therapy builders


Leading with neurodivergence and providing the foundation for success


Welcome to our pediatric therapy agency.Therapy Builders is dedicated to providing exceptional pediatric therapy services in the comfort of your own home. Our experienced therapists are here to support your child's development, tailoring personalized treatment plans to meet their unique needs.We offer the following services:

  • Speech Therapy, including therapists trained in Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)

  • Feeding Therapy

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Physical Therapy

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welcome


We are here to support your child's development.


Therapy Builders offers the following services:

  • Speech Therapy, including therapists trained in Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)

  • Feeding Therapy

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Physical Therapy

our mission

We promise to assist our clients with their physical and cognitive needs by providing exceptional individualized services to increase their ability to interact with and enjoy the people and world around them.Therapy Builders respects the unique needs of each client and appreciates how personal abilities and challenges may change from one environment to another. From the ability to connect with others to navigating and manipulating items, each skill will be treated as paramount to the success and well-being of the individual client.Therapy Builders is striving to adopt neurodiverse practices that support:

  • Working with the holistic interests of the client

  • Intrinsic motivators

  • Relationship building, including rapport and trust

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our story


Trace Jahner is an SLP, CEO, and Founder of Therapy Builders, which he built in 2017.


EducationTrace received his Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from Minnesota State University.He went on to work part-time as an intern with a school-based speech language pathologist (SLP) in the Bemidji School District in Bemidji, MN before beginning to work on his Master’s in Speech Language Pathology through Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ.He completed two clinical practicums through the Peoria Unified School District (PUSD), as well as a clinical externship in Surprise, AZ, graduating with his Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology.


SpecializationsTrace has significant experience working in the field of speech-language therapy, servicing students with communication needs including: receptive/expressive language, articulation, fluency, social-pragmatic language, and AAC.He has also worked in a number of specialized programs within the Peoria Unified School District including the Adult Training Center, Positive Behavior Supports program, the Kindergarten Extended School Year program, and the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program for those with intellectual and multiple disabilities.

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gestalt langauge processing


When we know better, we do better. What is Gestalt Language Processing?


Gestalt Language Processing is a form of language acquisition, or development, that moves from whole, memorized phrases to single (and often isolated) words.Predictable stages within this start with "gestalt-forms." These Gestalts may come from movies, videos, or anything of interest to the individual. At times, the production of these forms end with novel utterances (ASHA, 2023). This may commonly be referred to in the past as delayed echolalia. Examples of common gestalts may be (but are not limited to): "the truck is too big," or "it's time to party."If you suspect your child is a gestalt language learner, they may have one or all of the following:

  • Repeats language learned in chunks.

  • Studies, replays and repeats the use of media, such as songs, parts of books and/or videos, while repeating consistent language from this media.

  • Repeats their own name when speaking about themselves.

  • Mixes up pronouns, for example, utilizing "you" instead of "I".

  • Lively and/or animated speech.

  • Delayed language acquisition.

  • Decreased speech intelligibility, including the avoidance of the long strings of speech.

  • Strong musical inclination.

We are proud to say we have 4 therapists on our team that are trained in Gestalt Language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition.


neurodivergence

Why is it important to be affirming in Neurodiversity?Diversity and differences in how we operate in this world is what makes each individual unique. Leading with neurodivergence provides many benefits, such as:

  • Empowers clients and families.

  • Helps clients understand and advocate for their needs.

  • Produces positive outcomes through understand differences, education and self-advocacy.

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coverage & eligibility


We support those with DDD Coverage, ESA Funds and OOP abilities. View the following to see if you are eligible for services.


1) Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) CoverageA developmental disability is a disability that develops during childhood and impacts the child’s development. Some people are born with developmental disabilities, while others develop them during early childhood. Causes are not always known, but may include: injuries, genetics, medical issues or toxins. Arizona’s definition of developmental disability is broken down into four diagnoses:

  • Autism

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Cognitive Disability

  • Epilepsy


2) Empowerment Scholarship Award (ESA) FundsThe Empowerment Scholarship Account program is administered by the Arizona Department of Education and funded by the state. The program gives parents the freedom to choose the best education for their child. Within the program, Parents can use ESA dollars to pay for their child’s needs related to speech therapy services.The average ESA amount is $5,000. A student with special needs receives a higher amount based on the student’s IEP eligibility category. Parents receive the ESA funds on a prepaid debit card and must complete an expense report quarterly.Students cannot receive School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit scholarships while participating in the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program.


3) Out Of Pocket (OOP)Out of pocket options are given to families that are able to pay their own way for services.

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our team


An inclusive workplace culture is one in which everyone feels that they belong and their voice is heard. Our team strives for this and is comprised of a diverse range of therapists with varying specialties.


A) Administration

Team MemberTitle
Trace JahnerFounder and CEO of Therapy Builders
Carly Jahner, M. S.Ed certFounder of Therapy Builders and Director of Operations
Bella Sium, M. EdDirector of Therapy and Professional Development
Jordyn JensenDirector of Operations Assistant
Reigh BraatenClient and Family Relations
Julie HurbyPayroll Specialist

B) Speech therapy

The following therapists are part of our core specialized speech therapy team.


Betsy Hill, CCC-SLP

  • Specialties - Specialist in Feeding Therapy, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, SOS Trained, Myofunctional Therapy Trained

  • ACE Awards from ASHA, Master’s Thesis Nominated, Abstracts and Publications in Various Juried Journals, 40+ years experience


Sheri Jahner, CCC-SLP

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Trained, Feeding Therapy, Play-Based Therapy, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Executive Functioning Skills Therapy, Motor Speech Disorders, Passion in Advocating for Self-Advocacy

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), NLA in Autism (level 1, 2, and 3), Executive Function Trained, PROMPT Certified, Using Natural Language to Support GL Processors, 30+ years experience


Jenny Mendez, CCC-SLP

  • Specialties - Feeding Therapy, Expert in Telehealth Therapy, Executive Functioning Skills Therapy, Articulation, Phonological Process Disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Phonemic Awareness and Literacy, Receptive/Expressive Language, Social Skills, Pragmatic Language

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), Executive Function Trained, Westside Impact Teacher of the Year, Various CE Courses, 28+ years experience


Louise Koziol, CCC-SLP

  • Specialties - Expert in Telehealth Therapy, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), Social Skills, Articulation, Fluency, Social Thinking, Visual Schedules, Social Stories

  • Frequent ASHA Attendee, 25+ years experience


Eileena Gao, CCC-SLP

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Trained, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), Play-Based Therapy

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), 5+ years experience


Veronica Leon, SLP-CFY

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Interest & Philosophy, Feeding Therapy, Play-Based Therapy, Expert in Telehealth Therapy, Social Skills, Pragmatic Language, Articulation, Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC), Person-Centered Care

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), S.O.S Approach to Feeding, 10+ years experience


Anelisse Guler, SLP-A

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Trained, Play-Based Therapy, Bilingual English/Spanish

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), 8+ years experience


Elysa De La Torre, SLP-A

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Trained, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), Passion in Advocating for Marginalized Communities, Bilingual English/Spanish

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), Dr. Barry Prizant - Uniquely Human, AAC Master Training, 8+ years experience


Lizzette Pasallo, SLP-A

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Interest & Philosophy, Feeding Therapy, Play-Based Therapy, Bilingual English/Spanish

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), Understanding ARFID, ARSHA committee board, NLA in Autism by Marge Blanc, Assessing and Treating Selective Mutism by Emily Doll, 8+ years experience


Magie Gonzales, SLP-A

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Interest & Philosophy, Proficient in American Sign Language, Passion in Advocating for the Spanish Community, Bilingual English/Spanish

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), Speech-Ez Hand Cues for Apraxia, National Certification with ASHA (in-progress), 3+ years experience


Robin Birkmann, SLP-A

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Interest & Philosophy, Feeding Therapy

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), 3+ years experience


Irasema Stutz, SLP-A

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Interest & Philosophy, Speech and Sound Disorders, Remote Therapy in Sahuarita Tucson, Bilingual English/Spanish, Passion in Advocating for Family Connections

  • The Complexity Approach to Phonological Intervention, 3+ years experience


Mason Drajer, SLP-A

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Interest & Philosophy, Feeding Therapy (SOS and Respectful Eating), Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC - Proficient with LAMP, Tobi Dynavox, Prc Ollitio), Proficient in American Sign Language (ASL)

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), LAMP Words for Life Partnership, Masters Program (in progress), Conditional Enrolment into a Developmental Psychology PhD Program at ASU, Published Abstract in Linguistics, 4+ years experience


April Silvas, SLP-A

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Interest & Philosophy, Play-Based Therapy

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), Sensory and Communication Workshop, 1+ years experience


Brooke Beauchamp, SLP-A

  • Specialties - GLP & NLA Interest & Philosophy, Play-Based Therapy, Passion in Advocating for Family Connections

  • GLP Conference with Meaningful Speech (2024), 1+ years experience

Elizabeth DiCola, CCC-SLPJesse Valle, CCC-SLP
Amanda Good, CCC-SLPAshleigh Burgess, CCC-SLP
Rosann Romero, SLP-ACarson Anway, SLP-A
Monique Lomas, SLP-AMeredith Singleton, SLP-A
Kylie Lombardi, SLP-AAlexis Ahumada, SLP-A
Kiana Patlan, SLP-ANell Humphries, SLP-A

c) occupational therapy

The following therapists are part of our core specialized occupational therapy team.


Haley Bodea, OTD, OTR/L

  • Specialties - Feeding Therapy, Certified Trauma Professional, Passion in Advocating For Natural Environments and Independence, Creation of a New Therapy Model in a Tiny Home

  • Mentor for Doctor of OT Students at NAU, Creating Innovative Program Development, Implement Family-Centered Care, Ongoing Research for Emotional Regulation and Trauma-Informed Care, 3+ years Experience


Barbaraann Dausand, OTR/L

  • Specialties - Feeding Therapy, Passion in Advocating for Family Connections

  • 19+ years experience


Morgan Gonzales, COTA

  • Specialties - Primitive Reflex Integration, Feeding Therapy, Sensory Processing Disorders

  • Early Intervention for Motor Performance, Maternal Mental Health and OT, OT Supports for Sensory Processing Differences, Parent Alliance and OT, Strengths Based Approach to Autism and Behavior, Self Determination for Autistic Students, 3 years experience

Kim Ochoa, OTR/LKhushboo Gajjar, OTR/L
Jenifer Joachim, COTALeanna Hammett, COTA

d) physical therapy

The following therapists are part of our core specialized physical therapy team.


Lisa Bries, PT

  • Specialties - Evidence Based Therapy (Including SMART Goals and Collaboration), Play-Based Therapy

  • Continuous Upkeep of CEU, Involvement in School Level Collaborative Groups (Involving Adaptive Equipment, Therapy Dosing, Intervention Ideas, etc), 25+ years experience


Eric Moore, PTA

  • Specialties - Passion in Family Communication

  • Train the Brain: Motor Learning Strategies to Promote Neural Plasticity in Children and Youth with Disabilities, 7+ years experience

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resources


The following resources offer you a chance to explore alternative therapies on your own.


Physical activity can help one think, learn, problem-solve, and enjoy an emotional balance. Collaboration, when mixed with physical activity, has the capacity to impact the energetic system, while improving memory, reducing anxiety and one's risk of cognitive decline.

careers


Therapy Builders is looking for professionals in the field to join our team of excellence.


We pride ourselves on carefully selecting professionals who fit our company, focusing on the skill sets rooted in passion, community, and being part of a bigger purpose.Apply today through our email below:

stand out

Therapy Builders is looking for therapists who are:

  • Trained in Gestalt Language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition

  • Open to learning about Gestalt Language Processing philosophies

  • Trained in Feeding Therapy

  • Positive, humble role models who support inclusive workplace culture

  • Advocates for positive growth by understand differences, education and self-advocacy

  • Interested in being part of a team and continuing their professional development

contact


We are proud to serve families across the Arizona valley and Tucson.


Contact us today to inquire about services.Please note, our inquiry is important to us. We receive a high volume of inquiries daily, and therefore, our waitlists are extensive. We will do our best to get back to you within a timely manner.Line 1 - 602-851-7796
Line 2 - 651-354-1155
Fax - 480-771-5570

admin@therapybuildersaz.com

Office Hours:Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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thank you


Your message had been sent.


Please note, our inquiry is important to us. We receive a high volume of inquiries daily, and therefore, our waitlists are extensive. We will do our best to get back to you within a timely manner.

building beyond

Building Beyond is a non-profit organization created by Therapy Builders in 2020.It exists to serve and provide resources to individuals with disabilities to increase their overall quality of life. Building Beyond will meet this need by providing equipment and devices through physical and online resources for families and a centralized location for skill development through hands-on programs.Our goal is for individuals to have an opportunity to develop life skills that will allow them to contribute to society and participate in daily activities within their communities in an accessible way.