Based in Tampa, FL the Spellers Center-Tampa (formerly Interplay Therapy Center) is a robust learning center where nonspeakers come to learn the Spellers Method as well as participate in group lessons & social events.
Foundational Expertise
Spellers Center Tampa was founded by Dana Johnson, an occupational therapist who believes that those with nonspeaking autism are underestimated and misunderstood. She is an expert in apraxia/dyspraxia and understands the importance of building intentional motor skills for both communication and daily living.
Working Together
Dana and her team value the insight and expertise of the parents and caregivers and will work together with you to better understand your speller and what they need to reach their individual goals. All of our practitioners and clinicians are Spellers Method trained and are ready to support your family. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Tampa Spellers Method Provider
Dana Johnson
PhD, MS, OTR/L Dana is the co-creator of the Spellers Method, owner of Spellers Center Tampa (formerly Interplay Therapy), Spellers Center Atlanta & Founder of Invictus Academy Tampa Bay. Dana’s career has canvassed multiple settings including the public school system, private clinics, and her own private practice focusing on autism, apraxia/dyspraxia, and sensory-motor differences. As a Spellers Method practitioner, as well as an OT, Dana focuses her work today on teaching purposeful motor skills to treat apraxia and help nonspeakers communicate.
Melanie Conway
OTD, OTR/L, Spellers Method Provider Melanie is an Occupational Therapist at Spellers Center Tampa. She has a Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy and a Minor in Psychology. She specializes in supporting purposeful movement with the client and students that she works with. Through integrating everyday functional movements, she creates a stronger sense of brain and body awareness. Melanie also works out at a CrossFit gym with the non-speaking community to help improve overall motor planning and coordination. She believes that all individuals she works with can and want to learn and should therefore be given the opportunity to participate in any athletic or motor activity they choose. She is also an Spellers Method Provider helping individuals and their families build and strengthen their spelling skills. She is very passionate about what she does and is thrilled to be a part of such an incredible community!
Jasmine Forbes
MS, OTR/L, Spellers Method Provider Jasmine Forbes is an Occupational Therapist at Spellers Center Tampa. Jasmine earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. In 2018 she moved to Southern California where she worked at a pediatric occupational therapy clinic. Here she gained experience in a variety of settings including clinic, home, and schools. Jasmine moved to Florida in 2020 and began working at Invictus Academy Tampa Bay where she worked with students with motor and sensory differences. It was here that she was first introduced to spelling for communication as a reliable method for nonspeakers and unreliable speakers. Jasmine is now a Spellers Method Provider and is excited to work with new and experienced spellers as well as incorporate her skills as a practitioner into her occupational therapy practice. Jasmine has always enjoyed working with the neurodiverse population and is excited to help clients reach their motor and communication goals!
SC Tampa Contact Form
Contact Us
Spellers Center Tampa
Ask us about the Spellers Method, our training programs, Spellers Connect Conference, Spellers University, Spellers Freedom Foundation, and the Spellers Center network.
Phone
727-275-1155
Address
1816 Health Care Dr
Trinity, FL 34655
Hours
Monday through Friday
9 am to 5 pm ET