2025 Speaker Bios
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Bridgette Nicholson,
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Occupational Therapist
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Assistive Technology Trainer/Consultant
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Certified Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist (ASCS)
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ADHD-Certified Educator (ADHD-CE)
Bridgette Nicholson has been an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Consultant for over 36 years, and she is a Certified Autism Clinical Specialist.
Bridgette has provided direct services and consultation to school districts and organizations focusing on assistive technology, occupational therapy, and Universal Design for Learning. Currently, her focus is on the provision of intensive training for school district staff, educators, and parents on the need for full-classroom instructional programs. Programs include sensory-regulation and approaches in combination with highly effective technology use. In addition, focus is on the critical need for data-based decision-making for ongoing planning and effective implementation of strategies that work!
Bridgette Nicholson,
OT / Assistive Technology Consultant / Trainer
Liesa M. Ritchie
Liesa M. Ritchie (formerly Persaud), PT, DPT, PCS, has 33 years’ experience in the field of pediatric therapy. Both nationally & internationally, she has educated healthcare professionals in advanced treatment techniques, performed specialized practical training & provided consultative services. Liesa has worked in a variety of settings, including private pediatric clinics, schools, private homes, hospitals & long-term care facilities, as well as facilities overseas. Dr. Ritchie is a Credentialed Clinical Instructor & also taught human anatomy, physiology & nutrition.
Dr. Ritchie earned her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio in 2003 and continued to expand her expertise in the field. She received her post-graduate Doctorate from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2011 and is a Board-Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Liesa’s wide range of clinical experience, organizational leadership, proficient teaching skills, motivation to improve the standard of care, and enthusiasm & passion for her field, make her an exciting and compelling instructor.
Liesa M Ritchie-Persaud, PT, DPT, PCS
A.J. Juliani
A.J. Juliani is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of Adaptable. He serves as an Instructor for the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (PLN) and former Director of Learning and Innovation for Centennial School District. As a Curriculum Coordinator, Tech Director, English teacher, football coach, and K-12 Instructional Coach, A.J. has worked towards innovative learning experiences for schools in various roles. A.J. is also an award-winning blogger, speaker, and author of multiple other books, including the best-sellers Empower, Launch, and The PBL Playbook. His favorite role is Dad to five kids!
🎤 Speaker/consultant for schools, organizations, and events (700+ sessions/talks and counting)
🛡️ Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania GSE PLN
⚡ Founder and Owner of Adaptable Learning (we were listed in the INC 5000 in 2021)
📚 Author of 8 books about learning, including a WSJ and USA Today Best-Seller
🎙️ The Backwards Podcast Host
⚡ Worked at all levels of K-12 as a teacher, instructional coach, and school leader. Most recently as Director of Learning and Innovation at Centennial SD.
AJ Juliani,
NY Times Bestselling Author, former teacher
Anna Vander Haeghe,
Anna Vander Haeghe has been a full-time practicing OT for 27 years, starting up OT departments in two rural communities with populations between 10-15 thousand. For the past 12 years, Anna has created a busy pediatric private practice and expanded to share her knowledge through in person and virtual training opportunities. She works with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of like minded neuro-affirming practioners and sees children and youth of all ages.
Although Anna has had extensive training in sensory processing for the past 25 years, learning about interoception and mentoring from Kelly Mahler has changed how Anna practices, how she educates parents and caregivers and what priorities she has when working with new clients.
Anna lives near the Canadian Rockies with her
family.
Anna Vander Haeghe BScOT
Karen Greeley
Dr. Greeley was the Physical Therapy Team Leader for Baltimore County Public Schools, providing support to school-based and early intervention PTs in the district for 22 years and is now an independent contractor and educational consultant for Fit4Work. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science. She is Vice-chair of the School SIG for the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy and also serves as the School SIG liaison to the APPT annual conference planning committee.
Karen Greeley,
PT, DSc, Fit4Work
Athena Oden,
Athena Oden, PT, graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and has dedicated over 40 years to pediatrics, working in public and private schools, residential facilities, and non-profit organizations for children, in addition to serving as an Early Childhood Intervention consultant. She has developed and implemented successful motor programs for schools across the U.S., led Assistive Technology teams, designed accessible playgrounds, served as an expert jury member in validating three assessments for students with developmental delays, and is currently on the founding Board of Directors for a private school. Athena has presented at local, state, national, and international levels on topics related to neurological and physiological development in the classroom. Her book, Ready Bodies, Learning Minds: Cultivating the Complete Child©, builds on the tenets of previous editions and is tailored for therapists, teachers, and parents. This book provides insight into the sensory and motor systems essential for learning and success for students of all ages and abilities, incorporating research and references while outlining the curriculum for school-based motor lab programs. An observation tool, the Ready Bodies, Learning Minds Screening Report, aids therapists in identifying the most effective intervention strategies for children. Additionally, the Sensorimotor Needs Inventory was recently created to support intervention strategies for behavioral challenges in children with disabilities. Athena was honored to contribute to the development of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) white paper on The Role of School-Based Physical Therapy: Successful Participation for All Students in 2012 and its current update in 2023, and she served for six years as a past Regional Representative for the South Central U.S. states for the School-Based SIG of the APTA. Her favorite things are her garden, her cows, and very old books.
Athena Oden,
PT, author of the Ready Bodies Learning Minds workshop and curriculum
Diane Gould
During her 20s, I attended the Jane Addams School of Social Work to pursue my master’s degree after obtaining an undergraduate in behavioral psychology. In addition to helping others, human behavior was always interesting to her. She has focused her career on serving vulnerable children and adults, and struggling families. Over the last 40-plus years, she have worked in schools and social service agencies before starting a full-time private practice 14 years ago.
She has focused on working with autistic and other neurodivergent individuals for most of hercareer. In April 2024 at the age of 65 I was diagnosed as autistic. My interest in autism and trauma led me to specialize in the complex PDA (pathological demand avoidance/persistent drive for autonomy) profile of autism. This also led me to create the first PDA North America Conference in 2020 and forming a non-profit for PDA North America in January of 2023.
I don’t know how anyone parents a complicated kid without support. I strive to be that helpful, nonjudgmental professional in the lives of families. she has had the good fortune of supporting some families for decades and through the ups and downs of life. She is so fortunate to have been allowed into the lives of so many wonderful people.
Diane Gould,
LCSW
Missy Anthony,
Bio coming soon!
Missy Anthony,
Exec. Director, OTPTAT Board
Melissa Tally
Melissa Tally is a PT/ATP with 25+ years of experience in complex rehab technology working with patients with complex neuromotor disorders. Her clinical focus has been on parent coaching, early intervention, and 24-hour postural management throughout the lifespan and all environments. She currently is the President and Clinical Educator at Adaptive Imports, LLC.
Tally received her Master of Physical Therapy degree in 1998 from the University of Kentucky and worked for 24 years at Cincinnati Children’s Perlman Center, which specializes in supporting children with physical disabilities. Tally was the Perlman Center’s Clinical Coordinator for the last 13 years.
Her experience includes early-intervention work featuring a multi-disciplinary group therapy approach and evidence-based practice with parent coaching, early diagnosis, and task-specific interventions.
Tally also “was key in implementing a 24-hour positioning plan of care program that focuses on a detailed assessment into the use of adapted equipment to enhance the life of patients and families in all environments and throughout every stage of life
Melissa Tally,
PT, MPT, ATP
Candice Sears
Candice Sears is a passionate and visionary educational leader dedicated to reimagining education and creating transformative experiences for students. She envisions an educational experience that goes beyond traditional models, embracing emerging technologies and pedagogical approaches to engage students in meaningful and personalized learning journeys. Candice aspires to create an educational landscape that instills hope in students, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive and make a positive impact on society. Connect with Candice to join her on this transformative journey in reimagining education and unlocking the possibilities that lie ahead.
A life-long learner Sears has a BA degree in Early Childhood Education from Wilmington College and a Master’s of Science Education in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University. She also holds a Reading Endorsement from Walden and a Gifted Endorsement from the University of Cincinnati.
Candice Sears,
Director of Instruction, MCESC
Matt Giovanniello
Amanda is the Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school biology teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.
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Sarah Fox
Dr. Sarah Fox, PT, DPT has practiced pediatric physical therapy for 11 years and has specialized in pelvic health for 8 years. She is the owner and CEO of Lighthouse Pediatric Physical Therapy, and former founder of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s pelvic therapy program where she spent over a decade. Her private practice is located in Cincinnati, OH and offers Physical Therapy, Potty Training Consultations and Potty Talk Workshops. Dr. Fox has completed continuing education of all three pelvic health levels through the APTA and Herman & Wallace. In addition to being an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, Dr. Fox speaks around the country with her most recent lectures at CSM 2024, PCPLC, hospital and community wide Grand Rounds, and multiple CCHMC in-house lectures to Urology, GI Motility, Fetal Care, and OT/PT. She is actively involved in research endeavors related to pediatric pelvic health and has the biggest passion for this niche.
Sarah Fox,
PT, DPT
Jill Brandenburg,
Jill Brandenburg holds a Master of Occupational Therapy from Temple University. She currently serves as an OT at Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH) where she provides outpatient feeding therapy services. In addition, Jill completes co-treatments with a Feeding Psychologist at NCH’s Comprehensive Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Program providing support for patients with motor, sensory, attentional, and positioning difficulties that impact feeding skills. Jill completes assessments as well as provides modifications and recommendations for patients in Video Swallow Study in coordination with SLP’s and Radiologists to support efficiency and safety with feeding.
Jill Brandenberg,
MOT
Kaitlyn Mosher
Kaitlyn Mosher, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist in the Department of Pediatric Psychology and Neuropsychology and the Comprehensive Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. She provides evidence-based assessment and intervention services for children with feeding difficulties due to medical and developmental
complexities, environment, and psychological factors as part of transdisciplinary teams. Both her clinical and research interests focus on feeding treatment with children with ASD and other developmental disabilities, the role of parent-child interactions in feeding, and impacts of feeding difficulties on development.
Kaitlyn Mosher,
PhD.
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Josie Meterspaw
Josie, MSE, LPCC-s, is an author, seasoned speaker, and clinical counselor with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma, resilience, and stress recovery. She is the founder of Shine Healing Ministries, where she leads women through experiences of rest, renewal, and transformative connection. As a passionate advocate for holistic well-being, she brings a deep understanding of the complexities of the human mind and body. Josie is deeply committed to helping individuals transform their lives, overcome the challenges of stress and burnout, and build lasting resilience.
Drawing from extensive training in neuroscience, trauma recovery, and resilience-building techniques, Josie integrates evidence-based practices to guide clients and audiences toward sustainable mental and emotional well-being. Known for a warm, relatable approach and powerful storytelling, Josie brings a blend of clinical expertise and hands-on strategies that leave audiences inspired, equipped, and ready to take on life's challenges with renewed strength and clarity.
Josie Muterspaw,
MSE, LPCC-S
Janelle Robertson,
Jenelle Robertson is a Physical Therapist at the Montgomery County ESC with over 20 years of experience in school based and outpatient pediatric settings. She obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy from Andrews University in Dayton, OH. She is an APTA credentialed clinical instructor and has served as adjunt factulty of motor development at Olivet Nazarene University. Jenelle was an early adopter of Augment Therapy and has used the technology with a variety of patients in the school based setting and provided live therapist feedback to the developers to help shape the program as a therapeutic tool.
Jenelle Robertson,
MPT
Kim Helms
Kim Helms, OTR/L received her Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University in 1998. She has practiced at Butler Hospital (mental health hospital site), Nursing home practice, Home care provider, Early Intervention in Ohio, and outpatient Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (outpatient rehab, feeding team, DDBP, Aquatic therapy/wellness) early in her career. She has been a school based OT practitioner for the past 20 years. Kim has worked with students from preschool to high school (aged 3 up to 22 years of age). She has experience working with students with a variety of diagnosis/abilities ranging from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Specific Learning Disabilities, and additional complex medical diagnoses. Kim has experience with selecting appropriate activities based on a student’s ability level that will help them achieve their greatest potential within limits of their mental and physical capabilities. Kim has supervised COTAs within the school setting and worked collaboratively with various educators in developing a strong team approach to both identified students with IEPs and students within the RtI/MTSS process. She is currently the OTPT supervisor at BCESC in Hamilton, OH. Kim is a strong advocate for providing the students the level of service they need working within the ODE guidelines.
Kim Helms -
OTR/L
Denise Campbell
Denise A. Campbell completed a 5 year Master in OT and received a Master of Science. She has been licensed in Ohio and Registered and practicing in a School-Based practice area for the past 17 years. Denise has worked with students ranging from the preschool to high school aged students (aged 3 up to 22 years of age). She has experience working with students with a variety of diagnosis/abilities ranging from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Specific Learning Disabilities, and additional complex medical diagnoses. Denise has experience with selecting appropriate activities based on a student’s ability level that will help them achieve their greatest potential within limits of their mental and physical capabilities. She also has extensive experience using Visual Contracts, Visual Countdowns, and Picture Communication Systems with students who have limited verbal abilities and has been named an A-List Therapist by the MCESC Autism and Low-Incidence Coaching Team. Denise has experience supervising both Level I; Level II OT fieldwork students and several Capstone Fieldwork students. She has developed building wide gross motor and sensory strategies in coordination with the PT in her building, Terri Dinkelaker, PT, DPT and the MD teachers in their Building. Denise has also worked closely with the Kindergarten teachers in her building to develop a Tier 2 intervention group that is run by the building staff with programs developed by previous Capstone students and adapted for additional grade levels at the Elementary School she serves.
Denise Campbell -
MS, OTR/L
Rylie Jarrett
Rylie Jarrett obtained her bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and is currently a licensed K-12 intervention specialist. For the past six years, Jarrett has been the lead teacher in an elementary cross categorical resource room servicing students in grades K4. In 2022, Jarrett received her master's degree from the University of Cincinnati in applied behavior analysis. She focuses daily on making motivating visuals tailored to her students' needs and interests that are reinforcing and engaging. She prides herself on embedding daily structured activities within her students individualized visual schedules to help her staff and students' carry out breaks with ease.
Rylie Jarrett,
M.Ed, IS
Taylor Ruef
Taylor Ruef received her bachelor's degree in speech pathology from Eastern Kentucky University and her master's degree in special education from Wright State University. She is currently a licensed K-12 intervention specialist working with children ranging from kindergarten-fourth grade. For the last eight years Ruef has been the lead teacher in a cross-categorical multiple disabilities unit. She has worked with students with a wide variety of needs and is skilled at differentiating gross motor activities and breaks throughout the day to help regulate students.
Taylor Ruef,
M. Ed, IS
Celia Schloemer
Celia Schloemer, MA, is a Senior Community Engagement Specialist at Cincinnati Children's
Hospital within the University of Cincinnati's Center for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities (UCCEDD), where she has served for over nine years. Before this role, she spent
more than a decade as an educational mentor and advocate, supporting schools and families.
As a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador Coach for the Family Resource Network of Ohio
and the LifeCourse Nexus (UMKC), she represents UCCEDD on Ohio’s project lead partner
team. She has served on the Ohio Self-Determination Association board for over two years and is a founding board member of the Supported Decision-Making Network of Ohio
(SDMNO). A dedicated sibling, aunt, and parent to individuals with developmental disabilities,
she is passionate about empowering individuals with IDD and their families to thrive at home,
in school, and in their communities.
Celia Schloemer,
M.A.
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Cheryl VanHoose
Cheryl VanHoose, MHS, PT is presently the OT/PT Director for a group of seventy (plus) occupational and physical therapists at Miami Valley Regional Center/ Montgomery County Education Services Center in Dayton, Ohio. She has been a physical therapist for over 30 years working primarily in the pediatric arena. She has been involved in school based practice for 30 years and has been active in the OPTA’s Pediatric Special Interest Group. Cheryl has been the OPTA representative for the Ohio Department of Education’s Steering Committee for Caseloads and Ratios and for the Ohio Medicaid School’s Program (OMSP) Stakeholder Committee. She presently serves as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Dayton’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and has been an adjunct faculty member for Andrews University and the University of Findlay. She originally obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from West Virginia University. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis and her Ohio Educational Administrators License through Wright State University.
Cheryl VanHoose,
PT, MHS
Lori Potts
Lori Potts, PT obtained her PT degree at Upstate Medical University College of Health Professions in 1995. Since 1998, Lori has been a certified MOVE International Trainer (Mobility Opportunities Via Education). She currently works at Esopus Medical, PC with pediatric and adult clients. Since 2005, Lori has worked with Rifton, consulting for product
design and providing resources for consumer and client education. She is a regular contributor to the Rifton Adaptive
Mobility and Positioning Blog and conducts equipment-related workshops throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. Lori is a member of the APTA and the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapists.
Lori Potts,
PT, RIFTON
Brittany Miracle
Experienced public servant focused on the intersection of education and health policy with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in program evaluation, data-driven decision-making, public speaking, healthy equity, school health models, rural communities, supporting vulnerable student populations, program development, and whole child supports. Strong collaborator and communicator from The Ohio State University.
Brittany Miracle
MPA
Katie Rathers
Katie Rathers, M.S., OT/L is a graduate of Cleveland State University's Master of Occupational Therapy program and has spent the past 10 years providing school-based Occupational Therapy services for PSI, primarily serving urban charter schools throughout Cleveland, Ohio. She also serves
as a Health Services Field Supervisor for the Occupational Therapy department at PSI. Katie
promotes the expanded role of school-based occupational therapy and utilization of interdisciplinary teaming with a focus on emerging evidence-based practices. Katie is a proud mother and aunt of two outstanding differently abled young adults.
Katie Rathers
M.S., OT/L
Terri Dinkelaker
Terri Dinkelaker, BS in PT at St. Louis University in 1993 and received a Doctorate in PT from the University of South Dakota as part of their transitional DPT program in 2018. She has practiced at Good Samaritan Hospital (acute care, rehab, NICU, developmental follow up program, outpatient pediatrics), Kettering Hospital (adult acute care), Nursing home practice, Home care provider, Pediatric inpatient, outpatient, and hippo therapy provider in Indiana for Children’s Specialty Hospital, inpatient and outpatient pediatric provider at CCHMC during her career as a PT. Terri has been practicing as a School-Based PT for the past 16 years and as a PT for the past 29 years. Terri has worked with students ranging from the preschool to high school aged students (aged 3 up to 22 years of age) during her practice as a school-based PT. She has experience working with students with a variety of diagnosis/abilities ranging from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Specific Learning Disabilities, and additional complex medical diagnoses. Terri has experience with selecting and implementing appropriate activities and strategies based on a student’s ability level that will help them achieve their greatest potential within limits of their mental and physical capabilities. She also has extensive experience using Adaptive Equipment, Visual Contracts, Visual Countdowns, and Picture Communication Systems with students who have limited verbal abilities and has been named an A-List Therapist by the Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) Autism and Low-Incidence Coaching Team. Terri has had experience with students shadowing, providing training to staff and students, and working collaboratively with educators and administrators to meet student’s needs and educate students and team members to maximize success.
Terri Dinkelaker -
PT, DPT
Jacki Renegado
Jackie Renegado is the Supervisor of the Social Emotional Learning Consultants for the Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) in Dayton, Ohio. She uses her knowledge as a licensed and registered occupational therapist to support school districts and community organizations in addressing the development of the Whole Child, including creating trauma-informed and social-emotional integrated systems. Jackie also holds a master’s degree in Trauma Informed Education. She is a trainer of the Neurosequential Model in Education through the Neurosequential Network and also a trainer in Restorative Practices through the IIRP. Jackie has had the honor of presenting at several national and
state conferences.
Jackie Renegado -
OTR/L M.Ed
Aaron Link
Bio coming soon!
Aaron Link,
Amy Ferraro Whitsett
Amy has spent nearly 30 years as a management consultant working in mostly the public and nonprofit sectors. She has worked with health and human service agencies and nonprofits across the country, as a cost allocation and funding expert, and in a variety of other capacities. She provides cost allocation review and development, indirect cost rate review and development, revenue recovery, and related training and consulting services. She is a subject matter expert in the recovery of Medicaid and Title IV-E administrative costs and the intersection of these programs with other health and human services and public health programs and funding sources. She previously worked at large national consulting firms in leadership positions.
She also works with nonprofits and small businesses providing fiscal, process review, social media, and event planning services.
Amy Ferraro Whitsett -
MPA
Nichole Dearth
I’ve been practicing in schools with age 3-22 students since 2014. My passion is autistic students and supporting them as well as their families through their education. I currently serve as OT for three rural schools and supervise 2 OTAs. I have provided all tiers of service under MTSS in my largest district and l love collaboration with teachers! I taught in an OTA program for 9 years as adjunct in the pediatrics intervention course.
I also serve on the OTPTAT board and am currently the OT section chair and I fill the school-based OT seat. While serving on the board I assist in answering question from licensees regarding school-based practice and have presented twice at the Ohio School Based Practitioners Summit on ethics and school-based services.