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YOUR CHILDβS SUPPORT TEAM
office team | speech-language + feeding | social/emotional | audiology | motor
Motor Team
Jenny McDowell PT, DPT
POSITION: Physical Therapist & Clinical + Program Director
SPECIALTIES: Pediatrics π«Ά Social-emotional learning, connection, gait analysis, developmental delay, neurological and orthopedic impairments, genetic disorders, assistive technology, sensory processing, reflex integration and play!
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Bachelors in Health Management, Exercise Science
WHATβS YOUR WHY? I am driven by the joy of witnessing a child's progress, big or small. Whether it's taking their first steps, improving their balance, or simply gaining the confidence to play more actively, I want to be a part of that journey. By creating a fun and supportive environment, I strive to unlock a child's physical capabilities and help them experience the freedom and independence that comes with strong mobility. This, in turn, empowers them to participate more fully in life and embrace all the possibilities that come with a healthy body.
FUN FACT: I have spent time in Haiti at Real Hope for Haiti providing therapy, education and skills and techniques. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! Jenny's husband is also the coach of the Knox Women's Basketball team!
IN YOUR FREE TIME: Jenny loves to spend time with her 3 kids looking for a unique place to explore, hopefully somewhere outside! She loves to walk anywhere she can!
RANKINGS:
Caffeinated β β β β β
Helping others β β β β β
Sitting β ββββ
Drew Leathers, OTD, OTR/L
POSITION: Occupational Therapist + Motor Team Lead
SPECIALTIES: Sensory integration, sensory regulation, sensory diet, fine motor deficits, handwriting and grasping, emotional regulation, visual motor skills
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Bachelors of Psychology and Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University
WHATβS YOUR WHY? Drew first realized that he wanted to be an Occupational Therapist when he got his first job at a summer camp for people with special needs. He quickly fell in love with helping children learn how to play in different and exciting ways. To this day, there is no better feeling for him than making a child smile and laugh.
FUN FACT: Drew did his Doctoral Capstone in Park City, Utah where he created an adaptive camping program and aided instructors in other programs including adaptive skiing, adaptive rock climbing, and adaptive mountain biking.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: Drew has a lot of hobbies. If he's not at work, you might find him training for a marathon, hiking, reading, writing, or climbing.
RANKINGS:
Occupational Therapy β β β β β
Organizational skills β ββββ
Fun β β β β β
Kristi Cochran, COTA/L
POSITION: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
SPECIALTIES: Fine motor, Visual motor coordination, Sensory modulation and regulation, motor planning, handwriting
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Associates in Applied Science, Associates in General Education, NBOCT Certification
WHATβS YOUR WHY? Kristiβ has always had a passion for working with and helping children grow. When searching for what she wanted to do as a career she stumbled upon the Occupational Therapy program and knew instantly that OT would be the perfect fit!
FUN FACT: Kristiβs oldest son is an Occupational Therapist.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: In her free time Kristi enjoys reading, going for walks, and spending time with her family. Especially her new granddaughter!
RANKINGS:
Occupational Therapy β β β β β
Committing to social plans (Homebody) β ββββ
Organization β β β β β
Molly Suellentrop, COTA/L
POSITION: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
SPECIALTIES: fine motor skills, sensory integration, sensory regulation, visual motor skills, handwriting skills
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Associates in Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Western Illinois University, NBCOT Certification
WHATβS YOUR WHY? Molly has always had a drive to help others, especially children. She finds joy in watching children succeed and become their best self. Molly enjoys connecting with others and sharing as many smiles along the way!
FUN FACT: Molly has broken over 6 bones in her many years of playing soccer!
IN YOUR FREE TIME: Molly enjoys spending time with her family (husband, 2 kids) while supporting her children at all of their events and staying active together! Molly and her family love being outdoors and finding new adventures!
RANKINGS:
Occupational Therapy β β β β β
Talking out loud to myself β β β β β
Laundry β ββββ
Giana Goudie, PTA
POSITION: Physical Therapist Assistant
SPECIALTIES: Pediatrics, Social-emotional learning, connection, gait analysis, developmental delay, neurological and orthopedic impairments, genetic disorders, assistive technology, sensory processing, reflex integration and play, skill progression, tumbling instruction for all ages
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Associates of Applied Science, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant from Illinois Central College
WHATβS YOUR WHY? Giana always had her heart set on working with children. While on her high school cheer team, she and her peers facilitated a youth cheer camp where kids ages 5 to 13 could learn new and progressive skills. This experience fast tracked Gianaβs interest in working with the youth. She went on to seek out other youth enrichment programs like Aerial Athletics, golf outings for children with special needs, and giving private swim llessons to children who werenβt thriving in group settings. Sheβs now looking forward to making this passion for helping youths develop into a lifelong career.
FUN FACT: Giana has been involved in tumbling for 17 years and is still continuing to help others build skills within this sport!
IN YOUR FREE TIME: In her free time Giana enjoys working out, hanging out with friends, and shopping. She especially enjoys going to a Pilates or Yoga class!
RANKINGS:
Physical Therapy β β β β β
NOT having coffee in hand β ββββ
Having too many clothes β β β β β
Morgan Brisbin, PTA
POSITION: Physical Therapist Assistant
SPECIALTIES: Pediatrics, Social-emotional learning, connection, gait analysis, developmental delay, neurological and orthopedic impairments, genetic disorders, assistive technology, sensory processing, reflex integration and play, skill progression, tumbling instruction for all ages
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Associates in Applied Science from Illinois Central College: Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
WHATβS YOUR WHY? Morgan is the youngest of 5 in her family, but growing up she always wanted to be a big sister. She has always had a large passion for caring for others and over the years has become βbig sisterβ to many of her younger friends. Morgan once wanted to be a pediatric nurse, but the Lord had different plans and led her into Physical Therapy (although her husband is a pediatric nurse). Morgan loves kids and has spent much time over the years babysitting, and even spent over a year living with a sweet family from church that had 3 small kiddos and they have since become more so βfamilyβ to her. Morgan pours her heart into what she does and cannot wait to help care for your kiddos.
FUN FACT: Morgan can play the piano by ear. She can hear any song and be able to replicate it (somewhat accurately). At one point she could have had the opportunity to take lessons, but denied it because she was told that she would potentially lose the skill to play by ear and that is something she loves to be able to do. Bonus: she also recently found out she is related to Audrey Hepburn distantly through marriage.
IN YOUR FREE TIME: Morgan likes to spend her free time hanging out with her husband, friends, her dog Wilbur, and cat Theodore. She also loves to play the piano, sing, write songs, go to church, go for runs, and play pickleball. On more quiet days, Morgan also really loves just to stay home for a cozy evening.
RANKINGS: