Meet our team
Meet the Heart of Our Care:
Compassionate Professionals Dedicated to Your Child’s Growth

Nicole Hughes | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | Training Specialist

Kayla Clark | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lauren Wasserman | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Kaley Schaumburg | Speech-Language Pathologist

Laura Myers | Speech-Language Pathologist

Kalie Richard | Speech-Language Pathologist

Crystal Barron | Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Lauren Fitch |

Maureen Kennedy | Special Education Teacher | Compliance Specialist

Amy Ashline | Special Education Specialist | Transition Services Specialist

Rachel Szeszel | Physical Therapist

Sam Montanez | Administrative Coordinator

Erica Georges | Occupational Therapist | Owner
Erica, the dedicated owner of Ideal Therapies, PLLC and occupational therapist, has been actively practicing in her field since 2006. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Wyoming followed by a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from A.T. Still University. Initially practicing in the hospital setting, she developed foundational expertise in neuro-rehabilitation, orthopedics, and myofascial release. In 2008, Erica expanded her scope by venturing into pediatrics. Her experience with orthopedics and neurological disorders has proven invaluable in the pediatric realm, allowing her to provide comprehensive care to young clients.
Erica’s passion for pediatric occupational therapy, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, led her to establish Ideal Therapies, PLLC in 2014. Since then, her career has flourished in school-based occupational therapy, where she nurtures her love for children and families through holistic therapy practices. With her extensive knowledge and expertise in pediatric disorders and the educational setting, Erica empowers clients to unlock their full potential and foster independence in their daily lives. She provides expert guidance to school staff and administrators for maximizing student growth and potential through professional training and consultation. These services guide their departments and teams in providing best practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and laws, and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Led by Erica; The Ideal Therapies Team embraces an intentional approach to delivering exceptional therapy & special education compliance services. As a result, the company has expanded to include over a dozen skilled therapists, special education teachers and support staff. Their unwavering commitment to quality has earned the trust of more than 10 schools and districts across Arizona; reaching and positively impacting countless children, families and educational professionals.
Erica’s most satisfying days are those spent witnessing the growth, independence, and progress of her pediatric clients! She is dedicated to serving schools, families, and students. Erica prioritizes ethics, collaboration and a therapeutic approach to building strong partnerships between school personnel and families. Erica is grateful for the commitment and support of her dedicated team of therapists who consistently provide encouragement and inspiration!
Erica and her husband, originally from Wyoming, have found a vibrant lifestyle in Payson, Arizona. Their home outside of town provides a perfect setting for their active pursuits. From river excursions to hiking, hunting to boating, camping to forest exploration, they delight in every opportunity to embrace the outdoors. They share these memories with their two precious daughters and beloved pets! Surrounded by a loving family and close friends in Arizona, their lives are very blessed!

Valerie Korczyk | Occupational Therapist
Valerie is a dedicated occupational therapist with over 15 years of comprehensive experience in school-based practice. Her career has been marked by a strong foundation in neurological-based treatments, which she expertly integrates with her extensive training in sensory integration, making her a valuable asset in educational environments. Valerie’s passion for fostering the development of motor skills in young learners is matched only by her commitment to training educational staff and administrators, empowering them to maximize the potential of each child.
Throughout her career, Valerie has actively engaged in professional development and has led numerous presentations aimed at equipping teachers and school personnel with effective strategies for promoting self-regulation and motor skill development in the classroom. Her workshops not only enhance the learning experiences of students but also facilitate a collaborative environment where educators feel confident in their abilities to support diverse learning needs.
Valerie Korczyk’s commitment to excellence in OT is driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of education and the importance of skill development and maximizing independence in children. Her dedication to professional growth, combined with her personal interests, shapes her holistic approach to therapy and education, making her a remarkable leader in her field.
Originally from Wyoming, Valerie has called Arizona home since 2002. She has embraced the vibrant culture and opportunities that the state offers. Outside of her professional pursuits, Valerie enjoys a fulfilling life with her spouse and their two beloved dogs. Together, they share a passion for travel and the great outdoors, often embarking on camping trips and exploring new freshwater lakes. This love for nature not only provides a perfect backdrop for family bonding but also inspires Valerie’s approach to therapy, as she often incorporates elements of play and exploration into her therapeutic practices.

Nicole Hughes | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | Training Specialist
Nicole has practiced in the field of occupational therapy since 2018 after graduating from Pima Medical Institute as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has worked in the pediatric field since starting her career in various settings such as school based, clinic based, home health, private settings, and providing training to staff. She loves working in the pediatric setting, the kiddos are her favorite part of her job and she loves being part of the kiddos team. Each kiddo is so unique, she loves being someone in their life that assists them in becoming as independent as they can. Nicole currently works for Ideal Therapies for school contracts and Theracare for home health clients; she loves the students, children, and families she works with. Nicole’s favorite pastime is to spend time with family and read her book. She loves getting to travel around for her job and build relationships with different people in the schools and loves to share knowledge and learn from others.

Lauren Wasserman | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Hi, I am Lauren Wasserman, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant currently working with pediatric clients in the school based setting. With over 5 years of experience, I have worked in a variety of environments with an unwavering passion for facilitating growth, healing and self awareness to the people I have the opportunity to work with. I am currently enrolled in classes to continue my education in massage and animal based therapy to expand my ability to help others.

Kaley Schaumburg | Speech-Language Pathologist
Kaley has practiced in the field of speech pathology since 2006; first as an SLPA then as an SLP. She started her journey in Kentucky at Murray State University (Go Racers!) as a Communication Disorder and Sciences major and moved to the desert to attend graduate school. Since graduating in 2011, she has worked in Title I, inner city schools in Phoenix, Arizona, primarily working with students with significant needs in grades pre-K-8. She also enjoyed her time working with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to provide teacher training and direct services for the birth-3 population. When Kaley’s is not working in the school setting, she also completes communication evaluations for DDD through the state of Arizona where she works with families with a variety of backgrounds and needs. Her favorite part of the job is not only working with her students, but working with her student’s entire family finding ways to best support their child’s communication needs. She also loves to collaborate and work with her students’ other therapists (i.e. OT and PT, etc.) and teachers to make sure she is supporting her students the best way!
In her free time ,she enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids paddle boarding, camping, gardening, and going back to Kentucky to boat and swim in the lakes! She and her family live in the Valley, but enjoy exploring all the beauty Arizona offers.
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Laura Myers | Speech-Language Pathologist
Laura has practiced in the field of speech language pathology since 1998 after graduating from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. She worked for several years as a speech language pathology assistant in the educational setting until she received her Master of Science in Speech
Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University in 2013. At that time she transitioned into the medical field practicing as an ASHA certified SLP working in skilled nursing facilities and at the Arizona State Veterans Home for several years.
In 2020, Laura transitioned back into the educational setting where she currently provides clinical supervision for practicing SLPA’s, conducts evaluations for students of all ages and consults with parents, teachers and other educational professionals. Laura is a natural leader and takes pride in her work. She enjoys helping
students learn to communicate to the best of their abilities.
Laura currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her teenage daughter and their two dogs. They enjoy traveling, golfing, hiking, swimming and going to the beach. They love to take in all of the beauty Arizona
has to offer and are very grateful to reside in such a beautiful state.
Laura looks forward to continuing her passion for helping students of all ages find their voice.

Kalie Richard | Speech-Language Pathologist
Kalie has been working in the field of speech therapy since 2016 after graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University, in 2020. Kalie has worked her whole career in various pediatric settings including both public and private schools, home health, supervision of SLPA’s and working with school staff consulting and training. She was motivated to start a career in this field to work with children and loves their humor, resilience, work ethic and joy. Kalie also enjoys the collaborative aspect of speech therapy. Working with and learning from other professionals in the field and parents has improved her knowledge and opened her eyes on how to better support her clients. Kalie strives to look at each child as an individual and assess what she can do to best support their specific needs and make communication functional. Outside of work, Kalie enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and doing yoga. She looks forward to continuing to learn and grow in her skills and knowledge and always support communication skills for her clients and their families.

Crystal Barron | Speech Language Pathology Assistant
I have been practicing in the field of Speech language pathology since 2020. I graduated from Estrella mountain community college as a Speech therapist assistant. I have worked in various settings such as, clinic based, home health, and school based. I love working with all ages and just helping them become more independent and making as much of a difference as I can. I currently work for Ideal therapies for school contracts, and Theracare for home health clients. I love spending time with my family and reading in my spare time.

Lauren Fitch | Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Lauren Fitch is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) based in Arizona. Originally residing in California, Lauren moved to Arizona in 2018 to further her education. She graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Speech-Language Sciences and Technology, laying a strong foundation for her career in this rewarding field.
In 2021, Lauren became a licensed SLPA in Arizona, embarking on a professional journey that has seen her work across various settings, including schools, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics. Her diverse experience has equipped her to effectively service students with a wide range of challenges, from mild to severe developmental delays and disorders, as well as various disabilities. Currently in her second year at Ideal Therapies, Lauren finds immense fulfillment in working one-on-one with her students, guiding them through their individual growth journeys throughout the school year. Her commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her students; she also strives to support families, recognizing the critical role they play in the therapeutic process.
Lauren’s approach to speech therapy is characterized by a blend of professionalism and compassion. She takes pride in creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where her students feel safe and empowered to express themselves. Her goal is not only to enhance communication skills but also to build confidence in her students, ensuring they can navigate their worlds more effectively.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Lauren believes in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors, often hiking in the breathtaking Arizona landscape, where she draws inspiration from nature. Additionally, she has a passion for exploring new restaurants and cuisines, which fuels her appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences.
With a strong sense of purpose and dedication, Lauren Fitch continues to thrive as a speech-language pathology assistant, making a lasting difference in the lives of her students and their families. Through her work, she embodies the spirit of service, compassion, and excellence that defines the field of speech-language therapy

Maureen Kennedy | Special Education Teacher | Compliance Specialist
Maureen has been in education for 14 years. She graduated from Saint Joseph’s College (IN) with her bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She went on to get her masters degree from Grand Canyon University in Special Education. She has taught as a special education teacher for 11 years, most of her experience is in K-5 resource, but has a year as a resource teacher at the high school level as well. She also was a special education instruction coach for 2 years and supported teachers and special education programs throughout the district. She has experience as a special education program manager as well.
Maureen loves working with students and seeing that “lightbulb” moment, when students have been working on a skill for a while and the way they light up when they can do it, independently.
In her free time, Maureen enjoys traveling, hiking, camping and being outdoors.
Maureen looks forward to working with others and learning from them as well as sharing her knowledge.
Amy Ashline | Special Education Specialist | Transition Services Specialist
Amy is a dedicated, persistent lifelong learner. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2001 with a Fine Arts degree in Art History. When given the opportunity to be a paraprofessional for a fifth-grade student with Autism at a public school in Phoenix, AZ, she did not yet realize her whole life would change. Having found her passion for special education, Amy went back to school earning her Master’s degree in Special Education in 2004, and her Master’s degree in Reading K-8 in 2015. She embraces diversity wholeheartedly allowing life to take her where she is needed.
After teaching special education resource classes, grades five to eight, for six years in Phoenix, AZ, she moved to San Francisco, CA in 2011 to seek new experiences in the private school domain. She taught eighth-grade general education language arts for three years at a private Catholic school before moving to Guangzhou, China in 2014. In China, she was an Instructional Coach for teachers. In 2017, after six years of being away from her family, Amy decided to move back to Arizona where she has been happily teaching self-contained special education classes for moderate/severe students in Payson, AZ. She passionately believes that all students should have equitable access to the curriculum and be prepared for adulthood. She recently began a coffee cart business for her students to lead and run on campus and has been working with local businesses to develop off-campus internships for special education students. Payson has become her home, a place where she can embrace life and grow.
Advocacy for students and teachers is the foundation of all that Amy stands for each and everyday. Teachers, especially new teachers, need support. She became an Adjunct Professor for Alliant University in 2022 to guide and instruct teacher candidates in their journey to certification. Learning more about herself, educational trends, and what motivates teachers and students in modern education. She joined the Ideal Therapies Team in February of 2024, where she has the sheer joy of providing special education consultation services to schools seeking the very best for their students.

Rachel Szeszel | Physical Therapist
Rachel has worked in the field of Physical Therapy after graduation in 2017 from the doctoral program at Northern Illinois University. After moving to AZ from IL after graduation, she has worked in varying settings from skilled nursing facilities, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health. However, working with children has truly become her ultimate passion in life. Watching kiddos achieve their functional based goals such as riding a bike for the first time, swimming across the pool with their siblings, or participating in a soccer game and scoring a goal for the first time have been some of her favorite achievements to witness as a pediatric therapist. Rachel is very passionate about staying active and getting outdoors as well as traveling as often as she can. Eventually, she would love to find work at a clinic offering hippotherapy services to help combine her love of horses and pediatric PT. Rachel feels lucky on a day to day basis that her career has allowed her to build relationships with families and co-workers all over the valley, which has really made Arizona feel like home.”
Rachel Szeszel, PT, DPT
Kayla Clark | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Kayla Clark is a dedicated and compassionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) with a strong focus on pediatric care. She earned her associate degree in Occupational Therapy from Pima Medical Institute in November 2023 and achieved national certification and Arizona licensure in February 2024.
While pursuing her education, Kayla gained invaluable experience working as an instructional aide in a self-contained classroom for students with autism. This role deepened her understanding of the unique needs of children with developmental challenges and inspired her commitment to improving their quality of life.
Since becoming licensed, Kayla has continued to focus on pediatric care, working in school settings and providing home health services. She is passionate about helping children develop essential skills and achieve their fullest potential, making her an indispensable advocate for the families she serves.

Sam Montanez | Administrative Coordinator
Sam has worked in the therapy department for over six years, with a strong passion for helping others and learning new skills. With more than 16 years of experience in early childhood education, Sam is especially dedicated to working with children, providing support, and making a positive impact in their lives.
Outside of work, Sam is a proud parent of three children—one daughter and two sons—who keep life exciting and busy. In their free time, Sam enjoys spending the summer at the beach, indulging in favorite foods like pizza, peaches, and watermelon. When it’s time to unwind, Sam enjoys hobbies like shopping, watching movies, and going out to eat.