Sydney Lao, MOT, OTR/L, Lead
Sydney hails from the Coachella Valley. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from University of California, Riverside and Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University. In her spare time, Sydney enjoys thrifting, upcycling clothes, and going to concerts! Sydney is passionate about working with kids and is happy to be a part of the Thrive Tribe!
Melody Taban, OTD, OTR/L
Melody Taban was born and raised in Los Angeles where she also received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California. She spent 6 months in Israel volunteering at a kindergarten to learn more about occupational therapy prior to changing coasts (west coast to east coast). She moved to the city of brotherly (and sisterly) love, known as Philadelphia, where she received her Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree at Thomas Jefferson University. She loves museums, hikes, being in nature, her dogs, friends, and family, and has a great passion for art and meditation which she believes is a healing medium for people of all ages. She aspires to learn and do more programming and research throughout her career, and to build communities that welcome families of all different shapes and sizes.
Sana Moore, OTR/L
Sana has been with Thrive since 2009 and has been practicing pediatric occupational therapist for 21 years. She received her Bachelors in Biology and graduated from the OT program at Loma Linda University in 1998. She has completed many continuing education, including receiving her Sensory Integration and Praxis Test certification and the Advanced Practice Certification in Feeding from the Board of Occupational Therapy. She has worked in a variety of settings including out-patient pediatric clinics, in- home therapy, schools, and NICU. Sana enjoys movies, nature walks, cooking, yummy coffee and spending time with family and friends. She loves being part of the Thrive team and looks forward to working with her families and helping her kiddo’s blossom.
Shelley Leonor, MOT, OTR/L
Shelley began life on the East Coast and then transported to CA over 20 years ago. After working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant for a few years she returned to school to obtain a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy at Loma Linda University. With experience working in many different OT settings she’s chosen to return to her first love with children. Shelley is thrilled to be joining with THRIVE and looks forward to the opportunity to be a blessing to her kiddos and their families. She also hopes to help begin some group classes to provide more opportunities for kiddos and parents to learn and grow together.
Erika Skeoch, MOT, OTR/L
Erika Skeoch was born and raised in Southern California. For a change of scenery, she moved up to Northern California to obtain her undergraduate degrees at Pacific Union College, receiving her associates degree in health science and bachelor’s degree in health communication. After undergrad, Erika came back to Southern California to complete her master’s degree from Loma Linda University, graduating from the Occupational Therapy program in June 2021. Erika has spent a lot of time working with children in her local and church communities, where she found her heart and passion to work with kids. When Erika is not at work, she loves to bake, sing, play sports, watch “The Great British Baking Show”, and hang out with friends and family. Erika is overjoyed to be sharing her creative and energetic side with children and is grateful to be part of the THRIVE community.
Erica Stevens, OTD, OTR/L
Erica Stevens was born and raised in Maryland. She received her bachelor’s in Health in Human Performance at Union College in Nebraska. During her undergraduate degree, she lived for 10 months on Majuro (an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean) as a 3 rd grade teacher, where she found her passion for working with kids. After undergrad, she stayed in Nebraska attended Creighton University to receive her Doctorate in occupational therapy in 2023. Erica enjoys being in nature, playing sports, and spending time with her friends and family. She is so grateful and excited to be a part of the Thrive team!
Brittany Beverlin, COTA/L
Brittany Beverlin was born and raised in the Inland Empire. She obtained her associates of applied science at St. Catherine University’s online OTA program. Brittany has always had a passion for working with children. She volunteered from 7-12th grade at her church working with younger children. While in school, she babysat her niece and nephew for 5 years. While watching her nephew who as ASD, she found her passion for occupational therapy. When not at work, Brittany loves to go camping, fishing, spend time with family, relax and binge shows, bake and play with her niece and nephew who she loves more than anything. Brittany is very blessed to be a part of the Thrive tribe! And can’t wait to help young children reach their full potential and blossom to lead happy lives!
Diana Valdez, OTR/L
With over 20 years of experience as an occupational therapist and more than a decade specializing in pediatrics Diana brings a deep understanding and passion for helping children thrive. For the past 11 years, she’s worked in both school and clinic settings, supporting children and their families in achieving meaningful developmental milestones. Diana holds advanced training and certification in Sensory Integration and Physical Agent Modalities. Outside of work, she loves traveling and spending time outdoors with her family—whether it's hiking, biking, or simply enjoying nature together.
Shelley Hale, MOT, OTR/L
Shelley grew up in Beaumont, California and is married to her high school sweetheart. She was blessed to live in Hawaii, San Diego, and Okinawa Japan during her husband’s time in the Navy. As a young mother, her daughter became very ill which required a need to be fed by a G-tube. This was the beginning to the occupational therapy journey. She graduated from California Baptist University with a bachelors in Kinesiology and progressed to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of St. Augustine, San Marcos. Now, she feels honored to help little ones at THRIVE in the same way occupational therapists had helped her little one.
Brittany Ea, MOT, OTR/L
Brittany is a proud Inland Empire native who attended UCLA to receive her bachelor's degree in Physiological Sciences. She completed her Master's in Occupational Therapy at West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies in December 2024. Now working at Thrive, Brittany sees her role as a meaningful way to empower parents and their little ones. In her free time, she enjoys visiting cozy mom-and-pop coffee shops, browsing farmers markets, and spending time with her cat, Piccolo!
