Kiersten Merkel
Clinic Director, Occupational Therapist
"My name is Kiersten Merkel. I have been a Pediatric Occupational Therapist since 2019. Originally from Pennsylvania, I graduated with my Masters in Occupational Therapy while there. I have also earned certification in SOS Feeding. My passion for working in pediatrics developed while completing fieldwork at a private school for children with autism. As an Occupational Therapist, I hope to help children live their healthiest lives by guiding and teaching them to become more independent, process sensory input, and engage in play! When I'm not looking for the newest sensory fidget or thinking of more ways to work on hand strength; I enjoy reading, hiking, watching Netflix, and spending time with my golden doodle, Winston."
Molly Paradis
Occupational Therapist
"My name is Molly Paradis. I received my Masters in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2012. Since graduating, I have had the opportunity to work with pediatrics in both clinic based and school based settings. As an Occupational Therapist, I strive to facilitate independence and teach "skills for the job of living." I enjoy sharing my knowledge with my clients and their families, and seeing progress with each session. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, doing puzzles, and going to hockey games."
Stacey Belché
Speech-Language Pathologist
"My name is Stacey Belché and I have been a licensed and certified speech pathologist for 30 years. I am originally from the San Gabriel Valley and relocated to beautiful Coachella Valley in 2017. I am a graduate of the University of the Pacific and have divided my career between pediatrics and adults. I owned my own practice, Stacey Belché Speech Pathology, in Monrovia, CA for 15 years. I absolutely love what I do and for as long as I’ve been a therapist, the one thing I know for sure is that my clients and families are my greatest teachers. When I’m not working, you might find me playing pickleball, or traveling abroad where I peruse every toy store for interesting finds to bring home and share with my clients."
Sabrina Giron
Speech-Language Pathologist
"My name is Sabrina Giron. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University in 2022. I then went on to earn my Master's of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of St. Augustine in 2025. I worked for 2 years in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), through which I realized my love for working with children. My personal experience as a caretaker for an individual with a brain injury has been a driving force in my development as a therapist as well. I think that one of the greatest gifts you can give someone is the power to express themselves.
My hobbies include watching movies, making art, and performing in theatrical productions. Musicals are my absolute favorite. More recently, I enjoy board games and teaching myself new line-dances."
Elise Schoneman
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
"My name is Elise Schoneman. I received my Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Redlands in 2021 and my SLPA certification through Loma Linda University in 2024. Early into my education journey, I found a passion for working with the pediatric population through volunteering in elementary schools as well as clinical work through U of Redland's on-site clinic. I enjoy supporting children's communication independence and promoting meaningful connections with those in their lives. In my personal time, you can find me reading, traveling, watching spooky movies or searching for my new favorite hiking trail."
Pediatric Occupational and Speech Therapy
78080 Calle Estado, Suite 101
La Quinta, CA 92253
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed for Lunch 12:00-1:00
