I have been working at Kidswork since 2005 and in 2007 I purchased the business. Before that, I began my career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in 1993. I then received a Bachelors in Occupational Therapy from Penn State University in 2003. I have experience in geriatrics, rehab and pediatric therapy. Most of my experience is in school based and clinic based pediatric therapy. I am Reiki 1 certified, a certified Handwriting Without Tears instructor, and SIPT (Sensory Integration Praxis Test) certified. I have extensive knowledge and continuing education in the area of torticollis.

Both Janine and I run the behind the scenes management and everyday workings of the business. We are also providing supervision and guidance to all staff within all of the school systems. I enjoy spending time with my family and being active in my church.

We have some of the best of the best therapists and staff. Each member is unique with all the specific training and knowledge they possess however, we all share one common bond and that is making sure that each child succeeds in their treatment, making sure that each family and school district is treated with the utmost respect and courtesy. We believe in all our kids and give our full undivided attention to them during therapy. Our therapists become integral parts of the school team and work well in multidisciplinary teams.

CHRISTA BROPHY, OTR/L Co-Owner and Operator, Occupational Therapist

JANINE MCWILLIAMS, MS, OTR/L Co-owner and Operator, Occupational Therapist

I graduated from College Misericordia in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. I have worked in pediatrics since graduation in both school based and clinic based settings. I began my career at Kidswork in 2008 as a per diem therapist and was hired in 2010 as staff therapist working both in the schools and in the clinic. I bought into the business in 2011 and have enjoyed watching Kidswork grow and develop over the past several years. I have experience and continuing education in the areas of Handwriting Without Tears, the Alert Program, Autism, School-based therapy practices, supervision and Neurodevelopment. I am a Certified Drums Alive instructor. In the past I have taught courses on Child Development, as well as Intervention and previously courses on Neurodevelopment as an adjunct faculty member at Misericordia University. Besides working with Christa managing the business side of things I love getting into the schools and working with the staff and school personal as often as I can. I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 very active sons, vacationing, spending time at our family cabin, spending time with friends and family and remaining active in my church. I became an Occupational Therapist because I love helping others. I love sharing knowledge with others to help them be as independent as possible and to assist other staff to help children succeed in their environments.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

I graduated from Misericordia University 2021 with a Bachelors Degree in Health Science and Masters in Occupational Therapy. I started working for Kidswork in August 2022.

I am a new grad starting my OT career with Kidswork! I completed level II fieldworks in outpatient therapy and in school-based therapy learning under a Kidswork Therapy Services employee for my second level II. I have always been interested in sensory integration and childhood psychology and the impacts on a child’s functioning in school.Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as hiking and reading!

Allison Aultz, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist

I graduated from Chatham University in 2011 with a Masters of Occupational Therapy after completing a BA of Health Science from Arcadia University in 2008. I started with Kidswork in November of 2016. Upon graduating from Chatham University I worked in adult acute rehab facility followed by a nursing home for 2 years. I spent several years working at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at GMC. There I provided outpatient occupational therapy, inpatient occupational therapy and I was a member of the feeding team. I have worked for Kidswork since November of 2016 in the schools as well as their outpatient clinic prior to its closure. I continue to have an interest in complex medical needs and comprehensive care surrounding children and young adults. I am interested in building life and functional skills in the school setting to help students become as independent as possible as they transition to the community after graduation. In addition, neurodevelopment and feeding continue to be an area of interest. When not working I enjoy being outside with my family, running and going on vacations. I continue to love my profession and specific area of focus in the schools because I love seeing my kids succeed and get excited when they master their goals. In addition, in what other job is it ok to get messy, play in sand, write upside down, and have new experiences everyday!

Sarah Lydic, MOT, OTR/L Occupational Therapist

Cassandra Bohannon, MOT, OTR/L Occupational Therapist

I completed both my undergraduate and graduate education at Saint Francis University. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in 2020 and my Master of Occupational Therapy in 2021. I started my career as a new graduate Occupational Therapist with Kidswork in October 2021, just a few months after graduation! My clinical experience throughout my education included school based, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient hand therapy. As a new practitioner, my experience includes school based and skilled nursing facilities. My strongest field interest is sensory integration and how it affects children’s performance in school functioning! A fun fact about me is I’m 23 years old and I studied abroad to France my sophomore year of college and was able to travel throughout Spain, Italy, Amsterdam, and many cities around France during my 3 month stay! I love being outdoors kayaking in the summer and crocheting blankets in the winter! I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends and my kitten, Juno!

Makayla Hockenbroch, MOT, OTR/L Occupational Therapist

I graduated in August 2022 from Elizabethtown College with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. My experience includes working in an inpatient acute care OT for 9 months after graduation. I then moved and took an outpatient pediatric position before joining Kidswork in October 2023. My expericence includes Pediatrics, Sensory integration and processing, Autism Spectrum Disorder
(my Master's thesis was on Sensory Processing Difficulties during Mealtime in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Recently I have completed a continuing education course on Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.I recently moved back to Selinsgrove from Potter County where I lived for
about a year and half. I have a cat named Duck. I enjoy hiking, baking,crafting, and spending time with family.

Melissa Engle, COTA/L Occupational Therapy Assistant

I have been with Kidswork since 2003. I started my career as a clinic therapist and am now a full-time school based therapist working within the Shikellamy Area School district. I graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Technology with an associates degree in Applied Science in completion of the major of Occupational Therapy Assistant. My experiences include but are not limited to school based and outpatient pediatric therapy including a variety of diagnoses, aquatic therapy, Reiki, Craniosacral Therapy, and Interactive Metronome. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, gardening, and crafts.

Victoria Wolfe, COTA/L Occupational Therapy Assistant

I graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology/ 2021. I received an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Studies with a minor in psychology and I intend to graduate December of 2021. I began Kidswork August 2021. My first level 1 fieldwork was with Kidswork Therapy at Shikellamy school district. I also completed level 1 fieldwork at Albright Life and a Community Service Group center. I completed my initial level 2 fieldwork at a Phoenix Rehabilitation clinic followed by a second level 2 fieldwork session in a school setting. I chose occupational therapy as my profession because I love to help others and I love that I am able to be creative within this profession. I chose to work in pediatrics because I love to work with children. Being able to watch the children/students grow and succeed is such a rewarding feeling. As I am a recent graduate, I look forward to starting my career with Kidswork and expanding my knowledge and skills. I enjoy going to the gym, traveling, playing with my dogs, and spending time with my family and friends.

Andrea Aucker, COTA/L Occupational Therapy Assistant

I graduated from Bloomsburg University with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science in 2017. After graduating, I completed a internship at a hand clinic where I learned about the OT world. I then completed the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Penn College, graduating in 2021. Throughout my school-based level II fieldwork, I discovered how much I enjoyed working with the kids and saw myself eventually becoming a COTA in this setting. I got the opportunity to start at Kidswork in September 2022 at Shamokin area school district. I am excited to start this new journey and continue to grow as a therapist. All settings of OT are very rewarding, but I can’t wait to have a part in making a difference in these amazing kids lives! I have clinical experience in adult home health which I very much enjoy and continue to work PRN. In my free time I love cooking, baking and trying all different kinds of food. I enjoy traveling and hiking with my husband whenever we get the chance. Spending time with family and friends is something I cherish!

I graduated from Penn College in 2020 with an Associate of Health Science Degree and a focus on Occupational Therapy Assistant. I started at Kidswork in December 2022. I have lots of experience working with children over the years from working as a paraprofessional. My first OT job prior to starting with Kidswork was in an outpatient pediatric setting. I have known that I wanted to work with children for a long time. I discovered Occupational Therapy while working as a paraprofessional in a local school district. From there I knew that was my end goal and began researching how and where to obtain my degree. I also greatly enjoyed my field works at Selinsgrove Center and Community Service Group which had a large focus on mental health.

I spend my free time with my husband and 5 children (3 of which are covered in fur and bark). I love being outside when its warm but unfortunately Pennsylvania doesn’t always lend us such weather. When it’s cold out you can find me inside cooking or baking up something delicious! I also enjoy listening to podcasts, watching baseball, and doing home improvement projects with my husband.

Becky Schmidt, COTA/L Occupational Therapy Assistant

I graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2012 with an Associates Degree in Applied Health Science: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I began at Kidswork in 2012 as a level 2 fieldwork student and was hired upon completion of fieldwork placements. I have worked in the clinic and as a school-based therapist. I am currently working in the Montgomery Area School district and the Shikellamy Area School District. I have experience in Handwriting without Tears and Size Matters handwriting programs. Outside of work I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my 2 children Nabela and Drevin. We are a very active family spending most of our time outdoors. We enjoy hiking, riding bikes, swimming and riding 4 wheelers. I enjoy cooking, traveling, music and art. I have always known that I wanted to work with children and when I discovered the world of OT I knew it was for me. I love watching my student grow and learn from year to year.

Patti Connelly, COTA/L Occupational Therapy Assistant

Jessica Rinehimer, COTA/L Occupational Therapy Assistant

I graduated from Pennsylvania college of technology in 2011 with an Associates in Occupational Therapy Assistant and in 2018 with a Bachelors of Applied Health. I started at Kidswork in May of 2019. My experience includes school based K-12 pediatric therapy, Home based pre-k therapy, Home based ABA instructional aide. My interests include autistic support programming and treatment, multiple disabilities programming, applied behavioral analysis and OT and Sensory integration theory and programming. A little about me:I am 31 years old. I live with my fiancé and our two dogs, Peaches and PJ. I enjoy crafting, painting, and redoing old furniture! I do what I do because I love helping people. I love helping children achieve their goals. I love advocating for them. I love assisting parents and teachers. I just LOVE my job!!!

Kelly Gartner, COTA/L Occupational Therapy Assistant

I graduated in May 2021 from with Pennsylvania College of Technology from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. I started working at Kidswork in September 2023. My experience includes working as a preschool teacher for 14 years prior to going back to school for Occupational Therapy Assistant. I completed Level 1 fieldwork in a pediatric setting with UPMC in the Williamsport School District. I completed Level 2 fieldwork at Valley View Rehab and Nursing Center and in the pediatric setting with Blast IU17 in Montoursville Area School District. I also worked as a job coach while pursuing my degree and paraprofessional in a life skills classroom upon graduation.I decided to become a COTA after witnessing several family members achieve success with occupational therapy in various settings and because of the diverse and creative nature of the job. I enjoy working with children and helping them achieve their goals. In doing so, I've discovered that they have as much to teach me as I have to teach them. I enjoy walking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Karissa Kashner , COTA/L Occupational Therapy Assistant

I graduated in 2016 from The Pennsylvania College of Technology with an associate degree in Occupational Therapy, in 2018 I finished my bachelor's degree in Health sciences. I have had experience in the long-term care setting, outpatient setting and pediatric setting. My journey with Kidswork initially started after graduation in 2016. In 2017 I started in long term care and continued in that setting for 5 years finishing as an assistant director of rehab. Throughout my years within the long-term setting, I always hoped to return to pediatrics. I returned to Kidswork in August 2022. I feel at home at Kidswork, and I am very excited to grow as a pediatric therapist. I am currently school based within the Lewisburg area. Occupational therapy has been a very rewarding career thus far but working with children and having the ability to help them grow and develop is something special. I love traveling, anything outdoors and spending as much time with family and friends.

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Lindsey Stahl, DPT Physical Therapist

I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Rehab Science and from Chatham University in 2009 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I started at Kidswork in September of 2016. My experience includes Geriatric Rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility, and pediatrics. My interests include neuro-rehabilitation, transition of care for individuals with disabilities, and orthotics. My recent continuing education includes motor learning principles for school based therapists, determining student’s need for PT/OT in school and embedding PT services in general ed classroom. I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 children as well as going to the beach, camping, going for walks outside, baking, and attending church with my family. I went into this field because I love to see the difference I am making to each student I work with. I can see that I am making a difference in their lives when I have taught them how to catch a ball so they can play with their friends at recess or when I have trained their caregiver in how to have them stand in a stander daily and this improves their leg range of motion.

Sarah Patte, MSPT/DPT Physical Therapist

I graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in1997 with a MSPT and Temple University in 2005 with a DPT. I started at Kidswork in November 2009. My experience includes Saint Louis University Hospital Acute care 1997-1998, Susquehanna Physical Therapy Associates 1998-2001, CSIU 2001-2010, Kidswork 2009 to present, Evangelical Hospital Acute care 2017 to present Per Diem. My interests in the field include Safe Transportation of student with special needs & experience working with children with Duchenne’s MD. Why do I chose to work in the school you ask, because I truly love my job! I love to work with the kids, plan activities, decide on new equipment, and interact with the team to provide the best educational experience possible for my students. My goals for PT: integrate into their school day, make it fun, help to improve their quality of life, and encourage independence. I am a mother of 3 children. I love to run, play golf, quilt, sew, travel, and watch Kansas Jayhawk Basketball. I have worked in the area of pediatrics for 21 years primarily in the school system.

Michon Haupt, PTA Physical Therapy Assistant

I graduated in 2011 with an Associates Degree in applied science. I started working at Kidwork in Janueary 2023 and have been working as a PTA since October 2011. I have 11 years experience in outpatient, hospital settings, home health care and pediatrics. I am Certified in Rock taping techniques, and am interested in pediatric therapy and vestibular therapy. I love spending time with my family and pets, gardening, reading and making custom clothing

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS

Alexis Spangler, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech and Language Pathologist

I graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with my Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology with a concentration in individuals with exceptionalities in 2019. Then I went on to complete my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2021 at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania as well. I started working at Kidswork in June 2021 to complete my clinical fellowship year. I am currently working at the Lewisburg Area School District, specifically in the High School, Middle School, and Intermediate School. I am particularly interested in school aged language development and social pragmatics. I really enjoy helping school-aged students to expand their understanding of the language. I find it to be a very crucial time in children’s lives. Sometimes pragmatic skills don’t always come naturally, so I like to supply students with the tools and skill set necessary to make them successful in social situations. I like to spend as much time as I can with my fiancé, Ryan, fur-baby, Jax and overall family. We enjoy traveling to new places, boating on the river, and warm days at the beach.

TEACHER OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Sue Mazol, TVI Teacher of the Visually Impaired

(To be added)

Lois Lingousky, Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired

I graduated from Kutztown State College in1979 with a BS in Education for Elementary School and Education of the Visually Impaired; I then received a MS in Special Education, Exceptional Persons from Bloomsburg University in1984. I started with Kidswork in August 2018. For 40 years, I have been an itinerant teacher for students who are blind or visually impaired. I worked for the CSIU from August 1979 until my retirement in July 2018. I was hired by Kidswork in August of 2018, to work on an hourly basis with blind and visually impaired students in the Central Columbia School District. My interests include being a Member of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. I enjoy working with children in the school setting and at church. I love to cook and bake, garden, read, do counted cross stitch, and visit with my family. Having retired in 2018 from the CSIU, I am pleased to continue my teaching experience on a part-time basis working with students who are blind and visually impaired. I enjoy education and the school setting.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Peg Gerdy Special Education Teacher

I graduated from Mansfield University (1978) with a Bachelor of Science Mentally/Physically Handicapped K-12, and from Bloomsburg University (1993) with a Masters in Behavior Disorders with fifteen additional credits. I started at Kidswork in February 2016. I have been teaching for 38 years – 10 years MDS K-6, 20 years Life skills K-6 and 6-8, 8 years Developmental K-1-2 and 4 years providing In Home Services to students that are medically fragile. I am an avid reader. I enjoy puzzles, jigsaw, word, number trivia. Refinishing furniture, arts and crafts and spending time with family. I love the beach. I continue to enjoy working with MDS population and to find unique ways to increase potential.

Barbara Morgan BSEd, MEd

I graduated Mansfield State College, 1980; Bloomsburg University, 1992 with a MSC, BSEd (Mentally and Physically Handicapped); BU, MEd (Learning Disabilities). I began Kidswork June 2, 2021. I have experience teaching all areas of special education: Learning Disabilities, Life Skills, Multi-Disabilities, Emotional Support, Autism Spectrum Disorder. My expertise is in working with students with social/emotional needs, as well as those students who are considered to have high functioning autism. Most of my recent continuing education credits have been trainings in trauma informed care and in teaching students with autism. I love spending time with family and friends. My husband and I love to camp (actually we ”Glamp!”) when we get a chance. We love to cruise and have visited the Caribbean on several cruises with a cruises to Alaska and Bermuda already planned for Summer 2022. I like to do Zumba, listen to music, read, and do puzzles.

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL

Megin King Accountant/Human Resources

I graduated from Susquehanna University in 2005 and received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. I started at Kidswork in October of 2007. I currently handle the accounting and human resources for Kidswork. My role involves accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, on boarding and coordinating employee benefits. My interest in accounting and human resources lies in serving as a link between data and how it affects the daily operations of the business. I fulfill yearly continuing education requirements to maintain my enrolled agent status. This includes credits in business ethics, financial management and tax law. My husband John and I have 2 young adult children. Most days it feels like our home has a revolving door. We spend a lot of time playing games as a family when everyone is at home. I enjoy long walks (especially in the fall), reading and “art from the heart”. I enjoy working with and organizing data to support the owners in making financial and employee related decisions. I especially find fulfillment in serving in an organization whose goal is to empower children by seeking ways to assist in their individual needs.