Meet Team P2P
Our team of child development experts helps kids build key developmental skills through play, and we educate, empower, and guide families on the journey through childhood
Leadership
Dr. Allie Ticktin, MA, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist & Founder
BS, Movement Science, University of Michigan
MA, Occupational therapy, USC
Doctorate, Occupational Therapy, USC
SIPT certified
Sensory Processing Proficiency level 1
Certified SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy
Certified Lactation Counselor
Allie’s mission is to empower children and their families through sensory play so that they can thrive through childhood and beyond. Allie is the author of the book, Play to Progress, where she provides parents with an overview of all 8 (yes, 8) senses and gives parents ways to enhance those senses at home. Allie uses the science of child development and the joy of play to boost childrens’ confidence and enhance development within all areas of their life, from social and emotional to physical and academic. Allie believes that the best way to support children is by arming their parents, from inception, with the knowledge and skills necessary to encourage their child’s development for success through childhood and beyond.
Allie began her work in pediatric development at the University of Michigan, where she earned her B.S. in Movement Science, and continued her studies at USC, where she received her M.A. and Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Allie is certified in Sensory Integration and hopes that one day one day quality open ended play will be considered as important as learning the ABC’s. When not at work, you can find Allie at the beach engaging her own sensory system, outside enjoying nature or on her spin bike. Allie also loves to bake vegan treats, read and color in mindfulness coloring books, which are her own regulation tools.
Morgan Lennon
Director of Operations
AA, Performing Art, Riverside City College
AS, Sociology, Riverside City College
BA, Lighting Design, Marymount Manhattan College
Post-Bach Women’s Entrepreneurship Certification , Cornell University
Post Bach- New Venture for Entrepreneurs, Kaufman
Double Goal Coach, Positive Coaching Alliance
Stewards of Children, Darkness to Light
Bio coming soon!
Allycyn Boudreau, MA, OTR/L
Lead Occupational Therapist
BA, Emory University
MOT, Georgia State University
Sensory Processing Proficiency level 1
Certified SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy
Allycyn, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, has called the South Bay home for about 4 years. Her favorite aspect of being an OT is teaching little ones to become more confident through play and helping them manage big feelings.
Currently residing in Hermosa Beach, she thoroughly enjoys outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and discovering new pilates classes!
Katie Walczuk, MA, OTR/L
Lead Occupational Therapist
BA, Psychology, Sonoma State University
MA, Occupational Therapy, USC
Sensory Processing Proficiency level 1
Certified SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy
Katie, originally from Los Angeles, has a deep passion for using the power of play and sensory experiences to support child development and growth. Her favorite thing about being an OT is getting to play everyday and helping kids grow.
Katie has a fun bucket list of activities to do all around LA - some include hiking, horseback riding, arts and crafts, going to concerts, and exploring new neighborhoods!
In her free time, Katie fosters dogs and enjoys spending time with her friends.
Dr. Bridget Rogers, MA, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
BS, biological sciences, minor in dance, Chapman University
MA, Occupational Therapy, USC
Doctorate, Occupational Therapy, USC
USC Sensory Integration certified
Certified SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy
Bridget, originally from San Diego, has a deep passion for using the power of play and sensory experiences to support child development and growth. Her favorite thing about being an OT is the opportunity to make a positive impact on children's lives through these experiences.
In her free time, Bridget enjoys dancing, listening to music, cooking new recipes, and getting into the spirit of every holiday through decorating. She is a proud cat owner and loves spending quality time with her friends and family at the beach, Disneyland, and concerts!
Jacqui Marquez MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
BS, Kinesiology, Cal State Fullerton
MS, Occupational Therapy, West Coast University
Originally from Northern California, Jacqui has been enjoying the SoCal sun since 2015. When she’s not at P2P she loves trying new workout classes (very into lagree/pilates right now!), baking sweet treats, spending time with family and friends, and trying new restaurants.
While Jacqui has worked in a variety of OT settings, her real passion lies in working with children. As an experienced OT she lets her creativity lead her practice and enjoys the dynamic structure of working with children.
Dr. Nheil Cueto MA, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
AA, Kinesiology, Santa Monica College
AA, General Science, Santa Monica College
BA, Recreation Therapy, CSU Long Beach
MA, Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California
OTD, Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California
Graduate Certificate from USC in Sensory Integration
Nheil has many years of experience working in home and community settings through his role as an interventionist utilizing Floortime principles. Nheil attributes his ability to support children and their families to his belief that individuals (adults and children alike) explore and interact with the world best through play. Nheil’s favorite thing about being an OT is connecting with clients through meaningful activities.
Nheil is LA-born and raised. Nheil loves to find new music (you will often find him singing/ dancing/ bopping his head to almost any genre!), climbing walls (bouldering/ top-roping), and appreciates sharing meals at amazing food spots with others.
Samantha Alexander, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
BS, Health Science, Dominican University of California
MS in Occupational Therapy, Dominican University of California
Certified SOS Approach to Feeding Therapy
Samantha is a true California girl, born and raised in Los Angeles. As an occupational therapist, she finds joy in building connections with the children she works with and cherishes the friendships she's formed. Her playful nature shines through in her love for spending the day engaged in fun activities.
Living in Beverly Hills with her younger sister, Samantha shares her home with two adorable dogs, Rylie and Murphy. She finds solace in the sun and sand, often frequenting rooftop restaurants or lounging by the pool. Samantha also enjoys dressing up for dinner outings with her close friends and is always up for an exciting weekend getaway.
Danielle Vornkahl, MA
Pre-preschool & Class Instructor
BA, Theater, Hofstra University,
MA , Art and Play Therapy, Hofstra University.
Certified in Handwriting Without Tears.
Danielle's journey began in Massachusetts, but it was in New York where she spent most of her life before embarking on a new adventure in California in 2018. Teaching holds a special place in Danielle's heart as she delights in nurturing a love for learning in all her students. She finds immense joy in guiding young minds towards curiosity, compassion, and confidence through the mediums of play, art, and music.
During her leisure time, Danielle immerses herself in various forms of art. Alongside her husband, she co-owns a film production company where she passionately crafts props for film and TV productions. Additionally, Danielle finds solace in the kitchen, where she loves experimenting with new baking recipes and techniques.
Mondonna Niknam, MA
Pre-preschool & Class Instructor
BA, Early Childhood Education,CSUN
MS, Early Childhood Education
Mondonna has a strong educational background, having earned her bachelor's degree in child development at CSUN and later obtaining her masters in early childhood education. With over 5 years of experience working with children, she has held roles ranging from camp counselor to lead teacher in both pre-k and toddler classrooms at a local preschool in Venice. Mondonna is dedicated to fostering independence, resilience, and compassion in all children and enjoys creating fun, sensory, and messy activities for them to explore the world around them.
In her free time, Mondonna stays active by running, going to the gym, and engaging in outdoor activities. As a native of LA, she loves experiencing all that California has to offer, from swimming in the warm sandy beaches in the summer to skiing in the crisp snowy mountains in the winter.
Olive San
Class Instructor
AA, Sociology, Los Angeles Valley College
BA, in Sociology, Concentration in Educational Equity, CSU Long Beach
MA in progress, Early Childhood Education, Pacific Oaks College
NCSF Certified Personal Trainer
Mental Health First Aid Certified
Mondonna has a strong educational background, having earned her bachelor's degree in child development at CSUN and later obtaining her masters in early childhood education. With over 5 years of experience working with children, she has held roles ranging from camp counselor to lead teacher in both pre-k and toddler classrooms at a local preschool in Venice. Mondonna is dedicated to fostering independence, resilience, and compassion in all children and enjoys creating fun, sensory, and messy activities for them to explore the world around them.
In her free time, Mondonna stays active by running, going to the gym, and engaging in outdoor activities. As a native of LA, she loves experiencing all that California has to offer, from swimming in the warm sandy beaches in the summer to skiing in the crisp snowy mountains in the winter.
Zaina Bouhouch
Class Instructor
BA, Screenwriting and Psychology, Loyola
Marymount University
MA, Counseling and Art Therapy,
Southwestern College, in progress
Zaina grew up in the Bay Area but has been living in Los Angeles for the past nine years. She is passionate about using art and creativity to heal and express herself. Zaina loves working with kids and learning through their imagination and play.
In her free time, she enjoys being out in nature, taking long road trips, sewing, crocheting, and cooking for her loved ones. She dreams of one day having an Australian Shepherd and an Italian Greyhound to play and cuddle with.
Lucy Davidov
Class Assistant
BA, Psychology in early childhood education, University of Virginia
Lucy is from Los Angeles, CA. She is so excited to work at Play2Progress because she loves doing crafts and playing with kids!
Lucy has a Bernese mountain dog named Whiskey and a black lab named Wilson. She loves being outside, going on hikes, watching movies with her friends, and listening to Taylor Swift.
Jaden Sanders
OT Group Assistant
Bio coming soon!
OT Group Assistant
BS in progress, Human Biology (Applied Physiology) and Occupational Therapy, USC
Julia is from Los Angeles and has a fun fact – her dad was actually born and raised in Northern Ireland, so she has dual citizenship there! She is definitely an LA girl through and through, loves walking around downtown and trying lots of different food places with her friends, enjoys sunset swims at the beach, and spends most of her weekends finding new places to hike around California.
Julia has been playing soccer for as long as she can remember, loves running and getting that adrenaline rush, and then cools down and relaxes with some yoga. Her household has lots of pets; including two little bunnies, a dog, a snake, and a fish tank, so she spends lots of time hanging out with animals!
Rebekah Sheff
OT Group Assistant
BA, Integrated Educational Studies Chapman University
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Rebekah, has a passion for working with children. She enjoys engaging their imaginations through creative activities and games.
In addition to her love for working with children, Rebekah is an avid baker and entrepreneur. Three years ago, she founded her own baking company called Sweet Sheff, specializing in delivering delicious cookies to college students. When she's not baking, Rebekah enjoys practicing yoga and pilates, activities that help her stay active and centered.
In her free time, Rebekah loves to go vintage shopping, soak up the sun at the beach, and explore new restaurants, always on the lookout for new culinary experiences.
Savannah Perry
OT Group Assistant
AA, Social Behavioral Sciences, Santa Monica College
BA in progress, Double majoring in Psychology and Child Development , Oregon State University
CPR and First aid certified
Savannah's early years were spent in Albuquerque, New Mexico following her birth in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2015, she relocated to Los Angeles, California with her mother. Presently, Savannah serves as a special education aide in a general education classroom for Burbank Unified School District. Her passion lies in advocating for children, educating adults about their unique needs, and cultivating an environment that fosters their success.
Savannah and her partner, along with their two cats, call Studio City home. During her leisure time, she enjoys relaxing in her hammock chair with a good book, crocheting, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.
Hope BelloLaRoux
Office Manager, WeHo
BFA, Theatre, AMDA
Pediatric and Adult BLS&CPR
Hope received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy at sister campuses’ in New York and Los Angeles. Although no longer pursuing a career in the arts at this time, she remains an artist at heart with a passion for people and business.
Hope loves camping, reading and hiking. She strongly believes and encourages everyone to live in the present; to experience the best of life.
Leslie Velasquez
Office Manager, Studio City
BA, Child and Adolescent Development Applied Developmental Science, CSUN
Pediatric and Adult BLS&CPR
Leslie, a proud native of the San Fernando Valley, has always had a passion for working with high school-aged youth. However, her career path took an unexpected turn during her undergraduate years, which she now refers to as a happy accident. As an educator, her greatest joy comes from contributing to the growth and development of the young individuals she works with, celebrating their milestones along the way.
When she's not at work, Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband and their cat. She loves soaking up the sun at the beach, cheering at soccer and baseball games, and indulging in her passion for crafting.
Dr. Bahar Khakshouri, MA, OTD, OTR/L
BA, philosophy and Sociology, UCSB
MA, Occupational Therapy, USC
Doctorate, Occupational Therapy, USC Chan
Bahar graduated with her bachelors in Philosophy and Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara before going on to pursue her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California. She is passionate about empowering children using a holistic approach, sensory integration strategies, and, most importantly, play. After becoming a parent, Bahar transitioned into the role of Intake Specialist to work with families who are ready to explore all that Play 2 Progress has to offer. In her time off work, Bahar enjoys spending time outside in nature and soaking in other parts of the world!
Kaitlyn McDonnell
Social Media Coordinator
BS, Psychobiology, UCLA
In progress: Clinical doctorate in Occupational Therapy at CSUDH
Hope received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy at sister campuses’ in New York and Los Angeles. Although no longer pursuing a career in the arts at this time, she remains an artist at heart with a passion for people and business.
Hope loves camping, reading and hiking. She strongly believes and encourages everyone to live in the present; to experience the best of life.