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
in-home therapy
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 Member | Title |
|---|---|
| Trace Jahner, CCC-SLP | Founder and CEO of Therapy Builders |
| Carly Jahner, M. S.Ed cert | Founder of Therapy Builders and Director of Operations |
| Bella Sium, M. Ed | Director of Therapy and Professional Development |
| Jordyn Jensen | Director of Operations Assistant |
| Reigh Braaten | Client and Family Relations |
| Julie Hurby | Payroll 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-SLP | Jesse Valle, CCC-SLP |
| Amanda Good, CCC-SLP | Ashleigh Burgess, CCC-SLP |
| Stef Chavez, CCC-SLP | Sara Piekarski, CCC-SLP |
| Rosann Romero, SLP-A | Carson Anway, SLP-A |
| Meredith Singleton, SLP-A | Kiana Patlan, SLP-A |
| Nell Humphries, SLP-A | Celeste Smith, SLP-A |
| Destinee Galadon, SLP-A | Selina Silvas, SLP-A |
| Hannah Graves, SLP-A | Heather Meeks, SLP-A |
| John Herrera, SLP-A | Kayla Coulssi, SLP-A |
| Cassidy Wilson, SLP-A | Heather Shelby, 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
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/L | Khushboo Gajjar, OTR/L |
| Jenifer Joachim, COTA | Leanna 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.