Finding a pediatric therapy clinic that is the right fit for your child and family is no easy task. It often comes down to how much time the therapists and team dedicate to supporting you, their overall approach to intervention and, most importantly, how they connect with you and your child during sessions. For families whose children have learning differences, developmental delays or sensory and communication needs, the search can feel even more complex. You’re not only looking for a clinic with the right expertise, but also for professionals who understand and embrace the strengths of the neurodiverse community.
Meet the team at McRory Pediatric Services. With locations in Tarzana and Santa Clarita, and an ABA Clinic Program, they quickly got on our radar. We asked Nikki McRory, MA CCC-SLP, BCBA, who is the executive director of the practice, to tell us about their work.
L.A. Parent: McRory Pediatric Services goes well beyond typical pediatric care. When did you open your first practice and what was the plan?
McRory: We opened McRory Pediatric Services in late 1998 with the vision of creating a warm, family-centered practice that celebrated every child’s unique strengths. From the very beginning, our goal was not only to provide high-quality therapy, but also to empower families with tools and strategies that could be carried into everyday routines. What started as a small speech therapy practice has grown into a multidisciplinary clinic that serves children and families across the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.
L.A. Parent: McRory Pediatric Services offers a range of services to families, in addition to its ABA Clinic Program. Can you tell us about them?
McRory: Absolutely. While our ABA program is one of our core services, what truly sets McRory Pediatric Services apart is our transdisciplinary approach. Our team doesn’t just work side by side, we actively collaborate across disciplines, reinforcing one another’s goals to ensure children and families receive care that is holistic, integrated and family centered.
In addition to ABA, we offer speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, child development services and mental-health counseling. We also provide intensive early intervention programs and social-skills groups that give children a chance to learn, practice and generalize skills in naturalistic and supportive environments. This model allows us to tailor therapy so that every child benefits from the expertise of multiple professionals while keeping goals consistent and meaningful across settings.
L.A. Parent: Do your Tarzana and Santa Clarita offices offer the same services?
McRory: Yes, both our Tarzana and Santa Clarita clinics provide the full range of services, though the exact team members and specialties at each location may vary slightly. We designed both spaces to be welcoming, child-friendly environments where families feel supported and children are excited to come to therapy. Having two locations allows us to serve more families across Los Angeles County without them having to travel too far from home.
L.A. Parent: How many people are on the McRory Pediatric Services’ team?
McRory: We have a team of more than 260 dedicated professionals, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), behavior technicians, marriage and family therapists, child development specialists and a highly skilled administrative team. Each team member shares the same commitment: to help children reach their fullest potential while making families feel heard, respected and supported.
L.A. Parent: Are there any families or success stories that stand out that you can share?
McRory: There are countless stories that come to mind, but one in particular captures what we’re all about. A child came to us at age 2, non-speaking, with significant sensory and communication challenges. Through our Building Bridges program, which combines an intensive, integrative therapy model — speech therapy, occupational therapy, systematic instruction and parent training — alongside incredible dedication from his family, he began using words, learned to regulate his emotions and developed meaningful friendships. He’s now thriving in high school and his family often shares how the support they received here transformed not only his life, but theirs as well. We consider every milestone, no matter how big or small, a success worth celebrating.
L.A. Parent: Anything else we should know about McRory Pediatrics?
McRory: At McRory Pediatric Services, we believe therapy should be strengths-based, playful and inclusive. We are proud to be a neurodiversity-affirming practice, which means we don’t just focus on “fixing” challenges, we focus on building skills, confidence and authentic communication. Our mission is to celebrate every child for who they are, while equipping families with the knowledge and tools to support them at home, in school and in the community.
Most importantly, we see ourselves as partners in each family’s journey. It’s not just about therapy sessions, it’s about helping families feel connected, supported, and hopeful for the future.
