Meet Our Team

Hazel Pangilinan holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from the University of the Visayas, and a Master’s Degree in Learning and Teaching from De La Salle University. Furthermore, she received her Alaska History and Multi-Cultural Education Certification from Alaska Pacific University, USA. Hazel has 10+ years of experience in providing speech and language services, including working as a Speech and Language Pathologist at Fairbanks North Star Borough School District in Alaska, USA, for 3 years, and at Child Early Intervention Medical Center in the UAE for 5 years. She has a wide range of experience working with the pediatric population in both schools and clinical settings, and has provided services for children with receptive/expressive language delays, auditory processing disorders, articulation delays, phonological delays/disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, fluency disorders, and pragmatic language delays. Hazel has also received training and has experience implementing Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and Oral Placement Therapy Level 1 - TalkTools to facilitate effective and functional communication. Furthermore, she also provides speech and language workshops for families and professionals.

Kira Thomas is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist from Tempe, Arizona. Kira received her bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology from University of the Pacific, where she competed on the school’s NCAA Division 1 swim team. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kira earned her master’s degree in communication disorders and sciences from the University of Oregon. Rather than participating in hands-on learning as planned, Kira took classes remotely from her childhood bedroom (cleverly disguised as an office!) and delivered services to clients in ways that harnessed her creativity and forced her to think outside of the box. Since then, Kira has enjoyed providing services to clients across the lifespan and gained experience working in a variety of clinical settings including short-term rehab, outpatient clinics, schools and home health. Kira is passionate about early language and gestalt language learners, play-based therapy, AAC and children with autism spectrum disorder. She believes in cultivating a warm, trusting therapeutic environment and working closely with family and interdisciplinary team members to ensure carryover of skills to a variety of communication contexts. Outside of her professional life, Kira loves spending time with family, reading and exploring new places. 

Samantha Brewer received her Bachelors in Applied Sciences (Speech Pathology) from the University of Sydney and has been a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist under Speech Pathology Australia for over 5 years. She is passionate about client and family centered practice, empowering clients to become confident and happy participants in their communities. Samantha has enjoyed working with a variety of young people across home, school and community settings, with a strong focus on supporting children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, disabilities and complex communication needs. She has experience training clients and families to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to support their communication goals. She also has training in the Hanen: More Than Words program and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). After moving from Australia to Japan, Samantha spent a year working in a community daycare in Saitama and is thoroughly enjoying Japanese life and culture. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, playing the saxophone and listening to music.

Heather A. T. Staton is an ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders in 2012 from the University of Connecticut. During graduate school, Heather developed a passion for treating individuals with ABI/TBI and completed a Master’s Thesis on “The Effect of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Traumatic Brain Injury in a Single-Subject Design Study.” She presented her research at ASHA in November, 2013 and her research was later published in the journal of Aphasiology, in 2018. Heather has over 9 years of clinical experience as a SLP and has worked in both nursing facilities and acute care facilities, developing expertise in dysaphagia, and swallowing-based disorders, feeding disorders, expressive/ receptive language, fluency, voice in addition to cognitive-communication based disorders and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). Heather also has significant group-leading experience and was a co-facilitator of acute rehabilitation family-based team meetings and the sole facilitator of the TBI/ABI support group for L&M Hospital/ Yale New Haven Health in partnership with the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut for the past 8 years. Heather is certified in: SPEAK OUT! ®, Manual Therapy for Voice and Swallowing Disorders, McNeil Dysphagia Therapy and completed frequent Modified Barium Swallow Studies in her last setting.  Since the birth of her daughter, Heather has developed a special interest in pediatric/ infant feeding and is currently in the process of becoming an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  Heather is creative and passionate about assisting her clients of all ages and their families achieve their goals. Her interests include running, scuba diving and traveling with her husband and 2 daughters.

Sara Greenfield earned her bachelors degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Missouri Stare University in 2011, and received her Masters in Speech Language Pathology from North Carolina Central University in 2013. She also holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Sara has over ten years of experience providing skilled speech and language services to toddler through adulthood working in a variety of settings ranging from nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the public and cyber school systems. Most recently she was on the preschool transdisciplinary assessment team in Norfolk, Virginia to determine appropriate educational placement for children aging out of early intervention. Sara has additional training in D.I.R./Floortime model. She holds a basic certification through The International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL). The model focuses on engaging children to foster social-emotional development. In her spare time, Sara enjoys hiking, traveling, and trying new restaurants together with her husband and their two children, Trey and Adalyn. 

Emily McLemore is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist and certified in the state of Washington. She has 13 years of experience evaluating and treating children with speech and language disorders as well feeding and swallowing disorders.  Emily earned her BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Southeastern Louisiana University and her Master of Communication Disorders in Speech-Language Pathology from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. She has worked across multiple settings including: Level III and IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Outpatient, Inpatient Acute care. Emily and her family moved to Okinawa in July of 2024. When not working, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children. When she has time to herself, Emily enjoys reading, shopping, swimming and taking their golden/lab retriever for walks.

Deanna DeBye earned her Bachelors Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as her Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Minot State University in Minot, ND. She became interested in Speech-Language Pathology in high school while researching various careers for a school project. Ever since that research paper, she knew that was the  career path for her. She has over eight years of clinical experience working with clients of all ages. Prior to Shisa Care, Deanna worked at a private center in WA State planning and implementing language and literacy based curriculum to preschool children. Additionally, she provided 1:1 evaluation and therapy services for clients with auditory processing disorder, articulation and phonological delays/disorders, AAC facilitation, motor speech disorders, autism spectrum disorder and expressive and receptive language delays/disorders. Her area of interest is motor speech disorders, particularly Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She has been PROMPT Level 1 and 2 Trained since 2014 and has beginning American Sign Language skills. In her spare time, Deanna enjoys exploring Okinawa with her family, reading, and painting. 

Bethany Delancey is an ASHA certified Speech Language Pathologist. She attended New Mexico State University where she obtained a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders. Bethany has worked with the pediatric population with various medical diagnoses to provide treatment for language delays/disorders and speech sound delays/disorders. Bethany is passionate about providing caring, dynamic, skilled, and connection-first therapy. She enjoys providing play-based, child-led therapy to best support her clients. Bethany's areas of specialty include childhood apraxia of speech, gestalt language processing under the natural language acquisition framework, and early intervention. Bethany believes in providing a warm and playful environment where children can flourish in their speech and language skills! During her free time, Bethany enjoys traveling with her husband, finding the perfect coffee or tea, and spending time on the beach.

Yvette Bostick is an English-Spanish Bilingual speech-language pathologist. She is ASHA certified and  licensed in the State of Texas. She has 15 years of experience evaluating and treating children with speech and language disorders, and working with their families. Her areas of expertise include early intervention (Birth-3), bilingual/multilingual families, children with autism spectrum disorder, working with children with hearing loss, treating oral-motor speech disorders, and working on multidisciplinary teams to provide evaluations and support for children with complex needs and their caregivers.  Yvette earned her BS in Communication Sciences and disorders from the University of Texas at Austin and her MS in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas at Dallas. Since then, she has worked across settings including: local school districts, private practices, Home Health, Texas Early Childhood Intervention Services, and the children’s hospital in San Diego. She is Bridging level trained in Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT). Yvette believes in working on the whole child. It is her passion to support families and caregivers to have the tools and resources needed to help their child. It brings her so much joy to see families learn how to play together and learn together. Yvette and her family moved to Okinawa in August of 2023. When not working, Yvette enjoys adventuring with her Husband and 2 active rambunctious and loving boys.  When she has time to herself, Yvette enjoys anything related to food, shopping at local markets, and going on lunch dates with girlfriends. 

Joseph "Joe" Guerrieri is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with several years of experience working as a BCBA as well as a certified Special Education Teacher. He has received a master's degree in education from The George Washington University. He has taught in schools in the United States as well as the Middle East. After teaching in the Middle East, Joe returned to the US and became a BCBA in Salt Lake City, Utah. He provided in-home services for children and adolescence with ASD. Recently, he has provided direct services and BCBA consultation to a center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Joe is a jazz enthusiast and enjoys playing drums and learning new instruments. 

Marian Tatomir has practiced in the field of ABA and autism for over ten years. He started as a one-on-one therapist in homes and academic settings. In 2018 he became a BCaBA in behaviour analysis and in 2020, he completed a Masters in Behaviour Analysis with the Tizard Centre, Canterbury UK. Since 2021, Marian is a BCBA with experience in ABA therapy for children and young people with autism.

Lindsay Gaughran is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 13 years of experience working with children diagnosed on the autism spectrum and their families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, San Luis Obispo and a Masters of Science degree in Special Education from Montana State University. Lindsay started her career in San Diego, California providing home based ABA services, group and community based services and parent training. As a clinical supervisor, Lindsay trained new staff, provided parent training, and developed programs for home based ABA programs. She also served on many IEP teams and collaborated with nearby school districts to provide behavior intervention services and staff trainings on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Lindsay is passionate about early intervention and incorporating the whole family into services as much as possible to ensure the best outcome for long term success. 

Karen Eitniear is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 6 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She received a Master of Arts degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University.  Karen has worked in early intervention with children as young as a year old up to 18 years of age in a variety of settings. She firmly believe in family guided ABA to ensure the most effective outcomes and improve quality of life. On her personal time, she enjoys traveling, pilates, reading and exploring the beautiful island. 

Madeline Boswell received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Middle Tennessee State University and Masters of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. She has over 8 years of experience working with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum in both individual and group therapy across settings. Madie has provided ABA services to individuals in California, Tennessee, and South Caroline before moving to Okinawa.

Cheryl Richardson holds a Bachelor and Masters degrees in Science in Exceptional Education (specialization in autism) from University of Central Florida.  Cheryl has over 15 years experience helping people with autism and their families in a variety of capacities and settings.  Starting her career as an elementary school one on one paraprofessional in Orlando, FL, Cheryl obtained her teaching degree and went on to teach Special Education/Inclusion at a middle school in Jacksonville, FL.  After moving to California, Cheryl began working at an ABA clinic as a program Program Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor.  There she provided in home/community based ABA therapy, caregiver support, and group social skills development while also collaborating with other professionals who were also working along side clients to reach similar outcomes in skill improvements.   

Savannah Wilson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been in the field of ABA for around 6 years. Within that time She had the privilege of working with clients from the ages of 2 to 22 across levels and different settings. Savannah has a Bachelors in Psychological Sciences from Cal State San Marcos and a Master's of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis from University of Cincinnati. She is passionate about contributing to the kiddos and clients' independence through compassionate and assent based care, and helping give families the tools to maintain long term change. She hopes to continue to contribute to the growing field of ABA in a positive way. In her free time she loves to read, relax with friends, attend conferences when she can or travel. 

Samantha Ramirez received her BS in psychology from Texas A&M University in 2012. She started working in the field of ABA as a behavioral interventionist in California 2014 to 2016. She then worked as an RBT in New Orleans from 2018 to 2019. After moving to North Carolina, Samantha worked as an RBT from 2019 to 2022 while earning her MA in ABA from Ball State University. After receiving her masters and earning her BACB certification, she then worked as a BCBA in North Carolina from December 2022 to June 2024 before PCSing to Okinawa. A total of approximately 8 years in ABA. she has worked with autistic individuals aged 2-17 years old in the clinic, home and daycare settings. Hobbies include video games, taking care of her two golden retrievers,  and exploring new areas/countries/cultures. 

Reyna Ball is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 12 years of experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Phycology and Social Behavior from the University of California Irvine in 2013. She started working as a skills technician soon after graduation in the home setting in California. Reyna then relocated to Hawaii where she earned her RBT certification and worked with children in the school and clinic setting for 3 years. Reyna then relocated back to California where she worked with children in the home setting as well as earned a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Arizona State University in 2018. Reyna earned her board certification in 2019 and has since provided supervision to program managers, student analyst, RBTs and behavior assistants. Reyna has experience conducting initial evaluations for various funding sources, providing in person and telehealth parent trainings, and providing direct services to children on the autism spectrum. Reyna recently relocated to Okinawa Japan due to her husband’s military orders in February 2025. In her free time, Reyna enjoys doing puzzles, listening to audio books, and doing crafting activities with her two daughters. 

Madeline Mata is a Registered Behavior Technician who is passionate about making a positive difference in each client's and their family's life through ABA. She has over three years of experience as a RBT in home, clinical, community, and public school settings. Madeline has worked with children with autism of all ages. Madeline's passion of working in the ABA field began in Hawaii and she is excited to continue in Okinawa. When not working, Madeline enjoys going to the beach with her husband and dog, looking for shells, and making jewelry.

Maria Russell grew up in Germany where she received most of her formal education including education in business administration and retail management. Maria is bilingual and fluent in German and English. She spent most of her life in Germany until she met and married her husband in 2006. Since then she has spent the past 18 years as a military spouse and gone where the Marine Corps has directed. She and her family of 8 have spent most of that time overseas and this is their 3rd time in Okinawa. Maria has worked hard to create her community at each duty station through volunteerism, hard work, and dedication. She has been in various roles including a Family Readiness Assistant, volunteered with the Marine Gift Shop, and has become a L.I.N.K.S Mentor. Her passion also lies with supporting the Marines and their families through deployments and over the years has served families through their darkest hours. At their last duty station Maria discovered her newest passion in providing support to Adults with developmental disabilities, as an Direct Care Staff for 2 1/2 years in Missouri. She is very excited to join the ABA field and support families here on Okinawa. In her free time, Maria spends time her family exploring Okinawa and try out new eateries.

Chelsea Toledo received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a minor in Psychology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus. She has worked as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist in Hawaii and Okinawa for over 8 years. Although she is new to the ABA field as a RBT, she has worked with families and children majority of her career. Chelsea is very interested in the positive impact ABA has on children and families and excited to continue my knowledge in the field. 

Jamie Young is a Board-Certified Occupational Therapist with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. With over 18 years of clinical experience, she has worked across a broad range of settings including outpatient pediatrics, non-profit services for at-risk youth, subacute care, long-term care, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities. While practicing in her hometown of San Francisco, Jamie initiated a clinical task force focused on geriatric cognition, group therapy, and managing medically complex cases. Her dedication to both clinical excellence and mentorship led her into management roles and, eventually, to the Hawaiian Islands, where she worked as a travel therapist and consultant. There, she helped design and launch the OT program for an innovative redevelopment project transforming a former medical campus into an all-inclusive healthcare and senior living community. Jamie holds advanced certification in Physical Agent Modalities and brings a passionate, holistic approach to therapy. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, cooking, beach days, and making lifelong memories in Okinawa with her husband and toddler.

Allison Harrison is a Board Certified Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience. She completed her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy (MScOT) at Winston-Salem State University and bachelor's degree in Psychology at Mercer University.  After completing her MScOT, Allison began her career working as a traveling therapist and developed her skills in a variety of adult and pediatric settings.  During this time, she found her passion working with the pediatric population. For the past 5 years, Allison has enjoyed working predominantly as a school-based therapist.  She specializes in developmental delays, sensory processing concerns, and visual-motor and visual perceptual skill development.  During her free time, Allison enjoys playing pickle ball, hiking with her dog, and walking along the Sunabe seawall with her husband and toddler. Allison is excited to work with clients and their families and strongly believes in a collaborative therapeutic environment. 

Andrea Emerick  graduated from the University of Kansas Medical Center in May of 2023 with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy along with her bachelor's degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. During her first year of practice she has worked with pediatrics in the outpatient setting and in-home private practice as well as with adults requiring upper extremity rehabilitation in the outpatient setting. Andrea is originally from Kansas, and with her husband being in the Marine Corps they lived in North Carolina, Virginia and just PCS'd to Okinawa in August of 2024! In her free time, she loves to socialize with friends, cook new recipes, read books, and travel to new places. 

Victoria Ritter, MSc, OTR/L holds a BSc in Occupational Therapy from Oslo University College and a MSc in Occupational Therapy from Oslo Metropolitan University, both in Norway. With 14 years of diverse clinical experience, she has worked extensively in adult specialized rehabilitation in Norway, and pediatric occupational therapy in the United States. Her professional background includes neurorehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, and pediatric re/habilitation. Victoria is also certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Norway, and holds a specialization in primitive reflex integration. Passionate about promoting quality of life, self-efficacy, and optimal airway health, Victoria is deeply committed to helping individuals reach their full potential. She has authored five research articles focusing on topics such as mental health, Parkinson’s disease, quality of life, and self-efficacy, and she aspires to continue contributing to the advancement of occupational therapy research. In her free time, Victoria enjoys traveling the world with friends and family, as well as spending time on creative projects and beach outings with her husband, son, and daughter.

Renee Stansbury was born and raised in Virginia. She completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at the University of Tennessee. Renee went on to get her Masters in OT at Milligan College in Johnson City, TN. She enjoys going to the beach with her husband and 3 girls Evie, Zoey and Iden, working out, anything outdoors and sports related. 

Kiara Ainsworth is a Board Certified Occupational Therapist from San Antonio, TX. She has a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Kiara has experience in working with the adult and older adult population in the hospital setting. Kiara's favorite occupations are working out, traveling, and trying new restaurants. She is excited to expand her clinical skills and learning in pediatrics. 

Dr. Claire Doroff earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University. She then completed specialty training in pelvic floor therapy with the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.  Claire decided to become a pelvic floor therapist after witnessing the life-changing impacts it can have for patients. She is passionate about health and fitness as well as helping people heal from chronic pain. Claire incorporates a holistic approach in her clinical practice to help men and women resolve their symptoms and return to a healthier, happier life. Additionally, she specializes in treating various orthopedic conditions, including neck and back pain. When she is not in the clinic, Claire enjoys weightlifting, reading, hiking, and playing tennis. In addition, she is a travel enthusiast and has visited 20 countries and counting.

Kiana Oakry-Clay is a board-certified, licensed Physical Therapist with her doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She also received her bachelor's in kinesiology from San Diego State University. Kiana has primarily worked in outpatient clinics with ages ranging from newborn to geriatrics. She loves the creativity and challenge that comes with working with pediatrics but also the rewarding nature of helping other adults reach their goals. In her free time, I enjoy going to the beach, trying new food, and spending time with my husband, daughter and two dogs.

Uta Ishida is a Physical Therapist with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy from Nagoya University. She has over ten years of experience in pediatric PT for both inpatient/outpatient settings in Aichi, Japan. She moved to New York State, USA with her family in December, 2019, and she obtained a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in New York State, USA. She treated children in an outpatient clinic and a preschool with an early intervention program for children. Although her specialty is pediatric PT, she also treated adults in an orthopedic outpatient clinic. After working as a PTA in the United States for two years, she moved to Okinawa in March 2024. Having worked in two countries, the US and Japan, she aims to provide therapy that incorporates the best of both worlds to support children, adults and their families. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, yoga and spending time outside at a park and beach with her three children and husband.

Aubry Phelps is a doctor of physical therapy from the University of New Mexico with an experience working with a variety of adult populations in both hospital and outpatient settings. She has special training and a passion to work with individuals with amputations. In her free time, Aubry loves to trail run, grow her plant collection and go on adventures with her husband. 

Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr., PsyD, is a U.S.-licensed clinical and forensic psychologist with over 18 years of professional experience specializing in neurodiversity assessment and treatment. He earned his PsyD from the American School of Professional Psychology, following an MA in Professional Counseling from Amberton University and a BS in Psychology and Political Science from Texas A&M University. Currently based in Okinawa, Japan, Dr. Smith provides comprehensive evaluations for ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. His integrative assessment approach blends rigorous diagnostic methods with culturally responsive practices, emphasizing collaboration with clients and families to deliver personalized, practical recommendations. Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has served diverse populations, including military personnel, forensic clients, and international communities. He maintains a clinical interest in cognitive-behavioral therapies and solution-focused interventions designed to empower clients toward greater self-awareness and independence. He is the best-selling author/co-author of three books and editor of The ADHD Review, an online professional journal. In his personal time, Dr. Smith enjoys scuba diving, traveling extensively across Asia, and actively learning Japanese. He is passionate about cross-cultural understanding, advocacy for neurodivergent individuals, and contributing to his community through education and outreach.

Rachel Glazer is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 25 years of clinical experience. She earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Teachers College at Columbia University. Prior to relocating to Okinawa, Rachel worked with Pristine Rehab Care in California during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing virtual therapy and parent training. The majority of Rachel’s career was spent serving children and families in New York City hospitals while raising her two daughters with her husband. She was a key member of the rehabilitation teams at NYU Langone Orthopedic Health and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s Early Intervention Program, where she received specialized training in treating medically complex pediatric patients with communication disorders related to musculoskeletal, cognitive, and severe pragmatic-language challenges. Rachel has also consulted for specialized programs including Birth to Three, Preemie, and Craniofacial Clinics. She is PROMPT-trained and experienced in working with AAC devices. Her clinical expertise focuses on toddlers through school-aged children, with a special interest in early language development, phonology, and literacy.

Elizabeth Wilson received her bachelors degree in communicative disorders and deaf education, as well as a masters degree in speech language pathology at Utah State University in 2009 and 2011.  She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Liz love exploring new parks and hiking trails here in Japan with her husband and four children. 

Anna Carey- Tiedtke earned her Bachelor's and Masters degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Southeast Missouri State University. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Language Hearing Association (ASHA). With over 10 years experience, Anna has worked in private practice, the home health setting as well as the schools, treating clients across the lifespan. Her expertise includes receptive/expressive language delay, auditory processing disorder, articulation delay, phonological delay/disorder, autism spectrum disorder, fluency disorders, and pragmatic language disorders. Anna is also trained and experienced in Alternative and Augmentative Communication/AAC), Picture Exchange Communication System/PECS and literacy based language systems (Lindamood-Bell). She is passionate about helping others find their voice and reach their individual and collective goals. Outside of her professional life, Anna enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling with her husband and son and going to hikes with her dog. 

Poey (Wai Yu) Cheung is a Board Certified Behavior with extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum and other special educational needs in a variety of settings, such as home settings, schools, and medical centers. She completed her master’s degree in Applied Behavioural Analysis and bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bangor University, Wales. Prior to joining ShisaCare, Poey began her career as an ABA therapist for children and young people with special educational needs in the UK. She also has experience in providing 1:1 direct service, staff training, and workshops. Poey is looking forward to working with different students and making a positive change in their lives and educational paths. Outside of work, Poey enjoys traveling, cooking, eating, driving, and aerial yoga.

Ana Kanaoka is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 8 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She has worked with children from 3-15 years old diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other disabilities. Ana has experience working with children with special needs in various settings, such as homes, schools, and support centers. She has worked with families from different backgrounds such as Ukraine, Brazil, US, UK, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Italy, China, and Korea. Ana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Disability Sciences from the University of Tsukuba (Japan), and a Master of Arts in Disability Sciences, from the same university. Ana was born in Brazil, but she was brought up in Japan.  She is fluent in Portuguese, Japanese, and English. Her passion is to provide a good quality service so that her clients can attain a better quality of life. 

Bethany Royer is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with five years of professional experience and a strong passion for supporting individuals with disabilities. While her primary expertise lies in working with children with autism, she has also served both pediatric and adult populations. Bethany is deeply committed to evidence-based practice and has a keen interest in contributing to the field through research. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology to further expand her knowledge and enhance the quality of care she provides. Growing up with an older sibling with autism, Bethany brings a unique and personal perspective to her work. She understands the challenges families face and values the vital role of family involvement in therapy. Outside of her clinical work, Bethany enjoys spending time with her husband and Siamese cat, staying active through exercise and hiking, cooking and baking, writing, and participating in her local chapel and community. Bethany is dedicated to empowering families and supporting each child’s success through compassionate and collaborative care.

Megan Jacobs is a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) with five years of experience working with children with autism, ranging in age from 3 to 16 years old. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University and became a certified BCaBA in February 2023. In Spring 2024, Megan will begin her Master’s program in Exceptional Student Education and Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of West Florida, further advancing her knowledge and skills in the field. Megan began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and is passionate about making meaningful connections with the children and families she supports. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, swimming, and exploring Japan with her husband and two daughters.

Brittany Kelleher has her bachelors degree in Human Services with a concentration on child and family from Southern NewHampshire University. She plans to start the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (MSABA) program at National University working towards becoming BCBA certified. Brittany have worked with infants up to the age of 14 in private schools, yochiens, public schools, and in before/afterschool programs. She is a current para-professional for the LIMMS special education department at Yokosuka Middle School where she has enjoyed working full time since 2023. Brittany enjoys spending time with her two daughters, two sphynx cats, and her husband. 

Elsa J. Loza is an English-Spanish bilingual speaker who is training to become a Registered Behavior Technician. She is gaining experience evaluating and treating children with Behavioral disorders. Elsa earned her BA in Psychology Cum Laude from the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, MD and her AS in Psychology at Southwestern Community college in San Diego, CA. Over the course of her career, she has gained valuable experience volunteering in diverse settings, such as a children’s elementary school and Paws (Rota) animal shelter. Committed to a holistic approach, Elsa is passionate about empowering families with the tools and resources they need to foster their child’s development. It is her joy to see families engage in meaningful learning and play together. Recently, Elsa and her family relocated to Yokosuka, where she is excited to begin her new position and contribute her expertise to the community. In her downtime, she enjoys exploring local adventures with her husband and her Pomeranian, as well as indulging her interests in culinary pursuits, local markets, and social tea times with friends.

Danielle Gutierrez is a Nationally and State Board Certified Occupational Therapist, boasting over a decade of experience. She holds dual Master's degrees from the University of St. Augustine in California and the University of West Florida in Exercise Science. Her extensive career spans diverse settings, reflecting the transient nature of military spouse life. She initiated her journey with a significant internship at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, contributing to research studies on Orthopedic Outpatient Medical Care. Her broad experience encompasses Acute Care Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Pediatric Outpatient, and Orthopedic Outpatient Care across four states and two countries. In the past five years, Danielle has specialized in Clinical Pediatric Practice, earning her ADHD Rehabilitation Services Provider certification in 2023. Additionally, she is a certified 200 hour trained Yoga Teacher, dedicated to children's yoga to enhance focus, mindfulness, and alleviate anxiety and depression among the young population. Danielle is also an author, having written "Yoga Adventures for Kids - Empathy," a children's yoga book that combines movement and mindfulness. The book follows a fun movement pattern with a guided story, designed to engage kids and teach them about empathy. This addition to her repertoire showcases her dedication to holistic child development. 

Kylie Williams graduated from Baptist Health College Little Rock in May of 2023 with an Associate of Applied Science for Occupational Therapy Assistant. She is certified by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Kylie did 2 clinical rotations at day cares where she founds that she really enjoyed working in pediatrics. She looks forward to connecting with clients and helping them achieve their goals.

Sin Hye (Cindy) Wang is a holistic, client-centered occupational therapist with experience in pediatrics, skilled nursing, and acute care. She earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2023 and has worked with a wide range of adult and pediatric conditions. Cindy presented her doctoral research, “The Occupational Needs of Military Spouses During Deployments,” at the 2023 OTAC Annual Conference, reflecting her commitment to supporting military families and underserved populations. Fluent in English and Korean, and currently learning Chinese and Japanese, she embraces cultural diversity to connect with clients. Outside of work, she is a matcha enthusiast, professional photographer, and passionate language lover on a mission to become a polyglot!

Mary Grace J. Douglas, PT, is a Licensed Physical Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience across a broad spectrum of specialties including orthopedics, pelvic health, chronic pain, neurology, cardiopulmonary care, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Since 2013, she has worked in diverse physical therapy settings throughout the United States, including outpatient rehabilitation, home health, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities. She holds certification in dry needling and currently specializes in orthopedic and pelvic floor rehabilitation. Mary Grace is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for her patients by helping them regain function and independence, while also promoting wellness and injury prevention. As a proud military spouse and mother of three, she brings a compassionate, family-centered perspective to her clinical practice.

Emily DelleDonne is a Licensed Physical Therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience spanning a wide array of specialties, including CranioSacral Therapy for patients from newborns to adults, breastfeeding difficulties in infants, infant torticollis and plagiocephaly, spinal conditions, concussion management, vestibular/vertigo rehabilitation, orthopedics, and chronic pain. She earned both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy from the University of New England and holds a state license in Maine. Emily has worked in a variety of settings such as outpatient rehabilitation, birthing units, centering programs, postpartum (“fourth trimester”) care, inpatient services, aquatic therapy, home health, virtual care, and skilled nursing facilities. She has a strong passion for CranioSacral Therapy and has developed specialized programming and seminars to address complex conditions across the lifespan—from infants with feeding difficulties to adults with concussion and vestibular disorders. In addition to her clinical work, Emily is a certified CPR/BLS instructor with the American Red Cross and an active advocate for her son, who lives with severe ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Together with her husband and their two energetic sons, Emily enjoys exploring Japan, hiking, and engaging in her local community. She believes in a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to care, empowering her patients to become active participants in achieving their wellness goals.

Jordyn Davis-Pope is a licensed clinical social worker, and received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Washington in 2017. She believes that many of the issues we face are rooted in "stuck" memories-those caused by any number of painful or traumatic events that continue to cause distress in our daily lives. This distress may arise in the form of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and any number of other forms. She believes in developing a collaborative treatment plan with you, built from a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that centers you and your individual needs. She utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and SFT (Solutions Focused Therapy), and works with people of all genders. She has prior experience working in diverse areas including domestic violence shelters, city prosecutor's office, public schools, and community mental health centers.

Katie Crawford is an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist who received her undergraduate bachelor’s degree from University of Washington where she participated in research how babies form language and participated in the early research of ABA therapy. Then she graduate degree from NOVA Southeastern University, with a focus on Augmentative and Alternative forms of communication.  Katie has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 12 years, taking a break in the middle of her career to raise her three children and travel the world with her military husband.  Before being a SLP Katie was a Speech pathologist assistant for 5 years in Oregon.  Katie has worked mostly with children in Oregon, Florida, Japan, and recently leaving her position in Williamsburg Virginia at the early intervention center of Bright Beginnings to start her position here in Japan.  Katie has been an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Specialist in northwestern Oregon training children and teachers how to use all modalities for communication and assessing children for AAC devices.  Katie is trained in AAC, PECS, gestalt language development, and Kaufman approach to apraxia.  Katie’s approach to therapy is play based and neurodiversity affirming while helping all children reach their communication potentials.  During Katie’s free time she likes to spend time exploring with her friends and family.

Coming Soon!

Melody Mello is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 6 years of experience in the field of ABA. She received her Masters of Science in Education in Educational Psychology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas (Sic' Em Bears). Over the last 6 years, Melody has worked in home, clinic, and community settings with children, adolescents, and adults with autism. Melody is certified in PEAK (level 1) and constantly seeks to improve her practice for the benefit of her clients. Outside of work, Melody enjoys bouldering, hiking, video games, and traveling. 

Kaylynn has been working in ABA for 15 years, 7 of which have been as a BCBA. She graduated from Lycoming College with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Education. She received her Master’s in Professional Behavior Analysis from (FIT) Florida Institute of Technology. Kaylynn has provided ABA services across 3 states and 2 countries, with the majority of her career in North County San Diego. She is a military spouse and mom to a very energetic 3 year old. 

Jessi Pryt is a passionate pediatric occupational therapist with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. She completed her residency at a school specializing in autism, where she developed a program to teach teachers and classroom staff sensory processing and self-regulation strategies for students in self-contained special education programs. With experience in non-public school agencies, public school districts, and outpatient pediatric clinics, Jessi has supported children as young as 2 years old and young adults up to 24 years old, focusing on fostering independence and success in activities of daily living (ADLs). She is deeply committed to working with children and families, helping them thrive through individualized therapy intervention and strategies. In her free time, Jessi enjoys travel, exercise, cooking, and trying new restuarants.

Kiyoe Matsuda has worked in service industry and sales. For ten years she was an Advisor in company showrooms. After that, she worked as sales for five years. Through this work, she started to think that she wanted to help people more. Due to her experience in sales, Kiyoe is interested in Marketings  and culture of Okinawa. Her hobbies include driving, reading, cooking and travel. She traveled to New York, where she took dancing lessons. In her free time, she also likes to relax at a cafe.

Yumiko Smith-Yoshimura earned her Bachelor's degree in Global Communication and Language from Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka,Japan. She has also studied abroad at the University of Louisville in Kentucky,the U.S. She is applying her previous experience in administrative work and English communication from her former job in real estate to her current role at ShisaCare. She also looks forward to gaining new experiences and meeting new people every day!

Dani González holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Theological Institute of Mexican Mission Mobilization. She brings extensive experience working with children facing various challenges, including poverty, parental alcoholism, and drug addiction. Dani has furthered her expertise by undergoing training in Guatemala for individuals working with children and teenagers. Her passion for assisting others has led her to live in different countries such as Chile, Spain Turkey, and now Japan, where she continues to seek opportunities for growth and learning. Dani is enthusiastic about exploring diverse cultures and is dedicated to expanding her language skills.

Tomé Figueiredo holds a degree in Psychomotor Therapy from Faculdade de Motricidade Humana in Lisbon, Portugal, and also studied abroad at VIA university College in Randers, Denmark. With hands-on experience as a Trainee Specialist Education Assistant, Support Worker with young refugees, and Youth Worker, he has a deep understanding of how to connect with and support young people and people with special needs.

Tomé is recognized for his strong organizational skills and proactive, positive attitude. He is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both clients and colleagues. Driven by a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact in people´s lives, helping people grow and become the best version of themselves.

“Beneath every behaviour there is a feeling and beneath every feeling there is a need”

Julia Yagi holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Wyoming. With a passion for international experiences, she volunteered at a hospital in China and worked for an IT company in Tokyo. Julia also completed healthcare-related preparatory courses in Wyoming. As a hard of hearing individual, she is dedicated to connecting with others and is currently pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy in Japan. In her free time, Julia enjoys outdoor activities and exploring local cafes.

Coming soon!

Erika Yagi is our authorization tracker at ShisaCare and a PhD candidate in Social Science & Comparative Education at UCLA. Her research field focuses on Third Culture Kids’ (TCK) home-language retention in the context of learning barriers. She also received her master’s degree in Education from UCLA. Prior to attending UCLA, Erika obtained her B.A. in Elementary Education and German from the University of Wyoming, and worked as an elementary school teacher at an international school in Cameroon. She is passionate about teaching in both of her home languages; English and Japanese.

Coming Soon!

Randy Glazer joins us from America, where he has previously worked as CHRO for various service-oriented organizations.  Randy attained an Ed.D. focusing in data analytics, an M.S. with specialization in arbitration and collective bargaining and a BA in Speech Communications. He administers our Human Resources function, with particular emphasis on recruitment and selection.  Randy has quickly developed a love for Japan and the Hanshin Tigers baseball team.

Marisa Yagi Connelly, the founder of Yagi Speech,Inc. created this company to provide quality speech/language services to the international community. She has a bachelor's degree in Art, a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders, and a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, all from the University of Wyoming. She has experience in numerous clinical settings including public schools, private schools, charter schools, hospitals, private tutoring, and early intervention clinics. She is accredited by the American Speech and Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming professional certifications. She developed the idea for this company after living in many countries and noticing unmet demand for accessible and affordable speech/language services focused on the international and bilingual community. She has lived, worked, and studied in the United States, Japan, Egypt, Kenya, and Cameroon. She is a native bilingual in English and Japanese.