Sue Trautman, MA, OTR/L, SWC
Co-Owner

Sue Trautman MA, OTR/L, SWC received a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy and a Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Western Michigan University.  Sue is an instructor for the University of Southern California/Western Psychological Services (USC/WPS) courses in sensory integration and the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) that are offered world wide.   She is certified in Swallowing Assessment, Evaluation and Intervention.  Sue has developed many sensory rich environments for schools and clinics and is on the Professional Advisory Board for Shane’s Inspiration, who create boundless playgrounds.

Sue co-founded Center for Developing Kids in 1995 with Ann Hyde, MA, OTR/L and currently co-owns the company with Laura Hogan-Reyes, MA, OTR/L. Sue looks forward to going to work each day and feels honored to be a part of the staff, families and children whom make Center for Developing Kids such a wonderful place! She continues to work clinically as well as administratively with expertise primarily in the area of sensory integration. Previously, Sue worked with adults and children in settings that include rehabilitation, home health, neonatal intensive care, outpatient pediatrics and schools.

Sue has a son living and working in Chicago and a daughter studying in Russia. Her husband works as a production sound mixer in the film industry.  Sue likes to ski, bicycle, hike, read and spend time with friends and family.

Laura Hogan-Reyes, MA, OTR/L, SWC
Co-Owner

Laura Hogan-Reyes, MA, OTR/L, SWC received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 1984 from Western Michigan University and her Master of Arts degree in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science from University of Southern California in 2000. She has over 20 years of pediatric experience in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools and home based treatment. Laura is certified in neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and has received her Advanced Practice Certification in Swallowing Assessment, Evaluation and Intervention. She has been published in professional journals and has co-authored a book titled “Pediatric Splinting”.

Although her administrative duties keep her busy, Laura continues to stay involved in clinical treatment and education. She especially enjoys working with children who have significant medical complications and feeding difficulties. In addition, Laura gets great professional satisfaction from mentoring and teaching students and clinicians who are new to the field of occupational therapy. She feels fortunate to work with such devoted and capable therapists at Center for Developing Kids.

Occupational Therapists

Ann Hyde, MA, OTR/L, BCP

Ann Hyde MA, OTR/L, BCP received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from Colorado State University and her Master of Arts degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College.  She is Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Ann established Center for Developing Kids with Sue Trautman and continues to work clinically and well as administratively.

 Ann’s special area of interest and expertise is with high risk infants. She has taught extensively in this area as well as trained occupational and physical therapists for work in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in hospitals in the Southern California area.  She is currently on the board of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles.

Ann’s husband is a retired special education teacher.  Their son is working on his Ph.D. in marine biology at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.  Their daughter is currently working in Hawaii and going to the University of Hawaii to become a dietitian.

Michelle Arguelles, MA, OTR/L

Michelle Arguelles, MA, OTR/L graduated in 2003 with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego. In 2007, she graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Arts degree in Occupational Therapy. Michelle joinded the CDK team in October of 2007.  She began her interest of pursuing a career in OT after working with children with autism as a behaviorist and floor time therapist in the school and home settings. One of her professional interests includes learning more about Sensory Integration. Outside of the clinic, Michelle enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Akemi Davies, MA, OTR/L

Akemi Davies, MA, OTR/L graduated in 2004 with a Bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy and a Minor in Psychology from Dominican University of California, in San Rafael. A year later, in 2005, she graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Arts degree in Occupational Therapy. Akemi has been providing therapy services to children since August of 2004 and joined the CDK team in July of 2007.  She began her interest of pursuing a career in OT during high school as she participated in the Best Buddies Organization and was a camp counselor in the summers for children with and without disabilities. One of her professional interests includes continuous learning about and the merging of the Sensory Integration and the Developmental, Individual Differences & Relationship (DIR) models into therapy. Outside of the clinic, Akemi enjoys hiking, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.

Dana Fox, OTR/L

Dana Fox, OTR/L graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California in 2001. She is currently the program coordinator for the Kids Connection social skills program and has co-directed the Sunkids summer program for five years. She enjoys working with the children and their families and has had the great pleasure to watch many grow and learn new vital skills over the last five years at Center For Developing Kids. She is married with no children but does have 3 cats and several other small animals. In the hours she is not working she enjoys bike riding, fishing, camping, cooking, and gardening.

Desiree Go, MA, OTR/L, SWC

Desiree Go, MA, OTR/L graduated from the University of Southern California in 2001 and 2002 with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degree in Occupational Therapy, respectively. Her pediatric experience has been in the clinic and school based settings. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Desiree has also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor for children and those with special needs for over 8 years. Before embarking on an exciting career in pediatrics, Desiree took an extensive 3 month language studies program in Beijing, China, where climbing part of the Great Wall and seeing Giant Pandas in their natural habitat proved to be two of her favorite memories there. Desiree also had the opportunity to work alongside healthcare providers and caregivers in Xian, China where she was at a local orphanage in the summer of 2004.  Here she worked with children with cerebral palsy, cleft lips and palates, and developmental delays in addition to witnessing 6 adoption processes.  In her spare time, Desiree enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants and traveling.

Aubri Hathaway, MA, OTR/L

Aubri Hathaway MA, OTR/L graduated from the University of Southern California in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. After volunteering for occupational therapy programs at local hospitals and pediatric clinics, she decided to return to school to pursue her Master of Arts degree in occupational therapy. As a recent graduate from the University of Southern California in 2006, Aubri has eagerly joined the wonderful team of CDK staff members.

As a student Aubri had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including pediatric equestrian therapy, acute care rehabilitation and preventative care and wellness. She has always enjoyed working with kids. Over the past 8 years she has been a teacher, coach, tutor, camp counselor and teacher’s assistant. She loves learning and experiencing exciting and new things from the kids she works with. In her spare time Aubri loves to watch movies, do yoga and spend time outdoors with friends and family. Her most recent outdoor adventure was spent sky diving over the ocean of beautiful Santa Barbara with several college friends. She also loves to try healthy new foods and experiment with cooking as often as she can. Aubri would eventually like to combine her love for healthy activities with her wellness and pediatric experiences to help facilitate more preventative programs for children with health risks such as diabetes and obesity.

Michelle Knight, MS, OTR/L

Michelle Knight, MS, OTR/L graduated from Pomona College in 1999 with a BA in psychology.  She received her masters of science in occupational therapy from the University of Puget Sound in 2003. Her pediatric experience includes home health and school based practice.

Michelle was born and raised in the Pasadena area, but has also lived in Edinburgh, Scotland and Tacoma, Washington, and still misses the rain.  Michelle loves music, and has been involved in orchestras, choirs, and drum and bugle corps.  She has played the bass for about 15 years, and is a member of the Pasadena City College Orchestra. 

Tamara Mitchell, MA, OTR/L

Tammy Mitchell, MA, OTR/L received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Southern California. After taking an introductory class for occupational therapy, she discovered her passion and went on to earn a Masters of Arts in occupational science and occupational therapy from the same university. She has experience in mental health and neurological rehabilitation, but an internship at Center for Developing Kids convinced her of her love of working in a pediatric setting. She is thrilled to have joined the CDK family and is enjoying every minute of it.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, watching movies, and traveling.

Sheryl Ryan, MA, OTR/L

Sheryl Ryan, MA, OTR/L decided to become an occupational therapist in high school after accompanying a boy she baby sat to his therapies and hearing his mother proclaim that he, with all of his challenges, was the biggest gift she had received in her life. Sheryl graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in 1989. She recently completed her Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Seminary in 2006, with emphases on children at risk and intercultural adoption. She has clinical experience working in adult inpatient acute care and rehabilitation but has worked exclusively in pediatrics for the last several years.  She is certified in sensory integration and administering and interpreting the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT). 

Her professional interests include pediatric early intervention and developmental issues related to living in an orphanage for children who have been internationally adopted. She is an adoptive mother herself and, as a therapist, has valued her recent experience of being the parent of a child receiving therapy services.  Sheryl remembers what it was like to have free time, and enjoyed backpacking throughout the Northwest and being with friends.  Her current recreational activities happily revolve around play dates with 3 year olds at the beach, museum, park, or zoo.
 

Jennifer Stokely, OTD, OTR/L

Jennifer Stokely, OTD, OTR/L discovered occupational therapy as a health promotion and disease prevention student at the University of Southern California, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in 2004. She continued her studies at USC, completing her Master of Arts and Clinical Doctorate degrees in occupational therapy in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Jennifer's clinic fieldwork experience during her graduate studies included working at USC-University Hospital in Los Angeles, as well as at Center for Developing Kids. After returning to school for her doctorate, she is happy to be back in the world of pediatric practice. She takes pride in her status as a "three-time Trojan" but has no immediate plans to return to school.

Jennifer originally hails from Northern California but now enjoys
spending her Saturdays cheering on the Trojan football team, and
spending all summer at Dodger stadium. In her spare time, she enjoys
running, cooking, reading, traveling, and searching the world over for
the perfect batch of popcorn.

Holly Wills, MS, OTR/L

Holly Wills, MS, OTR/L, has been an occupational therapist for 23 years. She received her Bachelors of Science in Occupational therapy at San Jose State University and her Masters of Science in Education at Mount St. Mary’s College.  Her past professional experience has been working in hospitals and community based centers in the field of mental health. Holly is married with three children, two grown and in college and one energetic 7 year old boy. In 2002, Holly decided to explore her interest in pediatric occupational therapy and began working at Center for Developing Kids. She loves every aspect of her work. Holly currently coordinates the occupational therapy student internship program as well as the volunteer program. Holly became certified in Sensory Integration and administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) in 2006. Her pastimes include jazzercise, going out with friends, and helping out at the YMCA.

Physical Therapists

Jaime Clevenger, MPT

Jaime Clevenger, MPT, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Southern California in 2001.  He then spent the next two years of his life thinking deeply about his future and working as a physical therapy aide at both a private orthopedic practice in Encino, California, as well as a hospital-based outpatient clinic up in the Santa Clarita valley.  During this time, Jaime gained an increasing passion for helping people to rehabilitate, strengthen, and heal.  Eventually he decided to officially become a physical therapist and recently received his Master’s degree in physical therapy from California State University Northridge in May of 2006. He is now proud to be a part of the professional healing community at CDK that is committed to helping children and their families in the community improve the quality of their lives.

Jaime originates from the beautiful state of Hawaii, but will refuse to speak the “Pidgeon” slang if asked on the spot.  During his free time, he enjoys playing games on his PlayStation 2 , watching and playing most sports (except bowling - can’t do it), gardening, baking, watercoloring, and reading.  When working, he appears to have an odd tendency towards wearing Aloha shirts every day of the week (especially Friday), but on the weekends is quite comfortable in board shorts or jeans (when it’s cold).  He especially loves spending time with his beautiful wife, as they enjoy watching movies, drinking quality tea/coffee, and arguing about the breed of their potential future dog.

Chris Luther, PT

Chris Luther, PT, graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy and a passion for pediatrics.  She has over 25 years of experience in working with infants and children and their families in their homes, their schools, the community, and the clinic. Chris has extensive training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) including completion of the 8-week pediatric, advanced gait, and 3-week advanced baby courses.  She has also had the privilege of working as an instructional assistant in labs for Introduction to NDT, NDT Pediatric Gait, and NDT Pediatric Practicum courses offered by Lauren Beeler, PT, PCS.

During the past several years, Chris has gained considerable experience in assessing and treating children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.  She collaborated in the development of and served as coordinator for a uniquely integrated multidisciplinary group program based on the SCERTS model which was designed for toddlers at risk for or diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. In addition, Chris presents on Physical Therapy in Autism for SEEPAC (Support, Education and Empowerment for Parents of Autistic Children), an eight-week series of classes offered through For OC Kids in affiliation with the University of California, Irvine (UCI).  Chris is certified in Sensory Integration including administering and interpreting the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests.

During these years of practice, Chris raised and home schooled two wonderful children who are now attending college.  Besides pediatric physical therapy, she loves music, hiking, camping, playing games, rock climbing, water and snow skiing, and spending time with family and friends.

Rachel Northrop, PTA

Rachel Northrop, PTA has wanted to help people ever since her personal experience with physical therapy while in college. She graduated from Cal State Northridge with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Athletic Training in May 2000. She then proceeded to work in an outpatient orthopedic clinic as an aide for six years, which she enjoyed very much. Her recent interest in pediatrics emerged when a close friend gave birth to a premature baby boy. After being a part of her friend’s journey, Rachel began to pursue a career in physical therapy as a physical therapist assistant. She attended Loma Linda University and graduated in September 2005 with her associate’s degree in physical therapy assistant. While in the PTA program, she completed her last 6 week clinical affiliation here at Center for Developing Kids from August to September of 2005, which only increased her desire to help children. After many hours of studying, she took and passed the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam and the California Law Exam in December 2005. She received her license in the beginning of January 2006. She has high hopes of returning to physical therapy school to receive her doctorate in physical therapy.

In her free time, Rachel loves to be with family and friends. She recently got married in April of 2004 and loves being married!

Kathy Plant, PT

Kathy Plant, PT graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College in 1994 with her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy.  She initially worked in a hospital setting with adult stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury patients.  After 5 years, she had an opportunity to work in pediatrics and has never looked back!  Kathy has over 14 years of experience as a PT with the last 9 being in pediatrics.  She has worked in a variety of settings including the hospital, clinic and school based setting.  She also spent several years consulting in a pediatric multidisciplinary spasticity management clinic.

Kathy was born and raised in Long Beach, CA.  She moved to the San Gabriel Valley in 2007 with her husband of 15 years and 3 busy kids.  When she is not running her kids to little league, swimming, piano lessons, etc, she enjoys watching movies, eating out, singing at church and hanging out with friends.  From April to October, much of her time is spent watching Angel’s baseball.  Go Halos!

Lisa Perez, MPT

Lisa Perez, MPT, received her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2001. Since that time she has worked in a variety of settings and locations, including spending a year in Anchorage, Alaska serving as a Physical Therapist through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Following her time in Alaska, Lisa returned to Missouri to work for a nonprofit pediatric clinic in an under served area of rural Missouri.  Lisa has over 3 years of pediatric experience in both schools and outpatient clinic. In order to gain personal experiences and to take advantage of an opportunity to see more of the country, Lisa worked as a traveling Physical Therapist for a year before deciding to take root in California.  She has a passion for working with children and Lisa is pleased to be joining the remarkable team at Center for Developing Kids.

Lisa is excited about her recent move to southern California and looks forward to exploring all that the great outdoors has to offer.  She enjoys the outdoors, hiking, kayaking, playing frisbee, cooking, hosting dinner parties, reading, spending time with friends and family, and being creative. 

Cassandra Sutterfield, DPT

Speech Therapists

Colette Caggiano, MS, CCC-SLP

Colette Caggiano, MS, CCC-SLP received a Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies from the University of Illinois in 1990, then a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from California State University, Northridge in 2004. Before returning to school to study speech-language pathology, she spent a year in Japan teaching English, and then, among (many) other jobs, worked in the corporate office of Princess Cruises, was a personal assistant, became an independent consultant to help home-based businesses set up their filing and computer systems, and performed in stunt shows at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Leofoo Village Theme Park in Taiwan. During and after her graduate studies, Colette has worked in a pediatric private practice setting, in hospitals in Northridge and West Covina, for the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, and as an in-home therapist doing Floortime therapy. Through these varied settings she has gained experience with pediatric and adult speech, language, and swallowing disorders in developmental, research, acute, and rehabilitative settings. She is currently working with preemies in a NICU setting, as well as keeping up with the active toddler-preschool set.  Colette lives in South Pasadena with her family and dreams of one day having free time to pursue some long-neglected hobbies.

Emily Recht, MS, CFY-SLP

Emily Recht, MS, CFY-SLP received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Communication Disorders and Sciences from California State University, Northridge in 2005 and 2007 respectively.  As a recent graduate, Emily is very excited to be part of the CDK team! Emily has known since she was a child she wanted to work with children. She has had pediatric experience in the hospital and school settings.   

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Emily has also worked as a private swim instructor for 10 years to children of all ages and levels.  She also teaches spinning and ellipticore classes at a private studio in West Hollywood during her spare time.  During her undergraduate studies, Emily studied abroad in Florence, Italy for a year and was also able to travel to France, Germany, and Switzerland.  Besides living in a new culture, meeting people from all over the world was one of the many highlights. 

Besides helping children, the things that bring her the most joy are spending time with her family, hanging out with her three dachshunds, participating in all types of sports (especially water activities), music, animals, traveling, and good food! 

Registered Dietician

Colleen Murray, R.D.

Colleen Murray received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Food Administration from California State University, Long Beach in 1994.  She then completed a one-year Internship at the Los Angeles County USC Medical Center.  Over the past 12 years, Colleen’s work experience has included working for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), consulting for local schools, and speaking on various nutrition topics. She has been working at CDK since December of 2005.  This past year, she completed the Certificate of Training in Childhood & Adolescent Weight Management Program with the American Dietetic Association.

Colleen has always been interested in pediatric nutrition, but it has become especially interesting since having children of her own.  Colleen has two sons, a husband, and a Border Collie.  In her spare time she likes to exercise, read, watch movies, work for her favorite CHLA charity, and spend time with family and friends.
 

Administrative Office Staff

Jean O'Brien

Jean O’Brien, administrative assistant, has been part of the CDK staff for five years. Previously she and her family owned and operated a small business in Pasadena for many year. At CDK, Jean is responsible for general account management including accounts payable and receivable as well as general human resources.

Jean enjoys reading, movies, travel, gardening, walking and spending time with her sons and grandsons. Jean finds it a pleasure working with the CDK staff and the positive and giving families that are a part of the CDK team.

Jeanna Plessen

Jeanna Plessen, administrative assistant, has been part of the office staff of Center for Developing Kids since 2000.  Besides assisting our clients and staff with their administrative needs, she is also the primary therapy scheduler for the clinic.

Outside of work, she is currently working towards obtaining a BA degree in Business Administration.  She also teaches martial arts to her karate school in Covina. Her hobbies include working out, cooking, knitting and personal development.
 

Specialty Certifications

Neurodevelopmental Treatment

• Laura Hogan-Reyes, MA, OTR/L, SWC

• Chris Luther, PT

Sensory Integration including Administration and Interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) click for description

• Desiree Go, MA, OTR/L, SWC

• Chris Luther, PT

• Sue Trautman, MA, OTR/L, SWC

• Holly Wills, MA, OTR/L

Advanced Practice Certification in Swallowing Assessment, Evaluation and Intervention

• Ann Hyde, MA, OTR/L, SWC

• Laura Hogan-Reyes, MA, OTR/L, SWC

• Sue Trautman, MA, OTR/L, SWC

• Desiree Go, MA, OTR/L, SWC

Certification in Therapeutic Listening ® Program

• Michelle Knight, MS, OTR/L

• Sue Trautman, MA, OTR/L, SWC

Publications

Abstract:  “Occupational/Physical Therapy in the NICU”.  Hyde, A., Jonkey, B. Journal of Perinatology; Vol. IV, #4, p. 61-62, Fall, 1984.

Abstract:  “Developmental Variation: Premature Infants at Four Months”. Hyde, A., Jonkey, B., Knox, S., Journal of Perinatology; Vol. VI, #1, p. 89-90, Winter, 1986.

Hogan, L. (1995). Occupational Therapy with Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injuries. Advance for Occupational Therapists. Vol. 11(35), 19-20.

Hogan, L., Uditsky, T., (1998) Pediatric Splinting San Antonio: Therapy Skill Builders.

Hyde, A., Trautman, S., (1989, December).  Drug exposed infants and sensory integration: Is there a connection? Sensory Integration Special Interst Section Newsletter, A.O.T.A., 12 (4), 1-6.