
Customer Service Associate
Cassandra Joy received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She also became a Registered Psychometrician. She is outsourced from the company HelloRache, and is blessed to join the JLD team.
She loves working for JLD because the company takes good care of its clients/patients and also its staff. JLD is also a company where there is professional growth for its employees. She has already learned a lot of things while performing her duties!
On the weekends, Cassandra Joy spends her time with family and loved ones and cuddling with her furbaby. She enjoys eating at the beach where she lives and loves traveling. She also has a passion for cleaning and organizing! Her favorite series is Friends. She always goes back to rewatch it!
Ms. Zita
Customer Service Associate
Zita speaks Portuguese fluently and has a Bachelor Degree in Business Management. She chose to join our JLD Therapy team because it’s a great place to work.
She enjoys reading, hiking and working out. Nora Roberts is her favorite Author.
Mr. Tyler
Support Staff and ADA Instructor
Tyler Davis has a background in Business Management with an emphasis on small business entrepreneurship and recently graduated from San Jose State University. Tyler is looking to explore creative ways to provide occupational therapy practices to a varying degree of children. While providing an organic decentralized work environment where therapists have the creative freedom to explore new treatments while building on the Fundamentals of therapy.
In addition to daily operations, Tyler is an American Heart Instructor. He has been providing CPR and First Aid education for parents since 2018. In his free time, Tyler enjoys gardening and playing disc golf with his son Oliver. He also likes taking care of his chickens and brewing beer.
Ms. Vanessa
Occupational Therapy Student Intern
Vanessa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology – Clinical Movement from CSU Fullerton and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Stanbridge University. She has experience from volunteering at a martial arts clinic for children aged 2 to 15 that integrates occupational therapy with the technique of karate. Vanessa also has a background in providing ABA therapy to children with various diagnoses including ASD, cerebral palsy, and ADHD. She continues to gain experience in different settings like outpatient peds, inpatient rehab, and skilled nursing facility.
Vanessa is passionate about advancing her education and experience with JLD Therapy because she loves engaging with children through play and collaboration. She believes that play is essential for development, as it helps children build the skills they need to navigate their early years. Vanessa is excited to learn from the JLD team and apply her skills to offer holistic care.
Outside of her academic life, Vanessa enjoys taking the time to unwind and go to the gym. She enjoys looking up new recipes to try, exploring new cafes, and spending quality time with her partner and friends. When there is downtime, Vanessa loves to stay in bed, catch up on all her K-dramas, and rewatch TV shows like New Girl and Friends.
Ms. Kristen
Speech Language Pathology Intern
Kristen graduated with her Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Fullerton in 2022. After graduating, she obtained her SLPA license and worked in the school setting with individuals as young as 3 years old to 21 years old. She has experience in Autism, Receptive and Expressive Language, Speech Sound Disorders, etc. Currently, Kristen is in her last semester of graduate school at San Jose State University. She is excited to graduate and become a licensed speech-language pathologist.
Kristen chose JLD Therapy for its supportive and inclusive environment, which focuses on empowering clients and celebrating their growth. She values their holistic approach, offering engaging and personalized therapy services that leave a lasting impact. Kristen also appreciates their collaboration within a multidisciplinary team and their commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Outside of work, Kristen loves to go to the gym, hang out with friends, and go to concerts/music festivals. She also has a black cat named Clover, who she loves to snuggle with!
Ms. Sydney
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Intern
Sydney is joining the JLD team as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant Intern! She chose Joy & Laughter Developmental Therapy because their philosophy resonates deeply with her. She admires their commitment to creating a collaborative environment where therapists, parents, and children work together to achieve the best outcomes. Their emphasis on open communication, empowering families, and play based therapy reflects a holistic and compassionate approach to care that she finds inspiring.
Sydney appreciates the dedication to addressing systemic challenges in therapy, such as barriers and outdated practices, by fostering an atmosphere of innovation and teamwork. Their belief in the power of play aligns with her own understanding of how children learn and grow.
As someone passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, Sydney is excited to contribute to and learn from a team that shares these values and creates such a welcoming and impactful space for children and their families.
Outside of her academic and professional life, Sydney enjoys spending time with her two adorable cats, whom she describes as the sweetest babies ever. In her downtime, she loves napping, catching up on her favorite TV shows, and staying active. Sydney loves finding inspiration in her favorite movie, “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” and enjoys listening to self-improvement audiobooks in her downtime.
Mr. Jasper
Occupational Therapy Student Intern
Jasper graduated from San Jose State University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology, specializing in Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Dominican University of California.
Jasper found interest in pediatric occupational therapy during his time at a preschool community practice lab and through his Level I Pediatrics Fieldwork, focusing on assistive technology and development. In these settings, he gained valuable experience working with pediatric and adolescent populations, including individuals with ASD, down syndrome, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. His highlight from his pediatric fieldwork is seeing the joy on his clients’ faces when they successfully played with adaptive toys or experienced video gaming for the first time using Xbox adaptive controllers and switches.
Jasper is excited to join JLD because of their dedication to providing quality care and their value of “playing with a purpose.” He resonates with JLD’s collaborative approach between therapy teams and families, recognizing the importance of teamwork across all stages of life. Jasper is eager to contribute to JLD’s mission while continuing to grow and refine his skills in pediatric occupational therapy.
Outside of school and work, Jasper enjoys tabletop games, video games, and outdoor activities with his family, partner, and friends. He recently found interest in chess and enjoys solving daily chess puzzles. His favorite sport is tennis, and his latest hobby is pickleball. His favorite movie that he watched in 2024 is “The Greatest Showman”.
Ms. Anali
Occupational Therapist
Anali received her Bachelors in Liberal Studies at California State Monterey Bay. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, graduating with High Honors. Anali has experience with children and young adults ages 0-21 years old, in school-based settings, outpatient pediatrics, and early intervention. She has experience with various diagnoses such as ASD, ADHD, and other developmental delays. She also has experience working with the older adult population ages 50-95, in a Skilled Nursing Facility with diagnoses such as dementia, spinal cord injury, stroke, and hip injuries/surgeries.
Anali previously completed her student clinical fieldwork at JLD where she felt inspired by the supportive environment and the opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals with the same passion for helping children and their families achieve goals toward thriving to the best of their abilities!
Outside of work, Anali enjoys playing soccer, traveling and hanging with friends and family. She especially enjoys spending quality time with her husband and 2 children whether that be having fun outdoors or sitting cuddled up watching a good movie!
Ms. Shivali
Physical Therapist
Shivali’s journey with kids began over 15 years ago, where she’s been fortunate to witness their incredible growth as a Physical Therapist. After graduating in 2009, she established her own practice in India, nurturing a deep understanding of individual needs and fostering a supportive environment.
Relocating to Virginia in 2013, Shivali embraced new challenges. She thrived in an outpatient Functional Movement based setting, collaborating with Speech, Occupational, Developmental therapists as well as movement aides and assistants to provide a holistic approach to her therapeutic interventions. Her passion for supporting families flourished as an Early Interventionist for Fairfax County, where she valued the importance of natural environments, parental participation and individualized care to support children and their families meet their functional goals. She worked as an Assistive Technology manager to handle all the therapeutic equipment for the county therapists and patients. Shivali brings a wealth of experience to her practice, having dedicated her career to supporting children from infancy through young adulthood. She has a deep understanding of diverse developmental needs, including those facing children with Delayed milestones, Torticollis, Down syndrome, Plagiocephaly, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, ADD, Muscular Dystrophies, Cerebral Palsyand genetic abnormalities. Her approach is multi-faceted, drawing from a range of evidence-based therapies such as Total Motion Release, DIR Floortime, Kinesio Taping, Learning Without Tears to name a few to create personalized treatment plans that foster each child’s unique growth and development.
The summer of 2022 brought the family to sunny California, where Shivali currently dedicates her expertise to supporting children within a school district and with Joy and Laughter.
Beyond the clinic, Shivali cherishes her role as a mother to two vibrant daughters. Together with her husband, they embrace adventures, exploring new parks and hiking trails. A culinary enthusiast, Shivali delights in creating healthy and exciting meals for her family. And for a touch of self-care, she enjoys crafting her own skincare products for her family and friends!
Shivali is thrilled to bring her passion, experience and playful spirit for pediatric therapy to JLD, empowering children to reach their full potential.
Ms. Katelyn
Speech Language Pathologist
Katelyn received her Master’s in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University. She has been a Speech Language Pathologist in the school setting since 2022, and has experience treating kids from ages 3-18. Some of her specialties include working with autism, speech sound disorders, stuttering, and developmental language disorders. She is to be a part of the JLD team because of the collaborative approach.
Outside of work, you can find Katelyn reading, writing, and spending time with her family!
Ms. Ashley
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Ashley received her Associates Degrees from St. Catherine University and Cabrillo College. She is excited to work JLD Therapy because she had the opportunity to complete her internship here and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Working alongside such a dedicated and supportive team, as well as engaging with children and their families, was incredibly rewarding and solidified hher passion for making a positive impact in this field.
Ashley has clinical experience working with children aged 5 to 18 diagnosed with ASD in both educational and healthcare settings. As an instructional aide in a school environment, she supported students by assisting with daily routines, implementing behavioral interventions, and facilitating academic progress. She is looking forward to treating both our English and Spanish speaking families.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys attending concerts with her husband whenever they have a babysitter! Sshe also cherishes spending quality time with her daughter, introducing her to new adventures alongside their little dog, Remmy.
Ms. Camille
Speech Language Pathologist
Camille received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders and Sciences and a Masters of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Speech Language Pathology, both from San Jose State University. Camille has been working as an SLP since 2016 with ages 1 to 16 in both the school and clinical setting. She has experience in early intervention, Autism, Receptive and Expressive Language, Fluency, and Speech Sound Disorders. She is also a Natural Language Acquisition Trained Clinician for Gestalt Language Processing.
Camille enjoys getting outdoors (locally, nationally, and internationally!). She enjoys spending time with her dog, practicing yoga, and enjoying life with her fiancé and her family. Her favorite book is Be Here Now, with her favorite quote being from that book – “Don’t compare your path to anybody else’s. Your path is unique to you.”
Camille appreciates JLD’s approach in holistic treatment and multidisciplinary collaboration. The neurodiversity affirming treatment approach is something she values within her therapy and loves working with professionals who share this same mindset!
Ms. Kavita
Occupational Therapist
Kavita became a therapist in 2022. She earned her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at San Jose State University.
She has experience working with children of 2 to 10 years old with various diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (mild, moderate, severe) and other developmental delays for 6+ years in clinic, schools, and home settings. In addition to obtaining her OTR/L, Kavita has a background in providing in-home ABA services for children with autism. Furthermore, she has experience working with adults in a skilled nursing facility with diagnoses of stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.
Kavita shares Joy and Laughter Developmental Therapy’s mission of providing play-based therapy to allow children to grow and reach their fullest potential. She is patient, hard working dedicated, creative, light-hearted, and a fun person who loves to make therapy sessions productive and enjoyable. She understands the importance of and has experience collaborating with parents to ensure that their child receives the best possible care within the clinic, home, and community settings. Kavita loves to learn something new every day and strives to improve her practice as an occupational therapist. In the future, Kavita plans to gain skills in Sequential-Oral-Sensory approach to feeding and Handwriting Without Tears program.
Outside of work, Kavita enjoys traveling to new places, hiking, exploring new cuisines, baking, and spending quality time with family and friends. In her spare time, Kavita also enjoys attending various sporting events such as Golden State Warriors basketball and SF Giants baseball.
Ms. Anna
Speech Language Pathologist
Graduating with a master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University in 2021, Anna brings five years of dedicated experience to the field of Speech-Language Pathology. She is particularly passionate about working with the pediatric bilingual Spanish-English population, employing a diverse range of treatment approaches.
Beyond the professional arena, Anna loves to travel, explore new culinary delights, and engages in various outdoor activities. Her cherished moments also include quality time spent with her cat, Ellie, and baking.
Ms. Poonam
Occupational Therapist
Poonam became an occupational therapist in 2006. She speaks Hindi and Marathi. She has a Masters in Occupational therapy from the State University of New York and has Certificates and Continues Education in the following: DIR floortime course, OT Pediatric primer from infants to school based and transitioning to adults, handwriting skills, and Autism. Her clinical experience includes 16 years of experience working with adults in skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living facilities. She was the Director of Rehabilitation in CCRCs, she was a mentor to new hires, She was a clinical instructor to OTA and OT students. She has experience in home health, outpatient setting, and being a special education aide in the school district.
She chose to work here at JLD Therapy because it’s an awesome place to work, learn and grow.
Poonam is an avid reader. She likes to try different cuisines, travel, and spend time with family and friends. Some of her favorites include Harry Potter and LOTR books and movies, Stranger Things, and Bridgerton.
Ms. Hazel
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Hazel graduated from California Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and became a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant in 2023. She has experience working with the pediatric population and treating in both English and Spanish. Hazel has seen a wide range of communication issues and diagnosis from Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fluency, Articulation, and receptive/expressive language disorders.
Hazel is excited to join the JLD team because she looks forward to working with younger children, since she has more experience working with this age range. Hazel also appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide the best possible treatment for the families she works with.
Outside of work, Hazel loves to make pottery, paint, read, spend time outdoors with her dog, and enjoys going on road trips. She also loves Marvel movies!
Mr. Eric
Speech Language Pathologist
Eric May is a Speech Language Pathologist. He also speaks Spanish.
Eric became a therapist in 2017 after receiving his Masters Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas. He started his career in Geriatrics working in skilled nursing and home health. He made the switch to pediatric therapy in 2020 and is loving it. Telehealth is the future and he is so impressed by how well his patients and their families benefit.
Eric has joined our team to grow his telehealth caseload and expand his professional experience. He is loving the small company personalized feel so far and looks forward to continued growth.
Outside of work, Eric loves to travel. He has been to over 30 countries. He also loves exercise such as hiking, spin class and weight lifting. He also loves to eat and works out a lot too. His favorite music is Pink Floyd, favorite movie is Beetlejuice, favorite country that he visited is Argentina and his favorite food is ceviche.
Ms. Jennifer
Speech Language Pathologist, Feeding Specialist
Since earning her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Arizona Jennifer has specialized in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders; working in hospitals, clinics and home health settings. For over 10 years she has been evaluating and treating children, newborns to adolescents, with a variety of disorders including, premature birth, autism spectrum disorders, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, tongue and tip tie, cleft lip and palate, organ transplant recipients and medically fragile children. She has transitioned medically fragile infants and children from tube feedings to oral feedings and advised physicians on feeding tube removals. She has completed training in the “Get Permission Approach to Feeding Therapy”, “Beckman Oral Motor Protocol,” and “Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training.” Additionally, she has specialized training in the underlying medical causes of feeding and swallowing disorders and in assembling and working with an interdisciplinary medical team to address often overlooked medical issues. She conducts training with local medical professionals to provide education on pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. She uses a whole-body approach when assessing and treating feeding and swallowing disorders.
Jennifer is a certified infant massage instructor and utilizes these skills to teach family massage techniques that improve parent-child attachment, muscle activation, and digestion. She also enjoys and has experience in providing pediatric speech and language evaluations and therapy to children with a variety of special needs including those who have a tracheostomy tube, are medically fragile, born premature, have developmental delays, autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, cognitive disabilities, chromosome abnormalities, drug exposure, tongue thrust, etc. Jennifer has advanced proficiency in American Sign Language and has employed this skill to improve the communication within D/deaf and hard of hearing families and hearing families who want to use a total communication approach. She is TOTS certified as well.
Jennifer and her husband have three young children. They all love riding bikes, hiking, and exploring California together. She is scuba certified and loves traveling back home to Florida to dive in the warm water.
Ms. Alejandra
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Alejandra studied to become an SLPA at San Jose State University and California State University East Bay. She received her certification in 2022 and is ecstatic to join the JLD team. JLD has provided a great sense of community and has shown compassion for the children they treat. She is very excited to provide amazing experiences for families at the clinic. Alejandra has had the opportunity to work closely alongside Speech Language Pathologists at KIPP public schools with Middle & High school students. Her experiences include treating articulation disorders, autism, and language delays.
Outside of work, Alejandra enjoys scrapbooking and arts and crafts. You can find her spending time with her husband and her corgi at the park. Her favorite movies and shows include Sweet Tooth, Stranger Things, and A Man Called Otto. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!”-Dr. Seuss
Ms. Ping
Speech Language Pathologist
Ping received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at The University of Washington. During her two years in grad school, she gained experience in the school, clinical, and hospital settings. She has had the opportunity to work with clients who have different diagnoses across their lifespans. Ping worked with children in outpatient and school settings from birth up to age 21. She has also worked with adults in the hospital setting during her clinical practice and full-time internship. Diagnoses that she has experience in include speech and language delay/disorders, voice disorders, swallowing disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
Ping looks forward to working with younger children from birth to age 12, as she has the most experience working with this age range. She loves that JLD adopts a multidisciplinary approach and that she will get a chance to learn from other disciplines such as OT to provide holistic care.
Outside of work, Ping enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, enjoying the outdoors, listening to music, and exploring new places or restaurants in the city/town she lives in. Most of Ping’s family lives in Malaysia, so she spends quite a bit of time on FaceTime to keep in touch with them. A few of her favorite shows include Modern Family, Friends, and Schitt’s Creek.
Ms. Jacqulen
Speech Language Pathologist
Jacqulen Hamilton is a Speech Language Pathologist who received her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and is proud to be the first person in her family to achieve that level of education. Jackie has been treating in a variety of settings since 2003 including outpatient clinics, home health, early intervention, and schools seeing children from newborn to 21 years of age. She has seen a wide range of communication issues and diagnoses from cleft palates, various genetic disorders, apraxia of speech, language disorders, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, TBI’s, dysfluency of speech, cerebral palsy, ASD, and hearing impairments.
Jackie has always enjoyed working with children and is excited to join the JLD Therapy team! She can’t wait to meet new kids and their families while trying to enhance their communication and lives in any way she can.
Outside of work, Jackie enjoys spending time with her family. She is the mother of two boys–Caden and Camdyn–and a dog mom to a Siberian Husky named Livie. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Jimmy, for over 25 years. They spend most of their down time camping, hiking, and kayaking around their home state of Kentucky. Jackie also loves reading, crafts such as crochet and cross stitch, word puzzles, and yoga. Jackie loves reading historical fiction books and watching family comedies, such as “Blended”. She also enjoys listening to several different true crime podcasts in her spare time.
Ms. Marilyn
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Feeding Specialist
Marilyn became a therapist in 2017 and came to California through an agency for travel therapy; she fell in love with the state. Because each of these contracts are only a few months long, she has a wide variety of clinical experience. She’s played a role in schools, private pediatric clinics, nursing homes, adult outpatient, and in home health, serving all ages. Private pediatrics, however, is where Marilyn’s heart truly is. She’s passionate about helping children develop and thrive in the world around them.
From the moment that she first laid eyes on a pediatric outpatient clinic just like JLD in school, Marilyn knew that it was what she wanted to do. The ethos of JLD empowers her to serve children in the community, and create meaningful growth.
Outside of work, Marilyn enjoys crocheting stuffed animals and playing Dungeons and Dragons. She is also an avid reader. Her favorite book is the whimsical, magical, Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones.
Ms. Bernadette
Occupational Therapist
Bernadette became a therapist in 2019. Bernadette graduated with her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Samuel Merritt University. As primarily a school-based occupational therapist, she wanted to gain more knowledge about a clinical approach to therapy and how it can optimize a child’s independence in their community and home environment.
She has experience working with children with ASD (mild, mod, and severe), Down Syndrome, ADHD, SLD, etc. Not only does she have OT experience in a school-based setting, but she also has experience in home-based ABA services.
Outside of work, Bernadette enjoys spending quality time with family, friends, and her dog Cookie. She also loves exploring new places, restaurants, and craft coffee shops.
Mr. Sam
Occupational Therapist
Sam graduated from Samuel Merritt University in 2023 with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, and from CSU Monterey Bay in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: exercise science emphasis. He is excited to join the team because JLD offers a unique experience of working with the entire family collaboratively which is something he enjoyed during his previous experiences of working with families within the internationally unhoused population. Being a new father himself, Sam enjoys helping other families grow and experience their children hitting milestones, however small/large they may be. Additionally, he enjoys the collaboration and camaraderie amongst his colleagues which allows for a more unified experience for all involved in the therapy process.
Sam has experience working with the pediatric/adolescent population, working with youth (6 months – 18 years) as well as adults (18 years – 65 years) with ASD, traumatic brain injury, self-regulation deficits, adverse childhood experiences (internationally displaced families; physical and psychological trauma), chronic pain, organ transplant, cardiovascular disease/disorders, and orthopedic trauma. Sam’s certifications include ACES aware and CALTRIN Mental Health Matters in Early Childhood.
Outside of work he enjoys playing with his daughter, however, when he gets some downtime, he enjoys outdoor activities including winter sports (snowboarding), exercising (Olympic weightlifting & sports specific exercises), and initiating woodworking projects. He enjoys reading political sci-fi, mostly the Dune, Stephen King (IT, The Shining, Doctor Sleep, etc…), Chuck Palahniuk, and Kurt Vonnegut novels. There are too many movies that he enjoys to list but he prefers comedies.
Ms. Stacey
Physical Therapist
Stacey received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University in 2017. She attended Azusa Pacific to receive her Bachelor’s in Applied Exercise Science. Stacey has experience working in many settings including outpatient, early intervention, home health, and school based. She has treated children from birth through high school with various diagnoses including delayed milestones, abnormalities in mobility/walking, torticollis, and plagiocephaly, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, infants with a history of fetal drug exposure, and children with genetic abnormalities.
Stacey has completed clinical rotations in skilled nursing and acute care with an emphasis on oncological management. She has volunteered abroad with the opportunity to practice PT in various settings with limited resources, language barriers, and various other factors atypical to a standard clinical set up in the States. Outside of work, Stacey loves exploring the great outdoors, exploring the great countries of the world, and exploring great food that surrounds us…and is happy as a clam if she can do all three at once!
She loves working with kids in a collaborative environment where physical, occupational, and speech therapists can all work together to provide the best care for the patients we see.
Ms. Livia
Speech Language Pathologist – Clinical Fellow , Feeding Specialist
Livia received her Bachelor’s degree in SLP from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, her Master’s degree in Pediatrics in SLP from the Hospital das Clínicas of the Medical School of the University of São Paulo, and a Specialization in Neopediatrics from the Faculdade Integrada da Amazônia, all in Brazil. Currently, she is studying at San Jose State University (SJSU) to further her professional development.
With over two years of experience, she has obtained certifications in Maternal Consulting and Pediatric Care, Neopediatric feeding, and child development. Her passion lies in providing comprehensive treatments, including feeding and breastfeeding support, Rehabilitation of orofacial motor skills, communication development in children, aural rehabilitation, and neonatal auditory screening. Livia has experience working with the pediatric population (0 months – 18 years) spanning across various healthcare settings, including outpatient clinics as well as high-complexity hospital units.
She chooses JLD Therapy for its excellent reputation in therapy services, personalized client care, and support for professional growth. The opportunity to collaborate with passionate professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on clients’ lives fills her with pride.
Outside of work, she is a vibrant individual who enjoys learning, traveling, exploring new culinary experiences, and engaging in outdoor activities. A devoted pet parent to her Siberian Husky, Cody, she cherishes spending quality time with family and friends, indulging in conversations, watching movies and series, attending live music concerts, and savoring strawberry ice cream.
She enjoys series and movies such as ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Friends’, etc. She also enjoys attending live music concerts, with some of her favorite artists including Maroon 5, Coldplay, Meghan Trainor, etc. Additionally, she enjoys reading books by Neil Gaiman, autobiographies, and those by J.K. Rowling. One of her favorite quotes is, ‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do,’ by Steve Jobs.
Ms. Escarlet
Speech Language Pathologist
Escarlet became a therapist in 2020 and has worked with toddlers to teenagers. She has two years of experience treating in English and Spanish on Telehealth. Escarlet has experience working with ASD, down syndrome, and speech delay.
She is excited to be a part of the JLD team because of the bond and connection everyone has to one another. She is looking forward to expanding her experience as a therapist.
Outside of work, Escarlet enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and going to amusement parks. Her favorite quote is “If you can dream it, you can do it”-Walt Disney.
Mr. Kieran
Speech Language Pathologist – Clinical Fellow
Kieran received his Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from San Jose State 2024. He has experience seeing early intervention to adult populations. Kieran has seen clients varying from fluency, language, articulation, AAC and more and has experience in private practice, clinic, and school setting. Kieran is excited to be working at JLD and to be working with a wide range of clients and collaborate with coworkers with different disciplinary backgrounds.
Kieran’s background coaching speech led him to speech pathology and he has been training in the field ever since. Outside of work, Kieran likes to learn how to make new foods, go see lots of movies (thank you AMC A-list), and go hiking. He also likes to find new board games to play and get people together for game nights!
