Our Administrative Team

Steve graduated with a Masters Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University in 2000. He originally began working with children on the Autism Spectrum as behavior therapist and then worked as a Speech Therapist in the Madison County Public while completing his graduate program. While in the Master’s program Steve became well trained in both voice and fluency therapy for adults and children, often lecturing and running trainings for undergraduate students.

After college, he moved to San Diego and started working for Sharp Healthcare with both adults and children in a variety of communication and swallowing disorders. During his time at Sharp he learned the importance of looking at child development across the various cognitive processes including sensory, vestibular, attention and language.

In 2004, Steve founded Specialized Therapy Services (STS) working with charter schools, the San Diego Regional Center, health insurers, medical practices, and private clients providing speech therapy, assistive technology, and parent training. In 2007 Steve completed the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at Cal State Northridge. In addition to managing STS, Steve continues to work as a consultant for schools to assist and implement special education services, provide social skills training, assistive technology assessments/training, augmentative communication assessments, and supervision of speech pathology programs.

Erin joined the Specialized Therapy Services team in 2013 as the Operations Manager.

With over 16 years of experience in healthcare recruiting and management, Erin brings to the table experience in business development and a strong expertise of the ever changing healthcare industry. She has managed a diverse project portfolio, including market analysis studies, managed care systems, product feasibility profiles, and customer satisfaction measurement.

Since coming on board with STS, Erin has spearheaded the exponential growth of Specialized Therapy Services and the inception and development of The Oas Center. Erin grew up in Northern California and has called San Diego home for the past 18 years.

Susan received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and Bachelors in Psychology from UCSD.  After college, Susan began working with people with developmental disabilities in an independent living and day program setting. It was here Susan found her passion for working with people with developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential and life goals. As a Program Manager for a day program, Susan learned the importance of having a strong team working alongside clients.

After receiving her graduate degree, Susan worked with children, adolescents, and young adults in diverse settings including Uganda, Africa.  She has experience working in schools, hospitals, and private practice. Susan started working for Specialized Therapy Services in 2015 and loves being a part of a team of people supporting populations with special needs.

Bernadette received her Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Cal State University Northridge and Bachelors in Psychology from San Diego State University. Bernadette joined the administrative team at Specialized Therapy Services in 2018. Bernadette supports our administrative team with coordinating school services and provides support to our providers. Bernadette enjoys being part of a team that works together to provide quality services. Bernadette has experience working with children of all ages and abilities.

Bernadette grew up in the Los Angeles county area and has settled in San Diego. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Kelly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Mathematics from the University of San Diego. Working with children has been a longtime joy for Kelly, and she is passionate about creating a safe environment for those with both typical and atypical needs to learn new skills and grow into the best versions of themselves.

Kelly joined the Specialized Therapy Services administrative team in 2016 and has been able to utilize a broad range of skills throughout her time with the company, from working with children in hands-on classes to her current position onboarding all new employees and managing payroll for the organization.

Though born and raised in Northern California, Kelly has found her home here in sunny San Diego, helping support children with special needs.

Yessi began working with children in a small family owned home daycare setting. She served her community by facilitating care to lower income families with different backgrounds.

She then worked in Early Childhood Education as a Reggio teacher, understanding the importance of social emotional growth at an early age. She encouraged little ones to cope with their feelings for their little bodies. She practiced self-regulation by implementing sign language and yoga.

As she continued to expand her passion and career she then became a director at a private academy. During this time she managed working with teachers, parents and children- caring for all of their needs as an individual. She made it her goal to have a caring and nurturing environment.

Yessi is now furthering her love for children by assisting families in receiving the most adequate service for their children at The OAS Center.

Yessi has been working for Specialized Therapy Services since 2022. Yessi schedules services in the clinic and greets families as they come in. In her free time, she enjoys going to the dog park with her two Beagles!