Our Teachers and Office Staff
A Step Ahead Pediatric Developmental Services, Inc. consists of caring, dedicated, experienced, and knowledgeable teachers and support staff.
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ANNA HOLLEY, OTR/L, C/NDT, SWC, CIMI, CLE
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Anna received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. She is certified in Neuromuscular Development Treatment, Listening Program, NOMAS, Assistive Technology, and Sensory Integration including the administration and interpretation of the SIPT. Anna has worked with children in various settings including rehabilitation, group homes, home health, neonatal intensive care unit, out-patient, burn unit, and school districts. She also provides training and educational services to local colleges, school districts, and developmental programs. Anna founded Step-By-Step Pediatric Therapy, Inc. in 2002 and has opened "The Clubhouse", a sensory integration clinic in 2008. Anna’s special area of interest and expertise is with high risk/premature infants with significant medical complications. Her passion for this population began when she gave birth to her own set of triplets who were born at 29 weeks gestation. Anna's first love, however, is Sensory Integration. Anna became SIPT certified in 2003 and has taken extensive training in Sensory Integration since then. Outside the clinic, Anna loves to dance, cook, travel, and of course...play!
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LESLEY LAI, MS, OTR/L
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Lesley received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Irvine and Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University. She comes to A Step Ahead Pediatric Developmental Services, Inc. with a background in serving the pediatric population from birth to 18 years old. She has experience working with various diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Prematurity, feeding difficulties, Global Developmental Delay, and other neurological disorders. Lesley chose to pursue a career in occupational therapy because she loves that she can use creative methods and science to promote independence and support her patients in becoming the best version of themselves. She enjoys helping children learn important skills they need to carry out daily activities such as playing, dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, and so much more. Outside of work, Lesley likes to hike with her dog, bake, read, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
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HOLLY WINANS, AS, COTA/L
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Holly obtained her associates degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant at Santa Ana College in 2008. She has been working with SBSPT since Anna Holley opened her company in June 2008. She has always loved working with children. While working as an activities assistant in a skilled nursing facility, Holly met an Occupational Therapist. She immediately knew that she wanted to be a part of this beautiful profession. She feels truly blessed to be able to work with such amazing families as well as our SBSPT/ASAP team. When not working, she spends her time with family and/or reading.
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Our admin are the glue that keeps our team together! They help us with scheduling, problem solving, billing, payroll, and the list goes on. They are also the ones that gives the kids stickers, ice pack and band-aids for their boo-boos, and a warm hello and goodbyes as they come and leave our clinic. We love our admin team and are grateful for them!
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Isabel Benitez
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Isabel received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Jose State University. Learning about the field of Occupational Therapy, her Senior year led her to intern at Step-By-Step Pediatric Therapy. She has always loved working with kids but after interning, her passion for pediatrics began. After finishing her internship, she began translating for Step By Step Pediatric Therapy, Inc. and is now an infant teacher for A Step Ahead Pediatric Developmental Services, Inc. She plans to attend OT school in the near future to become a pediatric occupational therapist. Outside of work, Isabel enjoys working out, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
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LESLIE BERGADO
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Leslie received her Bachelor of Art in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. She discovered her love working with kids with developmental disabilities interning at a behavior clinic. She then learned about Occupational Therapy and pursued an internship at Step by Step Pediatric Therapy. She is now looking to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy, and is excited to make a difference by helping the kids grow and develop! In her free time, she enjoys dancing, traveling and going out to try all the new foods!
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ESMERALDA BARAJAS
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Esmeralda received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Azusa Pacific University. She enjoys working with children and helping them meet their goals one step at a time. She is extremely passionate about helping parents advocate for their children. Outside of work, she is a soccer mom who spends her weekends yelling at the referee. 😬
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HALEY KIRKHUFF
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Haley obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at California State University, Fullerton. She has worked with children and teens as a behavior therapist with the implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis intervention in both clinical and educational settings. Haley always knew she was destined to work with little ones and hopes to progress in Occupational Therapy. In her free time she enjoys cooking, completing jigsaw puzzles, and camping with friends and family.
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ASHLEY RIVERA
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Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton. She has worked in ABA as a behavior technician. She then learned about the field of Occupational Therapy, and interned at Step-By-Step Pediatric Therapy (ASAP's Sister Company!). She has always loved working with children, and during her internship I learned about becoming an Infant Teacher and fell in love. She believes that seeing kiddo accomplish their goals is very rewarding. Outside of work, she enjoy listening to music, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends.
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ARACELY MAJIN
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Aracely received her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton. During her undergraduate, she worked for the Rowland Unified School District as a Student Assistant for three years and an Instructional Aide II for one year. Her time with RUSD inspired her to continue to work with children and eventually pursue a career in occupational therapy. She is excited to continue to help children grow and see the smiles on their faces! In her free time, she enjoys hiking, writing, and trying new foods!
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LYNETTE ESPINOSA
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Lynette received her Associates Degree in Kinesiology from Cerritos College. She then transferred to California State University, Fullerton and received her Bachelor's in Kinesiology. In her last semester at CSUF, she interned at our sister company, Step-By-Step Pediatric Therapy, Inc. She loved her experience at the clinics and her time shadowing occupational therapists, which led her to pursue becoming an infant teacher at ASAP! She wants to be able to extend her knowledge before going to occupational therapy school, and wants to help her clients grow and develop to the best of their abilities. During her free time, Lynette enjoys meditating, reading, and being outside in nature such as being on her front porch or going on a hike.
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ALBE LAM
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Albe received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton, after switching his degree from pre-nursing at a community college. He was a previous intern with Step-By-Step Pediatric Therapy (ASAP's Sister Company) and further developed an interest in movement through play and fun. He hopes to go back to school to become an occupational therapist which will allow him to help his patients make rehabilitation fun and rewarding.
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NATALIA HERNANDEZ
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Natalia is currently attending California State University, Fullerton and is working on her Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Youth Development in Spring of 2025. She discovered her passion working with children after volunteering at Paul Ecke Elementary school in Encinitas, CA alongside her aunt who was a teacher there. She later worked with children at Child Time Learning Center. She is now looking to pursue a career in Art Therapy in order to help children express their emotions, build self esteem and social skills through creative activities. Outside of work, Natalia enjoys traveling, trying new foods, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
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JEANETTE DIAZ
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Sydney is currently attending California State University Fullerton, undergoing the Bachelor's program for Child and Adolescent Development. She has always had a passion for interacting with and educating the youth. Her younger cousins and siblings have inspired her passion, and she hopes to pursue Speech Pathology in the future. She looks forward to this opportunity to see children grow and develop at A Step Ahead Pediatric Developmental Services! Outside of work, she enjoys making music, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.
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JANELLE GONZALEZ
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Janelle is finishing up degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton. During her internship at Step by Step Pediatric Therapy, she realized how much she enjoys working with kids and became inspired to become an infant teacher. She is excited to help children grow and learn while gaining more experience before continuing her path toward occupational therapy. In her free time, Janelle loves exploring new places, spending time with her dog, and enjoying the outdoors!