About DTC

Brief History

Developmental Therapy Center (DTC) was established in 2002 where it began as a sister company to ACES, LLC. Beginning with occupational therapy and working closely alongside behavior therapy (ABA) counterparts, DTC grew to add on speech therapy and expanded to 4 offices across California. In 2019, ownership changes began and starting January 2020, DTC became what it is today. Developmental Therapy Center was taken over by one of it’s occupational therapists, Stacey Tarnovsky, placing more of a focus on occupational and speech therapy at the time. Shortly after, physical therapy was added to the mix. Today DTC continues to support families where it all began... in beautiful San Diego!

Today, Developmental Therapy Center, places an extreme importance in building relationships with the families. Our focus is on the family and the child, using play- based and developmental approaches to best fit your needs.

A little about us...

Community Partners
for Health and Pediatric Development

Welcome to DTC! As the owner/director I remain dedicated to providing top-notch therapy services to enhance your child's health and development.

DTC's commitment to excellence and personalized approaches to therapy services stand apart. With a focus on your needs, we strive to create a positive impact on your overall family's wellness.

Ms. Stacey
Occupational Therapist/ Clinic Owner
I was born in Belgium and spent the first few years of life over seas, this led to me being bilingual in both French and English. My family moved to California when I was young and I have been in San Diego since I was 5 years old. Early on, I started working as a nanny and then worked in a preschool setting. This passion humbly transformed my outlook through my college career. During college I worked with a non-profit called Camp Kesem, this program uniquely helps children whose parents had, have or had passed from cancer. I hold a bachelor's degree in Human and Family Development, with an emphasis in Child Development. I graduated with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy and have been dedicatedly focused on expanding my knowledge and skillset ever since. I sustain a passion for sensory integration and infant/ toddler development, as well as working with families to help meet your child’s developmental milestones. Outside of the office, I spend time with my family, including my husband, our fun loving toddler and our dog!

Meet the DTC Team

Promoting Health, Community, and a Brighter Future!

Our dedicated and licensed professionals are motivated to ensure each and every child sustains the best and brightest future!

Our team prioritizes professional values when working with clients, families, caregivers, administrators, colleagues, policymakers, and other health care professionals.

Ms. Sheena

Administrator/ Billing Manager

I am born and raised in San Diego. I live in east county with my husband and our son. I am very active with my son's school and baseball teams. My background is in retail management where I spent many years working in various departments but always knew I wanted to work in a field that could make a difference in the lives of families. My son also happens to be hard of hearing and I love giving back to the community and working with families who may be going through similar situations as we experienced with him. I love getting to know the families that come into the clinic and trying to help make the process as smooth and as positive as can be. When I'm not in the office, you can find me at a school PTA meeting, out on the baseball field or adventuring/ camping with my family.

Ms. Jenny

Occupational Therapist
I grew up in the pacific northwest, moved to San Diego for college, and never left. I graduated from SDSU with a degree in social work, with extensive study in early childhood development. I worked as a medical social worker, as well as teaching preschool before going back to school for my master’s in occupational therapy. I love to follow the child’s lead and be creative in sessions while helping them meet their therapy goals. I value working closely with the whole family and collaborating with other disciplines. I live with my husband and two young children in PB. We love to go to the beach, go hiking, go on road trips, and explore new places. When I'm out of the office, I enjoy reading, yoga and boxing, and would never turn down Thai food, or a warm latte.

Mr. Joe

Physical Therapist
I am born and raised in San Diego. I transferred from San Diego Mesa College where I worked as a tutor, to Humboldt State University where I graduated with honors. I attended Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA and received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in July 2024. I was fortunate enough to complete a clinical internship in a pediatric setting, where I discovered my passion for working with pediatric populations.In my spare time I look to go to the beach, play disc golf, cook, and hang out with friends. My next career goals is to become a DMI certified clinician to further enhance my skills as a pediatric physical therapist.

Ms. Lauren

Occupational Therapist

I grew up in San Diego, spending my childhood outdoors and becoming a lifelong (long-suffering) SD sports fan. I played soccer through college while earning my Psychology degree with a concentration in Neuroscience and Behavior from UCSD. With over 10 years of experience coaching youth soccer in La Jolla, I work with athletes on skill development, teamwork, and mental resilience. My passion for working with kids led to a Master’s in Education from LMU, with a focus on student support services. While working in schools as an ABA paraprofessional, I discovered OT and pursued my Master’s in Occupational Therapy. Now, as a pediatric OT, I enjoy blending my background in coaching, youth development, and student support to help children grow through movement and play. Outside of work, I enjoy the beach, live music, Over-the-Line, crime documentaries, chai tea lattes, and a good glass of wine, all while staying active with my dog, Stevie.

Stevie

Ms. Lauren's Therapy Dog
Stevie comes into the office with Ms. Lauren on certain days. She helps kids learn to button, zip and snap with her stylish fastener/ sensory vest! Stevie also helps teach children about hair brushing and tooth brushing as well as helps increase fine motor skills. Stevie also enjoys it when kids throw the ball for her.

On the weekends, she loves going to the beach, getting pets and eatting treats!

Why DTC ?

Get to Know Us

At DTC we believe each child is a special gift that plays a fundamental role for the future. By strengthening a child’s well-being and the ability to perform activities of daily living, their futures become brighter and more prepared for social, emotional, and academic growth.