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Team of Specialists

Therapy 4-Kids's expert staff works in partnership with the family and referring physician to plan individual and confidential programs for each patient, to identify short or long term functional goals and coordinate therapies. We utilize a variety of theories and therapeutic approached to pediatric treatments, including: Neurodevelopment treatment techniques, Sensory integration activities, Floortime and PRT models Motor control- motor learning principles, Craniosacral and Myofascial releasing, Yoga and relaxation for children.

Founded in San Diego North County, California, Therapy 4-Kids's multidisciplinary team includes; Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Therapists, Psychological Consultants, Community Education Groups and Classes.

Speech-Language Therapy Specialists

  1. Laura Driessen Walls
    Clinic Director of Innovative Therapy 4 Kids - M.S., CCC-SLP #9589
  2. Tom Milroy
    Clinical Specialist - M.A., CCC-SLP

       3. Colleen Nolan

             Clinical Specialist - M.S., CCC-SLP

       4. Ali Atchison

             Clinical Specialist - M.S., CCC-SLP

Physical Therapy Specialists

  1. Amy Duffner Johnson
    Assistan Clinic Director/Clinical Specialist - PT
  2. Debby Testrake

    Physical Therapist

Occupational Therapy Specialists

  1. Shellie Reeder
    Clinical Specialist - M.A. OTR/L
  2. Christiane F. Colhado
    Clinical Specialist - M.S. OTR/L
  3. Erin Jones

              Clinical Specialist - M.A. OTR/L

Clinical Psychology Specialist

  1. Sylvia Mende
    Clinical Psychologist- Psy.D

 

Laura Driessen Walls

Executive Director - M.S., CCC-SLP

Executive Director and owner of Innovative Therapy 4 Kids, Inc., Laura is a California native who graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Communicative Disorders and Hearing Sciences from the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and obtained her graduate degree in Speech Pathology and audiology from California State University of Hayward (CSUH). She is an ASHA member and holds a California State License in Speech and Language Pathology. She has spent the past 15 years working in pediatric centers including the South San Francisco School District, Tri City Medical Center Pediatrics, and private practices. An interesting component of her skills was developed when working on a developmental assessment team for high risk infants and children.

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Tom Milroy
Clinical Specialist - M.A., CCC-SLP

A native of Long Island, New York, Tom spent the majority of his university experience in upstate Plattsburgh, NY. There he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders. He later went on to receive his Masters of Arts Degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Plattsburgh State University. He is Both ASHA certified and California State Licensed to provide speech and language services. He is well versed in pediatric speech and language pathology, working with a broad range of disorders and syndromes.

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Colleen Nolan

Clinical Specialist - M.S., CCC-SLP

Colleen is a native of Rhode Island who attained an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Boston College in 1998.  She spent two years at the New England Center for Children in Southboro, MA where she received extensive training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and case management for children on the Autism spectrum. She received her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders at Emerson College in Boston, MA.  While at Emerson, she received extensive training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).  After receiving her master’s degree in 2004, Colleen returned to San Diego where she completed her Clinical Fellowship at Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc.  Colleen is an ASHA member and holds a California State license in Speech and Language Pathology.

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Amy Duffner Johnson
Assistant Clinic Director / Clinical Specialist - PT

Amy is the co-founder of Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc. multidisciplinary, outpatient, pediatric therapy clinic.  She is a native New Yorker who attained her Physical Therapy degree from Quinnipiac University (formerly Quinnipiac College…Go Braves!!) in Hamden, Connecticut.  In 1996 Amy relocated to San Diego, CA where she worked for California Children’s Services and continued her pediatric physical therapy experience in both school and clinic settings. She often collaborated with the APE teachers and designed an aquatic therapy program for wheelchair-bound children. Amy united with Laura Walls to found Innovative Therapy 4-Kids, Inc. in 2003 and has been enjoying the pediatric private practice setting ever since!

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Kim Rendler

Clinical Specialist – P.T.A.

 

Kim has been living in San Diego for 18 years.  In 1998, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University.  She later passed the Physical Therapy Board of California Exam and became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 2004.  

 

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Shellie L. Reeder

Clinical Specialist – M.A. OTR/L

Shellie is a pediatric occupational therapist who recently moved to the San Diego area.  She received her Masters degree from the University of Southern California in 2000 and has a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology from Cal State University of Long Beach.  Shellie has two young boys who keep her busy and active in a sensory rich life!  She believes in respecting each child as an individual and the healing power of play!

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Christiane F .Colhado

Clinical Specialist – M.A. OTR/L

Christiane is a native of Brazil and has been living in the United States for the past 10 years. She holds a Master degree in Public Health from the University of Sao Paulo and a Bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy from Catholic University of Campinas, Brazil.
Her professional experience has allowed her to provide care for a diverse population in a variety of settings that include rehabilitation, home health, private practice, and schools.
Chris looks forward to going to work each day and feels honored to be part of the staff.

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Erin Jones, MS, OTR/L

Clinical Specialist – B.S. OTR/L

 

Erin is a native of Henderson, Kentucky and attended the University of Southern Indiana (USI) in Evansville, Indiana. She received her undergraduate degree from USI in May of 2006 and later earned a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in May of 2007.  After graduating, Erin relocated to the San Diego area and began her career as an occupational therapist. Erin is registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and licensed with the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT). She has also been a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) since 2003.   At IT4K, Erin enjoys being a member of the interdisciplinary team and providing individualized care to every unique child. She looks forward to going to work each day and is honored to be able to play a part in helping children achieve a greater sense of independence through work, play, and functional activity.

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