Meet the Team
Beth Aune, OT/L
Founder of DOT4Kids
Loma Linda University. Bachelor of Occupational Science
26 years experience-Entirely Pediatrics, School-based & Clinic
Autism Spectrum Disorder Certified Specialist; SOS Feeding Therapy; Interoception Trained; Author Behavior Solutions for the Inclusive Classroom, Behavior Solutions for the Inclusive Classroom and Beyond, Behavior Solutions for the Home and Community; national and local presenter/speaker for educators and parents
Beth loves spending quality time with family and friends, and playing golf.
“There is no greater reward than working from your heart, and making a difference in the world.”
Carlos Santana
Bailey Nelson, OT/L
St. Louis University
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and Master of Occupational Therapy
7 years of experience - Entirely Pediatrics, School-based & Clinic
Bailey has been with DOT4Kids since August 2017
Interoception Trained; Amtryke Evaluation & Fitting
When I'm not working, I enjoy hiking, pickle ball, going to country concerts, spending time with my doodle, traveling, and creating memories with loved ones. I believe that working with children with special needs has and will continue to give my life immense meaning and purpose, and I'm honored to be a character in their story.
Amanda Mardis,
COTA/L
Santa Ana college
Associates Degree Occupational Science
9 years experience, School-based & Clinic
Chaffey College, Associates of Science and Child Development, S.O.S Feeding Trained, Introception Trained, and special needs mom
Amanda has been with DOT4Kids since April 2015
She loves using science and cooking as a way of introducing children to new sensory experiences.
"I don’t think anyone can grow unless he’s loved exactly as he is now, appreciated for what he is rather than what he will be.”
Fred Rogers
Summer Rapazzo,
COTA/L
American Career College
Associates Degree Occupational Science
5 years experience, School-based & Clinic
Summer has been with DOT4Kids since October 2018
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
Mandy Unruh,
Administrative Assistant
Eastern Michigan University
Bachelors of Science
Mandy has been with DOT4Kids since December 2018
When Mandy isn’t crunching numbers, she is teaching Spin and Barre fitness classes, and relaxing people with her massage therapy skills. She also loves to cook and bake. She found DOT when her son needed some support, and never left.
Erika Castro,
COTA/L
Stanbridge University
Associates Degree Occupational Science
6 years experience, School-based & Clinic
Bilingual (Spanish & English)
Erika has been with DOT4Kids since October 2019
The most important thing is to surround yourself with people you love, learn from your mistakes, and spread kindness wherever you go.
Alonzo J. Mardis,
OT Aide
AJ has been with DOT4Kids since September 2020
He enjoys baking, art, historical reenactments and fishing.
Ellie Whittet,
OTR
Ellie Whittet, OTR/L
University of Redlands; Stanbridge University
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
3 years experience, School-based & Clinic
Amtryke Evaluation & Fitting, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Anthropology
Ellie has been with DOT4Kids since March 2021
She loves the beach, charcuterie boards, and Disneyland!
Erika Perez,
COTA/L
Santa Ana College
Associates in Occupational Science
2 years experience, School-based & Clinic
Bilingual (Spanish & English)
Erika has been with DOT4Kids since September 2021
God, family and nurturing developmental skills through play.
Erica Gette, Client Liaison
Imani Brown,
COTA/L
Santa Ana College A.S. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Cal State Fullerton B.S. Kinesiology
2 years experience
Imani has been with DOT4Kids since December 2022
“The highest human act is to inspire.”
Nipsey Hussle
Jenifer Rapkin,
COTA/L
Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS-T
1 year experience
University of Washington, B.A English, Seattle Pacific University, Elementary Teacher Certification
Jenifer has been with DOT4Kids since April 2023
Loves to play golf.
"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."
Maya Angelou
Ana Melendez,
OTR/L
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Bachelor of Allied Health in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Psychology
19 years experience, School-based & Clinic
Bilingual (Spanish & English)
CNS (Certified Neuro Specialist)
Ana has been with DOT4Kids since August 2023
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.”
Frida Kahlo
Laura McElwee OTR/L
Masters Degree, University of Southern California
28 years of experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, University of Nevada Reno
SIPT Certified, Experienced in Alert Program, SOS Level One, Early Intervention, Executive Functioning and Trauma-Informed Therapy
Laura enjoys hiking, board games, time with family and friends, and organizing.
“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13
Sidney Johnson
OTD OTR/L
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS)
Doctorate in occupational therapy
Bachelors in Kinesiology with a concentration in health promotion at Cal Poly, SLO
Sidney has been surrounded by the world of Occupational Therapy her whole life. Her mom is an OT and her dad works in prosthetics/orthotics.
Sidney grew up competing in surfing and became involved with assisting adaptive surfers and continues to do this in her free time.
“The best flower garden has all kinds and colors.”
Mo Johnson
