Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Co-Founders
Vanessa Chan-Felcman,
Co-Founder, M.A., CCC/SLP
Michelle Reed,
Co-Founder, MOT, OTR
Meet the Speech Team
Madison Gilbert, MS CCC/SLP
Deondra Williams, MS CCC/SLP
Monica Ramirez, MS CCC/SLP
Kenya Pye, M.S. CCC-SLP
Madison Gilbert, MS CCC/SLP
Deondra Williams, MS CCC/SLP
Monica Ramirez, MS CCC/SLP
Kenya Pye, M.S. CCC-SLP
Meet the Occupational Therapy Team
Gina Drummond, Clinical Director, OTD, OTR
Aly Hudec, MOT, OTR
Jordan Frye, MOT, OTR
Randy Serna, COTA
Gina Drummond, Clinical Director, OTD, OTR
Aly Hudec, MOT, OTR
Jordan Frye, MOT, OTR
Randy Serna, COTA
Meet the ABA Team
Crystal Hansen, BCBA, LLSP
Stephanie Tu, BCBA
Accaicia Havard, RBT/BCBA Intern
Crystal Hansen, BCBA, LLSP
Stephanie Tu, BCBA
Accaicia Havard, RBT/BCBA Intern
Meet the Physical Therapy Team
Lauri Dalton, MPT
Lauri Dalton, MPT
Meet the Administrative Team
Henry H. Chan, Financial Manager/MBA, CPA
Jessica Luera, Office Administrator
Vannessa Alvarez, Client Coordinator
Alyssa Dworksky, MS, RBT
Dianna Mathis, Billing Assistant
Henry H. Chan, Financial Manager/MBA, CPA
Jessica Luera, Office Administrator
Vannessa Alvarez, Client Coordinator
Alyssa Dworksky, MS, RBT
Dianna Mathis, Billing Assistant
Vanessa Chan-Felcman
Co-Founder, M.A., CCC/SLP
With over 23 years of speech therapy experience, Vanessa founded Family First Speech Therapy in January 2014 and joined with her colleague Michelle Reed, OTR in creating SPACE Therapy Gym, a pediatric therapy center that provides speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavior analysis in one convenient and fun location.
As one of only a few fully certified speech pathologists in Profectum and ICDL in DIR®️ / Floortime™️ in Houston, she understands her clients’ challenges – how they process language, how they become regulated and how they move their body in order to build a strong foundation for communication.
In 2017, she finished a two year program to become a certified trainer in the DIR/Floortime Model and it is her mission to use this certification to teach and empower parents, caregivers and all professionals about this powerful tool. Vanessa is most excited about the opportunity for team members at SPACE to continue learning from one another and other professionals in related fields in order to provide tailored programming for every child!
Outside of work, Vanessa also stays active in volunteer organizations with her children through Young Mens Service League and National Charity League.
Michelle Reed
Co-Founder, MOT, OTR/L
Michelle Reed, OTR/L founded Kids Connect Occupational Therapy (KCOT) in June of 2014. She has over 20 years of experience in pediatric occupational therapy and is passionate about improving the lives of children and their families. Michelle is excited to be joining with Family First Speech Therapy to form SPACE Therapy Gym where SPACE stands for what Michelle feels is most important – Social Play And Creative Education!
A graduate of West Virginia University, Michelle has grown Kids Connect into one of the most prominent pediatric occupational therapy clinics in Houston and she is looking forward to adding more therapeutic services at SPACE Therapy Gym.
Prior to founding KCOT & SPACE, Michelle was a lead clinician at the Bridges Program of Texas Children’s Hospital where she was directly mentored by Dr. Serena Wieder, PhD, co-founder of the DIRFloortime® model, for 7 years. Receiving such vigorous education in the DIRFloortime® model has created a true passion in Michelle for integrating these principles with each family she serves.
Michelle is also Sensory Integration and Praxis Test™ (SIPT) certified and has undergone extensive training in sensory processing protocols such as the H.O.P.E Method, Astronaut Training, Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration, and has formal training in Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding.
Michelle is dedicated to understanding the whole child and focuses on building a strong underlying foundation for learning through developing regulation, engagement, and sensory processing capacities.
Family is the number one priority for Michelle, so she understands the importance of forming strong relationships with her clients and their families in order for each child to reach their fullest potential and experience optimal quality of life. When at home, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, twin daughters, and son.
Kenya Pye
M.S. CCC-SLP
Kenya was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. She became interested in the field of speech language pathology while studying Early Childhood Education at Alabama State University where she received her Bachelor of Science. Realizing her passion for helping the pediatric population to communicate, she went on to pursue a Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Alabama A&M University. While pursuing her graduate degree she was recognized at Alabama’s statewide convention for being Alabama A&M University’s outstanding student of the year.
During Kenya’s clinical practicum experiences, she gained knowledge and experience working with the adult and pediatric population with a variety of communication needs and disorders including early intervention, speech sound disorders, autism spectrum disorder, dysphagia, traumatic brain injury, and aphasia. Kenya looks forward to treating communication and feeding disorders using a play-based treatment approach in a natural setting at SPACE! She strives to recognize the unique and individual needs of each child and to work in conjunction with caregivers to create a well-rounded treatment approach to meet their communication and feeding goals.
In her free time she enjoys working out, traveling, playing basketball, and getting out and exploring new things to do in her new founded home, Houston.
Monica Ramirez
MS, CCC/SLP
Hello, my name is Monica Ramirez. I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and this is my 8th year in the field of speech therapy. I’m originally from Chicago, IL but moved to Texas for college and never left! I graduated with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UT Austin (hook ’em horns!) then worked as an SLP-Assistant for 6 years in the home health and school settings. While working as an SLP-Assistant, I also earned an M.S. in Speech- Language Pathology with a specialization in bilingual evaluation and treatment from Texas Woman’s University. I then worked as an SLP in the school setting for 2 more years.
Throughout my 8 years in the field, I have worked in various settings, with a many populations including: Emergent Bilinguals, individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, and are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing. My experiences allowed me to gain knowledge and hone my clinical skills in the areas of bilingual assessment/treatment, AAC, Language, Articulation & Phonological Disorders, Fluency, Voice, and Oral Motor Disorders.
While working in the school setting, I participated in various specialty evaluation teams including Bilingual, Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD), and Assistive Technology (AT). These experiences taught me how to work on a multidisciplinary team. As a school based SLP, I also had the opportunity to create lasting relationships with families, provide parent/teacher training, and create campus wide systems to improve quality of therapy. I love the field of speech therapy for its intricacies, challenges, and ever changing science. However, what I love most about being an SLP, is working with families and professionals from other disciplines to create a TEAM approach to intervention. I look forward to continuing this practice at SPACE!
In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants and coffee shops with my fiance, Cesar. We also like serving at our church in the children’s and worship ministries. Music is part of our daily lives as we belt songs in the car, make a good guitar/singing duo, and thoroughly enjoy karaoke nights with friends. I also love staying active with running, rowing, and my Orange Theory classes!
Gina Drummond
Gina Drummond, Clinical Director, OTD, OTR
Gina joined the SPACE team in July 2018 and can’t imagine working anywhere else! Gina was born in Houston but grew up in Dallas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Gina knew she wanted to work at a play-based pediatric clinic following her clinical fieldwork in northern Italy, where she used the DIRFloortime® treatment approach with American military families.
Gina strives to implement evidence-based care and actively seeks continuing education experiences. She is a Proficient DIRFloortime® Provider and has formal training in Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, sensory integration approaches, and emotional-regulation for children. She is passionate about child-led play and following a child’s lead to promote progress.
Having grown up with a sibling on the autism spectrum, Gina builds strong connections with caregivers and relates to families on a personal level. Outside of SPACE, Gina is a contributing faculty member and teaches at the University of St. Augustine in the MOT and OTD programs. In her free time, Gina enjoys traveling, being outside, and spending time with family and friends.
Randy Serna
COTA
Hello, my name is Randy. I recently graduated from Lonestar College of Kingwood with an Associates of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. I also happened to do my clinical rotations here right at Space Therapy under the wing of all the therapists here! I have had over 7 years of experience working with children from the 7 months – 10 years old as a director at MyGym Children’s Fitness Center working with parent participation and independence with curriculum-based classes.
Working with children for that period I came across a variety of populations. I’ve always based my classes/interactions on having fun and building connections with children through self-expression. I’m excited to begin this journey with Space and I hope to build upon the knowledge and experience with children that I have. In doing so, I can provide the best care for families while building strong relationships to meet the needs of their children.
I’m a huge Houston sports fan and consistently cheer for the Rockets, Astros, and Texans. I’m also a lover of dogs and enjoy spending time with my Labradoodle and Girlfriend. Family time is important to me and I’m normally always hanging out with my parents and two brothers.
Madison Gilbert
MS CCC/SLP
Madison earned her Bachelor of Art and Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Baylor University. She was introduced to the field of Speech Pathology during an internship working with kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA), as well as a Texas speech-language pathology license.
She is experienced in diagnosing and treating speech, language and feeding disorders in toddlers, pre-school children and school-aged children, as well as evaluating and treating swallowing and cognitive-communication disorders in adults. She enjoys working with a collaborative team in advocating for early intervention. She is passionate about working with children and their families in meeting their functional communication goals!
Madison enjoys playing with her puppy, working out, traveling and finding new adventures in her hometown, Houston!
Deondra Williams
MS CCC/SLP
Hello everyone! My name is Deondra Williams. I am a Speech- Language Pathologist of 6 years. I’m originally a Mississippi girl but moved to Texas 3 years ago. I began my career as an xray technician but my love for speech pathology quickly grew and soon changed my whole trajectory of life. I graduated from University of Southern Mississippi with my Masters of Science in 2015. Since the beginning of my career, feeding and swallowing were of such a huge interest to me. I began focusing on that area and truly found my passion within my field. From adults and geriatrics patients to babies in the NICU and everything in between, I know that I was placed in this field to make a difference in the lives of many.
I earned my first ASHA award for continuing education (ACE) in 2019 which can be contributed to by my love for helping kids in the area of feeding. I am officially trained in the use of Vital Stim Therapy and AEIOU: integrated approach to pediatric feeding.
In my 6 years as a Speech Pathologist I have gained knowledge and clinical experience in the areas of swallowing and feeding disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Receptive-Expressive language disorders, articulation and phonological disorders, sensory and oral motor disorders as well as fluency disorders and the use of AAC.
When I’m not at work I enjoy hanging with my husband and our two sweet dogs, Hughston and Echo. I love getting out and learning about Houston’s rich culture and meeting new people. So far, Texas has won over our hearts indefinitely! On top of that, Houston has now given me an opportunity to work at a facility with infinite possibilities. So excited to be joining the SPACE speech and gym team!
Jordan Frye
MOT, OTR
Jordan first joined the KCOT/SPACE team in 2017 as a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA), and became a registered occupational therapist (OTR) in 2021. She has several years experience (since 2015) providing compassionate, client-centered care under the DIR/Floortime® Approach. Jordan’s passion is enabling each child to meet their fullest potential toward functional independence in fun and fulfilling ways. She is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care for her clients and their families, equipping them with those resources and strategies best suited to meet their unique needs.
Jordan has a BA in Psychology from Baylor University, an Associate of Applied Science degree from HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences in the Texas Medical Center, and a Masters of Occupational Therapy (MOT) from The University of Louisiana at Monroe. Jordan holds certifications in DIR/Floortime®, the Sensory Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, the Beckman Oral Motor evaluation and intervention protocol, as well as various sensory integration, reflex integration, bilateral coordination, and vestibular-proprioceptive activation techniques.
Jordan has trained in the application of a wide variety of therapeutic programs to support child development, including:
-Primitive reflex integration protocols (e.g., Reflex Integration to Support Education/R.I.S.E., Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Integration/MNRI, Rhythmic Movement Training/RMT)
-Sensory integration techniques (e.g., Bal-A-Vis-X for brain and body integration, the Wilbarger Protocol of therapeutic brushing, the Astronaut Training Protocol for vestibular-visual-auditory integration, Integrated Listening Systems/iLs for auditory integration)
-Regulation and social skills curricula (e.g., Zones of Regulation, A Little Spot of Feelings, Social Thinking)
-Handwriting development programs (e.g., Handwriting Without Tears Ⓡ, Size Matters Ⓡ)
-Feeding therapy and oral motor protocols (e.g., SOS Approach to Feeding, SOS: Food Science Ⓡ, Beckman Oral Motor protocol)
Stephanie Tu
BCBA
Stephanie is a dedicated behavior analyst with extensive experience working in clinical, home, and school settings. Her passion lies in applying a scientific and individualized approach to understanding and improving behavior in children and adolescents.
With a background in Special Education and a specialization in applied behavior analysis (ABA), Stephanie has spent her time in the field collaborating with families, educators, and healthcare professionals to create tailored interventions that promote positive behavioral changes. Her work is grounded in evidence-based practices, ensuring that each strategy is not only effective but also aligned with the unique needs and goals of her clients.
Stephanie’s expertise extends to a wide range of behavioral challenges, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and developmental delays. She believes in the power of early intervention and works tirelessly to empower families with the tools and knowledge needed to support their children’s development. Outside of her professional endeavors, Stephanie enjoys reading, gardening, and making pottery!
Aly Hudec
MOT, OTR
Aly joined the KCOT team in February 2019. She graduated with a Bachelor of Behavioral and Brain Science degree in Child Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Dallas and earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University in Denton.
She is a certified and licensed Occupational Therapist and it is her passion to provide top quality care for both the kiddos she works with, as well as their family. She has clinical experience with a variety of populations including Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADD/ ADHD, Down Syndrome, developmental delays, etc.
She is enthusiastic about joining the KCOT team and supporting children and their families by providing unique, individualized treatment focusing on the child’s strengths while also challenging them to reach their fullest potential.
Crystal Hansen
BCBA, LLSP
Crystal is an accomplished and highly experienced professional with a Master’s degree in School Psychology. With over 20 years of expertise as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), she has made significant contributions to the field of education.
Crystal’s career has been marked by diverse roles within various public schools, providing her with an extensive understanding of the education landscape. Notably, she recently served as the Senior Director of Clinical Services and Training at The Monarch School and Institute, where she played a key leadership role in driving clinical excellence and ensuring the highest standards of training.
One of Crystal’s notable achievements is her instrumental role in establishing Houston’s first school psychology internship program. Her dedication to the growth and development of future professionals is evident through her supervision and mentorship of multiple school psychology interns and trainees. Additionally, she served as the first LSSP on the district’s Autism Team, demonstrating her commitment to addressing the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Crystal’s relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to pursue a post-graduate fellowship at UT Health, focusing on leadership and neurodevelopmental disorders. This additional training expanded her expertise and equipped her with valuable insights into leadership practices within the context of supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental challenges. In 2017, Crystal completed clinical training in Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking program, further enhancing her ability to address social and emotional needs in educational settings. More recently, she obtained her BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) certification in March 2021, solidifying her proficiency in applied behavior analysis.
Recognized as an authority in her field, Crystal has been invited to present at numerous national, state, and district conferences, where she shares her knowledge and innovative approaches. Her presentations reflect her deep understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and individualized support for learners and their families.
Crystal’s professional philosophy revolves around the intersection of various philosophies, including Social Thinking, Floortime, and Applied Behavior Analysis. She firmly believes in the power of tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each learner. Her commitment to providing effective and compassionate education is evident in her emphasis on individualized support and her dedication to helping families navigate educational challenges.
Crystal’s passion for supporting learners and their families has led her to rejoin SPACE Therapy Gym, where she can continue to provide personalized learning experiences while collaborating with other therapeutic professionals. Her expertise, dedication, and collaborative approach make her an invaluable asset to the team and ensure exceptional outcomes for the children and families she serves.
Dianna Mathis
Billing Assistant
Dianna comes to Space Therapy with 24 years of medical billing experience in both pediatric and sports medicine therapy practices. Her expertise includes billing and coding for commercial insurance, Medicaid, and managing billing questions from payers and patients with confidentiality. She has a strong work ethic and works well with others.
Additionally, she is the proud grandmother of a precious 11 year old grandson who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and speech disorder at 24 months old. She has seen first hand the value and impact that pediatric therapies can have on a family both personally and financially. She is thrilled to join the Space Therapy team.
Henry H. Chan
Financial Manager/MBA, CPA
Henry is an accounting, tax, and finance professional with over thirty years of experience in global treasury operations, including risk management at Compaq Computers, McDermott International (Houston, Texas) and Hewlett Packard Inc. (Palo Alto, California).
He jumped at the opportunity to work with and support such a strong team of dedicated speech and language specialists who love what they do. Henry is diligent in providing the highest quality finance and operational expertise and is excited to be a part of the Family First community.
Accaicia Havard
RBT/BCBA Intern
Accaicia is originally from Kenner, Louisiana and has now been a Houston native for two years now. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans in 2019 majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Accaicia was introduced to the ABA field after graduating from UNO. She started off as a behavior technician and soon became a Registered Behavior Technician.
She has been an RBT for 5 years. As she grew to love the field of ABA she then decided to expand her knowledge in the field attending Capella University. She is now earning her Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis to pursue a successful career as a BCBA.
Accaicia has experience working in a varied of settings such as in home therapy, clinic based and school based. She also has experience working on a variety of skill sets such as independent living skills, social skills, play skills, verbal behavior, emotional regulation and parent training. She is passionate about providing quality care and service to each individual.
Lauri Dalton
MPT
Hello! My name is Lauri Dalton and I have been a physical therapist for 22 years, spending the last 18 years in pediatrics. I am originally from Memphis, TN. I was lucky enough to attend Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL where I received my BS in Biology. I received my Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee and am NDT trained. I spent the first 4 years of my career working with adults with neurological impairments/injuries before settling into pediatrics. I
have worked in the outpatient, home, and private school settings with children of all ages and abilities. I am a strong believer that playing is a child’s job and incorporate play into all of my sessions. I also believe that the family is integral in a child’s progress and growth and include them when setting goals and with home program activities.
Personally, I love the beautiful beaches of the gulf coast of Florida and spend as much time there as I can. I also love reading, live music, hanging out with friends, and most importantly spending time with my husband, son, daughter, and 2 incredibly spoiled dogs.
Vannessa Alvarez
Client Coordinator
I am Vannessa Alvarez. I am excited to be joining the SPACE team as the Client Coordinator. I am a Houston native, with ten-plus years of experience in early education, leadership, and customer service. My past roles in the early education field went from teaching to an Administrative Director role. My heart and passion are working with children; my time has always been dedicated to serving families in the community. I thrive off building personal connections and relationships with families and coworkers. I am looking forward to setting a foundation here at SPACE and embarking on this new journey.
When I am not working or in school, I enjoy making candles and spending time with my family. I also enjoy reading, scrapbooking, visiting museums, and eating at Mexican restaurants.
Jessica Luera
Office Administrator
Jessica joined our SPACE team in 2022 as our Intake Coordinator and swiftly transitioned into the role of Office Administrator. A Houston native, she brings a unique skill set to our practice as a prior preschool director, early childhood educator and with a strong foundation in family relations.
Jessica’s compassionate demeanor and enthusiasm for growth significantly enrich our team dynamics. She actively seeks out opportunities for improvement and innovation, always striving to enhance our services and support systems. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to teamwork have made her an invaluable member of our SPACE family.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the vibrant culinary scene our city has to offer.
Alyssa Dworksky
MS, RBT
Meet Alyssa, who joined SPACE in June of 2023 and is thrilled about stepping into her new role after working as an RBT. Her journey started with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Physiology from CU Boulder, followed by a Master of Science in Toxicology from Colorado State University. With over 9 years of experience in roles spanning healthcare, child care, and customer service, Alyssa has a diverse background and has held her RBT license for over 6 years. She’s handled ABA scheduling, outreach, and patient intake for medical clinics, and also has experience as a lab technician and medical assistant.
Alyssa is deeply committed to advocating for individuals with ASD and IDD, having completed the Lonestar LEND fellowship program through UTHealth, where she cherished clinical rotations, building connections in the Autism community, and supporting families.
Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new travel destinations, discovering Houston’s culinary gems, and diving into DIY projects. Her vibrant energy and passion for making a difference shine through in everything she does.
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