"A child loves his play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard." - Benjamin Spock
Lacey Staff
Christopher - Speech Language Pathologist and Owner
Christopher has been working in the field of speech pathology since 1997, working in a variety of settings including private practice, schools and medical (pediatric outpatient, adult inpatient and NICU). His passion remains working with the pediatric population and their families. He enjoys the vast variety of personalities and speech related challenges that he encounters. His approach to therapy is a total communication approach, customizing therapy sessions to fit the needs of each uniquely opposed child and with providing families the strategies and confidence to integrate therapy into their everyday activities. Christopher lives in the greater Olympia area with his wife and two children where they enjoy year round boating, the outdoors, traveling and family activities that are focused on eating fine cuisine.
Renae - Occupational Therapist
Renae has provided occupational therapy services to children in large and small hospital settings as well as contract OT with school districts and private practice. She is trained in neurodevelopmental treatment and has advanced training in neurodevelopmental treatment for babies. Renae has extensive experience with feeding therapy as well as sensory integration evaluation and treatment. She is trained in the use of Integrated Listening Systems and The Listening Program, multi-sensory programs used to enhance a child's treatment program. Renae has a special interest in the twice exceptional child, and has successfully been helping this growing population of children reach their full potential! Renae incorporates a variety of treatment approaches in order to meet each individual's needs and firmly believes family involvement in the therapeutic process produces the greatest outcomes for the children she strives to support. Renae lives in Thurston County. In her spare time, you will find her enjoying the outdoors, horseback riding, and travelling with her family.
Christina-Lead Occupational Therapist
Christina joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team in 2023. She earned her Bachelors of Science degree from Western Washington University in 2014 and her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Governors State University in Illinois in 2021. Christina is passionate about meeting every child where they are and utilizing every child’s interest in a play-based way to expand upon skills. She is passionate about working with children and has special interests in building motor skills, resilience, and executive functioning skills. Her goal is to provide family and child-centered care. Outside of the clinic, Christina loves being outdoors, whether it’s paddleboarding, hiking, or biking, and playing games with family.
Melissa-Occupational Therapist
Melissa joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team in 2023. She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Washington in 2018 and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from Dominican University of California in 2023. Melissa gained experience working with clients across the lifespan through her fieldwork placements in orthopedic rehabilitation and in sensory integration. She is passionate about working with children, supporting families, and helping others to engage in a life most meaningful to them. In her spare time, Melissa loves dancing, lifting, spending time with her cat Ollie, and trying new foods.
Kelly-Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
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Kelly was born and raised in Alaska, having relocated to Washington State in 2007. She is married with twin daughters, two grown bonus children, two dogs, and a cat. Kelly joined the TB team in April of 2024 and has worked in a variety of settings across the lifespan since obtaining her Occupational Therapy Assistant license in 2013. Kelly began working in pediatrics and instantly fell in love. Kelly is passionate about helping children reach their milestones and goals and finds much joy in supporting families through a holistic approach here at TB. In her free time, Kelly enjoys making memories with her family, kayaking, glamping, and gardening.
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Ellie-Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Born and raised in Washington, she has a deep passion for pediatric occupational therapy. With four years of experience in OT school-based settings, she has honed her skills in helping children thrive. Her focus areas include sensory integration and creating a neurodiversity-affirming practice. In her professional journey, she's witnessed the transformative impact of occupational therapy on young minds.
- She is married, a proud mom to a wonderful son and a dog named Blu. Her family enjoys nature walks, exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, she enjoys tapping into her creativity, crafting digital resources for occupational therapy, ensuring that learning is engaging and accessible. Whether it’s turning therapy exercises into games or designing interactive materials, she believes that learning should be both effective and enjoyable.
Leora -Lead Speech Language Pathologist
Leora joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team as a Speech and Language Pathologist in 2020. She received her Bachelors in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of South Alabama and her Master's in Speech and Language Pathology at the University of Montevallo. She has experience working in nursing homes, schools, and behavioral hospitals and has had training in alternative and augmentative communication (AAC.) She has always had a passion for the language development process and loves finding unique ways to help children enjoy communicating with the world around them.
Leora moved to Washington in 2019 and has fallen in love with the community, weather, sights, and hiking opportunities here. She enjoys trying new things, and is currently attempting beginner-level quilting, bonsaiing, and woodworking.
Leora moved to Washington in 2019 and has fallen in love with the community, weather, sights, and hiking opportunities here. She enjoys trying new things, and is currently attempting beginner-level quilting, bonsaiing, and woodworking.
Hannah-Speech Language Pathologist
Hannah is a Speech and Language Pathologist from Orlando, Florida. She moved to Washington and joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team in 2023. She received both her Bachelor's degree and her Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Central Florida in 2019 and 2021 respectively. She has experience working with both children and adults, but has always loved working with the pediatric population. In her free time, Hannah enjoys painting, photography, and language-learning. She is ready to explore all that the PNW has to offer.
Erika-Speech Language Pathologist
Erika is a Speech Pathology Clinical Fellow from Olympia, Washington. She received her Bachelor’s in Child & Adolescent Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University in 2021 and her Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology from Emerson College in 2023. Erika has years of experience working with children and adolescents with a passion for working with the neurodiverse community and their families to develop functional communication. From the Puget Sound, Erika enjoys road-trip explorations around the Pacific Northwest, gardens and forests, spicy foods, movies and she loves board/card games and playing the cello.
Claire-Speech Language Pathologist-CF
Claire joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team as a Clinical Fellow in Speech-Language Pathology in 2024, shortly after graduating with her Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of South Florida. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in American Sign Language from the University of South Florida in 2016. In the meantime, she worked with neurodiverse children in central Florida schools, private practice clinics, and in homes. Claire believes that language grows from connection, and she takes that foundation into her play-based and child-led therapy sessions. Her passions in the field are early language development and Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC). Outside of work, Claire enjoys any craft she can get her hands on (especially knitting and crocheting) and is looking forward to exploring the nature of the PNW!
Liz-Speech Language Pathologist-CF
Elizabeth (Liz) joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team in 2024 as a Clinical Fellow in Speech-Language Pathology. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia Nebraska in 2021 and her Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders from Emerson College in 2024. Liz has clinical experience in a variety of settings including private pediatric practices, schools, and an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. While Liz enjoys working with both children and adults, her passion is in developing authentic connections with pediatric clients and their families to enhance communication outcomes. Liz is passionate about continuously learning and integrating evidence-based research into her client-centered therapy approach.
Liz lives in Olympia with her husband, and adorable miniature Dachshund, Millie. Outside of the clinic, Liz enjoys spending time with her friends and family, attending any and all sporting events, exploring national parks, and playing board games.
Liz lives in Olympia with her husband, and adorable miniature Dachshund, Millie. Outside of the clinic, Liz enjoys spending time with her friends and family, attending any and all sporting events, exploring national parks, and playing board games.
Kristina-Referrals/Patient Care Coordinator
Kristina joined the TB team in September 2023. She has been working in the medical administration field for the last 9years. She is an Olympia native and resides in Olympia with her husband and son. In her free time Kristina enjoys running and spending time outside with her family and dog Moose.
Jane-Patient Care Coordinator
- Jane was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii. She had moved back and forth between Oahu and Vegas for 20 years. She moved to WA in March of 2022 to start a new life with my husband and our pitbull Imua.
- She has worked as a camp counselor, administrative assistant and preschool teacher for parks and recreation in Vegas. She then worked as a medical assistant for 2.5 years for internal medicine.
- In the near future, Jane has a goal to open up a bakery, alongside dessert table set ups and backdrop services for any event.
- Her free time is spent with family especially doing game nights, cooking, baking and shopping.
Maritza-Patient Care Coordinator
Maritza was born and raised in Denver, CO. She has spent the last 3 years in northern NY and recently relocated to WA. She has worked in healthcare for the past 10 years and has always loved the atmosphere and getting to help people. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, fishing, trying new restaurants and a really good book.
Malissa - Billing/Authorizations Coordinator
Malissa joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team in August of 2018. She has been employed as an Administrative Assistant in the medical field since 1998. She is married to N8 and they have been Lacey residents since 2005. Together they have two adult children, who still reside close by and are now embarking on the adventure of Grandparents. Malissa is a huge Seattle Seahawk fan, enjoys traveling, and loves to walk her 170-pound mastiff, Bain daily. She has a passion for children and is an ambassador for all persons be seen and heard!
Rachel - Marketing Coordinator
Rachel joined the TB Team in September 2019. She has 3 children with her husband, Eric. Her background includes years of healthcare work, as well as work with preschoolers. Her hobbies include yoga, music, dance, traveling and spending time with her family. They enjoy hiking, trips to the beach, and exploring the PNW. Rachel has also been involved with the special needs community for years, as her son has Down Syndrome.
Jennie - Administrative Director
Jennie Rapacz has over 15 years experience working with small businesses since obtaining her business degree from Western Washington University. Jennie joined TB in 2010 and has served in many administrative capacities including billing, bookkeeping and overall administration. Jennie is the proud mom of two young adults and enjoys reading, cooking, outdoor activities and hanging out with friends and family.