Meet the Crew
Cherie Francis-Boegeman OT/L
Owner/ Occupational Therapist
SIPT Certified, NDT Certified
Cherie has been an occupational therapist for over 30 years in a variety of settings. Twenty of those years have been specializing in pediatrics. Cherie was a rehabilitation manager at Children’s Hospital of Orange County for 7 years. When productivity demands moved her into carrying a caseload, her original passion for sensory integrative therapeutic intervention was re-ignited.
Cherie pursued her Sensory Integrative and Praxis Test certification (The Gold Standard for Sensory Integrative Therapy) and opened the LaunchPad Therapy for Kids with Barbara McCrory. Cherie assumed full ownership of the LaunchPad when Barb retired.
In addition to being SIPT certified. Cherie is certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment and has had extensive training in Masgutova Neuro-Sensory-Motor and Reflex Integration. The LaunchPad was a field testing site for the EASI (Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration® the next generation of the SIPT). She works closely with local school districts and private schools to support clients in being successful in the classroom.
Cherie loves sensory integration and identifies well with her clients. She grew up a “Rambunctious” child and though undiagnosed at the time most likely had sensory integrative issues. She considers herself as a child not “Bad” but rather “Misunderstood”. She has a huge heart for the tricky kids and enjoys analyzing test results to figure out each child in order to help them “Soar” in their occupational roles of family member, student and playmate.
Cherie is fortunate her husband and best friend, Steve, enjoys being the CFO and CIO to the LaunchPad as his night job. The growth of the LaunchPad would not have been possible without Steve. Together they are blending a family of her two adult children, Kaya and Khalid. She enjoys travelling and camping. She also is cofounder of the FREE To Love Again Divorce Recovery Ministry.
FREETOLOVEAGAINDRW.org
Jessica Head MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
As an occupational therapist at The Launchpad, Jessica brings a background in sociology and early childhood intervention, along with a passion for helping young children with developmental challenges. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton, and spent over five years working as a behavioral therapist in homes with children aged 0–3. During this time, she witnessed how profoundly sensory processing challenges could affect behavior and development.
Inspired by the potential of occupational therapy, she began volunteering at a hippotherapy center, where she supported therapists working with children facing both physical and sensory challenges. She also began volunteering at The Launchpad, where her professional journey truly took shape.
Jessica later earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Stanbridge University. Her first fieldwork rotation at The Launchpad sparked her passion for sensory integration. A second rotation at Life College, a community-based program for adults with disabilities, broadened her understanding of life skills, inclusion, and meaningful daily engagement.
Jessica’s professional path also became deeply personal when she recognized sensory processing challenges in her own child. Through occupational therapy and hippotherapy, she witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of sensory integration—both in the clinic and in the growth and confidence of her own child. This experience strengthened her dedication to supporting other families navigating similar journeys.
Jessica is currently pursuing advanced training and certification in Ayres Sensory Integration through CLASI to ensure the highest standard of care. In addition to her role at the private clinic, Jessica also serves as an occupational therapist in the Laguna Beach School District, where she has developed a strong understanding of the IEP and IEE processes and how to effectively advocate for children in the school system.
Shannon Lee MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Shannon initially joined the Launchpad team as an occupational therapy student completing her fieldwork intenship while earning her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University. Prior to attending Loma Linda, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.
She spent 2 years working as a pediatric Behavioral Interventionist in both home and school settings, where she saw the impact of OT and the joy that children had from their OT sessions, leading her to pursue this field!
Upon completing her Master's program, she joined the LaunchPad team full time due to her passion for serving children and families and her desire to provide high-quality, client-centered care. She currently is working in both the school-based and clinic settings here at the LaunchPad. She is currently pursuing advanced training in Ayres Sensory Integration through CLASI.
In her free time, Shannon enjoys drawing and calligraphy, traveling, trying new foods, and going for runs and walks with her dog, Ari, and her husband, John.
Edith (Edee) Leslie, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Edee graduated with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Dominican University of California. It was here that she earned her Bachelor of Health Sciences while playing collegiate volleyball for the Pacific West Conference.
Her professional career began at The Launchpad in September of 2024, where she started as an Occupational Therapist Aide before becoming a licensed Occupational Therapist. She gained experience in a variety fieldwork settings, including a public school, acute care hospital, nature-based outdoor practice, and a skilled nursing facility. During her studies, she contributed to a published capstone titled “Life After Brain Injury: Family Perspectives”. This qualitative study focused on the lived experiences of family members after the conclusion of traditional rehabilitation supports, as they reintegrated into their homes and communities. Edee’s passion for client-centered, holistic care and her understanding of the implications of lifelong disability drives her empathy towards helping children thrive in all aspects their daily lives.
Her dream has always been to specialize in sensory integration or work in a school setting to help children succeed in their occupational roles. At The Launchpad, she found a way to do both! Her favorite aspect of working here so far is creating meaningful relationships with clients while fostering joy in the occupation of play. Edee is currently pursuing advanced training in Ayres Sensory Integration through CLASI.
In her free time, Edee enjoys reading, hiking, listening to live music, watching sunsets and spending time with loved ones. She is thrilled to continue serving the kiddos and families at the Launchpad!
Stacey Lennon, COTA/L
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant,
Student in the Occupational Studies Program Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, California
Stacey Lennon had her early beginnings in hand therapy where she really enjoyed constructing thermoplastic splints. She graduated from the Santa Ana College OTA Program in 2000, and pursued her career at Children’s Hospital Orange County where she met Cherie Francis, her supervisor. At CHOC, she had the opportunity to be trained by many accomplished therapists and developed a diverse skillset. She participated in the in-patient feeding program at it’s foundation, was trained in Neurodevelopmental Treatment, Sensory Integration, CranioSacral/Myofascial Release, vision and hearing in sensory integration, inpatient care in both the pediatric and oncology intensive care units. In 2002 she was presented with an award from the CHOC foundation in appreciation her dedication and extraordinary care given to the children at CHOC. She became a senior COTA with a special interest in Sensory Integration and was pursuing additional training in the integration of the vestibular, auditory and visual systems when she left in 2005 to be a stay-at-home mom.
She developed a special interest in reading when she pulled her eldest son out of school in second grade when he began struggling with reading and writing and received no effective interventions. Determined not to let her son struggle with learning, the way she had struggled, she passionately pursued different reading interventions. Though the programs helped, they were scripted and used many compensatory strategies, without addressing the individual underlying sensory issues. She became a homeschool mom of her 3 children, eventually joining Classical Conversations, becoming a foundations and grammar tutor and eventually director where she led groups of 12 students in an integrative approach to grammar, research, exposition, debate, reasoning and logic (mathematics) for the last 9 years. She graduated from a 1.5 year classical cohort program and pursued trainings in the Lost Tools of Writing.
Upon her eldest son’s high school graduation, she entered the Occupational Studies Program at Santa Ana College and graduated with a B.S. She began to develop a renewed interest on the effects of precise vestibular activation, the audio and visual systems and their relationship to learning, particularly reading. She is passionate about advocating for Occupational Therapy Practitioners to broaden their area of practice from focusing on writing, to also encompass reading, and bring occupational justice to the 1 in 5 children who suffer from some form of dyslexia. She is excited to join the Launchpad family and be reunited with Cherie after all of these years. She is currently taking classes in Sensory Integration from CLASI and pursuing her Masters in Literacy and Reading Education, with the hopes of developing a sensory integrative approach to reading
During her free time, Stacey enjoys gardening, paddle boarding, learning, and spending time with her husband, kids, and grandkids.
Laura Knaup
Administrative Assistant
As the administrative assistant, she provides support to the staff and therapists with scheduling, answering phones and emails, as well as other duties.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys walking, spending time with her husband and family and eating chocolate. She especially enjoys her amazing grandson, Kingsley. She also loves rainy days and cool weather.
Grace Kincaid
Patient Care Coordinator
Grace originally joined The LaunchPad as Cherie's Personal Assistant in 2022 before becoming the Patient Care Coordinator in 2024. Grace thrives on innovation and meeting the needs of others creatively. She loves the opportunity to build relationship and collaboration with other therapists, specialists, doctors, and schools in order to serve families and help them to thrive in every aspect of their lives. She is so grateful to be a part of The LaunchPad crew!
Grace has a deep passion and commitment to serving children and families. She has previously had a career as a dance instructor, and is involved in her church's children/youth ministries.
In her free time, Grace loves sewing and designing her own clothes, going out for breakfast, exploring nature, and spending time with loved ones!
Photography by Jessica Lee Thomas