Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Co-Founders

Vanessa Chan-Felcman,

Vanessa Chan-Felcman,

Co-Founder, M.A., CCC/SLP

Michelle Reed,

Michelle Reed,

Co-Founder, MOT, OTR

Meet the Speech Team

Madison Gilbert, MS CCC/SLP
Madison Gilbert, MS CCC/SLP
Deondra Williams, MS CCC/SLP
Deondra Williams, MS CCC/SLP
Monica Ramirez, MS CCC/SLP
Monica Ramirez, MS CCC/SLP
Kenya Pye, M.S. CCC-SLP
Kenya Pye, M.S. CCC-SLP
Anna Pidala, MS CFY
Anna Pidala, MS CFY
Megan Logue MA/CFY
Megan Logue MA/CFY
Madison Gilbert, MS CCC/SLP
Madison Gilbert, MS CCC/SLP
Deondra Williams, MS CCC/SLP
Deondra Williams, MS CCC/SLP
Monica Ramirez, MS CCC/SLP
Monica Ramirez, MS CCC/SLP
Kenya Pye, M.S. CCC-SLP
Kenya Pye, M.S. CCC-SLP
Anna Pidala, MS CFY
Anna Pidala, MS CFY
Megan Logue MA/CFY
Megan Logue MA/CFY

Meet the Occupational Therapy Team

Gina Drummond, Clinical Director, OTD, OTR
Gina Drummond, Clinical Director, OTD, OTR
Aly Hudec, MOT, OTR
Aly Hudec, MOT, OTR
Jordan Frye, MOT, OTR
Jordan Frye, MOT, OTR
Randy Serna, COTA
Randy Serna, COTA
Susana Sifford, COTA
Susana Sifford, COTA
Jenna Lipscomb, OTD
Jenna Lipscomb, OTD
Gina Drummond, Clinical Director, OTD, OTR
Gina Drummond, Clinical Director, OTD, OTR
Aly Hudec, MOT, OTR
Aly Hudec, MOT, OTR
Jordan Frye, MOT, OTR
Jordan Frye, MOT, OTR
Randy Serna, COTA
Randy Serna, COTA
Susana Sifford, COTA
Susana Sifford, COTA
Jenna Lipscomb, OTD
Jenna Lipscomb, OTD

Meet the ABA Team

Crystal Hansen, BCBA, LLSP
Crystal Hansen, BCBA, LLSP
Savannah Blair, ABA/Clinic Coordinator
Savannah Blair, ABA/Clinic Coordinator
Hope Smith, BCBA
Hope Smith, BCBA
Kayla Gregory, M.S., BCBA
Kayla Gregory, M.S., BCBA
Anna Jone't Mitchell, M. Ed, BCBA, COTA
Anna Jone't Mitchell, M. Ed, BCBA, COTA
Crystal Hansen, BCBA, LLSP
Crystal Hansen, BCBA, LLSP
Savannah Blair, ABA/Clinic Coordinator
Savannah Blair, ABA/Clinic Coordinator
Hope Smith, BCBA
Hope Smith, BCBA
Kayla Gregory, M.S., BCBA
Kayla Gregory, M.S., BCBA
Anna Jone't Mitchell, M. Ed, BCBA, COTA
Anna Jone't Mitchell, M. Ed, BCBA, COTA

Meet the Physical Therapy Team

Christine Nguyen, PT, DPT
Christine Nguyen, PT, DPT
Kimberly Guajardo, PT, DPT
Kimberly Guajardo, PT, DPT
Christine Nguyen, PT, DPT
Christine Nguyen, PT, DPT
Kimberly Guajardo, PT, DPT
Kimberly Guajardo, PT, DPT

Meet the Administrative Team

Henry H. Chan, Financial Manager/MBA, CPA
Henry H. Chan, Financial Manager/MBA, CPA
Jessica Luera, Office Administrator
Jessica Luera, Office Administrator
Vannessa Alvarez, Client Coordinator
Vannessa Alvarez, Client Coordinator
Alyssa Dworksky, MS, RBT
Alyssa Dworksky, MS, RBT
Rosie Arguello, Intake Coordinator
Rosie Arguello, Intake Coordinator
Savannah Blair, ABA/Clinic Coordinator
Savannah Blair, ABA/Clinic Coordinator
Henry H. Chan, Financial Manager/MBA, CPA
Henry H. Chan, Financial Manager/MBA, CPA
Jessica Luera, Office Administrator
Jessica Luera, Office Administrator
Vannessa Alvarez, Client Coordinator
Vannessa Alvarez, Client Coordinator
Alyssa Dworksky, MS, RBT
Alyssa Dworksky, MS, RBT
Rosie Arguello, Intake Coordinator
Rosie Arguello, Intake Coordinator
Savannah Blair, ABA/Clinic Coordinator
Savannah Blair, ABA/Clinic Coordinator

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.

Kenya loves working with the pediatric population and takes special interest in speech sound disorders and child-led therapy. She is a DIRFloortime®️️ Provider, who loves integrating traditional speech therapy with basic floortime principles. 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, Kenya enjoys traveling, playing sand volleyball with her co-workers, and finding fun and exciting things to do in 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!

Anna Pidala
MS CFY

Hi everyone! I’m Anna Pidala. I graduated from Baylor University with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and I am a Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow. One of my main interests is feeding therapy, where I work with individuals of all ages to develop safe and effective feeding and swallowing skills. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people overcome challenges that impact their nutrition and overall well-being.

I’m also very interested in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). I believe everyone deserves the chance to express themselves, so I focus on providing the right tools and strategies for those with complex communication needs. Working closely with my clients and their families, I aim to find the most effective communication solutions to promote independence and improve social interactions.

My background in research has shaped my approach as well. I’ve done work with eye-tracking technology and early autism diagnosis, which has helped me understand the early signs of autism and the importance of early intervention. This experience allows me to provide tailored support to children on the autism spectrum, giving them the best chance for success from the start.

Outside of work, I love getting lost in a good book and exploring new restaurants around the city. Houston’s food scene is incredible, and I’m always up for trying something new. I also enjoy playing tennis—it’s a great way to stay active and have fun! I’m thrilled to be a part of SPACE Therapy and Gym, and I am committed to making a positive impact in my clients’ lives every day!

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!

Anna Jone’t Mitchell
M. Ed, BCBA, COTA

Jonét has been immersed in the world of special education and autism from a young age of 10. Her involvement began by volunteering her time to assist neighbors and teachers with their children, both neurodivergent and neurotypical, throughout her adolescent and teenage years. She further pursued her education to deepen her understanding of fostering success in others. Jonét holds an Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Zane State College, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University, and most recently, a Master’s degree in Special Education and Behavior Analysis from Augustana University.

As a clinician, Jonét’s mission is to “utilize empathy and compassion to remind the world that we are all human beings with voices that need to be heard, and we all deserve opportunities to foster independence in a way that allows the exploration of life’s unending joys.”

She looks forward to being able to live out her mission through her work with both the current and future, beautiful minds that travel through SPACE Therapy and Gym.

Megan Logue
MA/CFY

Hello, my name is Megan Logue. I am a Speech-Language Pathologist currently finishing my last segment of my Clinical Fellowship here at SPACE. I grew up in Houston with my twin brother Darren, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder at four years old. In high school, I volunteered at the Parish School, where I fell in love with working with kids with developmental differences and disorders such as children on the autism spectrum. I attended the University of Texas at Dallas and graduated with a B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. Before graduate school I worked for two years as a teaching assistant at the Parish School alongside the Lead Teacher/Speech Therapist. I attended George Washington University for graduate school where I earned my M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology.

As a speech-language pathologist, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse caseload of pediatric clients, including those with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and a range of expressive and receptive language disorders. My experience spans providing targeted evaluations, developing individualized treatment plans, and fostering strong relationships with families to ensure collaborative, effective therapy. I incorporate a variety of evidence-based approaches, such as the Hanen Program and Conscious Discipline, to engage children in play-based, child-led therapy that is both effective and meaningful.

Through my various experiences I’ve had the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary settings, collaborating with professionals to address a broad spectrum of needs, from developmental delays and intellectual disabilities to sensory-based feeding therapy and social communication disorders. These experiences have deepened my ability to provide specialized interventions across a wide range of communication challenges, furthering my commitment to supporting children in developing essential communication skills. I am passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of those I work with, particularly by fostering family-centered care and empowering families through education and support.

In my free time I enjoy going on nature walks at the Arboretum with my partner Maddie and our rescue dog Riley! I am also a member of Houston Pride Chorus and can often be heard singing along to musicals. When I need to relax you can find me with a crochet or embroidery project in my hands.

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)

Christine Nguyen
PT, DPT

Hi! My name is Christine Nguyen and I have been a physical therapist for 4 years in which I’ve worked in pediatric home health and outpatient settings. I was born and raised in Houston and received my BS in Biology at Houston Baptist University, followed by my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, TX. In 2023, I became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy.

I am passionate about treating children as a whole, and my responsibility as a physical therapist is to help improve each child and their family’s lives. My approach is to not only provide quality physical therapy for each child, but to also educate families with a home program, medical resources, and community support. I firmly believe that the best outcomes occur when a child is supported by their entire care team working together, including the family.

In my personal life, & love to stay active through powerlifting, running, golfing, and Hyrox training. I love being outdoors and have hiked at Yosemite, Sequoia, Rocky Mountain, Mt. Rainier, Joshua Tree, and Zion National Park. My goal for 2025 is to go car camping at local state parks. When I am at home, I am often hanging out with friends, spoiling with my 1-year-old Catahoula mix, finding a new craft, or reading.

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.

Hope Smith
BCBA

Meet Hope Smith, a dedicated professional with a strong foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in ABA from the University of North Texas, where she began her journey as a therapist specializing in early childhood intervention for severe behaviors. Even before obtaining her degree, Hope’s commitment to helping others was evident in her role as a Day Hab instructor, where she assisted adults with developmental disabilities in acquiring essential life skills, such as meal preparation, navigating public transportation, and ordering food.

Driven by a passion for supporting individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, Hope pursued a Master’s degree in ABA with an emphasis on ASD at Ball State University. During this time, she expanded her expertise by working in the in-home sector, gaining valuable experience with various behaviors, skills, and age groups.

Hope’s professional philosophy is beautifully encapsulated in her favorite quote: “I know I’m doing my job right when I work myself out of a job.” She aims to empower each client to achieve their definition of independence. Working within this community has been profoundly rewarding for Hope, as she continues to learn and grow with every client she serves. She is excited to bring her experience, dedication, and passion to the SPACE Therapy and Gym family, where she looks forward to further contributing to the lives of the children and families she works with.

Rosie Arguello
Intake Coordinator

Hi, I’m Rosie! I’m the Intake Coordinator here at SPACE, and I’m excited to be a part of a team dedicated to supporting families. With seven years in customer service and three years in early childhood education, I’m passionate about helping families navigate the process of accessing the support their children need.

I have extensive experience working with families seeking autism support, including organizing advocacy meetings and connecting parents with essential services. I strive to create a warm, welcoming experience for every family I meet.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family—most of it is devoted to my toddler and all the adventures that come with being a first-time mom! I also enjoy traveling back to my home state of California whenever possible.

I look forward to meeting you and being part of your journey at SPACE.

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.

Savannah Blair
ABA/Clinic Coordinator

Savannah joined our SPACE team in May 2025, bringing a rich blend of operational expertise and clinical experience in behavioral health. With a strong foundation in applied behavior analysis and organizational systems, she offers valuable insight into both the client and administrative sides of our practice. She is dedicated to supporting the ABA team through reliable coordination, streamlined systems, and a team-first mindset that helps create a smooth, collaborative environment. Her dual focus on clinical understanding and operational excellence makes her an integral part of the SPACE family.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, playing games with friends, and going for walks with her dog.

Jenna Lipscomb
OTD

Born and raised in Cedar Park, Texas, I am a passionate and dedicated pediatric Occupational Therapist with a deep commitment to helping children reach their full potential. I graduated with a degree in Kinesiology, emphasizing Occupational Therapy, from the University of St. Edwards in Austin, where I was also fortunate to play for the women’s soccer team for all four years. Following this, I earned my Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for fostering children’s unique strengths and embracing their individuality. With clinical experience in both acute care and pediatric outpatient settings, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of populations, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, developmental delays, and sensory processing disorders. One of my proudest achievements during my Doctorate program was my capstone project, where I designed a garden that taught children the importance of healthy eating. Through interactive edible art projects with vegetables and herbs, the children were able to creatively engage with nutrition in a fun and meaningful way.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy staying active through hiking, playing pickleball, and practicing yoga. I’m also a food enthusiast who loves exploring Houston’s vibrant food scene and trying new cuisines. I make it a point to attend the Houston Rodeo and enjoy as many live music events as possible, always seeking out new ways to engage with the community.

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.

Kimberly Guajardo
PT, DPT

Hello! My name is Kimberly Guajardo PT, DPT. I earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Houston and my B.S. in Biology from UT Rio Grande Valley. I have more than 5 years of clinical experience in delivering outpatient pediatric care addressing diagnoses including but not limited to torticollis, plagiocephaly, developmental delay, toe-walking, genetic syndromes, neurological disorders, autism, and coordination disorders.

I have training in neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) handling skills, I am CPR certified and have experience with orthotic recommendations for children who will benefit from orthotics. I am excited to join the SPACE team and to work with families and children to meet their goals and participate in the community.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending my free time with my husband and 2-year-old son. I enjoy going to the beach, dancing, and exploring different coffee shops and parks.

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.

Susana Sifford

COTA

My name is Susana and I am a proud team member here at SPACE. I attended Lone Star College at Tomball where I completed my AAS in Occupational Therapy Assistant, graduating cum laude in 2020. I have worked in the field of pediatrics my whole career. I have worked in home health and ABA clinic settings with clients from 10 months to 20 years old. Incorporating a play-based approach as well as therapeutic use of self has allowed me to create a lasting rapport and maintain engagement while fostering an environment to achieve goals. Creating fun and exciting sessions are a passion of mine because it has been where I see the most growth and achievement of daily occupations in the pediatric population.

I spend most of my time with friends and family. I am a big foodie and enjoy exploring the vast food scene of Houston. I love spending time at home, trying new recipes, making tea and coffee. I have a lifelong love of music and enjoy going to karaoke and concerts frequently. When I get the chance to, I also enjoy traveling to cities, quaint towns and the desert, especially.

Kayla Gregory
M.S., BCBA

Kayla Gregory, M.S., BCBA, brings over 10 years of experience working with children with autism. Her passion lies in managing challenging behaviors and building skills through combining both the science and the art of ABA therapy. Through differential reinforcement and compassionate care, she has significantly helped clients become more comfortable in various environments, grow in their development, and build meaningful relationships. She does not shy away from being silly and playful in an attempt to motivate kids to meet their goals. Kayla holds degrees from McNeese State University and obtained her BCBA certification in 2018. Her aim is to empower families and enhance the quality of life for children with autism.

 

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