About Us

The Achievement Center for Therapy is dedicated to helping children learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. Our warm, well-trained staff provides innovative programs and therapies designed for a wide range of pediatric needs, with specialized expertise in Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Autism, AAC, Lactation Counseling, Traumatic Brain Injury and more across California and Nevada.

Our team of experienced therapists works closely with each child and their family to create individualized therapy plans that support progress at home and in everyday routines. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, combining clinical excellence with practical strategies to maximize each child’s potential.

Some of our staff members lecture nationwide on pediatric therapy, special education advocacy, communication disorders, and iOS apps for augmentative and alternative communication. Our centers are recognized by medical professionals and insurance providers as trusted, preferred partners in pediatric therapy services. Many of our team members have been with our centers for nearly a decade, and our expertise has even landed us in media outlets such as CNN.

At the Achievement Center for Therapy, we focus on measurable progress, parent education, and creating a supportive environment where children feel encouraged to explore, learn, and succeed. Our team is passionate about what we do and looks forward to partnering with you and your child on their journey to growth and independence.

The Achievement Center for Therapy is pleased to offer a warm, well-trained staff to help your children learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. We offer innovative programs and therapies servicing an extensive variety of conditions, while specializing in Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Autism, AAC, traumatic brain injury in California and Nevada. Members of our team regularly lecture nationwide on these topics, as well as special education advocacy, communication disorders, and iOS apps for communication skills. Our staff is dedicated to their craft, and look forward to working with you and your child.

Shawn Manvell

Founder

Shawn Manvell, MS, CCC-SLP, founder of the Achievement Center for Therapy, has been at the forefront of the industry for over 20 years, offering patients innovative therapies with a traditional and technological mix of treatments. She is a Pediatric Feeding Specialist, a Speech-Language Pathologist, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, and an iOS app developer, creating apps that complement her practice. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from SUNY Fredonia and her Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders & Sciences from California State University Northridge.

Shawn has successfully provided services and therapies to infants, children, and adolescents with a variety of conditions and developmental disorders, and is sought after for consultation and public-speaking engagements in a variety of educational, medical, and community settings. She has lectured nationwide and internationally on a variety of topics including Pediatric Feeding Disorders, AAC & Children with Communication Needs, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, special education advocacy, and iOS apps for communication skills. She provides training to: Speech-Language Pathologists, university students nationwide, medical doctors and staff, special education teachers, administrators, related service staff, and parents to improve feeding abilities and communication skills in children and adolescents. Her professional interests include Pediatric Feeding Therapy, Autism, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, AAC, and traumatic brain injury.

Proud to continue to serve helping and advocating with congressional members related to children and adults with disabilities and to continue working as an expert witness as a Speech-Language Pathologist and feeding specialist.

Outside of her private practice, she enjoys raising her daughter, traveling, skiing, riding and showing horses.

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“A creative education has the power to catapult children into a lifetime of curiosity.”

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Meet the Team

  • A woman with dark hair tied back, smiling outdoors with trees in the background.

    Samantha T.

    Lead Speech-Language Pathologist, ACT-CA

    Samantha is the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist at ACT – Camarillo. She obtained B.A. and M.S. in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from California State University, Northridge. She completed her clinical fellowship at ACT and attained her certificate of clinical competence through ASHA in December 2018. During her clinician fellowship, Samantha focused on the specialty of pediatric feeding and swallowing under the mentorship of ACT’s founder/owner and pediatric feeding specialist Shawn Manvell. Samantha was born and raised in Southern California and is a Disneyland Annual Pass holder. She spends her free time playing soccer, refereeing youth soccer games and hanging out with her 3 dogs.

  • Smiling young woman with long blonde hair outdoors near trees.

    Amanda C.

    Medical Billing Specialist, ACT-CA

    Amanda received her first bachelor’s degree in Communications from Channel Islands University in 2017. She is currently taking classes to receive her 2nd bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders to become a SLPA. Outside of works, Amanda loves spending time with her husband, family, and pets. She enjoys outdoor activities and likes to hike and travel.

  • A young woman with long dark hair smiling outdoors in front of trees and greenery.

    Julia P.

    Medical Billing Specialist, ACT-CA

    Julia is our billing manager here at ACT. She received her license in nursing from Professional Medical Careers Institute and is currently continuing her education to bridge from LVN to RN. While she was going to school, she gained years of experience in insurance coordinating and billing in a dental office. In her free time, Julia likes to spend time with friends and family, play with her two dogs, or go skiing.

  • Black poodle puppy sitting on a black floor in front of a red door, wearing a blue tie.

    Winston T.

    Therapy Dog – ACT-CA

    Winston, aka “Winnie” is our resident clinic therapy dog. He was born in Paso Robles, CA at Country Labradoodles and was handpicked for therapy work. Winnie has undergone extensive individual and group training since he was 2 months old. He loves playing with and providing comfort to patients, caregivers and staff members. His favorite treats are boiled chicken and string cheese. When he is not at ACT, he enjoys hanging out with his friends at Doggy Day Care and doing agility classes at Zoom Room. San Diego, CA Please follow Progressive Therapy Center on Instagram & Facebook Las Vegas, NV

"Sometimes they don’t just ‘grow out of it.’ I will forever be grateful to ACT and their superior care and instruction to help my son grow and thrive. As a mother, it changed everything for us."

-Sharon, Mother

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