Serving Los Angeles Families | In-Home, Online & Clinic Therapy | Ages 0-5 | 📞 (424) 724-0944
OUR STORY
Nurturing every child's unique potential In Los Angeles.
Vida Kids Therapy (VKT) was founded in 2023 and inspired by the Costa Rican phrase “pura vida.” While it literally translates to “pure life,” in Costa Rica it means much more. It’s a way of expressing positivity, gratitude, and a joyful outlook on life, often used as a greeting, a way of saying “all is good,” or simply appreciating the moment. At Vida Kids Therapy, we bring that same spirit into everything we do.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enrich the lives of the children and families we serve by fostering well-being, positivity, and growth. We believe that when children feel supported and empowered, they gain the confidence and skills needed to thrive in everyday life.
Our Core Beliefs
Child-Centered: Every intervention is guided by the child's interests and natural motivations
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Family-Focused: We believe parents are the most important partners in a child's therapeutic journey.
Holistic Growth: We address physical, emotional, and social development as interconnected pillars.
Meet the Team
Dr. Cynthia Hughell PT, DPT
Cynthia is a pediatric physical therapist dedicated to helping children of all abilities. Her multicultural upbringing in a Costa Rican-American family, spanning South, Central, and North America, brings a unique perspective to her work. She's fluent in both Spanish and English and she earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
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Cynthia divides her time between a non-profit elementary school, contracted by Vida Kids Therapy (VKT), which specializes in children with neurological disorders and complex cases, and the VKT clinic. At the clinic, she supports a wide range of developmental needs specializing in 0- year old.
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Certified in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) level C and Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) she seamlessly blends with her play-based therapy approach to make each session both effective and enjoyable. Passionate about her work, Cynthia is dedicated to creating individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs, ensuring optimal support and progress
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Outside of her professional life, Cynthia is an early riser who finds peace at the beach and enjoys traveling. A devoted sports enthusiast, she loves both playing and watching sports like surfing, volleyball, soccer, and ping pong.
Dr. Stefani DiLucente PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Stefani has been a pediatric Physical Therapist since 2009. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with her doctorate in physical therapy following her internship at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She continued to expand her experiences in both private and public schools as well as in early intervention.
The impact that working with children and families can have on a child’s future is inspiring and incredibly motivating. Stefani believes that setting the foundation for a child’s future through patient and family education, building a rapport, and enjoyment of activity has the ability to change the trajectory of a child’s life.
Stefani loves spending time with her family and friends, especially her daughter Scarlett. She loves to travel, try new restaurants, stay active, and cheer Scarlett on at her gymnastic meets.
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Dr. Kanosha Grady, PT, DPT, LAT, ATC
Physical Therapist
Kanosha Grady is a licensed physical therapist that is DMI Certified level C based in California. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. With a background in sports medicine, Kanosha has developed a passion for working with children and has dedicated years to nurturing the pediatric population through her career. She earned her bachelor's degree in athletic training from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has since specialized in helping young patients thrive through physical therapy.
When Kanosha isn’t busy at work, she loves exploring the vibrant streets of Los Angeles with her husband and discovering new places around the globe. As a retired basketball player and a huge sports enthusiast, she also enjoys playing recreational sports like golf and softball.
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Dr. Brianna Stevens, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Brianna Stevens is a pediatric physical therapist specializing in how neurological development impacts movement, learning, and behavior. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor’s in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Columbia College. Bri works with children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy, autism, and developmental delays.
She’s also involved in research on sensory processing and learning differences, contributing to projects and leading literature reviews to connect science with practice. Bri leads adaptive dance and sports programs for children with disabilities, helping them build confidence through movement.
Outside of work, Bri enjoys dancing, hiking, weight-lifting, and discovering new coffee shops.
Dr. Kelli Ruiz PT,DPT
Physical Therapist
Kelli Ruiz is a pediatric physical therapist with over 12 years of experience specializing in the birth-to-three population. She holds a kinesiology degree from Penn State University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Temple University.
Kelli has treated children with various diagnoses, including torticollis, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays, working in school districts and early intervention programs across Tennessee, Maryland, and Kentucky. She is passionate about helping children meet milestones and coaching parents to support their progress.
Outside of work, Kelli enjoys reading, strength training, and trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Dr. Ann Goodgame PT,DPT
Physical Therapist
Ann is a Los Angeles native who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. She has extensive experience treating children of all ages with neuromuscular conditions in the outpatient setting at California Children’s Services, with specialized expertise in adaptive equipment and mobility solutions.
Ann has a special love for working with the 0–3-year-old population and is passionate about helping children reach their fullest potential through therapy, family education, and advocacy.
Outside of the clinic, Ann is a proud mom of three. She enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling, and she is actively involved in her children’s schools, where she has held numerous volunteer leadership roles, including overseeing committees, planning events, and organizing fundraisers.
Dr. Alejandra Roque PT,DPT
Physical Therapist
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Alejandra "Ale" Roque is a licensed physical therapist passionate about helping children move, grow, and thrive. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco State University and completed her bachelor’s degree at California State University, Long Beach. Ale is DMI Certified at Level C and is dedicated to using evidence-based and play-centered approaches to help her patients reach their goals.
Ale’s interest in physical therapy began with her background in gymnastics, which she practiced from ages 3 to 12 and later coached for six years. Through coaching, she discovered her love for working with children and supporting their physical development an experience that inspired her to pursue a career in pediatric physical therapy.
Outside of work, Ale enjoys running, trying new foods, and has recently taken up crocheting.
Dr. Karina Herrera PT,DPT
Physical Therapist
Karina is a licensed physical therapist and Los Angeles native. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Colorado.
Karina has experience working with children from birth through adolescence across clinic, school, aquatic, home health, and hospital settings. She has provided care for children with a wide range of diagnoses, including developmental delay, torticollis, cerebral palsy, autism, anoxic brain injury, IVH/hydrocephalus, and complex neurological conditions.
As a bilingual clinician fluent in English and Spanish, she is committed to being a reliable provider working to address public health issues and health care disparities many communities face.
Outside of the clinic, Karina enjoys staying active, trying new restaurants, reading, cooking, spending time outdoors, traveling, and sharing quality time with friends and family.
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Dr. Samantha Bauer PT,DPT
Physical Therapist
Originally from the East Coast, Samantha “Sammy” is a licensed physical therapist dedicated to helping children build strength, confidence, and independence through movement. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science from Boston University. Sammy is passionate about providing individualized, evidence-based care while collaborating closely with families to support meaningful progress and successful home carryover.
As a pediatric physical therapist, Sammy brings creativity into her work through a play-based approach that keeps children engaged while working toward their goals. She enjoys blending imagination, physical activity, and her energetic personality to create sessions that are both effective and fun.
Outside of the clinic, Sammy is also a registered yoga teacher and enjoys incorporating elements of yoga into her sessions. In her free time, she loves traveling, cooking, and spending time outdoors - surfing, hiking, practicing yoga, and snowboarding. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two adorable cats.
Samantha Pressman MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Samantha has over five years of experience providing high-quality care across the lifespan. She grew up in New York, earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Boston University, and completed her master's in Occupational Therapy at St. Augustine University of Health Sciences. Specializing in neurological rehabilitation and pediatric therapy, Samantha has worked in schools, rehabilitation centers, and home health, treating conditions such as sensory processing issues, fine motor delays, attention deficits, and motor planning difficulties.
She has expanded her expertise through mentorship with neuro-optometrists for vision therapy and clinicians specializing in the SOS approach to feeding. Samantha is passionate about helping children and their families develop the skills for success at home, school, and in the community.
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Kelsey Steck MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Born and raised in Southern California, Kelsey earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and has a background in pediatrics, maternal health, and infant development.
For her doctoral capstone, she created and implemented Tiny Explorers, a developmental playgroup supporting infant motor skills, sensory exploration, and caregiver education. This experience strengthened her skills in program development, caregiver coaching, and supporting families during early development and transition.
Kelsey believes that connection, movement, and play are the foundation for development and strives to create a warm, engaging environment where both babies and caregivers can thrive.
Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, traveling, baking, and playing sand volleyball.
Haley Feinstein M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Therapist
Haley Feinstein, holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and earned her master’s degree from Syracuse University. She has over a decade of experience working with a diverse pediatric population in school and clinic settings. Haley takes an individualized approach, recognizing that one size does not fit all. She is Hanen-certified (It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words) and has a strong passion for early intervention.
Her areas of focus include early language development, language delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, gestalt language processing, and supporting children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Outside of work, Haley enjoys planning weekend trips, reading, exploring new restaurants, and going to her local farmers market.
Jennifer O'brien M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Therapist
Jen is a speech-language pathologist originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She earned her bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Miami University and moved to Los Angeles while completing her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Nova Southeastern University.
Jen has experience serving children across a variety of settings, including private practice and schools. Her clinical background includes early intervention, autism, gestalt language processing, articulation and phonology, fluency, childhood apraxia of speech, and supporting children who use AAC. She is especially passionate about helping young children with expressive and receptive language delays and speech sound disorders, and empowering families with the tools to support communication at home.
Outside of work, Jen enjoys exercising, eating clean, going on walks, spending time with friends, and playing the harp for weddings and special events.
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Sofie Alfaro
Infant Development Specialist
Born and raised in Santa Monica and West Los Angeles, Sofie earned her Bachelor's degree in psychology from California State University Long Beach. Her passion for supporting children and families shines through her nurturing, play-based, and developmentally enriching care approach. Sofie brings valuable experience working with children aged 0–5 in preschool settings and as a dedicated nanny. Her journey into speech-language pathology was inspired during volunteer work at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Saint John’s Hospital and a pediatric occupational and speech therapy clinic, where she discovered her true calling.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sofie enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, exploring new coffee shops, savoring live music events, playing soccer, watching sports, and catching the latest movies on the big screen.
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Andrea Trujillo
Infant Development Specialist
Andrea Trujillo is a first-generation Latina who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Cal State LA and an AA in Liberal Arts from Santa Monica College.
She has been working with children for the past four years, beginning as a preschool assistant and eventually advancing to the role of lead preschool teacher.
Working with children is something Andrea truly loves whether teaching, playing, guiding their growth, or sharing laughs. What she enjoys most, however, is learning from them. She believes every child has something unique to teach and feels fortunate to be part of their journey.
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys going to the gym, traveling, exploring new coffee shops, crafting, walking by the beach, and spending time with her family.
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Kaitlin Rafferty
Infant Development Specialist
Kaitlin is a dedicated teacher with a strong academic foundation in child development and psychology from Whittier College. She was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, where she still resides. She brings both compassion and structure into her classroom, creating a safe, engaging space where children feel supported and inspired to learn.
With a deep understanding of how young minds grow and thrive, Kaitlin uses her background in psychology to tailor her teaching approach to the individual needs of each student. Her goal is to foster curiosity, confidence, and kindness in every child she works with.
Outside of the classroom, Kaitlin enjoys a creatively rich and relaxing lifestyle. She’s an avid soccer player, loves to embroider and macrame, and is a huge beach lover.
Jennifer Sanchez
Infant Development Specialist
Jennifer was born in Nicaragua and raised in Los Angeles. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. For the past six years, she has worked in early childhood education, including roles in Early Intervention and Early Head Start, where she supported children with diverse developmental needs and collaborated closely with families to promote healthy growth and learning. Jennifer is passionate about nurturing children’s development through play-based approaches that honor each child’s unique strengths. In her free time, she enjoys activities that allow for creative freedom, trying new restaurants, and exploring new places.
Gabriella Rodriguez
Infant Development Specialist
Gabby was born and raised in Los Angeles and comes from a strong Mexican heritage. She is earned her bachelor’s degree at California State University, Fullerton in Child and Adolescent Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Development. Over the past five years, Gabby has gained experience working with children of all ages across a variety of settings, including preschools, recreational programs, and non-profit educational services.
Her passion for early intervention grew from witnessing children reach important developmental milestones and being able to support families through those meaningful moments. Gabby is passionate about creating positive, engaging experiences for children while helping them grow and build confidence.
In her free time, Gabby enjoys cooking, baking, spending time with her loved ones, and one of her favorite activities, treating herself to coffee and boba.
Madeline Rooks
Office Manager
Madeline is the beating heart of VKT's administrative operations, working from her remote setup to expertly manage our scheduling needs.
With a meticulous eye for detail and unmatched organizational prowess, she ensures that our day-to-day tasks run seamlessly behind the scenes. Madeline's versatility and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable asset to our team.
On the weekends you can find Madeline directing/putting together films, hiking with friends or making delicious brick oven pizzas. We're lucky to have her as a member of our team.
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Marisol Barragan
Human Resources
Marisol is a knowledgeable HR Professional with over 10 years of expertise in full cycle HR, including workplace compliance, policy development, and employee engagement. She is passionate about emotional intelligence and fostering authentic work environments where people can thrive. Known for her balanced approach, Marisol combines strategic problem-solving with genuine empathy for others.
Outside of work, Marisol is a proud wife and mom of two. She enjoys an unlimited amount of coffee, life in the mountains, staying active, baking her own sourdough, and spending quality time with family and friend.
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Malisa Mcdonald
Scheduling Coordinator
Originally from the East Coast, Malisa is a proud Marine wife of 12 years, which has allowed her to live in various cities, states, and countries.
She is excited to be a part of the Vida Kids Therapy team, where she already feels like family.
Malisa brings dedication, flexibility, and a strong sense of community to everything she does, both professionally and personally.
Outside of work, Malisa enjoys spending time with her family, hosting game nights, and volunteering with the USO. As the proud mom of an energetic 11-year-old daughter, she enjoys a life full of adventure and fun.
Melissa Mesa
Scheduling Coordinator