Irel Idisalman, MS, CCC-SLP, Lead
Irel received her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology in 2020 at Loma Linda University. Irel’s heart lies in the pediatric population. She has experiences in a variety of settings including a school for autism and developmental delays, pediatric rehabilitation hospital, in-home treatment, and out-patient pediatric clinics. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, and going to the dog beach with her dog, Rilee. Irel is happy to be part of the THRIVE family and hopes to help children reach their full potential and improve their quality of life.
Rachel Garcia, MS, CCC-SLP, Lead
Rachel graduated from University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington with a B.S. in Exercise Science. After moving back to California, she served as a substitute teacher in San Bernardino City Unified School District, where she uncovered a passion for working with kids. Rachel went on to earn her Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Redlands in 2022. She completed her Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) in Worcester Public Schools in Massachusetts where she found her niche working with kids on the autism spectrum. She strives to support her clients in a neurodiversity affirming manner by using a strengths-based approach. Rachel joined the THRIVE Pediatrics team in 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, being outdoors, and reading.
Jennifer Hamman, MS, CCC-SLP
Jennifer is a speech therapist with a specialty in preschool age children. She graduated with an Master of Science from University of Redlands and holds a California Teaching Credential with specialty in clinical rehabilitative services. She is a proud member of her professional organization ASHA and holds a certificate of clinical competence. Jennifer has been a speech therapist in the school district since 2002 and has been at THRIVE since 2008. She is a joy to work with and we are so glad she has chosen to work with us!
Shreya Patel, MS, CCC-SLP
Shreya has been a speech-language pathologist since 2008, completing her CFY year at Newport Therapy Centers in Mission Viejo, CA. She graduated with her Masters from Adelphi University in NYC. Prior to pursuing her career as an SLP, she was an ABA therapist specializing in working with children on the spectrum in both a school and home setting. She truly enjoys working in a multidisciplinary setting to treat children as a whole. She enjoys both the clinical and in-home settings. When not at work, Shreya enjoys time with her family and children trying new adventures, restaurants and traveling. She truly feels blessed to work at THRIVE pediatrics with so much support and knowledge from other professionals.
Kelly Kimura, MS, CCC-SLP
Kelly is a Southern California native. She discovered her heart and passion for pediatrics through the world of education and interacting with children in her local communities. In 2023, Kelly received her Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech Language Pathology at Loma Linda University. Outside of the clinic, you can find Kelly spending time with friends and family, or soaking up the sun outdoors. Kelly strives to help her clients communicate meaningfully and effectively with friends and family, as well as interact with the world around them. Kelly is happy to have found her home at THRIVE.
Dennise Olvera, MS, CF-SLP
Dennise has been with Thrive since 2016. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Criminology from UC Irvine in 2010, then returned to school in 2020 for her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Loma Linda University. She started as an infant teacher and soon realized she had a passion for the speechy kiddos on her caseload. Prior to Thrive she worked with children and families impacted by trauma and domestic violence. She offers parenting classes promoting positive child behavior. In her spare time, you will find Dennise doing fun, extracurricular things with her children or spending time outdoors.
Tarrah Lee, BS, SLPA
Tarrah is a licensed Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California Baptist University. She brings a passionate, creative, and child-centered approach to her work, specializing in play-based therapy and always following the child’s lead to create engaging and meaningful communication experiences. Tarrah loves collaborating with parents, partnering closely to discover effective and individualized ways to support their child’s speech and language development. Empowering families and watching kiddos find their voice is the heart of what she does. Outside of work, Tarrah is a proud wife, mom to two amazing adult children, and a joyful grandma to a grandson that she absolutely adores. She also blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law who’s truly part of her family. Helping children connect, express, and grow Tarrah’s my calling—and she’s honored to be a part of every child’s journey.
Katherine Urquijo, BS, SLPA
Katherine, who also go by Kathy, received a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology from California State University, Sacramento in 2016. That same year, she received my license as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) and has enjoyed working in the clinic setting ever since. As a SLPA, it is a great joy for her to see the children she works with grow to express their wants, needs, and share their ideas more effectively. Outside of the clinic, Kathy enjoys visiting new coffee shops, taking long walks, and spending time with my family.
