Meet The ITS Team

History of ITS

Irvine Therapy Services was founded in 1980 by Betty Romero, MA, OTR/L, at the suggestion of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, pioneer, researcher and teacher in the field of sensory integration and occupational therapy. Dr. Ayres saw the need for a pediatric occupational therapy practice that utilized the Ayres Sensory Integration® techniques in Orange County. ITS thereby became the first pediatric occupational therapy clinic to open its doors to the children of Orange County in November 1980 .

When Betty retired from the practice in 1996, Priya Mohan, MA, OTR/L took over as Director of Irvine Therapy Services. Priya recently retired in August of 2021 and the practice is now run by Aparna Guttery, MA, OTR/L and Jennie Ni, MS, OTR/L, previous ITS employees. Aparna and Jennie have diverse, pediatric experiences and have each been working as occupational therapists for over 20 years, bringing a collective 40 years of knowledge and experience caring for children and their families. They are looking forward to expanding ITS to provide speech therapy, DIRFloortime and other services to empower families and the community.

Our Amazing Team

At Irvine Therapy Services, we are proud to have a highly skilled and compassionate team of licensed and registered Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). Our therapists bring advanced training and a deep understanding of child development to every session. We are certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and have specialized expertise in sensory integration evaluation and treatment techniques.

Our SLPs also incorporate principles of sensory integration into their therapy when appropriate, and both our OT and SLP teams include Certified DIRFloortime® (Developmental, Individual differences, Relationships-based) practitioners.

Together, our therapists have extensive backgrounds in areas such as play-based therapy, neuroanatomy, sensory-motor integration, oral-motor function, handwriting development, and social-emotional growth. We take a holistic, relationship-centered approach to care—collaborating closely with families, educators, and other professionals to support each child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. Our mission is to enhance every child’s functional abilities and overall quality of life in meaningful, lasting ways.

Aparna Guttery, MA, OTR/L is a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families through every stage of development. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and holds advanced certification in Sensory Integration through the USC/WPS program.

Aparna has worked across a wide range of settings—including clinics, homes, schools, and community programs—serving children of all ages with diverse needs. She has played a leading role in building occupational therapy departments for multidisciplinary centers specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders, and has created group-based programs that support social connection, motor skills, and play.

Before becoming co-owner of Irvine Therapy Services, Aparna ran her own private practice for a decade. She brings creativity and innovation to her work—most recently designing a patent-pending Sensory Backpack, a wearable tool developed to provide calming input and support self-regulation across environments.

Aparna is deeply committed to empowering families and helping children access their fullest potential. Her therapy style is rooted in connection, creativity, and a belief that meaningful progress happens when kids feel safe, supported, and understood.

Jennie Ni, MS, OTR/L is a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience helping children and families thrive. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Zoology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University in Boston.

Jennie has completed advanced training in sensory integration through the USC Sensory Integration Certificate Program, is certified in Handwriting Without Tears® (Level 1), and is trained in the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), and DIRFloortime® (Basic Certification). Her approach is rooted in building strong relationships, supporting regulation and development, and tailoring strategies to each individual’s unique strengths and needs.

Before becoming co-owner of Irvine Therapy Services, Jennie spent 16 years working in the schools with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. She’s proud to have helped develop collaborative preschool groups for their Autism Program and was honored with two grants from the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation for her innovative work.

Jennie is passionate about partnering with families and believes that empowering caregivers is essential to a child’s progress. She strives to make therapy a collaborative and supportive experience, where families feel confident and equipped with tools to support their child beyond the clinic walls.

Today, Jennie continues to grow her practice by working not only with young children, but also with teens and adults. She integrates tools like the Safe and Sound Protocol and DIRFloortime into sessions and also offers Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) to support families navigating special education services. Her goal is always to create a safe, connected, and empowering space for her clients and their families.

Jennifer Pon, MA, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist who brings warmth, dedication, and over 15 years of experience to her work with children and families. Her passion for working with kids began early—volunteering in children’s ministries at her church—and grew into a lifelong calling to support children with diverse needs.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine, where she first discovered her love for the holistic and multidisciplinary nature of occupational therapy. She went on to complete her Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California and joined the Irvine Therapy Services team in 2008.

In her therapy sessions, Jennifer uses a combination of sensory integration, sensory-motor, and developmental approaches to support motor development, promote independence in daily activities, and help children grow through play. She is certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT), is trained in the Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and is also familiar with the Handwriting Without Tears® (HWT) program.

Jennifer is deeply committed to helping each child she works with reach their fullest potential, while also supporting families on their journey. Outside the clinic, she enjoys reading, crafting, spending time outdoors, and cheering on her favorite L.A. sports teams.

Amanda Harpst, MA, CCC-SLP is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who brings nearly two decades of experience, a love of language, and a deep appreciation for family-centered care to her work. She earned her Master’s in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Northridge, and holds a Bachelor’s in English Literature from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Amanda first joined Irvine Therapy Services in 2012 when she launched her own private practice out of a single room at ITS. As her practice grew, so did her dedication to supporting families. In 2018, Amanda sold her business to spend more time with her growing family. During that chapter, she continued to gain valuable experience—supervising graduate students, teaching in the Speech Pathology Department at Cal Baptist University, supporting parents through online groups, and providing therapy in both home and virtual settings.

In 2023, Amanda returned to Irvine Therapy Services and has since become the Director of Speech Therapy. She now leads the expansion of ITS’s speech services, collaborating closely with the occupational therapy team to offer an integrated, whole-child approach.

Amanda has advanced training in DIRFloortime®, Lindamood-Bell® Reading Programs, and Gestalt Language Processing. She is passionate about working with neurodivergent children and families through play-based, sensory-rich therapy that builds meaningful communication in joyful and natural ways.

A California native, Amanda loves spending time outdoors with her three kids (one daughter, two sons), and their cat George. When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll likely find her jogging, hiking, road-tripping, or having a movie night with her family.

Melanie Bruss, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children and families. Her career has always been rooted in a deep commitment to supporting child development—beginning with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Cape Town, followed by a post-graduate Higher Diploma in Education and an Honors degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa.

Melanie spent several years as both an educator and preschool director before pursuing her long-time goal of helping children with special needs through occupational therapy. She earned her post-graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1996. She then spent four years at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, gaining valuable experience in acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings, working with infants, toddlers, and children with a wide range of physical and developmental needs.

Melanie joined the Irvine Therapy Services team in 2000 and has been a dedicated member ever since. She uses a play-based, relationship-centered approach to help children build confidence and reach their full potential. She believes deeply in partnering with parents throughout the therapy process to create lasting, meaningful growth.

Melanie is certified to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and is a trained provider of Integrated Listening Systems (iLs). Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her twin children, as well as gardening and painting.

Tamara (Tami) Mangum, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist who brings over three decades of experience and a heart for helping children succeed at every stage of development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Development from California State University, Fullerton, and went on to complete a second Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California.

Tami has dedicated her career to working with children of all abilities across a wide range of settings—including neonatal intensive care, pediatric rehabilitation, school-based services, and outpatient clinics. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of pediatric care, and her approach is grounded in compassion, play, and the belief that every child can make meaningful progress.

She has been a valued part of the Irvine Therapy Services team since 2001 and is certified in the administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT). Most recently, Tami has helped develop interoception and self-regulation groups, bringing those programs into both the clinic and the community to support children in understanding and managing their internal experiences.

Outside of the clinic, Tami enjoys beach volleyball, traveling, and homeschooling her children. Her passion for helping kids thrive is matched by her commitment to creating supportive, collaborative spaces where families feel empowered and engaged in the therapeutic process.

Stacey, OTD, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist with a passion for empowering children and families through a neuro-affirming, relationship-centered approach. She earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology from UC San Diego.

Stacey has worked with children across a variety of educational and therapeutic settings, supporting the development of essential life skills through individualized, evidence-based interventions. She built a strong foundation in sensory integration during her clinical fieldwork and also gained experience in adult hand therapy—giving her a well-rounded perspective on function and care across the lifespan.

For her doctoral Capstone Project, Stacey created and led a workshop focused on the role of occupational therapy in supporting foster youth as they transition into higher education and career exploration. This advocacy work is especially meaningful to her, and she remains deeply committed to helping underserved populations access the tools and support they need to thrive.

Stacey brings creativity, compassion, and a collaborative spirit to every session. Outside the clinic, she enjoys traveling with her husband, trying new restaurants, spending time with her two cats, and expressing her creativity through art and design.

Heather Bocianski, MS, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist who is passionate about helping children and families thrive in their daily lives. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in music from Azusa Pacific University, and later completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Before entering the field of occupational therapy, Heather worked with young adults in college settings, where she discovered her passion for supporting others in achieving their goals. This led her to OT—a field that allows her to combine compassion, creativity, and advocacy to empower individuals of all ages to participate more fully in the activities that matter most to them.

Heather has always loved working with children and brings experience from a wide range of settings, including summer camps, youth programs, schools, and early intervention. As a mother of two young children herself, she brings a personal understanding of child development and family dynamics to her work.

Heather believes in partnering closely with families to create a positive, collaborative, and playful therapy experience. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, backpacking, and scuba diving—and loves discovering new restaurants or sharing a good cup of coffee with friends.

Carina, MA, CCC-SLP is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who brings a joyful, relationship-centered approach to her work with children and families. She holds a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from San Diego State University and earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Human Development and Psychology from the University of California, Davis. Her clinical experience spans a variety of settings—including homes, schools, and clinics—working with children from early intervention through adolescence.

Carina is a Certified DIRFloortime® (Developmental, Individual differences, Relationships-based) Therapist who specializes in strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming play therapy. Her warm and responsive style supports emotional regulation, sensory processing, and social-emotional development through deeply connected therapeutic relationships. In her sessions, Carina focuses on discovering what brings a child joy—then uses those meaningful, motivating experiences to foster communication and growth in ways that feel natural and safe.

She believes in prioritizing connection over compliance, intention over direction, and interaction over instruction. Her work is rooted in co-regulation, viewing it as the foundation for building trust, engagement, and expressive language.

Carina is passionate about celebrating neurodiversity and advocating for every child’s unique way of experiencing the world. When she’s not making silly faces or acting out animal characters alongside her clients, you’ll likely find her doing yoga, writing creatively, or re-decorating a cozy space just for fun.

Juliana, OTR/L (she/her) is a licensed occupational therapist who brings creativity, compassion, and a collaborative spirit to her work with children and families. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton.

Juliana has experience working with people across the lifespan in diverse settings, including early intervention, community-based pediatrics, agriculture-based rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, and outpatient mental health. She believes that strong therapeutic relationships are the foundation of effective therapy—and she prioritizes creating a space that is safe, meaningful, and centered around the child and family’s goals.

Before entering the field of occupational therapy, Juliana spent several years in the corporate world as a human resources and recruiting professional at companies such as Target Corporation, Apple, and Tesla. That experience helped her build valuable interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills—all of which she now brings into her clinical work to connect authentically with children, families, and colleagues.

At Irvine Therapy Services, Juliana is passionate about using evidence-based, play-centered approaches that meet each child where they are. In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving, free diving, attending plays and musicals, and going on adventures with her husband and young son.

Athalie is the friendly face you’ll often see at the front desk when you walk into Irvine Therapy Services. As our Office Assistant, she helps keep everything running smoothly—from greeting families with a warm welcome to coordinating schedules, organizing paperwork, and sending out our monthly newsletters.

Athalie holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton, and recently earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Dallas, TX. She is currently in the process of obtaining her occupational therapy license.

With experience across pediatric, adult, and senior care settings during her clinical rotations, Athalie brings a strong foundation in healthcare, along with a passion for supporting others. Her positive attitude, attention to detail, and love for building connections make her a valued member of our team.

Outside of the office, Athalie enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and relaxing with a good movie.

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