About Us

The Achievement Center for Therapy is pleased to offer a warm, well-trained staff to help your children learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. We offer innovative programs and therapies servicing an extensive variety of conditions, while specializing in Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Autism, AAC, traumatic brain injury in California and Nevada. Members of our team regularly lecture nationwide on these topics, as well as special education advocacy, communication disorders, and iOS apps for communication skills. Our staff is dedicated to their craft, and look forward to working with you and your child.

Shawn Manvell

Founder

Shawn Manvell, MS, CCC-SLP, founder of the Achievement Center for Therapy, has been at the forefront of the industry for over 20 years, offering patients innovative therapies with a traditional and technological mix of treatments. She is a Pediatric Feeding Specialist, a Speech-Language Pathologist, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, and an iOS app developer, creating apps that complement her practice. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from SUNY Fredonia and her Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders & Sciences from California State University Northridge.

Shawn has successfully provided services and therapies to infants, children, and adolescents with a variety of conditions and developmental disorders, and is sought after for consultation and public-speaking engagements in a variety of educational, medical, and community settings. She has lectured nationwide and internationally on a variety of topics including Pediatric Feeding Disorders, AAC & Children with Communication Needs, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, special education advocacy, and iOS apps for communication skills. She provides training to: Speech-Language Pathologists, university students nationwide, medical doctors and staff, special education teachers, administrators, related service staff, and parents to improve feeding abilities and communication skills in children and adolescents. Her professional interests include Pediatric Feeding Therapy, Autism, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, AAC, and traumatic brain injury.

Outside of her private practice, she enjoys raising her daughter, traveling, skiing, riding and showing horses.

“A creative education has the power to catapult children into a lifetime of curiosity.”

Meet the Team

Samantha T.

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist, ACT-CA
Samantha is the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist at ACT – Camarillo. She obtained B.A. and M.S. in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from California State University, Northridge. She completed her clinical fellowship at ACT and attained her certificate of clinical competence through ASHA in December 2018. During her clinician fellowship, Samantha focused on the specialty of pediatric feeding and swallowing under the mentorship of ACT’s founder/owner and pediatric feeding specialist Shawn Manvell. Samantha was born and raised in Southern California and is a Disneyland Annual Pass holder. She spends her free time playing soccer, refereeing youth soccer games and hanging out with her 3 dogs.
Alyssa M.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, ACT-CA
Alyssa received her B.A. in Communicative Disorders at California State University Northridge. She then attained her SLPA License-Certification with Loma Linda University. Alyssa has experience as a Behavior Interventionist and 3 years experience as a Preschool Lead Teacher. During her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her husband and visiting family. Alyssa loves training at the gym, discovering new eateries, and exploring the beautiful Southern California culture in her Jeep.
Amanda C.

Medical Billing Specialist, ACT-CA
Amanda received her first bachelor’s degree in Communications from Channel Islands University in 2017. She is currently taking classes to receive her 2nd bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders to become a SLPA. Outside of works, Amanda loves spending time with her husband, family, and pets. She enjoys outdoor activities and likes to hike and travel.
Julia P.

Medical Billing Specialist, ACT-CA
Julia is our billing manager here at ACT. She received her license in nursing from Professional Medical Careers Institute and is currently continuing her education to bridge from LVN to RN. While she was going to school, she gained years of experience in insurance coordinating and billing in a dental office. In her free time, Julia likes to spend time with friends and family, play with her two dogs, or go skiing.
Stephanie B.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst – ACT-CA
Stephanie grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and earned her B.A. in Psychology from CSU, East Bay. Teaching at a preschool and providing behavior therapy at a non-profit ABA agency and schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, her passion for working with children and families flourished. In 2022, she earned an M.S. in Educational Psychology with an ABA emphasis from the University of Southern Maine. As a BCBA, she enjoys empowering individuals and families through evidence-based strategies while fostering meaningful changes. Thrilled to be joining the ACT family, she looks forward to collaborating with the team and contributing to their mission of making a positive impact. In her free time, she enjoys boba drinks, walking with her two little dogs, and exploring farmers’ markets with her husband.
Andrea R.

Registered Behavior Technician- ACT-CA
Andrea was born and raised in Oxnard. She has worked as a behavior technician for 4 years now. She initially entered the field to gain some experience in Psychology during her undergraduate years. As time went on, she has genuinely enjoyed her time doing ABA more and more! During her down time she enjoys reading, working out, having some alone time and spending time with her dog Lila.
Stephanie B.

Registered Behavior Technician- ACT-CA
Stephanie is our Registered Behavior Technician for our ABA program. She attended Moorpark College where she received her Associate in Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development. Stephanie is currently attending Grand Canyon University where she is continuing her eduction. During her free time she enjoys riding, baking, and needle felting. Stephanie’s favorite thing about her job is working with such an amazing team and clients.
Melissa M.

Registered Behavior Technician- ACT-CA
Melissa was born and raised in Oxnard, CA and studied Sociology and Spanish for my undergrad degrees. In her downtime she loves to spend time with her four month old niece, go to the movies and play card/board games. She has worked as a RBT for a little over two years now.
Ria W.

Office Manager- ACT-CA
Ria serves as our Office Manager and has 14 years of experience in the Medical Field as an Admin and Billing Specialist. During her free time Ria enjoys hiking, camping/ overlanding, traveling, watching movies, and plant shopping. Ria loves working with all the professional staff here at ACT and knowing that our Therapy Center is making a difference in all the kids’ lives.
Chrissy S.

Front Desk, Clinical Aid- ACT-CA
Chrissy is the clinical aid and an administrative assistant for our office. She has fifteen years experience working the medical field and received her Associates Degree from Ventura College. She enjoys going to concerts, hanging out with her family, camping, and taking her dog Leo out for walks. One of her favorite things about working here is being with all the kids because they bring her so much joy.
Winston T.

Therapy Dog – ACT-CA
Winston, aka “Winnie” is our resident clinic therapy dog. He was born in Paso Robles, CA at Country Labradoodles and was handpicked for therapy work. Winnie has undergone extensive individual and group training since he was 2 months old. He loves playing with and providing comfort to patients, caregivers and staff members. His favorite treats are boiled chicken and string cheese. When he is not at ACT, he enjoys hanging out with his friends at Doggy Day Care and doing agility classes at Zoom Room. San Diego, CA Please follow Progressive Therapy Center on Instagram & Facebook Las Vegas, NV