As children develop and grow, they may encounter barriers to their ability to participate in day-to-day activities. When this is the case, occupational therapy can be helpful in restoring, maintaining, and improving skills as well as making modifications to a child’s routines and environments to improve their independence. Occupational therapy seeks to treat the whole child and considers a wide breadth of factors to address needs.
Through occupational therapy, a child can develop skills and abilities so that they can interact with their peers at age-appropriate levels. Occupational therapy promotes fine motor development such as grasp, eye-hand coordination and pre-writing skills. Our occupational therapists are skilled in working with children who are having difficulty with feeding, social skills, and play skills. Tolerance to movement and touch, improved visual perception, and independence in self-care are also addressed.
Megan Alexander
MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
With Innovative since March 2018
Educational Background:
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, Arizona; Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sports Science, with a focus in Occupational Therapy from Oregon State University.
Julie Halker
MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
With Innovative since January 2016
Educational Background:
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and Master of Education from Idaho State University in 2001; Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Pacific Lutheran University in 1996
Specialties: Pediatric occupational therapy, therapeutic listening, yoga, nutrition, essential oils, and dance
Melodie Sherer
COTA/L
Pediatric Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
With Innovative since July 2016
Educational Background: Master of Arts in Elementary Education from University of Northern Iowa, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Graceland University, Associate of Applied Science in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program from Linn Benton Community College
Specialties: Early intervention, aquatic therapy, pediatric treatment for gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing, activities of daily living
Stephanie Zaepfel
MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
With Innovative since January 2014
Educational Background: Master of Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO; Somatic Movement Educator from the School of Body-Mind Centering
Specialties: Pediatric evaluation & treatment: both gross & fine motor skills, cognitive skills, feeding skills, ADLs & IADLs, & sensory processing/integration
