Allison Boyd graduated from Rockhurst University with her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2011 before beginning her pediatric OT career at Children’s Therapy TEAM. In addition to her work with children in Northwest Arkansas she has international experience with assessment and treatment of children with special needs in Ukraine, Guatemala and Saint Lucia.

While Allison Boyd is an active local community volunteer, she also has a particular passion for serving internationally in an effort to improve the lives of children living in orphanages. To this end she is a strong supporter of the TEAMworks non-profit. Allison enjoys working with a variety of diagnosis, but has additional interests in neurological disorders and brachial plexus injuries. In her spare time, Allison loves to be outdoors with camping, canoeing, and hiking.

Allison Boyd has gained advanced training in Kinesiotaping Methods, Torticollis treatment, Beckman Oral Motor Protocol Assessment and Intervention, Pediatric Neurology, and attended AOTA National Conference in 2013 for additional training in Constraint Induced Therapy, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Adaptive Classroom Equipment for kids with special needs.

Amanda Wherry serves as a local and international advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families. She spent nearly 7 years in a remote area in central Asia developing a hospital pediatric therapy program with teaching in physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as NICU therapy.

Having worked at Children’s Therapy TEAM before serving in central Asia, Amanda Wherry never lost touch with her TEAM family. She was welcomed back to Children’s Therapy TEAM when she returned to the United States in 2015. Locally, Amanda is active in New Heights Church’s Disability Ministry in Northwest Arkansas.

Originally from the small town Fair Grove, Missouri, Amanda left Missouri to pursue her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Colorado State in Fort Collins, CO (2001-2004). In her breaks from her studies, Amanda enjoyed CSU’s close proximity to foothill mountain trails with opportunities for mountain biking and snowboarding.

When not immersed in providing direct pediatric therapy care or her advocacy work, Amanda Wherry enjoys reading, playing guitar, being outdoors in Northwest Arkansas and traveling.

Anabel Verde joined the Children's TEAM family of providers in 2017. She serves as a Bilingual, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a broad range of pediatric treatment experiences. Anabel holds an active certification and licensure through the Arkansas State Medical Board and National Board of Occupational Therapy and Associates of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance (Crowder College, 2016).

Caring for individuals with disabilities has been part of Anabel Verde’s life since she was a child, as she was raised with a brother with severe intellectual disability. Her mother was told that her son, Anabel’s brother, would never walk, self-feed or be able to go the bathroom himself.

Anabel observed her brother’s therapy and learned skills that the family incorporated into therapeutic activities of daily living. Progress was slow, but dedication paid off. Her brother did learn to walk and master the skills thought to be unattainable. This life experience served as strong motivation for Anabel’s entry to the field of occupational therapy.

A native of Texas, Anabel roots for the Longhorns, enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking and swimming.

In whatever Anna Bland does, she aspires to do it well. As a licensed occupational therapist, she is dedicated to improving quality of life of the children and families she serves. She holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Arkansas State University and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. Anna joined Children's TEAM family of providers in 2021.

Always committed to advancing the professional field of occupational therapy, Anna has served as a past liaison to the Executive Director of the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Association. She assisted the Executive Director/President with continuing education class implementation as well as membership recruitment and engagement.

Anna's graduate school advocacy work with King’s Ranch in Jonesboro, Arkansas promoted optimal engagement in children with attachment difficulties secondary to trauma. She assisted in developing and training ranch day camp staff, used sensory processing knowledge to advocate for the value of addressing occupational dysfunction due to childhood trauma through a sensory lens. She led fundraising efforts to increase the scope of service provision at King’s Ranch.

Anna Bland has experience working with a diverse caseload of pediatric clients with conditions such as ASD, ODD, Down Syndrome, cognitive disorders, and developmental delays. Additionally she draws on caregiver experience working with a client with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Scholarly and Academic Background

• Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Graduation, 2021, Arkansas State University
• American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Volume 76, 2022, Sensory Modulation Terminology?:  A Scoping Review in Occupational Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Annual Conference, 2019, New Orleans
• Vice President, Student Occupational Therapy Association 2019 – 2020, Arkansas State University
• President, Occupational Therapy Student Association, 2017-2018, Arkansas State University
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, 2018, Arkansas State University, Magna Cum Laude
• Senior Thesis,  2018, Integrative Review of Parent-Implemented Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Volunteerism

• ASU OT Pediatric Pro Bono Team, 2019
• Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Jonesboro, AR, 2019
• 99 Balloons “rEcess,” Jonesboro, AR, 2019
• Miracle League, Jonesboro, AR, 2019
• Northeast Arkansas Senior Olympics, 2019
• Tim Tebow Foundation “Night to Shine,” Jonesboro, AR, 2019

Dedicated to serving pediatric populations, Ashley Kotchin shares, “It is so rewarding for me to be a part of each child’s journey and get to learn about what makes each child unique.”

After Ashley Kotchin completed her undergraduate studies in kinesiology with a primary concentration in exercise science, she went on to complete a doctoral degree in occupational therapy at Mary Baldwin University in Virginia (2017).

Ashley’s life-long love of sports has translated into a passion for supporting adaptive sports programs for individuals with disabilities. Ashley’s doctoral research focused on how non-profit adaptive sports organizations serve the needs of individuals with disabilities.

At Sportable, an outreach program based in Richmond, Virginia, Ashley managed an adaptive rock-climbing program while also assisting with wheelchair basketball, swimming, and tennis programs. She also supported road racing and running programs for individuals with visual impairment.

In Ashley’s words, “Adaptive sports provide a really neat opportunity for kids of all ability levels to come together and learn about teamwork, gain confidence, and make lifelong friends.” She has seen firsthand how adaptive sports programs improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Prior to joining the Children’s Therapy TEAM family as a licensed occupational therapist, Ashley completed her doctoral graduate fieldwork under the supervision of Children’s Therapy TEAM Occupational Therapists, Mary Claire Tuinstra and Lynette Wheeler.

Ashley Kotchin is one of six siblings in her family and grew up in Northern Virginia. When not working, Ashley enjoys reading, playing with her dog Rufus, playing sports, and exploring NWA hiking trails.

Becky Clopton was initially inspired to enter the field of Occupational Therapy (OT) by her mother who was a teacher. Her mother interacted with pediatric occupational therapists in her classroom and thought her daughter’s heart for helping others would be a great fit for the field of OT.

After Becky had an opportunity to observe occupational therapists in action, she also agreed that it seemed like a perfect match. Becky went on to study at the University of Arkansas while also swimming for the LadyBacks Swim Team before entering Occupational Therapy School at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. After graduating, Becky joined the TEAM family in 2007.

Becky Clopton enjoys working with children from a variety of age ranges and with a variety of disabilities. Becky has received additional training in Kinesio Taping and Nutrition.

Family is very important to Becky Clopton. She and her husband have young children which she refers to as “a great blessing in our lives.” Becky enjoys spending time with family and her church community as well as going to Razorback events.

When Chris Trout initially joined the Children’s Therapy TEAM family in 2015, he shared, “My passion is to help others… and I really enjoy pediatrics.” Just after completing his undergraduate studies in health promotion and wellness at Missouri Southern State University, Chris initially joined Children’s Therapy TEAM’s Occupational Therapy Department as a student intern.

Chris now holds a Master of Science in occupational therapy from Cox University in Springfield, Missouri. Committed to serving pediatric populations, upon graduation from OT school, coming back home to Children’s Therapy TEAM as a licensed therapist seemed like a natural fit.

Chris Trout loves utilizing play to address therapy goals. He is well known at Children’s Therapy TEAM for making hot summer days come alive through designing outdoor therapeutic water activities.

Serving children with disabilities has been an ongoing highlight of many of Chris’ summers during his graduate studies. As an ARC of the Ozarks camp counselor, he served children with disabilities by facilitating games, field trips, swimming, crafts, and exercise. Through his service he strived to help children become more independent in activities of daily living while enhancing their social skills.

In addition to Chris’ clinical knowledge, he is also a great TEAM member because of his easy smile and generous spirit. When not working, Chris enjoys cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, watching movies, and reading books.

Christi Brennan joined the Children's TEAM family of providers in 2012. As a veteran therapist, Christi Brennan brings ample pediatric knowledge and experience to the TEAM. Christi graduated from Texas Women’s University with a degree in occupational therapy in 1993.

Before coming to TEAM she served at Cook’s Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX and later served at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. Now in Razorback country she and her husband have raised their children in Northwest Arkansas.

Cody Leon Stoops holds a M.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). While at UCA he served as vice-president of the Pi Theta Epsilon Occupational Therapy Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to promote research and scholarship among occupational therapy students. Cody also served as a graduate assistant for the Occupational Therapy Department at UCA.

In addition to Cody’s graduate-level pediatric fieldwork experience at the Helping Hand Children’s Center in Little Rock, Cody has also embraced opportunities to volunteer by providing one-on-one assistance for children with special needs at the Second Baptist Church in Little Rock (2015). Similarly, as a TEAMworks volunteer Cody has served during Parents’ Night Out events offering one-on-one care for children with special needs during parent respite nights.

Cody earned a B.A. in Psychology (2014) from University of Arkansas prior to beginning his graduate program. He received the Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship (2010-2014). During his studies at the University of Arkansas, Cody contributed to research completed by the Department of Psychological Science on children’s ownership of ideas (2011-2014). Cody is a member of the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Association and American Occupational Therapy Association. He is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honors Society.

An Arkansas native, Cody was raised in Yellville, Arkansas. He shares, “I come from a very large family that enjoys spending time together.” He is happily married and enjoys outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and canoeing. He also likes watching all sports, especially when the Razorbacks are playing.

Diana Tran joined the Children's TEAM family of providers in 2020. Fluent in Vietnamese, Diana draws on her international experiences in caring for children from around the globe. Diana was initially drawn to Children’s Therapy TEAM through learning about TEAMworks international outreach work. In 2017, Diana completed her fieldwork training at Children’s Therapy TEAM.

Prior to joining Children’s Therapy TEAM Diana worked as an early intervention pediatric therapist in childcare settings throughout Northwest Arkansas. Diana holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Arkansas State University.

When not working, Diana Tran enjoys prayer and meditation, reflective journaling, running, hiking with her dog and traveling the globe.

Drew Merchen joined the Children’s Therapy TEAM family as a licensed occupational therapist in 2020. She holds a Master of Science in occupational therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She completed her undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University in anatomy and physiology.

Clinical Treatment Experience

In clinical treatment settings, Drew Merchen enjoys working with children who have varied developmental needs. Her OT school clinical rotations focused on children with sensory processing disorder. She also worked with infants receiving care in the NICU. Drew enjoys working with little ones and seeing them progress through developmental milestones.

Mission of Outreach

During Drew’s graduate studies, she helped develop OT services for underserved preschool children.  She designing a sensory gym and implemented a program to educate daycare teachers about atypical child development. She also researched assistive technology use among children with ASD. Under the direction of Dr. Diane Collins, PhD, OT, and Dr. Joanne Flanagan, ScD, OTR, she investigated early interventions for autistic children. In 2019 she presented a systematic review of early play behaviors of infants at risk for autism at the Texas OT Association Annual Conference.

Drew’s mission outreach experiences include medical mission work in Guatemala through the University of Texas. She also served as a missionary in Santa Cruz, Bolivia as well as youth program coordinator for young women in Galveston, TX through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

At Home in Northwest Arkansas

Having grown up in Bentonville, Arkansas, Drew was excited to return home after her graduate studies. Her desire to work in a collaborative setting focused on the holistic needs of children drew her to accept her placement at Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. Drew shadowed with T.E.A.M. back in 8th grade, which rooted a deep love for the field of OT, and was thrilled to accept a position and complete the circle.

Drew loves spending time with her husband, Tyler, and two mini Australian shepherd puppies. In the summer, you will find her kayaking on one of Arkansas’s beautiful lakes and/or rivers! She also loves calling the Hogs!

Emery Williams developed a passion for pediatrics during her OT clinicals. She learned she really enjoys working with children with autism, spina bifida, and developmental delays.

During college Emery spent two years serving as a personal aide and friend to an individual with cerebral palsy. This experience gave Emery many insights into the daily rhythms of life with motor impairment. She assisted with transfers, dressing, feeding, and other daily life activities.

Before gaining her national board certification in occupational therapy (2018), Emery worked as a PT Tech at Holly Street Physical Therapy in Siloam Springs for three years. She holds an Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Science degree (Crowder College, 2017).

Internationally, Emery has served in Northern Ireland, Haiti, and Mexico. She is always eager to support those in need across the globe.

In addition to enjoying spending time with family and friends, Emery is an avid athlete. She played golf in college and continues to enjoy playing today. She enjoys anything that involves sports, whether it’s playing them or watching them. Additionally, she is a weekend regular on the 5K race circuit.

Jaime Chavez joined the Children's TEAM family of providers in 2022 and serves as a bilingual member of the Children's Therapy TEAM Occupational Therapy Department. Jaime graduated in 2021 from Crowder College. He holds active certification and licensure through the Arkansas State Medical Board and National Board of Occupational Therapy.

Jaime completed his occupational therapy fieldwork at Mercy Hospital in Northwest Arkansas in acute inpatient rehabilitation.

Jenna Jennings joined Children's Therapy T.E.A.M. in 2022. Jenna received her MOT degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in July of 2020. During her graduate clinicals she gained experience in pediatrics.

Jenna's professional approach to care is an unrelenting dedication to providing excellent, client-centered care. As a clinician, she has had the opportunity to work with many children with varying diagnoses (Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay, rare genetic disorders etc.).

Jenna Jennings walks hand in hand with children with physical and mental challenges. She assists children in their daily occupations and has helped many of them progress on their journeys. She has a special gift for helping children feel warm and welcomed because of her approachable, encouraging attitude.

With over 20 years of pediatric experience, Julie Marvin has provided therapy in a vast array of settings such as schools, preschools and clinics throughout Northwest Arkansas. She has also provided care in international settings such as Guatemala and China as a TEAMworks Therapist.

Julie Marvin serves as the Coordinator of Children’s Therapy TEAM’s CI Mobility Program and regularly oversees summer mobility camps for children diagnosed with Hemiplegia. She also regularly supervises graduate student clinicians and serves as a mentor to novice therapists.

Having initially received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in 2000, Julie has continued to expand her repertoire of specialized skills. Her assessment competencies include the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) and self-help, visual perceptual, fine motor and sensory processing tests.

Julie enjoys caring for a wide variety of ages and diagnoses with a keen interest in serving children with neurological impairments. She is a dedicated wife and mother of three children, Anna Claire, Trey and Gracie. She serves as a strong advocate for adoption and for serving children with special needs through her volunteerism with the TEAMworks Nonprofit.

Areas of Advanced Training: Kinesotaping Methods; Interactive Metronome; Constraint Induced Therapy; Food Chaining for picky eaters; Wilbarger Protocol; Sensory and Behavioral Coursework.

Kati Bullington holds a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. She joined the TEAM family in 2006 and has since become one of TEAM’s Lead Occupational Therapists. Kati enjoys working with a variety of pediatric diagnoses. Kati Bullington and has clinical experience both in the US and abroad as a TEAMworks Therapist in Ukraine. Kati enjoys spending time with family and friends and rooting on the Razorbacks.

Areas of Advanced Training: Interactive Metronome Advanced Pediatric Best Practices; Kinesiotaping Methods; Torticollis Treatment Methods; Food Chaining to address picky eating; Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention Curriculum; Spasticity Management Methods; Sensory Integration Training; Vision Training.

Katie Allen is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. She began working with children with disabilities while still a teenager herself. She served at a local therapeutic horseback riding center, Horses for Healing. She went on to attend Hendrix College and later Washington University School of Medicine. Katie holds a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (2005).

Joining the Children’s Therapy TEAM family in 2019, Katie brings with her close to 15 years of experience as a licensed occupational therapist. She worked as an Infant Developmental Specialist with an early intervention service provider for 10 years before serving as a school-based OT in California.

One of Katie’s favorite aspects of being a pediatric occupational therapist is collaborating with families. She shares, “Nothing gives me a greater sense of accomplishment than hearing feedback from a family regarding a child’s achievement of a new milestone.” 

Katie embraces the opportunity to work on a multidisciplinary team with physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and BCBA clinicians. She believes kids are best served by great collaboration between providers across all therapeutic modalities.

Katie is a native of Northwest Arkansas and enjoys spending time with family. As a mother of twins, she is an active, on-the-go mom.

Katie Gehrki Joined the TEAM family in 2013. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). She has both local and international treatment experience, providing OT services in NWA and having served in a Special Education School in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, as a TEAMworks volunteer, Katie Gehrki supported Dr. Bo Lin’s efforts to establish a pediatric clinic in China (2015).

At UCA she was a leader in the Acting Creates Therapeutic Success program which encourages individuals with developmental disabilities to express their creativity through acting. As a clinician Katie values creativity and client centered care. Katie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and running.

Katie’s additional areas of specialized training include Handwriting without Tears, Sensory Defensiveness: The Wilbarger Brushing Protocol and Pre-chaining/Food Chaining Therapy.

Katie Shepherd holds a Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Central Arkansas. In addition to Katie’s wealth of fieldwork experiences in graduate school, she has also been a dedicated volunteer with nonprofit programs supporting individuals with special needs.

As a TEAM Talent Volunteer in 2014, Katie worked with Children’s Therapy TEAM OT Whitney Garrison to help with an art program for children with special needs. She cherished what she calls an unforgettable and rewarding experience.

When Katie Shepherd joined the Children’s Therapy TEAM family in 2017 as a licensed occupational therapist, she described the opportunity as her dream job. Katie enjoys connecting with families and sharing her infectious enthusiasm with the children she serves, as well as working alongside therapists with the same passion as her. She loves being her kids' biggest fan and number one supporter.

Kelly Langham joined the Children’s Therapy TEAM family in 2011 after earning her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University. Kelly was nominated by her fellow colleagues for a TEAM Impact Award in 2018, as she is well known for her wholehearted service to others. She continues to be recognized for the positive impact she makes at Children’s Therapy TEAM and particularly her modeling of servant-leadership.

Servant-Leadership in Action

Reflecting on Kelly’s integrity, a Children’s Therapy TEAM colleague shared, “Kelly is always going above and beyond what is required. She never expects any recognition for it. Kelly strives to do the right thing, regardless if anyone is watching or not. She is always truthful and conducts her practice in a way that is always ethical and kind.”   

At Children’s Therapy TEAM Kelly has spearheaded events like TEAM Water Week and TEAM Olympics. She often finds herself coordinating events because she enjoys helping kids address therapy goals in fun and affirming ways. As a resource coordinator, she designs and equips treatment environments so therapists can readily access materials.

Kelly has served as a TEAMworks volunteer both locally in Northwest Arkansas and internationally. She has provided occupational therapy care and training internationally in clinics and villages served by TEAMworks. One of the trainings she has offered included a lecture on “Cost Effective Motor and Strengthening Activities” at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala. She has also served as past chairperson for the TEAMworks Heroes for Kids 5K Race.

A Heart for Pediatrics

Kelly has a knack for finding creative, engaging approaches to working with children. She notes, “I do it because I love seeing my kids get motivated and make progress.” During Kelly’s occupational therapy studies at Rockhurst University, she initially developed a love for pediatrics. Kelly was inspired by her work with children at Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City. This service, in addition to clinical work with children in schools, confirmed Kelly’s commitment to pediatrics. Kelly continues to enjoy working with children today and delights in finding ways to connect with each child.

Personal Notes

Creativity is Kelly’s gift both at the clinic and at home! She enjoys crafts and even some crochet. Her reputation for being crafsy is well earned. When not crafting, she enjoys training for races on local trails. She loves the small town feel of Northwest Arkansas.

Kelly Yates grew up around horses. As a competitive equestrian rider she regularly competed in hunter/jumper competitions. It was this expansive background with horses that inspired Kelly’s college roommate to invite her to serve as the Lead Horse Wrangler at Camp Barnabus, a camp for special needs children. This summer job changed Kelly’s life. She discovered her love for serving children with special needs. She went on to attend graduate school at Colorado State and later joined the TEAM family as a Licensed Occupational Therapist in 2010.

Kelly Yates draws on both local and international treatment experience. She serves children locally in Northwest Arkansas and has served on several TEAMworks trips in Ukraine and Guatemala. Kelly has been instrumental in bringing critical resources and educational materials to children around the world as a Coordinator of Resources for TEAMworks International Outreach Initiatives and TEAMworks Fundraising Committee member. Kelly also makes significant contributions to TEAM’s on-site operations by serving as the OT Resource Manager for TEAM’s Fayetteville Clinic. Kelly enjoys adventures with her husband Ben who is an active outdoorsman.

Kelly is Certified in Interactive Metronome and has received advanced training in Food Chaining Methods to address food aversions and picky eating, Beckman Oral Motor Methods, Handwriting without Tears and Kinesio Taping Methods.

Lacy Brown graduated in 2020 from Crowder College and joined the Children's T.E.A.M. family of providers in 2021. She served as a Certified Nursing Assistant before pursuing her Associates of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant credential. Lacy Brown holds active certification and licensure through the Arkansas State Medical Board and National Board of Occupational Therapy.

During her studies, Lacy gained early intervention and school-based fieldwork experience. She assisted in providing individualized care to children with developmental delay and autism in outpatient and school-based treatment settings. She also collaborated with a supervising COTA/L to implement new evidence-based sensory interventions.

Lacy draws on fieldwork experience at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Outpatient Therapy Clinic. There she identified and facilitated occupation-based strategies for patients with CVA, SCI, TBI, ASD, and work-related injuries. Committed to implementing evidence-based treatment approaches to maximize patient outcomes, Lacy Brown believes in personalized care for achieving therapeutic use of self-care skills.

In her free time, Lacy is active in Faith in the Word Church and enjoys spending time with family and time outdoors where she embraces adventures like kayaking the Buffalo River.

Lindsey Richey graduated in 2008 with a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Texas Woman’s University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a Minor in Social Work.

Lindsey re-joined the Children's Team family of providers in 2015 after taking time off to spend with her young children. Her diverse experience includes teaching gymnastics to children with developmental disabilities, providing rehabilitation services in hospital settings and presenting on safe play for children at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference (2008).

Lindsey is married and has three children. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, hiking and reading. She is actively involved at her church and shares, “I’m thankful to God for all the blessings He’s given us.”

Lynette Wheeler is a Canadian-American citizen who joined the Children's TEAM family of providers in 2010. She received her degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. She specializes in Sensory Therapy. Lynette Wheeler is certified in Therapeutic Listening and Advanced Therapeutic Listening.

Lynette enjoys traveling north to Canada to visit her family and friends, colorful sunrises and sunsets, and trying new recipes. She appreciates opportunities to reflect on things that bring joy.

Melissa Foster holds a joint appointment at Children's Therapy Team and the University of Arkansas/University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where she serves as an adjunct instructor. She received her master's in occupational therapy from University of Central Arkansas in 2004 and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education, Adult, and Lifelong Learning.

Melissa joined the Children's TEAM family of providers in 2013 and brought with her a wealth of treatment experience in varied settings throughout the US. Her primary interests are treatment of children on the Autism Spectrum, treatment of children with ADHD and treatment of children with sensory processing and behavioral disorders.

Melissa is an active public speaker in the NWA community on topics related to Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. She has authored several resource materials and blog topics for parents on topics such as sleep and picky eating. On warm summer days Melissa enjoys sitting on her patio with a good book and a glass of iced tea.

Areas of Advanced Training: Food Chaining; Wilbarger Brushing Protocol; M.O.R.E Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions; Handwriting without Tears; Extensive additional training in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorders, and various emotional/behavioral disorders.

Reflecting on her career, Rebekah Melcher shares, “Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I love being in a profession that emphasizes compassion while encouraging independence.”

Rebekah is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Central Arkansas and went on to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree through Baptist Health College. She joined the Children's TEAM family of providers in 2017.

As a COTA, Rebekah draws on her years of experience working with children in various capacities. Her experiences have included serving as a developmental preschool teacher at Pediatrics Plus in Little Rock.

As an engaged community volunteer, Rebekah Melcher has volunteered to work with children at Camp War Eagle’s year-round Ozone program. There she has led a small group of 7th-grade girls.

Rebekah loves the water and is a certified lifeguard. She relishes opportunities to utilize Children’s Therapy TEAM’s warm-water therapy pools to help children acquire skills more rapidly in the aquatic setting.

At home, Rebekah enjoys reading and can boast of an extensive personal library. As a native of Northwest Arkansas (NWA), Rebekah Mulcher is happy to call the region home. She thoroughly enjoys kayaking, camping, and hiking in Arkansas.

Embracing opportunities to travel, Rebekah keeps her passport handy. She has been to over ten different countries and counting.

Sarah Pantall spent much of her childhood and teen years preparing for a professional career as a ballet dancer. When she began to shadow pediatric occupational therapists, she was able to easily envision a different future. For Sarah, the OT profession seemed like a perfect fit for her desire to help kids and make a significant impact in their futures. Drawing on the strong work ethic she fostered in her years of ballet training, she threw herself wholeheartedly into becoming an excellent occupational therapist.

Sarah Pantall holds a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from St. Louis University (2018). She has extensive experience working with children both as an assistant teacher and co-lead teacher in various childcare and preschool settings. In her work at Sunshine School, she cared for young children with developmental disabilities.

While completing graduate fieldwork at Children’s Therapy TEAM, Sarah confirmed her choice of pediatrics as her area of specialty. She also began to see Children’s Therapy TEAM as the type of employer she would love to work for.

Sarah is proud to call Northwest Arkansas home. She enjoys walking, biking, and exploring NWA’s beautiful trails. She cherishes opportunities to eat delicious food while spending time with friends and family.

Veteran OT Sharon Crossett has over thirty years of experience in the field of Occupational Therapy. She joined the TEAM family in 2006 and enjoys her occupational therapy work with children as well as her leadership roles as a mentor to novice therapists and clinical instructor.

Sharon has volunteered with Arkansas Special Olympics (Area 9) and Autism Involves Me. She is an active member of the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists and has served on the Central and Southeast District Boards for the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Association.

When not working, Sharon Crossett enjoys traveling, cooking, shopping and spending time with her family. Sharon has been married over 30 years to her husband David. They have two daughters and several grandchildren.

Advanced Training: Sharon has attended countless conferences and workshops on varied topics in the field of Pediatric Occupational Therapy. Several topics include: Torticollis & Plagiocephaly, Food Chaining, Neurodevelopmental Treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy, Pediatric Oral-Motor and Feeding Problems, Autism, Developmental Delays, Behavioral Problems and Sensory Processing Disorders.

TaraJane House joined Children’s Therapy TEAM's OT Department in 2023 as a licensed occupational therapist at The Agility Center. TaraJane holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Arkansas as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Music. She shares that she was drawn to TEAM because of the holistic care model, support, and dynamic, individualized treatments. She wanted to work somewhere that not only allowed but encouraged her to adapt and adjust her treatment methods to meet her clients’ changing and complex needs. 

Cheerleader for her Clients

TaraJane enjoys encouraging her clients to see their worth. In a world that often dismisses children, especially those with unique challenges, she wants the children she works with to feel heard and understood. She wants them to know that their efforts, ideas, and goals are important. TaraJane likes thinking of herself as her clients’ biggest cheerleader. 

Recently, one of her clients shared, “I am too little; I can’t do it!” which TaraJane met with encouragement and love. The client had a quick change of heart and responded, “Close your eyes, Mrs. TaraJane! I am going to do it all by myself!” This confidence is what TaraJane works to instill in her clients. TaraJane shares, “I love working with kids because I can use all of my gifts! I get to laugh, play, and be my silly self!” 

Americorps Experience

TaraJane House completed an Americorps Internship for Project Transformation in North Texas. She served as the volunteer coordinator for a summer reading program for underserved children in rural greater Dallas areas. TaraJane worked with low-income families to help prevent learning regression during the summer as well as connected with local churches and organizations to train and support volunteers for the reading program. She was also involved in the Americorps Internship with City Year as a remedial reading and English tutor in an inner city elementary school in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Personal Insights for TaraJane House

TaraJane’s biggest mentors are her parents. They are both educators and have inspired TaraJane for as long as she can remember. She leans into her faith to inspire her service. When not at work, TaraJane enjoys staying mentally and physically active. She enjoys writing, reading, trying out new recipes, embroidering, crafting, and hosting parties.

In addition to serving at Children’s Therapy TEAM, Whitney Garrison is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy with a specialty in pediatrics at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. Whitney holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University (2022) and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas (2007). She joined the Children’s Therapy TEAM family in 2008 and quickly gained a reputation for being a compassionate therapist with a vibrant personality. She is committed to going the extra mile for those she serves.

Reflecting on her 15 years of experience in the field, Whitney shares, “While I may have arrived at a point in my career when references to being a ‘veteran therapist’ fit, I’m still learning new things every day. I glean insights from each child I work with. Similarly, working with graduate students is an education for me as much as it is for the students. I’m grateful for being part of a profession and a company that fosters countless opportunities for me to learn and grow alongside those I’m serving.” Whitney served in the role of OT Clinical Education Coordinator at Children’s Therapy TEAM for 10 years before taking on her joint appointment with the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education.

When not working, Whitney is a busy wife and mother of three. Whitney enjoys time with family, rooting on her kids, and a good laugh.