"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.
Claire-Speech Language Pathologist
Claire joined the Therapeutic Beginnings Team in 2020. She received her Bachelors Degree at Washington State University, and her Masters Degree at Hampton University. Before receiving her Masters, she worked as a speech language pathology assistant at a local school district here in Washington. Claire's decision to become a speech therapist began with her love for teaching children. She is passionate about early language intervention and working with Augmentative and
Alternative Communication (AAC). In her free time, Claire enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, hanging out with friends and family, and watching cougar football. GO COUGS!
Alternative Communication (AAC). In her free time, Claire enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, hanging out with friends and family, and watching cougar football. GO COUGS!
Stephanie-Occupational Therapist
Stephanie joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team as an Occupational Therapist in 2020. She received her bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Washington State University (GO COUGS!) and attended Alvernia University in Pennsylvania to obtain her master’s in OT. She greatly enjoyed her experience on the East Coast but is happy to be back home in Washington State with her husband and family. Before returning to the PNW, Stephanie had the opportunity to work with adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. She recognized the various needs of adults on the autism spectrum and has a strong passion for helping children with ASD on their journey to be successful throughout their lifespan. In her spare time Stephanie loves to be outdoors. She participates in anything active, but she enjoys hiking, golfing and snowboarding the most. When she’s not outside, you’ll catch her cheering on her favorite sports teams (Seahawks and Cougars!) while eating the many foods she loves to cook.
Tina-Occupational Therapist
Tina joined the Therapeutic Beginnings team in 2020, after graduating with her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Creighton University. She was raised in Honolulu, HI and has enjoyed returning to the west coast with her husband and golden retriever, Bear. Her passion for the pediatric population started when she witnessed the impact of Occupational Therapy in her own family’s lives. Tina recognizes the importance of providing fun, client-centered, and individualized treatment to help children and their families achieve their goals. She has previous experience working with children in the hospital and outpatient setting, as well as volunteering in the school system for handwriting camps. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading, trying new foods, and any activity involving the ocean!
Tiffany-Occupational Therapist
Tiffany is an occupational therapist who joined the team in April of 2021. Prior to working here, she worked in Grays Harbor with infants through elderly in an outpatient clinic, 3 rural school districts, and inpatient hospital setting. She is a native New Englander who moved to Washington in 2018. Tiffany is a graduate of MCPHS University and Springfield College. Her interests include running, hiking, and exploring the PNW.