Therapy Services

Therapeutic services to promote long-term success and help your child achieve their fullest potential.

The DSC Therapy Team includes an occupational therapist (OT), and a speech-language pathologist (SLPs). Our qualified therapists have extensive experience working with children with Down syndrome

During the initial assessment appointment, you’ll meet with DSC therapists, who will ask questions to learn more about the challenges your child is facing and come up with solutions to meet your child’s development goals and needs. They will also work with you on a treatment plan that includes activities you can do with your child at home, in addition to your sessions at DSC.

Therapy is currently offered for all ages. As part of our therapy services, we also offer Skill Building with Adults, Birth-3 Parent and Me Therapy Group, and more. Please see the appropriate age category to learn more about those other offerings.

Cost and Registration:

Returning Clients: please email Nora at nzehar@dscpugetsound.org.

New Clients: Please fill out the form below and a staff member will be in touch with you.

*Financial Aid is offered for all programs. Contact nzehar@dscpugetsound.org for more information.

Meet the Therapy Team

  • Louise Lapus, SLP

    Louise is a licensed bilingual Speech Language Pathologist. She was born in the Philippines and, at age seven, moved to the United States where she grew up mostly in Southern California. She completed her Bachelor's degree at CSU, Fullerton and Graduate degree at MSU, Mankato. She worked as a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in Minnesota for three years before moving to Washington and working at a Children's Pediatric Clinic last year. She is passionate about working with children with a variety of communication needs and strive to build relationships to foster their development. She enjoys watching movies with her fiancé and two dogs. But most day you find her hiking, biking, bouldering, kayaking, or painting!

  • Megan Kidder

    Megan is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Washington. Prior to working with DSC, she spent 10 years supporting student growth and inclusive education in the public school setting in various roles, including as a BCBA and teacher. Megan is passionate about disseminating behavior analysis in a way that is accessible to families. Her goal is to give families the tools needed to best support their children across settings.

  • Cierra Milton- OTD, OTR/L

    Cierra graduated with her clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Indiana University in 2021. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, she worked as a caregiver for adults and children with disabilities for 7 years. Cierra recently completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities interdisciplinary fellowship at the University of Washington (UW LEND) where she gained expertise in supporting families and individuals with disabilities. Cierra is passionate about community-based programming and family centered services. She utilizes strength-based approaches and has special interest in trauma-informed care. She currently holds a role at Harborview Medical Center providing community-based OT services to vulnerable populations. She’s a certified yoga instructor and enjoys spending time with her dog, Reese. She is excited to bring her passion for empowering clients to DSC!

  • Danielle Leighner -M.A. SLP

    Danielle is a speech-language pathologist with nine years of experience in supporting children and families to grow, connect, and communicate. She is passionate about providing strengths-based care to the families she serves. Danielle specializes in using the DIR/Floortime approach and is an enthusiastic believer in play and interest-based learning across all areas of development. She also has a special interest in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and is experienced in using various high and low-tech communication systems. Danielle brings a compassionate and individualized approach to each individual's unique needs and looks forward to contributing her expertise to the Down Syndrome Center.