2024 Speaker Bios
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Kim Wiggins,
Kim Wiggins, OTR/L, is a highly skilled occupational therapist specializing in pediatric care, with over two decades of experience in public school, outpatient, and home-based settings. Throughout her extensive career, Kim currently serves as a dedicated full-time school-based therapist in an upstate NY district. She is also the owner of OTKimWiggins LLC, a company dedicated to providing tailored educational opportunities for parents and professionals in the field.
Recognized for her proficiency in program development, Kim has successfully curated and presented training workshops and seminars on diverse topics. Kim has been a sought-after presenter, sharing her expertise both nationally and internationally for 14 years. Additionally, she co-authored "Just Right! A Sensory Modulation Curriculum for K-5," highlighting her commitment to advancing knowledge and support within the realm of occupational therapy
Kim Wiggins,
OTR/L
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
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Sara Weis
Sara J. Weis is the founder of Go Go Yoga for Kids and the bestselling author of A Complete Guide to Yoga with Kids, Yoga Lessons for Children and Yoga Games & Activities for Children. She is also the creator of the popular Kids Yoga Challenge Pose Cards, the Kids Yoga Challenge App, and The Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher Training that has certified thousands of teachers all over the world.
She continues to be a creative and passionate teacher who has inspired children for nearly 25 years in the public schools. Sara holds a Master’s Degree in Education as well as Bachelor’s Degrees in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She is a certified adult and kid yoga instructor and enjoys visiting schools, events, and leading workshops to help others introduce children to yoga through the use of engaging lessons with games, poses, music, movement, and literacy.
Sara J. Weis,
Bestselling Author, MA in Education, RYT-200, RCYT
Jamie Spencer,
Jaime Spencer, MS, OTR/L, from www.MissJaimeOT.com, has a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Utica College and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Adelphi University.
Spencer has been a Long Island pediatric OT for twenty-three years and currently works in a public school setting with children ranging from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Additionally, she has ten years of experience working in a sensory gym with preschool-aged children.
Jaime is an experienced national presenter and an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
Continuing Education Provider. Spencer is the founder of the grassroots advocacy group “USA School-based OTs Looking for Change”, and she is passionately leading the movement toward change for school occupational therapy practitioners seeking equal treatment in New York for fair working conditions, caseloads, and status.
Jaime Spencer,
MS, OTR/L
Lori Benson Adams
Lori Benson Adams, MEd is a special educator with over 40 years of experience working with individuals of all ability levels and at all ages. She specializes in working with students with learning disorders, ADHD and executive functioning challenges and has taught in public and private schools. Lori brings practical, research-based strategies to life in a fun and usable manner. Lori is currently in private educational intervention practice, is a national presenter, and is the developer of the EF Consultant Micro-Credentialing Program with Sensational Brain.
Lori Benson Adams,
M.Ed
Toni Doty,
Toni Doty PT, PhD is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy who has worked with
children for over 30 years in the NICU, EI, and schools. She received her BS in Physical Therapy from Ohio State University, her post-professional MS in Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma, and her PhD in Special Education/Transition Leadership from Kent State University. Dr. Doty is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the DPT program at Walsh University. She has served as chair of APTA’s Taskforce on the Continuum of Care for People with Lifelong Disabilities, chair and vice chair of the Adolescents and Adults with Differing Abilities SIG of the Academy. Dr. Doty’s research includes the impact of testing environment on gross motor performance of children, the role of physical therapists working with secondary students under IDEA, effectiveness of interventions for adults
with cerebral palsy, and outcome measures/healthcare transition issues for adults with lifelong disability.
Toni Doty,
PT, PhD.
Nisha Sanghvi
Nisha S. Sanghvi, OTR/L is a licensed and certified occupational therapist with more than 20 years of experience in pediatrics. She graduated from Quinnipiac University and has worked in a variety of practice settings. Nisha strongly believes in supporting children while building caregiver capacities. She strives to help families partner with their teams to understand and make adaptations to help children be successful at home, school and the community. Nisha currently has her own practice, Integrated Pediatrics, providing direct services, team collaboration, and consultation services to increase engagement in daily activities and interactions. She provides professional development and training opportunities across the country. Ms. Sanghvi serves on the governor-appointed Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention, is a member of national and state level Occupational Therapy Associations, serving on the Illinois Early Intervention Special Interest Committee and member of the Division of Early Childhood. Nisha is currently enrolled at Erikson Institute, pursuing her Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health certificate.
Nisha S. Sanghvi,
OTR/L, Integrated Practice
Ann Anzalone,
Ann Anzalone is a self-employed, dynamic teacher specializing in teaching current brain-based research, brain growth and development, movement for learning and effective learning. Her mission is to teach so that others may learn. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio. She has taught graduate classes, worked with school districts throughout the country and trained foster parents in the state of OH. She currently presents optimal aging workshops for the Osher Center at the University of Dayton, teaches in-service workshops and parent workshops in school districts in Ohio and maintains a private practice.
Ann has served as a teacher consultant, national in-service presenter and trainer since 1996 working for The Miami Valley Regional Center, school districts across the country and local universities including Wright State, University of Dayton and Sinclair Community College.
Ann Anzalone,
MS
Amy Morgan
Amy Morgan has a diverse and extensive work experience. Amy started their career as a Physical Therapist at SAMARITAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEMS EMS from March 2001 to September 2002. Amy then worked as a Physical Therapist II at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center from December 2002 to September 2007. At Permobil, they held various roles including National Clinical Education Manager/Pediatric & Standing Clinical Specialist from September 2007 to October 2015, Territory Sales Manager from October 2015 to February 2021, Principal Product Manager from February 2021 to August 2023, and currently serves as the Director of Product Management for Power Products starting from August 2023.
Amy Morgan obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Physical Therapy from Bowling Green State University between 1996 and 2000.
Amy Morgan,
PT, ATP Permobil
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
Amanda Bickerstaff
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.
Amanda Bickerstaff,
Founder & CEO of AI for Education
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Sarah Fox
Sarah Fox, PT, DPT. Dr. Fox simultaneously earned her clinical doctorate from Tennessee State University and her Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) training from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. She has been a loyal contributor to one of the top three best children’s hospitals in the country, Cincinnati Children’s, since 2013 and is the leading expert in pediatric pelvic health in the greater Cincinnati region. She founded and leads a successful pediatric pelvic health program at CCHMC partnered with the Colorectal Center, Gastroenterology, Urology and Gynecology Departments. Her clinical expertise has inspired interests including the role pelvic health plays in diagnoses across the board.
Dr. Sarah Fox,
PT, DPT
Catie Christensen,
Catie Christensen, PT, DPT, PCS is a Pediatric PT and the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Coordinator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She is the Co-Chair of the Ohio Pediatric SIG and the APTA Knowledge Translation Committee CPG Supplement Development Taskforce Coordinator. In 2022, Catie received the APTA Knowledge Translation Lectureship Award. She has 12 peer reviewed manuscripts and has presented over 40 times at state, national and international conferences. Catie has a passion for using evidence to identify ideal interventions, timing, and dosage of therapy and developing clinical applicable ways of utilizing this information guide best practice.
Catie Christensen,
PT, DPT, PCS
Mequeil Howard,
Mequeil Howard, OTR/L is a current PhD student at The Ohio State University within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her research focus is on bridging the gap between evidence-based practice and knowledge translation using implementation science frameworks within school-based practice.
Mequeil Howard,
OTR/L, OTD
Elizabeth Maus
Elizabeth Maus, PT, DPT, PCS is a pediatric physical therapist and third year PhD student in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Pediatric Assessment and Rehabilitation Lab at The Ohio State University. She has extensive pediatric experience in outpatient clinics, research laboratories, schools, daycares, and homes. Elizabeth is interested in helping clinicians engage in research and evidence-based practice in accessible ways.
Elizabeth Maus,
PT, DPT, PCS
Lynn DeMange,
Lynn DeMange, OTR/L, CAS, graduated from Shawnee State University and worked for 4 years as an OT in clinical care at The Ohio State University Harding Hospital. In 2006, she transitioned to school-based therapy and worked for 10 years through the Montgomery County Educational Service Center - Regional Center. DeMange currently works for the Montgomery County Educational Service Center as a consultant on the autism and low-incidence coaching team.
Lynn DeMange,
OTR/L, CAS
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
Allison Officer,
Allison Officer is a certified autism specialist, licensed intervention specialist (K-12), and member of the MCESC Autism & Low-Incidence Coaching Team. The ACT Team provides ongoing coaching and professional development to educational teams throughout the Dayton, Ohio Region in using evidence-based practices. Prior to joining the ACT Team, Officer taught in Mad River Local Schools in Riverside, OH, as a K-4 intervention specialist in a cross-categorical resource room. Officer received a B.S. in education from the University of Dayton and an M.S. in education from Walden University
Allison Officer,
M.Ed, IS, CAS
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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
Mark Smith
Mark is currently an administrator with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), serving as the agency’s Medicaid lead. Mark also currently serves on the National Alliance for Medicaid in Education's (NAME) Board of Directors and is one of NAME’s past Presidents. Mark also serves on the state’s council for developmental disabilities and has also served as an officer on the state’s mental health/addiction recovery planning council. Mark has been Ohio’s co-lead on the CMS Affinity Workgroup as well as the Healthy Students, Promising Futures workgroup team.
Mark has 28 years’ experience working in state Medicaid governmental policy. His experience has involved institutional, educational, and community settings. Mark has continuously worked with local, state, and federal stakeholders on Medicaid policy development, including direct work with the US Department of Health and Human Services, US Department of Education, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Mark has presented at over 50 state, national, and international-level conferences. In his work, he has presented on school-based health, data sharing between education and health arenas, parental consent, HCBS waivers, intellectual disabilities program design, electronic signatures, and tele practice.
Mark H. Smith
MPA, QIDP, CPM
Carly Wilbur
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Senior Attending Physician, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital
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Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
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Medical Director, psi
Dr. Carly Wilbur is a pediatrician with Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City, and earned her M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She returned to her hometown of Cleveland to complete her internship and residency at the Children’s Hospital at the Cleveland Clinic and joined University Hospitals as an attending physician and clinical instructor in 2003. Dr. Wilbur works in Shaker Heights and Solon, Ohio, caring for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Carly W. Wilbur-
M.D., FAAP
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
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Amanda Smith
Amanda holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy and has 3 years of experience working within a school-based setting. While being relatively new to this setting, she has worked in the healthcare field for 11 years and has always placed a strong focus on providing interdisciplinary care. Amanda has quickly begun attempting to engage with multiple disciplines in her school setting to create goals that will not only help students with their motor skills, but with how to apply those skills within the school environment. Amanda provides services both physically within the school setting and via the telehealth service delivery platform.