Occupational and Speech Therapy
at the Avenue Viera
Serving Brevard since 2011
Avenue Viera
2261 Town Center Ave #109
Melbourne, FL 32940
​
321-255-7779
​
7sensestherapy@gmail.com
​
7 Senses Kids
Was developed by husband and wife Occupational Therapists, Lauren and Alex Flores. They both graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) with a Master's in Occupational Therapy. They wanted to create an outstanding therapy studio that would be known for individualized therapy, an exceptional Animal-Assisted Therapy program, and a baby and kids shop so parents can purchase educational and sensory items to use with their children at home!
​
Lauren Flores, MOT, OTR/L is the co-owner of 7 Senses Kids located in Melbourne, FL. 7 Senses Kids is a pediatric occupational therapy and speech therapy studio. Lauren is a pediatric occupational therapist and graduated with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida in 2008. Lauren has 15 years of experience working with children and families, including in early intervention, school-based, and outpatient settings. She also has a very strong passion for Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and learned many skills during a specialty internship in San Antonio, Texas at Warm Springs Rehab. Here, they have a long-standing AAT program. She has a heart for children. In 2011, she and her husband decided to create an OT studio where children can receive evidence-based therapy with an emphasis in animal-assisted therapy and sensory integration. She currently has a Facility Dog from Canine Companions (expertly trained assistance dog) which can be incorporated into the goal-directed therapy sessions with the children. Each day, the amazing benefits of the human-animal connection and the progress achieved by the clients are evident. It’s a true joy seeing clients gain skills for life!
Alex Flores, MOT,OTR (owner/occupational therapist)
completed various internships in the fields of orthopedic rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. He thoroughly enjoyed the time spent at the National Rehab Hospital in Washington, D.C. and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, FL. Here, he was trained in working with children with visual and hearing impairments as well as aquatic therapy. Alexis has used his knowledge regarding Occupational Therapy to affect the lives of people and improve their ability to enjoy their life. "I want to take away the limitations people set, and reveal their amazing abilities." He has always wanted to open an innovative therapy clinic that brings the latest evidenced based therapy to the community. He feels it is very important for children to gain functional life skills so they can be more independent! He is currently focusing on executive functionin

Tinder Flores (retired) is a Golden Retriever/Black Labrador Mix who was born in California on August, 2009. When he was only a puppy, he was sent to a correctional facility in Florida, where he was raised by dedicated puppy raisers. When he turned one, Tinder transferred to Canine Companions for Independence in Orlando. There he received one year of extensive training and learned about 40 different commands. After a long process, he finally became part of our team! All the children will tell you that he is the smartest, nicest and funniest dog they have ever MET!
​
Aloha Flores (successor facility dog) is a Canine Companions for Independence Yellow Lab who was born in California in March of 2018. When she was a puppy she was sent to amazing puppy raisers in Orlando, FL who trained her everyday for a year and half. Then they turned her in to the Orlando CCI training center for advanced training. After about a year of advanced training Aloha was matched with Lauren to be a CCI Facility Dog at 7 Senses Therapy. Aloha is 2.5 years old and enjoys cuddling and giving lots of love to the clients. She know lots of helpful commands to help the children gain skills for life. Lauren and Aloha became a certified team in July of 2020.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Our Staff
Lindsey Johnson, COTA/L
Lindsey Johnson graduated from Keiser University in 2013 with high
honors and previously worked at an early intervention center for 5
years. She has been a therapist at 7 Senses Kids since 2015 and
working with children and their families is her passion. Lindsey enjoys
researching new sensory activities and using evidence-based therapy
techniques while providing fun and motivating sessions. She has
recently completed the Autism Informed Professional Certification
and has experience providing therapy at schools, client homes, and
teletherapy sessions. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys spending time
with her family and spoiling her two puppies Athena & Apollo.
Michelle Carpenter, OTR/L
Michelle Carpenter is a nationally certified and Florida licensed Occupational Therapist.
Michelle graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Health
Science in Occupational Therapy with Honors in December 1999. Michelle has had
experience working as an Occupational Therapist in many different settings. She has
worked in a Sub-acute hospital in NC, a Pediatric Outpatient facility in NC, Wuesthoff
Hospital in Rockledge, nursing home in Merritt Island, and another Pediatric Outpatient
facility here locally. Michelle enjoys working with all different ages, but truly loves
watching the change she can make with the pediatric population. Michelle specialized
in Sensory Integration during her internship back in 1999 and loves working with the
sensory population. Michelle has been married for over 20 years and has 3 wonderful
children, 2 girls and 1 boy, and her precious Rhodesian Ridgeback dog. She loves
spending much quality time with her family especially outdoors and at the beach.
Alyssa Stumpf, M.A. CCC-SLP
Alyssa is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. Originally from Indialantic, she has been serving the Brevard County area as a pediatric SLP since 2017, when she received her masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Florida. Driven by a passion for building connection through communication, Alyssa takes pride in providing individualized, strengths-based speech and language services. Alyssa is licensed by the State of Florida and has a Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.
Alyssa currently lives in Melbourne Beach with her husband. On the weekends she can be found at the beach with a book or sharing good food with friends and family.
Jenny Potanos, M.A., CCC/SLP -L
Jenny is a state licensed and nationally certified speech/language pathologist who recently relocated to the “sunshine state” from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Jenny brings many years of varied experiences in different settings including a private practice where she ran a clinic and provided speech/language/communication/ play therapy for children and their families with different communication needs and learning styles, specializing in ASD. She also provided training and consultation to agencies, school districts and families throughout the Midwest for over 30 years. Jenny was a faculty member at Elmhurst University and taught classes on autism and other communication differences. Jenny was a core Trainer/Consultant for the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project. Jenny also worked as a therapist and a consultant to many schools in the Midwest. Her commitment to play as an invaluable context for learning is a core component of her therapy. Jenny strongly believes that the best way to learn and communicate is when everyone is having fun! In addition to having fun with her “kids in her practice,” Jenny and her husband have 3 grown/married children and 4 grandchildren ranging in age from 4-10 years, who fondly call her “Yiayia” (Greek Grandma). Jenny loves to swim every day, root for her Chicago White Sox baseball team, and enjoys learning from all the “kids” in her life.
Laura Saunders, MS CCC-SLP
Is a state licensed and nationally certified Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP). She
graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) with a Bachelor of Science in
Communication Disorders in 2004. She went on to pursue her master’s degree in Speech-
Language Pathology from NOVA Southeastern University graduating in 2010.
With 20 years of experience working in the public schools, she has dedicated her career
to helping students find their voice and communicate with confidence. Growing up with
a sister with special needs, she developed a deep appreciation for the power of
language and the impact of effective communication, leading her to pursue a career in
speech-language pathology.
As a devoted parent to two wonderful children, she understands firsthand the importance of
nurturing growth and development, both at home and in the classroom. Laura brings a
compassionate and individualized approach to her practice, ensuring every student
receives the support they need to thrive.
Outside of work, she cherishes time with family, finds joy in shared moments over jigsaw
puzzles and adventures at sea. Whether exploring new destinations on a cruise or
creating memories at home, she embrace -s life with curiosity and a love for connection.
Samantha Velasquez M.S., CCC-SLP
Samantha is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) from Clewiston, FL. She is licensed by the State of Florida and has a Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association. Samantha graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and Disorders in 2018 and graduated with her Master of Science in 2020 from Florida State University. Samantha has experience working with diverse populations, including both children and adults, in settings such as skilled nursing facilities and public schools. Samantha’s passions include augmentative and alternative technology (AAC), articulation/phonology, autism spectrum disorders, and expressive/receptive language disorders. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, crocheting, fishing, reading, traveling, and playing with
her dog, Gomez.
Analiese Aracri, OTR/L
Analiese is nationally certified, and Florida licensed Occupational Therapist. Analiese graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2019 from the University of Florida, and then went on to graduate with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021 from Florida Gulf Coast University. Analiese has specialized in the pediatric realm of OT since she began her career, having specializations in Trauma Informed Care, emotional and behavioral regulation, and feeding. She has led group interventions for young adults/teens with High Functioning Autism, as well as in the foster care setting for those rescued from human trafficking, to aid them in seeking employment. Originally from Sanibel Island, FL, Analiese lived in Colorado for a few years with her husband and 2 golden retrievers and 2 cats, before relocating back to Florida and the Space Coast! In her free time, Analiese enjoys going out on her boat, playing with her pups, sunny days at the beach, reading through her TBR pile, travelling through Europe, and eating all the best foods out there! She is very excited to join the 7 senses team and looks forward to helping kiddos and their families have a meaningful and FUNctional life!
Elizabeth Lee, M.A. CF-SLP
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Florida in May 2022, with a Bachelors of Health Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She also obtained a minor in Disabilities in Society. During her time at the University of Florida, she was a research volunteer in the Speech Perception Laboratory. Elizabeth recently graduated from the University of Central Florida, with her Master's of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She loves to work with the pediatric population and, hopes to work in different settings with children. In her free time, she loves to run and go to the beach.
Hello! My name is Karolina Wojdacz (Office Clerk) and I am a college student attending the University of Central Florida majoring in Health Sciences. I hope to graduate with my Bachelors in Health Sciences in 2024, and then pursue a graduate degree in pediatric occupational therapy. While working in a daycare as well as nannying, I love to spend time with kids and teaching them new everyday life skills that will benefit their lives. During my free time, I love to spend time with family and friends and go to the beach!
Juliana “Jules” Fanelli, OTR/L is a nationally certified and Florida licensed occupational therapist originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science degree in Health Sciences (2022) and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy (2023) from Misericordia University. In her graduate education, Jules gained experience in the settings of outpatient pediatrics, outpatient lymphedema, acute care, and mental health. She has spent the last year of her career working in acute care which helped her to develop the necessary skills to create personalized treatment plans as well as assisting client’s meet their functional goals. In her free time, Jules enjoys relaxing on the beach, spending time with friends and family, cooking, walks with her golden retriever, and trying new coffee shops! Jules has always had a passion for working with kids and she is excited to join the 7 senses team!
Alexis Krell, M.S. CCC-SLP
Alexis is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in pediatric services. For
families with minimally verbal children, Alexis can evaluate for communication systems that best fit their needs, including high-tech speech generating devices. Children who present with feeding disorders secondary to textural/sensory aversions and/or lack of oral motor control and coordination, have received evidenced based intervention from Alexis, increasing the variety in their diet. Alexis believes in the power of a strong home carryover program and will provide direct communication and visual supports for caregivers. Areas of specialty include: ​
​
ï‚· Early Intervention
ï‚· Childhood Apraxia of Speech
ï‚· Reading and Writing Disorders
ï‚· Articulation/ Phonology
ï‚· Autism Spectrum Disorders
