Occupational and Speech Therapists
Leigh Burkey – OTR/L, Co-Founder/Executive Director
Leigh’s favorite pastimes include dance parties in the living room with her kids, hiking, road biking, and occasionally trying to keep up with rock climbing. She loves to travel and has enjoyed zip lining through the jungles of Costa Rica, exploring the beaches of Mexico, and seasonal work at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. Leigh was born in Normal, Illinois, and grew up in the small town of Altamont, home of 2300 people. She lives in San Anselmo with her husband, two young children, and two cats, Unicorn and Alice in Wonderland.
Leigh knew she wanted to be an OT since high school when she received OT for a hand injury. She followed the therapist and was fascinated by her passion for the work, and the impact it had on others. When OT was listed as a good fit for Leigh on the career matching exam in high school, her mind was made up. She attended the University of Columbia in Missouri.
Jamie Close – MSOT, OTR/L – Executive Director
Jamie loves to spend her time being outside and active. She also loves to travel and explore the world. She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda and is still deeply connected to friends there. As a child, she wanted to be an archeologist and some of her favorite travels have included China, Egypt, Zanzibar, and Borneo where she was been able to see many things she dreamed of in her youth. Jamie was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho, which inspired a love for being outdoors. She lives in Fairfax with her husband.
Jamie had never heard of OT until college. She was describing her dream job of working with children with disabilities and her sister told her to check out OT. After researching the field and observing a pediatric OT, she knew it was a perfect fit. She attended Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
Corry – MOT, OTR/L – Director of Outdoor Programming, Friendship Explorations
Corry had been working as a private pediatric OT for over 10 years. Corry founded Friendship Explorations in 2015 and brought Friendship Explorations to Ready Set GO Therapy in the spring of 2020. With a background in environmental education and an obsession with the beach, she blends her pediatric OT skills with her love of helping children benefit from the beauty and developmental benefits of the outdoors.
Most prized accolade: Voted “Most likely to do OT at the beach” by her peers of OT graduate students.
Gigi – MSOT, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist, OT Director
Gigi is a fourth-generation Italian San Franciscan who grew up in Marin County, where she developed a passion for exploring the beautiful scenery of Northern California through hiking, swimming in the ocean, skiing in Tahoe, camping, and beach volleyball. Gigi loves being creative and has a vast imagination that she channels into art, cooking, and of course her OT sessions.
Gigi was first exposed to OT when she volunteered at Ready Set Go Therapy, where she decided pediatric OT was the perfect career choice for her, as it combines her love for health science, creativity, and working with children. She then went on to earn her Master’s of Science at A.T. Still University in Arizona. Gigi is thrilled to continue her passion for pediatrics at the same clinic where it all began.
Kristen – MSOT, OTR/L
Kristen is a nature lover and finds her joy being outside on the trails of Marin, in the great Pacific Ocean, and in her sunny Fairfax garden. She loves music, dancing, yoga, camping, backpacking, swimming, meditation, and spending time with her family and friends. She is a Marin native, who grew up in Sleepy Hollow and was a committed Sleepy Hollow Sea Lion every summer! She earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in San Diego county, which gave her the chance to enter a career field she was passionate about, and surf every day! Kristen has worked in multiple OT settings and is passionate about the unique and meaningful ways that occupation can support someone’s journey through life. She will always find authentic and meaningful ways to connect to a child and their families to support their journey, and in doing so believes she is also on a path towards greater health and fulfillment.
Courtney – OTR/L
Courtney is a California native that loves to spend her time swimming in San Francisco Bay, running in Golden Gate Park, reading about nature and being in nature with her dog Brody. She has been learning Greek for almost two years now as her partner is Greek and they try and visit friends and family in Greece yearly. Courtney’s passion has always been to help children play, grow, and learn in a creative way. She has spent many years working with children as a ballet teacher, advocate for foster care youth, behavioral coach for non profit organization for children and teens with autism and as an occupational therapist in San Francisco Unified School District. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at University of San Diego and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Dominican University of California. She has experience in working with children diagnosed with autism, developmental delays, attention deficit disorder, dyslexia and dysgraphia, emotional regulation challenges, cerebral palsy, and other neuro motor deficits. She is excited to continue growing with her clients at Ready Set Go Therapy.
Nicolette – MSOT, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist, OT Clinical Coordinator
Nikki grew up in Los Angeles and eventually moved to Marin County to earn her bachelor’s and her MSOT from Dominican University of California. Nikki has always had a passion for working in pediatrics. This passion stems from her experience working as a gymnastics instructor for children ages 2-14 years old throughout high school and college. As an occupational therapist, she has experience working with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, emotional regulation challenges, developmental delays, anxiety, and selective mutism. Nikki strives to provide each child with a treatment plan that harnesses each child’s strengths and is fun and creative, while also helping the child to learn and develop the tools and skills they need to feel successful at home, at school, and in the community. Outside of work, Nikki enjoys arts and crafts, drinking coffee and boba, spending time with friends and family, and collecting squishmallows.
Mackenzie – OTD, OTR/L
Mackenzie grew up here in Marin County, where she enjoys hiking, mountain biking and swimming. She has two young children and loves to play, explore, dance, bake, and read with them. She has lived in Guam and Spain, and loves travel and adventure.
Mackenzie has always enjoyed working with kids. While working as a nanny she found she especially enjoyed working with kids who needed additional support to foster their success. Occupational therapy lets her use her skills and knowledge to help children engage more fully and achieve their goals.
Samantha – M.S., CCC-SLP
Sammy enjoys going on walks, trying different coffee shops, taking pilates or yoga classes, sewing, and spending time with friends. She grew up in Central California, where her interest in Speech-Language Pathology began while working as a peer mentor in high school.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the Pacific in 2020. After graduating, she worked as a nanny in Marin County, fell in love with the Bay Area, and moved to San Francisco. She graduated with her Master of Science in Communicative Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University. During graduate school, she worked as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in schools and private practices. Sammy loves working with kids because every day is a new adventure!
Hannah – M.A., CCC-SLP
Hannah is a native of Marin County who discovered her passion for working with children at an early age. After earning a degree in Sociology from UC Davis, she worked as a special education instructional aide, which deepened her interest in supporting children’s development.
Hannah then moved to Washington, DC to pursue a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the George Washington University. Since graduating, she has gained experience working in schools and private practices across the East Bay and Marin County, where she has honed her expertise in helping children strengthen their communication skills and build social connections. Hannah is particularly passionate about working with children with speech-sound disorders, expressive and receptive language delays, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys crafting, cooking, and playing tennis. Hannah believes that creativity and play are essential to fostering communication development and strives to make
her therapy sessions both enjoyable and impactful.
Katie – MSOT, OTR/L
Katie loves playing in rivers, swimming in the ocean, and soaking up the sun. She enjoys exploring new hobbies like painting, crocheting, and baking. You can often find her on the beautiful trails of Marin, whipping up something sweet in the kitchen, or recharging with a good adventure.
Her clinical training began as a volunteer with Bearfoot OT, and continued at Peninsula Pediatric Therapy and the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula, where she gained experience across a variety of settings.
Growing up in San Jose, Katie came to Marin to earn her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Dominican University of California. During that time, she immersed herself in the OT world through nannying and working as an aide for Friendship Explorations. Having had a blast in these groups, she is thrilled to return as an OT. Katie is passionate about using play and creativity to support children and their families as they grow in confidence, independence, and joy in their daily lives.
Cassie – MSOT, OTR/L
Cassie fills her cup by spending time outside with friends and family hiking, relaxing in a hammock, chatting around the campfire, enjoying the view, sharing a picnic, or sleeping under the stars. She grew up in Fairfax exploring the beautiful Marin trails, cheering for her two older sisters, and falling in love with basketball and softball. She enjoys cooking, live music, dance parties of all kinds, crafting with her niece and nephews and sending snail mail.
Cassie always knew she wanted to work with children, and when she found out about OT, it was like a light turned on and sparkly music started playing. She loved that OT combined fun, creativity, and collaboration. She was excited to find a profession that valued continued growth and learning, a career where she could support families and children to engage to their highest potential with occupations that bring meaning and joy to their day to day lives. She attended Dominican University of California where she earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Nina – MSOT, OTR/L
Nina has over two decades of experience as a child advocate and 15 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communications from the University of California San Diego. She became interested in working with differently abled children while at the UCSD Autism Research Lab. Nina received her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dominican University of California.
Nina’s professional roles include experience as a clinician, supervisor and consultant on several levels with families and individuals ranging from toddlers to young adults. She has provided services to students and clients in Marin, San Francisco, Napa and Solano counties. She has worked in a variety of settings including clinical practice as well as private and public schools. She specializes in sensory regulation, fine and visual motor skill development, and motor planning and coordination challenges with school aged children. Nina has continued her Occupational Therapy education with classes in Handwriting Without Tears, the ALERT Program, Assistive Technology, Inclusive School Practices and Interior Design for Sensory Preferences.
Nina is a native to Sausalito. When she is not working she enjoys attending community events, yoga, dancing, sipping tea, watching ballet and opera, hiking and running on the beautiful Northern California trails.
Yolanda – MSOT, OTR/L
Yolanda was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, but has called the Bay Area home for the past 20 years. She became an occupational therapist to help children build meaningful connections with the world around them.
Yolanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Studio Art from Sonoma State University and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from New York University. She has experience working with children with executive functioning challenges, sensory processing difficulties, gross and fine motor delays, emotional regulation needs, and challenges related to social interaction and peer play. Outside of her work, Yolanda enjoys practicing yoga, baking, painting, going on long walks, and spending time with her loved ones.
Makenna, OTR/L
Makenna is an occupational therapist who enjoys spending time outdoors by hiking, practicing yoga, going to the beach, and exploring new parts of the city whenever she can! She earned her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Maryville University of St. Louis and has additional training in the SOS Approach to Feeding and DIR Floortime, and is certified in parent coaching through the Function First Approach. Her interest in occupational therapy began in childhood as she navigated her own sensory differences and developed an appreciation for how uniquely each person experiences the world. She spent many summers at her mom’s childcare center creating group and nature-based activities for children, which sparked her interest in working with kids and continues to influence her work today. She enjoys building meaningful connections with children and their families and supporting each child’s growth through play, curiosity, and connection.
Makena, MSOT, OTR/L
Makena finds joy in swimming in mountain lakes, planting flowers in her garden, paddle boarding on the river, cooking and sharing a meal with her friends and family as well as exploring new hobbies such as printmaking and embroidery. Makena was first introduced to occupational therapy while working as a preschool teacher in Sonoma County. The more she learned about OT, the more she felt excited by a career that combines science, creativity, a child’s strengths, play, and collaboration to support children in developing skills to feel empowered by who they are and how they take in the world around them. Since she finished her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Dominican University of California, Makena has been working as an OT in a TK-8 school. She has loved working with students on their foundational skills as well as collaborating with teachers, families and the students to implement supports both in the classroom and at home to foster participation and joy in their learning. She enjoys building genuine connections with each child, and their family, and meeting them where they are in order to support engagement in the occupations that matter most to them!
Administrative Staff
Rachel – Administrative Director
Rachel is originally from Boston and has traveled and lived in many cities throughout the US before settling in San Francisco with her family. She loves the arts, architecture, reading, creating everything and anything that comes into her head!
Rachel has over 20 years of experience working with children in a professional, educational and private care setting. Working to benefit children and their families with local non-profits, education, and volunteering has been a core foundation of her career for many years. Her volunteering has been focused on promoting literacy and the arts in enriching the lives of children in the Bay Area. Rachel brings her corporate and nonprofit experience to help support the staff and families at Ready Set GO Therapy.
Tahmina, Administrative Assistant
Tahmina is a dedicated human rights advocate and educator, holding an MBA and fluent in six languages. Her career spans work with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, international organizations and academic institutions. Throughout her career, she has promoted and protected human rights, particularly for vulnerable children, advancing education as a fundamental right and supporting marginalized communities.
Tahmina founded a school in Afghanistan’s northern province, providing access to education for underserved children and empowering girls to pursue higher education.
Tahmina enjoys family time, cooking and exploring cultures through travel to Japan, Russia, Dubai, India, Turkey, Nairobi and Canada and looks forward to continuing her global adventures.
Due to the escalating crisis, war and uncertainties in her home country, Tahmina relocated to the United States. Driven by her passion to support children’s well-being, she joined Ready Set Go Therapy.
Marcy, Administrative Assistant
Marcelyn was raised in Phoenix, AZ and moved to the Bay Area with her husband in 2004, where they have raised 2 grown children. Some of her favorite things to do are crochet, read and listen to books, hike and go on road trips with her family.
Marcelyn comes to Ready Set Go Therapy with experience in human resources, recruiting, administrative support, and education. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for strong communication, organization, and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Most recently, her work helping children develop their reading skills strengthened her passion for supporting young learners and ensuring that every child receives the individualized care and attention they need to thrive. Marcelyn is excited to bring her compassion, dedication, and people-centered approach to the Ready Set Go Therapy team.
Ready Set GO Therapy, Inc. • 180 Harbor Drive, Suite 112, Sausalito, CA 94965
415-339-8800 • Fax 415-963-4243 • info@readysetgotherapy.com