MEET OUR STAFF

Executive Directors:

Kimberly Eissing, MS, CCC-SLP is the Executive Director of the North/East office and a licensed speech and language pathologist.  She received her bachelors and masters degrees from Nazareth College of Rochester located in Rochester, New York.  Her professional experience includes work in public schools, consultation to private and public institutions, agencies in the private sector as well as her current private practice.  For the last 16 years her focus has been on integrating behavioral teaching principles with language learning strategies to enable children with autism  and with as developmental delays to achieve their full potential. Her current passion is designing parent training programs that will empower the families we work with to direct their children’s futures.  She continues to design programming that allows children to develop problem-solving skills to help them become independent learners. 

Melanie Foshee, MA, CCC-SLP is the Executive Director of the West/Central office, and licensed speech and language pathologist.  She earned her bachelors degree in psychology from the University of California at Irvine and her master’s degree in communication disorders from California State University at Long Beach.  Melanie first began working with autistic children in intensive behavioral intervention programs, and worked as an intensive behavioral intervention program supervisor before completing her credentials in the field of speech and language pathology.  As a speech pathologist, she has worked in private practice as an autism spectrum disorders specialist.  She enjoys teaching cognitive and language learning strategies to language disordered children, and working with an interdisciplinary team to achieve goals.  She has over 14 years of experience working with children with autism. 


 

Clinical Program Director:

Jaime Stahl, MA, BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Baylor University and her Master of Arts in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy from the University of San Diego with a specific emphasis in therapy with children.    She has worked as a clinician at the University of California, San Diego Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Adolescents, specializing in assessment, treatment planning, and implementation of behavioral interventions for children with various diagnosis including autistic disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and disruptive behavior disorder.  Jaime also held a private practice providing behavioral consultation for families and school districts servicing children on the autism spectrum for five years prior to joining the team at CLC.  She has over ten years experience designing and implementing behavior management programs.  Additionally, Jaime has advanced training in Applied Verbal Behavior. Her current interests include diagnostics and assessment, parent training, and behavioral approaches to social learning.

Speech Therapists:

Cassandra Sweaney MA, CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Disorders and her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from California State University, Long Beach.  She has been working with children with special needs in the public schools, in-home, and in the clinical setting since 1997. Her passion is working in early intervention with the pediatric population, and especially with children with autism.  She feels that collaborating wish behavioral therapists, occupational therapists, and parents will best benefit her clients’ needs.  Her goal is to find unique ways to work with children with autism and to continue her education through research and workshops to continue to provide effective, evidence based approaches to treatment.  

Corrine Delphina Li, M.A., CCC-SLP is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in early intervention.  She received her B.S. from Fontbonne College and her M.A. from St. Louis University.  Her experience in the field of communication sciences and disorders began over 20 years ago when she began providing services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Since that time, Corrine has provided speech-language therapy services in home, school, community and clinic settings to children with a variety of genetic disorders and/or developmental needs.  She has extensive experience and education with pediatric feeding and swallowing treatment for children who have significant medical histories including prematurity, Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injury, failure to thrive, and craniofacial anomalies.  Corrine appreciates the complex and dynamic nature of the communicative process and targets aspects that are meaningful in the child’s daily life.  She is dedicated to helping children learn to communicate and communicate to learn.

Deanna Teramoto MS, CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and her Master’s degree from the University of Arizona.  Her clinical experience includes outpatient pediatric and adult clinics, pediatric outpatient and adult acute-care hospitals, and a preschool specializing in serving children with speech and language delays.  The pediatric population she has worked with has included children with autism spectrum disorders, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and a variety of speech and language disorders/delays, including children using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).  She has been a part of the CLC family since January, 2006, and currently has a particular passion to utilize a collaborative, family-friendly approach to treatment, viewing each child not as a disorder, but as a unique individual.

Eileen Morrissey, MS, CCC-SLP is a licensed speech and language pathologist.  She received her Bachelor's Degree in Communicative Disorders from The University of California, Santa Barbra and her Master's Degree in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Sacramento.  She has worked with children with special needs in the public schools since 1992 and has served clients ages 3 to 21.  She enjoys working with children with Apraxia using PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) and learning techniques that will help to enhance the effectiveness of her treatment.

Jennifer Ameer MS, CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Teacher's College, Columbus University.  Jennifer first began working with children with autism as an ABA therapist while in undergraduate school.  Her clinical experience includes working with children and adults with a variety of disorders in adult skilled nursing facilities, outpatient pediatric clinics, a pediatric outpatient hospital, a preschool specializing in children with special needs, and an elementary school setting.  Jennifer enjoys collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of specialists to provide a whole-child approach.

Stephanie Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP is a licensed speech and language pathologist.  She earned her bachelors and masters degrees from California State University, Long Beach.  Throughout her education she maintained a career working as a speech pathologist in the public schools, and as an educational resource consultant in the private school system.  She has been a member of the CLC team for over 3 years and she enjoys collaborating with parents and the interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive treatment services for children with developmental delays, specifically autism.  Currently, Stephanie works as a case supervisor within the infant-parent program geared towards at-risk children less than 18 months of age and their families.  This program works directly with infants and equips caregivers to provide an enriching environment to facilitate their child’s overall development.  Stephanie’s passion is early intervention; starting children on the road to reaching their full potential and equipping families to guide and support that journey. 

Tom Doan BA, SLPA is a licensed speech language pathologist assistant.  He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton.  He has over six years of experience working with autistic children in home behavior modification programs, clinical, and the school setting.  Tom worked from the Children’s Learning Connection as a Developmental Specialist before earning licensure as an SLPA.  His ambition is to pursue a master’s degree in communicative disorders and licensure as an SLP.  Throughout his exposure and experience working with autistic children, he has developed a deep passion for the profession as well as for the services provided for the children. 

Tomoko Nakamizo-Mukasa, MA, CCC-SLP is a licensed speech and language pathologist.  She earned her bachelors degree in Human Development and her master’s degree in Communicative Disorders from California State University at Long Beach.  For the past several years she has worked with children with autism and other developmental disabilities as a member of an interdisciplinary team at Children’s Learning Connection. She has also worked with Japanese speaking children and their families, utilizing her experience with linguistic and cultural competence. She is involved with a parental support group and educational organizations to raise awareness in the Japanese community about the significance of early intervention for children with delays, parental involvement in the therapeutic process, and difficulties that children and families might face in the bilingual environment. Her current focus is on collaborating with behaviorists and occupational therapists to utilize effective teaching strategies for each and every child.

Zina Rhee MA, CCC-SLP is a licensed speech and language pathologist. She received her master's degree in communication disorders from California State University at Los Angeles. Zina first began working with children with autism over 10 years ago in intensive behavioral intervention programs and worked as a clinical instructor and lecturer at University of California, Los Angeles. As a speech pathologist, she has worked at the O.C. Kids Neurodevelopment Center where she conducted assessments, provided treatment in a multidisciplinary toddler group based on the SCERTS Model, participated in research in social communication development and the early diagnosis of autism, and assisted in the development of a caregiver training program using the Hanen Program for Parents. She has also worked in private practice and provided consultative services to private agencies. Her clinical interests include early intervention and the treatment of social communication disorders. 

Behavior Specialists:

Mary Webb, MA, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.  She received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the California Graduate Institute.  Her background in family therapy helps her appreciate the child’s role as part of a family system rather than in isolation, in order to provide a more effective mechanism of change.  She has been working with children with Autism Spectrum disorders for 10 years. Mary has experience working with typical, as well as special education classrooms.  Mary has experience collaborating with private agencies and school districts; she has worked as an independent contractor implementing behavior modification in home programs.  She is currently completing certification as a BCBA.  Her goal is to utilize past experiences as well as gain new insight through continuing education into this constantly evolving field.

Michelle Ragozzine, EdM, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Providence College. She also received a Master of Education in Risk and Prevention from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She has almost six years post-Master’s experience working with high-risk children and families. Before moving to California, Michelle coordinated an in-home behavior services program in the state of Connecticut. For three years following, she worked directly under Dr. Alan Kazdin at Yale University and was trained in Dr. Kazdin’s Parent Management Training (PMT). PMT is a highly successful, empirically supported parent education model designed to reduce behavioral excesses in children. Michelle was also trained in ABA principles by Dr. Kazdin and is currently pursuing the BCBA. Her experience also includes working with teachers and other school personnel to develop effective behavior management programs for the classroom. Since moving to California, Michelle worked as the Lead Supervisor in an ABA program for one year before coming to CLC. Her current area of expertise includes parent training, social skills training, self-management programs, and functional behavior assessments.

Sarah Sandauer, MS, BCBA received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Education Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles.  She received her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University in Boston, MA where she has also completed the required coursework to be licensed as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  While completing her graduate program, Sarah worked at The New England Center for Children located outside Boston, MA. Sarah’s background includes case management, direct therapy with children who exhibit a challenging behavioral repertoire, and research mainly concentrated in various assessment techniques.  These include analogue and idiosyncratic functional analyses, preference and reinforcer assessments, demand and competing items assessments, and descriptive analyses.  Sarah also has experience in educational program design, IEP development, clinical and behavioral program intervention, and feeding disorders. Sarah returned to California upon the completion of her master’s program in order to integrate her ABA experience in the comprehensive early intervention therapeutic program that CLC offers.  Her goal is to foster a rewarding and reciprocal relationship between each child, their environments, and the people in each of their lives in order to reach their maximum potential as enriched and independent individuals. 

Lilly Flores, BA, received her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.  She also attended Harvard University’s Health’s Careers Program for advanced coursework in neurobiology and psychology. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the National University.  She is also completing her certification in ABA and is pursuing her BCBA. She has been working with children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other neuro-developmental disorders, primarily autism, for nearly a decade. Her introduction to the field was with UCLA’s L.I.F.E. Intervention Clinic where she received over 5 years of intensive training. Her ongoing clinical experience includes advanced training in social skills, applied verbal behavior and fluency based instruction; working in full-inclusion and special education classes;  providing pro-bono behavior intervention consultation and supervision to low-income and/or recently immigrated families; and, working in private practice where she developed and managed behavior based programs for home, school and community. Her passion is working with the child’s family as a whole. She is driven to teach a child how to learn and the necessary skills that will allow him to function and thrive in the surrounding world.

Jaime A. Rische, MA, received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health from Governors State University, her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and is pursuing BCBA certification from the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. She has over 10 years experience designing and implementing behavior management strategies with individuals and their support networks. She began working as a clinician in Madison, WI at a Lovaas replication site, treating young children with autism spectrum disorders, and continued supporting individuals in a multi-disciplinary clinic, public schools, and private practice in Chicago, IL. Jaime also has extensive experience working with typically developing children in need of behavior management skills, parent and staff-training, and supporting adults with various behavioral needs in community residential and vocational programs. Additionally, Jaime has advanced training in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and personal stress management.  Her current interests include functional behavior analysis, communication training, fluency of skills, and teaching functional behavior that will support children and families long-term.  

 Occupational Therapists:

Kathy Klarich, MA, OTR/L received her Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Her pediatric experience includes working with Sensory Processing disorders and Autism Spectrum disorders in the clinic and community settings. Kathy has pursued continuing education in the areas of oral motor development, feeding intervention, and sensory processing.  She is certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT). She coaches swimming for Special Olympics and is passionate about helping children with special needs be active participants within their communities. Kathy is excited to be a part of the multi-disciplinary team approach to treatment found at Children’s Learning Connection.

Veronica Covington, MA, OTR/L, received a Bachelor's Degree in psychology at Concordia University and her Masters of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California.  She has six years experience working with children with autism, beginning her experience with this population in 2001 as a socialization therapist.  She has worked in both the early intervention and private school settings.  Veronica is a perpetual learner and is constantly striving to expand her knowledge and skills to better herself as a therapist. She views each client as a unique individual of vast but hidden potential that she helps unveil through her therapy.  It is a collaborative journey and she feels blessed and touched to be a part of each child's journey  

Physical Therapists:

Brooke Caya, DPT, received her doctorate of physical therapy from Chapman University. She has over 3 years of pediatric experience that varies from school, clinic, and hospital settings.  Brooke has worked with various diagnoses, but has a special spot in her heart for children with Autism.  She and enjoys collaborating with parents, school districts, and other professionals to provide the appropriate services with the final goal of optimizing a child’s independence.  Brooke truly enjoys working with the pediatric population because of the huge impact physical therapy can make in a child’s life.

Developmental Specialists and Direct Staff:

Our many Developmental Specialists and Direct Staff have diverse educational backgrounds and goals. They are typically graduate or undergraduate students in speech pathology, psychology, special education, or occupational therapy. All staff must successfully complete CLC's ABA training including lecture/workshop, hands-on training, and clinical practicums, and are cleared as behavioral intervention instructors through the Department of Education before being assigned to any cases.  Developmental Specialists/Direct Staff work under the direct supervision of Behavior Analysts/Specialists, as well as work in collaboration with Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists and Physical Therapists as part of interdisciplinary teams.  Additionally, they receive ongoing training in the form of lecture/workshops and clinical practicums throughout their time at Children’s Learning Connection.