

Based in Oceanside, CA, Spellers Center San Diego is a community-based coaching hub where nonspeakers explore self-expression through the Spellers Method.
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 collaborate to understand your voice and support your path toward clearer, confident communication. Where there’s a will, plus a “ride-or-die” provider, 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, a center based in Oceanside, CA, focused on spelling and purposeful communication support. 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 Spellers or with her boys you’ll definitely find DM at dog beach cavorting with her four-legged besties, Riley & Emma.

Ashlyn Isaia
Spellers Method Instructor Spellers Community 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 provider 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 Instructor Johnny is a full-time Spellers Method Instructor at Spellers Center - San Diego. A lifelong athlete with a passion for helping others, Johnny previously worked in a nutrition shop while earning his AA in Kinesiology and a BS in Speech Language Pathology from Cal State University San Marcos. He was first introduced to the world of spelling in 2020 through his best friend Evan, Dawnmarie’s eldest son. Since then, Johnny has specialized 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 Spellers. His immense empathy and fun-loving nature give him an unmatched ability to connect with his clients. 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.

Kyra Daffron
Spellers Method Instructor 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.

Valeri Tompkins
Spellers Method Instructor 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 Instructor Hadas joined Spellers Center San Diego in the winter of 2024, bringing a unique background 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 and taught Purposeful Movement classes. Her lived experience recovering from a spinal injury after eight years as a firefighter gives her a powerful connection to those navigating brain-body challenges. 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.

Jessica Diamond
Spellers Method Instructor 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. Inspired by the possibilities of spelling as a form of communication, she began training to support others on similar paths. When she’s not spelling, you can find her at the beach with her family - probably on a surfboard!!
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
4183 Avenida de La Plata
Oceanside, CA
Hours
Monday through Friday
9 am to 5 pm PT