NAPA Center was founded by Lynette LaScala in 2008 after spending years traveling the world to find the best pediatric therapy programs for her son. Now, NAPA has grown into an industry-leading pediatric therapy center; attracting patients worldwide by offering the best and most innovative therapies. We approach pediatric occupational therapy and all of our therapy programs with the understanding that no two children are alike. Our highly trained and passionate occupational therapists provide your child with individualized, fun, and meaningful OT sessions to help them reach their specific goals.
At NAPA Center, we offer individualized pediatric therapy programs with unique combinations of our wide range of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, and more. We strive to provide children and families with hope by offering services in a playful environment that helps children maximize their full potential. In addition to our traditional weekly occupational therapy sessions, we also specialize in intensive pediatric therapy.
We proudly offer occupational therapy for babies, toddlers, and children of all ages. To discover how NAPA can help your child, contact our team to schedule a free 30-minute phone screening or a tour of our Los Angeles pediatric therapy clinic. The NAPA Los Angeles clinic is located at 11840 S La Cienega Blvd, Hawthorne, California, 90250.
Katharine graduated with a masters in occupational therapy from San Jose State University, but really we think she has a masters in flattery. She loves to tell us “NAPA is a clinic unlike any other” and a welcome surprise in her career. Katharine pursues areas of intervention and is continually seeking opportunities to learn and grow as a therapist. She does a fantastic job sharing this information and helping the NAPA team navigate tricky and unique patient goals. She believes her journey as a therapist enriches her life, both personally and professionally, and she is privileged to be a part of a network that cares for and serves amazing families. Her work experiences in multiple settings (clinics, homes, schools) and personal experience as a caregiver, have expanded her capacity and increased her empathy, which she hopes is evident in her work as a therapist and in her life.
Katharine graduated with a masters in occupational therapy from San Jose State University. She believes her journey as a therapist enriches her life, both personally and professionally. Her work experiences in multiple settings (clinics, homes, schools) and personal experience as a caregiver, have expanded her capacity and increased her empathy, which she hopes is evident in her work as a therapist and in her life.
Ali graduated with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from CSU Dominguez Hills in 2013. Her passion for working in the pediatric setting started when she was an assistant in an early intervention program where she embraced the unpredictable, yet rewarding nature of working with children. Prior to joining the NAPA team, Ali gained experience as a school based therapist, working closely with children, families, and interdisciplinary teams. Born and raised in the South Bay, Ali loves going to the beach, running, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends. During college football season you can catch her cheering for her Arizona State Sun Devils!
Ali graduated with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from CSU Dominguez Hills in 2013. Her passion for working in the pediatric setting started when she was an assistant in an early intervention program where she embraced the unpredictable, yet rewarding nature of working with children. Prior to joining the NAPA team, Ali gained experience as a school based therapist, working closely with children, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
MOT, OTR/L, University of St. Augustine
Tiffany has been passionate about working with children from a young age. While teaching special education, Tiffany discovered the effectiveness of occupational therapy for students with sensory processing difficulties. This inspired her to move across the country to receive her degree in OT and work in both school and clinic-based settings.
In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and cheering on The Ohio State University Buckeyes!
MOT, OTR/L, University of St. Augustine
Tiffany has been passionate about working with children from a young age. While teaching special education, Tiffany discovered the effectiveness of occupational therapy for students with sensory processing difficulties. This inspired her to move across the country to receive her degree in OT and work in both school and clinic-based settings.
Jonathan always knew that his life purpose was to help people. An avid surfer, Jonathan discovered occupational therapy through the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation (a therapy organization that surfs with at-risk youth and Veterans who have PTSD using an occupational therapy framework.) To be able to do something he loves to do as a means to help people solidified his career path.
Jonathan is passionate about pediatric mental health, family centered practice, and learning more about innovative evidence-based therapies. Jonathan refers to himself as an “oversized child” and loves the process of families working together to maximize a child’s full potential. In his free time, Jonathan plays basketball and music, dances, travels, watches his teams play “Go Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, and Trojans” and hangs out with his friends and family (most especially his dog.)
Jonathan always knew that his life purpose was to help people. He is passionate about pediatric mental health, family centered practice, and learning more about innovative evidence-based therapies. Jonathan refers to himself as an “oversized child” and loves the process of families working together to maximize a child’s full potential.
MSOT, OTR/L
Samantha graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation psychology and from Tufts University with a master’s of science in occupational therapy. Our favorite thing about Samantha is that she emphasizes one of children’s main occupations in her treatment approach- play! From hiking to long walks on the beach, Samantha is making up for all the time she spent indoors during snowy winters when living in New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Boston.
Samantha graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation psychology and from Tufts University with a master’s of science in occupational therapy. Our favorite thing about Samantha is that she emphasizes one of children’s main occupations in her treatment approach- play!
CBD College Los Angeles, CA
Chelsea is a Los Angeles native who loves the outdoors making her the intensive family guru for fun weekend ideas. Her passion for working with kids and making an impact in families lives drives her smile every day at NAPA. Being a kid at heart, Chelsea, not only knows how to be the silliest therapist but also the biggest cheerleader. The growth she gets to be a part of, in her patients and their families, is what she describes as “one of the best feelings in the world.”
Chelsea's passion for working with kids and making an impact in families lives drives her smile every day at NAPA. The growth she gets to be a part of, in her patients and their families, is what she describes as “one of the best feelings in the world.”
Mary Kate graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Studies and a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy. Before joining NAPA, Mary Kate worked at a specialized school in New York City for children with brain based disorders and with an early intervention agency. Mary Kate is a kid at heart and connects best with children through playing and finding what motivates them. A South Jersey native, you can find Mary Kate exploring the west coast on the weekends with her Pomeranian named Boston.
Mary Kate graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Studies and a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy. Before joining NAPA, Mary Kate worked at a specialized school in New York City for children with brain based disorders and with an early intervention agency.
Nico believes that movement is medicine and through play, a child learns and practices meaningful skills that shape them into passionate humans. If Nico is not surfing waves or snowboarding, you will find him at NAPA teaching play skills to kiddos to spark passionate lives. It's no wonder all of our patients want to hang out with Nico. Between CrossFit, camping, traveling, exploring unique places to eat, and laying on the beach soaking in the sun Nico is simply a cool dude. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Cal. State Channel Islands before pursuing his Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy at Touro University Nevada. Before starting at NAPA, Nico worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in the outpatient setting with a skilled emphasis in sensory integration. Nico has also worked in school-based and early intervention settings.
Nico believes that movement is medicine and through play, a child learns and practices meaningful skills that shape them into passionate humans. Before starting at NAPA, Nico worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in the outpatient setting with a skilled emphasis in sensory integration. Nico has also worked in school-based and early intervention settings.
Niki chose occupational therapy because of her passion for human psychology, child development, and advocacy. She loves being part of a profession that promotes independence and inclusion for all people. Witnessing children reach milestones and master skills, inspires her to continue growing as a clinician. Niki appreciates that NAPA is a hub for innovation, creativity, and learning. Her special interests include feeding therapy; she hopes to become a feeding specialist to work with children with sensory and oral motor challenges. Cooking, hot yoga, running, live music, and discovering new restaurants around Los Angeles are how she sparks joy.
Niki chose occupational therapy because of her passion for human psychology, child development, and advocacy. She loves being part of a profession that promotes independence and inclusion for all people.
While Brendan was completing his Bachelor’s degree at Wake Forest University, he found out about his long-lost relatives, Bryan, Cody, and Lynette. He was very interested in occupational therapy and working with children before spending a summer at NAPA in 2018 as an intern. Afterwards, he pursued his Doctoral degree at the University of Southern California and has decided to rejoin the NAPA family. His experience living internationally has helped him develop a passion for listening to people’s stories and looks forward to connecting with children and families that make up the NAPA community. Brendan loves to cook and travel. Catch him if you can on a trail run!
Brendan was very interested in occupational therapy and working with children before spending a summer at NAPA in 2018 as an intern. Afterwards, he pursued his Doctoral degree at the University of Southern California and has decided to rejoin the NAPA family. His experience living internationally has helped him develop a passion for listening to people’s stories.
Kayla Stewart received her Master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California, her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California, San Diego, and also has an associate’s degree in child development. Kayla has experience working with children in a variety of settings including leading after school programs, tutoring children of all ages, and teaching preschool. While completing her bachelor’s degree at UCSD, Kayla interned at the Autism Center of Excellence and Healthy Infant Development Laboratory. Kayla has previous experience working in an outpatient pediatric setting, early intervention, and aquatic therapy. She is passionate about educating and supporting families in the areas of feeding and sensory integration. Kayla strongly believes in collaborating with families to discover and understand each child’s unique strengths and needs in order to increase participation in everyday life. Kayla enjoys spending her time traveling, reading books on the beach, and playing with her pup.
Kayla received her Master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California, her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California, San Diego, and also has an associate’s degree in child development. Kayla has interned at the Autism Center of Excellence and Healthy Infant Development Laboratory. She is passionate about educating and supporting families in the areas of feeding and sensory integration.
Katie studied Psychology and Disability Studies at UCLA, and then went on to receive her OTD from Boston University. She graduated in August 2021 and has since worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in Redondo Beach, primarily using a Sensory Integration approach. This South Bay native has been interested in NAPA since she was an undergrad. Katie is particularly excited to work with NAPA’s population of individuals. "I have been greatly motivated by my older brother who has a genetic condition and would have been one of NAPA’s clients, if it was around when he was younger. I am looking forward to learning with and from you all!"
Katie studied Psychology and Disability Studies at UCLA, and then went on to receive her OTD from Boston University. This South Bay native has been interested in NAPA since she was an undergrad.
Occupational therapists are trained to work with a variety of diagnoses including traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, stroke, cerebral palsy, burns, fractures, spinal cord injury, orthopedic impairments, sensory processing disorders, developmental delays and more!
Sensory integration therapy can benefit children who are overly sensitive to sensory input, under-responsive to sensory input, are constantly seeking sensory input (touching people or objects), or crashing into people or objects.
NAPA Center also specializes in intensive pediatric therapy programs which attract families from around the world. We use the Intensive Model of Therapy (IMOT) when treating children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. Children often advance to the next developmental skill or higher during the three-week program.
Schedule a free 30-minute screening with one of our therapists today!
