Our Team

With over two decades of experience, Nicole has worked extensively with children of all ages to assess and treat a range of speech and language disorders, including motor speech delays, auditory processing challenges, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and myofunctional dysfunction. After observing transformative changes in her clients through the integration of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), she pursued advanced training focused on the relationship between oral function, craniofacial development, and airway health.

Nicole’s clinical expertise includes detailed evaluation and intervention for tongue posture, nasal breathing, oral resting patterns, tongue-jaw dissociation, and swallowing mechanics. She has completed intensive coursework in sleep-disordered breathing, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), and orofacial structure and function. Her work is rooted in neuromuscular re-education and a systems-based approach—believing that many root causes of speech, feeding, and breathing challenges are revealed through a deep understanding of orofacial form and function.

Nicole Cavalea, M.S., CCC-SLP, OMT, is a Breath Institute Ambassador and has completed training in TMD management with OMT considerations. She is highly collaborative in her approach, working closely with airway-focused orthodontists, pediatric dentists, ENTs, and pediatricians to build integrative, patient-centered care plans. She is known for identifying the “missing piece” in traditional therapy models—addressing foundational dysfunctions that often go overlooked.

In addition to clinical care, Nicole is passionate about mentorship and professional development, creating a supportive practice environment where therapists, students, and interdisciplinary providers can grow, innovate, and deliver the highest quality care.

Leticia is an Arizona native and recently moved to California in July 2022. She has been a practicing clinician since 2016 after receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Northern Arizona University. At NAU, she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Graduate Clinician award. She has experience working in private practice and school-based settings with individuals as young as 18 months old with particular interests in play-based, child-led therapy approaches for early language and speech sound disorders. She has found oral motor coordination and stability to be an integral piece for remediating speech sound production skills.

Meet Alyssa Alonzo, a native of Stockton, Ca. She is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist that specializes in orofacial myofunctional therapy.

Alyssa's educational journey began at Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA, where she earned an Associates degree in Liberal Arts. During this time, she specialized in American Sign Language and communication disorders. Alyssa then continued her studies at San Jose State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences and a minor in Deaf Education. Later, she received her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from San Jose State University.

Alyssa has a keen interest in serving individuals with complex needs and has a particular interest in practicing orofacial myofunctional therapy. Throughout the years, she has developed a profound affection for the San Jose-Los Gatos community. Following graduation, she chose to remain in the Los Gatos area and serve the community she loves.

Mikayla Valdez, M.S, CCC- SLP, attended San Jose State for her undergraduate degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. In June of 2023 Mikayla received her Master’s of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. 

Mikayla has clinical experience in the areas of speech sound production, language intervention for early childhood and elementary aged children. She has had the opportunity to work with a variety of age groups as well. Throughout her experiences she has found a passion for early intervention, utilizing a child lead and play based approach for early language development. When she is not working she enjoys hiking local trails, baking, and spending time with friends and family. 

Michelle Jellen M.S., CF-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow at Strategies for Success. Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree in English from UC Santa Barbara and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Baylor University. 

Michelle has experience working in the school setting, private practice, and skilled nursing and has enjoyed working with a range of ages. She has a particular interest in child-led, play-based therapy and enjoys connecting with children and their families. In her free time, Michelle likes going on local adventures with her husband and two children, doing yoga, walking, and reading.

Alexa attended San Diego State University for undergraduate and graduate school. With her master's degree in Communicative Disorders, Alexa returned to Los Gatos to serve the city she calls home.