Meet the Team
Our therapists are licensed and nationally certified.
Our goal is to provide opportunities for children, preteens and teens to realize their highest potential through experiential and educational practices rooted in well-researched evidence-based programs.
In meeting the unique needs of our pediatric and adolescent populations we individualize our therapy approach through comprehensive evaluations and tailor-made treatment
Speech-Language Pathologists
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Christine Stanton, MS, CCC-SLP, Clinical Director
Speech-Language Pathologist
Christine is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Idaho, Washington, and California, and has been practicing for approximately 30 years. She also holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Christine Stanton attended the University of Redlands, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1991 and her Master of Science in 1993, both focused in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in autism, early childhood language development, and language-based learning disabilities.
She specializes in the areas of speech, apraxia, receptive and expressive language, auditory processing, social skills, play, fluency, executive functioning, reading comprehension, writing, mindfulness, mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindful self-compassion and Collaborative Problem Solving®. -
Lauren Burgheimer, MS, CCC-SLP, Professional Development Coordinator
Pediatric Speech Therapist
Hi, my name is Lauren Burgheimer and I am excited to be providing therapy at Synergy! I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I have always had a passion for working with kids, and have clinical experience working with newborns through 18-year-olds. I have provided assessment and treatment for expressive and receptive language, articulation/speech sound production, feeding and swallowing, cognitive communication, stuttering, aural rehabilitation, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and social communication. My mission is to provide family-centered, individualized, and evidence-based therapy to help support the growth and development of your child. At home, I enjoy going on walks with my dogs, cooking, hiking, camping, and reading. I look forward to working with you and your family!
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Gabbie Vanek, M.S.CF
Speech Therapist
Hello, my name is Gabriella Vanek and I am a Speech Language Pathologist. I graduated from Washington State University in 2023 with a Masters of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences. I have always had a passion for working with children and I am thrilled to be providing therapy at Synergy Healthcare for Kids. I have clinical experience assessing and treating children in areas of speech, apraxia, fluency, literacy, language, social skills, play, and executive functioning. I am excited to work with you and your family by providing individualized, client centered care. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, hiking, traveling, and playing with my dog.
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Kevin Penner, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Hello, my name is Kevin Penner. I’m a Speech Language Pathologist and hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
My practice is wide ranging, but has primarily focused on children with needs in language and literacy, social communication, executive function, augmentative and alternative communication, fluency, and speech sound disorders. My philosophy of practice is child-centered, multi-disciplinary, and focused on developing the skills needed for functional daily living and child interests. It is truly a joy to work with children and to see them develop skills that will benefit them in the years ahead. I am also passionate about parent coaching and mentoring, providing tools for the day to day.
I have spent 35 years working as a school-based Speech Language Pathologist treating students from 3 to 21 years. I graduated from Portland State University with a Master’s degree in 1991, with a focus on Speech and Hearing Sciences.
I enjoy spending time with my family, including my grandchildren. I like spending time outdoors, hiking, gardening, and fishing, and in recent years my wife and I have become novice birders.
Occupational Therapists
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Janelle Mitchell, OTR/L, Director of Occupational Therapy Services
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Janelle graduated from Loma Linda University with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy. She has worked with children of all ages throughout her career, specializing in children who have sensory integration and praxis-related difficulties. Janelle has extensive clinical experience in school-based practice, sensory integration, and outpatient pediatrics. She also completed her Sensory Integration and Praxis Test Certification (SIPT) in 1993 at the Ayres Clinic in Southern California. Janelle believes in the importance of a child-centered, multidisciplinary approach to therapy as well as the value of parent education. Developing confidence and gaining independence is something she loves to see in all the children she works with. In her free time, Janelle enjoys the outdoors, gardening, hiking, boating, and water sports while spending time with her husband and 3 children.
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Kami Mason, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hello! My name is Kami Mason and I am excited to be part of the Synergy therapy team! I graduated from Loma Linda University with my Masters in Occupational Therapy. My passion is working with kids and their families to reach their goals. I’ve had clinical experience in outpatient pediatrics working with children with a variety of diagnoses, such as autism, Down syndrome, and ADHD. In my leisure time, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, playing cello, pottery, and sewing. I look forward to working with you and your child!
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Jenna Cordes-Snyder, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hello, my name is Jenna Cordes-Snyder and I am excited to be providing therapy at Synergy Healthcare! I graduated from Western Washington University with my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. I then received my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University. My passion is helping kids reach their full potential. I’ve had clinical experience in the school system, acute care, hippotherapy, and outpatient pediatrics. I grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and recently moved back because I love the area. In my free time, I enjoy quality time with my family and friends, biking, spending time on the water, skiing, and playing with my two dogs. I look forward to working with you and your family!
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Blake Pickering, OT/L, BBA
Occupational Therapist
Hello, my name is Blake Pickering and I am privileged to be working for Synergy Healthcare here in Northern Idaho.
I have worked primarily in the area of pediatrics for the majority of my career, serving children and young adults with diagnoses related to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, congenital musculo-skeletal disorders, acquired brain injuries, autoimmune disorders, autism, Down Syndrome, and spinal cord injuries. I am NDT Trained in the areas of pediatrics and adult physical disabilities related to neurological dysfunction.
I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degrees in Business, and a Post Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University in 1992 and 1994 respectively.
Hobbies and interests include aviation, history, visiting National and State Parks, travel, food, music, and staying as fit as time allows.
My wife and I have one daughter who attends elementary school, and we have a dog named “Biscuit” that some of you may know. I am honored to serve you and your child.
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Abbie Love, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hello, my name is Abbie Love and I am an occupational therapist. I got my Masters in Occupational Therapy at Eastern Washington University. My passion is working with kids to increase their joy, unlock their potential, and build their self worth. I have clinical experience working in outpatient pediatrics providing both in-clinic and outdoor based interventions. In my free time I enjoy hiking, kayaking, camping, and photography. I look forward to working with you and your family!
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Sarah Watkins, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hello, my name is Sarah Watkins and I am excited to be providing occupational therapy at Synergy Healthcare! I graduated from the University of Mary where I received my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. My passion is helping kid’s develop confidence and independence through a child centered approach. It is truly a joy to work with children and see them develop skills that will benefit them in their years ahead. I’ve had clinical experience in outpatient pediatrics and acute care. In my free time, I enjoy quality time with my family and friends, playing volleyball, camping, spending time on the water, skiing, and playing with my dog. I look forward to working with you and your family!
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Sarah Bacon, MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Hello, my name is Sarah B! I have been working as an OT since 2019, graduating from Towson University in Maryland. While I am originally from Denver, I have moved all over the US as a travel therapist. My husband and I moved to the Coeur d’Alene area at the end of 2023 in hopes of making a life here in the great Kootenai county. As an OT, I have a wide range of experiences in a variety of settings but I always loved working with children and seeing how their little minds work. My aim is to utilize fun and play in a meaningful way and to equip kiddos and parents with the tools they need to grow and prosper. In my free time I enjoy all things outdoors as well as cooking, knitting, and doing puzzles. I am very excited to be working at Synergy Healthcare for Kids!
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Cyndy Lou, OTR/L, CPAM
Occupational Therapist
Coming Soon
Administrative Staff
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Yevette Petersen
Hello, my name is Yevette. I have been in the Healthcare industry for 7 years. My Husband and I were both in the military and moved our family around for quite a few years and finally put down roots in the beautiful Silver Valley. I am one of those crazy people that love to do billing and I feel extremely blessed to be a part of the Synergy Healthcare For Kids family and look forward to helping serve you.
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Ashley Clemens
Scheduling Manager
Hi, my name is Ashley. I am your scheduling manager. I have always lived in Idaho, either the north or south. I love helping people and learning new things and Synergy Healthcare for Kids is the perfect place to fulfill these passions. I love anything involving nature and the outdoors. Everyday I am excited to come to work and help patients achieve their goals!
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Andrea Thompson
Hello, my name is Andrea, I am one of the admins here at Synergy. I work behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly, so you and your kids have the best experience possible. Having grown up in the area I enjoy being able to work with and see the next generation of little ones grow up and achieve their goals. I believe in everything that Synergy stands for and I am proud to work for a company that puts the needs of their patients first. I am the office geek and my collection of stuff in the office rotates occasionally, from Star Wars to Jurassic Park. There is always a new toy I bring in for the little ones to see or play with. I have a favorite dinosaur, which is important, favorite pokemon, and favorite movie. I am basically a giant kid at heart and love any sort of game out there, hand and foot canasta being my favorite.
Puppy Pal
Biscuit
Biscuit is a nearly 3 year old “Holstein” Shih-Tzu who loves children, bouncing balloons, playing in the ball-pit, fetching sticks and tennis balls. She loves other doggies too, as long as they’re not too big or aggressive. Biscuit tends to be a picky eater, but does enjoy doggie treats from Union Coffee Shop. She is a friend to all and has helped several children improve their transitional skills, self-regulation, overcoming fears, and improved attention to tasks.
Visit Us
6270 N Government Way
Dalton Gardens, ID 83815
Just North of the Fairgrounds
Between Dalton & Hanley
Office Hours
Monday: 7am-6pm
Tuesday: 7am–6pm
Wednesday: 7am-6pm
Thursday: 7am–6pm
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