Hi, I’m Lesley Gudgel
I have more than 35 years of experience in early childhood development, supporting young children and their families. I have a deep understanding of both clinical practice and the real-world challenges of parenting.
My career started as part of a multidisciplinary pediatric team at the Children’s Medical Center. I worked closely with doctors, therapists, and other team members to help families navigate complex developmental and behavioral needs.
I then established the CARE Program at our local Child Welfare shelter, providing essential early intervention to children in crisis. In 2016, I founded Sprouts Child Development, a nonprofit organization that became a trusted statewide resource, offering developmental screening, therapy services, and a clinic specializing in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
Today, I lead Next Step Child Development, assisting families in recognizing developmental concerns and finding the right path forward. I meet families where they are in their journey, offering clarity and encouragement to help them feel confident in their decisions.
We’ve also added a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in Family Therapy and two Speech Language Pathologists, all of whom are available to work with you and your family.