Our Team

  • Jen Brueckner, OTR/L, SWC

    Jen is the owner of Special Tots and has been a pediatric OT since 2014. Her experience has been in subacute, outpatient, and in home settings. She has worked with children of various ages and disabilities, including CP, spina bifida, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, medically complex children and global developmental delays. Jen also has her advanced practice in feeding and swallowing and is a pediatric sleep consultant. In her downtime, Jen loves to do yoga and spin, binge watch Netflix, explore new restaurants, and cuddle with her two dogs, Khaleesi and Cubby.

  • Nare Bagumyan, OTR/L, SWC

    Nare earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UC San Diego, followed by her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at West Coast University in 2016. Her professional work experience spans from early intervention, pediatric clinic-based OT, and school-based OT. Nare is currently a part time OT at California Children's Services. Nare has also obtained her SWC, an advanced certification for feeding and swallowing. When not working, Nare enjoys hiking and a nice cup of home made coffee in her spare time.

  • Lilit Sarian, OTR/L

    Lilit graduated from USC with a master's degree in Occupational Therapy in 2019. She has worked with kids from ages 0 to 18 in a wide range of settings, including schools and sensory clinics. Lilit has pursued further knowledge and expertise in the areas of sensory integration, trauma-informed care, attachment, and emotional dysregulation, in an effort to provide a more holistic approach to supporting children and families. When Lilit is not working, you can find her spending time with family, doing dance workouts or pilates, at the beach, at a concert, or on the couch reading.

  • Katherine Chen, OTR/L

    Katherine is a pediatric occupational therapist who graduated from Stanbridge University with her Master's in Occupational Therapy in 2019. She has experience in various pediatric settings such as inclusive preschool programs, public schools, outpatient pediatric clinics, and community based early intervention. Katherine loves working with kiddos specifically in the areas of feeding and sensory integration.

  • Kruti Shah, OTR/L

    Kruti graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. She has experience working with children of all ages, from 0 to 18 years old in the hospital, outpatient, and early intervention settings. Kruti enjoys expressing her creativity to help children build skills, confidence, and independence, while also supporting family routines. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time at the beach, practicing yoga or cooking.

  • Katie Fermanian, OTR/L

    Katie received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2014. Since completing her Master’s, she has been practicing as a Pediatric OT, specifically in the area of early intervention. As an OT, Katie enjoys getting to know each client as an individual and uses that understanding to work together towards their goals. She loves seeing the impact intervention at an early age can have on a child’s life. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her 5 kids, going to the beach, and hiking.

  • Bobbi Berg, OTD, OTR/L

    Bobbi is an occupational therapist originally from North Dakota. She got her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. She enjoys working with children because of the impact that early intervention and achievement of developmental milestones has on these little humans’ continued development, self confidence, and quality of life. She is also passionate about working with neurological and geriatric populations in the hospital and skilled nursing facility settings. In her free time, Bobbi likes to spend time in nature, care for her plants, stay active, and do yoga.

  • Alyssa Slozarczyk, OTR/L

    Alyssa is a licensed occupational therapist who received Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Psychology and Business Economics before going on to receive a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. She has clinical experience in pediatrics, acute rehabilitation, outpatient, and sub-acute residential settings. Alyssa has been working in pediatrics since 2016, and is passionate about helping her patients and their families grow, learn, and meet their goals. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys weightlifting, skiing, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places with her husband and one-year-old son.

  • Liz Carrasquillo, OTD, OTR/L

    Born and raised in Illinois, Liz decided to make California home in 2020. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Physiology from University of Iowa and her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University. When not working at Special Tots, Liz works at a pediatric outpatient clinic. She is certified in SOS Approach to Feeding and has taken Talk Tools – Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding Therapy. Liz loves enjoying the beautiful California weather and going to the beach in her free time. She is looking forward to continuing help children reach their full potential!

  • Serena Saake, OTR/L

    Serena received her Masters in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) at University of Illinois Chicago, where she received academic honors. In her eight year career, Serena has worked with children from birth to 18 with a variety of diagnoses and specializes in feeding and sensory integration and processing. She has completed courses and certificates from Talk Tools Feeding, Collaborative for Leadership in Ayers Sensory Integration (CLASI), and Learning without Tears. Serena has experience in hospital-based, clinic-based, in home, and school-based services and loves watching clients make progress and succeed across all settings. Her favorite thing about working with kids is that no two days are the same.

  • Julia Reser, OTR/L

    Julia attained her master’s in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. She is a passionate pediatric OT with a focus on straightforward, simple, and sustainable techniques to promote child development through play and natural experiences. Julia has worked with a variety of populations including adult outpatient rehab, community mental health for justice impacted individuals, program development, and pediatric early intervention. She completed continuing education and training on the topics of pediatric motor development, reflex integration, sensory and oral motor feeding strategies, and sensory integration. In her free time, Julia loves to move— whether that’s a run, walk, rock climbing, dancing, or something else! Julia is married to a wonderful Navy nuclear engineer and they have a delightful baby girl— Anastasia— who loves to join in her mom & dad’s adventures!