DICP Staff

Sena Felt OTR/L.

Position:
Occupational Therapist Owner

Biography:
Sena received her BA in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a BS in Occupational Therapy from the University of Puget Sound. Before joining the therapy staff at DICP, Sena worked in acute care rehab at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, at a skilled nursing facility and private school based setting in the Greater DC area, as well as a multi-disciplinary pediatric facility in Egypt. Sena became a co-owner of Development is Child’s Play in 2017. Sena is certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) and is trained in reflex integration, feeding, animal-assisted therapy and several forms of therapeutic listening including iLS, The Listening Program, and Therapeutic Listening. She enjoys mentoring therapists and is inspired to create a practice that not only empowers children and their families but also empowers the amazing staff and team of therapists at Development is Child’s Play to be their best and sparks their own growth and development.

Sena says:
I became an OT because it was important to me to have a career where I made a positive impact and contributed to the overall well-being of others. I became a business owner because I wanted to guide the practice towards a more holistic approach of meeting the needs of our families in a way that is much greater than I could ever do as an individual therapist, while still maintaining the same high quality services that have been part of Development is Child’s Play for decades.”

Dr. Sahana Baker-MaloneOTD, OTR/L, PRPC

Position:
Occupational Therapist Owner

Biography:
Sahana grew up and homeschooled in rural Maui, Hawaii. Sahana majored in Psychology at Scripps College in Claremont, California before receiving an MA in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California. Before joining DICP, Sahana worked in the only hospital on Maui, helping patients in acute and rehabilitation care, hand splinting, and performing modified barium swallow studies. Sahana became a co-owner of Development is Child’s Play in 2017. Sahana has advanced certifications in the Sensory Integration and SIPT, swallowing and feeding, Therapeutic Listening, pediatric pelvic floor rehabilitation, and the Masgutova Method.

Sahana says:
I love this clinic and the professional and personal camaraderie I have with my fellow therapists. I love working with children and families to help make life more fun and successful. I hope that we can help support our clients and families in new and creative ways. We are always happy to hear from our families and colleagues about how we can best meet your needs!”

Evelyn Lechner MS, OTR/L

Position
Occupational Therapist

Biography:
Evelyn graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training. She received her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. She has received training in Zones of Regulation, The Alert Program, Handwriting Without Tears, and Beckman Oral Motor Protocol. She has special interests in gross and fine motor development, sports skills, and therapy groups. Evelyn was born and raised in Fremont. She enjoys crafting, baking, and being active outdoors.

Evelyn says:
“After completing my fieldwork internship here, I am very excited to join DICP! Everyone is so supportive and caring, and I have enjoyed getting to work and learning from an incredible team. I am passionate about working in pediatrics and love the holistic emphasis and creative nature of occupational therapy. As an OT, I look forward to helping kids reach their highest potential all while having fun!”

Hannah Rutland

Position:
Occupational Therapist
Biography:
Hannah graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS in exercise science and a minor in psychology. She received a Master’s of Science degree in the Occupational Therapy program at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Hannah has special interests and certifications in sensory integration and feeding therapy. Hannah has advanced training in the Beckman feeding protocol, the Talk Tools sensory motor approach and the SOS feeding approach. Hannah also has therapeutic experience with working on the foundational skills for handwriting, coordination and motor planning, core strength and postural stability, and visual motor integration. Hannah moved to the Bay Area from South Carolina with her husband and golden retriever. When she’s not at DICP, Hannah enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, painting, and spending the day on the beach with her family.

Hannah says:
I enjoy working at DICP because of their supportive and positive environment that fosters growth and collaboration. This team offers a wealth of knowledge, client-centered approaches, and nurtures development for not only their clients, but also their therapists. I know I am coming into work everyday into an environment that feels like home, where our freedom to use our creative ideas and specialized training is met with an abundance of resources, tools, and a welcoming atmosphere that allows our clients to thrive. I feel privileged to work with such an incredible team of professionals that has a shared passion for working with kids and helping them succeed, having fun (even while working), and seeing the good in everyone. “

Jamie Zabat

Position:
Occupational Therapist

Biography:
Jamie graduated from the Dominican University of California with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Before working at DICP, she practiced in a non-public school in Petaluma working with children with autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and other orthopedic impairments. Jamie was born and raised in the Bay Area and is currently living in South San Francisco with her mom, dad, younger sister, and pup. When she has free time, she loves to read, listen to podcasts, hang out with friends and family, and relax at the beach.

Jamie says:
“I love working with children because of the fresh eyes they have on the world. Just when you thought you have already learned so much, you will learn so much more in your time with a kiddo who is experiencing parts of life for the very first time. Being a part of a team that recognizes a child’s strengths while using the lens of occupational therapy to nurture a child and help them reach their full potential is so special to me!”

Karen Swinehart MS, OTR/L.

Position:
Occupational Therapist

Biography:
Karen received her undergraduate degree from UC Davis with a BS in Human Development and a minor in Psychology. Karen has worked as a therapist at Development is Child’s Play since graduating from San Jose State with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy. Karen is trained in Therapeutic Listening, The Astronaut Training Protocol, Social Thinking, The S.O.S. feeding approach, Handwriting Without Tears, The Learn, Play, Thrive Approach, has completed two SIPT Courses, and has taken multiple courses in Sensory Integration through TheraPeeds. Karen enjoys working closely in collaboration with her DICP colleagues.

Karen Says:
“I have always been drawn to working with children. After college, and during the tech boom, I spent six years working in HR at Sun Microsystems. I realized, after a few years and too many long meetings, that it was time to make a career change and get back to my roots. The moment I walked through the office door at DICP I knew I was where I needed to be. The one-on-one client relationships, the play, the interesting and fun equipment, and the ability to have a more direct impact with my work was so exciting. I feel so fortunate to have found a wonderful place with such fantastic friends and amazing support from our Aides, Volunteers, and Office Manager. I don’t know what other clinics are like, but this is the most collaborative, kind, caring, open, knowledgeable, willing, helpful, smart, and funny group of people that I have ever worked with and I can’t imagine being a therapist with any other group.”

Kerry Bunger MA, OTR/L.

Position:
Occupational Therapist

Biography:
Kerry was born and raised in San Jose, CA, where she still resides. Kerry attended the University of California, Davis where she completed her BS in Physiology. She then received an MA in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California. Kerry is SIPT certified and is our Volunteer Coordinator.

Kerry says:
I became a pediatric occupational therapist because of my older sister, Tara B. Tara reacted to her DPT shot in April of 1973 when she was 3 months old. She has right sided hemiparesis, cortical blindness, and has seizures due to her injury. I used to attend Tara’s therapy sessions where I watched these amazing people who would help my sister to stand and walk and use her hands, all while playing! I was amazed at how easy it looked, so I would go home and try to copy what they did in their sessions to help my sister. I knew then and there what I wanted to do for my career! Having been the younger sister of a person with special needs, I know the family side of OT. I know the special needs child changes the family dynamic because even though Tara is my older sister, I will always help to care for her, even if that means listening to Christmas music in July. “

Mark Schwartz

Position:
Occupational Therapist
Biography:
Mark graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He received his Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Touro University Nevada. He has received training in sensory processing and behavior, self-regulation (Zones of Regulation, Alert Program), play-based approaches, feeding interventions, interventions for children with cognitive and motor impairments, handwriting interventions (Handwriting Without Tears, Size Matters, and Construct, Draw, Write), and visual-motor integration. Furthermore, he has special interests in sensory processing, reflex integration, play-based approaches, and feeding. Mark shares his life with his wife and two rescue kitties, Cappuccino and Jameson. Outside of work, Mark’s hobbies include martial arts, archery, reading, cooking, videogames, and hiking.

Mark Says:
“The first time I saw a child with severe barriers overcoming everything to engage in play, I knew pediatric occupational therapy was to be my life’s work. Both children and adults learn naturally and seemingly effortlessly when lost in play, and that is what I strive to bring to my sessions. DICP not only shares this ethos, but also invests in its therapists to provide the best care possible. Working with such a talented group of professionals is a privilege and I am excited each day to learn something new. I look forward to being a part of your child’s and family’s success!”

Sam Ichikawa MS, OTR/L

Position:
Occupational Therapist

Biography:
Sam received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and her Master’s degree in occupational therapy from Stanbridge University. Sam has completed certifications for Astronaut Training, ILS Focus System, the Safe and Sound protocol, the Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, and the SOS approach to feeding.

Sam says:
“I always knew I wanted to be in the helping profession and once I found occupational therapy, I knew it was the right fit for me! I love being able to help children learn, grow and reach their full potential through the power of play. DICP offers such a wonderful environment to nurture that growth with a beautiful treatment space, fun equipment, and an amazing, caring, and supportive staff!”

Sarah Coon MS, OTR/L.

Position:
Occupational Therapist

Biography:
Sarah Attended San Jose State University receiving her BS in Occupational Therapy and a MS in Occupational Therapy.

Working with children to build their overall gross motor skills including core strength, upper body strength, ball skills, balance, bilateral coordination, motor planning, body awareness, and endurance is her speciality here at DICP.

Sarah Says:
“I have been working with children of all ages for a total of 14 years and in that time I have learned that children are resilient, forgiving, and want to learn despite differing abilities, resources, and/or situations. As an occupational therapist, I feel extremely fortunate to be able to provide kids with strategies, tools, just right challenges, and opportunities to help them learn, grow, and become more comfortable with who they are as individuals.”

Stephanie Shimizu

Position:
Physical Therapist

Biography:
Stephanie graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Evolutionary Anthropology. She received her Doctorate from Florida International University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She completed two of her graduate school clinical rotations in pediatrics, gaining experience in hospital and outpatient settings. Stephanie was born and raised in Saratoga and is happy to be back in the South Bay Area working. She loves traveling and learning about new cultures, as well as animals, baking, hiking, scuba diving, and anything Disney!

Stephanie says:
“I grew up in a family of healthcare professionals and always knew I wanted to have a career where I could help others. After having two knee surgeries of my own, I fell in love with physical therapy. I love being able to help kids build confidence and work toward achieving their full potential while making therapy an enjoyable experience.”

Veerali Juthani

Position:
Occupational Therapist

Biography:
Veerali graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a BS and MA in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Business Administration. She received her doctorate (OTD) in occupational therapy at USC as well and completed her doctoral residency in pediatric mental health along with a fellowship in neurodevelopmental disabilities and maternal/child health. Through her residency, Veerali developed an expertise in infant and childhood mental health, with specific interests in developmental trauma and attachment. Prior to joining the DICP team, she practiced at an outpatient pediatric mental health clinic where she worked with children between the ages of 0-20 with a variety of developmental/medical/mental health diagnoses and enjoyed working with each unique child and family to best support their needs. She strongly believes that mental health is an integral part of treating a child and family holistically and is excited to utilize her background at DICP! Veerali has a certification in Sensory Integration and additional training in feeding and DIR/Floortime. Her special areas of interest are in infant and pediatric mental health, sensory processing, and trauma-informed care. She is dedicated to providing holistic, child/family-centered, relationship-based, and culturally-relevant care to all the children and families she works with to help them reach their highest potential! In her free time, Veerali enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading, spending time with her family/friends, and traveling.

Veerali has certifications in Sensory Integration, additional training in DIR/Floortime, feeding, and ACE’s, and her special areas of interest are in infant and pediatric mental health, sensory processing, and trauma-informed care.

Rumba Canine Companions for Independence® Facility Dog

Position:
CCI® Facility Dog

Biography:

Rumba was born January 10, 2018 and has been working with DICP since October 2020. Rumba lives with DICP therapist/owner Sena, and comes to work with her almost every day.

Rumba is DICP’s Canine Companions for Independence® Facility Dog. This means she is trained to work in a health care setting. Her trained skills can be utilized to enhance therapies, promote participation, and reduce anxiety for clients in professional environments. She was bred to be calm, reliable, and affectionate in order to best help the pediatric population.

Rumba Says:

“I love playing, belly rubs, holding hands (paws), and snoozing on one of my clinic dog beds. I also love helping kids in their sessions by playing balloon volleyball, Honey Bee Tree, and fetch. Kids love petting, walking, and cuddling with me and even kids who are a little frightened of dogs end up loving to pet me as I walk by.”