Grow Strong Together (GST) Infant Development Center-Based Program
Grow Strong Together is a multidisciplinary center-based program for children ages eighteen to thirty-six months. The program, led by our speech, physical, and occupational therapists is designed to facilitate and foster progress in the areas of communication, socialization, motor skills, adaptive skills, and cognition. Our classroom is specially designed to prepare each of our clients for future social, developmental, and academic success. Each day, children participate in a schedule of tailored play-based activities designed to target specific goals in each area of need. A typical day includes social play, circle time, obstacle courses, climbing gym, art, sensory exploration, academic time, and snack time.
Our Experts
Ready to Help
Occupational Therapists
Katie Willebrands MSOT, OTR/L
Clinic Supervisor Occupational Therapy Supervisor GST OT Lead
Ms. Katie joined the team in 2023! Ms. Katie earned her Bachelor’s in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from University of Northern Colorado and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from West Coast University.Ms. Katie is certified in the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding protocol as well as Handwriting Without Tears. She enjoys being part of the LAIPT team because she has the privilege to work with amazing kids and their families while being supported by an incredible therapy team.When she is not in the clinic, Ms. Katie enjoys spending time with friends and family. From traveling to Amsterdam, Tokyo, or London to taking a trip to Disneyland; she is always ready for a fun and new experience with her loved ones. She also loves taking her peers to new restaurants or playing board games in her free time!
Speech Therapists
Craig Gemmill MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Therapy Supervisor
Craig is a Speech Pathologist specializing in pediatrics. He earned his Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and has a passion for learning and exploring new speech topics. He has earned certifications from Hanen’s More Than Words program, as well as becoming an Autism Clinical Specialist. He enjoys working with clients and their families to understand communication in all its different aspects, and building motivation with play. Outside of work, Craig loves to hike, travel, and make ice cream.
Zoe Saunders OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Born and raised in New York, Zoë is an occupational therapist who attended Indiana University – Bloomington to receive her Bachelor’s of Science. She transitioned to the West Coast to complete both a Master’s and Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. She holds a certificate in Sensory Integration from USC as well. She has had a passion for pediatrics from a young age and is dedicated to helping children reach their fullest potential. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, and exploring new restaurants
Sophie Baillargeon MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Therapist GST Speech Lead
Sophie grew up in League City, Texas. She went to University of Texas at Austin for her undergraduate degree (BS in communication sciences and disorders) and UT Dallas for her Masters in Speech Language Pathology. Sophie has certificates in SOS Approach to feeding and NLA Gestalt Language Processing. She moved to California a year ago, she plays tennis and loves going to the beach.
Zaina Kholaki MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Zaina grew up in Pasadena, California, and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Stanbridge University. She has been working in a clinical pediatric setting for over two years, but her passion for supporting children started when she was 16. In the clinic, Zaina specializes in helping children develop the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives, from fine and gross motor abilities to sensory processing and self-care. Outside of work, Zaina loves to travel, watch movies, and spend time with her family and friends.
Center-based Program
Jill Lipschultz-Rosenthal, M.A
Grow Strong Together Program Supervisor
Ms. Jill is an Early Childhood Specialist with over 15 years experience working with toddlers and young children in a variety of settings. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Child Development and her MA in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Jill loves watching her young students reach their goals and tries to bring out their best through play, scaffolding, and relationship building. Ms. Jill is very excited to collaborate and learn from Speech and Occupational Therapists when developing her curriculum for the Center Based Program. In her free time she enjoys working out, walking her dogs and although she is an LA native, she still finds new places to explore around Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.
Kaila Cummings MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Kaila Cummings is a licensed occupational therapist from Long Beach, California. Kaila earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University and her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy from California State University, Long Beach. Kaila loves working with children and decided to pursue a career in pediatrics after completing a fieldwork rotation with California Children’s Services. As an OT therapist, she believes that good therapy is client-centered and built on the principles of whole-person care. Kaila values the creative aspect of OT, and is always looking to make therapy as fun and meaningful as possible. Outside of work, Kaila enjoys hiking, dancing hula, and going to the beach!”
Claire Casanova OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Claire graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Neuroscience and continued her education there to receive her Masters and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She completed her doctoral work with a focus on the early risk signs of autism in children. She has experience working with infants previously in the NICU and in outpatient pediatrics with a focus on sensory processing and play-based therapy. She is passionate about advocating for people of all abilities and aims to provide a compassionate and child-led approach to care that is unique to each child. Outside of work, Claire enjoys hiking, reading a good book by the beach, and trying new food spots around LA with her family.