Based in Oceanside, CA, Spellers Center San Diego (formerly Transcending Apraxia) is a robust learning center where nonspeakers come to learn the Spellers Method as well as participate in group lessons & social events.
We Are You
Spellers Center SD was founded by a mom, Dawnmarie Gaivin (aka “DM”), who understands what it feels like to never hear her child speak and to wonder if she’d ever know his thoughts. By teaching him to spell on a letterboard in 2015, she unlocked his voice and now she’s dedicated her career to helping other families share the same joyful experience.
You Belong Here
The environment at Spellers Center SD is one where you are invited to come just as you are, and that means both you and your nonspeaker. You will not be judged by DM or her team. You belong here. And we will work together to identify and then help you overcome whatever hurdles are standing in the way of your son/daughter learning to fluently spell on a letterboard. Where there’s a will, plus a “ride-or-die” practitioner, there’s a way!
Our Team
Dawnmarie Gaivin
RN, BSN, AT-ACP DM is the co-creator of the Spellers Method as well as the founder of Spellers Center - San Diego (formerly Transcending Apraxia), a spelling & intentional motor practice based in Oceanside, CA. Utilizing her extensive background in assistive technology, spelling for communication methodologies, as well as DIR/Floortime, she has spoken at many national conferences including NAA, TACA, & Autism One. As a parent of two nonspeakers who use letterboards, she knows firsthand the journey families experience on the road to fluency. Dawnmarie is also on the board of Spellers Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit helping nonspeakers create legendary futures for themselves. When not at the clinic or with her boys you’ll definitely find DM at dog beach cavorting with her four-legged besties, Riley & Emma.
Ashlyn Isaia
Spellers Method Provider Clinic Manager Ashlyn joined the Spellers Center San Diego team in the fall of 2022 and is ready to help unlock the voices of spellers in her community. She is a person who stutters, which has led her to help others who also live with communication obstacles. After earning her bachelor degree in Speech-Language Pathology, working as a behavioral therapist, followed by several years as an aide in the school districts working with students with special needs, her best friend Johnny (the one and only practitioner himself!) finally introduced her to the world of letterboard communication. When not working with spellers, you can catch Ashlyn at the beach, roller skating, or reading a good book. You can reach Ashlyn at ashlyn@spellers.com.
Jonathan Perez
Spellers Method Provider Johnny is a full-time Spellers Method practitioner at Spellers Center - San Diego. An athlete all his life with a desire to help others, Johnny found himself working at a nutrition shop throughout college. During this time he would acquire an AA in Kinesiology followed by a BS in Speech Language Pathology from Cal State University San Marcos. He was introduced to the world of spelling in March 2020 by Dawnmarie’s eldest son, Evan, who also doubles as Johnny’s best friend. Johnny specializes in working with autistic teens and those with impulsive and busy bodies. A word from Dawnmarie: “After seeing Johnny quickly become my teenage son’s favorite communication partner, I knew I wanted him to join my clinic. His immense empathy and fun-loving nature give him an unmatched ability to connect with his clients. He has completed advanced training in purposeful motor coaching and ocular motor assessments and I am so proud of his sharp clinical skills. He has a talent for being able to work with active kiddos and those with impulsive bodies like my son.” Jonathan joined forces with Dawnmarie in March 2021 and you can reach him at jonathan@spellers.com.
Jessica Diamond
Spellers Method Provider Jessica is a proud momma to her Spelling daughter, Brecken - taught by our very own DM and Brooke! She is a graduate of Rutgers University, with a B.S. in Environmental Economics whose world was turned on its head when Brecken was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months. Since that time, she has spent much of her energy on all things related to healing Brecken and helping her gain strength in as many facets of her life as possible. Communication was the final frontier - until Jessy read the book Underestimated and immediately connected with DM. She was drawn to the Spelling method, and trained to become a practitioner to help as many people as possible find their voices. When she’s not spelling, you can find her at the beach with her family - probably on a surfboard!!
Kyra Daffron
Spellers Method Provider Originally from Orange County with a background working in childcare, Kyra moved to San Diego in 2021 and began working as a caregiver to a nonspeaker, which kickstarted her passion for aiding the autism community. After watching the spellers movie... 3 times, Kyra was eager to become a Spellers Method provider in order to give every nonspeaker the opportunity to embrace the freedom of spelling. In her freetime, Kyra enjoys cooking, visiting coffee shops, hanging by the beach, and of course, cuddling her cat, Pinot Grigio.
Victoria Vance
Director of Operations & Finance Victoria joined Spellers Center San Diego in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in business management and accounting. A graduate of Arizona State University with a B.A. in Business Sustainability, Vic combines a strong foundation in strategic planning and operational efficiency with a passion for creating meaningful impact. Vic was first introduced to spelling in the fall of 2024 and quickly embraced its transformative potential. Inspired by the ability to empower non-speaking individuals, Vic is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for students and their families. In her free time, Vic enjoys exploring the outdoors with her beloved dog, Winston, who is always by her side, bringing joy and adventure to her days.
Valeri Tompkins
Spellers Method Provider Valeri joined Spellers Center San Diego in 2024 after running a thriving Spelling practice in Las Vegas for two years. As a dedicated mom to 20-year-old Lora, who began spelling with Dawnmarie in 2021, Valeri brings both personal and professional experience to the team. She holds an M.A. from Georgetown University and is a proud mother of five daughters, including four accomplished older daughters. Valeri’s journey with spelling inspires her commitment to empowering other families through purposeful communication.
Hadas Gabai
Spellers Method Provider Hadas joined Spellers Center San Diego in the winter of 2024, bringing a unique combination of expertise in language, communication, and movement. A graduate of Portland State University with a B.A. in Spanish, Hadas is also a Certified Personal Trainer specializing in biomechanics. After completing her I-ASC S2C training in June 2024, she collaborated with the Hawaii Autism Foundation to teach Purposeful Movement classes and co-lead Group Spelling sessions. Hadas has a deep personal connection to the brain-body disconnect faced by many students with apraxia, having navigated her own recovery from a spinal injury following eight years of service as a firefighter. In her free time, Hadas is an enthusiastic ultra-trail runner who loves exploring mountain trails and scenic routes. She also treasures moments with her senior therapy dog, Dublin, whose companionship is a constant source of joy and inspiration.
Rich Green
Spellers Method Provider Rich’s journey with spelling began nearly a decade ago when his son Trevor was among the first individuals to learn spelling from Dawnmarie. This experience as a father to a speller inspired Rich to join Spellers Center San Diego in December 2024, with a mission to encourage more dads to become Communication Partners for their children. Rich brings a background in Technology Sales and over six years of experience coaching youth sports, including baseball, football, soccer, and basketball. Rich looks forward to infusing "Dad Energy" into the center, creating a supportive and dynamic environment for students and families alike. Outside of work, he enjoys watching sports with his older son, Caden, and spending time at the beach with his wife, Jennifer, and both boys.
SC San Diego Contact Form
Contact Us
Spellers Center San Diego
Ask us about the Spellers Method, clinic services, availability, and scheduling.
Phone
760-536-3896
Address
4055 Oceanside Blvd Ste B,
Oceanside CA 92056
Hours
Monday through Friday
9 am to 5 pm PT