ABOUT US

JUSTINE DAVID, M.A., OTR/L

Justine David is the founder and clinical director of The Sensory Brain. She treats individuals across the lifespan, from infants to adults with a variety of challenges. These include physical and “invisible” disabilities such as Sensory Processing Disorder and symptoms, Tic Disorder, Tourette's syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD/ADD, coordination difficulties, and those who just need help in certain areas like social skills, self-regulation, and fine or gross motor skills.

Her certifications include:

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics
USC Sensory Integration
Safe and Sound Protocol
Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach - Feeding Therapy
UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for Adolescents
UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for Preschoolers

Justine is an occupational therapy graduate from USC. She shares her knowledge with educators and physicians through workshops and presentations on neurodiversity. Her passion for teaching extends to helping others understand the distinction between sensory avoidant, seeking, and boundary-testing behaviors. She goes beyond her role as a therapist and serves as a parenting coach. Justine firmly believes that empowering and educating clients is crucial in facilitating progress in the lives of their loved ones.

When she isn’t treating, Justine loves to do hot yoga, cook meals from scratch, and be in nature with her dog, Walter.

CHLOE WHITEFORD, M.A., OTR/L

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Chloe holds a Master's in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. Originally from Michigan, and after over a decade in New York City, Chloe relocated to Los Angeles. Chloe is a mom to three young children and has been engaged in therapeutic support, either as an occupational therapist or as a consumer of therapeutic services for her own family, for over 8 years. As a parent of a neurospicy child, Chloe has an intimate understanding of the complexities and challenges families can encounter in getting their needs met. Chloe believes in neurodiversity affirming practices and holistic family supports, and offers sessions that are playful, engaging, and intentional. In addition, Chloe is a UCLA PEERS Certified occupational therapist educating both kids, teens, and parents on socially helpful vs socially risky behaviors. In her free time, Chloe loves to explore LA with her family, go to concerts, hike, and find a body of freshwater to jump into.

CARMI GONZALES, M.S., OTR/L

A young woman with black hair smiling outdoors on a sunny day, standing on a lush green lawn surrounded by trees and a wooden house in the background.

Carmi received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from New York University and has experience working with individuals across the lifespan. Her clinical background includes her training in USC’s Sensory Integration certification and supporting infants and toddlers in early intervention, school-aged children in NYC Dept of Education and LAUSD settings, adults in orthopedic acute care, and adult veterans in mental health care. Her therapeutic use of self prioritizes a child led, playful approach that emphasizes cultural sensitivity and rapport building. Carmi is also a trained sound meditation practitioner, and she enjoys incorporating mindfulness and sensory based practices into her work. In her free time, she loves to experience live music, practice yoga, and travel.

EMMA WALLACE, OTD, OTR/L

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Emma is a Sensory Integration Certified and UCLA PEERs Certified occupational therapist. She completed her doctorate degree at USC and residency with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles USC University for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UUCED) with a specialization in sensory processing, motor development, emotional regulation, and trauma informed care.

She is dedicated to working with children and teenagers and their families to promote independence and skill growth in daily life skills, improved parent child relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

In her free time, Emma loves to travel to new places and is a huge foodie. She loves doting on her two cats (Poppy and Prue) and attending local concerts.

ANNELISE TRUJILLO RENY, M.A., OTR/L

A young woman with long wavy brown hair, smiling, wearing a cream-colored shirt and blue pants, standing outdoors in a garden with flowers and trees, during late afternoon sunlight.

Annelise is a Sensory Integration trained occupational therapist. She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and brings extensive experience supporting children and young adults with sensory needs across school and community settings in the Pasadena, Calabasas, and Los Angeles areas. She is a proponent of neurodiversity affirming practices and child led, joyful therapy. She enjoys incorporating literary and music exposure into sessions.

Annelise is also a mother to a vibrant toddler who benefited from early intervention occupational therapy to support feeding. Her personal parenting experience, along with her deep appreciation for the joys of early childhood, inspired Annelise to broaden her practice to support children and teens of all ages and to partner with families in a holistic way across their everyday environments.

In her free time, Annelise enjoys spending time with her family in her community, watching reality TV with friends, reading, and attending relaxing yoga classes.

JENNA LELAND, M.S, OTR/L

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Jenna is a Sensory Integration Certified occupational therapist. She received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from California State University Dominguez Hills and BA in Cognitive Science from UCLA. She has experience with clients of all ages and with various needs, including children and adults with developmental delays, stroke survivors, and adolescents recently discharged from in patient psychiatric care. Her work with kids particularly includes individuals with ASD, ADHD, developmental delays, and sensory processing differences. She loves being creative and client-centered with the activities she presents and aims to create a comfortable and positive environment for the children and families she works with.

Some of her favorite ways to spend her free time include spending time with family and friends, baking sweet treats and new sourdough recipes, hiking, and reading.

ASHTYN WESLEY

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair, glasses, a nose piercing, wearing a necklace with two pendants, and a white jacket, smiling at the camera in an indoor setting with a window and computer screens in the background.

Ashtyn is our Administrative Assistant at The Sensory Brain. She keeps our operations running smoothly and efficiently. She helps manage scheduling, coordinate communications, streamline administrative processes, and support both our team and clients to ensure a great experience from start to finish.

With a strong eye for detail and a proactive approach, she helps maintain structure behind the scenes so our practitioners can focus fully on delivering high quality sensory informed services.

WALTER

A small fluffy dog with tan and white fur, large ears, and expressive eyes resting on a gray textured surface in a cozy indoor setting.

Walter is our therapy dog in training who sometimes joins us in the office, bringing a calm presence and a love for snacks, long walks, and soft pets.