By Patricia Schallert –
Children’s Therapy Network (CTN) in Ventura provides pediatric therapy services to children with special needs, offering physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and early intervention services. Their mission is to help children reach their full potential and improve their quality of life. CTN’s team of experienced therapists works closely with families to create individualized treatment plans that address each child’s unique needs. The organization is dedicated to helping children thrive in all areas of their development.
CTN was founded in 2004 by Dr. Cassandra Woods–Peirce (Dr. Cassie), a physical therapist and the CEO of the organization. Her goal was to create a multidisciplinary therapy center that served not just the children, but their families and the therapists as well — a therapeutic community grounded in support, empowerment, and collaboration.
Dr. Cassie saw a growing need in the community for comprehensive, specialized therapy services for children facing developmental and behavioral challenges. Her commitment to individualized care helped CTN quickly become a trusted resource for families in search of high-quality therapy services. Through a holistic and collaborative approach, the organization has since supported countless children in reaching developmental milestones and achieving meaningful progress.
Dr. Cassie’s path to founding CTN began with her early work at Easter Seals and providing services as a private contractor to group homes. She expanded her work to schools and the Regional Center, eventually making the pivotal decision to branch out independently. Navigating the complexities of insurance and home health services, she built CTN from the ground up. After the Thomas Fire left her original facility uninhabitable, Dr. Cassie relocated her team to a new, welcoming space filled with play structures and vibrant colors. Despite the challenges, she remained dedicated to creating a positive, fun, and effective therapeutic environment.
All therapists at CTN are required to maintain active licensure in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Speech and Language Therapy. Dr. Cassie looks for individuals who are not only skilled but also open to learning, adaptable, and able to think creatively — essential traits for working with children with special needs. She emphasizes the importance of being assertive, overcoming obstacles, and understanding CTN’s vision. Throughout the year, CTN hosts various workshops for professional development, and therapists are encouraged to pursue continuing education in areas that align with their interests.
Currently, CTN is launching an innovative new initiative: Remote Therapy Monitoring (RTM). This program allows healthcare providers to monitor a child’s progress remotely during therapy sessions. RTM tracks physical movements, therapy milestones, and interactions to ensure that each child is making measurable progress. In addition to virtual sessions and home exercise programs, RTM provides therapists with actionable data to adjust treatment plans and recommend engaging at-home activities, helping children stay on track between sessions.
Dr. Cassie also highlighted the significance of the SLPA program at Ventura College, noting that CTN actively recruits interns and recent graduates who align with the organization’s mission and culture. While fluency in Spanish is a plus, it is not required.
CTN’s therapy philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach — one that considers the child as a whole, rather than treating symptoms in isolation. Their model integrates policy guidelines, developmental checklists, and a focus on the nervous system. Therapists consider all aspects of a child’s development, including sensory integration, gross motor skills, and cognitive function. While this approach may not always align with school systems, it’s often supported by Regional Centers and insurance providers when a clear need is demonstrated.
Therapy sessions at CTN are play-based and goal-oriented, with activities tailored to each child’s specific developmental needs. The sensory gym serves as both a motivator and a functional tool for building language and motor skills. Even during gym time, therapy goals are seamlessly integrated. Movement breaks help regulate the child’s sensory system and keep them engaged. Progress is regularly tracked, with therapy goals reviewed and updated every six months.
Parent involvement is central to CTN’s approach. Families are encouraged to attend therapy sessions, observe their child’s progress, and actively participate in setting and adjusting goals. Progress discussions are collaborative, and every milestone is celebrated. Many nonverbal children, for example, achieve breakthroughs using alternative communication methods like sign language or picture cards. These small steps can feel monumental — both for the child and their family — as they open up new ways to connect and communicate.
CTN is also a Gold Sponsor of the Autism Society of Ventura County and is recognized as a Certified Autism Center — a designation requiring that 80% of staff have advanced training in working with children on the autism spectrum. For more information, visit: https://childrenstherapynetwork.net
