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Milestones Therapeutic Associates
Therapist Team
Jennifer Griffith, OTR and Co-owner
Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 1988 from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Since then, Jennifer has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, acute care, home health, early childhood intervention, state hospitals and the local school systems. Her love in life (outside of spending time with her family) is working with children with special needs by seeing the true gifts they bring to our world. Jennifer’s extensive experience encompasses meeting the physical, behavioral, emotional and psychosocial needs of the child and family through use of sensory processing and integration techniques. She has spent 18 years developing her knowledge base in sensory integration and processing including becoming certified to administer and interpret the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests, the most comprehensive assessment of its kind. She has also received ongoing education in use of music – Therapeutic Listening and Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention – as well as CranioSacral Therapy and vestibular intervention.
The demands of owning and managing a growing clinic have necessitated Jennifer receiving additional administrative training including seeking graduate hours toward her MBA in Health Care and completion of a nine-month managerial program through a renowned rehabilitation company in California. She believes that giving back to her profession is important so her efforts include teaching on collegiate level at both UT Pan American and STC as well as serving on the 2006 Admissions Committee for UPTA OT-Program. She has also become more civically involved by participating and graduating from 2006 - Class 25 – Leadership McAllen Program.
When not working, Jennifer spends hours sitting in the bleachers, cheering on her two sons in various sports, as well as relaxing on the beautiful beaches of South Padre Island.
Misty Standard, MS/ CCC-SLP and Co-owner
Misty received her Master’s degree in 1994 in the field of Communication Disorders and her Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration from Southwest Texas State University. She has extensive clinical and managerial experience in programs dealing with the management of severe speech-language and swallowing disorders in settings ranging from acute to long-term care and all rehabilitation levels in between, including ECI. Much of her clinical work has been devoted to exploration of the link between various whole body treatments and the subsequent effects on swallowing abilities as well as the study of the links between sensory integration and the emergence of language. Additionally, she has presented clinical findings to a variety of groups including medical professionals, therapists, teachers, parents and university students on Sensory Integration and Language Development, Positioning and Feeding in Pediatrics and Whole Body Treatments and Language Development. She has served as clinical supervisor for graduate students from five different Texas Universities entering into Speech-Language Pathology.
Misty has devoted a significant portion of her time to furthering her post-graduate education and in the past year alone completed in excess of 263 continuing education hours in the study of Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) and received her certification. Additionally, she has participated in and actively uses a variety of Therapeutic Listening programs for language development ranging from Modulated Music to Samonas Sound intervention to Listening Fitness Training based upon the work of Dr. Alfred Tomatis. She is the recipient of numerous ACE awards for her commitment to continuing education from the American Speech and Hearing Association and has completed 33 specialty courses/certifications in her field in the past 11 years.
She has been actively involved politically in the area of rehabilitation since 1997 including founding several political organizations designed to closely follow the political climate. Misty has served as President for STOP-IT (South Texas Organization for Pediatric Involvement Today), Vice-President of Hidalgo County Coalition for Children and is currently actively involved in organizations such as TORCA in regards to pursuing legislation that positively impacts health care delivery to children in the state of Texas.
Most importantly, Misty is the mother of three beautiful girls ages 3, 6 and 9 years. She, her girls and her husband spend every spare minute in the Texas Hill country kayaking and exploring the beautiful rivers of the Edwards Plateau.
Carmen Pagan MA/ CCC-SLP and Co-Owner
Carmen holds many titles at Milestones, including Chief Officer of Operations, Executive Clinical Director, Quality Assurance Director, and SLP. She received her B.A. in 1987 and her M.A. in 1989, from Pan American University, Edinburg, Texas, in Communication Disorders. Her experience includes having worked in the Valley for approximately 15 years in a variety of settings including public schools, the University of Texas-Pan American (Practicum Supervisor), Easter Seals of the RGV, Out-Patient Rehabilitation Facilities, Private Practice/Contract Work for Home Health Agencies, and currently co-owner of Milestones Therapeutic Associates in McAllen, Texas. Furthermore, she has been a Supervisor for graduate extern students from UTPA and other Universities for the last 12 years.
Her area of interest and specialty is in Pediatrics with focus on Pediatric Dysphagia and Language Development. Advanced Training and Certifications include: PROMPT Certified, Advance Training in Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Treatment, MORE techniques, Certified in HANEN Programs: It Takes Two to Talk, Learning Language and Loving It, and More Thank Words, Therasuit & Universal Exercise Unit Training, Therapeutic Listening, CranioSacral Therapy Level I, Training in Aquatics, Certified in VitalStim Therapy, Training and Certified to Administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Numerous Continuing Education in Pediatric Feeding/Swallowing and in Assistive Technology. The 4th ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE) received October 2004. Currently completing training in Neurodevelopment Treatment (NDT).
In addition to serving many roles within the company, she is actively taking part in advocating for women by serving as a Governor-appointed member of the Texas Commission for Women. Carmen is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish.
Sylvia Rodriguez, PTA
In her role as director of Physical Therapy for Milestones, Sylvia played an integral role in the integration of the European Pediatric Approach treatment for Milestones after a trip to Poland with one of our patients to receive the treatment. In her preferred field of practice, pediatrics, she has extensive training in Neurodevelopmental Therapy for the treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy. Sylvia has over 22 years of experience in the Physical Therapy field working predominately with children. As a 1988 graduate from the University of Texas-Pan American Physical Therapist Assistant program, Sylvia was selected as a member of the South Texas College Board Committee for their Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program.
In her time away from the clinic, Sylvia, a Rio Grande Valley native, is an avid soccer fan and loves animals.
Cynthia Zapata Luna, PTA
Cynthia is a fun, loving girl who was born in McAllen, Texas, and moved to Lynden, Washington, along with the rest of her migrant working family. She attended Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington, where she received her Associates in Science Physical Therapist Assistant Degree. She graduated on December 11, 2004, packed her bags, and returned to the very much missed Rio Grande Valley. She joined the Milestones team on May 12, 2005, and enjoys being part of this wonderful family. This is her second employment in a pediatric setting. Because she loves working with children, Milestones is a perfect fit for her. In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys watching movies whether it is action, comedy, romance, or sci-fi. She also enjoys reading, listening to music, jogging, and shopping for clothes. Her favorite sport is baseball, but basketball and volleyball are close runner ups.
Melanie M. Watson, MPT
Originally from Canada, Melanie has found Texas to be her second home. She graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center with a Bachelor of Science in the Health Sciences and Master of Physical Therapy. Although she had planned to follow a path of sports therapy, while in school, Melanie found her place working with children. Her clinical experiences included Early Childhood Intervention, Special Education, and pediatric aquatic therapy. Melanie still enjoys working with adults as well, and provides PT to occasional adults at Milestones. She hopes to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to Milestones while continually growing as a pediatric therapist. Melanie has also been trained in the Europeds approach for the TheraSuit Method.
In her spare time, Melanie enjoys cooking and trying new recipes, relaxing with friends and loved ones, playing guitar and writing songs, and cuddling with her adorable kitty, and going to the beach.
Dana D. Guerra, MPT
Animals, children and therapy are a match for Dana. Her love of animals has translated into a profession where she can work with all three. A certified Hippotherapist, Dana runs Jumping G Equestrian Center, LLC, in Pharr, TX. The center focuses on children with special needs. Dana brings in experiences from medical centers, school districts and other PT centers blending her talents into a well rounded therapist. Most recently, as part of her continuing education, Dana has attended Pediatric NDT and Electrical Stimulation for Pediatrics; she is certified in Kinesiotaping and Aquatics. Dana received her BS from Baylor University and her MS from Southwest Texas State University in Physical Therapy.
In between work at the equestrian center, Milestones, and various professional organizations, such as American Hippotherapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association or the North American Riding for The Handicap Association, she finds time to spend with her husband, four large dogs, two cats, and five horses.
Clarissa Leonard, MPT
Clarissa is a recent graduate who found her niche working in pediatrics. She received a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and a Minor in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin. She went on to receive her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She first thought she would go into sports physical therapy after tearing both of her ACLs playing basketball and receiving countless hours of therapy. Once in PT school she realized that children had a special place in her heart. She was one of 11 students selected to stay on at the University of Texas Medical Branch and participate in a 3 month specialty in pediatrics called the IMPRINTS program focusing on the birth-to-five population. Her clinical experiences include Early Childhood Intervention, School-based therapy, and private outpatient pediatrics. Clarissa hopes to bring excitement and a fresh approach to Milestones as she grows as a pediatric physical therapist.
In her spare time, Clarissa enjoys relaxing with friends, playing basketball and watching sports, watching movies (scary especially), and keeping her four cats out of trouble.
Brenda J. Lindsay PT
Brenda Lindsay PT was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas and graduated from Texas State University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She completed her 8 week basic NDT course in Houston in 1993. Her extensive continuing education experience has included numerous NDT handling intensive courses as well as soft tissue mobilization techniques. She is a Texas girl and has worked in Austin, the Coastal Bend, and now the Rio Grande valley.
Brenda brings many wonderful skills to Milestones. She is currently serving as a mentor for many of our therapists by offering weekly handling techniques in-service. At this time Brenda is mentored by Judi Bierman PT and is a NeuroDevelopmetal Treatment Association Pediatric Instructor Candidate.
Carlos C. Vela, M.A./ CCC-SLP
Carlos is a collector of comic books along with baseball, football, and basketball cards. In addition, he has collected a Masters Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas-Pan American and a position at Milestones as the Director of Speech-Language Pathology Services. Carlos’ continuing education includes M.O.R.E., PROMPT, Therapeutic Listening, the READY Approach, Beckman Oral Motor, Vital-Stim Therapy, Dynavox Augmentative Communication Training along with courses in Sensory Integration and Behavioral Strategies to name just a few. Carlos’ chief area of interest is Fluency and Articulation disorders. Carlos belongs to the American Speech-and Hearing Association.
Carlos looks forward to ‘growing’ his family with Cathy, through the birth of twins due in December.
Jenna D. Arrendondo, M.A./CCC-SLP
This long time valley resident has a Masters Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas-Pan American and is currently enrolled at Southern Methodist University-Dallas, Texas, in the Learning Therapist Program for Reading Disorders and Dyslexia. It’s no wonder that her chief areas of interest are Augmentative Communication, Language Development, Reading and Dyslexia. Jenna has over five years of clinical experience in her area of expertise. Her continuing education contain the following classes: The Hanen Language Program, DPNS, Vital-Stim, the Therapeutic Listening Program, Beckman OMEX trained, PROMPT, M.O.R.E. Therapy, Sensory Integration/Behavior Strategies, Feeding Therapy, Dynavox Training, Myofunctional Therapy for Apraxia, Dyslexia Teacher Academy and Dyslexia Assessment and Identification. Jenna is affiliated with the following professional organizations, American Speech and Hearing Association, Texas Speech Hearing Association and ASHA Special Interest Division #10. Jenna also insures that our facility is safe in monitoring fire and safety aspects of our operation.
In order to relax in her spare time, Jenna is taking viola lessons.
Eva C. Wilson, MS/CCC-SLP
Holding two Bachelors degrees, one in Education of Hearing Impaired/All Level from Stephen F. Austin State University and Communication Disorders from University of Texas-Pan American as well as a Master’s, it is not surprising Eva’s specialties and chief interests are in deaf education, sign language, post-op cochlear implant habilitation/rehabilitation. Eva brings prior instruction experience as a teacher of the Deaf to her speech and therapy sessions. Her licensing and certifications include Texas Education Agency, Hearing Impairment /All level, Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. She also has a Level One Interpreter Certification, Division for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Staying current in continuing education, Eva completed courses in Visual Phonics, Sensory integration and Behavior Strategies along with aquatics for pediatrics.
In her off time, Eva enjoys travel, recently roughing it on an Alaskan cruise.
Patricia “Patty” Munoz, M.S./ CFY-SLP
Having completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders with a minor in Special Education as well as her Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from University of Texas Pan American, Patty is a wonderful asset to our team. Her chief areas of interest include Fluency, TBI, and phonological processing. Patty has recently completed the following continuing educational classes: Children with Cochlear Implants, Dynavox-Augmentative Communication Training and First Aid and CPR.
Outside the clinic, Patty enjoys travel with friends and family.
Claudia I. Guerrero, MA/CCC-SLP
Claudia’s outgoing personality invites a fun therapeutic session. As a graduate of the University of Texas Pan American with both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Disorders, she has 2.5 years of experience working in outpatient pediatric settings. She has professional interests in working with children with feeding disorders as well as those with Down Syndrome. She has pursued advanced education in Developing Oral Motor and Feeding Skills with the Down Syndrome population, Applied Behavioral Analysis Training, Evaluation and Treatment of APD, ADD, ADHD and Apraxia and Oral Motor Therapy. She is a member of American Speech Language Hearing Association.
When not sharing her fun-loving personality with her patients, she loves to read, scrapbook, shop, watch reality television and spend time with her husband and two baby puppies – Mocha and Cappucino.
John S. Luna, OTR
This 2002 honors graduate began his career in a hospital rehabilitation environment before joining the Milestones team. John’s areas of interest are Sensory Integration (certified), and Kinesio Taping (certified). His easy and fun demeanor makes him a natural in working with patients. His recent continuing education classes reflect his areas of interest having taken AHA Approved Introduction to Hippotherapy, Evaluation and Treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Intervention (PEDI), School Function Assessment (SFA), Listening with the Whole Body, Getting Started with Dynavox Family of Products, Myofascial Release and NDT, Provider Certification Training Program in Interactive Metronome, Sensory Integration Intervention, Take Five and Vestibular Activation, The Sensory Integration Perspective, Kinesio Taping in Pediatrics Fundamentals and the Whole Body Techniques, Dysphagia in Adult Rehab, Handwriting without Tears and European Pediatric Approach (PEDI). He is also certified in Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing. John has recently been promoted to Director of Occupational Therapy.
John is often seen around the clinic with a big smile.
Maria G. “Lupita” Ramirez, OTR
Lupita graduated from the University of Texas – Pan American in 2001 as an honors graduate, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. She is not only an Occupational Therapist, but is also Director of Milestones’ Aquatic Therapy Program and has been Coordinator/Director of our Handwriting Summer Camp since 2002. Her main areas of interest include aquatic therapy, handwriting, splinting, sensory integration and NDT. Lupita’s continuing education classes include: NDT based Therapeutic Aquatics for adults and children, Andrea Salzman’s Custom Aquatic Therapy Seminar, Aquatic Rehabilitation Systems I, II & III, How Does Your Engine Run? The Alert Program, Addressing the Upper Extremity in the Child w/Cerebral Palsy, Autism/Environments: A Sensory Perspective, Therapeutic Listening: Listening with the Whole Body, Take Five, Vestibular Activation: Therapeutic Movement to Optimize Physical, Social, and Cognitive Occupation, Interactive Metronome (Certified), Dynavox Systems, European Pediatric Approach, Cranio-Sacral Therapy I, Kinesio-Taping in Pediatrics: Fundamentals and Whole Body Techniques, Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach, Sensory Integration: Basic Principles & Intervention Strategies.
Lupita is married and has a three-year old son. She enjoys Friday night movies, spending time with her family and friends, and relaxing at home … when there’s time!
Thelma F. Mujica, Lic. OT
Thelma is a ‘92 graduate of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree. Since her graduation, she has worked in a variety of settings that include inpatient adult acute care, inpatient and outpatient adult rehabilitation, neonatal intensive care units, therapy in public schools, and for the last seven years, focusing on outpatient pediatric rehabilitation. Her interest is focused on children with sensory processing disorders and premature babies. She is certified in the administration of the Sensory Integration Praxis Test (SIPT).
In addition, Thelma insures the safety of our facility’s staff and patients by serving as Infection Control Officer.
Thelma enjoys spending time with her two beautiful daughters and husband.
Evangelina D. Garza, OTR
Evangelina (Vangie) Garza, OTR joined our team in January 2006. Having graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Texas Pan American, she has spent her career working with children with various special needs. She enjoys the challenges children bring, and her energetic smile always greets them with fun and encouraging words. Vangie has spent time continuing her therapeutic knowledge base through such courses as Therapeutic Listening, Handwriting without Tears, European Pediatric Approach, Evaluation/Treatment of APD/ADD/ADHD, and How to Jump Start Learning for Children with Sensory Dysfunction.
Vangie was recently married and enjoys spending time with her husband.
Monica Cerrillo Sustaita, OTR
Monica graduated from The University of Texas – Pan American in 2001 with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy and minor is psychology. She has worked in the pediatric setting since she graduated with a special interest in NDT- Neuro-Developmental Treatment. As well as attending several continuing education classes in NDT, she is trained in the Kawar vision screening- From Eyesight to Insight: Visual/Vestibular Assessment and Treatment, Pediatric Intensive Therapy including: TheraSuit, universal exercise unit, and the spider cage.
Monica has been married for 2 ½ years, has two cats and two dogs and would like to have children of her own in the near future.
Rosa F. Lopez, OTR
Rosa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2003 from The University of Texas-Pan American. She is a recipient of the coveted Mario Ramirez award. Rosa began her career focused on academics as an Occupational Therapy Lab assistant at South Texas College in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Her dedication in helping others inspire her continuous learning in new areas of therapy with the latest techniques available which has lead her to become a part of the Milestones team. She enjoys working with children and has special interest in the areas of Sensory Integration, vision therapy, Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) and premature babies. Rosa has received formal training on the European Pediatric Approach and on Handwriting Without Tears, focusing on letter formation, reversals, legibility, spacing and cursive connections.
Rosa is a new mom to an adorable 7-month-old boy. She enjoys spending time with her family, taking dance classes, Friday night movies and when possible, traveling to Jalisco, Mexico where she cherishes the quality time spent with the rest of her family.
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