Based in Oceanside, CA, the 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.
Chelsea Conway
Client Relations Director Chelsea is the Director of Client Relations at Spellers Center San Diego. She has worked within the autism community since 2013 in various program settings and schools, where she met Dawnmarie and her boys in 2016. Now as our Client Relations Specialist, she is so happy to be supporting and welcoming parents as they begin a new journey with their speller! You can reach Chelsea at sandiego@spellers.com.
Jonathan Perez
Spellers Method Practitioner 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.
Ashlyn Isaia
Spellers Method Practitioner 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.
Kyra Daffron
Spellers Method Practitioner 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.
Jessica Diamond
Spellers Method Practitioner 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!!
Erin Clarelli
MS, OTR/L (affilated contractor) Erin is an occupational therapist and founder of Sunrise Therapies, a personalized family and naturalistic focused occupational therapy organization for neurodiverse populations in San Diego, CA. Her passions and expertise include neurodiversity affirming care, autistic teens and adults, non-speaking or unreliably speaking clients, sensory processing, mind-body connection, mental & physical wellness, polyvagal theory, and motor-coaching intentional motor workouts & fitness. In 2021 Erin and Dawnmarie began collaborating on free monthly social events called “ohana outings” for the San Diego neurodiverse community, particularly spellers. Since then, they’ve worked together in Spellers Method immersion programs as well as Intentional Motor collaboration packages at Spellers Center San Diego. You can reach Erin at erin@spellers.com.
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