Ari graduated from the University of New England with her bachelor’s degree in Health Wellness and Occupational Studies and New England Institute of Technology with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She has 7 years of experience in school-based settings consisting of magnet, outplacement and transition programs. Ari has worked with children across the lifespan and truly loves building connections with both the child and their family to encourage functional independence.

Outside of the office you can find Ari exercising, reading a book or trying out a variety of recipes in the kitchen. Ari’s cup is filled every summer at the Empower Spinal Cord Injury Program in Long Island where she volunteers her time for two weeks!

Cara is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist who received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2008, and her bachelor’s degree in occupational studies in 2007, from Worcester State University. Cara has clinical expertise in acute and subacute rehabilitation, treating a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities. During her time as a clinician, Cara has valued client centered practice and evidence-based interventions to provide her clients with the skills they need to perform activities of daily living and engage in meaningful occupations. Cara joined the kidSHINE staff in 2021, eager to positively impact her pediatric clients’ participation in their “occupations” including play, school, and self-care.

Outside of the office, Cara is a mom of three and can be found coaching their sports teams and volunteering at their school. Cara also enjoys taking Zumba classes, party/event planning, walking her rescue dog, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Emily is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist who received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2022, from American International College in Springfield, MA. She gained clinical experience working with children with ADD, ADHD, SPD, ASD, and a variety of other diagnoses. She has her bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and considers fitness a passion. Emily is enthusiastic about incorporating the use of therapeutic exercise and movement in her treatment sessions to help bring confidence and success to children and their families.

In her free time, Emily enjoys exercising, playing with her dog, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Katie is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist in the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire! She received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2012, from the University of New Hampshire (UNH). She has worked as a school based OT for many years, working with ages 6 to 21 years old! She is excited to work within the KidSHINE setting! Katie is a huge believer in play based therapy for kids to learn, grow, and strengthen daily functional skills. She also believes therapeutic exercise can help to enhance skills and promote learning!

In her free time, Katie enjoys playing with her yellow lab Scout, traveling and exploring near and far, and spending time with friends and family!

Olivia is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist who received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2021, and her bachelor’s degree in occupational science in 2020, from Ithaca College. Olivia has worked in both school settings and in Early Intervention, where she gained clinical experience in supporting emotional regulation, social/emotional skill development, mental health impairments, and fine/gross motor skills.  Olivia is passionate about a child and family-centered approach to care. As a staff therapist at KidSHINE, Olivia brings her passion for working with children and their families to create individualized care plans, while looking at the child as a whole. Olivia also brings her passion for physical activities as a former rower at Ithaca College to KidSHINE, to help children learn about their bodies and everything they are capable of to succeed in life.

In her free time, Olivia enjoys working out at Reck Fitness in Beverly, going for long walks on the beautiful beaches in Cape Ann, finding the best places for iced coffee, and spending time with family and friends.

Colby has been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant since 2019, where she received her degree at Keiser University in Tampa, FL. Prior to becoming a COTA, Colby received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Sciences from the University of Tampa, FL. Shortly after graduating, Colby began working with children of all ages in a pediatric outpatient clinic for 2.5 years where she gained knowledge and experience working with children with ADD/ADHD, SPD, ASD, and a variety of other diagnoses. Currently, Colby is continuing to further her studies to obtain a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Colby has experience in personal training/fitness where she incorporates using therapeutic exercise and movement in her treatment sessions to help individuals reach meaningful goals.

Colby enjoys playing tennis, yoga, fitness, art, hiking and being outdoors with her dog.

Jenny joins the KidSHINE staff as a recent graduate of the North Shore Community College, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, class of 2023. She completed one of her Level II Fieldworks at the Timberlane Learning Center, servicing Pre K- Kindergarten aged children. Jenny has 8 years of involvement with KidSHINE as a parent, intern, and now a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. 

Outside of KidSHINE, Jenny and her husband enjoy the busy schedules of their four children. In addition, she holds several volunteer roles. As a support group leader, she coordinates opportunities for families raising children with Down Syndrome to come together, connect, and navigate challenges they encounter. Jenny also has an enthusiasm for youth sports and exercise as she committed 10 years to coaching and eventually co-directing the MASCO Youth Field Hockey Program. She expresses her eagerness to contribute her expertise and experiences to the KidSHINE team. 

Marissa is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and recent graduate of North Shore Community College. Prior to becoming a COTA, Marissa’s flair for creativity led her to complete her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. For over 10 years, Marissa had worked with children of all ages who had a variety of diagnoses as an adaptive horseback riding instructor. As well, Marissa has taught yoga, palates and a variety of visual art classes in community and summer programs.

In her free time, Marissa enjoys weaving, spending time outdoors, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing and hiking. Marissa finds great joy in sharing her passions with others, and seeing children achieve their goals as they partake in all that kidSHINE has to offer.

Taylor is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and recent graduate of Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester. Prior to becoming a COTA, Taylor received her Bachelor’s in Recreational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. Taylor has gained knowledge and experience working in the recreational field with children with ADD/ADHD, ASD, CP, and other diagnoses. As well, Taylor has taught fitness, sports, sensory and social outing programs.

In her free time, Taylor enjoys attending spin classes, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her family!

Heidi is kidSHINE’s Office Manager. Leadership is everything with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Her expertise includes operations management, business development, strategic planning with execution while motivating and bringing the best out in everyone. Heidi has a passion for leading teams and managing business operations, HR/Payroll with a professional demeanor along with bringing a fun and positive attitude.

Heidi is a proud mom of 2 teenage boys that are extremely active in sports. She enjoys triathlon distance races, long distance running and riding her bike.

heidi@kidshine-ot.com

Susan is kidSHINE’s Patient Care Coordinator and assists with scheduling, appointment confirmations, client intakes and media and community outreach. She is passionate about helping clients and their families navigate the beginning process of joining our practice. Susan has over 15+ years’ experience working in fields associated with reception, customer service, public relations, and marketing. She is motivated by providing excellent customer service and building rapport with clients.

In her free time, Susan enjoys spending time with her husband, two teenage children and her dog “Ace.” She also enjoys being outdoors, baking, reading, and visiting family and friends out of state.

info@kidshine-ot.com

Terri is kidSHINE’s office manager, scheduler, insurance specialist, and sanity keeper. She is a medical billing specialist and certified bookkeeper with over 20 years experience working in medical offices. Terri can answer any questions that current and prospective clients have, and she keeps kidSHINE running smoothly. Terri has a passion for helping families to navigate insurance complexities so that their children can receive all the services they require.

In her free time, Terri loves spending time with her daughters, her two grandchildren and her grand fur babies.

billing@kidshine-ot.com

EXERSHINE Kids POWER Bootcamp Instructor & Occupational Therapy Aide

Amanda is a graduate of Salem State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology. Amanda completed a semester-long internship at KidSHINE and fell in love with the community here, and is now a full-time employee. Amanda is on her path to continue her education within the Occupational Therapy field and applying to graduate programs for next year.

Some of Amanda’s favorite things to do are going for nature walks, shopping, checking out new restaurants, dancing, and spending time with loved ones.

Programs Coordinator & Lead Rehab Aide

Emily is a graduate of UMass Amherst, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in May of 2023. Emily has decided to continue her education at North Shore Community College in the COTA program, but in between classes she enjoys learning the field hands-on at KidSHINE! Emily has experience working with kiddos and adults with a variety of disabilities as a rehab aide at an adaptive horseback riding clinic.

Some of Emily’s favorite things to do are finding new hiking spots, bringing her dog on a walk with her mom, coloring, dancing, and spending time with her cat.