Steve Oas – Founder/President of the Oas Center and Specialized Therapy Services
Steve graduated with a Masters Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University in 2000. He originally began working with children on the Autism Spectrum as behavior therapist and then worked as a Speech Therapist in the Madison County Public while completing his graduate program. While in the Master’s program Steve became well trained in both voice and fluency therapy for adults and children, often lecturing and running trainings for undergraduate students.
After college, he moved to San Diego and started working for Sharp Healthcare with both adults and children in a variety of communication and swallowing disorders. During his time at Sharp he learned the importance of looking at child development across the various cognitive processes including sensory, vestibular, attention and language.
In 2004, Steve founded Specialized Therapy Services (STS) working with charter schools, the San Diego Regional Center, health insurers, medical practices, and private clients providing speech therapy, assistive technology, and parent training. In 2007 Steve completed the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at Cal State Northridge. In addition to managing STS, Steve continues to work as a consultant for schools to assist and implement special education services, provide social skills training, assistive technology assessments/training, augmentative communication assessments, and supervision of speech pathology programs.
Erin Cunningham-Zumwalt Operations Manager
Erin joined the Specialized Therapy Services team in 2013 as the Operations Manager.
With over 16 years of experience in healthcare recruiting and management, Erin brings to the table experience in business development and a strong expertise of the ever changing healthcare industry. She has managed a diverse project portfolio, including market analysis studies, managed care systems, product feasibility profiles, and customer satisfaction measurement.
Since coming on board with STS, Erin has spearheaded the exponential growth of Specialized Therapy Services and the inception and development of The Oas Center. Erin grew up in Northern California and has called San Diego home for the past 18 years.
Beata K. Piehl, MHA, CHFP Director of Administration
Beata has extensive business leadership, project and change management experience as well as professional expertise in healthcare information technologies, health administration, accounting, human services, special education, and patient relations. She holds the Masters in Health Administration Informatics Degree from St. Joseph’s University and is dedicated to integrating health services to achieve patient-centered care. Since joining the Specialized Therapy Services team in 2015, Beata has worked on expanding patient access to new therapy service lines and improved e-PHI access and administration. She has also designed the Oas Center website and developed the STS web presence. Beata is currently pursuing the FACHE board certification as well as FHFMA fellowship . She is an active member of ACHE, AHIMA, CHIA, and HFMA professional organizations.
Tiffany Hurd Administrative Assistant/Scheduling Coordinator
Tiffany is a San Diego native, who graduated from Patrick Henry High. She holds the Associate’s of Science Degree in Occupational Health from California College San Diego. Tiffany has worked in the healthcare field for the last 10 years, doing everything from back office medical assisting to the front office administrative/clerical work. Before joining the Specialized Therapy Services team at the Oas Center, Tiffany worked in home health as a master scheduler for the San Diego and Riverside counties. In her spare time, Tiffany likes to read, hike and spend time with her daughter.
Derek Von Piehl Administrative Assistant/RHIT Intern
Derek holds the Associate’s of Science Degree in Administration, Computer Business Technology from San Diego Miramar College. He is currently pursuing the A.S. Degree in Health Information Technology from Shasta College as well as the RHIT certification from AHIMA. His long-term goals include earning the Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Information Management as well as RHIA certification. Before joining the Specialized Therapy Services team, Derek interned at Snapology of San Diego.
Kelly Crum Administrative Assistant
Kelly was born and raised in Northern California, but fell in love with San Diego while attending college. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Mathematics from the University of San Diego. Kelly thoroughly enjoys working with children and is passionate about seeing them grow and learn new skills. She offers academic tutoring services at Specialized Therapy Services, and also works for Snapology of San Diego, teaching STEAM classes to children with both typical and atypical needs. Kelly’s long-term goals include attaining a Master’s Degree that will allow her to continue pursuing her passion.