"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." - Plato
Olympia Staff
Christopher - Speech Language Pathologist and Owner
Christopher Heistand 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.
Robin-Occupational Therapist
Robin joined Therapeutic Beginning team as an Occupational Therapist in 2021. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2010 from Oregon State University (GO BEAVS!) and her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2012 from Colorado State University. She has worked with a diverse setting as an Army OT before returning back to civilian life and finding her passion working with children. She has experience working with a variety of children across diagnoses and developmental delays. She holds a basic certification in Floortime intervention and has a special interest in sensory integration. In her free time, Robin enjoys both cooking and eating foods, sports, outdoor activities and spending time her with husband and 2 children.
Leora-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.