
Step-by-Step Therapeutic’s Mission
Our mission is to ensure that every referred child gains access to the comprehensive services they deserve, empowering them not just to function, but to thrive.
How We Work
We are compassionate, helpful, and respectful. Our therapists and staff enthusiastically provide the best products and comprehensive services possible. We go to extraordinary lengths to improve the lives of the children and families who are referred to us.
Meet The Team

Richelle Wilson
M.S, OTR/L
Therapy Coordinator
Richelle Wilson is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in working with autistic children. She has developed a deep appreciation for the unique qualities and strengths of these children. A proud Howard alumna, Richelle has served as the Therapy Coordinator for Step-by-Step since its inception. Richelle's commitment and expertise have profoundly impacted countless children and their families, making her a beloved figure in her field. In her spare time, Richelle enjoys baking gourmet cookies.

Beth Turner
M.S, CCC-SLP; EIS
Clinic Director/Speech Pathologist/Early Intervention Specialist
Beth brings over 20 years of experience to Step-by-Step from a variety of settings. With a passion for mentoring and supporting beginning clinicians and graduate interns, Beth blends her experience as a seasoned Speech Pathologist with her athletic background when working with others, and she strongly believes that "the way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help someone else get it first" (Iyanla Vanzant). When she's not on the tennis court, Beth enjoys planning and organizing fun activities and outings with her daughter and husband and hanging with her family and friends. Beth also enjoys crafting and organizing.

Ruby Cai
M.S, OTR/L
Lead Occupational Therapist
Ruby is a seasoned occupational therapist with a comprehensive background spanning various healthcare environments, including hospitals, schools, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and in-home care. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and SOFFI Certified Feeding Specialist. Her therapeutic method includes Pivotal Response techniques and the Astronaut Protocol to effectively integrate her clients' interests and address sensory needs in order to optimize skill acquisition outcomes. When missing from work, Ruby can often be spotted getting lost in the mountains (usually out running bears) or navigating rivers in her semi-trusty kayak.

Nicolette Soden
M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Nicolette graduated with a Masters in Speech Language Pathology from William Paterson University in 2018, and has been working in pediatrics ever since. Nicolette has experience with a variety of developmental disorders and diagnoses, and has a passion for helping your child find the best way to communicate with the world! She is a neurodiversity affirming therapist who has a child-led and play-based therapy style. Outside of work, Nicolette enjoys reading, spending time outside with her two dogs, and playing/watching ice hockey (Go Rangers!).

Lannie Zelaya
COTA
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Lannie graduated from the University of Maryland – Baltimore County with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has worked with children in different fields such as an early intervention technician, teacher assistant and as a Special Education Teacher. She became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2019. In her free time, she enjoys going on hikes with her dog and snuggling next to her cat. She also enjoys sewing and indoor rocking climbing.

Charity Ayebae
M.A., CF-SLP
Speech Pathology Clinical Fellow
Charity Ayebae is a PG County Native and graduate of North Carolina A&T State University. While she has many interests, Charity particularly enjoys working with young children to strengthen their language, cognition, and play skills to prepare for school. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and reading.

Julius L. Barnes
M.A, OTR/L
PRN Occupational Therapist
For nearly 30 years, Julius has been dedicated to the field of occupational therapy, focusing on supporting special needs students in culturally diverse and underserved communities. His professional journey has been driven by a passion for teaching and learning, allowing him to continuously grow and adapt his skills to better serve his students. Outside of work, Julius cherishes spending time with his friends, maintaining an active lifestyle through working out and exploring new dining experiences. Balancing his professional and personal interests has enriched Juliius' life and fueled his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those he serves.

Maria Rivas
M.S, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Maria has 15 years of experience in the field of Speech Language Pathology bringing delight, nurture, and love to her families. She has a passion for early intervention, family/parent coaching, and helping children and their families find the best way to communicate with each other through a mix of child-led and parent-led play based activities and every day routines. Maria also enjoys giving back as a mentor and graduate clinician supervisor. As a seasoned therapist from various settings, Maria loves to create and inspire every day. Outside of work, Maria stays busy with her husband, 8-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son. Maria loves to talk and loves organizing and tidying things!

Ron de Guzman
Virtual Assistant
Ron is a father of 3, 2 girls and a boy in between. He likes bonding with his children everyday. When he's not working, Ron enjoys playing video games and watching movies with his family. Fun facts: He likes adventures (outdoor), and he cooks food on every occasion (e.g. Birthdays etc.). He loves eating (any kind of food).

Stephanie
(forthcoming)
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INTERN SPOTLIGHT

Kimberley Gonzales
M.S, OT-S.
Occupational Therapy graduate student (Level II)
Kimberley is a New Jersey native that is finishing her OT program at Trinity Washington University and received her BA in Psychology at Rutgers University. She enjoys working with kids and participating in messy sensory play. She is bi-lingual in English and Spanish and is able to integrate it within the session and with parents. But most importantly, Kimberley can't wait to finish her program and become a licensed clinician to begin to make a difference!
Interactive Metronome Therapy
We are the only Pediatric Clinic on this side of Prince George’s County that offers Interactive Metronome Therapy: Interactive Metronome® (IM) is an evidence-based training and assessment tool proven to improve cognition, attention, focus, memory, speech/language, executive functioning, comprehension as well as motor & sensory skills in various disabilities and injuries such as: Autism, ADHD/ADD, Learning Disabilities, Speech/Language Issues, Athletic Enhancement, Attention/Focus, and much more.


Therapy for Your Family's Lifestyle
Therapists respect parents as the most important component of their child’s development. Therefore, family members and other caregivers are encouraged to join in, to play alongside, to fully participate.
Children are referred to us with a variety of developmental disabilities and delays. Learn more about our services.
