Nicole Well, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Clinical Lead, Norco
Speech and Language Pathologist
Nicole joined Leaps & Bounds as a licensed and credentialed Speech-Language Pathologist who completed her graduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Chapman University in 2012. Nicole has 10 years of pediatric experience working in the hospital/outpatient rehab setting and private clinic setting. Nicole has always had a passion for working with children and the special needs population, including volunteering with various non-profits since high school. Nicole loves getting to know her patients and their families and celebrating any bit of progress, big or small!
In her free time, Nicole enjoys traveling, antique and thrift store ‘treasure hunting,’ and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Nicole is working towards completing the American Hippotherapy Association Level 1 training.
Andrew Fica SLPA
Speech and Language Pathology Assistant
Andrew is a licensed SLPA who received his Bachelor’s degree from California Baptist University. He found his passion for the field of Speech and Language Pathology at a young age, as his passion for music and drive to help others led him to the perfect avenue to provide service to those in need. Andrew believes that effective and functional communication is the key to helping others express themselves, and in turn allowing their own unique personalities to emerge as communication skills continue to develop and improve.
In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing guitar, listening to music, and spending time with his girlfriend and family.
Brianna Sanchez
Speech and Language Pathology Assistant
Brianna joined Leaps & Bounds in 2023 as a speech-language pathologist assistant who graduated from California State University of Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in communication science and disorders. Brianna learned about speech-language pathology working as a certified nursing assistant at a skilled nursing facility. Since then, she spent her time as an active member in her community by volunteering in the ranch at Leaps & Bounds while in college. Now as an SLP-A, she continues to strive at making a positive impact on the community and their families.
In her free time, she likes to travel, read, learn American Sign Language, and spend time with her family.
Iris Hernandez SLPA
Speech and Language Pathology Assistant
Iris joined the Leaps & Bounds team in 2023 after completing her internship this past fall and knowing she wanted to work here! She completed her bachelor’s degree from the California State University of Fullerton and completed an SLPA program from Loma Linda university. Working at Leaps is her first experience working in the pediatric world, but she has 9 nieces and nephews, so it feels like she has been preparing for this since becoming an auntie at an early age. She is looking forward to helping kids grow and reach their goals.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, visiting local libraries and bookstores, and binge-watching Korean dramas.
Kathryn Lijie, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech and Language Pathologist
Kathryn Lijie joined the Leaps & Bounds team in 2023. She was born in New England and lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New Mexico before settling in California. She earned her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Arizona in 2009. Kathryn has extensive experience in the schools, in pediatric healthcare settings, and in private clinics. She especially enjoys working with children with complex needs. Kathryn has a passion for learning new things to provide evidence-based, quality treatment.
In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys weightlifting, baking, reading, and hanging out with her animals. She has had cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, and a chinchilla and looks forward to getting to know our ranch animals!
Magdalena Escobedo C-SLPA
Speech and Language Pathology Assistant
Magdalena joined Leaps & Bounds as a licensed Speech and Language Pathology Assistant who received her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from California State University, Long Beach. Maggie also holds her assistant certification from ASHA, adding a ‘C’ to her title. Maggie’s experience growing up with a nonverbal family member who did not have access to proper rehab care or resources led her to pursuing a career in Speech. Maggie believes in providing culturally and linguistically diverse sessions to all who come through the doors at Leaps, with a passion to serve Spanish speaking families.
In her spare time, Maggie enjoys learning how to play the guitar and taking mini weekend trips to see and spend time with her family.
Paige Bakkers SLPA
Speech and Language Pathology Assistant
Paige is a licensed SLPA who received her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Fullerton. Paige’s experience working with kids at a young age led her to a career in Speech. She believes helping others find their voice is the most rewarding job you can have.
In her spare time, Paige enjoys camping, walking her dog, and spending time with her family.
Paige has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Level 1 training.
Samantha Belton M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech and Language Pathologist
Sam is a licensed and credentialed speech language pathologist who started her Speech career in 2011. She enjoys helping kids find their voice so they can communicate effectively with their family and friends. Sam earned her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from MGH-Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. It was there she found her passion for the multi-disciplinary approach to working with individuals in therapy. Sam earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders from the University of Redlands in 2009. In 2020, 2022 and 2023 Sam received the A.C.E. award from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) for her commitment to continuing education. Sam has guest lectured at local universities on Hippotherapy and the benefits for speech therapy and enjoys supervising future SLPs and SLPAs for their clinical placements. In her spare time, Sam enjoys traveling, playing with her daughter and reading.
Sam has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Level 1 and 2 training.
Sarah Hsieh CF SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Sarah is a licensed clinical fellow speech-language pathologist. She graduated from California State University, Pomona with a B.A. in Psychology in 2016 and later went on to earn her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in April 2022. After being introduced to speech-language pathology at a young age, her passion for the field grew as she saw the need for children to become effective communicators and desires to see them improve their functional communication. Her professional experience includes working with individuals of all ages, ranging from infants to adults in a variety of settings. From a young age, Sarah has always been passionate about working with kids as she is the oldest of 6, serves in children’s ministry at church, and has been a counselor at camps for kids with special needs. Sarah began her Leaps journey as a volunteer for the hippotherapy program during undergrad and just knew she had to come back!
In her free time, Sarah loves spending time with family and friends, riding bikes, swimming and surfing, trying new foods, traveling to new places, and hanging out at the beach and Disneyland.