2025 Speaker Bios
On a computer, just place your cursor over the picture to see the bio, on mobile the bio will appear automatically.
Ginny Paleg
Ginny Paleg, PT, DScPT, MPT is a nationally recognized pediatric physical therapist with nearly two decades of experience in early intervention and school-based practice. She earned her MPT from Emory University and her DScPT from the University of Maryland. Ginny specializes in supporting children with complex motor needs, focusing on posture, mobility, and meaningful participation in everyday school activities.
An accomplished author and sought-after speaker, Ginny is widely respected for her work on supported standing, gait trainers, and early power mobility. Her passion for evidence-based practice and empowering students through movement makes her an inspiring leader in school-based physical therapy and a powerful advocate for helping every child reach their fullest potential.
Dr. Ginny Paleg, PT, DScPT, MPT
Greg Santucci
Greg Santucci is a pediatric occupational therapist and leader with over 25 years of experience helping children thrive in schools, homes, and community settings. As Supervisor of Occupational Therapy at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Jersey and the Founding Director of Power Play Pediatric Therapy, Greg blends neurodevelopmentally informed care with relationship-based strategies to support children’s participation, regulation, and school success. He created the Model of Child Engagement, a framework that guides educators and therapists to focus first on safety and connection to improve learning and behavior.
A sought-after national and international speaker, Greg presents on sensory processing, regulation, and compassionate support for students of all abilities. His work inspires teachers, therapists, and families to re-envision school-based practice with empathy and evidence-based approaches that unlock each child’s potential.
Greg Santucci, OT
Andrina Sabet
Andrina Sabet, PT, ATP is a passionate pediatric physical therapist and mobility advocate with over 30 years of experience supporting children and young adults with diverse movement needs. She works at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation and is the owner of Mobility Matters, LLC, where her clinical focus includes independent mobility, positioning, and enhancing participation across settings — from early intervention to school environments.
As National Projects Coordinator with Go Baby Go, Andrina champions social mobility and innovative solutions that help students experience movement as a right, not just a milestone. She presents nationally and internationally on mobility, development, and positioning, inspiring educators, therapists, and families to embrace inclusive, evidence-informed practices that maximize engagement and success for every learner.
Andrina Sabet, PT, ATP
Kim Wiggins
Kim Wiggins, OTR/L, is a nationally recognized pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience in school-based, outpatient, and home-based practice. She is a full-time therapist in the Binghamton City School District and the founder of OTKimWiggins LLC, where she develops evidence-based strategies and tools for therapists, educators, and families. Kim is the author and co-author of widely used curricula like Just Right! and Just Right! Jr., and has presented workshops and trainings across the country on sensory modulation, handwriting, vision, reflexes, and classroom-based supports.
Kim’s passion for empowering students and enhancing school participation shines through her creative, practical approaches that make therapy relevant and accessible in everyday classroom life. Her work continues to inspire school-based OT and PT teams to elevate practice, strengthen collaboration, and help every child thrive.
Kim Wiggins, OTR/L
Susan Blum
Susan Blum, PT, C/TMR is a pediatric physical therapist with over 47 years of clinical experience and a lifelong commitment to helping children thrive in natural environments. She is the creator and lead instructor of the TMR Tots & Teens educational programs — a step-by-step, evidence-informed approach used by therapists worldwide to enhance mobility and functional outcomes for kids with developmental delays, torticollis, cerebral palsy, gait asymmetries, and other neuro-motor challenges.
Since transitioning to pediatric work in 1987 and serving on Early Intervention teams, Susan has inspired and mentored thousands of therapists across six continents. In 2021 she received the Pediatric Special Interest Award of Excellence from the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association for her outstanding contributions to the profession. Her passion for empowering children, caregivers, and school-based teams through practical, compassionate, and evidence-based care makes her a true leader in pediatric rehab.
Susan Blum, PT, C/TMR
Bonnie Boenig
Bonnie Boenig, OTR/L, M.Ed., C/NDT is a highly experienced pediatric occupational therapist and national Neuro‑Developmental Treatment Association (NDTA) instructor who brings deep clinical insight and compassion to her work with children and families. She specializes in helping students with complex motor, sensory, and functional needs access meaningful participation in school and daily life through evidence‑based, child‑centered approaches.
Bonnie’s passion for supporting learners shines through her dedication to empowering school teams, caregivers, and students to collaborate for success, build confidence, and achieve real‑world goals. Her expertise in therapeutic strategies and commitment to inclusive practice make her an inspiring leader in school‑based occupational and physical therapy.
Bonnie Boenig, OTR/L, M.Ed., C/NDT
_JPG.jpg)
Kelli Fetter
Kelli Fetter, MS, OTR/L is a Certified Handwriting Specialist and the founder of Handwriting Solutions, LLC, where she and her team provide world-class handwriting, reading, and spelling tutoring to students virtually across the globe. Beyond her direct work with families, Kelli is a recognized leader in teacher and therapist education, equipping professionals with evidence-based strategies that transform student outcomes. With a career rooted in occupational therapy, Kelli has practiced in pediatric outpatient clinics, early intervention programs, preschools, and private schools, and has also served as an adjunct professor in pediatrics and kinesiology. Her expertise spans handwriting, dysgraphia, and dyslexia, supported by extensive advanced training in these areas. Kelli’s passion is deeply personal, fueled by her own daughter’s journey with dyslexia and dysgraphia. This lived experience drives her mission to empower parents, educators, and therapists with the tools and confidence they need to unlock every child’s potential.
Kelli Fetter,
MS, OTR/L
Missy Anthony,
Bio coming soon!
Missy Anthony,
Exec. Director, OTPTAT Board
%20(1).jpeg)
Penny Stack
Penny Stack, OTD, OTR/L, COTA, CLT, NBC-HWC is the founder and owner of DyslexiaRx, founder of Dyslexia Center of Tulsa and The Educate to Advocate Podcast. With over 35 years of experience as an occupational therapist Penny is certified in Handwriting Without Tears, received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Samuel Merritt College, Oakland California and her Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy at Loma Linda University. Penny has dedicated her current research to Dyslexia and its impact on Occupation: The lived experience. Dr. Stack has honed her expertise in supporting individuals and families with dyslexia across the lifespan. Currently, Penny is an assistant professor and Coordinator of Doctoral Capstone and Research at Wilson College.
Penny Stack,
OTD, OTR/L, COTA, CLT, NBC-HWC
Candice Sears
Candice Sears is a nationally recognized education leader with more than 22 years of experience in K–12 education, innovation
strategy, and instructional transformation. She is the Founder and CEO of ThinkBeyond EDU, where she partners with school
districts across the United States to design future-ready learning models that integrate artificial intelligence, personalized learning pathways, and human-centered instructional practices. Candice has led large-scale AI literacy and implementation initiatives with school districts, educational service centers, and state education partners, helping educators develop practical frameworks for integrating emerging technologies while maintaining strong instructional practice and student engagement.
Candice’s work focuses on ensuring that technological advancement strengthens the human elements of teaching and learning. She has facilitated numerous AI summits, educator workshops, and district leadership initiatives focused on responsible AI integration, instructional design, and preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce. Through her work with schools, state education agencies, and innovation networks, she helps educators develop practical approaches for using AI as a tool to support thinking, feedback, and reflection while protecting the core role of teachers in the learning process.
Candice Sears,
CEO and Founder of ThinkBeyond EDU
Guy Stephens
Guy Stephens is the founder and executive director of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR), a nationally recognized nonprofit with a community of over 35,000 stakeholders working to transform how children with complex needs are understood and supported in schools and other settings. He is widely regarded as a national expert on restraint, seclusion, and punitive and exclusionary discipline, with extensive experience promoting trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned, neurodiversity-affirming, and collaborative approaches to behavior. Since 2019, he has led AASR’s advocacy, training, and policy work to reduce and eliminate harmful behavioral practices and end the school-to-prison pipeline.
Mr. Stephens has delivered presentations, keynotes, and trainings at more than 50 national and international conferences, universities, legislative hearings, and professional education events, and he partnered with the Crisis Prevention Institute to co-develop the Reframing Behavior schoolwide training program grounded in current neuroscience. His qualifications are further supported by specialized training in trauma-informed practice, self-regulation, crisis intervention, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, and polyvagal theory, as well as numerous publications on behavior, trauma, and discipline reform.
.jpg)
Dr. Conley-Stemple
Dr. DeeAnna D. Conley-Stemple PP-OTD, OTR/L is a school-based occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Conley-Stemple is a graduate of Shenandoah University where she received both her Master of Science degree in 2000 and Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree in 2023. While continuing her important work as a school-based occupational therapist, Dr. Conley-Stemple has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Mount Union teaching Occupational Performance and Health Conditions. Dr. Conley-Stemple has supervised occupational therapy doctoral capstone experiences as well as both Level I and Level II occupational therapy fieldwork placements. Her capstone evidence-based project, A Transdisciplinary Approach to the Occupational Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologist Collaboration provided a framework for creating therapeutic alliances steeped in role release and creativity. Continuing the pursuit of optimal collaboration has been a priority of Dr. Conley-Stemple’s as she has pursued additional research opportunities.
Dr. DeeAnna D. Conley-Stemple PP-OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Toni Doty
Dr. Doty brings over 35 years of clinical expertise working with children and adults with disabilities across NICU, outpatient, early intervention, and school settings. She earned her BS in Physical Therapy from Ohio State University, post-professional MS in Physical Therapy (Early Intervention and School-Based Therapy) from the University of Oklahoma, and PhD in Special Education/Transition Leadership from Kent State University.
As a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist, Dr. Doty serves as Clinical Assistant Professor in the DPT program at Walsh University and Adjunct Faculty at Bowling Green State University. She maintains active clinical practice as a school-based PT for Portage Therapy Services at a school for autism.
Dr. Doty's leadership includes serving as chair of APTA's Task Force on the Continuum of Care for People with Lifelong Disabilities and both chair and vice-chair of the Adolescents and Adults with Diverse Abilities Special Interest Group of APTA's Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Her research focuses on gross motor assessment environments, school-based PT roles under IDEA, interventions for adults with cerebral palsy, healthcare transition for individuals with lifelong disabilities, and measurement reliability studies. She serves as a reviewer for Pediatric Physical Therapy, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, and International Journal of Intellectual Disabilities.
Dr. Toni Doty,
PT, PhD
Johanna Farris
Johanna Farris MOT, OTR/L, MHA and Melissa Queen, BS, COTA/L, are dedicated occupational therapy practitioners with extensive experience in pediatric school-based practice. Johanna holds a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Master of Occupational Therapy, specializing in evidence-based sensory interventions that bridge the gap between physical development and academic performance. Melissa brings a strong background in clinical application and collaborative education, focusing on practical, classroom-integrated strategies that support student self-regulation and engagement.
As experts in the implementation of school-wide sensory motor systems, they have successfully developed and launched the Mobile Motor Lab program at Lake Elementary in Hartville, Ohio. Their expertise lies in creating Tier 1 supports that address critical barriers such as space, funding, and staff buy-in to provide accessible sensory motor input for students of all abilities. By combining clinical research with a passion for student advocacy, they provide educators and administrators with the tools necessary to improve classroom focus, behavior, and emotional regulation through movement-based learning.
Johanna Farris,
MOT, OTR/L, MHA
.png)
Dr. Kelly Campbell
Dr. Kelly Campbell, SLPD, CCC/SLP has 28 years of pediatric experience in Public School and/or pediatric outpatient clinic settings. She has shared sessions with Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, during both individual and small group sessions. Dr. Campbell has also been a part-time co-teacher in an elementary school special education/communication classroom, and regularly participated in co-teaching a middle school ELA class across a school year. Educating administrators along with SLP students about the benefits and regulation/reimbursement truths of trans-disciplinary service provision is a priority for Dr. Campbell, across service settings. Dr. Campbell received her Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology degree in 2026, at Northwestern University.
Dr. Kelly Campbell,
SLPD, CCC/SLP
Angela Brouhard,
Angela Brouhard, MA CCC-SLP is the Regional SLP Consultant for the Southwest Region of Ohio, working out of the Madison Champaign Educational Service Center, and bringing over three decades of experience as a dedicated speech-language pathologist. Her work centers on delivering practical, high-impact strategies to address the challenges of today's school environment, focusing on workload management and the measurable improvement of student outcomes. Angela is committed to empowering SLPs to effectively evolve their clinical practices and collaborate across disciplines to meet the complex communication needs of all students.
Angela Brouhard,
MA CCC-SLP
Allison Hoffman
Allison Hoffmann, M.A., CCC-SLP is the East Region Speech-Language Pathology Consultant for the State of Ohio, serving her region through the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center. With over 16 years of experience in speech-language pathology and special education, she provides support and professional development to her regional SLP community. Her experience centers on crucial areas of school-based
practice and assisting districts with workload calculations to promote balanced service delivery.
Allison Hoffmann,
M.A., CCC-SLP
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
Kristy Hopkinson
Kristy Hopkinson, MA, CCC-SLP is the Northeast Regional Speech-Language Pathology Consultant for the State of Ohio, serving districts through the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio. With over 20 years of experience in speech-language pathology and special education, she provides coaching, consultation, and professional learning to speech-language pathologists and other related service providers across the region.
She is committed to a collaborative, team-based approach, believing that shared problem-solving and ongoing support strengthen professional practice and lead to improved outcomes for students. Her work focuses on enhancing school-based practices, supporting compliance and evaluation processes, and assisting districts with workload considerations to promote effective and sustainable service delivery.
Kristy Hopkinson,
MA, CCC-SLP
%20in%20Red%20Jacket%20Picture.png)
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
Phillip Blough
Phillip Blough PT, DPT is a physical therapist specializing in youth sports and pediatric rehabilitation. Alongside his clinical practice, he serves as a clinical educator for Rifton Equipment, contributing to the advancement of adaptive equipment and improved patient outcomes in the pediatric setting.
He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2023, with a focus on pediatric physical therapy and a particular interest in adaptive equipment interventions. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association along with membership to the Academy of Pediatric physical therapy.
Phillip Blough
PT, DPT, RIFTON
Brittany Miracle
Brittany Miracle has served as the Medicaid School Program Administrator at the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) for more than 2 years. Before leading Ohio’s MSP, Brittany worked at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for more than a decade. At DEW she lead school health and whole child development and implementation across the state. Brittany is a nationally recognized education policy expert in the reduction of chronic absenteeism. Brittany has a Bachelors of Social Work from Ohio Universtiy and a Masters of Public Administration from The Ohio State University.
Brittany Miracle
BSW, 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
Amy Schlessman
Amy is the Director of ADEPT (Accelerated Development of Excellence in Physical Therapy), a student success program, at Tufts University and continues to practice as a school-based physical therapist, having over 24 years of experience as a school-based PT.
Her research is focused on embedding physical activity throughout the school day, school-based health promotion, collaborative school-based practices, and best practices in teaching. Amy has delivered over 65 professional presentations at national, state, and
regional conferences, and over 100 invited speaker presentations. Amy serve the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy as the Treasurer and the State Advocacy Liaison for Ohio. Amy serves on Ohio PT Associations' Pediatric Special Interest Group leadership team. In November 2024, Amy received the Ohio Department of Education Kathe Shelby Outstanding Special Education Leadership Award and in June 2025 she received the Tufts University David J. Kahle Leadership Award. Amy also will complete a year long UDL fellowship in 2026.
Amy Schlessman,
PT, DPT, DHSc
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.
Nichole Dearth -
MOT, OTR/L
Stuart Muszynski
Stuart Muszynski is the co-founder, President and CEO of Values-in-Action Foundation. He has been a business and community leader in Greater Cleveland for more than 25 years. He co-founded Project Love, Remember the Children Foundation, with his wife, Susan Muszynski, Ph.D. in 1994, and is the author of the book Searching for Values: a Grandmother, and Grandson and the Discovery of Goodness (Hiram College, 2005) as well as numerous articles on education, character and values.
Muszynski graduated from Hamilton College in 1976 and is the 2011 recipient of the National Cyberbully Day of Awareness Caring and Daring Award. He and Susan have been married for more than 30 years.