Liz has always had a passion for working with children and her caring personality helps to make a meaningful and effective therapeutic relationship. As the director of Pure Pediatric Therapy, Liz feels that the family and the child’s overall outcomes play an important role in therapy, and Liz strives to include them both in daily treatment. Liz is especially passionate about working with children who have oral motor and feeding concerns, and has worked with infants and children of all ages in a variety of settings, including the neonatal intensive care unit, outpatient pediatrics, sensory integration clinics, and school systems.

Education:

• Bachelors of Science, Therapeutic Studies, Boston University
• Masters of Science, Occupational Therapy, Boston University
• Advanced Practice Certification in Feeding and Swallowing (SWC)

Liz has experience in treating children and infants of all ages with multiple diagnoses. She has had extensive training and certification in oral motor feeding and swallowing assessment, evaluation, and intervention for infants and children. Liz has a vast understanding of infant and child development and strives to help each child and family reach their fullest potential through fun and individualized occupational therapy treatment. In addition, Liz provides each family with a comprehensive home program complete with activities that are engaging and easily implemented into a daily routine for maximum carryover and skill development.

In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her husband and her two children, going to the movies, and traveling.

Ali earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. Throughout her educational career she worked with individuals of all ages in diverse settings (outpatient pediatrics, preschools, inpatient rehabilitation, inpatient psychiatry, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient hand therapy).  Ali has always enjoyed working with children and knew pediatrics was the best fit for her.

Her career started in Denver, Colorado at a multidisciplinary pediatric clinic where she collaborated with and learned from many other providers. She completed further education courses in sensory integration and self-regulation which included Therapeutic Listening; Self-Regulation Intervention using Neuroscience, Sensory Processing Theory, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques; as well as oral motor therapy coursework (TalkTools: Oral.  Ali values continued growth as a therapist through evidence-based practice and collaboration. She seeks to support her kiddos through a strengths-based and child-centered approach. Her goal is to help children develop to the best of their ability by tapping into their interests and passions.

Ali moved to Orange County in the summer of 2022 to be closer to family (and to enjoy the year round beautiful weather)! In her free time, she enjoys staying active, spending time with friends & family, venturing to the beach or mountains, and indulging in all things self-care.  She is so excited to be a part of the Pure Peds team and support the kids & families of Orange County.

Cheska earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Sciences from University of California-Irvine and her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, she worked as a behavior interventionist with children in their homes and as a preschool aide in a mod to severe special education class, where she learned that pediatrics was her passion. During her internships in graduate school, Cheska worked with adult populations in outpatient hand therapy and transitional aged youth experiencing homelessness. She started her career in school based occupational therapy where she also had opportunities to work with children in a clinic setting. Cheska is seeking to grow in the areas of sensory integration, self regulation, and feeding. She is dedicated to helping children take that one step at a time towards their goals while making it a fun, collaborative process, and utilizing a ‘just right’ challenge.

In her free time, she enjoys trying new coffee shops and restaurants, going to live music events, and spending time with her husband and loved ones.

Yvette joined the therapy team at Pure Pediatrics in October 2022. Yvette is an Occupational Therapy Assistant who earned her license and certification and graduated from Santa Ana College in 2018. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science with an emphasis on Healthcare Management in 2017 from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Most of her background experience was in the geriatrics setting but during her time as a student at SAC, her interest in a pediatric setting grew after volunteering at CHOC Children’s Hospital in Orange and during an internship at a school-based OT peds setting where she knew she belonged in pediatrics. Yvette continues to seek furthering in her education in the areas of sensory integration, feeding, and oral motor due to her increased interest in the feeding aspect of occupational therapy.  She believes pediatrics is a rewarding setting and enjoys seeing her patients meet their goals. She loves being a pediatric COTA/L especially because no new skill or milestone is too small.  It shows the hard work and determination of the kiddos and their families. Most importantly, Yvette aims to make therapy a fun environment with a child-centered approach. 

Yvette enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog a cocker spaniel named Yoko. She loves creating arts & crafts, enjoys camping, going on road trips, hiking, traveling, and going to Disneyland in her free time.

Sherri Gruszczynski, joined the therapy team at Pure Pediatrics in September 2021. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UCLA and her Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from NOVA Southeastern University. She taught and supervised graduate students at Chapman University for their medical and school practicum for eight years and comes with 25+ years of experience which includes working private practice, public schools, home health, and outpatient clinics. Sherri has experience working with all ages and with a variety of diagnoses.  She has been awarded the Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and comes with certificated training with the Hanen approach and is PROMPT Trained. She utilizes an evidence-based framework for engaging and coaching parents of children with language delays so they can support their child’s communication development during fun, everyday interactions in the home. Sherri adheres to the standards of her profession by maintaining her Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as her California State License to practice Speech-Language Pathology. When not working, she enjoys yoga, animals, gardening, and being in the outdoors with her family, traveling, hiking, and skiing.

Gabrielle is a Speech Language Pathology Assistant who earned her licensing and  Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University Fullerton. During her time at university, she was actively involved in the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and Students for Smiles, demonstrating her commitment to both her field and community. She hoped to create a well rounded basis for her training by volunteering and working with individuals of all ages and various settings. She is passionate about evidence based treatment, parent involvement, and making therapy fun and engaging for the child.

Kimberly is the newest member of Pure Pediatric Therapy having joined the team February 2023. She has 4 years experience working in healthcare, in various settings and with a variety of ages. Kimberly graduated from California State University, Fullerton with her bachelor’s degree in Health Science. Kimberly enjoys getting to know all the new families that come into the office and helping them with all their scheduling needs. She enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time with her family and two dogs, Domino (a pitbull mix) and Buckey (a dachshund). She is excited to continue to  increase her experience at Pure Pediatric Therapy.