Tandy Therapy Team

Lauren Tandy, M.S., CCC-SLP

Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist

I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who is also a Pacific Northwest native. I live in Post Falls, Idaho with a loving husband, two active sons, and a spitfire daughter. ​

It is my dream to share the different aspects of communication and feeding in a fun, engaging, and comfortable environment. I have been in private practice since 2016 providing in-home and clinic-based speech, language, and feeding and swallowing services to my clients.

Before starting Tandy Therapy, I worked in a variety of settings serving children and adults, including out-patient hospital clinics, adult rehabilitation programs, long-term acute care hospital therapy, and school district services. I now specialize in areas of speech and language development, caregiver coaching, telepractice, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and other related feeding difficulties. I have a unique experience as a mother of three completely individual little human beings. They have taught me much more than a master's in communication sciences and disorders ever could have. But I definitely learned a lot from that, too.

I am an evidence-based clinician that applies the latest research and proven practices to my intervention approach.

Brittany Gilbert, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Clinical Executive

I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who loves providing speech, language, and feeding/dysphagia services to the pediatric and adult populations. It is my goal to help clients and families enhance their quality of life through building meaningful relationships and improving communication. I understand that every client is unique and value the therapeutic relationship by providing empathy, trust, and respect.

In 2022, I earned a Master of Science in Communications Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University and, in 2014, a Bachelor of Science in Speech & Hearing Sciences and Bachelor of Arts in French from Arizona State University. In the years before obtaining my master’s, I worked as a direct support specialist guiding young adults, diagnosed with developmental disabilities and/or serious mental illnesses, to live independently. For the following five years, I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for a police department in Tempe, Arizona and then for police, fire, and paramedics in Ada County, Idaho. Dispatching helped me realize my passion for helping others, however, the emotional aspect took a toll on me. It ultimately led me back to the SLP world where I found myself working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) in the school setting for a couple of years before returning school and getting my master’s.

I grew up moving every three years with parents who both served in the military until they retired in Alaska where I attended high school. While working towards my bachelors’ degrees in Arizona, I met my husband. In 2018, we decided to escape the extreme heat and moved to Boise, then in 2022 to Coeur d’Alene with our two German Shorthaired Pointers. Our beautiful daughter joined our family in 2023 and we are expecting our son in the summer of 2024! We love the four seasons and beautiful mountains that the PNW has to offer and hope to call it home for decades to come. In my free time you’ll likely find me with family and friends hiking, camping, relaxing at a lake, attending a sports event, or checking out a local restaurant.

Shayla Troy
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Hello! I am a speech-language pathology aide (SLPA) and have lived in Spokane, WA my whole life. I recently graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I just moved to the Spokane valley area with my boyfriend and our cat, and have loved getting to explore the Post Falls area as well. I enjoy reading, trying new restaurants, traveling to new cities, going camping or hiking with my family, and I was a ballet dancer for 10 years!

I have a background working with school-age children and have enjoyed receiving more experience in early intervention with toddlers and pre-school age children. I really enjoy treating speech sound disorders and am also passionate about helping children on the autism spectrum. I believe that it is every child’s right to be able to communicate, and I am so grateful to be able to help children find their voice and be able to express their wants, needs, emotions, and passions. I love getting to know each child individually and being able to help them grow and succeed in many different areas of their lives!

Taryn Gould, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

Hello! My name is Taryn and I am an Occupational Therapist specializing in child neurodevelopment and Polyvagal trauma informed care. I have been practicing since 2018, using non-traditional OT interventions such as hippotherapy, equine assisted occupational therapy, and musical brain based solutions like the Safe and Sound Protocol and the Integrated Listening System! 

Movement and the nervous system have always been a fascination for me, and I love bringing awareness to why we communicate and present the way that we do! ​Having grown up in the outdoors, and in a barn surrounded by animals, I value the importance of movement, life fulfilling daily activities, and co-regulation through humans and animals. An an OT, I value movement and the relevance regulation has on the brain for development of neuro-pathways, building life skills, resiliency, learning, and connecting with others. 

When I am not thinking about the brain, I spend most of my time out at the barn with my horse Poppy! I love spending time with my horse, dogs, and husband sightseeing around beautiful northern Idaho.

Leeann Jacks, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

My name is Leeann Jacks and I am an occupational therapist. I graduated from Eastern Washington University with my Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2023. I also received my Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science, Pre Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology at Eastern. Go Eags! I have three years of experience working in pediatrics in behavioral support while helping students access their education and gain life skills within their home and community. In my OT career, have taken Astronaut Training, which works on integrating the vestibular- auditory - and visual triad for improved adaptive responses to everyday activities, including being able to focus in academics, coordinate gross and fine motor movements, self care tasks, and socially engage with others. I am passionate about sensory integration and co-regulation to help kids gain necessary life skills and supporting them in growing their self efficacy. I also love that I get to partner with parents in discovering how to best support their child’s development. When I’m not working with wonderful families, I enjoy walking my dog with my husband, exercising, playing a fun board game, and spending time with my friends and family.

Heidi Fowler, COTA/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant

I am an occupational therapy assistant with close to 20 years of experience. I love finding fun and creative ways to help children and families reach their goals towards a more fulfilling life. Areas I am passionate about include helping children and families who need extra support and resources for ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Fine Motor Skills, and Emotional Regulation.

Currently, I live in Spokane Valley with my husband and 2 children. I understand how difficult and challenging parenting can be and want to give parents and caregivers the tools they need to help their children be successful.

I grew up in the Seattle area where I developed my great love for the outdoors. I have a bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Washington which I find especially useful for helping others in the area of emotional regulation. My hobbies outside of work include reading, gardening, exercise, boating, and music.

Sue Cooper, COTA/L
Occupational Therapy Assistant

Hello! I am Sue and I am an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I graduated from the COTA program in Anoka, MN in 1986. That's right, I have worked in the field of occupational therapy for many years! I feel like I've been called to help people, and have done so for many years. The thing that I love most about occupational therapy is that it is ageless. I have worked in schools and many other areas to assist all ages of people.

I'm really enjoying being able to see the progress each week with kids I see and helping their families. I enjoy assessment of function in fine motor, visual motor skills, handwriting, sensory integration and development of all ADL skills for daily living. I am currently taking courses that support these interests to best support my kids and families.

I grew up in Spring Lake Park, MN and have worked in many states throughout my life. I fell in love with the mountains when my kids were grown and moved from the Boise area to beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I have a Shih Tzu mutt I adopted. I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy arts and crafts and refurbishing furniture.

Dylan Townsend, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant

Selamat bertemu! (“Nice to meet you!” in Indonesian)

My name is Dylan. I am a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA). I was born and raised in Coeur d’ Alene. Coming from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, I was raised to be a lover of all things outdoors. I am truly blessed to have married my best friend and soul mate who is also from the PNW. Which means most of our free time is spent enjoying each other’s company and staying active in the beauty of nature. We have a beautiful, happy, and helpful daughter with whom we love sharing our adventures.

While still attending school at LCHS, I had teased the idea of going into Physical Therapy. After graduating though, I had dismissed that idea, initially, and went on to live my early “adult” life. I lived in Indonesian for a couple years, serving a mission for my church. After coming back to the US, I moved to the Seattle area, to be closer to an acting agency’s headquarters. A few months later, I ended up in Salem, Oregon, where later I met my beautiful bride.

Aside from loving husband hood/fatherhood and the outdoors, I also enjoy music, acting, sports, and weight training, primarily competitive Strongman. Formerly being a Personal Trainer is what got me reinterested in the field of Physical Therapy.

Early in our marriage, while still a certified trainer and looking for a job, I found a PT clinic looking for people with training experience. A few days after getting hired I had this incredibly familiar feeling. You know that feeling when you come back home after a long time? That was this feeling!

I took that as a sign for me to come back to CDA and go through the PTA program at NIC, which I graduated from in May 2023. I am thrilled to be working with Tandy Therapy to bring fun, creative, and high-quality Physical Therapy to children and families in the area.

Cidney Guthrie
HR Manager/Administrative Executive

Hello, I'm Cidney, and I'm thrilled to be part of the Tandy Therapy family as the HR Manager and Administrative Executive. With a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture, I bring a unique blend of experience and warmth to our team.

I've called this beautiful region home for the past 13 years. After graduating from Lake City High School, I pursued my education at North Idaho College. Along the way, I discovered my love for teaching and earned certification as a Montessori teacher.

Outside of the office, you'll often find me with my family, enjoying the wonders of the great outdoors that this region has to offer. Whether it's tending to my garden, cooking up a delicious meal, or exploring scenic landscapes, I cherish every moment spent with my wonderful husband and our energetic little boy.
My journey has led me to a fulfilling career in human resources, where I strive to create a workplace environment that reflects the warmth and camaraderie I value in my personal life. I believe that a positive workplace is the foundation for both individual and collective success, and I am dedicated to supporting our team members in every way possible.

I am excited to bring my background in Montessori education, my love for the outdoors, and my commitment to creating a harmonious workplace to Tandy Therapy!

Jillian Perkins
Services Coordinator

Hey there! I’m Jillian, the services coordinator at Tandy Therapy, and I’m so thrilled to be part of a team that’s all about spreading warmth and care to our little superheroes. While I may be a rookie in the finance world, I bring a whole lot of enthusiasm and a touch of playfulness to the numbers game.

I have a background in childcare which is where my desire to help families began. I’ve embarked on this finance journey with the goal of making sure every penny aligns with the joy and well-being of the kids we’re here to support. I believe that finance doesn’t have to be all serious and stern - my approach is all about blending the warmth of a friendly smile with the precision of a well-balanced budget. Together with our amazing team, I’m on a mission to keep the financial side of things in tip-top shape while ensuring that our office remains the happiest place for our little ones and their families. Let’s turn those spreadsheets into smiles and make a real difference in the lives of the kiddos we serve!

When I'm not in the office you may find me enjoying nature, doing pottery, or out venturing new and creative culinary experiences!

John Tandy
Facility Maintenance Manager

John Tandy is our facility maintenance manager. He is our helping hand that fixes and builds what we need in order to deliver successful therapies to our families. He may be seen around the clinic assisting in various projects. He is also our owner, Lauren Tandy’s husband. He has been around the therapy world as long as she has. They have been married since 2007 and have three children. Their family calls Post Falls, Idaho home, and loves recreating in the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Ian Tandy
Facility Maintenance Assistant

Ian is the clinic helper that you will see moving around and doing what is needed in all buildings and parking lot areas. He is Lauren Tandy’s eldest son and has grown up helping create therapy materials and learning about all thing therapy from his mom and her team. He loves mountain biking, snowboarding, scootering, baseball, and parkour.